Resorts in Thailand offer unbeatable therapies and treatments that promise to rejuvenate the senses.
Lusting for a holiday and the office isn’t giving time off for it? Don’t fret because even a brief wellness holiday to nearby Thailand could do wonders for you. In fact, wellness tourism in Thailand has already spurred significant destination development, and you will be spoilt for choice with world renowned day spas, medical spa treatments at places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Krabi.
Thailand, considered to be the land of spas, boasts of some exclusive wellness centres, and swish holistic hotels, where no stone is left unturned to deliver the finest physical, emotional and spiritual break that one needs. Six Senses, a destination spa in Phuket, is one of them. Located just off the northern tip of Phuket, this innovative destination spa comes with a boutique collection of all-pool villas, thoughtfully positioned for privacy on a gently sloping hillside, complete with white sand beachfront. Patronised by Hollywood stars and Indian business tycoons, Six Senses permits entry only for its guests and allows no inquisitive visitors.
Pampered is the word that will come to your mind when you look at all the treatments offered at Six Senses, primarily inspired by Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Thai wisdom. The wide array of treatments can only multiply the pleasure of your holiday within the secluded but gorgeous and “edible” landscape of your villa. Yes, edible. That’s how Ana Maria Tavares, general manager, Six Senses Destination Spa describes the property. “We encourage guests to eat fresh fruits and vegetables grown around every single villa,” she explains. Considering that you are on a wellness break, Six Senses offers “fishetarian cuisine”, which basically means that no chicken or red meats are served here apart from fish, greens and lentils. What’s more, only organic wines are stocked at the spa. Tavares further claims that there is no problem,however small, that their team of nurses, naturopaths, nutritionists, body workers and other experts cannot tackle.
Chiva-Som, another destination spa resort in Thailand, is another compelling option. It offers packages focused on individual goals, and includes dedicated detox therapies, anti-ageing and even fertility enhancing treatments, along with massages and calorie-counted meals. The emphasis is on eating healthy food and, not surprisingly, the spa menu at Chiva-Som boasts of vegetables that are cooked below 42° C to maximise their nutrient content.
Situated in Hua Hin, where the King of Thailand has a palace, Chiva-Som is positioned as slightly more urban than Six Senses. Even standard rooms at Chiva-Som have balconies and overlook the Gulf of Siam, while suites include much larger terraces for soaking in the fresh air. Be sure to try the spa’s unique flower remedies and Chi Nei Tsang treatments, which are very popular among the guests. Those seeking rejuvenation can look forward to body workshops, acupuncture, yoga, reiki, adventure training, aquatic therapy, dance classes, Thai boxing, meditation, weight management, personal trainers, homeopathic care conducted by a team of chiropractic and medical practitioners. There’s even an acupuncture programme aimed at those who want to quit smoking.
Whether you are a spa connoisseur looking for newer and exciting destinations and treatments, or a total novice in need of expert advice and guidance, Thailand can offer something that fits your budget and lifestyle. Six Senses, for example, has an unbeatable offer starting at just $500 per night (for a couple) inclusive of all meals and two spa treatments (per person). At Chiva-Som, you would pay approximately $515 per night inclusive of all meals, one massage and participation in daily fitness programme, and free access to water therapy suite consisting of sauna, steam and jacuzzi.
Now, need we say anything more about wellness holidays?