I Tried the AI Massage at Coeur d’Alene Casino—Here’s What Surprised Me Most
Have you ever tried an AI massage? I’ll be honest: I’m not typically the first person in line to try an AI massage—especially when it involves my body. When I think “massage,” I think warm hands, calming music, and a skilled human who knows how to find every knot I’ve been ignoring for the past six months. So when a press release landed in my inbox about the new fully automated AI massage in Spa Ssakwa’q’n at Coeur d’Alene Casino, my first reaction was a solid nope.
But then the curiosity kicked in.
Not into AI anything? Here’s a full roundup of our favorite spas in the Northwest here.
Named Aescape (pronounced A-Scape), there are less than 20 of these massage machines in the country, and Coeur d’Alene Casino’s is the only one in the Pacific and Inland Northwest (the next closest is Santa Barbara, California). So, I decided to go for it. Not because I was convinced—but because I had to know: Could a robot really pull off a good AI massage?
So… what is an Aescape massage, exactly?
Let’s start there. The AI massage setup looks like a sleek, futuristic massage table—except instead of hands, it uses heated paddles that glide over your body in precise, calculated movements. You wear a soft neoprene outfit that provides full body coverage. This is great for people who don’t like “strangers” touching their scantily clad body and rubbing oil on them in sensitive areas. If that’s your preference, the human touch, Spa Ssakwa’q’n still offers wonderful traditional massages.
To begin an Aescape massage, guests lie face-down with their head resting in a cradle. From there, the technology takes over. The AI massage machine scans your body, customizes the experience based on your unique shape and tension zones, and allows you to control the entire thing with a touchscreen. You can adjust the depth and intensity of the pressure, the area of focus (back, glutes, upper legs), the music, the volume—even the visual screen you’re looking at.
And if something feels off? You can pause, reset, or skip a section entirely with the touch of a button. It’s weirdly empowering, especially if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t love small talk during a massage or feels awkward asking someone to press harder, move left, or just… stop.
Here’s a video of my full experience with the machine so you can see it in action – click the image to see every detail!
My experience: from skeptic to amazed
Before the session began, the spa therapist gave me a full walkthrough of what to expect during the AI massage and some great practical advice—like tucking in your shirt before zipping up the neoprene pants so they don’t bunch up. (Naturally, I forgot and had to readjust halfway through.)
Once I got situated, the massage started—and within minutes, I was shocked by how smooth, steady, and honestly relaxing the motion was. The machine delivered consistent deep pressure across my entire back—something that’s really hard for even the best human therapist to sustain. And because both sides of my body were worked at the same time, it created this incredible feeling of balance. To do that manually, someone would basically have to be suspended from the ceiling. No notes.
And yes—it paused every time I shifted, gave me the chance to rescan, and restarted within 30 seconds. Easy.
Let’s talk pros (and a couple of cons)
This massage doesn’t touch your arms, hands, feet, or lower legs—so if those are your must-haves, you may want to add on something like a facial or pedicure for that personal touch. But for back pain? It crushed it. I walked out of there feeling like I’d dropped the weight of a whole week off my shoulders.
I also loved how private it felt. You’re fully clothed, completely in control, and there’s no pressure to chit-chat or explain anything. If you’re someone who finds traditional massage settings a little vulnerable or overstimulating, this setup is a dream. It’s clean, efficient, and refreshingly low-drama.
One note: I did feel a bit more lightheaded afterward than I usually do with a traditional massage. I went for deep pressure—maximum level, naturally—so that definitely played a role. I highly recommend taking some time to rest afterward, hydrating with the complimentary bottled water in the lounge, and easing back into your day.
Make it a full spa moment after your AI massage
Pro tip: bring a swimsuit. In the lounges there is comfortable seating as well as light snacks and water. In the common areas, there are saunas, indoor tubs, including one used for cold plunges, and a gorgeous long hot tub outside. I didn’t plan ahead but still made the most of it by keeping my robe on and soaking my feet in one of the warm pools while taking in the quiet.
You could easily pair the AI massage with another service—like a facial, manicure, or pedicure—to make it more of a whole-body experience. The spa itself is calm, thoughtfully designed, and spotlessly clean. You can dim the lights if you’d like, or keep them on (I left them up for video purposes).
Is it worth the drive?
It’s between 30 minutes to an hour away if you’re in the Spokane Valley and Spokane areas along the scenic byway. From Coeur d’Alene, it’s just 30 minutes south. Easy either way—and honestly, the setting alone is enough to help you reset!
Here are a few more luxury spas in the Northwest you’ll want to check out, too.
Final thoughts: would I do an AI massage again?
Yes. Absolutely yes. And if you’re considering an Aescape experience, now through June 30 (2025) the spa is offering special reduced rates for Aescape massages.
While I’ll always love a great hands-on massage for certain things, this experience surprised me in the best way. The AI massage at Coeur d’Alene Casino delivers steady, deep relief, lets you stay in full control, and works perfectly for people who want a more private, structured, and customizable experience. I’d give it a solid 10 out of 10 for what it does—and I’d book it again in a heartbeat. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to let a machine work out your stress… now you know. And it’s way better than you think.
To book or learn more, head to cdacasino.com and check out the Spa Ssakwa’q’n menu. And yes, you can book the AI massage online!
Special Introductory Rates $40 | 30 Minutes
$85 | 60 Minutes
Offer valid until 6/30/2025
