The Thai spa experience brings together a range of indigenous resources, folk wisdom and traditions that have been handed down through the centuries. It captures the very essence of traditional Thai living. Spa operators delve into this ancient treasure trove to create exceptional spa products so that alluring dimensions of this tropical paradise enrich the spa experience. Gracious hospitality and service is complemented by the friendly and caring nature and gentle ways of the Thai people, adding a uniquely Thai touch to world-class service and hospitality. Kindness, compassion and the act of comforting and caring for others, as advocated by the Theravada Buddhist tradition, is very much part of everyday life. The gesture is instinctive and genuine.
Many of the healing techniques and well-being therapies featured on the contemporary spa menu have been adopted and adapted from such practices. These include natural healing a tradition based on the healing power of indigenous herbs and plants, holistic remedies specially formulated to restore balance and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit and a variety of other healing techniques, including meditative practices, which reflect deep-rooted Buddhist influences. For example, the act of performing traditional Thai Massage is considered to be an act of compassion in which the healer (or therapist) practices the physical application of metta (loving kindness) and bestows a healing touch in the spirit of giving. The Thai spa experience thus enables guests to experience various aspects of Thai-ness.
Thailand excels in the quality and diversity of its spa offerings. Thai spas really do have it all variety and value framed in a perfect blend of Western leisure concepts and traditional Asian wellbeing therapies. Value for money is an added plus. A harmonious blend of cultural heritage and destination diversity makes Thailand an infinitely attractive spa destination.
Why spa in Asia countries (especially in Thailand) are so popular?
Spas are very cheap in Thailand when compared to just about anywhere else in the world. The level of professionalism and training of the staff generally surpass even the most expensive spas in Western nations.
They are a much more relaxed environment too. There is not pressure to buy more treatments and other products like in Western countries, but if you want too they are a lot cheaper, generally better quality and always packaged better.
Travel virtually anywhere in Thailand and you’ll find a Spa offering exotic treatments from hot herbal compresses to delightful facials, Aloe Vera body wraps, and traditional Thai Massage. Simply choose your destination!
Thailand’s gorgeous long eastern coastline provides a home for some of the best Spa resorts in Asia. Facing the Gulf of Siam lie Hua Hin and Cha Am – favourites with the Thai Royal family and “hi so” (high society) members.
Hua Hin is also where you’ll find Chiva Som, Thailand’s original Health and Wellness Centre. Favoured by celebrities from all over the world, Chiva Som has a loyal following and offers a complete range of eastern and western spa and medical treatments. Their holistic approach includes acupuncture and Ayurvedic therapies, a hydrotherapy suite, flotation tanks and relaxation rooms. Tai Chi and Pilates are also included in their activities. If want the top alternative health practitioners in every conceivable wellness treatment – head for Chiva Som.
Easy access from Bangkok is increasing Hua Hin’s popularity and with more deluxe brand name resorts like the 220-room Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa setting up here.Formerly the Royal Garden Resort and situated in 14 acres of landscaped garden, The Marriott features a Mandara Spa. Originally from Bali, Mandara Spa Brand offers “unique and exotic spa treatments that reflect the beauty, spirit and traditions of ancient times and the soul and ritual of Asian culture.”
Koh Samui, discovered by backpackers in the 1970’s was probably Thailand’s first destination to offer alternative new age health treatments, well before Spas became fashionable. Colonic irrigation and other scary sounding remedies can still be found at various local Spas, but most visitors prefer more indulgent massage and aromatherapy treatments available in the teak pavilions of hotels among the coconut plantations overlooking the Gulf of Siam.
If you want a total meltdown the pleasant Tongsai Bay, with cottages scattered over a hillside and private beach offers The Prana Spa. Couples can book a Spa cottage with a private herbal steam room and alfresco floral bath. Gorgeous body scrubs include a loofah exfoliation, algae body scrub and tamarind rubdown.
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, has matured quickly over the last few years. A fully fledged international resort with five top class golf courses, marina development and super deluxe hotels, adding to its natural assets, Phuket is Thailand’s superstar destination. Here you’ll find all the deluxe hotels and some of the best Spas in Asia like the Banyan Tree Phuket.
Voted the 'World's Best Spa Resort' by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, and a 'Top 10 Hotel Spa' by Travel & Leisure magazine, Banyan Tree Phuket provides the sublime spa environment.
"There's so much interest in Asian spas, and so much happening there," says Bernard Burt, co-author of 100 Best Spas of the World. "Asian spas are truly amazing -- the design, the experience." The latest edition of 100 Best Spas, in stores in May, features expanded coverage of proliferating Asian spas.
Going to a world-class Asian spa is "not just about getting a massage," says Julie Sinclair, editor of Spa magazine. Treatments based on curative traditions and techniques that date back thousands of years aim to bring mind and body into balance.
"What we consider to be alternative treatments are considered integral to health" in Asia, Sinclair says. "There are rituals. ... It's transformative."
Think massages in outdoor pavilions. Burning incense. Foot-washing ceremonies and the tinkling of chimes.
Other Asian getaways provide an immersion in wellness and healing -- often with a dash of spirituality. A sampling (more can be found at spaasia.com/resource and spafinder.com):
Treatment includes massage, personalized meal plan and yoga. Lodging at this soulful retreat -- voted the No. 1 destination spa in the world in 2005 by the British Conde Nast Traveller, is in 75 rooms and suites, some with their own gardens. Cost: from about $300 a person daily May through September, including classes, hiking, gym use. Special programs and holistic-wellness packages are offered. Information: 011-91-1378-227-500 or anandaspa.com.
*Chiva-Som, Thailand. Set amid tropical gardens and waterfalls in the beach resort of Hua Hin, 130 miles south of Bangkok, Chiva-Som boasts an eclectic menu of more than 100 Eastern and Western treatments. Each guest gets a personal assessment of mental, physical and spiritual health and treatments ranging from reflexology to marine mud wraps, yoga and sessions with a Buddhist monk. The on-site medical spa offers Botox injections. Cost: from about $450 a person nightly, including meals, daily massage, classes and health and wellness consultation. Information: 011-66-32-536-536 or chivasom.com.
*Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand. Thailand is spa central, with a wealth of pampering available. This lush hideaway in the country's R&R beach mecca is "my personal favorite," Burt says.
* budget local spa in Phuket, Cannaceae spa offers a variety of spa relaxation packages located in Phuket town.
