Prep for Your Massage
Don't be scrambling all over the room when you're giving your sensual massage. Instead, imagine how and where you'll be primarily giving the massage. Once you have that in mind, start stockpiling everything you'll need near that spot, so you can effortlessly reach each item for seamless transitions between activities.
One of the big rules of a professional masseuse is to limit the number of times your massage recipient feels no hands on them. Constant contact is a great thing for massages, and you'll want to mimic that as best you can.
I recommend keeping these items nearby:
Play Some Music
You don't have to be an expert DJ to get a bit of music going. Just consider typing in "massage music" or "spa music" into your favorite music or video platform, and you'll have your options to choose from!
Most streaming platforms nowadays have ads, though, so make sure you've previewed your choice for ads - and purchased if need be. There's nothing more startling than being deep into a massage trance when someone starts screaming about buying waffles.
Make sure your choice of music is long enough to cover the massage (45 minutes is probably a good target if you don't know how long to go). If your choice isn't long enough, make sure the music platform has a Repeat functionality - and that you've turned it on.
Experiment with Massage Candles
Have you seen massage candles? If not, you're in for a serious treat! Massage candles look like standard candles, but when you burn them, all of their "wax" melts into a warmed massage oil. It's actually pretty cool! You then blow out the candle and gently pour the warmed oil onto your partner's skin.
Not only do you get a candle (for ambiance) out of the deal, but you also get a luscious, completely warmed massage oil out of it - and the scents on a lot of these candles are out of this world!
If you're curious about giving it a try, SeaGrape massage candles are made from soy wax, shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil - and melt down into a perfect mixture to rub into your partner's skin. Not only does the oil help it work perfectly for your massage, but the shea butter ensures your partner's skin is going to be nice and smooth when you're done! You can get them as part of a kit too, if you want to spoil yourself a bit.
Or Just Regular Candles!
If massage candles might be outside of your interest level right now, regular candles can also be a great mood-setter. They're definitely overdone, but that's because they work! A dim room mostly lit by candlelit is something most of us rarely come across in everyday life, so when we see it, it's an instant: BAM! "Something special" time!
Remember that candles use fire - and fire is very much something to be cautious with. Do not burn your candles too close to other objects - even if it would look better to do so. Do not forget about your candles, either, and fall asleep after your great massage.
While choosing those candles, don't forget to think about the massage scene scent you're going for. Don't burn a grape candle to mix with your blueberry massage oil and caramel apple sex lube. It's just going to be too many scents at once. Usually, standard, unscented tea lights work great, and you can get them in bulk at the dollar store, too.
If your risk profile doesn't include candles, don't forget about faux candles. These little electronic options look like tealights and offer a "flickering" light, but it's all electronic. Just flip a switch, and they pop on. They're a much safer alternative to a live fire if you're concerned you'll forget about it.
Warm Your Massage Oil
Massage professionals generally have professional equipment that warms their massage oil to the perfect temperature for skin. But you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to bring that into your home.
If you time it right, you can have warm massage oil too. Fill a drinking glass full of hot water (an Old-Fashioned Glass works best for the size of most massage oil bottles). Now, leave your massage oil bottle closed while sitting in the drinking glass of water.
When you pull out the bottle, it will be nicely warmed for your use. Pour out what you want then put it back into the water. Just be careful not to spill your glass of water during this endeavor.
Ensure Your Partner is Comfortable
Not everyone can (or wants to!) lay down entirely flat for a massage. For some people, it just isn't pleasant (especially those with large chests), and for others, it is physically painful.
Nobody says a massage has to be given while laying down flat, so if your partner prefers another position, feel free to make it happen!
Especially for those with GERD or those with back pain, a slight incline and facing upright can actually make the massage drastically better. (To get an even, supportive surface, I'd recommend something like a Liberator shape. It could help provide a gentle incline that still supports their body.)
Don't be afraid to use Liberator sex positioning shapes for any part of this - even if it isn't the sex "part"! Sturdy, foam cushions can help support the body for more comfort regardless of activity.
Add Bondage
Does your partner find it difficult to turn off their brain and relax into the moment? Do you think they'll be thinking about how they'd rather tackle that to-do list?
Consider adding some light bondage into the mix. While bondage isn't a traditional massage technique, it can work wonders on a busy brain. Once you've bound your partner to the bed, they don't have much of a "choice" except to enjoy the massage - and that can be all of the permission they need to turn off their brain.
Pick something that's easily washable and easy to use to reduce fiddling with straps during the massage.
Use Sex Toys
During your massage, if it seems like things are going the erotic route, I'd recommend taking a short break, wiping off your hands (or washing them entirely) to add a sex toy to the mix.
While not required, a sex toy can add a whole lot of fun to your experience - especially if you go hands-free! An anal plug from Fun Factory like the Duke (with vibrations) or Bootie (without vibrations) can instantly add sensation while you continue with your massage.
If your partner is lying facedown, a vibrator like the Laya II can be held in place by their body weight and thighs to provide a bit of extra hands-free pleasure while you're occupied elsewhere too.
If your partner is lying face up, you might be able to use some self-thrusting vibrators (like the Stronic G) or penis vibrators (like the Cobra Libre II) with a bit of creativity. While those toys tend to slide themselves off and away from the body (especially as someone repositions), a pair of underwear or a well-positioned pillow can be all the help you need to help keep them where you want them.
Don't forget about using sex toys as the final "treat" either. While intercourse is hot (definitely!), you might consider it just as fun to use their favorite sex toys on them and watch them writhe and moan to their climax. Such a pampering, one-sided experience can be extremely refreshing sometimes!
Since you aren't distracted by physical pleasure or involved in the action (which reduces some of your visibility), you can watch every inch of your partner as you use their favorite sex toy! (I really recommend something like the Fun Factory Manta or the Fun Factory Sundaze!)
Have Fun!
There's absolutely nothing out there that says you have to do a sensual massage one specific way. I mean, I did just give you a list of things to do, but they're all suggestions - and hopefully can work as a checklist in the future when you want to give your partner a sultry treat. A checklist, however, is not a list of mandatory activities. If anything on this list isn't for y'all, just toss it. It's that simple!
No two people are the same. Not one. What works for you both may be terrible for someone else - and visa versa. So customize this and make it your own.
What's most important, though, is that you both have fun. Change things, modify things, and try new things until your sensual massage is a serious treat that you both look forward to. That's the whole point!