Golf Resort & Spa, set to be unveiled in 2013; the W Bangkok, launching in December in the capital city; and the Sands Khao Lak, a holiday getaway opening next month (November) with a five-suite spa. In more general terms, Thailand’s
overall appeal shows no signs of abating. Even in spite of some damaging news stories – the monsoon floods of 2011 being the most recent – the UK continues to have an ongoing love affair with the country. Together with Russia and Germany, it is one of the three biggest European markets for Thailand, and British arrival figures from January to July of this year were, at 501,075, an increase on last year’s 496,668.
What’s New Bangkok’s spa portfolio continues to increase. The Okura Prestige Hotel opened in the capital this spring, complete with a high-end spa offering a broad range of treatments. Also freshly unveiled is the Sofitel SO Bangkok, which has a spa themed as a mythological forest. Open since December, meanwhile, the Luxsar Spa at the new Hansar Bangkok has eight massage suites. And the centrally located LIT! Hotel now has a wellness option too – the Kiriya Spa offers treatments from around Thailand. Elsewhere, winners at the World
Luxury Spa Awards 2012 included the Pathways Spa at the Sarojin in Khao Lak, the Spa Cenvaree at the Centara Grand Beach Resort on Phuket and the Coqoon Spa at the Indigo Pearl Hotel, also on Phuket. Tying in with the spa sector, meanwhile, the tourist board held a major ‘medical tourism’ fam trip in September, for more than 150
international guests from the medical and wellness industries. Layana Resort and Spa, on Koh Lanta
Yai island, Krabi, will reopen its Linger Longer Spa in early November. The spa is set in its own tranquil garden and equipped with six treatment rooms, an outdoor Jacuzzi, hydro bath, sauna, and shock shower. Treatments include natural herbal ingredients such as Aloe-Vera, for body wraps, Thai herbs for body scrubs and compressed honey, yogurt and cucumber for facials.
Tourism Talk JOANNA COOKE Consumer Marketing & PR Manager, Leisure, UK & Ireland, Tourism
Authority of Thailand “Spas are increasingly important for UK visitors heading to Thailand. It’s a market that we focus on globally, as well as out of the UK. Thailand is well known worldwide for Thai massage, of course, which helps raise the profile, but it’s a very big part of the tourism industry over there, whether people are booking it officially to go on actual spa and wellness holidays, or just having a few massages when they’re there. “I think it’s now an element to
everybody’s holiday, from cheap breaks on the beach right up to luxury, all-inclusive packages. In terms of marketing, there are various health and wellness shows around the UK and we might look at participating at one of those next year with a dedicated stand. And we’re still working hard at raising awareness of the whole offering among both the trade and consumers.”
From The Front Line NIKKI HAIN
Product Manager Faraway Premier Holidays
“Most of Thailand’s four and five star hotels have incredible spas and the service and overall experience is second to none – compared to the price you’d pay in the UK they offer great value. Look out for exclusive Premier Plus offers such as 20% off spa treatments at the Cape Panwa hotel in Phuket. You can also pre-book
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treatments using the Premier Holidays concierge service to add value.”
SANDRA HARRISON Product Manager, Elegant Resorts “Chiva-Som is an
established resort really popular with our clients who are specifically looking for a lifestyle transformation, with a personalised wellness programme and clients returning year after year. The Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary in Phuket is also a favourite, with beautifully ornate treatment rooms and highly experienced therapists.”
LEE MARSHALL Business Development Director, ITC Classics “Spas are hugely
important to the sale of our Thailand holidays. We’ve handpicked eight properties dotted across the country that offer a range of world-class treatments. The Thai people are so naturally tranquil that wellness is intrinsic to their nature, making this perhaps THE best destination for luxury spa holidays.”
Ask The Agent PAUL DAYSON
Managing Partner Spa Travel
“Thailand has a great
reputation for its spas. One of the main reasons is that you’re getting good quality spas at very reasonable prices. So for the cost of a spa hotel in Europe, say, you can expect a far better quality in Thailand. For us it’s a destination that really appeals to late 30s, early 40s, upwardly mobile couples – they’re the ones that are really drawn to the new Thai hotels and resorts which have an emphasis on their spas.”
Where to Book It KUONI - 0844 488 0352
www.kuoni.co.uk “Kuoni is currently offering a seven- night break at the Six Senses Samui from £1266pp, including flights from London Heathrow and accommodation in a Hideaway Villa, with breakfast and taxes. The price is based on departure
THAI SPAS top tips...
• Suggest a week away… “In Thailand, you can find the luxury of a seven-night authentic spa therapy package at the same price as a UK spa weekend away” NANDITA PATEL, Product Administration Executive, Funway Holidays
• Ideal for relaxation… “What better way is there to relax than enjoying a spa treatment in the beautiful surroundings that accompany most of the spas in Thailand?” KArEn Munro, Team Leader Sales Far East, Travel 2
• Highlight the quality… Thailand provides spa break clients with some of the best treatment and therapies available, and set within some of the most unique spa resorts in the world.” NANDITA PATEL
• Give clients value for money… “Anyone who experiences a spa in Thailand will find it hard to replicate that same level of service and luxury at those prices anywhere else in the world.” KArEn Munro
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