The spa comes to you, in Cascais

Life in Cascais follows the sea. A morning surf at Guincho, a walk along the seafront promenade, an afternoon sailing out of the marina or cycling the coast road to Guincho. By evening your body wants rest, and getting back in the car is the last thing you feel like doing. RHEA brings the massage to you, whether that is a flat in the old town, a house in Birre or a holiday home near Praia da Rainha. We bring the professional table, hot towels, linens and hypoallergenic oils.

Many homes in Quinta da Marinha and on the quieter roads up towards Malveira da Serra sit inside gated developments with a concierge or an entry gate. When you book, add the name of the development, the gate code or a phone number for security. Your therapist arrives with identification and waits calmly to be let in. In a house, the session can take place in a living room, a bedroom or a covered terrace sheltered from the Atlantic wind, as long as there is about two metres by two of clear floor.

In central Cascais, between the bay, the Citadel and Parque Marechal Carmona, the streets are narrow and parking is hard work, especially in summer and at weekends. Our therapists allow extra time for this so they arrive when booked. If you live in an older building without a lift, just mention the floor in your booking. The table comes up the stairs with us, and the room is left exactly as we found it.

Early mornings from 7am suit anyone who wants a massage before the beach. Late afternoon works well after a windy day at Guincho or a round of golf. In July and August, with holiday homes full of family and friends, it is worth booking a little ahead. Plans change with the sea, so you can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before.