Best massage to gift at nicer spa, also Thai option?

[Jake Ryan]

Newbie here. Appreciate any advice please on couple things, thx guys.

1. Want to gift a 90-min massage for Xmas so needs to be a place you wouldn't call grungy (but doesn't have to be super lux) and that wouldn't hound him with upselling. He might like surprise of HE if it happens and am sure he'd be generous in tipping after the fact, but don't want awkward situation for him of any negotiations or other extras. What spa could be good?

Wondering about Batman but never been and their $100+ tip for 90-min makes me wonder if either the place or the service in general is too meh for a gifted experience. Would maybe Energy, East, HK, Paris or 27 be better choice for this? If you say "all depends on which masseur" they seem to change locations a lot so bit hit or miss.

2. Different guy wants a Thai massage, where it's actual traditional thai vibe of walking on back while hanging onto railings on ceiling vs. an oil rubdown or ho-hum strokes by a fella who might happen to be asian. Is there any good option for the real thing? Heard of New Paradise as maybe one idea, but never been. Is their $170 + tip for 90 minutes a fair going rate for this at a decent place? Since this is a gift, would be nice if it's a place where he's not hearing voices on other side of a curtain and felt bit more private.

Thx for whatever I should know for either of these. I can't trust yelp or google reviews that sound fake. 

 

[Nue2thegame]

Assuming this is for NYC?

[jeezifonly]

Before you gift a massage at a specific place, you should experience their service yourself so you can personally attest to the quality of what you're giving. If you cannot book your own massage at the location to check it out, instead, choose a gift certificate from a luxury legit spa - if bodywork too costly, they can get a facial or mani-pedi - or send something nice from Total Wine or Harry & David's.

Massage of any sort is a personal service, and the recipient won't be able to not take it personally if you're wrong about the place.