International Massage Center

International Massage Center is a small Thai massage centre on Church Street in St Julian's, close to Portomaso Marina. It is run by Ms Surairat, who opened it in 2014 after years of practising in Italy, and its focus is a calm room, unhurried treatments and the traditions of Thai bodywork. It suits visitors staying in St Julian's, Sliema or Paceville who want a quiet hour away from the busier parts of the resort.

The centre is listed in our directory of spas in Malta, where you can compare it with larger hotel and day spas.

The therapist and the tradition

Thai massage is an old craft handed down within families, and Ms Surairat learned it that way, first from her grandfather and then from her mother. She went on to study at a vocational school of Thai massage in Bangkok. In 1993 she moved to Italy and continued to practise in Bologna and Rome, before settling in St Julian's and opening her own centre in 2014.

The aim is to pass on both the tradition and the benefits in a peaceful setting. For a visitor from the UK, that means a treatment rooted in one person's training rather than a menu assembled by a large chain. Because the centre is one therapist's own project, the treatments reflect a lineage that runs from a grandfather and a mother to a Bangkok training school and then to years of practice in two Italian cities.

The massage menu

Traditional Thai massage is the signature treatment. In Thai it is called nuad phaen boran, roughly the touch for cure. A session begins with the massage itself and finishes with stretching, and the centre suggests regular visits if you want the full benefit. The stretching that closes the session is part of the tradition, not an optional extra.

Thai oil massage uses acupressure in a smoother, more flowing style. Thai herbal massage applies warm bundles of medicinal herbs to specific tight spots to loosen the tendons and relax the body. Hot stone massage rests smooth basalt stones on chosen parts of the body.

Sports massage is designed for people who train or play sport regularly and concentrates on sore muscles. Lymphatic drainage is offered with cellulite in mind. The centre does not list prices on its site, so ask about rates and treatment lengths when you enquire.

This page describes what is offered and is not medical advice. If you have a health condition or an injury, speak to your own doctor before booking.

Couples rooms and visiting hours

There are two double rooms for couples who want to have a massage side by side, which suits a honeymoon or a holiday treat for two. For availability on a particular day or time, the enquiry form on this page is the way to ask.

The centre is open seven days a week. From 1 November to 15 February the hours are 9.30 am to 8.30 pm, and in summer they extend to 9.30 pm, so an evening treatment after a day at the beach or sightseeing is easy to fit in. Our Malta weather guide shows when the summer season runs.

Finding the centre in St Julian's

The address is 30 Church Street in St Julian's. A bus stop called Ross is nearby and is served by many routes, including the X2 from the airport, so you can arrive without a car. If you are choosing where to stay, our guide to hotels in Sliema and St Julian's covers the neighbouring resort area.

Visitors planning a wider trip can look at our list of things to do in Malta or the where to stay in Malta overview to see how St Julian's compares with other bases.

To ask about a treatment, availability or a couples booking, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to International Massage Center.