We use them to keep our website safe, as well as to personalise your experience and show you more relevant ads. By continuing to use this site you're agreeing to our use of cookies as defined in our 

We use cookies

Gift Guides

Urban Blog | Gift Guides

While we're known for massages, did you know we also partner with some of London's best beauty pros? We got to know 10 of our top rated pros over brunch.

Meet the Urban beauty pros

From face yoga to gua sha tools, you’ve probably seen the benefits of facial massage touted all over Tiktok and Instagram. But what’s it actually all about?


To dive deeper, we spoke to Urban facial pro Alice Croeser. She told us all about different facial massage techniques and their benefits and strangest facial massage trends she’s heard of.

How to give yourself a face massage

An expert’s guide to facial massage techniques | Fake entry

Skincare advice flooding your feed? Us too. To get to the bottom of it all, we’ve called for help from facialist expert Latticia Morapedi. 

Three skincare myths, debunked

What makes retinol so special? From reducing fine lines and improving skin texture to fading acne scars and hyperpigmentation, let's get the lowdown on why it's such a popular ingredient.

How often should you use retinol? Here’s everything you need to know

How often should you use retinol

20 non-baby things your new mum friend will love (and actually use), suggested by another mum.

The best gifts for new mums

The best gifts for new mums | Blog

From pregnancy self-care and postnatal recovery, to the first few years for new mums, we look at six simple ways to look after yourself while navigating the ups and downs of motherhood.

Maternal mental health tips

Maternal mental health tips blog

Over the course of nine months, a pregnant person's body adapts in incredible ways to support growing life. Here are some of the less talked about transformations and how specialist pregnancy treatments can help.

Six surprising ways your body changes during pregnancy

6 surprising ways your body changes during pregnancy blog

We’ve pulled together a few unique Christmas gift ideas to suit every kind of mum. You’re especially in luck if she happens to be doing Dry Jan, prefers experiences over products or has a sweet tooth.

Unique Christmas gifts for Mums

Unique Christmas gifts for Mum | Fake entry

The effects of massage therapy tend to be cumulative, but you may also feel relief from your very first appointment.

How can massage help to relieve back pain?

How can massage help to relieve back pain

TikTok health advice can be a bit of a Wild West. We asked our in-house massage expert to take us for a scroll to debunk the most common myths.

3 spine health myths, debunked

3 myths about spine health, debunked

Discover the top 10 benefits of sports massage in this detailed guide from Urban. We discuss blood flow, sleep, stress levels and much more.

The top 10 benefits of sports massage

Top 10 benefits of sports massage

Can massage really make you less stressed? In this detailed guide we look at the science behind it.

The benefits of a stress relief massage

Climbing is a highly-demanding sport that calls for your whole body to be used, so it’s likely to take its toll. How can a massage help? Let's find out.

Four of the best massages for climbing enthusiasts

The four best climbing massages

Let's chat all things back pain. Because a whopping 80% of us will feel it at some point in our lives – here's the best massages to tackle it.

The four best massages for back pain

Best massages for back pain | Blog | Urban

If you dread that time of the month, one of these massages might be able to help ease your symptoms

Can massage ease period pain?

Can getting a massage before or after the marathon really make a difference to your marathon performance? Our go-to massage expert has the answers.

Why massage should be part of your London marathon training plan

Massage and London marathon training plans

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse nec felis sit amet odio pulvinar euismod id nec magna.

A runner's guide to massage

Runner guide to massage - fake entry

Whether you think you’d give Michael Phelps a run for his money, or just pace up the pool for some damn good exercise, it’s still super important to take care of your muscles if you’re a swimmer.

Up your swimming game outside the pool

Up your swimming game outside the pool | Fake entry

So you've hit the gym hard, conquered those weights, and now? Ah, the dreaded aches – also known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The badge of honour worn by many fitness enthusiasts. But should it be?

How to reduce DOMS

How to reduce DOMS | Fake entry

From self-care tips to their take on the most beneficial massages, here’s how Urban pros plan to keep themselves shining in the darkness this winter.

Burn bright, not out – Urban pros on how to avoid burnout

How Urban pros avoid burnout | Fake entry

A relaxing massage can be a great way to set the tone for a better night's sleep, but which is best? From classic Swedish to new-age CBD, we explore the pros and cons.

The best massage for a good night's sleep

The best massage for sleep

Let's de-bunk the benefits of lymphatic drainage to see if it's right for you.

What is a lymphatic drainage massage or detox massage?

From affordable gym gear to chef-cooked meal prep, a fitness app that'll keep them on track and even the luxury of a sports massage at home, you’ll be able to tick their Christmas gift off your list in no time.

Christmas fitness gift ideas

Fitness gifts | Fake entry

Sore legs? A massage could be exactly what you need

Give your sore calves a treat with a leg massage

Get a better understanding of how massage can help treat knee pain when cycling.

Reduce knee pain when cycling with massage

Massage for cyclists: how it can help with knee pain

There’s nothing better than playing football on a proper pitch, so if you’re planning a kickabout in London be sure to make use of one of the city’s many parks. Most of these green spaces have their own pitches inside them, so you can practise your skills in a professional size playing field.

Best London parks to play football in

London's best deep tissue massages are plentiful and can be found near you in London's best spas, at iconic hotels and even delivered to you in the comfort of your home. Here are our five favourite places to book a deep tissue massage in London.

The best deep tissue massages in London

Whether your skin’s looking a tad dull and needs a bit of rejuvenation, or you have a skin concern that’s been bothering you for years, a targeted facial can help. London is home to lots of professionals who are passionate about skincare and skin health. Here's our top picks.

The best facials in London

The best facials in London | Fake entry

Uncover 11 of the best hidden gems in Glasgow, from secret gardens to historic treasures.

The best hidden gems in Glasgow – our 11 favourites

The best hidden gems in Glasgow

Tired of the same old itinerary? This guide's for you. Explore the most unique things to do in Glasgow, from at-home treatments to vintage arcades, discover the city’s most quirky and unusual experiences.

10 unique things to do in Glasgow

Unique things to do in Glasgow

Discover unique things to do in Manchester, from secret bars to canal cruises and pottery classes, finished with a relaxing at-home massage to unwind.

Unique things to do in Manchester for a trip with a twist

Unique things to do in Manchester

Discover the ancient art of Japanese massage, rooted in the traditions of “Anma” and refined over millennia to promote physical, emotional and spiritual healing. 

From Amna to Shiatsu: What is Japanese massage?

From Amna To Shiatsu: What Is Japanese Massage?

Alongside helping hands glide over skin, some massage oils offer plenty of health benefits you might find surprising. Try these five oils to get some extra goodness out of your treatment. 

The five best massage oils to try

5 of the best massage oils to try 

Can massage benefit your mental health? Yep, in many ways. From better sleep to an overall sense of wellbeing, let’s explore how massage can help your mind unwind.

Mental benefits of massage: how it can boost your wellbeing

Mental benefits of massage

When I first heard about assisted stretching I thought: nice, but it’s probably not for people like me.


The trending treatment sees an expert stretch your body for you, giving you a deeper stretch than you can get alone, performed with you variously lying and sitting on a massage table. Athletes swear by it, citing the fact it speeds up the recovery time between workouts.

What an assisted stretching treatment is really like

I tried assisted stretching - here's what I thought | Fake entry

Extra TLC for the hands and nails, with a classic polish finish.

Classic manicure

Classic Manicure

The ultimate pampering pedicured, finished with classic polish.

Classic pedicure

Classic Pedicure

Classic polish for fingers and toes, with added indulgence – a scrub, mask and massage.

Classic mani-pedi

Classic Mani & Pedi

The ultimate confidence builder – long-lasting polish on fingers and toes.

Gel mani-pedi

Gel Polish Mani & Pedi 

A long-lasting pedicure to keep you walking tall and feeling great.

Gel pedicure

Gel Polish Pedicure

A long-lasting mani including cut and file, cuticle work and gel polish.

Gel manicure

Gel Polish Manicure

We sat down with ceramist Charlotte and her Urban pro Fabio in Charlotte's East London studio to talk about life with EDS, advocating for disability acceptance and how Urban truly made a difference.

How weekly osteopathy gave me my life back – in the studio with disabled artist Charlotte

My name's Dr Ella Woods, I consider myself an expert in perimenopause for two reasons: I’m a clinical psychologist who specialises in the topic; and I’m going through it myself. I’m working with Urban to answer some of the most common questions I get, and how you can best manage your symptoms.

Perimenopause: everything you need to know and how massage can help

From struggling with personal loss to finally finding peace, Ben’s on a mission to bring the same comfort to others in pain. For World Mental Health Day, we caught up with him to chat about the creation of his charity, The New Normal, and discovered how cycling became his saviour during his darkest time.

Finding sanctuary in cycling – charity founder Ben’s journey through grief

Grief can feel all-consuming - physically and emotionally. Learn how a simple massage can provide a moment of solace during difficult times.

Massage for grief – finding comfort in difficult times

Massage for grief

Discover what a Thai massage is in this detailed guide where we discuss everything from the history of this ancient practice, to the various benefits of this type of massage.

What is a Thai massage?

What is a Thai Massage?

We chat to massage pro Paul and his long-term client Jayne as he shares his most memorable stories since being on the app.

Crick in the neck? Better call Paul

From police officer to massage pro – how Urban helped Paul take the plunge

Discover how Clxmbr founder Rotimi uses massage to get himself back up on the wall.

How massage helps this climber reach new heights

A guide for the worriers among us, set to put your mind to rest about potentially-awkward massage moments. 

The overthinker’s guide to a home massage

Discover how menstrual health coach Destiny uses Urban massages and creative self-care to live intentionally, blending wellness and joy into her everyday.

When monthly massage is a non-negotiable: the menstrual coach doing city life her way

When monthly massage is non-negotiable: The menstrual coach doing city life her way

Unsure about the differences between manual, Brazilian lymphatic drainage and sculpting massage? Let's take a look.

Different types of lymphatic drainage massage – manual vs Brazilian vs sculpting

Different types of lymphatic drainage massage 

Discover how often you should get a massage in this guide where we discuss a range of massage treatments, including deep tissue and sports massage.

How often should you get a massage? The ultimate guide

From Thai to deep tissue, different kinds of massages impact the body in unique ways. The right type for you will depend on your health, needs and preferences.

15 different kinds of massage

In honour of Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’re putting the spotlight on just one of the many inspiring client stories we’re privileged to play a part of each day. Meet Penny, and hear why Rozalia decided to make her day in December…

Customer story: Penny & Rozalia

We caught up with adventure cyclist and cycling club HospoFixed Founder Ollie Jones about his 10-year love for cycling, go-to recovery methods and top training tips.

Ollie Jones chats about life behind the handlebars

Ollie Jones on life behind the handlebars

We’ve done the scrolling for you to bring together our favourite unique Dad gifts – from cooking to coffee, grooming to gadgets.

Christmas gifts for Dad 

Christmas gifts for Dad | Fake entry

Whether it’s simple skincare, tailored haircare or unique at-home beauty treatments, you can unwrap the magic of beauty and choose products they’ll love (and actually use) this festive season.

Best beauty gifts for Christmas

Best beauty gifts for Christmas | Fake entry

Often confused, but really very different. Let's compare lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite massages

Lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite massage – what’s the difference? 

Sciatica can be a literal pain in the butt. In this guide, our in-house massage expert Patrik recommends the best treatments to ease pressure on the sciatic nerve and in turn provide relief.

The best massage for sciatica pain relief

The best massage for sciatica

When working from home, it can be easy to forget to take regular breaks. In a world of increased time spent on digital devices, screen fatigue is very real. 

Five great stretches to do at your desk

Five great stretches to do at your desk | Fake entry

No matter what TikTok tells you, steaming, cold-water bathing and pore-stripping isn’t the answer for opening or closing your pores. In fact, nothing is.  Let's find out more.

Do pores open and close? Let’s put this beauty myth to bed

Do pores open and close?

Get a better understanding of tennis elbow, how to treat it and why it’s so important to get treatment as early as possible.

Tennis elbow and massage: the ultimate guide

Same, same. But different. Here’s the low-down on the subtle differences between osteopathy and physiotherapy. 

Physiotherapy and osteopathy – what’s the difference?

Osteopathy vs physiotherapy - what's the difference?

When you're unwell or feeling run down, a relaxing massage may seem like the perfect solution. It’s well known that massages can decrease tension and support the immune system so it might seem like a simple quick fix, but before you book a mobile massage there are some things to consider.

Can you get a massage when you're sick?

Can you have a massage when you're sick? | Fake entry

From espresso martinis to pancakes in bed, if you're the kind of couple that doesn't "do" Valentine's Day, this gift guide is for you. 

14 unique Valentine's Day Gifts

Unique Valentine's Day gifts | Fake entry

Foot massage combines techniques from different traditions to help relax and improve health by pressing on foot nerves. It can make you feel better, boost blood flow, and lower stress

What is foot massage?

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a gift card for a strength-giving at-home treatment. Treat them to their choice of 30+ treatments – massages, physiotherapy, osteopathy and more.

Lunar New Year gift ideas

Lunar New Year gift ideas | Fake entry

If prioritising better mental health has been on your list for a while but something’s always got in the way (whether it’s money, time or lengthy waiting lists), our sponsor is on hand to make things that little bit easier. Use code URBAN20 to get 20% off your first month.

 Make better mental health a priority with online counselling

Better help blog | Fake entry

We’ve created your new go-to list for all things health, sports and fitness. From recovery balms to tailored fitness apps, tasty meal preps to health supplements, you can find a range of things you never knew you needed.

The Urban fitness handbook

Fitness handbook | Fake entry

We’ve collaborated with DR.VEGAN®, the innovative supplement brand that offers PMS support to discuss how to reduce PMS symptoms naturally, including with massage.

Massage for PMS

Massage for PMS | Fake entry

In the past 10 years, we've seen promising research in humans showing we can improve our responses to stress through diet (with fibre in particular).