SPAS & MASSAGES
Relax & revive
Spa in Thailand is more than just a treat for tourists - it’s a cultural tradition and it's one no visitor should miss
I
t's easy to fi nd smart little massage centres all over Thailand and most hotels of three-star and above will incorporate some kind of spa too. Check out the options...
HOMEGROWN TREATMENTS Thailand has its own form of massage which uses pressure points and incorporates yoga-style stretches. Treatments are usually given with the client wearing loose pyjamas. Some spas off er massages outdoors on day beds called 'salas' or off er herbal treatments. Lessons in the Buddhist practice of meditation are incorporated into some longer-stay spa programmes.
INTERNATIONAL TREATMENTS While all spas will off er traditional Thai massage they typically incorporate many other popular treatments like Ayurveda, aromatherapy and Swedish massages, facials, wraps and more.
RECENT
ADDITIONS KAMALAYA KOH The wellness sanctuary and holistic spa resort in Samui has a new fi tness centre as well as 16 new superior suites on three levels.
DUSIT 2
A hot spring spa is part of the attraction at the latest design-led Dusit 2 hotel. Khao Yai is two hours from Bangkok and 13km from Khao Yai National Park.
dusit.com/dusit-d2.html
RARINJINDA
This Spa Resort retreat in Chiang Mai has added Japanese-style
Onsen hot springs, which are said to benefi t circulation and metabolism. It specialises in hydrotherapy but also off ers warm sand beds, massages, infra-red saunas and colonic irrigation.
rarinjinda.com
ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY A healthy ‘superfoods’ menu is new at this Moroccan-themed 39-room wellness resort, which
specialises in detox, yoga and Pilates programmes. It also has lifestyle packages.
absolutesanctuary.com
NATURAL INGREDIENTS Thailand puts an emphasis on natural ingredients. Locally-sourced products such as lemongrass, ginger and kaffi r lime are used in massage oils, compresses, wraps and facial preparations.
EXCELLENT VALUE The fi nal clincher for those considering spa in Thailand is its aff ordability. Massage centres charge around £5 an hour. Even treatments in top-notch hotels with beautiful facilities generally cost around a third less than the typical pound-a-minute UK prices.
LONGER LOUNGING With Thailand’s aff ordable spa culture it’s possible to think about packages of several hours or even a whole day. Residential breaks with tailor-made programmes tackling specifi cs like weight loss, detoxing or de-stressing are also available at specialist resorts.
OASIS SPA
This day spa chain covers Bangkok,
Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Packages of up to four hours are available. The signature treatment is a
four-hand ‘Golden
Lanna’ massage set to music.
oasisspa.net
ANANTARA RESORTS Anantara has a fl exible ‘Balance’ wellness concept. Guests can chose health- orientated menus and cooking classes, tailored fi tness or spa treatments and life-coaching seminars.
anantara.com TOP TIPS
Centara’s Life is a Beach package includes transfers,
welcome cocktails and an hour’s aromatherapy massage for two.
Foot massages are the best introduction to Thai massage.
Multi-award winning spa hotel Chiva-Som includes therapy-style programmes such as self-healing and motivation workshops.
Beach massages are sometimes off ered by untrained practitioners; it’s better to pick a nearby centre.
For Thai spas think natural products, impeccable service and luxury treatments
DAVID CARLAW, PREMIER HOLIDAYS
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