Thailand SPA & MASSAGE
Pampered to perfection
Winner of The Travel Agents Choice Awards’ long haul destination of the year for spa and wellness accolade, Thailand’s spas are a must-do. Standards and value are excellent. In Bangkok and key resorts drop-in massage centres hand out menus and you can even get a massage on the beach
Thai massage is a mixture of reflexology, yoga and acupressure. A Thai foot massage is a good starting point for the uninitiated. All the popular treatments like aromatherapy, Swedish massage, facials and wraps are also available. Prices are likely to be between £4
and £10 an hour. Hotel spas will be a little pricier but still great value compared to the UK and often have special touches like carp ponds and waterfalls or outdoor salas by the sea.
Thai spa and wellness plus points: • Facilities vary from hotel spas to day spas to long-stay retreats
• You can save on pampering as well as treatments like manicures, pedicures and eyebrow shaping
• Thailand always moves with the times. Foot spas in which obliging fish nibble off your dead skin are the latest trend
• Thai boxing is not just for watching. The sport is incorporated into fitness programmes at some resorts
• Predominantly Buddhist, Thailand is a great place to learn how to meditate
• Individuals can learn Thai massage on various courses, or couples can learn to massage each other in a short session in a hotel spa
New hotels Thanyapura Retreat, Phuket This recently opened resort (see Phuket section) has yoga and meditation programmes in conjunction with Thanyapura Mind centre. Thanyachiva Lifestyle Resort in Phuket (a third wellness-themed property from the same company) is imminent.
www.thanyapuraretreat.com www.thanyachiva.com
New packages Puripunn, Chiang Mai This boutique hotel has launched a series of packages aimed at ‘busy people who want to enhance their lives.’ The three- or four-night programmes help guests de-stress, kick-start their confidence or enrich their relationship. They include clinical and psychological profiles and coaching, plus discounts on food and spa treatments.
www.puripunn.com
Other options: Angsana Spa Green View, Chiang Mai Angsana is a sister brand to Banyan Tree. This spa in the Golf Club House at the Chiang Mai Green Valley Country Club has a wide range of treatment packages which can take up
“The best spa I’ve experienced is the Banyan Tree in Bangkok. There are amazing treatment rooms with a view of the skyline. It’s really unique being in that grimy but exciting city and finding that oasis on the 50th floor of a skyscraper. And for a
to three hours. Angsana also operates at Laguna Phuket.
www.angsanaspa.com
Chiva Som, Hua Hin Celebrities including Liz Hurley, Elle Macpherson and Kylie Minogue have used this award-winning retreat. A holistic approach is taken, with dedicated programmes created for guests. It’s also Green Globe certified.
www.chivasom.com
Spa I Am This Bangkok day spa has 20 treatment rooms including one for couples. A 90-minute package with body scrub and massage costs around £52. The same treatment would be around £90 in the UK. Discounts are available on web bookings.
www.spaiam.co.th
Massage schools Wat Po, Bangkok (the temple with the famous reclining Buddha):
www.watpomassage.com Thai Massage School of Chiang Mai:
www.tmcschool.com.
five-star, it’s very good value for money. I’ve also had really good spa experiences at Chiva Som in Hua Hin and Pimalai on Koh Lanta.”
JAKE GOODENOUGH, THE DESTINATION LOUNGE
Top: Addoa Jacuzzi; Middle: Enjoying a sauna; Bottom from left: Chiva Som takles the holistic approach; Yoga Mantra Samui-style
TOP TIP Travel agents, a Thai foot massage is a
great treat for clients at a Thailand- themed evening - tie up with a local practitioner. Visiting Thailand? Bring back spa menus to give clients a comparison with UK prices.
8 Thailand Travel Guide 2012
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