p34 ttg_lux_feature_spa SEAsia 27/11/09 23:40 Page 34
Spas, as travellers talk about them today, were virtually born in
Asia, with therapists from Thailand regarded as being among the
best in the world and it’s also home to one of the most famed
destination spas, Chiva Som. Asia is also HQ for all the big spa-
hotel names, such as Peninsula, which works mainly with ESPA,
asia
Mandarin Oriental, Anantara, Six Senses and Shangri-La.
The Peninsula’s latest openings include the Spa by ESPA at The
Peninsula Shanghai with the opening of the hotel closing out
2009. Also new to the Chinese city this year was Qin The Spa at
the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, designed with stylish aplomb
by Hirsh Bedner Associates and offering nine treatment rooms
and a bespoke product range. Each treatment at Qin The Spa
draws on traditional rites and healing methods of Chinese
medicine. On a smaller scale and away from the city fray, the
Sai Spa at Sri Panwa in Phuket was also due to open by the
end of the year. Sai Spa will lean towards more natural treatments
using locally sourced ingredients in keeping with its idyllic
island setting.
THE peninsula SPA, bangkok,
THAILAND
Where is it: It’s in the heart of the city, but on the slightly quieter
side of the river and with a magical setting looking over life along
the Chao Phraya. The spa has a lobby within the hotel, but opened
a standalone spa pavilion a couple of years ago, reached via a
treelined walkway along the river which is magical after dark.
What’s it like: It’s humbling in its greatness and was one of the
most indulgent spa visits I have ever made: I virtually floated out.
The decor couldn’t be more Asian if it tried, based on Thai colonial
style, grand pillars and low lighting.
Who’s it for: Those who expect the best and prefer a traditional
type of spa experience.
Wow factor: Just the general brilliance of having three levels of
spa heaven nestled among lush gardens, where you really escape
from the city hustle.
Six senses destination spa
phuket, thailand
Where is it: A short distance from Phuket on a private island
called Koh Naka Yai, seemingly in the middle of nowhere against
the backdrop of Phang Nga Bay.
What’s it like: This was the first complete wellness retreat Six
Senses decided to do and it has drawn comparisons with Chiva
Som already – not bad for a spa resort that only opened this year.
Six Senses fans will feel very at home, with
all the quirky furniture and accessories
HOW TO BOOK IT
made from trademark natural materials.
Everyone seems to genuinely wish you
Carrier offers a seven-night
stay at the Six Senses
good health and wellbeing.
Destination Spa (left) Phuket
Who’s it for: It may seem prescriptive to
from £2,996 (depart April
some, and you are on an inescapable desert
10-July 6; or August 7-October island, but if you leave yourself in the
31) and this includes flights hands of the many talented therapists,
from Heathrow with Malaysia
you’ll leave a different person.
Airlines to Phuket via Kuala
Wow factor: The resort is fantastically
Lumpur and private transfers.
landscaped and it has four different spas,
Tel: 0161 491 7630,
Indonesian, Indian, Thai
carrier.co.uk
and Chinese.
three of the best
Clockwise from main Kong Kea Spa, La Residence The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand
Chuan Spa, Langham Place, d’Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia This resort is a total treasure in a
Mongkok, Hong Kong For something a little off the usual hidden part of Thailand, just over
The spa was voted Asia’s best spa trail, this Orient Express hotel the bridge to the north of busy
men’s spa at the recent AsiaSpa – close to Angkor Wat – now boasts Phuket. The Pathway Spa floats
Awards. To celebrate, the spa has a spa in a new wing of the boutique over the main estuary and central
launched the Chaun Man city resort. There are eight luxury ‘energy lay line’ of the Sarojin and
treatment inspired by traditonal suites featuring original works of looks to the Andaman Sea beyond.
Chinese medicine to rebalance Qi art by aspiring local artists. Tranquility reigns here and the
(energy flow). It also Meaning ‘water for the god’ in whole resort is a friendly, relaxed
gets our prize for Khmer language, the Kong Kea retreat. Pathways has just four
spa-with-a-view, Spa focuses on the healing aspects treatment pavilions and the
given the city vistas of water. There are six treatment signature treatment is ‘faa fairt’; a
from its lofty perch. rooms; two with private bamboo blissful four-hand massage.
34
chuanspa.com gardens. residencedangkor.com sarojin.com
feature spa
winter 09 ttgluxury.com
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