Mon Thai Massage has been offering traditional Thai massage in Blenheim since 2012, and is the only traditional Thai massage shop in town. It is run by Lamul Mon Tavawang, a qualified massage therapist who trained at the well-known Wat Po Thai traditional massage school and the Thai Traditional Medical Services Society school, with more than ten years of experience in the massage and spa therapy industry gained partly at an exclusive luxury spa in Thailand.
The shop sits on Scott Street near Blenheim town centre, right beside the therapist's own house, giving customers a friendly, quiet, home-like environment from the moment they arrive. It is fitted out with two body massage rooms and a foot massage area, so visitors can settle into soft music and the fragrance of aroma oils for an authentic Thai massage experience.
Mon Thai Massage offers a full range of treatments, from traditional Thai massage and deep tissue sports massage to foot reflexology, aromatherapy oil, coconut oil, pregnancy massage and warm herbal compress massage. Whether it's a local needing a break from work or a visitor treating themselves on holiday, the therapists take time to listen and guide each customer to the right treatment.
Since 2012, Mon Thai Massage has been bringing authentic Thai massage to Blenheim, and it remains the only traditional Thai massage shop in town. Behind it is Lamul Mon Tavawang, a qualified therapist who trained at Thailand's renowned Wat Po traditional massage school and the Thai Traditional Medical Services Society school. After honing her craft at an exclusive luxury spa in Thailand, she relocated to Blenheim to be with family and, following her passion for massage therapy, opened her own shop from modest beginnings. Today it is a popular spot for both Marlborough locals and visiting tourists.
Mon Thai Massage is located on Scott Street, close to Blenheim's town centre, and sits right beside the therapist's own house. That setting gives the shop a friendly, quiet, home environment from the moment customers walk in. Inside, two body massage rooms and a dedicated foot massage area are fitted out to help visitors relax fully, immersed in soft music and the fragrance of aroma oils.
The shop's namesake treatment is Traditional Thai Massage, a technique passed down through generations that stretches the muscles and applies pressure along the body's nerve meridians. It's often described as a passive yoga workout, helping to increase flexibility, boost mood and energy, relieve stress and headaches, and improve body alignment.
Alongside it sits a full menu of treatments. The Foot Reflexology Massage uses a traditional wood stick technique on pressure points in the feet and legs to stimulate the body's natural recovery process — a favourite for tired feet and aching legs after a long day. The Deep Tissue (Sports) Massage incorporates strong Thai-style elbow, forearm and thumb work, reaching the deepest layers of muscle, tendon and fascia, and is ideal for anyone recovering from exercise, stress or travel.
For a gentler experience, the Aromatherapy Oil Massage uses palm techniques and flowing strokes with selected oils for deep relaxation, while the Coconut Oil Massage combines the same relaxing approach with coconut oil to soften and moisturise the skin. The Warm Herbal Compress Massage is a standout for those seeking something more therapeutic: warm herbal compresses are placed along areas of tension to melt stiffness with deep heat, followed by a relaxing massage to dissolve stress and rebalance the body.
Mon Thai Massage also offers a dedicated Pregnancy Massage and a Head, Neck, Back & Shoulder Massage, both aimed at relieving the built-up tension of daily life and easing muscle cramps, spasms and pain in areas like the lower back, neck, hips and legs.
What sets Mon Thai Massage apart is the personal touch. New to Thai massage? The therapists take the time to listen and guide each customer toward the treatment that suits them best, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all service. One customer, Caryssa O'Brien, described it simply as "the best massages I have ever had."
The shop also offers vouchers, making it a popular choice for gifting a treat to a loved one, whether for a birthday, Mother's Day, or simply because they deserve a break. Vouchers can be purchased directly through the website or arranged via Facebook.
Mon Thai Massage is open every day from 9am to 7pm, though it may close on public holidays. Worth noting: the shop has previously closed for a few weeks each year while the owner travels back to Thailand, so it's a good idea to check ahead via the website or Facebook page if visiting during those periods. Whether it's a full Traditional Thai session lasting two hours or more, or a shorter targeted treatment, the shop's quiet, home-style setting makes it an easy place to unwind in the middle of Marlborough.