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‘It’s looking up at the face of someone who loves what they’re doing …someone who’s always smiling’ --Thai spa guest

FOREWORD

WHAT MAKES A GREAT SPA? The smell of lavender carried a soft, warm breeze, the eye-intoxicating view of the sea, the sound of water trickling its way over smooth rocks, and the touch of a smiling therapist who anticipates your needs …. Lisa Jody Manser, former spa director at Six Senses Hideaway, Hua Hin, and now a spa consultant at Simply Spa Chic, believes you can create the energy and the right skill set within the team, making all the difference. Even if the spa looks a bit dated, the staff turns it into a great spa in the end. It means developing each staff member and meeting their home life and financial needs. It comes back 100-fold. While the design, treatment rooms, spa menu and amenities are also very high on the scale, “if your foundation is solid and you ’ve been able to build up positive and peaceful energy within the staff, it will go out and come back … and all else falls into place.” Vikki Aquino, former director of spa for St. Regis in Bangkok and now spa director at two spas at Tiger Resort, Leisure & Entertainment Inc., Manila, sums

it up to five core values: Sincerity, “gentle care and hospitality from the heart”; Respect and Courtesy; Humility, in which “no job is too big or too small, and modesty about our achievements”; Helpfulness – a desire to “delight guests, each and every time”; and Selflessness – treating every person as kin and family. It’s also attention to detail and a sense that “everything has its place and minimal after-thoughts”. It means stowing work tools away from your view, or when you hang your clothes, they will fall freely and not be crumpled, plus something to delight each of the five senses and stimulate the sixth. 8dx1nR6ROjE Charinya Kiatlapnachai, Director, New York, Tourism Authority of Thailand “Careful layout and a smooth flow – so that the transition from one space or activity to another is smooth and seamlessly organic – accents and ornamental accessories that complement each other and have meaning or a story to enhance the space it occupies and magnify its beauty to the people who look at it and use it,” says Vikki. All the little things make a big difference – soft, clean, crisp linens and fair trade towels to touch the skin; high-quality protocols and products/ingredients delivered by “very caring and highly skilled professional therapists”. And for Stephen Gould, resident manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, a great spa needs a great location and the Chi or energy in harmony with its surroundings. “Ultimately, however, it ’s the team that defines a great spa and The spa staff make the real consistently delivers an uplifting experience. difference from the arrival, through the treatment itself and beyond departure." Centara Hotels and Tara Hanrahan, group director of spa operations for Resorts, is all about “the guest connection”. “Apart from the standard expectations you would get from a spa, such as a tranquil environment, soothing ambience and high-quality standards, what sets a great spa experience apart is the connection between therapist and guest; when the guest knows that the therapist really cares about them. “We deal with emotions, and our basic goal is to help people feel better about themselves through the nurturing magic of touch therapy. We want our slightly guests to walk out feeling lighter, brighter and with their heads held higher.”

To achieve this, Centara therapists undergo intensive training. They are some of the highest -trained therapists in Thailand and are taught to create a bond and connection with guests. This is done through breath work (aligning the therapist's breath with the guest at the start of treatment), intent (narrowing the mind to focus on the guest) and personalization. “We don’t train our therapists in generic movements; they are trained to customize the treatment to the guest’s needs. This personal touch will, in turn, encourage guests to learn more about the connection between the body and the mind, increasing guests' experience with each spa visit.”

Relaxing at Chiva Som Hua Hin The experience does not need to end at the spa, she adds. A follow-up consultation, whereby guests can learn how to continue their spa experience at home, can be an integral part of the over-all journey. ’’It goes with the saying: Take care of yourself, and you can take care of everything else life throws at you.” At Dusit Thani, the magic is based on four key elements – a unique spa concept; an ambience that makes you feel special; unique treatments that incorporate unique ingredients; and customer service delivered in a graceful, traditional Thai manner.

“A spa should have a philosophy and a story behind its experience s. All these help create character that makes guests feel emotionally connected to the spa.” In the case of Dusit ’s Devarana Spa, the Garden of Heaven concept is derived from early Thai literature, called Tribhumphraruang, written by Phraya Lithai in Thailand’s Sukhothai era in the 13th Century. This garden is situated at Heaven ’s Gate, surrounded by gardens and ponds with a heavenly scent and a nurturing environment—the garden glimmers with precious silver and gold gems . Soft music fills the air, played by harp, flute and other traditional Thai instruments. The ambience should reflect tranquility, and the facilities should offer relaxation and make you feel special. Devarana Spa reflects this “heavenly” concept with the elements described in the story, its design, and its d écor details. At Dusit Thani, the magic is based on four key elements – a unique spa concept; an ambience that makes you feel special; unique treatments that incorporate unique ingredients; and customer service delivered in a graceful, traditional Thai manner. “A spa should have a philosophy and a story behind its experiences. All these help create character that makes guests feel emotionally connected to the spa.” In the case of Dusit ’s Devarana Spa, the Garden of Heaven concept is derived from early Thai literature, called Tribhumphraruang, written by Phraya Lithai in Thailand’s Sukhothai era in the 13th Century. This garden is situated at Heaven ’s Gate, surrounded by gardens and ponds with a heavenly scent and a nurturing environment—the garden glimmers with precious silver and gold gems . Soft music fills the air, played by harp, flute and other traditional Thai instruments. The ambience should reflect tranquility, and the facilities should offer relaxation and make you feel special. Devarana Spa reflects its “heavenly” concept with the elements described in the story, its design, and its d écor details. https://youtu.be/94PffXo2yL4 Andrew Jacka, Chairman Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition ”Our magnificent grand reception area makes an immediate impression on everyone.” Its cream- coloured walls glimmer with shades of gold and silver.

Natural light gives the spa a clean and airy feel. Natural fabrics and state-of-art decorative materials create a feeling of contemporary Thai elegance. “With our attention to all five senses, our spa really makes visitors feel they ’re in a heavenly place.” She believes that unique service can make a spa outstanding. Devarana Spa, for example, operates under a standard operating system, as do most other major spas that guide staff in all situations. The spas collect feedback and suggestions from guests to help them improve the quality of services and ongoing training programs and operating audits for all staff to ensure quality and consistency in the delivery of services. For Kirsty McCormick, former spa director at ONYX Hospitality Group, a great spa can introduce an element of fun to feel good. “At Breeze Spa, we believe that happiness is one of the key foundations for wellness. We create an environment and experience which is approachable, positive, friendly, caring and fun, transparent and free of jargon or hard-tounderstand ancient languages. “A great spa should also recognize that guests come with a wide variety of needs.“ At Breeze Spa, we offer signature mood scrubs and massages, which take the guesswork out of picking the right treatment. We ask guests how they feel right now and how they would like to feel, and we customize a treat that ’s just right for their needs.” It should also provide a subtle sense of place through touches inspired by the local area. Each Breeze spa offers a sig nature treatment, which is specially developed using local ingredients and local techniques. Amari Koh Samui ’s signature treatment, for example, incorporates a tanning scrub using extra virgin oil from fresh local coconuts, and at Amari Watergate Bangkok, the focus is on rejuvenating tired feet and restoring energy to the body following hours out exploring the streets and malls, and deep cleansing the skin to combat the effects of urban pollution. “We want our guests to feel comfortable when they are with us. When they leave, we hope we have been able to put the bounce back in their steps and the smile back on their faces.” A great spa should also recognize that guests come with a wide variety of needs. “At Breeze Spa, we offer signature mood scrubs and massages, which take the guesswork out of picking the right treatment. We ask guests how they feel right now and how they would like to feel, and we customize a treatment that’s just right for their needs.” In the years I ’ve been writing about spas, there have been a lot of changes, especially with Thai spas, which are evolving with the times.

Wellness has come into its own, and wellness treatments are now part of every major spa ’s offerings. Men are also being recognized, with spa menus now including a range of treatments for men at all major resorts and spas.

Dining at Marriott Phuket

WHY THAILAND? WHY SPAS? I asked that question of a lot of professionals in the Thai spa industry and was given a long list of reasons – the Thai climate, its stunning sea-bound locations, the warm azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the uniqueness of its architecture, and that spa treatments, like massages, were part of its culture, long before there was such a thing as a spa. None of the answers clicked in my head, other than there is a special, almost mystical connection that doesn’t quite exist elsewhere. Many other countries have resorts and spas, equally beautiful settings, and magnificent sea-front locations, but none seem to have the cachet Thai spas enjoy. Something is missing, an essential element that makes all the difference. For me, it came down to one thing – the unique character of Thai people and a desire to please, probably stemming from the deep-rooted Buddhist belief of being of ser vice to others, a love of what they do, and an irrepressible tendency to smile and evoke smiles in return. On my tour, managers often talked about how their therapists performed

treatments from their hearts and made their clients feel different in every treatment. Whatever it is, it’s real, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it. For one spa manager, it was something more tangible: You can get the same treatment just about anywhere, she told me. “But guests tell us it ’s the special touch of their therapist, and looking up at the face of someone who loves what they do … someone who’s always smiling.” Adds Charinya Kiatlapnochai, director, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, New York office: “You will find a new you in Thailand.” It’s why so many visitors keep coming back to Thailand year after year. In 2016, close to 30 million people came to Thailand, and many visited spas.

Chilling out at Centara Grand Beach Hua Hin THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Two decades ago, if you wanted to go to a spa in Thailand, you had to travel to a destination spa, usually in a resort area like Koh Samui or Phuket. “It’s not enough,” says Vikki Aquino, “to be a spa at a destination with thermal waters or special treatment. Today, the spa must also provide a wellness component and an integration of philosophies. Today ’s spa-goers also look for the experi ence as benefits and instant solutions. It ’s happening now – slim centres promise a better body. Two decades ago, if you wanted to go to a spa in Thailand, you had to travel to a destination spa, usually in a resort area like Koh Samui or Phuket. Then came aromatherapy and the massage that helped put the spa on a different landscape – redefining the definition of destination to encompass highend hotels in big cities, which could afford to create a destination-like atmosphere without the thermal waters. People need to have somewhere to transport them in order to experience a different sense of place, says Vikki Aquino, former director of spas for St. Regis in Bangkok and now spa director at two spas at Tiger Entertainment, Manila. “Having a room with four walls and a massage bed, or just a massage , wasn’t enough. It needed something more … an exotic ambi ance to make it completely different.” “Pampering,” she added, “will always be associated with spas to a certain degree.” over the years, the spa has evolved into something quite different – a unique destination in itself. It was no longer just about aromatherapy but became very hedonistic and more and more about pampering. But even before then, Thai therapies were once a close-kept secret by Thai kings for centuries and were only documented a couple of hundred years ago. It was the way Thai kings kept their soldiers strong and able. It was essentially the Thai massage and compression therapies, using 13 magical herbs. Today, spa menus often use the term Royal as in Royal Thai Massage, to describe their Thai massage. The secrets were handed down from generation to generation until King Rama VI decided they could talk about it. But there was a hitch as far as foreigners were concerned. A clever one. Details about the Thai massage were written down on the walls of Thai Buddhist temples – because visitors would not be able to take the walls back with them. In addition, the information was

written in Thailand’s unique alphabet and writing. Spas mean different things to different people. For Asians, it ’s more than a lifestyle; regardless of earning capacity, people feel the need to have some kind of maintenance. For Westerners, it’s more about lifestyle. In Thailand, it doesn ’t matter how much money you have. Spa treatments are ingrained in their culture, and everywhere you go, there is always someplace you can go to, depending on how much you want to spend. Today, the industry is in the midst of significant change. Spa-goers are more spa-savvy days. In the future, there will be an even greater emphasis on health as more and more people pay greater attention to their health and assume greater responsibility for it. In the future, it will be even more important for their therapist to ask the right questions so that she can qualify the expectations of each guest and find out what they want and expect. “How we meet these expectations is very important. Being able to read clients’ body language will become even more important. In the future, we see a greater emphasis on healing … the spirit as well as the body.”

Setting Krathongs aloft at Ratilanna Resort, Chiang Mai

THAILAND’S POPULAR FESTIVALS It’s an incredible sight – hundreds of paper lanterns powered by lighted candles released into the night sky. It is the best place to see it in Lanna Country, especially in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. It’s more than a tourist attraction. The festival pays homage to the Lord Buddha and reflects a Thai belief that the Krathongs also carry away your cares and bad luck with them. The festival takes place on the full moon of the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar, usually in late November. In Bangkok and other cities, the krathongs are crafted from banana leaves, lotus flowers and candles and floated down Thailand ’s waterways and out to sea, carrying away your bad luck with them so you can start the New Year with a clean slate. Then, there’s Songkran in March/April, a favourite celebration for Thais, in which Thais throw water at each other, believing the water will wash away bad luck.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS … In the spa world, it’s called the spa journey, which describes each step of your visit to the spa – from the moment you’re greeted at reception to the last sip of ginger tea before getting ready to leave. I took a different spa journey in Thailand, visiting more than 60 five-star resorts and spas. That journey took me from Bangkok and its crowded, trafficchoked roadways to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, about 700 km away, and from Chiang Mai, along a road through mountains with steep and curving is located in the turns and remarkable scenery to Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai Golden Triangle because three countries come together at that point – Burma, Thailand, and Laos. Halfway, there ’s a roadside canteen where you can order strawberry smoothies. It’s a nice break, and they ’re not many other spots in this sparsely populated pocket of Thailand. Not far from Chi ang Rai, the road flattens out, with the highway following the river that separates Thailand from Burma, where you can see temples glittering along the opposite river bank. From Chiang Rai, a long drive back to Bangkok and Bangkok to our next destination, Pattaya, about two hours away by car. Pattaya is a seaside town

and a magnet for tourists. Then another 700 km to the Island of Koh Samui, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand and packed with resorts at every beach. (At Samui and Phuket, locals name the key resort areas after the beach where they’re located.) From Samui, we headed for the sea-fringed city of Krabi, a three-hour drive to the southwest. Then onto Phuket and its celebrated resorts before heading north to Hua Hin and its white sandy beaches, where Thai royalty and the rich often spend their summers No matter where you turned, there was always another, sometimes more beautiful than before. In the end, I had to limit my record to a handful of 32 resorts and spas due to space limitations, fully aware that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that some other person might reasonably have chosen a somewhat different list.

BANGKOK

Shuttle boats from The Peninsula pass each other in front of Bangkok’s Temple of Dawn.

Anantara Siam Bangkok The place for wedding pictures “It’s become the place for couples to have their pictures taken,” said Sudheech Kunnathparambil Sudhakaran, looking upward to scan the wide, commanding staircase that dominates the lobby of Anantara Siam Bangkok. The stairway is grand in every sense of the word – wide, curving, breathtaking in design and effect. “Most wedding parties gather halfway up for their pictures, and many book treatments at our spa before the big day. We also offer a special package for the wedding couple,” she added as we took the elevator to the second floor, where the spa occupies a corner of the floor. You know what to expect as soon as the elevator doors open. Spa reception, The director of spa and brilliantly lit, beckons from behind the glass wall. recreation leads the way. Folded lotus flowers float in a trickling pond nearby, and orchids adorn the space above. The receptionist presses her hands together to offer a “ wei” – the Thai way of showing respect. “There are many stories about the lotus and Buddha. For Thais, the lotus is symbolic of Buddha. When Buddha was born, he was able to walk on water.

Lotus flowers bloomed and supported his small feet,” she says. “Guests are always asking what’s the latest trend . They usually know and, more often than not , have already had one or two of these treatments,” said Sudeesh. Morning Wellness at Anantara Siam is celebrated in three ways – Buddhist Blessing, Park Wellness and Holistic Healing at Anantara Spa. It starts at daybreak when guests are invited to participate in the daily Buddhist tradition of Tak Bart in the hotel lobby – an ancient custom of making merit and bringing good fortune. Guests are guided through the morning ritual of giving alms of food and receiving a chat's traditional blessing in return. Next, a short walk to nearby Lumpini Park, known as the “green lung of Bangkok”, for a 45-minute session of yoga and pranayama, guided by Anantara’s wellness practitioner, to boost your morning life force energy flow. A nutritious picnic breakfast follows it served in the park. Breakfast features quinoa, mixed fruit salad with poached shrimp, smoked salmon on charcoal bread, homemade granola and dark chocolate petit fours. It ends with vitaminpacked raw juice made from apple, beetroot, carrots and detoxifying kale, pear, lemon, ginger and honey. by tuk-tuk, where your You are taken back to the hotel from the park wellness program continues for a 60-minute Chakra Crystal Balancing treatment at Anantara Spa. You ’ll be invited to choose the crystal-infused oil Your body is blend that resonates most with you during the treatment. surrounded by precious stones as you lie on the bed. These include love of Rose Quartz for your heart; peace of Amethyst above the crown chakra; tiger eyes of the harmonizing energy for balance beside your solar plexus chakra; and Lapis Lazuli’s self-expression that empowers your throat chakra. The energies of the precious stones work their healing powers , while a purifying massage promotes holistic healing by releasing stress and tension, encouraging your body’s natural detoxification. When they enter, guests are presented with a spa menu, but they don ’t have enough time to look over it. Often they listen to the receptionist and what she recommends. “Most of the time, they take that recommendation.” The spa interior is a mixture of painted silk and the fragrant scents of Thai herbs and traditional Thai architecture, evoking a feeling of “spiritual tranquility” and harmony. The spa, called The Spa by MSpa, is managed by

MSpa International, headquartered in Bangkok and one of Asia ’s leading spa management companies. It operates/manages 56 spas around the world. “It’s one of the things that sets us apart. MSpa trains our therapists. All staff members are trained in our Guest Service Journey, which defines how we interact with guests and provide them with a unique experience. Our Service Journey defines our sense of hospitality, care, passion for well-being, and exceptional experiences during your spa journey. It also ensures standard consistency in our service.” https://youtu.be/opyPkq6hgRQ Dining at Anantara Siam https://youtu.be/l3LPOnBMwJo More Anantara Siam Pix The smell of lemongrass is everywhere, adding to the spa's sense of place and décor and its treatment rooms. “It’s very popular with guests and is used in one of our signature treatments.” Many of her guests are experienced travellers who expect a level of service consistent with the Four Seasons brand. Staff also receive continual training and are audited to ensure their performance lives up to the spa’s standards. A

guest satisfaction survey has also been carried out to make the spa aware that any aspect of its service does not meet expectations. Sudeesh recommends that guests arrive 20 to 30 minutes early for their appointment to fill out a medical questionnaire, change, take a quick tour of the spa, and even enjoy its pool, sauna, steam, and relaxation rooms before their treatment begins with an aroma massage. The spa’s nine treatment rooms are decorated in a variety of wall coverings that reflect the colours of the different seasons. One of the couples’ rooms, and a favourite of women, depicts blooming floral patterns wallpaper on one side and a Jim Thompson fabric green and plush sofa on the other. A long curtain of crystal beads lines the other two walls with a vintage crystal chandelier in the middle. room The couples room features a large bathtub, steam room, a dressing and a private restroom. Next is a Morocco-inspired room decorated with traditional Moroccan lamps, a day bed draped with gold curtains and brilliantly coloured throw pillows, producing a “wow” effect in guests as soon as they enter fuchsia pink, gold and bright orange create a feeling of summer energy. It’s particularly popular with Asians and local spa-goers. Another couples suite, offering similar amenities, evokes the spirit of winter with its gold and cream mosaic. Single treatment rooms are decorated in the autumn orange of falling leaves, with Asian wood carvings hanging on the walls.

The spa ’s most popular treatment? The cryptically-named Siam 2482 is a unique massage that incorporates the healing traditions of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and China. It’s memorable in several ways, says May. To start, a bamboo stick is used to stimulate circulation. Then, a stretching and pressure point techniques session to enhance flexibility, followed by a herbal compress of healing indigo and a herbal oil massage and foot reflexology. It ends in a mindfulness ritual, in which gold leaf patches are placed on the wish area of your left arm and on the left side of your chest to encourage mental calming. Equally interesting is the spa ’s Charka Crystal Balancing signature experience, in which you get to choose a crystal-infused oil blend that resonates with you. Next, your body is surrounded by precious stones – from “the unconditional love of Rose Quartz for your head chakra; the “Peace of Amethyst” above the crown chakra; the Tiger Eye ’s harmonizing energy for balance beside your solar plexus chakra; and the Lapses Lazuli’s self-expression that empowers the throat chakra. Next, a purifying massage provides holistic well-being by releasing stress and tension from your physical, emotional and harmonizing energy flow, stimulating blood circulation and raising your body ’s natural detoxification – “all to bring you to a deep state of meditation.” Singing bowls are used to begin and end the experience. “Papering treatments are important for urban guests, but we strive to add a touch of wellness,” adds Chana. These include two of its popular treatments – Elemis Exotic and Colon Therapy and the Elemis Exotic Lime Ginger Salt scrub. The Elemis Body Sculpting Cellulite Therapy wrap helps redefine and smooth your silhouette, using Elemis’ body sculpting system to target stubborn cellulite and specialist massage techniques to detox and firm your skin and stimulate your circulation and reduce fluid retention. It also uses an abdominal massage to cleanse your colon and help you detoxify from the inside out. Also popular is the spa ’s Mud Therapy wrap, where you ’re wrapped in a purifying blend that combines natural plant extracts to detoxify, decongest and stimulate new cells to produce smooth skin. It ends with a relaxing scalp massage “to enhance the feeling of being blissfully cocooned”. The Elemis-based treatments include several facials, including its highly popular Elemis Pro Collagen Quartz Lift facial, a favourite at other Anantara spas, and the Elemis Pro Intense Lift Effect facial. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift has been independently tested, with “phenomenal results, reducing wrinkles by up to 94% and improving skin

firmness by up to 57% after just one treatment. This treatment uses specialized lifting massage techniques with professional strength anti-ageing formulations to leave your skin firmer, uplifted and more youthful. The Elemis Pro Intense Lift Effect uses breakthrough technology, plant stem cells, nutrient-rich natural lipids and firming plant ingredients to target sagging jowls, cheeks, chin and neck areas and reduce fluid retention in the process.

Also popular is the Elemis Oxygen Skin Calm also popular, which uses gentle massage movements with calming ingredients and a restructuring

Japanese silk mask infused with Absolute Skin Balm Booster serum. The treatment is designed to rebalance delicate and sensitive complexions, relieve redness and offer immediate comfort Elemis also has four spa journeys, ranging from its five-hour, 15-minute Escape Beyond Serenity focuses on inner peace, relaxation and rejuvenation. It starts with steam and Detoxifying Green Tea scrub, followed by a choice of bath and an Aroma Stone massage and ends with an Elemis Exotic Moisture Dew facial, a choice between a manicure and pedicure and spa cuisine. Another favourite is the Elemis Absolute Spa Ritual, a customized face and body treatment, which May describes as “the ultimate skin therapy”. You get to choose one of the Elemis ’ unique advanced anti-ageing facials, which produce instant results when combined with the Elemis Deep Tissue Muscle Massage. “In today’s urban environment, we need something hands-on, a quick and nourishing fix.” That’s the purpose of the treatments, which she says, are bursting with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that help remove damaging toxins caused by environmental and lifestyle stresses. The treatment also increases important mineral levels, regenerates skin cells and reduces Rosacea, leaving your skin clearer, radiant and more balanced. Massages include the Elemis Deep Tissue, the spa ’s most popular, which combines deep rhythmic pressure with a personally prescribed blend of essential oils to alleviate stress, ease aching muscles and target individual Ou_SsXYbouQ Touring Anantara Siam Bangkok The Elemis Aroma Stone massage uses the deep penetrating heat and healing power of warm volcanic stone in a full body massage to release muscular tension and balance your spirit. There’s also an Elemis massage for nurturing mothers-to-be, which connects mother and baby through the power of a touch, “working with two hearts as one”. The massage is adapted to each stage of pregnancy, using specialized positioning to ensure safety, comfort and relaxation. It’s designed to relieve tension in the neck and alleviate swelling in the hands and feet while lifting the mother’s spirit. Small stones are also placed on key energy points to stimulate and bring harmony to your chakras. Favourite treatments for Asian women? “Asian guests love pampering body treatments like body scrubs because the benefits go far beyond exfoliation to include detoxification, and give a replenished skin, says Jenna. Western women prefer facial treatments, using Elemis products, well-known for their

anti-aging skincare. Lightening is important for Hong Kong and Chinese guests. For Asians, fairer skin usually means you come from a good family.” Anantara Siam also offers integrated health and wellness with VIVID by Verita Health. VIVID by Verita Health is a vibrant IV drip bar, anti-ageing and aesthetics hub that provides therapies and treatments designed to return vigour, energy and balance to modern lives. Located in the garden courtyard setting adjacent to the Bangkok jet set ’s retreat from the capital ’s buzz, Aqua Bar, VIVID is ideal for anyone with a proactive interest in living a healthy lifestyle while looking and feeling their best. “It recognizes everyone as a unique individual and is committed to customizing your experience. The IV menu offers a variety of well-researched and scientifically proven solutions designed to meet the demands of everyday life. Whatever the needs, a range of IV infusions and advanced cellular and aesthetic treatments are available. Guests can experience powerful health benefits that enhance mental clarity, supercharge the immune system, turn back signs of ageing, beat fatigue, alleviate hangover symptoms, boost metabolism, and provide more energy to enhance overall well-being,” adds Sudheesh. Each IV cocktail ingredient is carefully sourced and formulated to ensure maximum quality and optimal results. It is packed full of vitamins and nutrients, and immune-boosting IV therapies are available to protect against unwanted illnesses, common viruses, and other bacteria. Beauty concerns are addressed with booster shots, and IV pushes that reduce the signs of ageing, brighten tired-looking skin, flush out toxins, combat free radicals, and improve skin tone. With cosmetic and cellular treatments specializing in skin transformation and facial rejuvenation utilizing advanced anti-ageing protocols, the team of highly trained doctors provides a range of solutions. And at the forefront of antiageing treatments, VIVID ’s medical experts deliver advanced cutting-edge techniques to lift, tighten, contour, enhance and sculpt facial features. There ’s also a wide variety of IV, cellular and aesthetic treatments, including Verita ’s exclusive Elements of Wellness with its medical-grade oxygen and photoluminescence therapy to recharge the internal system by increasing O2 levels in the body and balancing the circadian rhythm.

Dining is a global adventure at Anantara Siam, where its restaurants feature Italian cuisine, Manhattan-style steaks, Japanese creations and local Thai dishes. The Manhattan-style steaks are served daily at Madison, which offers Motszuaka, Kobe and Wagyu beef, seafood, and a wide variety of wines. The Madison also offers brunch on Sunday. Biscotti is a contemporary Italian restaurant with an open kitchen and home-style Italian food that provides a business set lunch if you ’re in a hurry. It serves pizza pasta with dishes like rock lobster, spaghetti aglio olio e peppersone and parsley. It features beef tomahawk, a 300-day Waygu rib eye marble, and other steak specialties in the evenings. Shintaro, which means new vision , features a long sushi bar that is America and interactive and informal. It offers fresh fish from Japan, North Australia daily and traditional sushi, sashimi, Deerdles and tempura dishes. A favourite among locals, The Spice Market resembles an old Thai spice shop. It is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch with a menu that includes fish, pork, beef and chicken dishes. Staff dressed in contemporary Thai uniforms will help you tailor the right amount of spice for each dish.

Take-away hampers with various foods and wines are available at

the

Mocha and Muffins. It is also one of the restaurants that offer a Sunday brunch. Anantara Siam Bangkok has 354 large rooms, including 35 suites and seven garden cabanas with views of tropical gardens, the hotel’s outdoor pool and the nearby private golf course of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. Interesting things to do nearby: The Erwan Shrine or Saan Phra Phrom – a large shrine with the fourheaded Brahma or Phra Phrom in Thai – is at its centre. It is revered by Buddhists, who revere it as sacred and powerful and can ward off bad luck — only a five-minute walk from the hotel. First stop: Jim Thomson ’s House – the house of the famous American who revived the Thai silk industry. Jim Thomson silk is known for its high-quality Thai silk textiles, neckties, etc., which is a 15-minute drive. Lumpini Park, named after Buddha ’s birthplace, is Bangkok ’s largest and most popular park. Elderly Chinese practise Tai Chi early in the morning. Then there’s the ancient ruin of Phra Nakon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand’s capital and one of Thailand’s most popular tourist attractions for more than four centuries. It ’s an hour away by car. And if you just want to relax, cruise the Chao Phraya River. Boarding one of the cruises boats is easy and only a short distance from the hotel.

Banyan Tree Bangkok Dining amid the stars

f you do nothing else on your visit to Thailand, be sure to have dinner at The Vertigo, an “out-of-this-world” restaurant perched atop the 61-storyBanyan Tree Hotel in Bangkok. Day or night, the view of the city is incredible, but at night, when the restaurant is bathed in soft blue light, it’s absolutely spectacular. The glass-enclosed restaurant sits on the hotel ’s former helipad and is built on escalating platforms with low walls to ensure outstanding 360-degree panoramic views of the city and its most famous landmarks like the Grand Palace, Royal Chapel, Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho Temple, National Museum and the Emerald Buddha that take on a life of their own at night. Guests describe it as “like being on the top of the world”, and many come back to experience it a second time. Vertigo can seat 150 and is divided into three sections – a dining courtyard, a private party lounge and the Moon Bar, lit by a bluish light and d écor that adds to the sense of serenity. The food is pretty good, too – either à la carte dining or a choice between a four-course set dinner and a five-course set dinner. Signature dishes include marinated tuna tartar with salmon roe, rosemary-scented oven-roasted rack of blanc and lamb, tabouleh, capsicum, broiled lobster, lemongrass, beurre Chinese spinach. Vertigo is also the endpoint for the hotel ’s annual Vertical Marathon, raising funds for local communities' specific needs. It is also a destination in itself , but not the only one at Banyan Tree Bangkok. Its spa is just as fascinating in its own special way and offers equally memorable experiences, starting at spa reception, where you descend a darkened, winding staircase to the spa, suddenly not sure what to expect. The only light comes from an illuminated translucent acrylic bamboo forest, which you must pass to reach the precincts of the spa. a1qGFIcZy7c Banyan Tree, Bangkok https://youtu.be/syxjDqLx6E4 More Banyan Tree Bangkok Pix The spa spans three levels – from spa reception on the 21

floor to the 19 th

floor. Spa reception is bright and spacious, with an unmistakable feeling of calm. Overhead is a large raised oval fixture. It aligns with Banyan Tree ’s overall spa d écor concept, which features circular designs symbolizing “a sphere of tranquility”. The circular design appears again on the floor corridors inside the spa. Here you ’ll be taken to the spa ’s relaxation room for tea and have an opportunity to review Banyan Tree ’s treatment menu and discuss your preferences and even special requirements with one of Banyan Tree ’s 30 therapists. Next, you’ll be escorted down the circular staircase and into the spa, giving you a foot bath and foot massage. The footbath uses cloves and lemongrass, blended and wrapped in a small pouch and soaked in warm water with rose petals. The ingredients have effective cleansing and anti-bacterial properties. A shower and a relaxing period over tea usually follow treatments . You’ll be asked to choose from an assortment of incense with different scents, each with other therapeutic benefits, for use during your treatment in the treatment

room. You ’ll also be asked if there are any specific areas you would like the therapist to focus on and your preferred pressure level for massages.

Many of its 16 treatment rooms have panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views of Bangkok. Its three double treatment rooms include steam, Jacuzzi and shower – single treatment rooms with shower facilities, and six single spa suites facilities. Treatment suites include three Grand Spa suites – Rainmist, steam, Jacuzzi and shower facilities and a double treatment room; four deluxe spa suites – double treatment rooms with steam, Jacuzzi and shower facilities. The spa takes its name from the banyan tree – a tropical Indian fig tree considered sacred in some parts of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Banyan Tree sees itself as an ideal escape for day spa seekers in Bangkok. “All guests who visit a city spa or a destination spa have similar objectives – to retreat, relax and pamper themselves,” says Kingkarn Olabgarnjanin, assistant vice president. “The difference lies in the type of spa treatments you select … city spa visitors tend to have less time – so they go for shorter treatments,” she added, noting that some of its most popular treatments are 90 and 120-minute massages two-hour packages. Its signature 150-minute Rainmist experience, a Banyan Tree innovation, is carried out in one of the Rainmist rooms. You ’ll experience the tingling , sensation of rain falling on your back while being given body treatments scrubs, and wraps. “A brilliant treatment takes the Vichy Shower experience to a new level,” says Kingkarn. “It combines a body treatment with a steam and rain shower without having to leave your bed. The Rainmist, combined with water and steam in an enclosed room, produces a perfect temperature for most people.” This is followed by a scrub and then a honey and milk conditioner, leaving the skin soft and smooth, followed by a period of relaxation and refreshments. She adds that the Rainmist package helps the body relax much more than a normal massage. That ’s because the Rainmist attunes your body – so that it ’s already relaxed before you go into a deeper level of massage. “It ’s a great antidote for jet lag.” The experience includes a body massage, a bath soak, a steam bath and a rain shower, followed by a cleansing mitt body scrub, a rain shower, an Avocado body conditioner, a face mask, another steam bath, a Soya milk body splash and a rain shower with hair wash. Then, Banyan herbal pouches, filled with lemongrass, cloves and coriander, are used to apply warm sesame oil to mind and your body, while the Banyan massage helps to balance your body, soul. The herbal pouches are dipped in warm oil heated by ceramic oil burners. This is followed by a therapeutic herbal bath and refreshments, and relaxation. Since the Rainmist experience was launched, Banyan Tree has created

unique Rainforest Indulgences and Experiences for its Spa Sanya in China, Mayakoba in Mexico and Alwade in UAE . Other Banyan Tree signature treatments are very popular Royal Banyan and Master Therapist experience kits. The heart of the Royal Banyan is the Royal pouch massage, using EastMeets-West techniques and a herbal pouch dipped in warm sesame oil. A Banyan Tree therapist uses the pouch to iron out muscular tensions and improve blood circulation. The 90-minute Master Therapist Experience is performed by an elite group of highly skilled Master Therapists, who tailor your massage using Banyan Tree ’s signature spa massage techniques adapted to your specific needs. From the Rainmist treatment, you go straight into a treatment room, where a master therapist analyzes your body and asks you what you did the day before, for example, your job and how much you travel. Before customizing a treatment for you, she then touches your body to find out where the tense muscles are.

All three of Banyan Tree Spa ’s 90-minute Rejuvenation packages include a polisher, scrub, and massage. The Perfect Balance features an apple green polisher, which cleanses the skin and helps to prevent skin disorders, and a Balancing massage. The Sweet Serenade features a tropical fruit body scrub and a classic Thai massage. When it comes to massages, you’ll be able to choose from 12 different types,

including Asian Blend, Balinese, Island Dew, Lomi Lomi, Swedish, Balancing and its Signature Master Therapist Experience. There are three 90-minute facials – Premium Age Defence, designed to combat visible signs of ageing. It includes an anti-ageing eye massage and a firming face massage, a mineral eye mask to reduce fine lines, and a cream mask enriched with skin-plumping properties and active sera to nourish your skin. The Banyan Brilliance is an ultra-firming facial that plumps and rehydrates the skin with active sera to boost cellular renewal, while the Perfectly Purified is designed for oily skin. There are also three 60-minute facials – Sheer Comfort, Hydro Treat and Balancing Stone. The Pure Bliss restores radiance with a sweet-smelling coconut and sesame scrub that smoothens and softens your skin. Perfect Balance uses an apple and green tea polisher to cleanse your skin and aid in preventing skin disorders. It is followed by a balancing massage. Body scrubs include a kaffir lime mask, Romance salt scrub, carrot purifier, tropical fruit scrub and turmeric and honey cleanser. Body conditioners include aloe and lavender, an herbal enhancer, tropical fruit and kaffir lime mask. For experienced spa-goers, she suggests the Inspired by Ayurveda packages. There are three, each lasting two hours – Restful Balance, Peace of Mind and Perfect Energizer. The Restful Balance is designed to soothe tension and calm your mind with Shirodhara treatment, where warm oil is a combination of massages and a poured on your forehead. The Peace of Mind also uses a Shirodhara treatment to release anxiety and includes a dry powder scrub to remove oil from your body and exfoliate dead skin cells, followed by a signature Rainmist steam bath and an avocado splash treatment. The Banyan Day experience, like its Pampering Day package, begins with a series of stimulating body treatments that include a body scrub, a body conditioner, and a massage. The Perfect Energizer focuses on relaxing tension from your lower back, using a podi Kishi or warm herbal pouch with an ’s Ayurvedic massage. Then, a Marma Face massage to rebalance your body internal body system.

After lunch, treatments begin with a facial and either a Banyan hand or foot essential treatment. In foot essentials, your feet are given a foot scrub with milk, honey and sea salt to slough off dead skin and then a relaxing massage. The other Banyan Day experience – Perfect Day – includes a steam bath, a choice of massage and facial, a flower bath, foot essentials and shampoo. Both experiences last 3.5 hours, plus lunch. Banyan Tree, Kingkarn notes, is a pioneer of the garden spa concept “as a haven for physical and spiritual renewal that celebrates human touch, ” using natural herbs and spices and aromatic oils with ancient healing powers. Banyan Tree describes it as a “sanctuary for the senses and a sense of serenity” that draws on Asian traditions dating back centuries. “Our massage treatments are based on evolving techniques that have passed through the hands of many generations. Our health and beauty remedies combine aromatic oils, herbs and spices with ancient healing powers.” Banyan Tree journeys include a 30-minute quiet time. This philosophy is communicated to all therapists who undergo 300 hours of rigorous theoretical and practical training at one of the Banyan Tree Spa Academies in Phuket, Bangkok, China and Indonesia. The company ’s academy is accredited by Thailand. In 2017, the academy marked its 16th anniversary.

The program encompasses all areas of spa therapy , including human anatomy, key pressure points, modern and traditional massage techniques, bodyweight variations, knowledge of skin epidermis, facial applications, properties of herbs and spices, and preparation of spa ingredients standard greeting procedures. The Banyan Tree Gallery offers Banyan Tree ’s signature spa products and accessories, travel souvenirs, resort-style home furnishings, apparel and more. It is the inspiration of Claire Chaing, a prominent Singapore businesswoman and one of the owners of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts. The Gallery is also the marketing channel for traditional village crafts made by hand in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and China. In addition to Vertigo, Banyan Tree has seven other restaurants, starting with Bai Yun, located on the floor below Vertigo, offering great city views. It features traditional Cantonese dishes, including homemade dim sum and a wide selection of Chinese teas. More than 30 types of premium Oolong, Pu-erh, green, red and scented teas are available and served with time-honoured rituals. Bai Yun underwent an imperial makeover in 2007 and stood out with its burgundy silver décor and high ceilings. For fresh seafood, it ’s Pier 59, where the day's catch is prepared for guests with Mediterranean and Asia Pacific tastes. Furnishings really stand out and include high-backed acrylic seats and turquoise blue glass tables. The private room at the entrance features a wine rack known as the wine-tasting room. On the 51st and 52nd floors, Saffron is Banyan Tree ’s signature restaurant. The philosophy behind the restaurant is in its name – a reddish-golden spice used for its distinctive colour and spicy taste. Saffron serves traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist. Thihei, meaning peace in Japanese, is designed as a split-level restaurant, offering sake, sushi and yakitori on the 53 rd floor and teppanyaki on the 54 th floor. Its sake menu features almost 100 different bottles, one of the largest in Southeast Asia.

For something different, there ’s Apsana, a vintage-styled, teakwood rice barge that plies the Chao Praya River, where you can enjoy selections of Royal Thai cuisine and canapés and combine a great meal with essential sightseeing. Romsai, a popular breakfast buffet of Western, Chinese and Japanese favourites, is an all-day restaurant located in the garden. There ’s sushi, sashimi, pasta dishes of your choice, fresh-grilled seafood, and hot sauces for lunch and dinner. Theme buffets such as seafood and BBQs are also available in the garden. Try Goodies for deli products, pastry and bakery products. The hotel also has four bars, including the Moon Bar at Vertigo. The others – Latitude Lounge & Bar, located at the sky deck on the 51 st floor; the Lobby Lounge, which also serves high tea in the Deern; and the Juice Bar, offering an informal, relaxed area and a dining area for guests after a spa treatment or a workout at the pool or gym. The Juice Bar is located on the 21 st floor and serves

a variety of drinks and fresh juices. Interesting things to see and do nearby: Sightseeing by boat, SkyTrain and Tuk Tuk to Bangkok ’s celebrated attractions like the Grand Palace, Royal Chapel, Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho Temple, National Museum and the Emerald Buddha head the list for many visitors. With its strategic location in downtown Bangkok, Banyan Tree Hotel is also an ideal starting point for shopping, beginning with the massive Chatuchak weekend market and major malls like Siam Paragon, Central World and Emporium for fashionable apparel. Then there ’s MBK, Platinum Fashion Mall and numerous branches of Robinsons, Central and The Mall, all easily accessible by subway and SkyTrain. Banyan Tree takes it to another level with its complimentary shopping companion service, where you can tap into the shopping expertise of hotel experts, who are as familiar with weekend markets as they are with the city ’s most fashionable department stores. These experts will help you find special buys at the best prices and are available daily for a three-hour session. They know the way, speak the language, and offer tips on selecting and striking a great deal.

Capella Bangkok Beyond Simple Indulgence “We understand escapism beyond the simple indulgence of travel and seek, through knowledge, empathy and respect for our surroundings, to create Capella Curates – a selection of experiences designed to become lifelong memories.” It starts the moment you make a reservation. A Capella culturalist is assigned to you even before you arrive and make themselves available to you throughout your stay. “We curate your personalized activities along the Chao Phraya River, focusing on art, history, culture, entertainment and cuisine,” adds John Blanco, Capella Bangkok’s general manager. For Capella, it ’s a two-way street. “We understand it ’s a privilege to be trusted with such exceptional destinations, and we seek, through knowledge, empathy and respect for our surroundings, to create authentic experiences.” Capella takes its name from the brightest star in the Suruga Constellation in the northern sky. It has become an inspiration in crafting its approach to hospitality. You sense it the moment you enter the hotel lobby and its tea lounge with its calming views of the river and nearby lily pond.

https://youtu.be/-YMjXcnZn7U The Making of Capella Bangkok https://youtu.be/1fwW0C249m0 The Making of Capella Bangkok – Part 2 The people of Thailand have relied on its waterways for their land’s fertility and commemorate d their most important celebrations with water. The Chao Phraya River, on whose banks Capella was built, flowed a golden age for Bangkok, crisscross ing the city's canals that created fluid pathways between cultures and their health and healing rituals. Among them is Traditional Chinese Medicine, “where the water element represents our essence, which contains the Qi, connecting us with the deepest aspects of ourselves. Water, according to Ayurveda, is the protector of the body. It provides nourishment and soothes pain and inflammation. In Europe, the spa's culture in its original incarnation – taking the mineral-rich waters to solve any number of ailments – reached its second apogee in the 19 th Century, right when Bangkok was exerting itself,” said Blanco. tranquility, blending The spa immerses guests in a natural sanctuary of contemporary wellness techniques with ancient Asian wisdom. Nestled in the resort’s lush landscaped gardens, this 1,074-square metre facility features seven treatment rooms (including two spa suites), a thermal bathing area, a naturally lit tea lounge with an outdoor spa garden and a well-equipped fitness centre. Drawing upon age-old therapies , medicinal herbs, and spices—many growing organically in the local area—Auriga Wellness will provide a unique spa experience. Conceptualized by GOCO Hospitality, the spa program balances the heritage of the various communities along Charoenkrung Road with treatments embracing elements of traditional Chinese medicine, Indian healing rituals and time-honoured Thai techniques (such as Tok Sen, a hammer massage introduced to Bangkok by settlers from Chiang Mai). To offer guests the best in modern healing and beauty treatments, Auriga Wellness also worked with luxury skincare brand ‘111SKIN ’ to design a range of signature facial and body therapies, including dedicated treatments for gentlemen and the award-winning non-surgical lift facial. “Our goal,” said Chinnapat Verasomboonsin, Capella’s spa director, whose Thai nickname is Pin,” is to bring you incredible journeys of locally evolved rejuvenation tailored to your individual needs and to show that the most

effective healing methods exist both on a continuum and in a melting pot, much like Bangkok.” Auriga Wellness offers an extensive menu of massages, body scrubs, wraps, facials and cleansing rituals designed to leave guests feeling fully restored, refreshed and rejuvenated. A series of active classes and lifestyle sessions, such as yoga, tai chi, personal training, TRX workouts and Muay Thai, are also offered to invigorate your mind and body. “Capella Bangkok is set to become one of Bangkok's most iconic wellness destinations thanks to its never-before-seen collection of locally inspired spa treatments,” says Ingo Schweder, founder and CEO of GOCO Hospitality. “Auriga Wellness will take guests on genuine journeys that explore the unique healing traditions inspired by the communities of Charoenkrung Road. This area is famed for personal training, TRX workouts and Muay Thai, which are also offered to invigorate your mind and body. “Capella Bangkok is set to become one of Bangkok's most iconic wellness destinations thanks to its never-before-seen collection of locally inspired spa treatments,” says Ingo Schweder, founder and CEO of GOCO Hospitality. “Auriga Wellness will take guests on genuine journeys that explore the unique healing traditions inspired by the communities of Charoenkrung Road. This area is famed for its expertise in herbal medicines and ancient massage techniques, and I can’t wait to see these rituals come to life at Capella Bangkok.” “Auriga Wellness is a ‘sanctuary within a sanctuary ’ – a self-enclosed fullservice spa in the heart of our riverside resort,” says John Blanco, general manager of Capella Bangkok. “Surrounded by tropical gardens, this is a cocoon where guests and local residents can escape from the outside world and unwind in a deeply peaceful ambience. GOCO Hospitality has created breathtaking spa experiences for Capella in Sanya, Bali and the Maldives, and I am delighted to introduce their unique concept to Capella Bangkok,” The sense of wellbeing at Capella Bangkok does not end at Auriga Wellness; spa-inspired services permeate throughout this innovative urban resort, from in-room wellness programs and yoga mats to healthy dining options, a glistening riverside pool, and engaging experiences curated by a team of ‘Capella Culturists ’, who tap into the rich history of this storied neighbourhood. Auriga offers three signature treatments, starting with Hom Mali, where a n a multi-sensory mixture of Hom rice, yogurt and sweet almond oil o homemade scrub and massage experience. Dhyana for Two is a three-hour

ancient meditative massage inspired by Chanzong, a Zen-like tradition rooted in ancient massage rituals. It is tailored for couples and starts with a purifying soak in a Thai herbal of lemongrass, turmeric, bergamot and tamarind, followed by a sweet scrub made from brown sugar, oats and almonds, and a guided lotus centres shared between you and your meditation that connects the energy partner. The third signature is the spa’s powerful Body Healing by 111 SKIN, a highperformance Y Theorem repair serum facial to strengthen your skin and enhance its ability to repair itself. Then our therapist turns her attention to other parts of your body that may be irritated or under stress, preparing you for a healing Thai oil massage. All signature treatments can be bundled with a macrobiotic lunch. There are four traditional Thai therapies, passed down through centuries in rural communities in the mountains of Chiang Mai and uplifted by the holistic traditions of Indian, Chinese and Muslim world wisdom. The Chi Nei Tsang was inspired by the centuries-old healing therapies developed by Taoist monks. The first is Tok Sen, where rhythmic tapping along built-up tension. The your body ’s energy lines to relax your muscles and vibrations of a singing bowl enhance physical relief. A deep abdominal organ massage reduces your body ’s physical and emotional toxins and helps strengthen your immune system while correcting your postural tension.

The Luk Pra Kob is a big favourite at many Thai spas, where a Thai herbal compress massage is applied to your body to relieve aches and combat fatigue. The treatment also stimulates blood flow and revitalizes you’re your mind. It ends with a full-body massage using a herbal oil. sts The Nuad Bo Rarn has spiritual origins and is performed by therapi trained at Bangkok’s Wat Phi Temple, the birthplace of the Thai massage. Other treatments include Ritual Relaxation, drawing inspiration from local Thai-Indian massage rituals, where your therapist uses signature aromatherapy oil blends to guide you to a state of total relaxation. The Deep Diffuse uses traditional Burmese massage techniques and concentrated pressure to relieve long-term aches and pains. It uses acupressure and long strokes across your energy lines, enhancing blood circulation and removing blockages. In the Magnesium Revival, great for reducing stress and irregular sleeping patterns, natural magnesium is absorbed into our body through a blend of oils tailored to your skin type. The Meditative Cleanse follows traditional cleansing rituals focused on lymphatic drainage to flush out toxins and promote the regeneration of inner body cells and re-energize your immune system, while the Volcanic Radiance uses heated volcanic stones over your body with pure essential oils to improve lymphatic flow and you calm relaxation that radiates for hours. With Ayurvedic Bliss, this treatment features an Ayurvedic massage and head treatment to align your body ’s most important energy centres. It lessens

the effects of insomnia and headaches by increasing circulation to your head to reduce the impact of insomnia and headaches by improving circulation and promoting the drainage of accumulated toxins. The Harmonized Qi is used to optimize and harmonize your yin and yang. Your therapist manipulates your Qi at specific points along your body‘s energy pathways, dating back to an ancient wellness tradition. These Chinese acupressure points, Tui Na, realign your body, leaving it balanced and energized. The spa uses natural ingredients to uplift your skin in its facials. These include Snow Lotus Soothing, designed to restore natural suppleness by Chinese settlers to Bangkok. It starts with a balancing and rejuvenating facial using Marma point massage techniques and a clay mask with the restorative power of the lotus. Great for normal and combination skin types. Turmeric checks for free radicals in the Tumeric Clay Radiance, breaks up discolouration. A melanin deposits and diminishes dark skin spots and cleansing white clay mask is applied to calm irritations and illuminate s your skin with natural vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. The Black Teas Firming uses tea to restore natural function and fight the signs of ageing with a tea and phytoplankton mask and moisturize and restore firmness, while the Absolute Eye treatment soothes tired eyes and minimizes the signs of ageing and puffiness. It also reduces dark circles and strengthens your skin’s moisture barrier to maintain hydration. There are also a number of 111SKIN facials. The 111SPA/Clinic fuses esthetic performance face and body treatments with precision skincare, medical practices and holistic therapies for results, starting with Celestial Black Diamond Non-Surgical Lift facial, an intensive facial treatment that uses scientific formulae with diamond powder to increase the absorption of active ingredients to ease fine lines and wrinkles and leave your skin lifted and brighter. The Original Dramatic Healing is a high-performance facial that enhances your skin’s ability to repair and strengthen using Y Theorem Repair Serum. The Clarity Anti-Blemish is designed for problematic skin and includes an intelligent mask system that utilizes 111SKIN facial architecture methods to leave your complexion refined and purified. Combined with a deep muscle Indian facial massage to leave your skin rested and restored. Other facials SKIN‘s Essence to include the Meso Infusion Hydration, which uses 111 moisturize, reinvigorate, and refresh. The Cryotherapy Energy Signature facial uses cooled Cyro stones with 111SKIN ’s regenerative formulae to energize, detoxify and contour your complexion. It ends with an additional deep stone

massage that includes oxygenation and increased microcirculation to fight the appearance of pores and protect against pollution. There are several facials available for men. Among scrubs and wraps is the Himalayan Salt scrub, which mixes Himalayan salt with lemon. ylang-ylang and frankincense to exfoliate your skin maximize the and remove pollutants, while a hydrating mask is applied to benefits. The Thanka Brightening Body Mask uses an ancient paste made from the bark of the Thanka. This anti-ageing mask also reduces inflammation and protects against the sun.

The Cooling Aloe Vera wrap uses a mixture of Aloe Vera. Mint and black tea to heal your skin, treat wounds, and reduce redness irritation. The Mung Bean Polish removes impurities, improves circulation, and releases excess heat from your body. Auriga also offers two sound-healing experiences – Chakra Balancing, which restores and balances your body ’s centres while restoring the naturing frequencies of your body and mind. Inner Serenity massages your body at the cellular level, reducing stress and creating a deep and meditative sense of peace and well-being. “As you embark on your wellness journey, we are committed to giving your body the fuel it needs in electrolytes, freshwater, coconut water, grains and legumes,” said Pin, helping you get the most out of our wellness programs while also providing the nutrients for a long and healthy life, Explore our macrobiotic menu options in Phra Nakhon or speak to our wellness staff for more information about how your next treatment can be bundled with a macrobiotic lunch tailored to your needs.” Capella also offers a Muay Thai experience that includes two options – a 90-

minute Quickfire Muay Thai training personalized to your ability, followed by a macrobiotic lunch, and the Muay Thai lunch and spa package, which also features a 90-minute workout, a traditional Thai lunch designed around your workout and ends with a 60-minute Traditional Thai massage to release tension and encourage muscle regeneration.

Centara Grand Centralworld Bangkok Bangkok’s Lotus Landmark

t street level.

the 55-storey hotel and convention

centre resemble a

flowering lotus – a sacred flower revered by Thais that incorporates the earth, air, fire and water in its creation.

Centara CentralWorld is close to Wat Pathum Temple. Pathum in Thai means lotus. At night, the effect is even more dazzling when its lotus-shaped projection is traced in glowing red and blue in neon-like light ing. The leaf-like winged structure and the Bangkok skyline provide a stunning backdrop for a special night at the hotel ’s Red Sky restaurant, located on the roof of the hotel, where you can dine on U.S. beef and relax at the Long Bar, which serves some of the icy creative drinks in town. Red Sky also offers more than 300 wine labels from its two-storey, glass-walled wine cellar. Red Sky’s atmosphere is made for romance. One young suitor booked the best table with the best view to propose. Guests often mention the view as one of the big things they remember most about their stay at Centra CentralWorld. with The hotel is connected to Central World, a huge shopping complex hundreds of retail and dining outlets, including leading brand names, the

Bangkok Convention Centre that can seat up to 6,000 theatre style, and a ballroom that accommodates 800 with banquet-style seating. th floor, The lotus motif appears again at Spa Cenvaree, located on the 26 whose design is based on the circle-of-life concept of Exhilaration, Rejuvenation and Well-Being. Its facilities include a Vichy rain shower, an infrared sauna, slimming technologies, and traditional Thai spa techniques and treatments. The spa has 12 multi-function treatment rooms, a couple of treatment suites with Jacuzzis, and facilities for massages and traditional Thai massages. There are also indoor and outdoor relaxation rooms and an outdoor massage sala. CentralWorld has 12 therapists and six-foot massage tables. The treatment rooms are located along a curving corridor with a light brown wood floor that gleams in the lights posted near the floor along the wall. A hint of lemongrass hovers everywhere. The treatment rooms are quite spacious. The beds are wider than usual, with light brown covers and dark brown runners, with orchid blossoms on the pillows. After treatments, you ’ll be invited to relax at the spa ’s juice and snack bar and take in the city skyline. Lk2tCHMEwxQ Centara CentralWorld https://youtu.be/RuB0CY5DgQ0 Centara CentralWorld Bangkok “We cultivate enhanced well-being and inner peace,” Ratchamas Muksripresert, spa manager, tells me about the spa ’s philosophy. We are sitting outside in the spa ’s outdoor lotus garden on the 26th floor. Water trickles from a long, narrow, shallow pool at the edge of the garden, thick with green undergrowth, herbs and trees. Inside, the whirlpool offers views of the Bangkok skyline. It is late morning, and a warm breeze stirs the leaves and ripples the water in the pool. “Our approach is high-touch, low-tech and uses nature's healing powers with herbs picked from our own garden and massage treatments, using the purest essential oils.” Your spa journey begins with a consultation at Spa Cenvaree ’s large reception area to help your therapist understand your needs and objectives and select an aromatherapy oil best suited to your needs. Next, a brief stroll to your treatment room.

Most treatments begin with a footbath to eradicate negative energies and toxins, followed by a singing bowl session to help you relax. Warm oil is then applied to your body before the massage. The treatment ends with cool cucumber water, leaving you feeling balanced from head to toe. After your treatment, you ’ll be escorted to the spa ’s relaxation lounge for herbal tea and healthy snacks. The spa places a great emphasis on organically grown herbs in its facial treatments. Many of the ingredients are prepared fresh just before your arrival. The spa sources products only from suppliers who import certified and high-quality oils to ensure the highest-grade botanical oils are used. Extraction methods are reviewed carefully with suppliers to maintain oil quality. “At Spa Cenvaree,” says Nueng, “wellness is defined as your own place of well-being, and our spa ’s philosophy and culture is to help you detoxify, destress and find the serenity to regain balance – in your own space and time. “We also believe spa treatments are only a part of that process. What we ingest mentally and physically can also positively impact our well-being.” At the start of your treatment, she adds, your therapist will bow their head, still their mind through guesswork and say a silent “thank you”. This ritual helps them ignore external stimuli, focus 100% on your treatment, become in tune with your body, and create a special experience for every guest. CentralWorld offers two multi-day retreats – a two-day de-stress and detoxifying retreat and a three-day longevity and rejuvenation retreat. The two-day program, developed by Spa Cenvaree ’s master therapists, enables you to experience a real Thai spa journey as well as ancient Thai rituals and traditions. Day One features the spa ’s Signature Salt Pot Muscles Melter and a Thai herbal facial. The second day includes a Nuad Thai – a traditional Thai foot massage – a Siamese herbal body wrap, and a home spa gift set. https://youtu.be/GMZ5TJ_YypU More CentraWorld Bangkok Pix The three-day program focuses on replenishing your body ’s vital energy, reducing visible signs of ageing and calming your nervous system. Day One starts with a Hot Stone massage and includes a Botanical Bliss Flower scrub and refreshment s. Day Two features a Nuad Tao (a traditional foot massage), a Sea Champagne Body Contour Wrap, an Ayurvedic

Shirobhyanga or Indian head massage, and Day Three, an Aromatherapy massage, Jurlique Deep Cleanse facial and a home spa gift set. There’s also a Couples Retreat that starts with a herbal steam, a botanical Bliss scrub for her and a Siamese herbal Loofah scrub for him, a choice of oil massage, a Jurlique Deep Cleanse for him and a Jurlique intense recovery. And for her, a Citrus and Coconut Milk bath, steam therapy and a Sea Champagne Body Contour wrap, as well as a Honeymoon Retreat that includes body brushing, a Mocha Chino mud wrap, Strawberry scrub, a soothing massage using vanilla Shea butter and a Thai herbal facial. The spa’s Thai Tranquility packages run from 150 minutes to three hours , emphasizing “immersing yourself in perfect balance and well-being”. There are five packages:

Thai Body Balance combines a collection of its signature treatments designed to help you experience “the soul of the Thai spa journey”. It starts with a wheat germ and sesame foot scrub and includes an organic seven-grain body exfoliation, a Chakra Balancing Vichy Shower, or a Detoxifying Thai Nuad Thai (Thai massage), or an aromatherapy Herbal Tea bath, then a massage, and ends with a facial massage with a warming sesame pouch. The Serenity uses a balancing and a moisturizing hair mask massaged over your scalp to help you feel relaxed, using a secret recipe that produces silky, soft hair. It starts with a scalp massage with an Avocado Coconut Cream mask,

features a De-Ageing Passion Fruit and Lemongrass Salt scrub and a Coconut Oil massage, and ends with a Shea butter massage. Salt Relief, a Samunprai Signature treatment, uses salt to treat muscle tension in healing rituals passed down over generations. It starts with an Herbal Salt Tea bath and includes a Salt Pot Heat compress and a Muscles Melter massage. The Ultimate Well-Being is a three-hour treatment that employs deepcleaning village rituals used in times past to ease muscle soreness after a long day in the field and stones to increase vitality. It starts with a Coconut and Pumice Stone scrub and features a Hot Stone massage and a Jurlique Intense Recovery facial.

Wanale or Royal Treat, another three-hour treatment, uses Thai herbs and organic plant essences to detoxify your body at all levels. It features a Botanical Bliss scrub, Galangal Firming wrap, a Jurlique Deep Cleanse facial and oil massage Nuad Thai. The spa is known for two signature treatments – Thai Harmony Four Hands massage and Salt Pot Muscles Relief – which are also huge favourites at other Centara resorts in Thailand. Salt is a traditional remedy used by Thais to treat muscle tension. The Salt Relief is especially popular among new mothers

looking to regain body wellness after childbirth. The treatment combines the healing elements of heat, aroma, curative herbs, salt and water with compression to help you achieve health. Then, a hot salt pot is tapped rhythmically along your muscles to help alleviate muscle pain and promote total harmony. “Guests who have experienced this treatment remark on how comfortable they feel and the wonderful smell of our herbal product and describe the treatment as ‘fantastic.” The spa’s Thai Tranquility packages run from 150 minutes to three hours , emphasizing “immersing yourself in perfect balance and well-being”. There are five packages: Thai Body Balance combines a collection of its signature treatments designed to help you experience “the soul of the Thai spa journey”. It starts with a wheat germ and sesame foot scrub and includes an organic seven-grain body exfoliation, a Chakra Balancing Vichy Shower, or a Detoxifying Thai Nuad Thai (Thai massage), or an aromatherapy Herbal Tea bath, then a massage, and ends with a facial massage with a warming sesame pouch. The Serenity uses a balancing and a moisturizing hair mask massaged over your scalp to help you feel relaxed, using a secret recipe that produces silky, soft hair. , It starts with a scalp massage with an Avocado Coconut Cream mask features a De-Ageing Passion Fruit and Lemongrass Salt scrub, and ends with a Shea butter massage. The Ultimate Well-Being is a three-hour treatment that employs deepcleaning village rituals used in times past to ease muscle soreness after a long day in the field and stones to increase vitality. It starts with a Coconut and Pumice Stone scrub and features a Hot Stone massage and a Jurlique Intense Recovery facial. Wanale or Royal Treat, another three-hour treatment, uses Thai herbs and organic plant essences to detoxify your body at all levels. It includes Deep Tissue, Swedish and stretching techniques to treat tired muscles. It features a Botanical Bliss scrub, Galangal Firming wrap, a Jurlique Deep Cleanse facial, an oil massage Nuad Thai – a traditional Thai massage – and Hai Nuea, based on old village rituals for back relief. Other signature treatments include the Thai Harmony Four Hands massage, performed by two therapists working in unison using a blend of Thai, Swedish, Shiatsu and Reflexology techniques that leave you feeling “completely renewed”. CentralWorld’s facials use natural oils and organic plant extracts designed

to “restore youthful vitality”. These include its popular Signature Organic facial, which uses organic ingredients like Lemongrass, oatmeal, cucumber and botanical oils to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate your skin. The facial includes a lymphatic massage to improve blood circulation and skin firmness. Also popular is the Jurlique Intense Recovery – an intensive facial to treat sun-damaged and nutrient-starved skin to improve firmness, minimize pore size, and leave your skin looking radiant. The treatment includes cleansing, exfoliation, steaming, and cleansing masks to remove impurities and excess oils. Another Jurlique treatment – the Jurlique Deep Cleanse – is designed to unclog pores and improve skin tone. It ends with a hand massage, using magnolia and rose hand lotion mixed with rosehip oils and Vitamin E. Another favourite is the Galangal Firming Wrap, based on an Eastern technique, using a body mask with blends of galangal, turmeric and black pepper to reduce cellulite and water retention. Galangal helps to reduce muscle stiffness, improve blood circulation and relieve skin dehydration.

It’s especially popular with individuals seeking slimming effects. In addition, the use of herbs has a profound calming effect on your body and mind. The Botanical Bliss Body scrub is the first choice among scrubs. It uses fresh garden flowers such as rose, leelawadee, frangipani and pure botanical oils to capture a refreshing floral scent. The most requested massage is Aromatherapy, which uses essential oils to enhance your over-all sense of well-being. You also get to choose from four types of oils for your massage – a Signature blend to uplift your mood; AntiCellulite; Body and Mind Energizing; and Ayurvedic Balancing. Canvaree’s contouring and slimming programs include Body Shaping, which incorporates brown seaweed, caffeine and Ivy to detoxify fatty deposits and encourage the elimination of waste fluids – the main causes of cellulite. The treatment includes a steam, Marine Salt scrub and a Marine mask infused with Bora Bora seawater. Next, a firming massage on cellulite-prone areas.

Its Signature Anti-Cellulite – “a perfect to improve lymphatic flow and melt away cellulite” that includes a warm seaweed mud wrap to reduce water retention and flush out toxins, Herbal steam, Marine Salt scrub, Sea Champagne Body Contour wrap and an Anti-Cellulite massage. The spa’s Bust Firming treatment uses seaweed, Spirulina and brown algae to firm and tone s the skin and a firming massage, marine exfoliation and a firming mask and gel. The spa ’s Deep Muscular massage is “perfect for athletes who require bodywork to release muscle tension and increase joint flexibility,” adds Nueng. It focuses on individual muscle groups, using deep compression , strokes, and aromatherapy oil to promote body and mind harmony. There’s also a Hot Stone massage, in which basalt stones are heated water before being treated in essential oils and positioned on your chakras. It creates a deep sense of relaxation when combined with a massage. Ayurvedic treatments also play a prominent role in CentralWorld ’s wellness program. The Marma Abhyanga Massage uses Ayurvedic medical oils to alleviate mental and physical stress.; Kati Basti, created as a complete renewal for the body, features a de-stress back massage with Ayurvedic back relief therapy; Shirobhyanga Indian Head Massage includes a scalp, neck and shoulder Shirodhara uses a massage to reduce tension and relieve mental stress. The stream of medical oils on your “third eye” or forehead – “ideal for anyone who has insomnia, jet lag or mental stress”. The spa also offers two two-hour Ayurvedic wellness treatments and Ayurvedic Balancing. CentralWorld also provides a full range of products for male clients. Centara Grand CentralWorld Bangkok has 505 rooms and suites, including 255 Deluxe World rooms, 75 Superior World rooms, 26 World Club Executive rooms, 72 World Club Executive rooms, 14 World Club Premium, 30 Executive suites, six World Executive suites and one Royal suite. The club is open 24 hours a day and includes a complimentary executive breakfast, afternoon tea, all-day snacks, tea and coffee, and late-night snacks. If you stay in one of the hotel ’s Executive suites, you ’ll be given complimentary access to the World Executive Club lounge, which occupies the entire 51st floor and offers panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline. The club also includes several meeting rooms for private use. Aside from Red Sky, Centra Grand offers a wide range of dining options, starting with The World, located on the 24 th floor and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and even midnight snacks and weekend brunches – all with

sweeping, magical views of the Bangkok skyline. Ginger, also on the 24 th floor and one of the hotel ’s signature restaurants, specializes in Asian cuisine – modern Japanese, traditional Chinese and Thai dishes – with indoor and outdoor dining. You can watch your meal prepared through the restaurant’s glass-enclosed kitchen if you're seated indoors.

If you’re in the mood for steak, there’s Fifty-Five, where you can order aged U.S. prime beef in Australian Wagyu cuts, cooked on a wood-fired grill to retain their natural flavours. Fifty-Five also offers lamb, pork and poultry, fresh fish and shellfish. Favourite menu choices include Caesar salad, lobster bisque flambé and broiled live Maine lobsters. For lighter fare, the Lobby Lounge on the 23rd floor serves cakes, pastries, snacks and fine teas and coffees, finger foods and homemade chocolates. It ’s located on the ground floor. Other lounges and bars include the Globe Bar and Karaoke in the sky lobby and Zing, where you can pick up snacks and coffees. Interesting things to see and do nearby: Pra The Erawan Shrine, a Hindu shrine in Bangkok, houses the statue of Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Thai dance troupes, hired by worshippers in seeing their prayers at the shrine answered, often perform there. But check out the times first.

Head for Central World, connected to the hotel and featuring hundreds of stores if you're interested in shopping. There are other major shopping venues in the downtown area and tours of all of the city’s major tourist attractions.

Dusit Thani Bangkok ‘A Touch of Heaven’ The new Dusit Thani Bangkok is expected to open in 2024. While Dusit Thani’s Flagship hotel, a Bangkok landmark for 50 years, is undergoing a major redevelopment, visitors who like Dusit’s style stay at Dusit Suites nearby. Many ornaments and artworks of sentimental and historical value from the flagship hotel now decorate Dusit Suites’ lobby. Dusit Thani Bangkok still evokes many great memories, and many repeat guests still recall its Devarana Spa and the concept that makes it so memorable. It starts with stairs leading up to “Heaven, the long sparkling pool that ran half the length of the spa’s grand reception area and the canopied couches along the right sidewall. There’s more to it than that, of course, as I was to find out a few minutes later when I sat down with the director of operations for Dusit Thani. The reception area is brilliantly lit and exceptionally long as spa reception areas go, made of marble and glass. Its creamy tones shimmer with shades of gold and silver, with lots of natural light, giving the whole site a bright and airy feel. The doorway to the spa on the left also has an intriguing story. Its design reflects a strong Buddhist influence and is based on ancient Thai architecture. As you sweep your eye down the left side of the pool, you notice that the design has been transformed into a motif that runs down the length of the wall. The name of the spa – Devarana – comes from ancient Thai-Sanskrit, meaning Garden of Heaven. It echoes back to an earlier time in Thai literature and a tale called Tribhumpphra Uang, written by Phraya Lithai in 1345. The writer describes a particular garden at Heaven ’s Gate, surrounded by gardens and ponds. In this garden, you can hear soft, melodic music played by harp, flute, and other traditional instruments. According to the story, you see a pond when entering this garden. Everything here is bright – and eternal daytime – “an atmosphere we’ve tried to recreate from the moment you step into our spa,” said the spa manager. “It’s like an entrance to heaven.” The spa journey starts the moment you pass through this doorway, and “all the time you spend here is like being in another world. When guests leave, they’re happier and far more relaxed. It’s all about the experience.” Dusit Thani emphasizes pampering and wellness with treatments based on Thai health and beauty practices that have been sourced – and updated – from old therapies. “But we recognize that new trends are coming, and we adapt and

modify treatments to the lifestyles of our guests – but in a way that does not affect our philosophy. It’s what makes us different.

“When guests enter our spa, everything has to be perfect, spotless, and beautiful. Our service has to be beautiful in the eyes of our guests, too. Our caring and skill. treatments are unique and personalized and delivered with Our guest care must meet the same standards.” Somewhere in the distance, you catch the strains of soft music played by harp, flute and traditional musical instruments. They ’re also part of the story underlying the spa’s theme. The spa manager ’s recommendations: If you ’re a first-timer, she suggests one of the spa ’s signature treatments, like its 90-minute Devarana massage,

which combines five massage techniques from the East and West that relax and restore your over-all sense of well-being. “It’s not something you can experience elsewhere.”

The pressure of this massage is medium to strong – perfect for those who feel the Thai massage is too strong and the Swedish, which is often seen as too soft. The treatment leaves you feeling relaxed and clear-headed after a 90-minute session, releasing tension with aromatic hot compresses on your back and thumb pressures up to and down either side of your spine. The heat effects help awaken spinal energies while the warmth prepares your back for a deep massage. It was popular eight years ago when I visited the spa and even more popular today. Another favourite is the Heavenly Nantha Garden Experience, inspired by the divine Nantha Garden mentioned in the literature. It brings this garden to life by mixing fresh tropical pink lotus and champaca with aromatic blends of ylang-ylang and jasmine. The 2.5-hour treatment ends with the spa ’s signature Devarana bath, body scrub and massage. 5Zy-tAcshhI Dusit Thani Bangkok

Or the Harmony of Tad Si, an ancient Thai therapy based on the Buddhist teaching that our bodies are made up of Tad Si, or the four elements of earth, water, wind and fire. Traditional Thai medicine believes that an imbalance of these four elements causes diseases and that our minds are governed by ego, which leads to “unhealthy emotions” like attachment and aggression that can disturb the harmony of our bodies. The treatment combines a Thai herbal compress dipped in aromatic oil tailored to your body element with a Thai massage to relax and relieve soreness, promote circulation and stimulate your body’s nerve meridians. You can still find many of its treatments at other Dusit resorts. Among facials, many spa-goers like the 90-minute Hyaluronic and Collagen facial that moisturizes your skin while the collagen reduces fine lines and wrinkles – “a very natural kind of facelift” – and the Rejuvenating, therapeutic facial for anti-ageing and problem skin, using an anti-ageing mask to stimulate and protect your skin. The spa’s most popular package is the Body and Face Rejuvenation , which features a 60/90-minute facial and a 90-minute body massage. There are three body treatments – Living Essence, designed to restore your skin’s natural radiance with a body scrub, followed by a 90-minute body massage using natural essential oil blends: Reviver, a rejuvenating treatment that features a light, dry brushing a Thai Herbal Mud Wrap, and a Detoxified and Contoured massage: and Maritime Essence that uses the toning and moisturizing properties of brown and green seaweed, sea salt and jojoba body polish, a neck and head moisturizer and a 60-minute aromatic oil massage. The treatment leaves you feeling relaxed and clear-headed after a 90-minute session, releasing tension with aromatic hot compresses on your back and thumb pressures up to and down either side of your spine. The heat effects help awaken spinal energies while the warmth prepares your back for a deep even more massage. It was popular six years ago when I visited the spa and popular today. There are three wellness-specific massages – the popular Shiroabhyanga, a traditional Ayurvedic oil massage for your head, neck and shoulders, where warm oil is poured onto your forehead to relax your nervous system. “We recommend that you keep the oil on your hair and scalp overnight for maximum benefit.” It uses Shiatsu and Lomi Lomi massage techniques on the deepest muscle layers to melt away tension and muscle pain. Other favourites are the Detoxed – recommended in and Contoured massage – the ultimate body cleanse Shilomi and Swedish combination with the Thai Herbal Mud Wrap, the

massages, and The Shlomi. There ’s also Devarana ’s Ayurvedic Head massage and Mind Calming massage. Scrubs include the Algae or Green Tea Body, Lavender Body Scalp, and Rose Petal Body scrubs. There are also two 30-minute water treatments – the Moisturizing Oatmeal and Honey bath and the Luxury Milk & Roses bath. “It’s difficult to create a really good spa. There are so many details to attend to, and it requires a great deal of concentration.” When Dusit decided to create its spa, she travelled extensively to visit some of the best spas in the world to find out what was really good and what wasn’t. It was quite an eye-opener. “That’s when we decided on the Garden of Heaven concept. You ’ll see something similar at our other spas in Thailand. Every Devarana Spa has essentially the same decoration and concept, without looking exactly the same.” Dusit Suites Hotel Ratchadamri, Bangkok, comprises 97 expansive oneand two-bedroom suites on a peaceful, leafy avenue opposite the green expanse of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, only 100 metres from Ratchadamri BTS station. Luxury malls, stylish restaurants and sophisticated nightlife are all within walking distance. It aims to continue the distinctive hospitality heritage of Dusit Thani Bangkok and provide a new home for fans of the hotel while it is being redeveloped as part of Dusit’s landmark mixed-use development, Dusit Central Park. Many ornaments and artworks of sentimental and historical value from the flagship hotel have been used to decorate the spacious suites and lobby. Its spaces have also been painted to reflect the elegant and soft colour palette of Dusit Thani Bangkok, resulting in a feeling of sophistication and exclusivity that permeates the entire property. Signature dining outlet Dusit Gourmet, which serves a wide range of homemade pastries, cakes and sandwiches and a selection of healthy and hearty meals, has also been given a contemporary makeover. It now serves as a convenient and attractive hangout for guests, residents, and nearby office and embassy workers.

A new dining experience has also been introduced at the decking overlooking the free-form swimming pool (with separate children’s pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and a well-equipped gym), where guests can now enjoy private al fresco dining in an elegantly decorated gazebo. The relaxed setting is perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a special gettogether for up to four people. A choice of Thai and international five-course set menus are available. Its Ratanakosin Suites are named after an old Thai kingdom. The Majesty Suites offer great panoramic views of Bangkok and come with rooftop terraces, while the Dusit Club rooms, located on dedicated Club floors, feature a large work area as well as a separate bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and living room. They also have a separate bedroom and a private dining room.

Hyatt Erawan Bangkok ‘One of the best High Teas in the world’ The Erwan Tea Room was famous for its high teas long before Hyatt assumed management of the former Erwan Hotel more than 20 years ago. It still is. The hotel, now called the Hyatt Erawan, has returned the tea room to its glory days, when it was a huge favourite of high -profile guests and made it into the best place for High Tea in Thailand and one of the seven best High Tea venues in the world, according to travel guide Lonely Planet. The latest incarnation, located on the second floor of the Erwan Shopping Mall in a casual setting, recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of a bygone era, right down to the background music – 1960s favourites. So does the food, which features some items served to the Royal Family in the past. These include a touch of cuisine combined with Western snacks a nd a wide selection of Thai herbal teas such as lemongrass, pandan, butterly, and pea flower and Western blends like English breakfast and Earl Grey. Today’s favourites include Meing Krathong Thong (roasted coconut, chilli and ginger with betel leaves in a crispy basket; and Mar Hor (minced pork and

peanuts on fresh pineapple). The most requested items are the tea room ’s famous scones and homemade strawberry jam. “They come for authentic Thai food, the ambience and an iconic view,” says Treyanan Chutisereporn, spa manager, whose Thai nickname is Ninee. The tea house looks down on the famous Erawan Shrine and the Four Faces of Buddha. The Tea Room isn’t the only thing that makes Hyatt Erawan interesting and different. You sense it as soon as you enter the lobby. Your eyes are drawn immediately to the ceiling that soars 15 metres, showering the atrium below with natural light and illuminating the big column and Thai architecture that give the lobby a bright and airy feel. The hotel ’s spa, i.sawan Residential Spa & Club, is on the fifth floor. i.sawan, by the way, means “the fifth level of Heaven”. “i.sawan Residential Spa & Club is a daytime pampering escape or as an overnight getaway from the vibrant city of Bangkok. It is a unique experience that no one else has in the heart of Bangkok,” said Ninee. The spa has a number of interesting and innovative treatments , but if you want to indulge yourself, think about staying in one of the five cottages clustered around a quiet courtyard in i.sawan’s virtual “garden in the sky”. A sixth is located in a secluded area as a private retreat. Each cottage has a bedroom, living room, treatment room, bathroom and a private indoor patio. https://youtu.be/-oe5bVQyo80 More Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Pix https://youtu.be/OEN2fL383fo https://youtu.be/YF8wIibuk5Q Special Moments “They can be used as a daytime pampering escape or an overnight getaway-from-it-all spa haven. They ’re also a different concept for Bangkok,” she added. You’ll be welcomed with Thai tea, cool mineral water, or a health drink at spa reception. The spa receptionist will help guide you through i.sawan’s spa menu, ask you to complete a health questionnaire, and later escort you to one of the spa’s treatment rooms. The sense of light and brightness in spa reception follows you to the colours predominate. A subtle treatment rooms, where white and wooden aroma of lemongrass lingers throughout the spa and its spa cottages.

The treatments also offer something different, starting with oxygen-based treatments that have become a drawing card for guests seeking more immediate results, says Ninee. The Acne Clarifying uses botanicals to help banish acne-causing bacteria naturally, reduce inflammation and redness to prevent future outbreaks, and leave your skin decongested and refined.

The treatments are safe for all skin types, even the most sensitive and stressed. She also recommends them to experienced spa-goers. All i.sawan treatments are classified as Purity, Energy, Harmony or Thai. Purity treatments are designed to release stress and help your body detox and regain equilibrium. Energy treatments also balance your body ’s energy and help you regain your inner strength and vitality. Harmony treatments focus on

reducing stress and help you achieve body, mind and spiritual balance. Thai treatments take their inspiration from centuries-old Thai traditions of healing massages and treatments with an Oriental touch to create a sense of well-being and harmony within yourself. tDLQ21UE3Tk Treyanan Chutiereporn, spa manager https://youtu.be/OEN2fL383fo Grand Hyatt Erwan Bangkok The spa has two Purity-based massages – Urban Detox and Hot Stone Zen. In the Urban Detox, a detoxifying blend of juniper, grapefruit and eucalyptus oils is applied to promote lymphatic drainage, using rhythmic and flushing techniques to rid your body of toxins. The Hot Stone Zen uses warm stones bathed in essential oils in a medium-pressure massage to remove blocks in your energy flow and melt muscle stiffness. In the case of Harmony, Ninee suggests Asian Aromatherapy, which uses palm techniques and flowing strokes and Asian-inspired Aromatherapy oils to relieve stiff, sore muscles and induce deep relaxation, and the spa’s Exotic Head massage, which uses pure coconut oil to soothe and condition your hair and scalp, and ease neck and shoulder tension.

There are two Thai-based massages – the Traditional Thai to release blocked energy and tension and restore your health and vitality; and the Thai Aromatherapy Compress. In this treatment, a heated compress of Thai herbs is placed along the tension lines of your body to ease stiffness. The compress is followed by a relaxing massage, using a blend of Aromatherapy oils to balance your body’s natural rhythm. For first-time visitors, Ninee recommends the spa’s Essence of i.sawan – the spa’s signature massage that combines Swedish, Aromatherapy and Thai techniques, applied at medium pressure with i.sawan’s signature oil blend of lemongrass, cypress and plai. It helps detoxify while increasing circulation and flexibility and assisting your body to naturally recover and jetlag, muscle tension and stress. There are two Harmony massages – Asian Aromatherapy and Exotic Coconut head massage. Other massages include the Head, Neck and Shoulders and the Thai Aromatherapy Compress. Asian women like i.sawan’s Anti-Ageing brightening facials and its organic and Thai treatments, while Western women prefer relaxation, anti-ageing and Thai treatments. i.sawan’s signature body treatment is the i.sawan signature, which includes exfoliating and soothing massages, and offers hydrating and conditioning benefits. It consists of a skin-softening papaya enzyme wrap, a Lemon Sugar body polish and a relaxing massage to leave your skin silky smooth. Other body

treatments include its Anti-Ageing, Age-Defying Hydration, Lift, Sculpt, Soothe and its Hydrating treatment.

Its signature facial is the i.sawan, which moisturizes, revives and illuminates your skin immediately using highly concentrated peptides, botanical extracts, skin hydrat ion and anti-oxidants. It also includes a collagen face mask to give your face a fresh, firm feel and youthful appearance. Its Purity facial is the Deep Cleansing – “great for oily, acne or clogged skin and removing impurities”. The benefits are enhanced by adding a second byphase mask to strengthen stressed skin, reduce pores and redness and replenish your skin’s soft texture. The Brightening is the Energy facial that uses a blend of natural ingredients – kojic acid and licorice – to lighten dull skin and address hyperpigmentation. The spa has four escapes, starting with Purity, which includes the Slimming Cellulite, a thermogenic scrub and body wrap to reduce the appearance of resistant cellulite and provide a slimming and firming effect. Its Energy treatments feature a Himalayan Crystal scrub and a Muscle Release scrub and wrap. Harmony-based treatments include an Aromatherapy massage, Hydrating facial, and Thai, which features Jasmine Rice and Lemongrass Body Conditioning and a Thai Herbal Compress. It also offers a Well-Being Retreat that features a Signature Body scrub and wrap; and three Intraceuticals High-Performance facials – Anti-Ageing Rejuvenation, with Atoxele fill, the Skin Brightening Opulence – for dark spots and scarring. For maximum anti-ageing results, Ninee also suggests a pearl mask. Two Harmony facials – the Hydrating and the Age-Defying Hydrationhelp restore your skin ’s natural silkiness with moisture-replenishing ingredients. The Age -Defying Hydration includes an anti-oxidant facial mask. The Thai facial is the Acupressure Lift and Sculpt, which uses specific Thai massage techniques with a heated sesame seed compress to relieve muscle tension in your face and improve blood and oxygen flow.

i Sawan also offers full-day Retreats and half-day Escapes that include the use of the spa ’s sauna, steam and Jacuzzi, and the hotel ’s 25-metre swimming pool, also located on the fifth floor. The six-hour Heavenly Retreat starts with a signature i.sawan body scrub and moisture wrap and includes a choice of Essence of i.sawan or traditional Thai massage; a selection of an Advanced facial; a spa meal; and ends with a choice of a head or foot ritual. The Well-Being Retreat focuses on spa treatments and healthy cuisine in a holistic package to revive your mind, body and spirit. It includes a private fitness session, a 60-minute muscle relief treatment, a choice between a Siam Booster Urban Detox massage and a 90-minute Advanced facial.

The three-hour i.sawan Signature Escape features an Essence of i.sawan body scrub and moisture wrap , Essence of i.sawan massage , and the i.sawan Anti-Ageing facial. Harmony, Energy, Purity and Thai Escapes are also available. I.sawan also has three well-being packages: The two-hour Energizing Body, which features a Tamarind Body polish to brighten your skin , and a Sports massage, in which your therapist will use her thumbs and elbows to release muscle stiffness; the Brightening and Body uses a soothing oil massage, and includes flowing strokes to help you deal with travel stress; and the i.sawan Escape, which starts with a 60-minute body massage and consists of a one-day i.sawan Wellpool pass, a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, and ends with a Being massage and a Hydrating facial. i.sawan’s glass-enclosed greenhouse fitness centre is equipped with Technogym fitness and strength equipment with built-in TV systems. Its large studio offers aerobics, yoga, holistic fitness centres and personalized fitness, Hatha Yoga and Muay Thai training. Grand Hyatt Erawan has 380 rooms with large windows that provide great city views. The rooms range from 40sqm to 80sqm for its Grand Central King suites. They all feature marble bathrooms, air conditioning control, and 24-hour laundry and valet service. The Club King, Club Twin and Grand Suite King also come with concierge and butler service.

The cuisine is traditional European, mainly French, and prepared on intricately designed working tables. Its Sunday brunch features Boston lobster, champagne risotto, Sunday roast and flamed tiger prawns, and a beverage package including wine, beer, soft drinks, etc. If you like entertainment while you’re dining, you ’ll appreciate the artistry of the waiters at Tables, located on the mezzanine level. Spasso Restaurant and Bar serves up pasta and pizzas baked in a woodfired oven for authentic Italian food. It also has a Sunday brunch with an Italian flavour that includes an organic salad buffet from the hotel ’s farm and a selection of special Italian dishes and desserts. Spasso is located in the lower lobby and turns into a dance venue in the evening. A brief word about the hotel ’s organic farming project at Wang Nam Keaw supplies Hyatt Erawan with most of its vegetables. It ’s been a huge success for everyone concerned – the hotel ’s guests, its employees, local farmers, and the environment.

It’s part of an environmental sustainability program launched by Hyatt 20 years ago. From Day One of the orientation program, conducted for every employee, “we emphasize that Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok aims to serve only delicious, healthy food using quality products. The hotel has worked with local farmers to enhance its responsibility for the environment and awareness of the health benefits of healthy vegetables”. More than 60 varieties of seeds have been planted on 15.4 hectares, 500 metres above sea level, using no toxic chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The

organic farm is also one of the ways in which Hyatt supports the community in remote areas, helping to generate income for farmers, extending job opportunities to them, and helping to improve their living standards. In addition to being free of toxic chemical fertilizers or pesticides, its homegrown organic produce replaces imported vegetables, bringing in 250 kilograms of produce from the farm every week. Organic vegetables provide 50% more vitamins, enzymes and nutrition than vegetables grown using such toxic chemicals. People who consume vegetables contaminated with pesticides or toxins will absorb the poisons in the liver, which is unhealthy and may cause illnesses down the road.

Intercontinental Bangkok Relaxing InterContinental style hirty-eight floors up, everything takes on a different dimension. We sit poolside, surrounded by a profusion of plants and foliage, and take in the Bangkok skyline. It is late morning, and the streets are still stop-and-go. But at 38 storeys in the sky, the only sound you hear is the wind chimes. Behind me looms the tallest building in Bangkok – Baiyok Tower – and below, the Royal Sports Golf Club shimmers like an oasis in a desert of concrete and steel.

The water ripples as the breeze picks up, turning it a darker shade. A young couple and their children arrive to splash in the light green waters of the freeform pool. Another couple, dressed in the latest casual wear, sit at a white table near the Oasis Bar, sipping drinks and looking into the distance. The rooftop pool is not the only spot where you can drink in the view of the Bangkok skyline. The glass-enclosed Club InterContinental Lounge on the 37th floor offers a more comfortable lookout, especially at night. Next door, in the adjoining Concierge Lounge, there ’s a great view of the city’s liveliest districts. The spa is half- storey below, connected by a grand stairway to the treatment rooms – two single and four doubles plus a separate room for Thai massages. Each treatment room offers a private shower, restroom and massage area with exciting views of the city from the encircling glass windows. One of the double rooms has a Jacuzzi and other advanced hydro equipment. “Our design,” says Monthip Pittayatanakul, “reflects the ocean and the seaside to give guests the sense of being under the ocean. We believe water is best for relaxing. It’s the basis of everything we do at the spa.” fFyZmOaH_20 Welcome to InterContinental Bangkok https://youtu.be/mlOt-cX6ZHM InterContinental Bangkok https://youtu.be/EKimRYFET3M The spa ’s treatment rooms , also painted light blue and white – InterContinental’s colours – offer panoramic views of the city through encircling glass walls. The spa sees itself as an “in-the-know” spa destination, where every treatment is customized to suit each individual’s body and constitution, all in an environment InterContinental has become famous for. “We work with natural products,” adds Monthip, whose Thai nickname is honouring Thai Joy, “and combine internationally known treatments while treatments and culture. “It’s the basis of everything we do at the spa. It’s what we want our service to be known and remembered for … what we want our guests to take away with them and what they recall every time they think about the time they spent with us.”

A huge staircase connects you to the next floor with the city's largest meeting and convention centre. You can also enter one of the four elevators that will take you to spa reception. “Our spa offers a wide range of massages, skin therapies, baths, signature ’s treatments bear Thai treatments and other indulgences. In fact, all the spa names while bridging the gap between European and Thai product ranges. They incorporate “the principles, methods and elements that have made Thailand famous and a haven for wellness,” she adds. Spa InterContinental ’s offerings vary across countries but have the same standard of cleanliness and services to ensure that its spas follow the same global standard – simple, clean and elegant. Its signature treatment – In Asia Therapeutic – combines the traditional Thai massage with Western deep-pressure palm techniques. The therapist can release muscle tension and promote joint flexibility by manipulating the points along the body’s meridian lines.

The massage pressure can be personalized for optimum comfort and effectiveness, and a special blend of high-quality aromatherapy oils is used to promote harmony and peace of mind in a number of treatments. She notes that ’s most popular treatments and the treatment Joy it is one of the spa recommends for first-time visitors. She suggests a variety of specialized treatments and techniques for experienced spa-goers who look for more than just a massage, such as the spa ’s 90-minute Asian Inspire, a traditional Thai and Asian treatment to soothe tired, aching muscles – “a wonderfully relaxing combination” of a 30-minute Herbal Healing Compress and a 60 and 90-minute Traditional Thai massage. WMS_AZQ6vKQ Monthip Pittayatanakul, Spa Manager kyd3_LsE9Ns InterContinental Bangkok https://youtu.be/40ueWuMqTts More IHG Pix Therapists use hot herbal oil to focus on pain trigger points in your neck,

legs and feet that help suffe rers experience“significant improvement” after just one treatment. Another big favourite is the InterContinental Therapy massage, designed specifically to alleviate pain through isolated pressure and release cycles. Other massages include the Traditional Thai massage and Aromatic Release – a relaxing massage --- and an Asian Deep Tissue Release massage. InterContinental also has a wide range of facial pampering treatments from Themae and its exclusive range of body treatments, designed specifically to work with all skin types, including delicate skin. Its 90-minute Rejuvenating Ceremony fights signs of ageing like wrinkles with lifting and firming results “Each phase of the treatment – exfoliation, serum with bio-protein soya – is performed with sophisticated massages and traditional tools … to help you walk away feeling revived, refreshed and vibrant.” Its Purity-Radiance Ritual combines intense purification – blackhead removal and tissue oxygenation – with deep massage movements performed to deliver specific benefits, while the spa ’s Hydration Strategy – Brilliance treatment focuses on tired, dull skin. This facial combines exfoliation with a mask delivered with Shiatsu massage movements. Spa InterContinental also offers several new Biodroga-inspired treatments, including its highly popular Reborn Apple Stem Cell, which the spa describes as the “ultimate anti-ageing skincare treatment”.

Biodroga launched its Repair + Cell Protection treatment in Thailand. The

treatment, exclusive to Spa InterContinental, is also popular. The spa uses Biodroga for facial lifting treatments. So is its Biosensitive facial, another Biodroga concept developed in collaboration with dermatologists and “proven to promote skin regeneration and to improve moisture content and provides “ideal protection against external factors such as stress environment, medical peeling and laser treatments”. A third Biodroga treatment, the Premium Pure Collagen facial, uses aqua rich grapeseed oil, Vitamin E, and pure collagen, which melts into your skin to produce a balanced and radiant complexion. “Your skin appears more radiant, plump and balanced, becoming wonderfully supple, well -nourished with reduced signs of ageing.”

Scrubs have a decided Asian touch, starting with the popular Siamese Sesame Purifying. It is designed to rejuvenate your body with “Thailand ’s healing legacy” – anti-oxidant-rich Sesame, sea salt and green bean to cleanse and smooth your skin, and saltflower, coconut and sesame oil to give your skin a silky, supple touch. “Great for mature skin”. Also popular is the spa ’s Korean Jeju Biju anti-ageing scrub, which uses ginseng, bija and green tea to provide powerful moisturizing benefits to revitalize your skin. Another interesting scrub, the Japanese Sakura Glowing, uses sakura and algae extracts with Shea butter and coconut shell powder to Champa and exfoliate dull skin while aromas of Lavender, rose geranium,

frangipani essential oil work together to balance and bring you into a romantic state of mind. https://youtu.be/ncsc4FgBEbM Exploring InterContinental Bangkok https://youtu.be/YF8wIibuk5Q Grand Hyatt Special Moments A special aromatic scent, designed to add to the sense of calm and relaxation, permeates the treatment rooms and the corridors. It ’s a mixture of Thai herbs and aromatic essential oils. “We were among the first to receive the Hazard Analysis and Control Point (HACCP) certificate – an accredited registration scheme to assess food management systems to ensure the safety of foodstuffs.”

InterContinental has also positioned itself as a leading food and wine hotel as part of its “the-place-to-be” theme. Its culinary team includes experts from around the world who create dining experiences at all of the hotel’s restaurants and bars: brunches in Bangkok. The The Express offers one of the best Sunday Summer Place offers elegant Cantonese dining, including dim sum. Its ten

private rooms can handle from nine to 40 people. If you ’re interested, be forewarned. It’s always packed for this event. The Trattoria wine bar is the first internationally branded Italian restaurant in Bangkok, featuring true trattoria-style Italian dining. The Fireplace Grill, one of Bangkok’s premier dining spots for more than 40 years, is the only charcoal grill in the city and offers an extensive list of New and Old World vintages. At the Balcony Lounge and Humidor Cigar Bar, you can enjoy High Tea with a distinctive menu and an exclusive wide range of tea selections. It is also Bangkok’s first real cigar bar. InterContinental Bangkok is strategically located in the heart of the city ’s business and commercial districts, shopping and other facilities – all within easy walking distance.

If you want to go farther afield, even to the International Airport, there ’s Bangkok Skytrain. It’s fast and efficient, and trouble-free. I tried it on my way to the hotel. My biggest problem was buying a ticket and dealing with an intimidating ticket machine. Fortunately, plenty of young people were behind me, eager to practise their English and show me how simple it was. One young person even stayed with me and tapped my shoulder when it

was time for me to exit. Many international companies, embassies, and medical facilities are located nearby – six major shopping destinations such as Central World, Graysorn and Paragon, not to mention the deities linked to the ancient Hindu tradition like Bangkok’s famous Erawan Shrine.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Thailand’s first luxury hotel

angkok’s success story as a major tourist destination started in 1875 when Mandarin Oriental opened Thailand’s first luxury hotel. It changed everything and helped turn Bangkok into a city of luxury hotels and the world's spa capital. In the process, Mandarin Oriental became a place for world travellers, including famous authors like Joseph Conrad, W. Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward and James Mitchener, which gave rise to Mandarin Oriental ’s renowned Author ’s Lounge, where you can feel vibrations of the early 1900s. The Author ’s Lounge is located in the River wing – the hotel's original site – which today serves afternoon tea and the Bamboo Bar, the first jazz venue in Bangkok. Its Authors and Garden wing was once described as the “heart and soul of the hotel”. Mandarin Oriental also has an outstanding spa located across the river

from the hotel. You’re conscious of the transition as you cross the river, step off the ferry and inside Oriental Spa ’s century- old restored teak Spa House. The upper storey, built from golden teak wood, gleams in the early afternoon sunshine, giving spa reception an intense, bright, airy feeling.

Downstairs on the first-floor spa reception, guests are welcomed by staff dressed in light grey Thai silk, who offer the traditional Thai “Wei” greeting of respect. The spa ’s 14 private treatment suites and meditation and yoga rooms are on three other storeys. Out of a staff of 44, 28 are therapists. Spa reception , treatment rooms, and meditation and yoga rooms are colours. The d écor furnished in golden teak. The walls are painted in pastel echoes back to classical Siamese esthetics. So does the spa ’s approach and philosophy combine 2,000-year-old Thai and 5,000 -year-old Ayurvedic holistic teachings with contemporary treatments and techniques. The first thing that takes your eye is the fountain at the base of the building – a big favourite of photographers. A sense of calm hovers in the air and mingles with the spa ’s scent of lavender and lemongrass. “All of our massages are customized for each person. Each treatment starts with a consultation to help your therapist draw from several massage techniques to improve blood circulation and overall well-being.” https://youtu.be/NsvB-jm2oJY Mandarin Oriental 140th anniversary https://youtu.be/_v2QLABd3BU More Mandarin-Orienta Pix

Back upstairs, Neelam tells me that one treatment is usually not enough. “When done in a series of therapies, it balances sleep and reduces stress. Research shows it’s very beneficial, even with burning feet. It’s all related.” To make the most of your visit to an Ayurvedic centre, she focuses on more health benefits treatments than looking for a relaxing treatment or therapy. It could be simple skin moisturizing, overcoming dryness and wrinkling, or improving muscles, bones, and joints using natural and vegetable-based products. Using natural oil is better, says Neelam. There are no side effects. She also recommends preparing yourself for your visit. “Rather than rushing into the treatment room and returning to your activities, give your body time to heal and return to normal. Otherwise, there ’s a danger you could damage tissue. In most cases, she says, you need a series of treatments. “Nature takes its own time. If it ’s too fast, it can result in wild storms and hurricanes. It ’s the same for your health. Chemical medicine can act on your target problem faster. Natural medicine has its own course of time, but it lasts longer.”

Be open to diet and lifestyle changes. She doesn ’t recommend too drastic changes but slowly modifying your diet and lifestyle – “cutting down rather than off. It’s against nature to suddenly stop, even in using salt.” Results, she notes, depend on the problem and the individual. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Thai herbal medicine are based on a common principle. That is in their herbs and their way of thinking and treatments. “What we do is help the body heal itself.” The spa’s ten treatment rooms have a private shower and steam facilities. There are two treatment rooms dedicated to facial therapy; five specialty suites, including four for couples, with private steam and vitality pools; heated scrub tables; yoga and meditation rooms; and a spa boutique to extend your experience back home. The spa’s four specialty suites focus on four types of treatments. The four suites at the Spa Penthouse are brightly lit by sunlight and overlook the Chao Phraya River. The Water Suite is equipped with special facilities for aqua therapy and offers an aqua experience expressly for this suite. She recommends the spa ’s Signature Massage for first-time visitors, which uses a concentrated blend of soothing essential oils extracted from plants with a special technique that combines Thai and European styles to ease muscle tension while energizing your body with acupressure movements and stretching. Your experience ends with a localized shoulder and homemade spinal compress of Thai herbs like lemongrass, turmeric and plai. For experienced spa-goers, she suggests a combination of Thai treatments and Ayurvedic specialty treatments like the Shirodhara. The spa ’s Rhassoul treatment is based on ancient Moroccan expertise in health and beauty. The Rhassoul is a harmonized treatment that combines the basic elements – heat, water, earth and air to create a feeling of over-all wellbeing. Rhassoul mud comes from Morocco, where women and men have used it since the 7th Century. The mud is applied to the face and body.

It takes about 25 minutes for the therapeutic effects of the mud to be absorbed by the skin. The treatment ends with a body massage. The spa’s menu is extensive, with many relaxing treatments ranging from the six-hour Moments of Bliss and the 3.5-hour Essence of Siam packages to specialized signature treatments, massages, body treatments, scrubs, and facials. The Essence of Thailand Spirit of Isaan, a 2.5-hour “beautiful ritual, incorporates Thai natural elements, using black sticky rice course coffee beans rhymic and jasmine rice soap in a detoxifying body wrap. It is followed by a Oriental Bamboo massage to knead and stretch away tension and a head massage. hours in length, draws its The Lanna or Tok Sen ceremony, also 2.5 inspiration from Northern Thai culture to reveal the secrets of Chiang Mai ’s beauty rituals. It includes a Herbal foot bath and an Oriental body scrub and body wrap, using Fang to refresh your skin. It is followed by a Lanna massage, in which your body is tapped rhythmically with a stick made from the bark of the tamarind tree and a warm herbal oil or a Detoxifying Marine Pebble bath. It’s known for its Oriental Signature Massage, a 90-minute massage that combines Thai and European styles to ease muscle tension and energize your body with acupuncture movements and stretching. The oil used in the massage is a concentrated blend of essential oils from plants. It ends with a shoulder and

spinal herbal compress of lemongrass, turmeric and plai. For first-time visitors seeking pampering experiences, Neelam recommends the spa’s Jet Lag treatment, designed to deal with the fatigue and sluggishness experienced with jet lag. For experienced spa-goers, she suggests the Oriental Organic Journey, an organic combination of treatments that begin with a fullbody scrub of grated coconut, green bean, jasmine rice and coconut oil, followed by a rain treatment using herbal ingredients. The treatment ends with a gel of cypress oil and menthol. Other massages include the Traditional Thai massage, Swedish, Balinese, Muscle Release and the Lomi Lomi massage from Hawaii.

The spa ’s revitalizing seaweed treatment among body wraps is great for promoting the natural detoxification process and eliminating excess fluid to reestablish your body's metabolic balance. “An ideal treatment to reduce stress and tension.” There’s also the Oriental body scrub, The Indigenous Body, Thai Herbs and Body Glow, which uses herbs from the hills of Northern Thailand. Facials include the popular Holistic Skin Care Bespoke, in which your therapist determines the most suitable products for a facial experience tailored to your specific needs. When it comes to anti-ageing, there’s Age Repair, “great for ageing and dry skin, using natural herbal oils to stimulate collagen formation for skin firming and tightening. The treatment also includes a scalp massage, cleansing, exfoliation, lymphatic massage, and applying two masks to leave your skin firm, plumped, and more youthful-looking. The spa has four treatments focused on advanced skincare – Collagen Vita, a 75-minute treatment developed to help age control, improving your skin appearance and well-being. The treatment includes natural collagen and masks to refine and stimulate your skin and leave it radiant and renewed. The other advanced treatments are Cellular Hydration, Skin Rebalance and Active Tone. minutes long, starting with the Oriental Spa also has six treatments, 90 Oriental Signature, “a unique experience ,” that includes a signature massage with a concentrated blend of essential oils of Lavender, YlangYlang, Patchouli, Peppermint, rosemary and lemon to infuse their healing properties into your skin. It ends with a shoulder and spinal compress of Thai herbs. The Oriental Essence is a tension-releasing massage for your whole body, focusing on your back, neck and shoulders to restore balance to your musculoskeletal system. Deep pressure and oil are used to trigger points in specific areas. Other massages include Traditional Thai and Muay Thai. Oriental’s Fitness Centre, also located across the river, offers a range of cardiovascular and strength equipment with a training room, a multi-sports court, heat and showers. Special training includes Boot Camp Training based on military regimes designed to help you fit fast. The Spa Studio, located on the first floor of the Garden wing, also offers customized facial treatments for guests in a hurry. The spa also offers a spa cuisine menu. Dishes use organic ingredients and Thai herbs to restore balance and replenish energy. The hotel has eight restaurants: Le Normandie, which serves French haute cuisine; Lord Jim ’s, a popular seafood restaurant with a great name; China House, which offers dim sum and a range of Cantonese dishes; Private Kitchen,

a different kind of restaurant where guests can consult with the chef to create their own dishes; Verandah Coffee Shop, which overlooks the Chao Phraya River; Riverside Terrace buffet breakfast and a BBQ dinner nightly beside the “River of Kings”.

Sala Rim Naam Thai, located on the other side of the river, has one of the best Thai daily Thai buffet lunches, a Thai set menu, and a nightly classical dance performance. Then there’s the famous Authors’ Lounge – the hotel's original site – which serves afternoon tea daily, and the Bamboo Bar, the first jazz venue in Bangkok. One of the reasons for its popularity is its service. The hotel has one of the highest staff-to-guest room ratios in the industry, with an average employee No two rooms are tenure of 15 years. All suites are individually decorated. alike. Even flower arrangements, decorative items and Thai silk bathrobes are unique to each suite. During Christmas, each suite has its own live Christmas tree, with ornaments that match the décor of the suite. Its sense of uniqueness extends to the lobby, where golden teak wood bells hang from the high ceiling to the array of flower arrangements around the room and the large fountain in the middle of the lobby – popular with many guests who like to take pictures in front of the fountain. Interesting places and things to do include:

These include a longtail boat tour of the famous sights along the Chao Phraya River – “the Temple of Dawn”, the Emerald Buddha, temples, the Barge Museum, the flower market, or just seeing life along the river. You can board the boat at the hotel’s pier.

Then there ’s the “ultimate” shopping complex – Siam Paragon, a few miles away; and closer to home, the famous Silom Road, where shops and restaurants are open until late at night.

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Larger Than Life

n many ways, the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Hotel is as much about the Queen of Thailand as it is about Marriott. The design of the hotel and its furnishings are inspired by the Queen and her belief that the cultural heritage of Thailand resides with the people. At Bangkok Marriott Marquis, it ’s shown in several ways throughout the hotel. Even the hotel ’s name reflects the Queen. The park next to the hotel is called Benjasiri, but the name morphed into Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen ’s Park in naming the hotel. You see it in the patterns woven into the lobby ’s furnishings. The designs are drawn mainly from Thai textile patterns – designs the Queen would like to see preserved. The outside cladding of the hotel and the lobby are dressed in a royal pattern called Kluaycherng, which was worn at the Thai royal court, appearing on the hem of their clothes to denote the status of the wearers. hu5PHlkLy5U Bangkok Marriott Marquis Women of the inner court perfumed their bodies and

clothes – clean hip

wrappers, breast wrappers and shoulder clothes, scented with fragrant smoke, fresh and dried flowers or scented-infused water. There is a display outside the spa of perfumes and scents. In addition to burning aromatics, women of the court created their own perfumed waters and oils, using ingredients grown locally or obtained through trade. Liquid perfumes were first made by infusing oil with crushed herbs or flowers and, later, extracting their essential oils through distillation . The fragrant clothes were usually stored in a closed wooden box to help the fragrance last longer.

The walls of the hotel ’s suites and rooms show drawings of Kinaree – mythical creatures, half woman and half swan with a human upper torso and arms. These creatures come from a legend about the mythical land of Himmapan and its creatures. The Kinaree were known for their beautiful singing, dancing and graceful form. They are often depicted in Thai literature, architecture and temple murals. Many of these creatures lived in the legendary Hummapan Forest in the Himalayan Mountains. The forests are situated below the Buddhist heavens and cannot be seen by humans. Everything about Bangkok Marriott Marquis ’ Hotel is larger than life,

starting with a lobby of canyon-like proportions to its meeting facilities which can cater to large groups of 1,000 people or more in a single room, and now, with 1,360 suites and rooms, becoming the largest hotel in Bangkok.

The hotel ’s Quan Spa on the 9th floor focuses on water-based treatments. You are struck immediately by the marvellous sense of space as you enter the spa reception and the treatment rooms, with a special welcoming and awakening scent of Agarwood and Benzion, especially created by the spa that comes into play as soon as you enter. It is described as “a happiness scent that reminds you of old Thai”. Its signature blended aroma oil is a spa creation and is made from Ylang Ylang and Frangipani – “flowers grown in Thai palaces”. As a Quan Spa, its signature treatments and philosophy are based on the healing properties of water, using a treatment protocol developed expressly for incorporating Bangkok Marriott Marquis. It includes a localized spa menu health and beauty rituals from each spa's area. “Most of our guests are business persons who have short breaks between meetings and are mostly looking for Aromatherapy or Deep Tissue massages…we also offer private Japanese mineral baths or ‘Onsen ’ as part of our water treatments. Guests can choose it as a single treatment or combined

with a massage or body treatment.” Massages are very popular, ranging from the 45-minute After Meeting Retreat, designed to relieve physical and emotional tension in the neck, back and shoulders. It uses a specific blend of massage with pure plant extracts for its two-hour Thai Heritage massage – “an ancient Thai art practised and perfected in Thailand for centuries. “It combines rhythmic waves, pressure, gentle twisting and deep stretching to relieve tension and promote qi or chi balance in your body. The end result is an extraordinary sense of relaxation and wellbeing.” https://youtu.be/HUQktfW5zi0 More Bangkok Marriott Marquis Pix At Bangkok Marriott Marquis, hot stones and organic coconut oil are used to stimulate circulation and improve oxygen flow to tired and tense muscles, leaving you and your body feeling flexible and tension free. So is the Volcanic favourites Hot Stone, a popular treatment at many spas in Thailand. Other include the Aroma Fusion massage, which uses the healing powers of essential oils to help you feel totally relaxed. “We use different blends at different times of the day for best results.” Also popular are its Swedish massage and Deep Renewal massage, designed to relieve tired muscles after a long day of meetings or travel by boosting circulation and energy flow. The ancient Japanese bathing tradition of “onsen” uses mineral-infused water “to provide a more restorative experience. The power of water can reawaken, relax and renew your mind, body and soul.”

Among facials, the Extended Youth, which helps to resurface your skin, fill in wrinkles and make your skin firm and smooth, is also a big favourite. So is the Aromatic , which uses two professional masks and a resurfacing lotion to restore your skin ’s youthfulness, softness and luminosity. The treatment ends with an aromatic facial. The Anti-Pollution facial also uses exclusive products rich in antioxidants to hydrate and protect your skin from city pollution and visibly improve your skin’s appearance. It reduces wrinkles and leaves your skin fresh, nourished and radiant, while the Perfect Purifying is a deep cleansing facial for oily or congested skin that purifies, freshens and revitalizes your complexion. The spa also offers three packages, called Sea Escapes: Executive Men ’s Escape, which starts with a signature foot massage, followed by a Deep Renewal massage to relax tight and tired muscles, and ends with a Gentleman ’s facial – the masculine equivalent of the spa ’s classic facial ritual that moisturizes, corrects wrinkles and soothes blemishes. The two-hour Lady Glamour also starts with a signature foot ritual and combines a Cocoon Aromatherapy massage with an Anti-pollution facial that leaves your body and mind at ease and your skin glowing. The 90-minute Relax and Revitalize starts with a mineral bath and ends with an oil massage that eases muscle tension and unblocks your body ’s energy pathways.

There’s also a kid ’s club and a 24-hour fitness centre that offers cardiovascular exercises, yoga and Pilates. The lobby is home to four of its restaurants, starting with Goji Kitchen and Bar, which offers all-day dining, buffets, and an à la carte menu with specialties like parrilla-grilled meats and ocean-fresh fish. Soba Factory, a micro restaurant modelled on a traditional beer and snack counter, offers house-made Deerdles, Yakitori grill, tempura delicacies, and authentic Iskaya style. For authentic Thai cuisine and pastries, head for the Siam Tea Room, which also offers an afternoon tea. The Lobby Lounge seems to go on forever. It ’s a meeting place for guests for afterDeern tea, presided over by the hotel’s tea sommelier, or afterDeern and evening drinks. It ’s a great breakfast place, with cooked-to-order omelets at its walk-up counter and light dining and dinner. For me, it ’s The Pagoda, an upscale Cantonese-style restaurant with a pagoda-like ceiling, green lacquered tiles, and a dim sum menu that tastes like Hong Kong. Of the hotel ’s 1,360 suites and rooms, 808 are deluxe rooms with floor-toceiling windows equipped with workstations. There are 206 deluxe park view ’s rooms and 203 MClub rooms offering complimentary access to Marriott nd MClub room on the 22 floor. There are 88 suites on the 22 nd floor, ranging in size from 62 to 72 sqm, that

come with a separate living room, bedroom and a bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower, and five Garden /Sky Suites, ranging from 93.5 sqm to one, an incredible 750 sqm. Eight one-bedroom executive suites combine a bedroom and living room with a meeting room and pantry. Interesting things to see and do nearby: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Interchange Tower, and Benjasiri Park are next door to the hotel. Bangkok Marriott Marquis is located just off the busy Sukhumvit thoroughfare in the heart of some of the best shopping in Bangkok – EM Quarter, Emporium Shopping Complex, Terminal 21 shopping mall.

The Peninsula Bangkok An Oasis in the City

“I

t’s like entering a different world, even though we’re only steps away from the bustle of the busy world outside,” Thanapas Poonlumlert, the Peninsula Hotel’s spa manager, told me as we left the lobby and made our way outside. Most big-city spas are designed around the hotel where they ’re located – and the environment that can be created within that space. In the case of The Peninsula, a five-star-plus hotel in downtown Bangkok, spa designers had the luxury of creating a separate environment that revolved around the spa. “It’s allowed us to create a different world away from the busy city life and

a spiritual and relaxing experience amid a resort-style environment,” said Thanapas, whose Thai nickname is Apple. You first see a resort-size swimming pool surrounded by an oasis of greenery. It’s mid-morning, and the sun is particularly intense. Several guests are already splashing around in the pool. Spa reception is located on the ground floor of a separate threestorey building opposite the pool and adjacent to the hotel’s fitness centre. We enter to the sounds of water cascading from a waterfall on both sides of the entrance. The spa focuses on traditional Thai elements with aged wood and reclaimed red bricks, representing all five elements – water, air, earth, metal and fire. In the small pond nearby, brass and copper lotus flowers with big leaves bearing candles reinforce the spa ’s tranquility and calm. Then, a watercourse and large stepping stones . The colour schemes of the treatment rooms reflect calmness and a sense of luxury. All have automatic treatment beds and stools covered with teak to reflect a natural look, and all have fine bamboo-woven mats, lotus pictures and coloured sandstone. The treatments were also designed to minimize sound and competing scents from other rooms. Even the air conditioning has been isolated to reduce distraction.

The lotus is a powerful symbol in Thailand. It’s perceived as a sacred flower that grows from within the mud, “but when it appears,” says Apple, “the flower is so clean, pure and refreshing. We think this is the perfect philosophy for our spa experience, in which you begin uncleansed but come out like the lotus flower, feeling pure and refreshed.” Women like most – the variety of treatments, the décor, and the fact that the hotel is located on the river and has a boat to ferry them across the river. “Many of our external guests come by boat.” P8m7MoJR4Zo Peninsula Spas https://youtu.be/JNRJqIj33Yw The Peninsula Bangkok PenAcademy How does the spa meet the expectations of guests? “By paying attention to must als o detail and providing guests with a five-star luxury experience. It fulfill a spiritual expectation while encompassing all the qualities that make a spa great. That includes taking guests away from the world outside.” The spa encourages guests to arrive 30 minutes before treatment to use its facilities and visit the Asian Tea Room and relaxation areas overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Each treatment experience begins with a fresh ginger foot buff and The Peninsula tea ceremony. The spa journey starts at spa reception before you ’re taken to the female or male relaxation rooms. ESPA has designed a collection of bespoke treatments exclusively for The Peninsula spa, combining Thai, European and Ayurvedic philosophies to create a new holistic experience. “Our philosophy enables us to deliver high-quality treatments. We have a very beautiful river view from most of our treatment rooms. We ’re also one of the largest luxury spas in Bangkok, with 18 treatment rooms housed in three storeys of a four-storey colonial-style building.

“We use the best of these traditions in our treatments. It’s a mix – a fusion – the best of what ’s available in the world today, whether hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, thalassotherapy or phytotherapy. It ’s also reflected in the products we use. They’re also the best available,” said Apple. The spa is located in a three-storey Colonial-style building by the river. emphasizing fast results, are gradually being Western treatments, integrated into the Peninsula’s spa menu. In this regard, Thailand is well known for cosmetic surgery. It’s always been quite advanced, but now she sees more of , traditional beauty, and a change in the middle, a blurring of wellness pampering. This has been the trend around the world. “Today, people just don’t come for the pampering. They want to see results for what they ’ve invested in …and why we ’ve introduced new treatments for the super active. They also want to feel well – and come for more preventative treatments. “Everything we do here is natural. Our treatments are traditional, and everything we do here is by hand. We don ’t do aggressive treatments where guests want to see fast results. The Peninsula has an extensive spa menu and uses ESPA products for its body and face treatments and Biologique Récherche for face treatments only.

“We also developed a special technique, using only hands and performed by very advanced therapists. By combining these techniques with an advanced, scientifically proven product, we can achieve a certain level of results that can be seen immediately. This treatment is very popular. Some people are still a bit reluctant to undergo an aggressive treatment, even though they still want to see results.” “With the smell, your body will tell you what it needs today. That’s why we personalize each treatment and experience. For this, the therapist needs a high level of training.”

At the same time, the spa ’s therapists focus on personalizing treatments depending on your needs at the time. Your therapist also chooses the essential oil used during the treatment. This also is based on your consultation. If you like scents, you ’re in for a great experience. They change throughout the day. In the morning -- an ESPA energizing oil containing peppermint, lemon, thyme and eucalyptus; and in the evening, another ESPA soothing oil which contains sweet orange, geranium, cedarwood and sandalwood and Ylang Ylang oil. Organic lemongrass oil is used in the steam room , and dried Bergamot, and camphor are in the sauna. In addition to its Skin Brightening Age Defiler facial, the spa offers two

other 90-minute treatments – the Toning , Lifting and Firming and Repair and Restoring facials. Each signature treatment begins with The Peninsula tea ceremony , an indepth consultation, and a foot ritual. One of the most popular is simply called Time. “You book your time and consult with one of our therapists, who will recommend a customized treatment depending on how you feel at that time.” Topping the list is the 3.5 –hour Ultimate of Peninsula. It represents the “ultimate of the spa journey” that combines recommended treatments of the Peninsula Spa, and offers the “ultimate” in relaxation and rejuvenation from top to toe. It includes a Coco Siam Body scrub, a relaxing massage, a Biologique Recharge facial, the Essential Mind-Sleep Therapy, and lunch served after the treatments. The Detoxifying Body Exfoliation among body treatments removes dead skin cells and signs of cellulite, and uplifting and stimulating aromatics and hot compresses are used throughout. Another interesting wrap is the Rasyana Detox Body, which uses essential oils , cinnamon powder, walnut shells to exfoliate, and mineral-rich clay infused with powerful herbs to provide fullbody exfoliation and hydration. The Algae Balancing and Calming nourishing mask are also designed to purify your epidermis, keep your skin clean and healthy, and alleviate any skin discomfort; the Rasayana Detox scrub and the Energizing Himalayan Salt. Other popular treatments: Thai Inspired , which uses stimulating and therapeutic techniques to release muscle tension and energize your body. It features a muscle-melting massage using oil and warm herbal compresses; an aromatic infusion of Thai herbs, including lemongrass and ginger; a mixture of pink mud, marine algae or Oshadi clay; and ends with an acupuncture-point head massage.

The Volcano Stone is an interesting treatment that starts with an ESPA salt and body scrub to stimulate circulation and renew energy, followed by heated masks using pink mud, marine algae or Oshadi clay. This mixture is smoothed on the body and then wrapped in natural linen. Herbs and spices and oils continue to penetrate deeply. The treatment ends with an Ayurvedic head massage that brings peace of mind. This treatment is also fine-tuned to suit your body ’s state at the time, depending on whether you’re in a state of Vata, Pitta or Kapha. hyperactivity When Vata is out of balance, the result is dry skin, anxiety, and poor circulation. Balance is restored with the spa's Vata Comforter treatment's warmth, nourishment, hydration and comfort. In a state of high Pitta, stressed minds and bodies may be overactive and agitated. In this state, the spa uses a Pitta Pacifier treatment, which calms your mind and reduces muscular tension while cooling and soothing your skin. If you ’re in a state of Kapha, your skin may be dull or oily and reacts negatively to humidity or dryness. The Kapha Stimulator treatment helps to restore balance through purification and stimulation. The Peninsula’s Ayurvedic treatments underlie its Sattva treatments, which are exclusive to The Peninsula. Sattva means “pure” in Vedic philosophy.

The Sattva Detox Body Polisher is the spa ’s most popular wrap. It ’s a lightto-medium anti-cellulite treatment that combines cinnamon and walnut shells to eliminate dead skin cells, drain toxins and leave your skin looking radiant. At the Peninsula, it has been carefully formulated, combing classic methods with contemporary massage techniques, and plays a significant role in its wellness program.

The Essential Mind offers a therapeutic touch, healing oil and the vibrations of seven singing bowls used for your seven Chakra points or energy centres. The vibrations slow down your thoughts. “We recommend it for guests who have problems and can ’t sleep,” says Apple. “We also offer the spa ’s clinical therapy, based on ancient practices , to help guests with insomnia.” It begins with a full-body Blissful Marma massage to release tension and an Age-Defying Marma massage to balance your emotions and anxiety. It ends with a Yoga Nidra to relax your nervous system. Then there ’s the spa ’s Chakra Balancing with Volcanic Stones treatment designed to relieve tension and muscular stress. It begins with skin brushing, exfoliation, and an ESPA facial cleanse, followed by a massage with blended aromatherapy oils and Ayurvedic infusions to release tension and work on the vital energy points and chakras around your body. The treatment ends with a head massage to relieve stress. The Peninsula is known for its signature treatments – Peninsula Royal Thai

massage and Royal Thai massage with herbal compress. The 110-minute Royal Thai with Herbal Compress features a pressure point massage along the body ’s ten major energy channels, releasing blocked energy and increasing your body’s vitality. https://youtu.be/IIprtuclKDk The Peninsula Bangkok https://youtu.be/lMIC9_fEIsg More Peninsula Pix

A warm herbal compress with an aromatic infusion of Thai herbs helps relieve muscle tension in the back, neck and shoulder areas. The Peninsula ’s Royal Thai Massage was created in partnership with the Wat Pho Temple Traditional Medical and Massage School, located inside Bangkok’s Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Its popular Four-Hand Synchronized massage incorporates the exacting skills of two therapists working together in rhythmic tandem. Other massages include the Peninsula Herbal Thai Compress, Detox and Boost Adrenal Energy and an advanced Holistic massage, using Marma Therapy and Chakra Balance to align your energy centres. For first-time visitors, Apple recommends the Aromatherapy massage – a relaxation and renewal experience, using a deeply therapeutic massage using blends of essential oils carefully selected for each person’s needs. The spa is known for two facial treatments – The Peninsula ’s Cellular Hydration facial and its skin brightener Age-Defyier facial.

The Cellular Hydration Facial is a concentrated and deeply nourishing moisture boost facial for dry, dehydrated skin, using hydrating products, including its replenishing facial treatment oil, a super active cellular hydration intensive serum, and an intensely maturing mask. A warm herbal poultice massage follows this to rehydrate and smooth your skin, leaving it dewy, supple and radiant. This treatment also targets the classic areas of stress – headaches, neck pains and shoulder tension and their effect on your skin – followed by a deep cleansing back exfoliation and an intensive back massage using hot volcanic stones and aromatic oils. It ends with a stress-reducing scalp massage. The spa ’s Skin Brightener , Age Defying Facial, is a powerful and popular treatment that smooths, softens, and evens skin tone. It begins with an in-depth skin analysis and incorporates steam and a deep sonic brush cleanse to prepare your skin for a professional enzyme peel containing optimum concentrations of AHAs, pumpkin enzymes and naturally sourced fruit acids. Then, a deep facial massage removes dead skin cells, boosts cell regeneration and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. A professional lifting and firming mask follows the deep facial massage to make the skin smooth, toned, and luminous. Working closely with Biologique Récherche, The Peninsula has created its highly popular Second Skin Facial treatment, which uses “revolutionary electrospinning technology – similar to 3D printing” – to address the special needs of mature skin.

Other interesting facials include Soin Lissant, a “unique reconditioning procedure” to soothe sensitive, reactive, stressed and traumatized skin. Then, a P50 Enzyme Peel provides instant lightening and tightening effects to allow maximum absorption and stimulation at the cellular level; and the VIP 02 Oxygenant uses oxygen to restore radiance to stressed skin exposed to pollution and air conditioning.

There are also many age-defying facials, starting with the 24K Gold AgeDefying, an exotic and enriching skin remedy that revitalizes your skin and emotional balance. It boosts collagen production and increases skin renewal. Combined with the restorative powers of the 24K gold leaf, it revives the deep layers of your skin , the Age Revival, which uses plant s and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Others include extracts and biotechnology to deliver vitamins and minerals and regenerate skin cells. Active Collagen face masks restore elasticity and firm your skin. “Results from your first treatment,” adds Apple. Other facials include the Firming and Collagen; Holistic Anti-Ageing; Illuminating; and The Intense Lift – a complete skincare treatment with instant lifting effects that firm, resculpts, and protect your skin. She also recommends the Brightening to treat pigmented dull skin. The Peninsula has also introduced three interesting specialty treatments – a

Maternity massage designed for pregnant and nursing mothers or new mothers. Essential oils are avoided and replaced by calendula-infused oil, pink mud clay and nourishing creams with advanced massage techniques. There ’s also a special Maternity massage for pregnant and nursing mothers, performed by experienced therapists to help pregnant women unwind and feel comforted—great for relieving headaches, backaches and neck and shoulder tension. The spa ’s Sleep Ceremony is perhaps just as interesting, a two-hour experience that rebalances your mind and body. It is performed in candlelit surroundings. It starts with an aromatic bath infused with bath oil – a pure blend of sandalwood, Rose, Geranium, Frankincense and Myrrh to calm your mind and ease aching limbs. Next, a brief session on breathing and meditation techniques, followed by a hot stone massage and a facial and scalp massage. The Peninsula ’s W-shaped design offers uninterrupted views of the city from each of its 360 suites. Other amenities include a fleet of Rolls Royces.

Renaissance Bangkok The Healing Power of Water

pas have always been about water, but at the Renaissance Hotel’s Quan Spa in Bangkok, it’s all about water. We’re not just talking about water-based therapies like a Vichy Shower or a hydrotherapy bath experience. They’re a given.

Water underlies all of Quan Spa ’s key treatments and products. It ’s the source of all things good and pure and the inspiration behind the design themes for the hotel and the spa’s interior design. Your journey starts when you enter the lobby, decorated in a modern Thai contemporary style. The biggest design feature is the Cassia Fistula or Ratchapruek, known as the national flower of Thailand. The spa is located on the same level as the hotel’s pool and health club. It’s almost impossible to miss when you enter the lobby. A giant copy of the flower – bright, yellow in colour, with its six points stretching over dozens of gleaming brown floor tiles in front of reception – is featured all over the lobby. As you look around, stylized versions of the flower pop up on the polished stainless steel wall features, stone patterns, or etched on glass, randomly placed all over the hotel.

Spa reception is the first step in your transition into the spa’s world of water. You can smell the difference coming from essential oil in the burner. “It’s our signature blend of orange, lemongrass and neroli and is always mentioned by every guest,” said Jaraspan Pantanahirun, the spa manager, as we entered the spa area. Before being escorted upstairs for treatment, guests are welcomed at reception and offered tea while filling out a health questionnaire and consulting their

therapist. The spa has seven treatment suites, a foot lounge, five therapists, and nine staff. “We also offer a no-locker room experience. Guests really love it,” adds Jaraspan, whose Thai nickname is Minnie. Each treatment room has two zones – one for changing, which incorporates a private changing area, vanity, shower and toilet, and a second for therapy, including a treatment or massage table and a work counter for the therapist. “It means guests are not forced to change in communal locker rooms, transverse reception areas, or other public spaces to access their treatment room, providing a “five-star and personalized” spa experience. “We concentrate on every little detail when you come to our spa. We focus on going beyond your expectations. When you come to our spa , you want to relax, even though we ’re located in the middle of a metropolis like Bangkok. In the spa, they have a break from everything and can enjoy a great view of the city. We’re located on the 23rd floor. https://youtu.be/6MZ1d0n4SXk More Renaissance Pix https://youtu.be/qH22iYxKulE Renaissance Bangkok The spa uses Algotherm, a marine-based product from France, in keeping with its emphasis on the healing powers of water. Above all, the spa provides a sense of place, products, and services in a way that no other spa does. Our spa menu is based on premium and active skin care.” Quon, by the way, is a Chinese word meaning “a source of water,” whether it’s a spring, fountain or spa. The Chinese character for Quan is derived from two Chinese characters – Bai, meaning white, and shui, the character for “white water” Bai shui means “white water” or the source of pure water. In Cantonese, it also means “good luck”, and refers to wealth or prosperity. Quan is also a synonym for another Chinese character that means “total” or “wholeness”. The spa is known for two treatments – its signature Aroma Fusion massage and Tropical Sand Rainshower Ritual. The Aroma Fusion massage combines Aromatherapy, a Swedish massage, with healing oils to give you a sense of total relaxation.

The Tropical Sand Rainshower ritual – the spa ’s Signature body scrub – features a mixture of water and Quan ’s unique sand-foaming scrub, transformed into a fine and creamy foam to eliminate clogging particles and stimulate cellular regeneration. The treatment ends with a tropical rain shower and an oil massage, leaving you feeling hydrated. Two of its wraps – slimming and a detox –rely heavily on marine-based treatments. The Slimming wrap, ideal for treating hard cellulite, encourages the elimination of waste deposits from fatty tissue and is formulated from a phytoaromatic slimming complex, brown seaweed extracts, coffee and ivy. The detox wrap uses mud from the bay around Mont St.-Michel in France. The bay has the highest tides in Europe, producing extremely fine clays rich in trace elements. Also popular are the spa ’s three other wraps – Tropical, Slimming Body and Fresh Papaya. The Tropical uses natural exfoliation – sesame and oatmeal in fresh papaya, pineapple, honey and yogurt body wrap . The Slimming is based on a phytocoffee and ivy. The Fresh aromatic slimming complex of brown seaweed, Papaya uses a warm papaya enzyme that offers rejuvenating and restorative powers. Thais have used tamarind for centuries as a natural cleanser. The spa ’s five polishes – Fresh Coconut, Fresh Tamarind, Salt Glow, Sesame and Coffee – rely

heavily on natural Thai products and time-test Thai treatments. The Coconut polish is a blend of fresh coconut and bananas, high in anti-oxidants and contains tartaric acid – very effective in removing dead skin cells. Quan Spa adds honey and oatmeal to the original mix.

The Salt Glow stimulates circulation and leaves the skin radiant and with a healthy glow. It includes a purifying blend of marine and mineral salts with essential oils. Quon believes strongly in the power of touch in its massage therapies, including its Deep Renewal – a deeper massage personalized for each person ’s needs that loosens tense muscles and increases circulation and energy flow. It is followed by a Thai Neck and Shoulder De-Stress, designed to relieve physical tension in your neck and shoulder area, and the Traditional Thai massage. Hot stones stimulate circulation and oxygen to tired and tense muscles in other treatments and reduce stress-related pain. Other massages include the 90minute Hot Stone, which transports oxygen to tired, tense muscles, using sesame, sandalwood and Jasmine infused with oil, as well as Thai massages and Thai Herbal Therapy. The spa ’s Age Intervention facial also relies on marine extracts as well as wheat proteins to stimulate, revive and preserve your skin ’s natural age defences – with immediate firming action. The Brightening facial, Anti-Ageing Care, use s marine-based masks, sandalwood and Jasmine infused with fruit

acids. The Moisture Surge facial combat dehydration, improve skin texture and leave your face soft and radiant. Also popular are Quan Spa ’s Moisture Surge facial and its bath rituals. The one-hour Moisture Surge facials and bath rituals are a hydrating treatment that combines active marine ingredients with a unique mask to combat dehydration, improving your skin and leaving it feeling soft and radiant. There ’s also a deep cleansing facial for dry skin.

Baths figure prominently. Thais have long used its Milk bath for its hydrating powers. Its Milk and Honey bath leaves your skin feeling nourished

and smooth, and a spice bath includes a mixture of Thai herbs and spices like Kaffir lime and Galangal to create “a deliciously scented” experience. The Marine bath starts with a refreshing steam bath and a full-body exfoliation to prepare your skin and maximizes absorption of active marine and plant ingredients, including a pure essential oil of orange, tangerine and grapefruit. Its Revitalizing Marine baths – Revitalize, Relax and Slim – also begins with a full-body exfoliation using pure sea salts to prepare your skin for maximum active marine and plant ingredients absorption . A Body scrub and bath follow this with essential oils of Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Mint to revitalize your mind and body. Then, a relaxing bath to erase all signs of fatigue and gentle salt scrub to remove dead skin cells and help your skin feel smooth, hydrated, and healthy. Indulge, Asian Experience and Rejuvenate facials offer a range of wellness and pampering treatments. Quon Spa offers five packages – Oriental Healing, which includes an Oriental Fusion massage using Eastern and Western techniques to relieve your body aches, and an herbal ball compress to transport is“an ultimate pampering oxygen in your body. The Couples Retreat experience” that blends face and body treatments to refresh and rejuvenate. It includes an herbal steam, a body polish, a signature massage and a Moisture Surge facial, a Reflex massage and ends with a meal. Breathe is all about pampering. It includes an Herbal steam, Aroma Fusion massage and a Moisture Surge facial, using a blend of essential oils and marine Breathe, extracts. Its Seascapes are a 2.5-hour Thai Experience, a three-hour Reconnect and its two-hour Embrace. Reconnect is designed for couples and includes an Aroma facial and a Foot Ritual, while Embrace, another couples package, starts with a bath and includes a body polish and a Deep Renewal massage. The entire spa experience, she believes, should enable you to come away with a sense of renewal and increased vitality. The spa space should support you in deepening your connection with your inner self. “It ’s a compelling reason for our guests to return.” The Renaissance ’s four main restaurants – Flavors, R Bar, Fei Ya and La Tavola – are designed to cater to various preferences. The Renaissance is close to central Chidlom and its shopping, next to the BTS Skytrain Chidlom station. Nearby attractions include the Erawan Shrine, the Grand Palace, the Temple of Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and shopping. The hotel is also within easy reach of Bangkok ’s three trade centres – Queen Sirikit National

Trade Center (15 minutes by car), Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (35 minutes), and Impact Exhibition Center (45 minutes).

Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok More Than Just Orchids

t comes as no surprise when you enter Sheraton’s Royal Orchid Mandara Spa in Bangkok that orchids are just about everywhere – at the head and foot of its treatment beds, on towels, in cabinets and even atop the lamps that line both sides of the corridor in the treatment room area. The dark teak floors, broken by blue-lighted pebble floor sections, shine in the light from the lamps, and here and there, white lotus flowers peek out from pots along the walls. “The lotus flowers are more than decoration. They give the spa a sense of place,” says Supanee Tientongtip, whose Thai nickname is Sup. At the end of the corridor is a peacock sculpture created in the Northern Thai Lanna style. The spa is managed by MSpa International, headquartered in Bangkok, operating 56 spas worldwide. The spa has eight treatment suites, including four deluxe suites, each with

two treatment beds. Each suite has a great view of the river and includes a steam/shower room and a change room, while the superior deluxe suite opens onto a private rooftop garden. The couples' suites have a raised wooden platform next to the windows, where the morning sunlight gleams through Venetian blinds, bringing out the red tones of the wood. Against the wall, there is a wooden sofa with black and orange cushions, and on the floor, two large bowls for foot rituals await guests. Orchid flowers appear here, too. You’ll be asked to fill out a short questionnaire at spa reception that your therapist uses to customize your treatment and ensure that the spa meets your needs. “This is particularly important in the case of a new guest, who has never experienced a spa treatment,” says Sup. “Our spa is known for the Javanese Lulur Ritual, where the legacy of Mandara philosophy is best experienced,” she adds as we tour the spa. A hint of lemongrass lingers in the air as we view the spa ’s relaxation lounge, where guests can purchase Elemis and Anantara products. https://youtu.be/ANGikOxxong Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok Mandara comes from an ancient Sanskrit legend about a god’s quest to find the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. In the legend, Mandara Giri represents a sacred mountain from which the water of life flows – a magic elixir with the power to keep you young forever. “Mandara Spa has embraced this legend, reflected in the unique and exotic treatments replicating ancient times' beauty, spirit, soul, and cultural traditions. And while we can ’t promise immortality, we can guarantee that on experiencing our spa treatments, you will feel radiant, revitalized and, perhaps, even touched by a little of the magic.” The Japanese Lulur Ritual starts with a floral foot ritual , including a Lulur scrub, Yoghurt splash, Honey & Milk bath and Balinese massage. The other signature ritual is the Mandara Signature massage, a four-hand massage, where two therapists working together in unison combine five different massage styles – Shiatsu, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Thai, Swedish and Balinese, using specially blended essential oils – sandalwood, patchouli and ylang-ylang to calm the nervous system, warm and relax muscle tissue and promote the growth of healthy new skin cells to “produce total relaxation and beautiful supple skin”. The treatment includes a floral foot ritual, Mandara Signature massage and refreshments.

Mandara Spa’s Passages – the Romantic Getaway for Couples, designed to melt away tension, loosen muscles and tendons and improve skin texture and blood circulation. The treatment includes a floral foot ritual, aromatic steam and salt scrub, an aromatic floral bath, an aromatic massage and an aromatic facial. Other passages include Journey of Joy, which addresses your body ’s needs, including your skin, and eases tension. It contains a rejuvenating body scrub or wrap, while the Mandara Bliss unleashes blockages and relieves emotional and physical tension. The last passage, The Elemis Absolute Spa Ritual, combines facial and body therapy “for pure relaxation with maximum results”. Guests can choose the Elemis Advanced Anti-Ageing or Skin Solutions facials with either an Elemis Deep Tissue or Aromatic massage using Elemis oil. For new guests, Sup usually recommends an Aromatherapy massage – a gentle massage with a choice of four oils: Mandara, Harmony, Thailand Spice and Tranquility. Mandara oil contains patchouli, sandalwood and Cananga essential oil – good for dry, sensitive skin. Thailand Spice contains cloves, lemongrass, and ginger and has great energizing properties. Harmony is made up of bergamot, mandarin and lavender and is great for balancing the spirit and mind; Tranquility contains lavender, Cananga, and ylang-ylang – good for jet lag and relaxation. Asian women tend to favour body massages, body scrubs and brightening facials, while Western women go for hydrating and anti-ageing facial treatments and body massages.

For experienced spa-goers, she suggests the Mandara Signature Ritual, which starts with the Javanese Lulur. The spa ’s favourite facials – the Aromatic Signature and the Elemis ProCollagen Quartz Lift – focus on radiant skin and anti-wrinkling, while the Aromatic Signature combines a blend of plant extracts and traditional Thai ingredients to encourage cell renewal and oxygenation. A relaxing massage and an herbal mask restore balance in your skin. YTeZqUqC6EY Supanee Tientongtip, Spa Manager https://youtu.be/7KDnXU99HQ0 Royal Orchid Loy Kathrong Quartz and tourmaline help in cell regeneration, making your skin firmer, youthful-looking. The Elemis Pro-Collagen smoother, brighter, and more Quartz Lift facial has been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness – even after just one treatment. This anti-aging facial uses

specialized lifting techniques and professional strength, collagen-boosting formulations. It has a full line-up of massages, including its popular sports massage, which combines three classic Swedish massage strokes that work deeply into your muscles, offering beneficial changes within your body and mind. Other massages include traditional Thai massage, Swedish, Oriental Foot and Indian Head massages, and Aromatic massage, based on aromatherapy and Swedish massage principles to relieve stress and anxiety. Its body treatments and wraps deal with the impurities and toxins caused by the harmful effects of the environment that often prevent necessary nutrients from reaching our skin. Cell renewal occurs naturally but slows down as we age, leaving dull, lifeless, dry skin. She adds that exfoliation accelerates the skin’s renewal, helping your body flush out toxins.

“And when performed regularly, exfoliation is also highly effective in treating cellulite.”

The Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow are designed to energize and revitalize, surrounding your senses with citrus fragrances and Green Tea Splash oils that leave your skin feeling deeply cleansed, replenished and softened while the Pure Soothing Heaven for Sensitive Skin helps to calm and rebalance delicate and fragile skin. The spa ’s steam rituals create a sense of harmony, relaxation and freshening. The 28-storey Royal Orchid Sheraton was established on the Si Phraya Pier three decades ago and was officially inaugurated by Queen Siri Kit on July 22, 1983. The hotel is built in a “Y” shape on a bend in the Chao Phraya River, providing panoramic views of the historic Thonburi side of Bangkok as well as other areas of the city from all its 726 rooms. You’ll be greeted by a Sheraton Ambassador dressed in Thai costume when you enter the lobby. And as you walk through, you ’re suddenly conscious of the lobby’s high ceiling and then, off to one side, the Buddha shrine – known as the Par Kane Market. The Emerald Buddha is also known as the “Palladium of Thai society” and is an important religious symbol for most Thai Buddhists, who believe it brings good fortune to the country. It ’s a replica of the famous Emerald Buddha, located on the grounds of the Grand Palace in nearby Wat Pura Kae. There is also a belief that the king derives his power from this Buddha. The shrine is built on a series of platforms, and no one is allowed near the Buddha except the king. The statue has a seasonal cloak, which is changed three times during the year – in summer, winter, and rainy. Changing the robes is a very important ritual performed only by the king. Statues of the Buddha are very common in commercial buildings in Thailand, and the replica of the Emerald Buddha in the lobby is there to bring good luck to the hotel.

When it comes to dining, Royal Orchid Sheraton has four main restaurants, each with its theme – Thai, International, Italian and seafood. If you ’re in the mood for Thai food, Tara Thong serves Royal Thai in an atmosphere of low tables, celadon China, bronze cutlery and Thai classical music. On the River is an all-day contemporary restaurant with a menu that ranges from Western to Chinese, Japanese and Indian. Georgia’s, Bangkok’s first Italian restaurant inside a hotel, offers authentic Italian food, and if you want a snack, try the Terrace or Garden Pools. For international cuisine, head for Etc. The revamped Lobby Lounge is a meeting place for light snacks and drinks, or if you ’d like something a bit more elegant, Sambol provides stylish al fresco grill dining by the riverfront. Interesting things to see and do nearby: Royal Orchid Sheraton is located near Bangkok ’s downtown business, entertainment and shopping districts. The hotel is only a short taxi ride from Bangkok’s Chinatown and is connected to the four- storey River City shopping complex and its art and antique shops. The hotel is adjacent to two public piers and provides easy access to all modes of transportation. The Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, and the

Emerald Buddha Temple are just a short boat ride away. The hotel ’s shuttle boat leaves directly from the hotel ’s pier every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Or catch a shuttle boat that will connect you with the overhead train to Siam Paragon or the Chatuchak Weekend Market. During the day, you can explore some of Bangkok’s historical spots close to the hotel, like the Embassy of Portugal, which has had relations with Thailand for more than 500 years, or the first commercial bank of Thailand or Chinatown. The hotel’s The Royal Orchid Sheraton 1 – a traditional Thai-decorated boat – is a great and different venue for a private party or cruise, “The River of Kings,” as the Chao River, is called. Another huge favourite is dining on a cruise, where you can take in the river views of the Chao Phraya at night.

Rosewood Bangkok Offering a Unique Wei

n a city known for its architecture, Rosewood Bangkok stands out in a unique way. The silhouette of its two adjoining 30-storey towers imitates the Thai, in which Thais press their palms together when they greet people. It is situated in an area of embassies and new office towers, surrounded by Thai fashion boutiques and Central Embassy, Bangkok’s upscale shopping mall. Rosewood sees itself as a modern-day aristocratic manor, where you arrive via a private driveway, signalling your entry into a world removed from the din and bustle of the city. The interior has been designed to create a sense of intimacy and privacy throughout your entire stay. Its guest rooms offer panoramic views of the city yet create a residential experience that includes books, art, accessories, and personal touches to make you feel at home. Rooms and suites are unique throughout the hotel, with no two floors sharing the same configuration. There is a maximum of 12 rooms per floor. Rosewood also offers a number of bespoke signature suites, studios and houses,

which provide private meditation areas, terraces and outdoor plunge pools. Rosewood’s Sense Spa occupies the sixth floor and prides itself on its bespoke approach to personal well-being, drawing on Thailand ’s healing approach. Its treatments revive ancient Thai beauty rituals , lost remedies, and the latest innovation from French skincare lines Evidens de Beauté and Maison Cautières. Sense Spa has three single, two double treatment rooms and eight staff members, each equipped with a shower and private bathtub. It uses Rosewood, Rosemary and Vetiver essential oils throughout. “Sense Spa adopts a personalized approach, customizing experiences to your specific needs,” says Jinhjai Wongarmart, spa director. “Every treatment is tailored to achieve optimal results.” Its treatments are inspired by herbal healing methods in Thai culture, which date back thousands of years, even before the Suk hothai, Lanna and Ayutthaya kingdoms, to relieve pain and physical stress. “We are striving to preserve the once -lost remedies of Thailand,” added Jinhjai, whose Thai nickname is Pan. “Our guests can unwind in our treatment rooms, which are also designed to offer them space to disconnect from the outside world and focus on personal wellness.” The spa has three sense -of-place treatments – Chong Bum Bud, Pew Ngam and Lancia-Suga. Chong Bum Bud, rarely practised today, was used by the Chong tribe from Eastern Thailand. It focuses on the massage line of tension in your body to release stress and blockages. Pure coconut oil and a traditional herbal compress are used to release muscle pain, relax your body and maximize your over-all energy pathways. The Pwe Ngam uses red lime tamarind and khi lek, blended with uncooked rice to create a rich scrub to cleanse and balanced your skin. The wrap, which is also the spa’s most popular, is followed by a body wrap of turmeric mixed with clay, sesame and white turnip root. The mixture, known for its antiinflammatory qualities, leaves your skin feeling refreshed and luminous.

Inspired by visiting Persian merchants in olden times, the Lanka-Suga uses Tian Dum flower extract to release tension and increase blood circulation. It starts by massaging your solar plexes and acupressure points on your body. The Tian Dum extract is then used to sink into your skin and release joint and muscle pain. The treatment is especially helpful if you suffer from joint pain and for women to encourage hormone balance. The journey ends with a Jet Lag massage to loosen your joints, shoulders and back to release travel-related pain. Senses' most popular facial is its Extreme 360 Degrees Anti-Age ritual, a Rosewood signature treatment designed to maximize skin beauty and smooth the signs of ageing. This treatment was designed with mature skin in mind to ease dehydration, tiredness and dullness to bring firmness, vitality and radiance to your skin.

https://youtu.be/DwfcqYqruoY https://youtu.be/JgxrVBaXvn0 Introducing Rosewood Bangkok

https://youtu.be/xTMyzpsz8z0 More Rosewood Pix Also popular is the spa’s Ultimate Instant Lifting ritual. It reduces fine lines and redefines facial contours. It ’s ideal, says Pan, for skin lacking firmness and tone. The treatment uses a seven-minute Bio Collagen Hydra-Lift Mask to produce a “wake -up” effect on tired and dull skin. “Your skin will look plumped and visibly younger from your first treatment.” Other facials include the Essential Detox ritual, Essential Absolute Radiance ritual and the Essential Fresh and Tone ritual, which uses an icy wake-up mask to give your skin a fresh and clean look. Rosewood uses exclusive EviDenS de Beauté products for all its facials, which are particularly effective for sensitive skin and applied with both French and Japanese knowledge. Body treatments are used for physical and mental well-being in mind. “The journey begins with enhancing your senses, using beneficial ingredients in Maison Caulières product range. Its products are produced from natural formulas that combine richness and pleasure using four sensation rituals.” Body treatments include its popular Light of Seasons – a holistic careinspired cycle of the seasons. It starts with a full-body scrub with hot steam and towel removal that invigorates and soothes your skin. It is followed by a cocoon hand and foot massage and a cold compress and ends with a traditional Oshibori and full-body massage. Other body treatments include Time for a Dream, a deep, energizing exfoliation of your entire body that uses sun-warmed ingredients to energize and warm you inside and out.

Back to the Roots, which features a foot bath to release tension and ends with a full-body scrub and cleansing; Yen Jai Yen Kai, which uses aloe and honey cream to hydrate your skin and is applied in a body wrap and ends with a scalp massage while Bum Bud Bath, which uses juniper, grapefruit and eucalyptus for as soak to detoxify and cleanse your body for a healthy support system. Senses’ 90-minute Bespoke Bespoke massage is its most popular. Here your therapist listens to your concerns and preferences to create a massage that suits your body ’s needs while encouraging circulation, tension release and total relaxation. Acupuncture is used along your meridian lines, and stretching relieves tired muscles and your mind. Also popular is its Signature Sense massage, which combines the Traditional Thai massage with Swedish and Aromatherapy massage techniques. It also use s Centella Camphoramatic oil to heal muscle aches and improve blood circulation.

Other massages include Himalayan Salt Stove. Himalayan salt has 84 trace minerals that help to balance your body ’s ph and metabolism, improve circulation, calm your nervous system and reduce signs of ageing, while the Ancient Thai massage, which combines acupuncture, energy stimulation, yoga postures, and working on your meridian lines to improve energy flow and circulation. Asian women select a relaxing massage with oil or an anti-ageing facial, while Western women favour relaxing massages. Rosewood also has a fitness studio for guests who focus on wellness. Rosewood has four restaurants and bars, including a brasserie, a signature Chinese restaurant, and a top-floor speakeasy. The Lakehorn European Brasserie is an all-day dining venue where you can dine amid a décor inspired by Traditional Thai dances or on an outdoor terrace. Its menu ranges from light bites to classic Western dishes and Thai specialities. In Mandarin, Nan Bei, which means South and North, offers authentic regional Chinese specialties from South and North China, including southern Chinese seafood dishes and Peking Duck. A custom-woven art feature stretches the length of the ceiling that includes a light installation of 600 illuminated birds in flight.

Lennons, a speakeasy-style bar on the 30th floor, has Asia's largest collection of vinyl records . G & O, Green and Organic is Bangkok ’s first upscale organic café. It offers a variety of healthy dining options, emphasizing organic and locally grown and sourced natural ingredients.

Shangri-La Bangkok Finding your Shangri-la f you’ve read Lost Horizons or seen the movie – and wished it existed – you can relive those warm, magical moments at Bangkok’s Shangri-la CHI Spa. You won’t see the Valley of the Blue Moon, but the feeling of mystery and the evocative power of Tibet are never far away – in the moving shafts of light, the temple-like atmosphere, the smell of scented incense, the echoing sounds of Himalayan singing bowls and Himalayan artifacts around the spa. Even the spa’s bath rituals create a sensation of floating and weightlessness. CHI’s therapies are based on the ancient healing traditions and rituals of Asian countries and cultures, focusing on authentic Asian wellness. The spa takes its name from the Chinese concept of Chi – the universal life Chi force that governs our well-being. According to Chinese philosophy, the must flow freely within our bodies to maintain good health. When blocked, “disease” and illness follow. CHI Spa ’s treatments are designed to restore balance

and harmony to the mind and body. Movement is important in releasing blockages. Body massages, exercise and meditation all play a role in helping the body renew itself naturally. Each CHI Spa maintains a number of similar “yet differentiating identities”. With its emphasis on authentic Asian wellness, the spa ’s core treatments reflect the healing traditions in several key Asian healing cultures. CHI Spa ’s Sense of Place Rituals – whether a massage, scrub, wrap or facial – are unique or indigenous to the property or country. The CHI experience is different and in line with the Shangri-la legend,” says Nhannaphat Vorachitcharoenkul, spa and health club director. “It ’s about having time for yourself and why we try to create the temple feel – so that when you come to the spa, it’s timeless. Just as it was in Shangri-la.” The spa ’s concept and treatments were developed with a team of recognized experts in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Himalayan healing arts. Its exclusive range of products under the Chi name is based on the five elements. https://youtu.be/Kj7UfQkWDEE Shangri-la Bangkok https://youtu.be/CWyhmnlpqyw Bird’s Eye View of Shangri-La Bangkok https://youtu.be/W_krTxgmdBI Shangri-La Bangkok Street Food https://youtu.be/5jhFkAq5aQo More Shangri-la Bangkok Pix Chi Spa adopts a holistic approach to physical and spiritual well-being to restore the balance of these elements . “It ’s what sets Shangri-la apart,” says Nhannaphat, “and it starts when we welcome our guests, seat them in the Inner Sanctum, and ask them to fill out our consultation form.” There is a lingering scent of one of the spa ’s five-element synergy oils, which are rotated daily here and throughout the spa. Before your treatment begins, you ’ll be asked a few medical questions and asked to complete a brief, four-item questionnaire about your five elements. At that point, the therapist will clarify any medical concerns and establish what you’re looking for in terms of treatment before dealing with its element questionnaire.

“The questionnaire is crucial because it enables us to match the massage and essential oils that will be used to balance your dominant element. The dominant element is usually your knee-jerk response, and we explain how it affects your body or thought, plus a practical way to balance it,” says Nhannaphat, whose Thai nickname is Dear. Wood, for example, is the element of dynamism. As the first element in the cycle, wood people are particular about being the first to know, finish, or have. This element symbolizes birth and growth – so wood people are always on the move, eager to learn or explore. Wood people also tend to walk or talk fast or both. Wood people are naturally competitive and adventurous. “We also explain the benefit of the treatment chosen or recommended and how it will help balance your element and yin-yang energy.” You are then introduced to your therapist, who escorts you to your treatment suite. The names of the suites are derived from James Hilton ’s book. When ready, you change into a spa robe in the treatment suite and ring a silver Himalayan bell. You are then seated and given the spa ’s signature foot ritual. The protocol is the same in every Chi spa around the world. The products used in the ritual are local.

“In Thailand, we use lotus flowers and Thai herbs; in the Philippines, coconut milk is used, and in China, Chinese herbs,” said Deer. Chi’s Tea Ceremony, where a specific blend of organic element tea is used, actually begins while your feet are soaking. “We want you to feel regal, and we do this by serving the tea in a jade teacup on top of a copper stand.” Why jade? Because in the olden days, the royal family ate only out of jade colour when exposed to arsenic and cups or bowls – because jade changes mercury, the main poisons used in those days. Next, a bath – if included in your spa journey. If not, you will be brought to your treatment bed, where your therapist will review your treatment and her ’s resting area when your recommendations. You ’re escorted to the spa treatment is done, where your specific element tea awaits, again served in a jade cup. After this, you ’re escorted back to the inner sanctum or the spa boutique and given a five-element bookmark. The spa also emails each guest a thank you note for their visit the following day. Treatments are based on holistic practices and include various Asian and Thai options – using pressure point Thai Sen or meridian lines and salts, clay, oils, and herbs.

Tibetan and Chinese philosophy, she adds, always seeks the middle path – balancing your yin and yang. “Finding that balance is always at the root of our treatments. We want our guests to forget about everything else when they enter our spa and focus on themselves. Our essential oils, also based on the five elements, are blended so that if you’re wood energy, for example, the essential oil would be the one that balances your wood energy. oCMN9SyMef0 Nhannaphat Vorachitcharoenkul, Director of Spa and Health Club “The spa business is a high-trust environment – so we aim to make people feel it’s all about me ”. Our guests point out that we determine and understand their needs and preferences because of the questions we ask and how we’re able to tailor our treatment recommendations based on what we learn from our five

elements questionnaire. They also remark on our calm and caring environment , our pre and post-treatment rituals and treatment spaces … and our staff ’s sincerity in responding to their requests, privacy and modesty.” CHI Spa is known for three treatments – Siamese massage and Traditional Thai massage. The Traditional Thai Massage, a sense of place and an Asian wellbeing massage , combines gentle rocking, deep stretching movements and compression of the spine, performed on a traditional Thai mattress. The Siamese blends Thai and Western oil massage techniques to promote relaxation and improve your sense of well-being and physical flexibility, using the massage to work deeply into your muscles to release tension with palm pressing and stretching.

There is also a Relaxing Aromatherapy to improve your over-all wellness, reduce tension and increase blood circulation, using a blend of aromatic oils best suited to your needs at that time. Its Back Treatment is a focused massage that quickly releases tension in your neck and shoulders. Other massages include the Deep Tissue Sports, a deep tissue massage that works into the layers of your muscles to naturally release tension from your body, while the Detoxifying Back Treatment is a relaxing massage for your back and scalp using detoxifying marine products for complete, deep cleansing. “Great if you ’re short on time,” says Deer.

Body scrubs include the White Sesame Seed Exfoliation, a natural antiageing treatment using the powers of white sesame dissolved in a natural moisturizer that’s high in Vitamin B. The Local Coconut Sugar Body Polish, this tropical fruit, is used to exfoliate and mix natural aromatic sea salts to cleanse and purify, leaving your skin smooth and soft. It cleans away old, dull cells to — expose new and brighter skin that leaves you glowing and toned recommended for sensitive skin.

The spa also offers Aromatic Bath Therapy using synergy oils, a lotus milk bath with specially blended lotus powder and essential oils, and Chakra Cleansing designed to awaken your seven chakras or energy centres, improve circulation, and relieve muscle tension. The Detoxifying Steam bath helps prepare you for massage relaxation and strengthens your immune system with the natural release of toxins. All three baths are in a whirlpool-style tub incorporating Chroma or light therapy. The Firming Body wrap firms naturally and tightens your skin eliminates toxins and improves circulation. the appearance of cellulite, rids the body of There are two wraps – The Indigenous Thanaka Body Mask, used by Burmese women for more than 2,000 years to nourish and promote smoother skin. The Thanaka is rich in Vitamin E, used as a paste from ground bark with a fragrant scent akin to Sandalwood.

This facility is incorporated in the spa ’s Tsangpo treatment wet rooms. The spa uses Phytomer skincare marine-based products that are healthy, natural and offer lasting beauty. CHI ’s most popular facials –Intensely Hydrating and The Anti-Ageing Brightening, focus on cleansing your skin and helping you look fresh. The Intensely Hydrating repairs damages caused by pollutants to hydrate your skin and erase signs of fatigue, while the Anti-Ageing Brightening uses an advanced formula cream massaged onto your skin for brightening action. Other facials include the Specialized Hydrasea Blue offers double-action moisturization of natural marine botanicals that instantly strengthen and moisturize your skin. The Advanced Youth Revealing uses XMF products to create an invisible , natural film that immediately smooths wrinkles. “Great for mature skin.” CHI Spa offers three retreats – Paradise of Siam, Ultimate of Relaxation and A Journey Together. The Paradise of Siam uses a blend of herbs from a Thai recipe, a Thai Acupressure massage, a Thai Herbal Compress and a Detoxifying Herbal Steam to relax and open your pores. The Ultimate Relaxation revitalizes and awakens your senses. “It ’s designed for people who need to escape the stress of a hectic life.” It begins with a Chakra Cleansing and includes a 30-minute back massage, a Detoxifying Back Treatment and a facial. A Journey Together begins with a Chakra Cleansing or a Detoxifying Herbal Steam, followed by a body scrub and a massage.

The spa ’s most popular massage is the Traditional Thai, which uses pressure point massaging and stretching to improve overall wellness by reducing tension and soothing sore muscles. It also increases blood circulation with a blend of natural aromatic oils suited for your body ’s needs. “Great for first-time visitors.” The spa ’s Garden Suite, the largest in Bangkok (107 square metres), has a garden area with an infinity bath set in a lotus pond and a private lounging area. Each spa experience occurs in one of Chi spa ’s ten private suites with their own “spa-within-a-spa”, complete with an eternity light soak tub, herbal steam and shower, relaxing lounge and changing and vanity areas. Four spa suites designed for couples also feature the “spa-within-a-spa” concept. Another five are designed for couples. All have views of the Chao Praya River and provide private access to a secluded swimming pool and outdoor Jacuzzi in the hotel ’s luxury Krungthep Wing. Shangri-la has its own brand of products called the Chi Collection, created exclusively for Chi Spas. These products – massage oils, mists, body and bath elements soaps, and its signature bathrobe, products, including the five specially designed for CHI and made from 100% chenille microfibre that

imitates the feel of cashmere – are available at CHI’s retail boutique. Shangri-la has two towers – the original 25-storey Shangri-la Wing opened in 1986 with 673 rooms, and the luxurious Krungthep Wing has 129 rooms. Each tower has its own lobby. The hotel has undergone a $60 million facelift, which included the hotel ’s new Horizon Club rooms, suites and lounge. Each guest room in the Shangri-la Wing features elm burl panelling, carved motifs and silk fabrics. The design of the Horizon Club guest rooms was inspired by the traditional performances of Thai dancers and brought to life through accessories and paintings of the dancers. The two towers encircle gardens and two tropical swimming pools exclusively for the Knungthep Wing guests. With a quarter-mile on the Chao Phraya River, Shangri-la also offers the longest river frontage of any inner-city hotel – about a quarter-mile long. Shangri-la has nine main restaurants and bars: Next2, a trendy alfresco caf é offering international cuisine and all-day dining. Salathip, set in classical Thaistyle pavilions in a garden next to the Chao Phraya River, offers a menu based on Thai cooking traditions. Angelini Restaurant & Bar features authentic Italian cuisine from an pizza enlarged open kitchen and a multi-purpose oven for roasting, grilling, and bread.

Shang Palace, an elegant restaurant, offers a range of traditional Chinese dishes, including dim sum, in an ambience that includes Chinese paintings and carvings by master Chinese artists. At the Chocolate Boutique, located at the lobby levels, you can sample its homemade chocolate products, all displayed in jewelry cases to enhance the boutique feel. Lobby Lounge, where traditional afternoon tea is served, is a big drawing card for many guests; and the Long Bar, overlooking the river, with a 14.2-metre-long bar counter, has made it a favourite gathering place in the evenings. Interesting things to see and do nearby: The obvious first choice is exploring life on the Maenam – the focal point of Thai life for hundreds of years and still the best place to see the fascinating aspects of Bangkok. There are four ways to see life on the river: Shangri-la ’s Horizon Cruise, a luxury, two-deck boat with dining facilities. Guests have two options – a daily round trip to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, or one-way tours to or from Ayutthaya. Dinner cruises are also available, starting at 7.30 p.m. Or a long-tail boat tour: You can hire your long-tail boat at Shangri-la ’s pier, visit interesting sites along the river, and stop for short visits along the way.

As you head north, these sites include the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, Bangkok ’s towering Temple of Dawn, and the Royal Barge Museum. The hotel recommends a two-hour tour. River City Antique Shopping, Grand Palace National Museum, Amulet Market and Temple of the Reclining Buddha are other interesting places you can visit by boat. But it’s not just the treatments or even the name that makes Shangri-la so special, adds Deer. “It’s the people and the centuries-old healing arts and wisdom that go into them. And unlike the Shangri-la in the book, you can always come back. “Many of our guests do.”

S Medical Clinic Bangkok ‘Most cancers are preventable’

or Dr. Pakpilai Thavisin, it’s all about being active and healthy until the day you die. As director of S Medical Clinic in Bangkok, her mantra is prevention. If you have a good lifestyle, your body will be strong enough to fight off diseases, including cancer. In our lifetime, we develop cancer cells at least ten times. “When our immune systems are strong, it’s not a problem. “We can shield our bodies. We don’t have to wait until we get cancer.” And that’s the rub. People are more concerned about how they look than about their health. “They aren’t aware just how much their lifestyle affects their health, and for us at S Medical Spa, it ’s all about trying to motivate people to change their lifestyle. “When it comes to cancer, it ’s always better to prevent. Why wait until you become cancerous? Most cancers are preventable – even if you have the gene.” It’s something she understands at a personal level. In one year, she saw her brother and then her mother, diagnosed with cancer. As a medical doctor, she felt helpless as she saw the two people she loved dearly struggle with chemotherapy. “It was an extremely difficult period in my life as both finally died from their cancers. But it also really opened my eyes to other methods of treating lifethreatening illnesses, especially for patients who have run out of ways of dealing with their problems, using medical methods and pharmacology,” said Dr. Thavisin, a qualified candidate anti-ageing practitioner. U_xXHa2DjPw Dr. Thavisin on Cancer Prevention pPT_11xp31w Dr. Thavisin on Health and Wellness and Sleep Problems We are sitting and sipping health drinks outside the spa ’s relaxation room, where clients are first taken after being checked in. One is a five-flower tea that aids digestion, and the other is a purple brew used to ease inflammation. Behind me, a massive window, running the entire length of the wall, overlooks a green patch and a 100-year-old tree. The atmosphere is hushed and unhurried, and the teak floors, polished and shining in the bright afterDeern

sunlight, add a special lightness to the room. Her wellness and medical clinic have since moved to another Bangkok location. Dr. Thavasin likes to talk with her hands, her face alive and constantly changing. The deaths of her mother and brother hit her hard , and after a period of intense soul searching, she embarked on a quest for “something else”. That something else turned out to be alternative medicine. “It opened my eyes to how we use positive energy and acupuncture to help our bodies heal,” she said, talking about the idea behind S Medical Clinic, launched in 2003 in downtown Bangkok.

”It might not cure cancer, but it can at least give you a quality life.” For some time, she travelled – to Europe, North America, and throughout Asia – before coming to the realization that as a medical doctor, she was not there to give meds but to help people live healthier lives. How? Essentially through prevention – by helping them create a better lifestyle for themselves. Balancing our body, mind, and spiritual sides is key to strengthening our bodies and minds. Prevention is always top of mind. Her focus, and the focus of S Medical Spa, is to see clients before they get problems and tailor programs to help them enjoy good health until the last minutes of their lives.

“With our rejuvenation and anti-ageing programs, you ’ll look good, feel great and enjoy peak performance at any age.” In fact, she doesn ’t believe there ’s a reason why anyone, including herself, should have to retire or not live life to the fullest. Not through medications. “Meds are for sick people.” And definitely not the quick-fix modern medical way, like Botox injections, but through fine-tuning your lifestyle and keeping the three main elements of your life – body, mind and spiritual side – in balance. “It can be a wonderful quick fix after a few days – as long as you let your body heal naturally.” It works very well, although she quickly adds, “ Many people might need vitamin supplements or hormone injections as well.” Fifty to 100 years ago, the No. 1 killer was an infection. Many infectionrelated diseases no longer exist today. It’s a cardiovascular disease because of our lifestyle, where we work less, eat more sugar and processed goods, and eat fewer natural foods. Cancer, she notes, is already the No. 1 killer in Thailand. Studies by Harvard and other respected medical research facilities predict it will also be No. 1 worldwide in 10 years. “We don ’t know what we ’re eating anymore. Organics are very important, and we don ’t drink enough water. Water is essential for our bodies. Once your body gets too many toxins, it cannot detox without water. When this happens, the toxins destroy our cells – and even if the body is able to heal itself – the cells will be abnormal.” Wellness spas try to do things to improve the health of their clients. They may not offer real medical treatments or medications, but they know how to help people become healthier through detox treatments and massages. Along with regular cancer treatments, including chemo, Dr. Thavisin recommends patients do a detox massage/program to get rid of all the toxins and recover with a good diet. On top of the list is making the body more alkaline. Sugar is a major food for cancer. So are certain animal fats, junk foods and processed foods, all of which make the body more acidic. Cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment. “You have to make your body more alkaline, and the best way to do this is by eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding dairy products. Otherwise, you’re just feeding your cancer.” Another way is through deep breathing. When you inhale enough oxygen, you exhale carbon dioxide. This reduces the acidity and raises the PS level in your blood. Your body becomes vulnerable to cancer and other diseases, including infections, at a pH level of 6.9 or 7.0. Normal body pH is 7.35 to 7.45. If your body's pH level is less than pH 7.3, though still alkaline, your body is at

greater risk for cancer. What about chemotherapy and radiation? Dr. Thavisin doesn ’t believe everyone needs or should have these treatments. She recommends them only when other treatments have not proved effective for that type of cancer. “Otherwise, you’re just killing yourself faster. A detox program might help in certain situations. So does a strong faith and meditation. Even Tai Chi. They help to heal dysfunctions in the body.” And don’t blame it all on your genes, she adds. It ’s within your power to change your future. “Above all, take care of your mind because your mind is everything. Often we are who we think we are. Not necessarily what we eat. If you think you have insomnia, you will have insomnia. Nine times out of 10, it ’s not because you have a brain tumour but because you’re unable to deal with stress.” As we head for spa reception, Dr. Thavisin stops to show me a mind/body machine called aura energy. “Try it. It will surprise you.” Kenta Kawaguchi, the operator, a young man with a soft voice, describes how the machine works. “A” represents your liver, and “B”, your kidneys. “C” measures your heart function. “It’s too tired,” he said, showing me the picture and the aura around the finger representing my heart.

“Your body needs more oxygen. If you swim or do aerobic exercises, your

cells will get more oxygen. It also shows toxins in your body, probably from pollution, microwave foods, sugar and dairy products. Right now, they ’re too much for your body. Also, your hormones are out of balance.” I spread my hands over the silver- coloured surface. “Your colour is blue,” says Kenta. “It suggests you have a stable mind and handle stress very well. Your mind is very balanced. But it also shows that your brain is not relaxed right now. You probably think too much.” Later, after a massage, precious stones are placed along meridian lines on my back, and I am tested again on the analyzer. “It shows a difference,” Kenata showed me on the computer screen. “This time, your body shows more stability.” In the next ten years, Dr. Thavisin looks for even more changes in technology and greater use of technology that focuses on ultrasound in S Medical Spa’s medical treatments. “Ultrasound works for non-surgical facelifts. Every time.” The treatments won ’t produce the same results as a facelift, but the treatments are more natural. It slowly increases firming, but it can take up to 90 days to see full results. Another big plus – it leaves no toxins. Before embarking on any program at the spa, clients undergo several tests, including a check of your energy levels. This is done by scanning their bodies and balancing your energy through meditation. In some cases, it may also mean treating their subconscious through hypnotism. The spa has a psychiatrist on staff. “We also do blood tests like traditional medical clinics , plus our own special tests and examinations – things you can ’t or won ’t find in hospitals or traditional medical settings.” On a tour of the spa, the number and variety of machines can be a bit overwhelming at times. On the medical side, lasers stimulate the skin to produce more collagen and make the skin firmer. Other machines treat deep wrinkles and scars. The latest generation of IPL is used to help restore the skin ’s youthful appearance, improve the appearance of photo-aged or sun-damaged skin, and remove age spots, brown pigments and redness. There is also a special hydro tub with three massage modes – water, relaxing and detoxing massages – plus a special treatment, pouring hot oil on the centre of your forehead to promote hormone production.

Its medical therapies are extensive and cover a wide range of problem areas. The list includes aroma-chromo-Vichy shower plus oxygen; chromohydro massage plus oxygen; chromo-hydro massage with oxygen and body massage; chromohydro therapy with oxygen , and underwater cellulite massages. There ’s also an extensive range of other massages, including one combining three different types. While S Medical focuses on wellness, it does offer several medically-based facial treatments with names like Acne Clearing, Sexy White, Forever Young and Maximum Nourishing. Your esthetic journey starts with a personalized consultation with the clinic’s dermatologist to create the “ultimate treatment”, involving esthetic technology, concentrated natural vitamin extracts, and rejuvenating marks from France to produce age-defying nourishing and rehydrating results. S Medical Clinic also offers non-invasive laser treatments and the latest generation of IPI to improve sun-damaged skin, remove age spots, and tighten a loose abdomen, underarms and stretch marks. It also uses a CO2 high precision laser to resurface imperfections and repair skin discolouration – with less bleeding, bruising and discomfort. Its latest treatment is Thermi Va, used for non-surgical dermatological applications for women who want results without surgery. Thermi Va treatments use radio frequency to gently heat tissue to reclaim, restore and

revive feminine wellness without discomfort and downtime in three 30-minute sessions with long-lasting results. Accumulated toxins, she notes, are hazardous to your health, weaken your immune system, stimulate allergies, and induce skin problems: the solution – detoxification, which is an easy way to remove toxic substances from the body. “Once your body is improved, it will help to improve your complexion, restore internal balance and overall health and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.” A doctor or a registered nurse supervises all its detox treatments. S Medical Clinic is also the first anti-ageing clinic in Asia. It offers vitality consultation for middle-aged men and women, using several approaches to wellness and maintenance and anti-ageing programs to help delay and prevent degenerative diseases. “Many clients come to lose weight, including quite a few from abroad, who spend one or two weeks here.” The clinic offers a customized program that includes new technologies to help you achieve your ideal silhouette faster, using non-surgical lipolysis (fat dissolved), figure contour, instant firming and cellulite reduction “with remarkable results”. The spa has developed a special menu of low-calorie dishes that taste great. Ob-oom “Mini C” Chutrakul, the spa ’s executive consultant chef, created the menu. “For Thai people,” she says, “strong and well-balanced flavour comes first. So we must keep the zest while reducing or replacing ingredients to make a dish healthy.” She has done this without using oil, coconut milk or even dairy products in any of her dishes. Mini C joined S Medical Spa after returning to Bangkok from the UK, where she operated a Thai restaurant for many years. She is the author of two books – Great Thai Dishes and Healthy Dairy-Free Eating – and the presenter of a TV cooking show called Global Thailand. behavioural change, most people However, if it's not accompanied by cannot sustain a diet, adds Mini C. S Medical Spa does this by building a relationship with each client so that when they leave after two weeks, a wellness consultant follows up with each one to reinforce their behavioural change and ensure that they ’re still doing the things they learned – staying out of the sun and maintaining their diet and their exercises.

The St. Regis Bangkok The Penthouse Experience

f you’ve ever dreamed about living like the rich and famous, even for a single day, you can do it in style at Bangkok’s St. Regis Hotel. The cost – US$10,000 a night – may be a bit of a turn-off, but before you decide to take a pass, have a listen to what you get: For starters, penthouse accommodation, occupying the top two floors of the 45-storey St. Regis; incredible luxury; 24-hour butler service; attention to the smallest detail; and an unspoken elegance that never goes out of style. It ’s exactly what John Astor IV had in mind when he founded the first St. Regis in New York more than a century ago. The list goes on and on -- a private home theatre; private balcony with a seven-metre infinity pool with all its bedrooms; an exercise room, in-residence bar service; your personal sommelier; in-residence spa treatments; personal inresidence breakfast service as well as concierge service. The penthouse has three bedrooms, an adjacent spa therapy area, a dining room that comfortably seats 16 to 20, and incredible views of the city from floor-

to-ceiling windows that overlook the Sukhumvit strip, the heart and hub of Bangkok’s pulsating business district. What do the people who stay there think about it? Aside from the luxury, it ’s the view. “Depending on your room , you can see long stretches of different parts of the city and the Chao Phraya River that winds through the downtown area. It really puts Bangkok into perspective,” said a hotel spokesperson. “We also get a lot of comments on the King and I memorabilia, which the hotel owner acquired several years ago.” At US$10,000 a night, how often is the penthouse occupied? Evidently, more often than you’d think.

“Most of our guests are from Europe, the U.K., the U.S. and South America, and some interesting personalities. They come in parties of four to six adults, usually for two to five nights.”

https://youtu.be/wyBw6LD40JA More St. Regis Bangkok Pix St. Regis is known for its sense of luxury. It oozes it at every turn, starting at the hotel’s entrance, where you ’re welcomed by doormen dressed in navy and white jackets with gold trimming and matching pillbox hats. Inside, you can enlist help from a member of the hotel ’s grey-suited concierge team or the chief concierge, a standout in any crowd in his black tails with the mark of Chef d’Or pinned to his lapel. Reception staff are also dressed distinctively – the men in grey suits; and the women in Chanel-inspired tailored skirts and tapered jackets, in contrast to the hotel’s guest hostesses, who are dressed in long dresses of ivory silk. You’re immediately struck by the openness, accentuated by the high ceiling and uncluttered space on entering. To the right is the entrance to Zumba, an internationally acclaimed Japanese Izakaya dining spot, and on the left is the entrance to JoJo, St. Regis’ signature Italian restaurant. The main lobby is located on level two, in a discreet area set up for personalized check-in. You ’ll be offered welcoming refreshments while taking in the unobstructed views of the greenery of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club across the road and beyond. The lobby area features white and black marbled walls, pillars, and plush furniture like the entrance. The air carries the aroma of fresh blooms during the day and lightly scented candles in the evening. Try the St. Regis Bar, VIU, the New York-inspired bistro, and the outdoor terrace to view the sunset for the best views. As you glance around the area, your eye stops immediately at the spiral staircase leading to the hotel’s ballroom and meeting area: Decanter, a wine bar offering some of the best old and new world vintages. The St. Regis Spa is on the 15th floor and features an outdoor pool, shaded deck, and day beds. First stop is spa reception, where you ’re met by one of the spa ’s receptionists and invited to relax in one of the soft white leather chairs and offered cool mineral water infused with pineapple and mint and a cold towel rolled in the shape of a lotus bud to cool you off. Treatment rooms include the latest skin and body care equipment, a wet mosaic room, single and double Thai massage rooms, couples suites with glass showers, soaking baths, and great views of the city. St. Regis focuses on results-driven treatments in a luxurious environment in a unique address – modern in design but with traditional Thai influences,

which Jannissa Siriwises, St. Regis ’ director of spa and wellness, describes as “the best of being a Eurasian spa”. The interiors are uncluttered, very white and with lots of natural light, giving guests an immediate feeling of being uplifted and refreshed when they arrive or depart.

The spa’s dedicated aqua therapy facilities include relaxation pods, hot and cold plunge pools, steam and Rhassoul rooms, foot ritual baths and showers. The smell of lemongrass is never far away in the spa. A mix of Asian, Celtic, Middle Eastern, Indian, Western, and classical music plays softly in the treatment rooms. If you decide on aqua treatments, you can also plug in your iPod for personalized listening. White, blue, silver and gray colours, marble floors and walls dominate. Silk and cotton sheets cover the beds, and suspended straw relaxation , pods barely stir at the other end of the treatment rooms. The pods are larger than they look and can fit two people. “Many of our spa members come to the spa just to curl in it, read a book, enjoy tea, and switch off. They also enjoy our wet facilities and decompress in the pod,” said Jannissa,

whose Thai nickname is Jane. “Some of our regular female guests, who come monthly for their waxing treatments, like to chat for ages in the pod and catch up with their friends. It ’s really cool and handy. It can be a social best friend forever thing and your private enclave.” Its Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics and Medical Spa is also on the cutting edge of new wellness treatments, using informative diagnostics and technology such as OligoScan to deliver painless and instantaneous results. OligoScan screens for physiological imbalances, including oxidative stresses responsible for ageing, toxic metals and mineral imbalance. Additional lab tests to determine nutritional needs and body composition analysis that enable personalized guidance in diet and lifestyle to support your wellness goals. “By taking a more holistic approach to nutrition and focusing on mindfulness, guests are empowered to maintain a healthy body and reach lasting goals without restrictive dieting and unnecessary sacrifices,” said Rachel Bulleb, the spa’s resident nutritionist. Clinique La Prairie Bangkok’s three-stage process will guide guests to make incremental lifestyle changes resulting in a healthy and balanced relationship with food. Consultations include an initial nutritional consul tation, follow-up analysis with Oligoscan and a comprehensive treatment plan. Clinique La Prairie Bangkok has developed advanced holistic protocols to help reali ze guests ’ personal journey to look, feel and live well programs centred on three key protocols – Boost, Detox & Age-Defy. Based on cutting -edge anti-aging, medical and nutrition sciences, each package is designed with carefully selected treatments, technologies and coaching. They amplify each other to activate your body and mind and achieve unique energy, beauty, detox or rejuvenation results. Alongside aesthetics and wellness treatments, the spa ’s health specialists will help identify nutritional and lifestyle changes to reach defined objectives and leave you looking radiant, sculpted, balanced and more youthful – with long-lasting effects. There are four programs: Energy to activate cellular energy and regain vitality. Body is a comprehensive combination of treatments to sculpt and shape. Detox to eliminate toxins, purify and restore balance. Beauty is a unique result-focused experience to gain a more youthful appearance. Journeys range from three to five hours and combine various treatments, including high-tech skin analysis, nutrition consultations and tailored

refreshments, Swiss Perfection spa treatments, and aesthetic medical therapies. You can also learn to regulate your food intake and break free from a dieting mindset with the help of a nutritionist. The spa is known for its facials and Elemis Absolute Rituals, combining massages and facials. St. Regis takes its facials to another level. Your journey starts with a consultation with the spa ’s Elemis specialist, who uses a “Reveal Imager,” a special piece of equipment that photographs your skin to reveal what your eyes cannot see. “This helps us to individually tailor a treatment best suited to your needs and preferences and brings a customized, visual and scientific approach to your spa experience. It helps our guests feel more confident about entrusting their bodies and faces to us. They can see where, why and how the visual results will be delivered – even after one session,” said Jane. All of the spa ’s therapists undergo additional training with the spa ’s inhouse Elemis specialist from the U.K. She trains each therapist in the spa, monitors their education on an ongoing basis and handles most of the guest consultations. In addition, MSpa, a prominent spa management company headquartered in Bangkok, has a team of three mobile trainers who visit each property in the group (50 plus spas) every quarter for updates, testing and quality audits.

On top of this, an Elemis U.K. training team member conducts an annual refresher and testing program for the spa ’s therapists “to ensure the delivery of the Elemis promise”. She notes that the Elemis anti-ageing and skincare range has undergone clinical trials and is designed to dynamically treat your skin “with powerful results”. This is made possible by combining natural ingredients with scientific

advances in skincare to create formulations that ensure maximum therapeutic results. The heart of every product is Elemis ’ unique spa therapy menu , featuring “unique massage sequences and power-boosting facials to produce dramatic, visible results”. For first-time visitors to her spa, Amanda recommends the Elemis Absolute Well-Being Ritual, a 135-minute treatment that starts with a warming footbath, followed by a body brushing and the spa ’s signature Well-Being massage, which uses long, kneading strokes that glide over your whole body. The treatment ends with a customized facial for more radiant, balanced skin. For experienced spa-goers, she has two options: First, an additional hour of the spa ’s Endermolift treatments for your face and body – a regenerative treatment for your face and body developed by LPG. This machine uses motorized pulsating flaps to provide multi-dimensional stimulation of your skin ’s surface and produce a metamorphosis of your skin ’s cells to produce collagen, elastin naturally, and hyaluronic acid for firmness, suppleness, volume and hydration. “You can see results right away. Your skin has a renewed glow, natural smoothness and a lifting effect.” For best results, she suggests eight sessions. This treatment can also be designed for face lifting, firming, detoxing for weight loss, reducing cellulite, enhancing recovery, and sports conditioning.

The second option is also designed as a precursor treatment and would add another 75 minutes to your spa experience. It features a Musclease Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap, a powerful seaweed envelopment for total muscle recovery and relaxation. The session ends with a pressure point facial massage and a distress scalp treatment. The spa ’s most popular facials include the Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift, a 75minute treatment clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and improve your skin ’s firmness after just one treatment. It combines specialized lifting techniques with professional-strength collagen-boosting formulations with the electrical energy of precious metals – quartz and tourmaline – to re-energize cell communication to reveal a firmer, smoother, brighter, and brighter youthful appearance.

Its Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing facial incorporates specialized micro-circulatory massage techniques, a two-phase amino mask, and three enzyme treatments to resurface, hydrate, and smooth your complexion. The enzyme serums target timelines, superficial scarring, uneven skin tone and blemishes by safely removing the thickening layer of your epidermis. LPG’s slimming technique activates the fat -release process in your body to erase localized fat and cellulite formations, boosting collagen and elastin production to result in a smoother, firmer, and more toned body. Other LPG Endermologie for Body sculpting, slimming, and treatments include the smoothing problem areas. “A series of sessions are usually needed to produce dramatic effects,” said Jane. Endermologie for Health, another LPG treatment, is designed to improve

your body ’s functions and accelerate healing, while LPG ’s roll and lift stimulation revitalizes health fluid exchanges and reactivates circulation to restore tissue mechanical abilities – an effective counterbalance for our sedentary lifestyles, diseases, accidents, surgeries and ageing. There is also an Endermolift for Face, using LPG technology – “a remarkable, non-invasive treatment to erase the signs of ageing”, specifically designed for target areas to firm, smooth, and refine your face, neck and décolleté for immediate results. She notes that the results from each session add up to fill in wrinkles, redefine contours, reduce sagging and increase firmness naturally. The spa also offers five Elemis Skin Solutions facials. Topping the list is its Oxygen Skin Solutions facial, which uses calming active ingredients and a Japanese silk mask with gentle massage techniques to rebalance delicate and sensitive complexions, relieve redness and provide immediate comfort to stressed and irritated skin.

Its SOS Purifying is a balancing therapy designed to treat oil-rich pores, absorb sebum and calm irritated skin. It uses advanced actives, Vitamin C infusions and a Japanese Sulphur mask to clarify and create a beautiful matte skin tone. Elemis also has several Absolute Rituals, including its Aroma Stone ritual, which begins with an aroma stone massage, a choice between an Anti-ageing or Skin Solutions facials, and an Elemis Absolute Exotic Ritual. It also features an Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow and an Exotic Frangipani, and ends with a shower, Express facial and refreshment. Other Absolute Rituals include the 90-minute Well-Being, which combines Aromatherapy and ancient healing techniques, including a facial cleanse and scalp massage to nourish you from head to toe. The massage is tailored to you and your needs and uses light body brushing to prepare your skin for the massage with your choice of oil.

The Deep Tissue massage uses deep rhythmic pressure strokes to alleviate stress, ease aching muscles and revive your senses, using dynamic blends of essential oils to reduce specific stress and muscle tension. Among scrubs, Jane recommends the spa ’s Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, designed to invigorate and revitalize your entire body. It starts with a light brushing. Warm oil is then dripped over your body to prepare it for the scrub and leave your skin glowing, vibrant, replenished and flawless.

The Exotic Coconut Rub and Milk Rituals use a traditional Balinese fusion of coconut, exotic spices and botanicals to exfoliate your skin gently. Then, a soothing elixir is applied to your body to soften and smooth your skin. It ends with a facial pressure point massage and a de-stress scalp treatment while you’re cocooned in the wrap. Both treatments last 45 minutes.

The most popular wrap is the Musclease AromaSpa Ocean, which relieves tense and aching muscles with a mineral-infused wrap containing a warm blend of essential oils, a pressure point massage, and a de-stress scalp treatment. Elemis’ Rhassoul therapy includes an Exotic Steam Rhassoul, a traditional Arabian cleansing ritual in which therapeutic muds are applied to targeted areas of your body to smooth your skin, detoxify your system and enhance your vital energy flow. It ends with a warm tropical rain shower to wash away the mud and any remaining tension. You can also extend this treatment to include a Well-Being massage to help calm your mind and boost your well-being. St. Regis also offers five spa journeys - three to four hours and 45 minutes– the Elemis Ultimate Spa Passage, designed to replenish your mind, body and soul. The other journeys are Elemis Anti-Aging Journey, Elemis Head-to-Toe Sensory Journey; Elemis Well-Being Journey; Elemis Detox Journey. The hotel’s 176 deluxe and Grand Deluxe guest rooms, 50 suites and residences, and a 250 sqm Royal suite reflect the same luxury and eleganc e. All rooms feature natural wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views of the Bangkok skyline and the greenery of the private golf course across the street. St. Regis is also the first hotel in Thailand to introduce butler service for all its guests.

The hotel’s outdoor swimming pool and poolside area are surrounded by lush tropical plants and chaise lounges and overlook the Bangkok skyline and the golf course. Its outdoor bar features an all-day menu with poolside service. Dining is also a special occasion at St. Regis, starting with VIU, which recreates one of New York ’s favourite customs with its Sunday brunch. The

buffet includes foie gras and a Thai version of St. Regis New York ’s classic Bloody Mary. During the week, VIU features a range of local meats , seafood, lobster, French wild range chicken, Italian sausage, and beef sirloin. VIU is located on the 12th floor, next to the Sky Lounge, and features three dining rooms, each with a different setting and character to reflect the time of the day. Breakfast and lunch are served in an open environment with the grace and manner expected to be fou nd in a stately manor. At night, it transforms itself into a setting for elegant dining. For authentic Italian dining and fine wines, JoJo offers both in an elegant setting with private rooms for tastings. And for something quite different, try Zuma, located at the entrance. It’s the first in Thailand and recreates the original London restaurant with its lounge bar and sushi restaurant.

You can choose from its Champagne or Bloody Mary menu at the St. Regis

Bar. The original Bloody Mary was created at King Cole Bar at New York ’s St. Regis more than 75 years ago.

CHIANG MAI

Welcoming guests at Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai

Anantara Chiang Mai A Touch of Intrigue

t’s the last thing you’d expect to see at a Thai resort, but for a few brief shining moments, you can experience what it was like during the British colonial era – with a dash of intrigue thrown in. Anantara Chiang Mai has recreated that era at its classy The Service 1921 Bar and Restaurant, housed in a colonial house opened in 1921 when it welcomed a constraint stream of visitors and celebrated the birthdays of British kings and queens. “These events were social highlights of the year.” You can’t miss it. You can see the old colonial house across the green, deep green grounds and sky-reflecting pond from the resort's lobby. The Service 1921 reimagines the era as “an eccentric fictitious reinvention” of the British Secret Service, complete with a spy hole in the entrance door, its communal dining rooms and a secret bookshelf door in the library wall. The Service 1921 ’s menu is anything but British – Thai, Chinese Szechuan and Vietnamese dishes – with one notable exception: Anantara ’s Tea Ritual served in the restaurant’s wrap-around veranda.

The restaurant’s wine cellar features New and Old World offerings, even an exclusive connoisseur for wine-tasting journeys. Favourite dishes at The Service 1921: Khao Nua – Chiang Mai Deerdle curry with beef; Grilled eggplant salad with sweet and sour dressing; Hue, shrimp, bean sprout s and sweet chilli sauce in a Vietnamese pancake; and poached meat dumplings in soya and Szechuan chilli sauce. Each spa ’s five treatment rooms have a steam shower and a terrazzo bathtub. Its five couples rooms include an herbal steam room, an aromatic sauna and a terrazzo bathtub. After your treatment, you ’ll be invited to relax at the spa’s indoor lounge that overlooks the Mae Ping River and the resort ’s pool or on its rooftop relaxation deck on its sun loungers or sunbeds. Anantara Chiang Mai ’s spa menu strongly emphasizes wellness, starting with a detailed wellness consultation using non-invasive biomarker analysis technology to screen your body.

Together with the oxygen levels in your blood, heart rate variability and body composition, these biomarkers are used to determine the lifestyle, fitness, and nutritional changes you need to make to improve your overall wellness. The lifestyle guide will include nutritional advice based on the mineral and vitamin deficiencies identified during the screening. Also part of its Balance Wellness approach is the spa ’s three-day Holistic Spa & Wellness Retreat that features Thai herbal steam and a 70-minute spa

treatment on the first day. Day Two includes a private yoga and Thai Chi class, a Detoxifying Green Tea scrub and spa cuisine. The third day is Juice Day and starts with a private fitness class, a choice of aerobatics, Muay Thai boxing, a fit ball or stretching session, a private holistic therapy session with a Master of Wellness, spa cuisine and raw vegetable juice. The wellness program also offers a Fitness, Spa & Healthy Lunch designed to leave you “rejuvenated, empowered and glowing with vitality”. This session features Muay Thai boxing or yoga, Thai Herbal steam, Thai Herbal Compress and a three-course spa cuisine meal that includes healthy raw juice from vegetable recipes. REX4aOssdJs Anantara Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/cwKwjck_SMM More Anantara Chiang Mai Pix https://youtu.be/56riTlc0Hzc Touring Chiang Mai Anantara There’s also an in-room Slumber Circle Experience – a 70-minute ritual that begins with a bath infused with essential oils in your candle-lit bathroom, says Kattaleeya Sehehpeng, director of spa. The experience includes a relaxing neck and shoulder massage using ylang -ylang and lavender essential oils; and a warm beverage before slipping between sweet-smelling sheets. There are three two-hour journeys – Elemis Couture Touch, which combines any one -hour Elemis hands-on Touch facial with a personalized Freestyle Deep Tissue massage; Deep Cleansing Ritual, designed to purify your respiratory system and open the pores of your skin in a personalized clay Rhassoul. The treatment includes a Chocolate Scrub, Chocolate Wrap and a Pressure Point facial massage, a relaxing massage, and ends with hot chocolate. It ends with a Detoxifying Chocolate Therapy – a chocoholic ’s dream – rich in moisturizing and antioxidants that detoxify your skin while smoothing, enhancing its natural elasticity. “Wellness also plays a pivotal role in our Spa Journeys,” adds Kattaleeya, whose Thai nickname is Por. Its 200-minute Essence of Anantara begins with a floral foot ritual, a Thai Herbal Steam, a Detoxifying Green Tea scrub and the Anantara Signature massage – a big favourite at all Anantara spas. Its signature Experiences also have a wellness bias, including its highly popular Anantara Signature Massage, which combines Eastern and Western

techniques in purposed movements with the spa ’s own oil blend to stimulate circulation, clear energy blockages, relax muscles, and promote over-all wellbeing. The Lanna Ritual focuses on cleansing, reducing swelling and refreshing your feet and lower legs, and includes a full-body massage with healing plai massage oil with Thai, Burmese and Chinese techniques to increase energy flow and overall well-being. It ends with a mini pressure point facial. Like other Anantara spas, it offers the Traditional Thai massage and other popular massages – Stress Relief, Aroma Stone, Elemis Freestyle and Deep Tissue. Its Elemis-based, 60-minute facials focus on regeneration and maintenance, starting with the Elemis Pro-Collagen Age Defy, also a big favourite at other Anantara spas in Thailand, which works on fine lines and wrinkles, using marine-based Padiva Pavonica and red coral. It uses a targeted massage to encourage stronger cellular function, leaving your skin younger. The Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Precision Peel focuses on signs of ageing and uneven skin tone – “a pioneering treatment” that uses layers of enzymes to exfoliate and renew your skin.

Anantara spa has four body treatments – two scrubs and two wraps. The two scrubs are the Detoxifying Green and the Elemis Intensely Cleansing Salt scrub, which uses fragranced salt to remove dead skin cells and prepare your skin for body oil. There is also a Detoxifying Green Tea wrap. The other is the Elemis Body Nectar Nourishing wrap-Frangipani, which uses Monoil oil to super hydrate your skin. Anantara Ching Mai has 52 guest rooms and 32 suites with private balconies. , In addition to The Service 1921, The Restaurant offers a breakfast buffet international grill cuisine, and Indian regional specialties. The Kasara Lounge, exclusive to Karara Suite guests, also offers breakfast and gourmet canapés in the evening. It also comes with its own concierge. Dining by Design, a big favourite, offers private dining, with Thai cuisine and a flamé grilled feast served by your own butler. Or eat in for breakfast or a meal on your private balcony from The Restaurant ’s menu any time of the day or night.

The Lobby Lounge overlooks a pond and the colonial house, serving beverages during the morning and live Thai Kim music in the evenings. The resort ’s signature tea experience (Colonial Style) is in the afternoon . And for those who would like to learn about Thai cooking, there’s Spice Spoons – Anantara’s Cooking School.

Each session starts with your master chef instructor during breakfast, then

makes merit at the resort ’s spiritual house before taking a Tuk Tuk to the local market. You ’ll learn about Thai cuisine ’s cultural significance and health benefits. Then you can cook your favourites in a step-by-step class in the colonial house garden. Interesting things to see and do nearby: Anantara is at the centre of things in Chiang Mai: A five-minute walk to the city’s famous Night Bazaar; a 10-minute tour to the riverside ’s boutiques, bars and restaurants; and a 15-minute drive to the old town and its temples, street food and shops, while Worarot China town and flower market are 10 minutes away by taxi or tuk tuk; and 20 minutes from Nim, where you can visit art galleries and shops.

Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Seven Steps to Nirvana

hara Dhevi in Chiang Mai rises from behind an enclosing wall like something out of a fairy tale or an Asian Disney World – but with a decided Thai slant with its ornate pointed roofs and shimmering turquoise pools. We park outside on a flagstone-paved site and walk over to an open-air waiting area, where one of the four parking attendants answers a phone that plays classical music when it rings. Cars are not allowed inside, except for VIPs. We enter on an electric cart and drive along the inner roads paved with flagstones. That’s when you realize it’s a small town – a medieval Thai town with its own moat, wall, watchtower, market, library and restaurants. Its multi-layered roofs are covered with weather-beaten shingles and decorated with mythical Thai birds. Cooks dressed in white aprons and chef ’s hats zip by on bicycles to and from the resort ’s four main restaurants. The idea for the spa emerged from a supper meeting between a local architect and his friends at the famous Lanna Kingdom restaurant, which the architect owned. As the story goes, he wasn’t sure what to do with the property, and one of his friends suggested he build a small resort. At first, the architect wasn ’t convinced because he wanted to create

something different. Something different turned out to be an old town, perhaps how Chiang Mai might have looked in the Middle Ages. We ride past the main reception – a beautiful white building flanked by multi-layered towers and looking like the official building of the town – and stop at a small amphitheatre, hidden among the greenery and built in a semicircle to look like an ancient theatre from Greek and Roman times.

Then on to the residential area of the town that includes 123 villas, colonial suites and signature residences built in five distinct styles: Thai Village: This area overlooks rice fields with its turquoise pool and white buildings shining in the morning sunlight. It was a rice field before the resort was built, and it keeps it that way to show guests the Thai way of life. During the day, you can see local farmers working the fields as they do on their own farms. The resort employs about 80 farmers and gardeners. Thai Lue Village: The Lue was a small group that migrated from South China. They brought with them the knowledge of how to make bricks. This is reflected in the design of the villas, which have brick walls and roofs. A peacock statue, representing wealth and prosperity, is often in front of the villa. Vegetable Garden Villa: Inspired by the Thai rice barn – the real way Northern Thai people lived. Here extended family living is quite common as new generations added their living quarters. Each family has its own home but lives in the same complex and shares the same garden. These villas are built on stilts – a common sight in Thailand. This is done for two reasons – ventilation and protection against flooding.

Mandalay Group: A mix between colonial and Burmese architectural styles, which uses extensive wood, as in old colonial architecture.

Hun Villa: Translated in Thai as Royal Hall and inspired by the late king ’s mother. The walls are made of clay. When she returned to Thailand from Switzerland, she wanted something simple to remind her of her home in Switzerland – a combination of a Thai and Swiss chalet. The spa is the architectural jewel of the resort – a replica of the Mandalay Palace in Burma. When the owner decided to build a spa, he sent an architect and his interior design team to the actual site in Burma to take pictures and research the design details. They returned to Chiang Mai and built the palace from scratch. During the consultation process, guests come to know more about themselves and learn health tips, including how to keep themselves flexible. If they plan to do more than one treatment, the spa ’s therapists will recommend treatments based on their assessments of the guest ’s health condition and what they need next, including a home care recommendation for their next treatment. At Dhara Dhevi, the focus is on you, everything that affects your life and what nurtures your soul. It starts from the moment you visit the spa, where you ’ll be greeted by a

holistic health specialist for a holistic health assessment. This is followed by a body scan that takes a photo of your whole body. “This will show us what area of your body needs attention and enable us to determine the best treatment to deal with it.” pJvpsW_E-Qk Dr. Sunita Shakhar Makamuni, Holistic Health Manager “In fact,” says Sunita Shakhar Makanuni, “if you are in a program, we keep checking on you with ongoing advice about food, exercise and medications.” The spa brings in consultants from around the world every month – different types of healers and healing modes. Some are energy healers. They come for two weeks, sometimes a month, to offer their services to spa guests. “I see a lot of women who are overwhelmed with the amount of responsibility they ’re carrying. Especially Asian women. They stretch themselves, and this leads to a lot of emotional suppression. They find it hard to let go of something that doesn ’t fit their sense of the ideal. Not everyone is the same. We have to accept our personality. https//youtu.be/yRSAhBzexUs Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/0Y5uYarsdyc Bird’s Eye View of Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/cwKwjck_SMM More Dhevi Dhara Pix “For Western women, the problem is a lifestyle. Many are by themselves most of the time and are stressed. Lunch should be the biggest meal, and dinner should be the light meal of the day. For many, it ’s just the opposite – dinner becomes the biggest meal of the day and lunch small. It changes the rhythm of the body,” said Sunita. These women are very hard workers, but being un able to do things can raise problems based on their biological rhythms. The earth, she says, is controlled by the sun and moon, and we need to follow the cycle. “We can ’t stay awake all night.”

Food has energy and affects our organs. When we eat herbs, like licorice, they help kill mucus and clear your throat and bronchial tubes. All herbs have certain vibrations, which work on different parts of our bodies. That ’s why herbs are an important part of all-natural medicare. Same for food. Everything is medicine. “In India,” she adds, “they say our kitchen is full of medicine.” “We should always remember that while knowledge can expand our minds, love can help us expand our hearts. Cultivate love and do things you never thought were possible.” And then, after a pause: “I believe all things are possible.” The most common problem she sees is stress, which manifests itself in migraines, headaches, and indigestion simply because we ’re not following the lifestyle our bodies need review all “The best way to do this is to relax. To help them do that, we their health details in our health assessment and alternatives like Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine. This helps us determine the proportion of their body’s basic elements at that time.” The key: Get to know yourself better. What ’s your main constitution? Your main energy type? Knowing your personality will help you understand yourself and how to look after yourself better. Each of us has a different balance – and once you know your balance and how to achieve it – you ’ll also

understand your special way of relaxing. Ayurvedic terms have three basic types: Watta or air; Pita or fire; and Kaffa or water.

The air personality is essentially movement – constant movement, whether in the mind or the body. Air persons tend to be quite active, unable to sit still for very long, with many thoughts in their minds. They tend to talk quickly and make decisions the same way. Their whole lifestyle, says Sunita, is affected by it. To balance this, the air person needs to do something opposite such as moisturizing if dry, something warm if cold , and something heavier or simpler if light. “No cold drinks, no junk food, nothing fried or uncooked … air people should exercise in the afternoon because it will bring more heat to their bodies.” The fire element represents the energy of transformation and change. It is hot, moist and light. If these characteristics are increased, the fire person tends to become a perfectionist, short-tempered, impatient and angry. Elements and energy flows are called doshas. “External factors such as stress, improper diet, lifestyle, and even the environment can cause your dosha to become unbalanced, resulting in various health problems. At the spa, we mix and match diet items for each guest, depending on their emotional or mental concerns at the time.”

Popular treatments: Lanna Ceremony, one of the spa ’s signature experiences, lasts 3.2 hours and includes an invigorating “Tok Sen” massage, where the therapist taps your back with a special stick made from Tamarind tree bark. It is followed by a warm compress and oil massage.

The Royal Thai ceremony, another 3.2-hour experience, starts with the spa’s Royal foot ritual, “an Asian way of showing respect. It also helps to build and establish confidence between the guest and therapist,” said Karnpitcha Inchai,

spa operations manager. It is followed by a safflower body scrub to boost circulation and leave your skin feeling smooth and radiant , a Thai floral bath with ‘Nam Ob ’ or scented floral water and fresh jasmine flowers, and a Royal Thai massage and a facial acupressure massage. The spa ’s Renew Rose Indulgence facial uses rose water to enhance circulation and purify the skin – a rejuvenating facial that includes a welcoming foot ritual, a back massage, massage, a hydrating facial mask, and a back and scalp massage. She describes a companion treatment – Essence of Rose – as a “rare body and facial experience”. Natural olive grains are used for body exfoliation, essential oils, and creams for massages. Rose oil is known for its relaxing, soothing and balancing effects – “a gentle treatment” suitable for all skin types. It, too, starts with a foot ritual and is followed by a body scrub, back massage, facial cleansing, facial scrub, facial massage, a mask and a scalp massage. The facial massage also includes a hydrating mask and rose water to increase circulation. The spa also offers a Mandalay Ceremony, an Indian Ceremony, and a full range of aromatherapy treatments – Reflexology, a Hamman, authentic Southeast Asian scrubs, a Rhassoul with Thai mud , facials, and hand and foot treatments.

“Our heat and water oasis

is the inner sanctum of our spa,” says

Karnpitcha. “And as you move through the spa from our Hamman to our crystal meditation area, you gradually move into a state of total relaxation.” The spa also has a large Watsu pool, housed in its own pavilion, 18 treatment rooms and a staff of 30. Of these, 14 are therapists specializing in traditional and holistic health treatments. About 85% of the spa ’s guests experience “office syndrome” – back pain, frozen shoulder, and strained eyes. Treatments like Kathi, Basti (Ayurvedic a back therapy), Pottali Abltyanga (Ayurvedic medicated oil massage with herbal compress), Sheetala (therapeutic head massage) , and the Lanna massage (traditional northern Thai massage with tapping) are so popular. Chinese reflexology dates back 2,000 years and involves the stimulation of acupressure points in your feet, which connect to the organs and glands in your body. It’s based on the Chinese meridian theory of energy pathways in the body that have endings in the extremities. Activating these points can have an overall balancing effect. Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai has four main restaurants: Le Grand Lanna, which features Thai cuisine from Northern and Central Thailand; Fujian, offering Cantonese dishes and dim sum as well as Imperial Chinese cuisine, served in a two-storey Sino-Portuguese style mansion; Farang Ses, which serves modern French cuisine, including duck ballotine, escargot, lobster bisque, coq au vin and beef tartar; and Akaligo, which offers a buffet breakfast and Sunday brunch.

Interesting things to see and do nearby: Chiang Mai, Thailand’s principal northern city, was the capital of the Lanna Thai (Kingdom of one million rice fields) and the first independent Thai kingdom within the Golden Triangle. Shopping: Forget the big department stores in Bangkok. Chiang Mai is Thailand’s major centre for quality handicrafts, with plenty of shopping areas like Sankampaeng, located nearby and known for its cottage industries – silverware and parasols, silk, cotton, weaving, jewelry, woodcarving, lacquerware. In the heart of the city, you can visit the Night Bazaar, where you can find homemade products and souvenirs from surrounding villages. Natural activities: Trekking and river rafting, Doi Inthanon National Park, natural caves, orchid farms, waterfalls and an elephant camp. Historical and religious destinations: Chiang Mai’s visible landmarks – Wat Phra Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Singha, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Chiang Man, Wat U-Mong, the Chiang Mai National Museum and Wiang Kum Kam.

Dusit D2 Chiang Mai In the Garden of Heaven

hey call it the Garden of Heaven, and if you visit Dusit D2’s Devarana Spa in Chiang Mai, you’ll understand immediately. The concept permeates everything, even its treatment rooms, named after the different gardens, trees

and pools in the Garden of Heaven. The Grand Suite is called Nimmahnoradee, the fifth level of Heaven, and its three deluxe suites: Mahavan – the name of the garden on the second level of Heaven; Mahapana, another garden also on the second level of Heaven; and Parikchart, the name of a tree on the second level; and its standard room – Nantha-Boak-Kitoranee, a pond also on the second level of Heaven. “Devarana Spa excites the senses and makes guests feel special and private. So does our contemporary Thai design and our Heavenly Garden ambiance, which helps people transcend the everyday world and makes them feel truly special and private,” says Jeerawat Yothalthiang, spa manager The treatment rooms are lit by the shaded morning sun, made even cozier by the warm earth-tone colours of the walls. It’s all part of the story on which Dusit ’s Devarana spas are based, adds Jeerawat, whose Thai nickname is Deer. We are sitting on a wooden sofa in spa th reception, brilliantly lit and glittering, as in the 14 Century Thai tale of a literary garden at Heaven ’s Gate, surrounded by gardens and ponds that give off a sweet aroma. The garden glistens with silver and gold, natural stones and gems in this literary work. Music plays in the background as we talk – just as it does in the story, where people hear soft, melodic sounds played by harp, flute and other traditional instruments – and throughout it all, a stylized “doorway to Heaven” that appears on the walls like a magical motif. In this old Thai story, you must first get past the guardians by giving them a coin if you go to Heaven. “Everything goes along with this concept in all our spas – the ambience, our treatments and the manner of treatments we use, even the colour that helps create the mood,” adds Deer. It’s also reflected in the shape of 14 th Century Thai arches that lead to the spa area and treatment rooms, where it comes to life in the design and shape of a wood screen in the dark wood cabinets used to store towels. And again, in spa reception, where you can see it in the design of the mirror, built in the form of a silver-coloured metal screen behind the reception desk. In the treatment rooms, you’re more aware of Devarana’s balancing scent of orange and basil. The spa has five treatment rooms – a grand suite with its own steam shower, bath, massage area and lounge; three deluxe suites; and a standard treatment room with its own steam shower, bath and massage area. ”Our philosophy is to offer special treatments, exceptional service and premium products. We emphasize quality in everything we do.” Devarana Spa has developed a line of body treatment products, including natural oil blends and scrubs made from fresh, natural ingredients. These are

updated on a regular basis – spa baths, scents and unique essential oil blends. For facial treatments, the spa uses Algotherm.

The spa ’s most popular treatment, says Deer, is the Devarana Signature massage that combines five different massage techniques – Thai, Ayurvedic, Shiatsu, Swedish and aromatherapy. “It’s also our most popular treatment and one of the most relaxing you will ever experience. That ’s because the treatment combines Eastern massage therapies with Western methods.” The Eastern therapies focus on clearing and balancing your energy pathways, while Western methods treat muscles, tendons, joints and major organs. It begins with an Ayurvedic massage to increase your awareness of powerful energies, known as Kundalini, at the base of your spine. Aromatic hot compresses are placed on the entire length of your back while your therapist applies thumb pressure on the muscles up and down either side of your spine. The alternating effects of the heat and cooling awaken spinal energies while the warmth prepares your back for the deep massage that follows.

Aromatic hot compresses are placed on the entire length of your back while your therapist applies thumb pressure on the muscles up and down either side of your spine. The alternating effects of the heat and cooling awaken spinal energies while the warmth prepares your back for the deep massage that follows. Oil is then applied, and during the massage, your fingers, toes, limbs, and body are stretched, pulled, and rotated to release joints and unblock energy pathways. Muscles are kneaded, pressed and hacked. Your ears are rubbed, and amid it all, you’re massaged with soothing Swedish and aromatherapy massage strokes. She recommends a Swedish massage and the Devarana Signature massage for experienced spa-goers for first-time spa visitors. Its two big signature packages last between two and 2.5 hours and draw heavily on Thai therapies based on Buddhist teaching and literature. Massages are popular among both Asian and Western women. Both have great names: The Harmony of Tad Si, a two-hour traditional Thai medical treatment, is based on Buddhist teaching that the body consists of Tad Si or the four elements of earth, water, wind and fire. Traditional Thai medicine teaches that diseases are mainly caused by an imbalance of these elements in your body; the mind is governed by “ego”, and “ego” leads to unhealthy emotions of attachment and aggression, which can disturb the harmony of your body.

https://youtu.be/rXuDqZod-5c Welcome to dusitD2 Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/Vg3lKcBG6Vc More Dusit D2 Chiang Mai Pix The treatment combines a Thai herbal compress, dipped in aromatic oil, tailored to your body element, along with a Thai massage, which incorporates pressure-point and stretching techniques to relax muscles, relieve soreness, promote circulation and stimulate your body’s nerve meridians. Aromatic hot compresses are placed on the entire length of your back while your therapist applies thumb pressure on the muscles up and down either side of your spine. The alternating effects of the heat and cooling awaken spinal energies while the warmth prepares your back for the deep massage that follows. The other big signature package, the Heavenly Nantha Garden Experience, is a 2.5-hour treatment that breathes life into the story about the Nantha Garden in Heaven. It mixes fresh tropical pink lotus and champaca with aromatic blends of ylang-ylang and jasmine to create “a heavenly experience”. The essence of these four elements is used in the Devarana Bath and Devarana Body scrub to comfort your body and uplift your mind. This is followed by the Devarana massage, which combines five massage techniques. The pressure of the massage is medium to strong “and perfect for men ,” and women who feel their Thai massage is too strong, and the Swedish, too “soft”.

If you like High Tea, you’ll love this. The Ping River Bliss, a two-hour treatment designed specifically for Dusit D2 Chiang Mai, draws inspiration from having High Tea beside the Ping River. It starts with a Tea Me body scrub, using a black tea blend with milk, sugar, lemon or honey, and ends with an Aromatic Tea Oil massage, infused with warm Ping River blend massage oil, with its cool scent of green grass, river clay and wood with dried tea leaves. The spa also offers several body treatments, starting with the Maritime Essence, a 2.5-hour treatment that uses the toning and moisturizing properties of brown and green seaweed, sea salt and jojoba body polish enriched with thyme, cypress and orange flower essences. Next, a seaweed wrap in a warm massage sheet, a neck and head massage, ending with a 60-minute Aromatic Oil massage. Another popular package is the three-hour Body Slender that focuses on flushing environmental toxins out of your body and boosting weight loss by stimulating fat loss, firming and toning your skin with an Algae & Green Tea Body wrap and a cleansing Lavender body scrub. Other favourites: Living Radiance, which features a body scrub that both exfoliates and smooths your skin, followed by a 90-minute body massage that offers a sense of renewal for your face and body; and Thai Herbal Mud Reviver, a 2.5-hour package that begins with a light dry brushing to encourage

lymphatic flow and circulation, followed by a Thai Herbal Mud wrap, and a Detoxified and Contoured massage in a process that leaves your body feeling renewed. Favourite facials include the Hyalauronic+Collagen facial and the Replenishing Marine, a mineral-rich facial designed to rehydrate and replenish your skin. It combines several types of seaweed with aromatic oil and plant extracts and ends with a pampering hand massage. The Hyalauronic+Collagen is a 90-minute, mildly acidic treatment that moisturizes your skin while the collagen reduces fine lines and wrinkles to create “a natural kind of facelift” – a new, potent formula that re-energizes and restores the youthful potential of your skin.

Also popular is the Body and Face Rejuvenation package, which includes a facial and a 90-minute body massage, and the Hydrating facial, designed to restore sun-damaged skin. It starts with cleansing and then applies Vitamin C and seaweed to hydrate, purify, and leave your skin looking bright and radiant.

The Rose Petal Body scrub, long used for softening and rejuvenating your skin, helps to improve elasticity, leaving your skin fresh and smooth with an uplifting aroma. “Excellent for anti-ageing.” The spa ’s wellness packages include the popular two-hour Stress Buster, designed to eliminate stress and boost your energy with an Aromatic Purple Lotus Milk bath and a Mind Calming massage to balance your mind and body. The Mind and Body Detox uses a Thai Herbal Mud wrap and a Detoxed and Contoured massage to flush environmental toxins out of your body and calm your mind. Devarana also offers several wellness massages – the Shirobhyanga removes toxins and relaxes your nervous system. Mind Calming focuses on specific acupressure points on the neck and warm and cool compresses to improve your circulation and relaxation , while the Detoxed and Contoured use rhythmic strokes to increase the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system – “the ultimate body cleanses when combined with the Thai Herbal Mud wrap. Dusit D2 is a 131-room boutique hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai’s business district. Special features include a medium-sized outdoor pool on the mezzanine level. Nearby is Chiang Mai ’s Night Bazaar – a seven-day shopping street where you can bargain for handicrafts, paintings, souvenirs and local food. The hotel’s main restaurant – Café SOI, focuses on Authentic Thai and local food with signature dishes such as Phad Kaprao (Talk of the town) ; Phad Tai Goong (Dusit Signature); Yam Tum Poo Goong Sod (Sliced wing bean tossed salad in tamarind juice, palm sugar, cashew nut and prawns topped with minced pork, coconut cream, fried shallot and boiled egg) ; and Sii Krong Moo Yang (Scented lemongrass slow-cooked pork spareribs accompanied with Thai pickles, served with sweet & sour sauce). Its Mix Bar is a favourite hangout, where people come to see and be seen.

Four Seasons Chiang Mai A Grand Sense of Arrival

he soft, rolling hills and the wide, green spaces, broken by ponds and rice paddies, whisper your name as you wind your way past a stone statue of an elephant guarding the outer entrance to Four Seasons Chiang Mai. Elephants are a big item in the north, and the statue hints at Thai people's special connection and lov e for these gentle, lumbering giants, not to mention being Thailand’s national animal. They appear again, like a motif, in the form of giant concrete heads, complete with tusks and trunks, sticking out at intervals along a 30-metre tall red brick wall at Four Seasons’ parking area to create “a grand sense of arrival”, as one Four Seasons executive expressed it. Similar to those found in temples, small bells appear in the 146 alcoves along the wall. We’re met at a thatched roof building at a parking reception by a young man who escorts us past a shallow pool with small statues of mythical Thai figures and past a stream with a small waterfall to the spa. The spa is located in a separate building, surrounded by trees and intense green undergrowth, a short distance from the main resort. We are greeted by Saowapa Thumapun, spa manager, at spa reception and invited to relax on a window seat.

Spa reception is large, bright and painted in warm colours and decorated with Thai sculptures and paintings by local artists. Floating flowers atop bowls add an airy lightness. Large windows flood the room with sunshine and remind you of a comfortable, stylish living room inspired by a northern Thai Temple interior with its maroon, gold leaf and black and white features. There’s even a fireplace. Saowapa, whose Thai nickname is Goy, caught the question in my eye. “It ’s quite cold in the north during winter, especially for Thai people.” This is where you ’re greeted, changed your shoes for slippers and escorted to the spa ’s relaxation area. Here you ’re asked to complete a health questionnaire and discuss your preferences with your therapist and what treatments would be most beneficial for you.

“We also offer a prescription for the products used in our facials so that you can continue your regimen when you return home,” said Goy. The spa has seven large couples' treatment suites, which can be turned into singles, emphasizing privacy and private changing and shower facilities. Six have individual soaking tubs, semi-enclosed salas or terraces. Five have private aromatherapy steam rooms, and five have rain shower massage tables. “When you enter The Spa at Four Seasons Chiang Mai, you ’re entering a luxurious temple of harmony for your body, mind and spirit, surrounded by natural beauty,” she added.

Music plays softly throughout the spa. “Women like the experience not just for the ambience but for our people, products, and treatments. The combination works well. They also like having their treatments in private pavilions , elevated residences with plush interiors, or beside the clear water of a foliage-fringed pool.”

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai ’s Wara Cheewa Spa draws i nspiration from Northern Thai ritualistic culture that focuses on a lived-in balance and has drawn on this wisdom to create an all-new well-being journey. “Translating to a celebration of the gift of life ”, Wara Cheewa Spa presents therapies that have been crafted to bring about unification that we all seek – within and without,” said Luisa Anderson, regional director of spa. “From our team of spa therapists, who bring their experience to each treatment, to a strong traditional influence and home-grown ingredients, Wara Cheewa Spa offers transformational experiences in the cultural heartland of Thailand.” It’s all about bringing the body, mind and soul into harmony. To do this, the spa ’s menu addresses the four key pillars of well-being – physical, emotional, social and nutritional. “Our spa invites you to the sacred sales of physical rejuvenation, cultural harmony, emotional equilibrium and nutritional nourishment. And each of our treatments has been crafted to bring abo ut unification, within and without. “Call on your deep intuition to choose the treatment that most resonates – and bring your body, mind and soul into harmony – drawing on the gifts and wisdom of the Northern Thai people, true experts in balanced lives.

“The spa offers a diverse range of massages, scrubs, facials and rituals under each pillar. “We want to take guests back to the very basic elements of wellness, by drawing on their intuition to choose therapies that best resonate in the present moment,” said Goy Abad, director of spa. The menu invites guests to plant their feet firmly on the Earth with a grounding collection of body-balancing treatments. “Restore stabilizing energy while Mother Earth ’s abundant gifts heal you on all levels. Recall the cyclical importance of rest and rejuvenation to grow and thrive,” said Goy about the physical well-being menu. For complete physical relaxation, she recommends the Samuprai Massage A powerful Thai-style massage using hot poultices of lemongrass, prai, turmeric and makrut lime peel to invigorate muscles. “ This combination of ingredients soothes the muscles, leaving you completely relaxed.” The spa offers a social well-being menu that inspires personal and cultural connections. “These therapies allow you to shift your focus from where you ’ve been to where you are right now… to rediscover the sense of balance that comes from feeling part of a greater whole,” she added. Making a strong connection to Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai ’s Princess Ritual is inspired by Princess Dara Rashmi, born in a nearby Mae Rim village. “This ritual combines an exfoliating blend of seven sacred flowers with the soothing properties of Princess Dara Rasami’s Rose – grown exclusively for Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, a firming, anti-ageing massage with mangosteen and locally grown vetiver and orange blossom.” A true reflection of the “Land of Smiles”, the emotional well-being menu focuses on self-care and invites guests to reconnect with the peace and poise that comes from the feeling of oneness. “Our therapies uplift the centres of emotion and flood the body and mind with kindness,” said Goy. Peace and For a true journey of emotional discovery, the two-hour Purification Ritual releases thoughts with a Detoxifying Thai Herbal steam, rose mist and Jasmine red rice scrub before connecting you to your well of inner peace. The nutritional well-being menu inspires guests to take the time to revitalize and restore their inner well of healing with nutrient-rich treatments that restore from the outside in. The Food for the Soul Ritual, focused on flooding the body with vital energy and nature ’s healing powers,” said Goy. The treatment focuses on the physical and intuitive elements of the gut. An energizing and detoxifying scrub, wrap, and massage stimulates the lymphatic and circulatory systems for enhanced inner and outer health. “Your spirits will feel lifted , and your body

recharged.” Wara Cheewa Spa, named after the female goddess of awareness, inspires guests to explore the scales of holistic health in Chiang Mai ’s ‘haven of wellbeing’. That includes pampering. Its two main facials – Yothai and Natural Lifting. Using time-honoured techniques, the Yothai uses Northern Thailand ’s pink hibiscus, sacred lotus extract, green tea shoots, neroli, and bamboo extracts. The Natural Ifting, a non-invasive facial, invigorates collagen and tones and youthful while detoxifying, muscles to leave your sign feeling firm cleansing and a massage with Jade Sha. Massages include Herbal Oil , a Traditional Thai Massage which uses muscle stretching and pressure along your body ’s energy points; Oriental Blend, designed to completely rejuvenate your skin and energy levels, using hydrating aromatic oils and gentle revitalizing techniques. The spa also offers a Back, Neck and Shoulder massage, tailor -made to your needs and intuitive to leave you feeling relaxed and invigorated.

CANodYuZcPU Four Seasons Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/7E8jjzfhzgk A taste of Four Seasons Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/ta0XK2e2qCg

More Four Seasons Chiang Mai Pix https://youtu.be/SqwcDp7B_nE The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Yoga is also an integral part of the spa ’s wellness program. It holds special classes to help guests breathe properly, strengthen their bodies, rebalance their nervous systems and find inner calm. The classes include Sunrise Yoga, Yoga Asana, Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, Hatha Yoga, and Meditation. “It ’s part of a program to set guests on an evolutionary exploration of themselves as part of a greater whole,” said Goy. Its daily Sunrise Yoga group session starts at seven going through its energizing postures, lasting an hour. The spa also offers private sess ions of Hatha Yoga. It uses its own Four Seasons products, created from extracted and blended pure oils and herbs and teas to produce regenerating and healing results, as well as Elemis, which also features natural products and , when used in a new sequence of massage movements, creates a sense of rejuvenation and relaxation. All treatments begin with a warm aromatic compress for your feet to focus your senses and cleanse the effects of urban living. Many of the spa ’s treatments were inspired by ancient Thai rituals, using native herbs, spices and aromatic oils created by traditional rural methods focusing on organic ingredients. For first-time visitors, Goy recommends its signature Royal Sumunprai, which begins with patting your skin with silk poultices filled with hot medicinal herbs to open pores and soothe your muscles, releasing tension and revitalizing your mind. Then, a stimulating massage – a beautiful restoration inside and out.”

Other favourites include the ever-popular rice and spice body scrub, used by farmers for generations, that uses a combination of earthy herbs and spices blended by hand in the spa ’s kitchen. It exfoliates your skin, warms muscles and boosts your blood circulation. The Jade Gua Sha Cleansing Body Treatment helps to su pport immunity, invigorate collagen production and leave our skin soft, youthful and bright. It also rejuvenates and drains your lymphatic system. The Traditional Thai Herbal Steam helps you absorb the benefits of wild herbs, ease muscle aches, smoothes your skin and eliminates toxins. You get to choose what herbs are in the treatment or to combine all for maximum benefit, adds Goy. Four Seasons Spa also offers a Journey of Well-Be ing to help you discover well-being through two four- and seven-night programs that will guide you toward achieving your wellness goals. It includes dietary recommendations and guidance from the spa ’s Naturopath and wellness experts. You can also learn the Art of Mindfulness and Harmony through holistic experiences that encourage greater awareness and connection with the present. It nourishes your mind and spirit with private pranayama, yoga classes, a customized wellness meal and enlightening spa therapy – “all designed to immerse you in a renewed sense of energy and well-being.” The resort is located on a 20-acre tract of landscaped gardens and rice terraces and includes two small lakes and lily ponds, waterfalls and a working

rice farm. The resort's layout reminds you of a small Thai village with pavilions surrounding a rice farm. It has 98 rooms – 64 pavilions, 12 pool villas and 22 private residences. https://youtu.be/qGdXeGzusgQ Four Seasons Chiang Mai Tour https://youtu.be/L_obhl8KjYg Royal Samporai Exerience https://youtu.be/f41CXNTORpw Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Experiences “It’s like entering a new world,” said Goy as we headed back to the resort for lunch at the Chef’s Table. If you’d like to know more about Thai cuisine, this is the place to be while sampling some of the best Thai dishes. The Chef’s Table also doubles as a cooking school, where you tuck into a meal of 10 different Thai dishes while one of the chefs demonstrates and explains how you can prepare Thai food and cooking techniques. The meal is shared family-style and limited to 12 guests. The Private Reserve at the Rice Barn is a private dining venue for two in the evening. The menu includes a five-course meal, served under the moonlight by the rice paddies and lake while music is played softly in the background. Before retiring, you can make a wish and release a Krathong, created from a banana leaf in the shape of a cup with a candle inside and released into the resort’s pond. For international cuisine featuring dishes from Asia and beyond, try the Terraces beside the resort ’s main swimming pool in an open-air setting with a great view of the surrounding rice paddies and Doi Suthep Mountain. Favourite dishes include homemade Italian cuisine , like Saffron Risotto with Black Pork Spezzatino. Sala Mae Rim, known for its Thai cuisine, specializes in northern and vegetarian dishes. Sala Mae Rim has a high teak wood ceiling in a setting that features Thai artifacts and sweeping views of the Mae Rim Valley.

It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast features a daily fruit and continental buffet as well as a variety of hot breakfast dishes. Eggs, vegetables are all produced locally, including honey, which changes in flavour according to the seasons. Four Seasons Chiang Mai has two bars – Elephant Bar, located on the terrace under large Thai umbrellas with elephant stands, and the Ratree Bar and Lounge, named after a variety of jasmine, situated on the upper deck of the main swimming pool. It is a great place to catch the sunset from its 12-metre carved wood infinity swing. Interesting things to see and do nearby: If you’re like most guests, shopping is either near or at the top of your list – all within a 30 or 45-minute shuttle bus ride, starting with Sanamphaeng Road, known locally as Handicraft Highway . You’ll find everything from silk, silver, pottery and gems and antiques to Sa paper, umbrella painting, lacquerware, hand-made furniture here. You’ll also be able to watch local artisans wave silk, carve wood or transform clay into celadon pottery. Then there ’s the Warorot and Ton Lamyai market in Chiang Mai, which sells fresh and dry goods, clothing, and other products like textiles and bracket ware – all at local prices. Another favourite is the Chiang Mai Night Market, also about 30 minutes away.

If you’d like to see more of the countryside, think about a boat cruise along the Ping River for a great view of riverside life. Dinner cruises are available at twilight. Embarkation is about an hour’s ride from the resort. Also about an hour away are the Dao Caves, the Pong Duet Hot Springs and Phuping Palace, the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp, Doi Suthep Temple, Mae Waterfall Sa Valley Craft Village, Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, Tad Mok and several other temples like Wat Chiang Man, Wat Pa Bong, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok and Wat Umong. There are three major festivals, starting in February with the Chiang Mai Flower Festival: The Flower Festival in Nong Buak Had Park and Amphor Nuang, where you ’ll see African marigolds, Globe Amar, orchids, Ban Chun, chrysanthemums, celosia and roses. Activities include a Miss Flower Pageant and procession, flower contests, cultural performances and garden arranging contests. Chiang Mai is one of the famous places for celebrating Songkran – the Thai New Year – which takes place in April and is a major draw for tourists. Celebrations usually last three days. Traditional practices include food offerings to monks and Buddha image painting, the Miss Songkran Pageant and procession and a sand-sculpturing pagoda contest. Then, in November, get ready for the popular Loy Krathong Festival. Northern Thai celebrate this full-moon day by floating their Krathong lanterns onto the river Thais believe when the sky and river are dotted with flickering candlelight, grief and ill fortune fly away with them.

Centara Khum Phaya Chiang Mai

Keeping Lanna’s Past Alive C entara Khum Phaya in Chiang Mai is full of surprises. You sense something different as you mount the two white steps leading to the lobby – a curving, intricately designed concrete railing on each side. I later learned it was one of the popular designs you see at Lanna Temples and Palaces entrances. “It often takes the shape of a giant snake – Phaya Nark – a legendary and imaginary snake-like animal assigned to guard the door,” said a resort executive. beside the gleaming white A large metal gong and a wooden mallet are railing on the left. And as you mount the steps, patterns of birds and animals appear on the cement. Gongs are a familiar sight at Thai Temples. Thais believe they earn merit by striking the gong three times as a sign of worship to the Three – The Buddha, The Teaching and The Buddhist Saint. “Some people believe that having a gong at home will create a reputation for them as loud as the sound of their gong,”

she added. The lobby is filled with mementos, statues and echoes of Thailand ’s colourful past, like the statue of a maiden playing a harp. It represents Nang Thep Absorn, an imaginary beauty in the Ramayana epic and considered one of the most beautiful women in the story. She gave birth to King Thosaros, King Rama’s father. “This kind of statue is rarely seen anywhere. It ’s a very particular design. At Khum Phaya, she stands there to welcome visitors.”

As you enter, you’re greeted by a large piece of art that looks like a circularshaped serpent with teeth, scales and a tail. It's a Thai musical instrument called Gong Wong . Each small gong produces a different melody. The musician uses these melodies to compose Thai music. It ’s normally played with a Thai instrument called Wong Pee Part Nark, an imaginary and legendary giant snake. “It’s believed that if Phaya Nark is happy, any land where Phaya Nark is seen will be prosperous and fruitful.” At the rear of the lobby are two graceful dancing figures – handcrafted wood figures in Burmese style, which also signify a welcome to guests. At checkin, you are drawn to two striking paintings behind the reception desk and another two behind the concierge’s desk. Outside, a sculpture in the middle of a pond is a pagoda-like representation of the Buddhist pagoda, normally situated in the Temple. There is also a

sculpture of a meditating figure next to a tree on the bank of the nearby stream. “These are imaginary Thai wood nymphs in various postures. Locals believe they guard trees and keep the forest,” she added. UAWSshqiMxw Khum Phaya Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/S9Ncqp02mZc More Centara Khum Phaya Chiang Mai Pix There’s also a great story about the creation of Khum Phaya by a prominent Chiang Mai businessman, who fell in love as a child with the stories and faded pictures of the royal family of Lanna. They stayed in his head while he was growing up. After travelling the world, he gradually came up with an idea for a resort that would recapture the glory of Lanna ’s (Northern Thailand) culture. At Khum Phaya, the original Lanna architectural fusion style blends with temple themes and royal palace designs, using old-growth golden teak. “We wanted people to step back in time yet experience something new and distinctive. It’s like a cultural vacation that never ends.”

It’s only a short walk from the lobby to the spa, located in bright, new quarters along a paved pathway fringed with greenery and a stream on the right. Fallen branches from overhanging trees glide past in the moving, greenhued water. An artificial waterfall nearby splashes rivulets of clear water into the stream. Two men with nets are wading into the green-hued water at the far end, looking for mosquito eggs. We followed her upstairs. “We’re different. We understand our uniqueness the way our foreign guests do. Women like our surroundings – a large number of trees, the waterway that winds around the spa, our d écor, decorations, and our wonderfully designed pool.” The name of the spa comes from Thai, meaning “water”. The spa and its treatment rooms feature extensive use of teak, which is also used for decoration and furniture. The teak comes from Northern Thailand. The black doors to the treatment rooms are decorated with an elaborate gold leaf-like design that stands out like a motif against the black-painted columns in the spa area.

The spa has six treatment rooms, two Vichy showers, two villas for Thai massages, luxurious couples suites equipped with a Jacuzzi and herbal steam bath and sauna, and a special area for guests to relax after treatments. The couples' suite we visited opens to a private outdoor tub shaped like a purple-hued Valentine's heart. Its treatment beds have light yellow coverings offset with yellow towels. Behind the bathtub is a sculpture of a young woman

poised to add water from a jar on her shoulder. Spa Cenvaree has a very definite approach to well-being, says Deern. “We concentrate on your life force, focusing on life-affirming attitudes and using purification therapies with the curing powers of locally grown herbs.” Herbs play a big role in the spa ’s treatments. Some of the herbs include Ginger, which aids digestion and is used in soft drinks; coffee beans, which are used in the spa ’s anti-cellulite treatments; pandanus leaf, also used in floral baths for its sweet smell and calming effects; kaffir lime, rich in anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial benefits and used in foot baths and body scrubs. Red rice, used in the spa ’s sunburn wrap because of its soothing and moisturizing effects; turmeric, a powerful astringent used in body treatments for glowing skin; neam leaf, known for its anti-fungal properties and used to reduce skin infections; and lemongrass, considered a sacred herb and used extensively in scrubs and facials. It’s also used as a scent throughout the spa. Its most popular massages are Hai Muea, an old village remedy for back Muea is an old household relief, and its Aromatherapy massage. The Hai healing treatment developed by the spa ’s therapists, who use deep tissue and Swedish massages and stretching techniques to relax tired muscles on your back, shoulders and neck. The Aromatherapy is a full-body massage, using essential oils to relax your body and mind, which Aoy describes as the spa’s “most romantic and relaxing” massage, using a choice of specially blended oils – Mandara, Harmony, Tranquility and Thailand.

It uses a combination of strokes and acupressure techniques that allow the healing properties of the oils to penetrate your skin, leaving you feeling relaxed and with a sense of well-being. “Definitely a jet lag tonic.” Another favourite is the 30-minute Express, “ideal for those with limited time”. The treatment is tailored to your needs, focusing on your feet and legs, back and shoulders or neck and head. It ends with a foot bath. She recommends the spa ’s Botanical Bliss Flower scrub, its floral foot bath, and the Aromatherapy massage for new clients. The spa also offers Contouring and Slimming programs. Its 105-minute Anti-Cellulite helps improve lymphatic flow and melt away cellulite, using warm seaweed infused with green tea and cucumber to reduce water retention and flush out toxins. The treatment ends with an anti-cellulite massage to promote cellulite reduction. Also popular are its two-day and three-day retreats: The two-day Destress and Detoxifying is a holistic program using ancient rituals and traditions. It starts with a Signature Salt Muscles Melter and Nuad Tao (foot massage), followed by a Siamese herbal scrub, a Galangal Firming wrap, a Thai herbal facial and a home gift set. The Three-Day program also includes an Aromatherapy massage, Hot Stone massage, Jurlique Deep Cleanse facial and a Botanical Bliss flower scrub. Spa Cenvaree also offers five Thai Tranquility Journeys, starting with its Signature Charming Lana, which celebrates the rich traditions of Northern Thailand. It uses a fresh blend of garden flowers for a relaxing sensory experience. It features Herbal steam, Aromatherapy massage and a Safflower scrub. Khum Phaya Recharge, a Other local treatments include the three-hour traditional water cure for centuries to relieve aching muscles and rejuvenate your body. It starts with a body brushing and consists of a Wood Lana Herbal scrub, a Chakra Balancing Vichy Shower, a Vanilla Shea Butter body massage and an organic facial mask. Body Balance is a collection of signature recipes developed for guests to experience the soul of the Thai spa journey and traditions. It includes a wheat germ and sesame foot scrub, Seven Miracle Grains body exfoliation, an Aromatherapy massage and a facial massage with warm sesame pouches. The Serenity begins with a scalp massage with an Avocado Coconut Cream mask, a De-Ageing Passion Fruit, Lemongrass Salt scrub, and a Vanilla Shea Butter massage. The Wanalee or Royal Treat is deeply detoxifying at all levels and mask and a Jurlique Deep includes a Botanical scrub, a Galangal Firming Cleanse facial. Honey Retreat is a 3.5-hour experience for couples with a Mocha

Chino Mud wrap, a Strawberry scrub, a Vanilla Shea Butter Herbal Thai facial. DDiype-X_VE

massage and a n

The Spa Favourite scrubs – the spa ’s signature Miracle Grains Exfoliation and Botanical Bliss Flower. The Seven Grains Exfoliation uses a pouch with freshly steamed grains – wheat germ, barley, cornmeal, oatmeal, millet, red rice and soybeans. The pouch is heated and used to massage tight muscles. While it ’s great for tired muscles, it also leaves your skin radiant and smooth. The Botanical Bliss consists of fresh flower petals, rice blend and oatmeal to restore your skin’s vitality. When it comes to facials, the most popular are the spa ’s signature Organic and Jurlique Deep Cleanse. The Organic facial can be customized to any skin type and uses powerful herbal antioxidants and natural nutrients to improve skin texture. These include lemongrass, tamarind, oatmeal, cucumber and botanical oils, which are used to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate your skin. This is followed by a lymphatic facial massage to firm your skin. It ends with a facial pouch filled with warm sesame that leaves your skin refreshed and radiant. Among wraps, the big favourite is the Instant Smooth. Black mud, infused with seaweed, green tea, caffeine and botanical oils , is applied to your body to firm your skin tone. It ends with a skin-nourishing soybean and jojoba serum to give your skin a glow. Your skin is polished with a pumpkin/gooseberry regeneration body scrub. Also popular is the Siamese Zen, which is ideal for detoxifying your skin. It begins with a plai herbal scrub known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ends with the application of hot herbal clay over your body. Great for relieving digestive problems, muscle aches and skin inflammation. The Signature Revival Journey starts with a Herbal Steam and includes a Botanical Bliss scrub, a Galangal Firming wrap and an Aromatherapy massage. The Charming Lanna also begins with a Herbal Steam and features a Lanna Herbal scrub, Aromatherapy massage and Herbal Thai facial. The Royal Treat includes a foot massage and a Royal Thai massage, and the De-Stress Retreat, a choice of body scrub and an Aromatherapy massage.

The Charming Lana, a two-hour treatment, celebrates the rich traditions of Northern Thailand. It uses a blend of fresh garden flowers, known locally as the Kam Foe scrub. It incorporates safflowers, Need Tea leaf, coconut, and turmeric mixed with sea salt to create a natural exfoliation known for its antioxidant powers. The treatment ends with an oil massage, where you get to choose the aromatherapy oils. Centara’s Like other Centara resorts, Khum Phaya has embraced commitment to sustainability and live green practices that provide an ecofriendly environment. Its program includes using local ingredients and herbs , installing energyand using recycled and biodegradable efficient lighting and appliances materials, including its Live Greener purest skincare products, like Spa Cenvaree facial line and Jurlique facials, created from certified and biodynamic ingredients grown on farms; developing a code of conduct for spa staff and sharing environmental ideas and information. These include separating and selling bottles and paper, passing on recyclable retail bottles to recyclers, reusing flowers, electricity and water, and

preparing fresh herbs and ingredients without chemicals. Khum Phaya, only a few minutes by car from the city centre, has 85 rooms – Lanna Deluxe, Lanna Deluxe Pool Access and Royal Lanna Pool Villa. The resort’s restaurant is called Kham Saen, a Lanna dialect word meaning Hundreds of Thousands of Gold. Its specialty, as you might guess, is authentic Northern Thai food. It also features Thai and International cuisine as well as dishes for health-conscious individuals or those with health concerns. Special dishes include Gaeng Hung Le, Khao Soi Gai and past.

Be sure to visit Wiang Kum Kum, the site of the original city of Chiang Mai. The site was unearthed in 1984, showing temples and other major buildings in the old kingdom. If you take a horse-drawn carriage or rent a bicycle, you can visit most of them in half a day. There ’s also a Chedi Liam in the area, attached to a working temple. Also worth visiting is Wat Chedi Luang, built in the late 14th century during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, the seventh ruler of the Mingrai Dynasty. Its massive chedi or pagoda – 60 metres across and 80 metres high at its peak – once housed the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred religious relic. Also fascinating is the venerable Wat Phra Sing, built in 1512. The real

attraction is the smaller Lai Kam worship hall behind it, considered a great example of Lanna architecture, especially its signature roof design, which represents the wings of a bird. The interior artwork has been restored, providing interesting insights into how people lived in Chiang Mai hundreds of years ago. It also houses the Phra Singh Buddha image, considered the most sacred of Chiang Mai’s Buddhas, and brought from Sri Lanka to Thailand in the 14th Century. Of historical interest, the Wat Umong, built around 1296, is a large wall-like building with a connected tunnel and a piece of art in the temple compound. A large stupa, a dome-shaped structure that houses Buddhist relics, is located near the temple wall. If time permits, consider visiting San Kamphaeny, a town about 13 km east of Chiang Mai, known for its silk weaving —a great place to find high-quality but inexpensive souvenirs. On your way to San Kamphaeng, there are factories and souvenir shops to explore, selling woodcarvings, cotton fabrics, lacquerware, silverware and earthenware.

Melia Chiang Mai

The Mystic Splendour Of Northern Thailand

elia Chiang Mai, a 260-key urban hotel that towers over the River Ping and bustling Night Bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai city in Thailand

’s

mountainous north, is the highest building in Chiang Mai, located near a wide range of tourist attractions, markets, and Buddhist temples. It pays tribute to Chiang Mai ’s fascinating history and culture with a contemporary flair and comprises a striking 22-floor tower fronted by an adjoining seven-floor podium building. It is six kilometres from the Chiang Mai International Airport on the Charoen Prathet Road. It has two restaurants, two bars, and two lounges, including an executive lounge on the 21 st floor with a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. The hotel ’s YHI Spa uses ancient Asian healing wisdom combined with , from modern wellness techniques in the full range of body treatments massages and scrubs to facials and wraps that leave spa-goers revitalized and refreshed, said Edward E. Snoeks, Melia Chiang Mai’s general manager. “YHI Spa’s treatments are based on organic Thai wellness brand HARNN ’s products, made with natural ingredients through methods handed down the generations of Thai Artisans.” The spa has seven treatment rooms and a fully equipped fitness centre. The hotel also has a swimming pool, ballroom and four other meeting spaces. THI Spa represents a philosophy and a way of understanding life, “a space created for purification and relaxation,” said Porhphan Chumjai, spa manager. “We offer a selection of the best and most effective health and beauty treatments, inspired by proven world traditions for a truly enriching over-all well-being experience. Our mission is to make our guests feel better, more ‘well’ through authentic, personalized and enriching wellness experiences.” https://youtu.be/E_40DrDLnXE Touring Melia Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/N3MXp0mjbrY More Melia Chiang Mai Pix In this regard, she adds, “ There are four ‘paths to harmony ,’ and at YHI Spa, you ’ll find the entire space flooded with paths that lead to harmony. All you have to do is go with the flow.” She defines these paths as: Beauty, where a perfect external appearance that reflects your interior. Massage, performed by experts in your relaxation and well-being.

Eco-YHI carefully selected natural, ecological products. Hydro-Thermal, where water is an essential element in the spa ’s hydrotherapy rituals. Porphan suggests you notify your therapist if you ’re pregnant, have high blood pressure, allergies or other pre-existing health conditions. YHI’s 105-minute signature treatment is an ancient northern Thai practice that uses a special wood en stick made from the bark of the Tamarind tree, which relaxes muscles in a rhythmic tapping motion or “Tok Sen,” as it’s called. It is followed by a unique Spanish massage technique that rids cellulite and removes skin flabbiness. Its 360-degree 165-minute exclusive treatment collaborates with the On9in , a gourmet farm in its wellness journey that includes Yoga and Meditation, a Herbal Blend steam and an Aromatic Massage and ends with a three-course 360degree cuisine menu with a choice of appetizers, main courses and desserts. Facial treatments include Brightness and Ageless. Brightness uses white Mulberry extract to bright en your skin, decrease melanin synthesis, inhibit tyrosinase activity, and pre vent the darkening of skin cells . The Ageless facial uses natural anti-oxidants from Water Lily,Licorice asnd Cactus extracts to slow the skin ageing process together. HARNN ’s massage technique restores and uplifts muscle tone for a younger appearance. The It has two spa rituals – Couple Indulgence and Balance Well-Being. Couple Indulgence is a two-hour treatment for couples that starts with a romantic milk bath followed by an Aromatic Massage to relax your mind and body. Balance Well-Being starts with purifying and detoxifying your skin with a body kask, followed by a Detox Massage to increase lymph flow and release anxiety and depression. It ends with an Oriental Massage to improve your metabolism. YHI Spa has several massages, starting with the Traditional Thai that uses pressure point techniques, in which fingers, hands, elbows and even knees help you restore agility and reduce muscle tension, while the Thai Lanna Massage or Zhu Khanguses heat and herbs dipped in herbal medicine wrappers and heat on metal with Plai and sesame oil that ’s applied to your body together with a Traditional Thai Massage to release emotional and physical blocks. The spa’s Deep Tissue Massage focuses on your muscles below the surface below your top muscles. It targets deep layers of muscle with slow but firm strokes to relieve severe tension. Palm pressure and an aromatherapy oil blend to relax your mind and body in its Aromatic Massage. Its Anti-Stress Massage .” It soothes your “is great for people with sleeping disorders or headaches upper neck, face, scalp and back with warm herbal oil.

Other body treatments include the Well Release, designed to revive your skin with an after-sun soothing body wrap, followed by a scalp massage and an after-sun facial to calm redness. The Well Recovery focuses on removing dull and dead skin cells with a Cymbopogon body scrub followed by a Detox Massage to stimulate your lymphatic system, while the Well Restore, an ancient cultural ritual that brings together a Traditional Thai Massage pressure point techniques to release body tension and a hot oil scalp massage to dissolve tension and stress. There are two exfoliation treatments – Body Exfoliation, which features a Juniper Atmos Body Polish, a Cymbopogon body scrub and White Tea and Camellia body polish, and Body Wrap, which uses a Purifying Body Mask and an After Sun gel to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrotherapy, a bathing ritual, includes Herbal Blended Steam, a sauna, a Milky bath and an Aromatic Herbal bath. There ’s also Kids Therapy, designed to help children relax and prevent hyperactivity. YHI also offers the expertise of visiting practitioners in a number of fields – yoga, stretching, Thai boxing, Pilates, Meditation, Reiki, Singing Bowl and personal training. Melia’s signature YHI Spa with seven treatment rooms, a fully-equipped fitness centre, a swimming pool, a ballroom and four other meeting spaces, will be among the hotel’s host of facilities for business and leisure travellers.

Thirty-eight rooms and six suites will belong to The Level of the property's room portfolio. An upgraded level of service and benefits that affords exclusive access to The Level executive lounge is an intimate area for indulging an upgraded breakfast and afternoon delicacies that are also suited for casual business meetings.

Its 113 sqm Level Presidential Suite has great city vistas on the top floor. Melia Chiang Mai ’s jewel is its 360-degree rooftop bar, “the highest in the city on the 22 nd floor. Featuring two bars connected by a glass bridge, the bar offers wonderful views of the River Ping to the city ’s east and the famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. Mosaic's all-day-dining restaurant will offer authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a vibrant marketplace setting. Drawing on Melia ’s Spanish origins, the hotel will pay homage to Spain’s famed gastronomy and quickly place itself on the city ’s culinary map with two dining options. Perched on the 21st floor, the hotel ’s signature restaurant specializes in contemporary Northern Thai dishes with Mediterranean influences, with chefs preparing each dish à la minute from an open kitchen. Whether for events or weddings, the property ’s extensive conference ’s facilities include a 358 sqm ballroom, three function rooms on the tower second floor above the lobby, and a 175 sqm multi-purpose function room on

the podium building’s top floor. Adjacent to a secret garden, the seventh-floor multi-function room opens to a 223 sqm outdoor terrace that lends itself to events. The ballroom’s 173 sqm prefunction area is connected to an outdoor swimming pool and poolside bar, aptly named Poolside. The Power Lounge, one of the three function rooms that afford access to the pool deck, will feature a pool table and coffee area suited to downtime between meetings.

Ping Nakara Chiang Mai Echoes from a Gentler Time

ellness has always been a part of Ping Nakara Spa

’s philosophy, but it

has taken it to a deeper level in its latest iteration, with an array of

Ayurvedic treatments as the cornerstone of its holistic approach. “We focus on balancing the life energies within us rather than individual symptoms,” Sumana Usavangkul, Ping Nakara’s owner and managing director, told me as we walked from the brilliantly white lobby with its latticed arches and white tiled floors into spa reception. “All our spa treatments are based on Ayurvedic principles, using only natural spa products …we’ve made a sincere and dedicated effort to present the essence of Ayurveda in a new light.”

In Ayurveda, each person is viewed as a unique combination of elements and energy levels, called doshas, which can be affected by external factors like bad diets, lifestyles, allergies, and even the weather. “These factors can cause your doshas to become unbalanced and cause a variety of health problems,” said Sumana. The boutique hotel looks like a mansion, painted white and sparkling in the intense morning sunshine from the outside and just as classy on the inside. Most guests comment on the beauty of the hotel and its home-like atmosphere. “It’s almost like staying in a wealthy landowner ’s mansion,” one couple remarked. Spa reception is only a short walk down an open corridor from the lobby and feels more like a comfortable living room with its plush sofa and easy chairs. Soft music plays in the background. Before going for treatments, guests are asked by one of the spa ’s therapists to fill in a consultation form. Your therapist then goes through the form with you. She will learn much about you from the form, as will you – your body type and whether something needs special attention. It’s one of the reasons why she recommends that first-time visitors visit the know yourself spa 20 minutes before their appointment for a complimentary introductory session to help them understand your body type and help your therapist select therapies that are in harmony with you. b3udYDREjuc Ping Nakara Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/9NrlgfYjkzY Ping Nakara hian Mai Pix The spa has four rooms with seven customized treatment beds, each with a personalized music system, private shower and relaxation area. The treatment rooms are large and airy. The morning sun shines through the Venetian blinds, lighting the gold and rust- coloured runners on the treatment beds and the red and yellow flowers that peek out from basins. The difference between a regular massage and an Ayurvedic massage? First, it starts with energy exercises to create a serene environment, and second, lots of oil may be used on the body and head in some treatments. Sumana recommends the Ayurvedic Discovery for new visitors – a 90minute treatment that begins with stimulation of acupuncture points on your

feet and an Ayurvedic warm herbal compress. This is followed by an Abhyanga treatment to clear muscle blockages and release tension. Or a relaxing Shirobhyanga or head, neck and shoulder treatment using dosha-specific oils, followed by an Ayurvedic dry head massage, using techniques like energy sensing, hook-in-back-up, and treating your marma points. For experienced spa-goers, she suggests the spa ’s Natural Renewal Treatment – “a unique and anti-ageing remedy” – which begins with an herbal steam bath. An herbal body wrap and bath follow it to prepare you for a warm potalis therapy and help you focus on your back and abdominal area. It ends with a special synchronized treatment called Shiro Pada on your head and feet. Ayurvedic principles also figure in Nakara ’s pampering treatments. It ’s adaptive and simpler, starting with the Mukhabbyanga, which uses the healing powers of herbs to exfoliate and nourish your skin. A facial massage follows this, and the acupressure points on your face and head give your face a radiant glow, making it look younger and healthier. Depending on your needs and the time, there are three – Fair and Firming, Gentle, Nourishing and Refreshing, and Cleansing. The Fair and Firming uses the rejuvenating and healing powers of herbs and natural ingredients like rosewood, chamomile, geranium, sandalwood, mint, aloe vera, Vitamin E and witch hazel to achieve results, “It’s also what separates Nakara from other spas. Most spas understand they have to offer something beyond a facial. And why, if we need to train our therapists for months, do we do it ? We believe that if the foundation is strong, the person coming to our spa can see it. There ’s a reason for everything we do…why we use a particular scent for a particular treatment”. Many spas use certain scents because they like them. In some spas, the guests get to choose the scent. It ’s a lot like the food we eat. I t will not give you the desired results if you don’t have the right combination.” It’s the same with herbs. The right combination is just as critical. Unless it ’s done correctly, you won’t maximize the results of your treatment.

Its neck and shoulder treatments include the Sheetala, which means cooling. It uses refreshing herbs to massage and works on stiff and weak areas. “Great for tension headaches, releasing excessive heat from your head, reducing neck and shoulder stiffness and promoting deep relaxation.” The Potalis massage is one of the most popular treatments in Ayurvedic medicine. In this treatment, fresh herbal rice and milk compress are dipped in kumari, suryamukki, til, svadu-narin-ga, warm oil infused with herbs like aniba, and rose odora dharu are massaged on your body using traditional Ayurvedic techniques. Key benefits: It’s rejuvenating, improves the energy flow within your body, nourishes muscles and improves skin tone, and is deeply relaxing. In the Shirodhara, warm oil is poured continuously in a fine stream on our forehead and gentle massage techniques are used. It helps connect and energize your energy channels, leaving you a healthy glow and feeling centered. It has a lot of benefits, says Sumana, including improving mental clarity and focus, relieving stress and anxiety, and being deeply grounded and feeling calm and tranquil. The Shironasya helps to reduce to reduced congestion in your head and

sinuses. In this treatment, warm herbal oils , rice, and milk boluses work on all the acupressure points in your face and forehead. It ends with a gentle head massage. “Great for clearing your sinus congestion, improving breathing, and relieving stiffness in your neck and jaw areas. Body treatments include the Kari Dhara, a specialized treatment that focuses on your spine, especially your lower back area, using warm therapeutic herbal oils on your spine to reduce tension and blockages. It also includes a back and lower abdomen massage using fresh herbal portalis. “It ’s very effective for curing all kinds of back problems,” she added.

The Oshadi is a traditional Ayurvedic wrap with a herbal mask that uses rubbing and sliding techniques to improve skin and muscle tone and reduce body heat. Other therapeutic body treatments – the Pottali and Vishesh Scrub – focus Yisttesh scrub is great for reducing oiliness, on rejuvenation, while the heaviness and lethargy in your body, reducing water retention, and eliminating toxins. Northern Thailand is known for its herbal and healing practices th rough massage, starting with the three-hour Jao-Nang Nakara Lanna. Described as “the ultimate in rejuvenation ,” the Jao-Nang begins with a herbal body wrap, followed by a milk bath and a full-body Lanna oi and ends with a nourishing facial that includes a facial cleansing, a soft scrub, a gentle facial massage and

the application of herbal lotions. The spa also offers a range of Thai Lanna treatments. The two-hour Nakara Lanna Experience focuses on well-being and leaves you feeling strong and recharged. It begins with a deep body cleansing, using either a sesame or coconut scrub, followed by a steam bath, a traditional Lanna massage using Thai herbs and stretching techniques on your spine.

Another two-hour treatment – Traditional Thai massage and Tok Sen – combines yoga postures and stretches along your body's energy or “ sen” lines, leaving you completely relaxed. Tok Sen, or tapping with a wooden tool, is then used to unblock muscles. Other Lanna Thai treatments include Lanna Body Glow, Nakara Lanna Rejuvenate and the Traditional Lanna Oil massage. There are also five wellness packages, starting with the two-hour Mom To Be, which focuses on special prenatal care, and includes a nourishing Portalis Abhyyanga, using fresh bolus dipped in warm herbal oil and a relaxing head treatment with pure oils. Another big favourite is the Natural Renewal Anti-Ageing Remedy, a 210minute package that begins with a herbal steam bath and a rejuvenating body wrap, followed by a warm bath with essential oils to prepare you for a warm Portalis therapy on your back and abdominal area. It ends with a special synchronized treatment on your hands and feet.

The two-hour Oshadi, which means giver of life, works on blockages and stiff areas of your body, using massage techniques and medicinal herbs. A herbal paste is then applied to your body, covering it with a light fabric before a herbal bath. She notes that many women coming to the Nakara Spa suffer from thyroid problems, which often translate into natural disorders, emotional imbalances, migraines and even insomnia, essentially because they ’re not switching off. Turning it off can often depend on where you’re living. Each place, even countries, has its own rhythms and vibrations. Everything within – and around us – is energy, and switching off depends on whether our energy is in harmony with the energy around us. “The key is not losing energy. At our spa, we teach our guests how to prevent it.” Women also tend to suffer from lower back problems, especially if they ’ve given birth with a C section – because no one tells them what to do after the operation. The pain manifests itself when they’re over 30. “It can be cured.” European and Western women also have to deal with weight issues, while Asian women, who tend to be undernourished, are very careful about maintaining their figures but don ’t realize they’re not eating enough good food to keep their bodies healthy inside, resulting in constipation and bloating, often caused by using excessive stimulants. appear in the skin and digestive For men, sexual disorders and stress problems, acidity and liver problems caused by stress and anger.

When I asked her about food poisoning, a problem that bedevils many visitors to Thailand, she nodded knowingly. It depends on where you eat, what you’re eating, and even the water used in cooking. In addition, most places use MSG. It all adds up, and “your body just isn’t used to it”. She believes spas are not just for women or a place only for relaxation but also where we can acquire good health benefits. She also believes that children should be introduced to the spa early. “Don’t wait until you ’re older and have health issues. At Ping Nakara, our emphasis is on prevention. We encourage people, especially those with hectic work lives, to understand the importance of giving one hour a week to themselves. It ’s like eating to replenish your energy. Most people no longer have the energy left for a good exercise.” If exercise is impractical, a good alternative is keeping one hour weekly for a spa treatment. What to do with that hour? She says a good head treatment and body treatment that helps exercise your whole body would benefit you.

Is one hour enough? “It’s a minimum. If you don’t get that hour, and you’re getting older and sitting at a computer with out exercise, drinking coffee and eating fast food, it will have a telling effect.” What about meditation and prayer? “It’s food for the spirit. It’s also holistic. We need to go beyond the body.” “It’s best to allow your body to go through the entire healing process because positive changes are taking place at a deeper level.”

It even includes giving alms to a Buddhist monk who appears in the hotel courtyard around 6 a.m. every morning. “This is common in Thai Buddhism,” says Summa. “Monks have no support except for what they are given and go out each day to receive gifts from local people. The givers receive positive merit, and the monks obtain their daily food. The monks are barefoot, and the food is put into a bowl. It is then shared among all monks when they return to the Temple.” Ping Nakara is in the heart of downtown, a 15-minute walk to most of the attractions, including the Chiang Mai Night Market, which offers local fresh food and crafts, as well as many day trips, including the Baan Tawas Handicrafts Centre, Doi Step Temple, city temples, rafting, elephant riding and care, and visits to orchid farms.

137 Pillars House Chiang Mai

The Resort with a Storied Past 37 Pillars House has a wonderful story behind it. It started with the current owners when they sought a brief respite from the hectic lifestyle of Bangkok. They decided on Chiang Mai. They have always been attracted to its history and history and packed a couple of bags but ended

up staying for more than a week. In 2002, they decided to return to look for a simple row house with the intention of retiring in Chiang Mai. “On the first day, we met a very unusual real estate broker. She drove us around the city, regaling us with spooky stories and ancient tales about Chiang Mai. Then, suddenly, she stopped and pointed to a piece of land. My eyes focused on a black wooden house with stilts among the big old trees. “That house was the most outstanding house I had ever seen. I began to walk towards it, but the broker said no before I could step on the land. She would have to ask the owner first. For months after that, we looked at several pieces of land and row houses but did not find what we wanted. “The black house kept coming back to my mind…our broker took us back to it. We walked around the land; it seemed too overgrown and too big to build

my small vacation house. The owner came out … and we got to talking. It had been a year since he last put the land up for sale…people seemed afraid of this black house hidden among the big trees. https://youtu.be/cHBpHjVOuNg 137 Pillers Chiang Mai “We were concerned…about buying what seemed a Thai Royal House.” That’s when they learned about the house ’s history. The Borneo Trading Company owned it at one time. “In Chiang Mai, the importance and wealth of a property owner was often measured by the size of their Lanna-style Thai houses, and in particular one with how many pillars ( sao) the house had…the more pillars, the more important you were…visiting journalists were always curious as to why the Borneo House did not have a name…At the time, Jack Bain, the owner, decided to count the number of pillars.” There were 137 in all. “An old map of the Wat Gate area also referred to the house as ‘Baan 137 Sao’, which translated to 137 Pillars House and became known as 137 Pillars House.”

137 Pillars House, as it once looked.

Nitra, the name of the hotel’s spa, is adjacent to the resort’s front desk, near the hotel’s entrance. Its philosophy and guiding principle are to create balance by combining our minds, bodies and emotions to enable us to integrate the spa’s seven pillars of wellness into our daily life – Exercise, Diet, Mindfulness, Restoration, Evolution, Expression and Soul Interaction. It is expressed in Nitra ’s 2.5-hour Signature Ritual – the Warming of Nitra Siam, a healing and pampering experience that includes an Aqua Therma warm water bolster, a Herbal Hot Compress, applied on your back, neck, arms and legs, followed by an Aromatherapy Full Body massage with warm oil. It ends with a Pevonia Relaxing and Detoxifying facial. Nitra offers several massages, including the favourite Traditional Thai , the Hot Herbal Compress, which uses the healing art of Old Siam, in which hot compresses filled with herbs, oils, and natural healing enzymes to detoxify and de-stress your muscles and joints. The herbal oil and enzymes penetrate your skin, facia, muscles and joints in a heated pressure application to deliver a powerful healing experience; the Deep Tissue Trigger Point Sports massage combines a variety of deep, long and short stroke applications to deeply penetrate into your muscle fibres, lesions and knots and trigger your body ’s natural healing response. Other massages include the Swedish and the Aroma Relaxer. When it comes to facials, one of the favourites is the Rejuvenating Facial massage, which focuses on producing radiant, glowing skin and renewal to counter visible signs of pollution and ageing, while its Relax and Detoxification facial massage detoxifies and cleanses your pores, eliminates puffiness and fluid retention to produce a youthful appearance and a restful look. Body treatments include the Restore Body scrub, which uses organic Roseberry scrub in its Roseberry Thai Cooling scrub, while the Traditional Thai Sandalwood wrap is designed to reduce fluid retention. Its Detox Body scrub detoxifies your skin, using the Roseberry wellness and beauty range to re-energize moisture and nourish your dermal layers.

The spa also has a number of packages, starting with the Nitra Maya Wrap/Scrub/Massage package – a deeply healing treatment that rejuvenates your skin and soothes muscles to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. It ends with a Back, Neck and Shoulder massage. The Sukhothai Surrender is designed to help you feel deeply relaxed, using rich aromas and oil blends in a Tradition Thai massage, a Luk Pra Kob Herbal Compress, and a Swedish massage. The stretching movements, hot compresses, a spinal application, and aromatic body oil leave you deeply relaxed. The Inner Peace, another two-hour package, features Reiki, a Hot Stone massage and a facial. It combines Reiki techniques and Hot Stone therapy with a Detoxifying facial to create a rejuvenating massage. There are also Mother and Daughter Beauty and Father and Son Head-ToNeck and Toe packages. The Mother and Daughter package features a Back, Shoulder massage, a Detoxifying facial and an Indian Head Oil massage. Nitra’s Holistic and Wellness treatments include its popular Sleep by soothing and Design massage, exclusive to 137 Pillars, a deeply restorative, relaxing treatment that will improve your sleep quality using a combination of traditional and holistic treatments with the latest technology. It incorporates products and optional headphones to unique relaxer oils, sleep-enhancing change your Beta brainwaves to Alpha ones. The treatment also includes a

formulated massage and pressure point techniques that focus on your hands, stomach, neck, face and head to induce a deeper level of sleep and relaxation. Reiki is used at the beginning and end of the massage to balance and harmonize your energy centres. It ends with a tea ceremony of blended herbs to help you relax and sleep.

Other wellness treatments include The Aqua Therma massage – recommended for couples – designed to increase poor blood circulation and peripheral areas of your body while increasing the efficiency of our lymphatic and detoxification processes. The Abdominal is a Traditional Chinese massage for your stomach, using a healing touch that stimulates your organs, improving your physical and mental health. Taoist monks used it centuries ago to detoxify, strengthen, and refine their bodies. “Great for digestive disorders.” Nitra also offers treatments in your suite, including Traditional Thai massage, Aromatherapy, Swedish Oil, Deep Tissue, Trigger Points, and Abdominal massages. 137 Pillar has two main restaurants: The Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering classic Thai fare and international dishes using produce from local farmers. You can dine in or outside in the adjoining courtyard overlooking the hotel ’s tropical gardens. The P alette is an intimate restaurant that features works by local artists. It serves up Western dishes and is located in the teak building. Jack Bain’s Bar, located in the teak homestead, has a decidedly Scottish feel. Bain and his family were the last inhabitants of the old house. There ’s also The Parlour and the Lawn Classic Afternoon Tea, offering 137 signature blends, and Sabered Champagne serves tea in the style Chiang Mai ’s early foreign visitors enjoyed. You can also learn to cook like a Thai chef in the hotel ’s outdoor kitchen. It’s also a gathering place for Thai cooking classes and demonstrations. Alternatively, you can use Gourmet picnic baskets and light Lunch Boxes To Go that offer a range of menus.

Its 30 spacious suites have high ceilings, walk-in wardrobes, large bathrooms with Victorian bathtubs, four-poster beds, vintage-style verandahs with large day beds, rocking chairs, and butler service. Twenty Rajah Brooke suites (70 sqm) overlook tropical gardens with cane shades for privacy and separate indoor and outdoor garden showers. It has six East Borneo suites (75 sqm) offering size beds or twin bedroom suites, has a vast overlook tropical gardens, and six East Borneo suites (75 sqm) also overlook the tropical gardens. They come with a king bed or twin bedroom and a vast walkin closet. The two (100 sqm) Bain Terrace suites come with a large living room overlooking the historic homestead and the hotel ’s swimming pool. The two Louis Leonowens pool suites occupy 135 sqm of living space. They are located on the ground floor, and have large living rooms, a super king bedroom with French doors, large walk-in closets and a 5.5x2.5 metre swimming pool.

Ratilanna Chiang Mai A Real Thai Cultural Experience

f you ’d like to experience Thai culture or know more about the country

past, take a walk through the lobby of

Mai, or a short trip on the hotel

’s

Ratianna Resort and Spa in Chiang

’s Scorpion Tail Boat to the nearby town of

Wiang Kum Kam. Your experience starts at the entrance to the lobby as you walk past a special arch that imitates the entrance to Thai temples and palaces and into the Buddha Room, where you can see a miniature of the Great Buddha at Shwedagon. Even the bench in front of the Buddha Room reflects the shape of a monk ’s bench used in Buddhist ceremonies. The Buddha represents the art of the Tai Yai people. Lanna is home to several ethnic groups like Tai Yai and Tai Lue and at least six hill tribes, each with a unique culture. The welcome desk has a traditional lotus-like base, and the paintings behind it depict Lanna ceremonies related to the ceremonies of the Lanna Kingdom – as it was known in the Middle Ages. Scenes captured in the images include a Bodhi tree, Lanna flags and a palace.

d6QGlZaauNY Ratilanna Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/XMyMEe905Ks Visiting Ratilanna https://youtu.be/Jo7Ih6XhRpA Bird’s Eye View of Ratilanna With the overlapping styles of traditional Thai dress, staff uniforms reflect a blend of Tai Lue Lanna styles. From the front, the trousers look like a traditional skirt. The paintings of Lanna ladies around the resort show the typical facial features of Lanna people and the traditional skirts with the unique embroidered patterns that Lanna women wear. If you look around the lobby, you ’ll also spot unique lamps that imitate the shape of the sacred flower-decorated trays that are traditionally placed beside the Royal Bench. You’ll also find a Pu-Ra-Na-Ka-Ta pot of prosperity, an Indianinfluenced belief among the Lanna people. It represents the way Lanna people welcome guests. The hotel’s 75 guest rooms are decorated in brown shades and decorated with traditional woven fabrics from several ethnic groups and offer great river and pool views. Flowers in guest rooms are arranged in the same style used in Lanna ceremonies.

Chairs resemble chairs in Buddhist temples with solid wood and fine weaving. Even the lamps are modelled on traditional Lanna lanterns. Beds are built in the shape of weaving looms, and the bed heads are finely carved and decorated with silver foil. Most guest room amenities are black and match the lacquer used in the rooms. Most of the d écor items come from the six ethnic groups in the Chiang Mai area. In other parts of the resort, you’ll also see the silk spindle in the shape of some lamps. The Lanna influence is also evident in the design of the resort ’s traditional scorpion tail boat. In times past, colourful scorpion tail boats were used to transport merchandise, and at Ratilanna, it has been adapted to transport guests. A roof, side panels, and woven items have been added to create a cozy feeling. Red and black colours dominate. Ratilanna’s spa is located on the ground floor. If you enter from the outside, you’ll see an enclosing dark gray stone wall that doubles as a soft waterfall, with water running down its length, creating a shallow pool at its base. Statues of children and other figures carved from rock drip with spray from the waterfall. “There are more than 12 waterfalls in Chiang Mai, and we ’ve reproduced one here because they speak of our culture, and the sound of nature so close to the spa is very relaxing and welcomed by our guests,” said Rantilanna’s spa

manager. Lanna art also decorates the walls at spa reception – special designs in hammered silver and brilliantly coloured woven silks in intricate red designs, reflecting the culture of the different hill tribes. At spa reception, you’ll be asked to complete a health questionnaire, which your therapist reviews before deciding what treatment may be best for you. You’ll be escorted to one of the spa ’s six treatment rooms from there. Using herbs to detox your body, a footbath is included in some treatments. Once your treatment is done, you ’ll be taken to the spa ’s relaxation lounge and served hot tea, which helps in the detox process. “Once you’ve had one of our treatments, you ’ll truly be able to experience the atmosphere of Chiang Mai. Our philosophy is to help you feel good – so that when you leave, you ’ll carry that good feeling away. Our treatments are always from the heart. It ’s why so many of our guests come back repeatedly and again. Many also ask for the same therapist.”

For first-time visitors and experienced spa-goers, she recommends the Ratilanna Rejuvenation, a three-hour treatment that starts with a herbal steam or a mineral and milky bath, followed by a scrub, the Ratilanna Signature Crystal Oil massage. It ends with a Detoxifying facial by Biodroga.

“Our crystal treatment is the only one in Northern Thailand. Crystals are excellent for firming your skin, and when used with oil, they possess a special aura.” Crystals are also used in Ratilanna’s facials. Most men like aquamarine and citrine, yellow-orange in colour, especially its great smell. The spa ’s most popular massage is its 60-minute Crystal Oil massage – a gentle aromatic massage using pressure point techniques with massage oils. These include cold-press golden Australian Jojoba oil, virgin sweet almond oil and cold -press safflower oil to maximize your skin's benefits . The Four Crystal massage consists of amethyst for calming and balancing; aquamarine for healing and grounding; carnelian for energizing and passion; and citrine for stimulation and balance. https://youtu.be/RzUpIupCAL0 More Ratilana Chiang Mai Pix Another favourite is the traditional Thai massage. “Western people like it. It’s stronger and more energizing than other forms of massage but gentler than the classic Thai massage. Either way, she adds, it reduces and improves flexibility and range of motion. Other massages include the Lanna Exotic, which uses an ancient northern Thai treatment. A stick made from the bark of the tamarind tree to relax muscles in a rhythmic tapping motion, called Tok Sen. It ends with a relaxing massage using a herbal oil called Wan Sao Loang. The Thai compress, another 90-minute massage, combines the traditional Thai massage and a compression technique, using warm herbal balls to relieve muscle soreness and increase blood circulation.

“We also like to show our guests how they can benefit from Thai herbs, especially how the y can help them maintain their health. The Thai herbal compress, for example, relieves chronic pain. But when you lie down, the smell of Thai herbs can be quite strong.” The Luk Prakob, or herbal balls , are produced in-house. These six herbal compress balls are made from herbs wrapped in cotton, traditionally used in Thai medicine. They are designed to alleviate pain and inflammation: The Ma Krut or Kaffir Lime has a deodorizing effect. It ’s very refreshing and helps to tighten your skin and connective tissue. Ta Khrai or Lemongrass is used to boost your immune system and your Lymphatic, blood and circulation systems while Bai Toey or Pandara Leaf helps strengthen your heart and liver and relieves fevers soothes sore throats. Ohai or Casumunar Ginger moisturizes your skin and helps heal wounds. Som Poi or Acacinna is great for skin diseases Kulabul or Camphor is used to treat sprains, like psoriasis and eczema. swellings and inflammation.

In addition to the Ratilanna Rejuvenation, the spa has two 150-minute spa Ratilanna and Ratilanna Remedy. The Beauty of journeys – the Beauty of Ratilanna features Thai herbal steam or mineral and milky bath, body scrub and wrap, and a Detoxifying Facial. The Ratilanna Remedy includes a herbal steam bath, a Dead Sea Mud and Caramel mask and a Crystal Oil massage. The other three journeys range from 90 minutes to two hours. Ratilanna’s most popular facial is a 60-minute treatment for impure skin problems. It features vaporizing, enzyme peeling and ampoule and ends with a mud mask to clear your skin. Results are almost immediate and can be seen in a fresher, clearer complexion and reduced impurities and blemishes. Biodroga, which Another favourite is the Royal Aquamarine, also by harnesses “the mystical energy of aquamarine” and includes a gentle massage with rock crystal wands to harmonize and calm your skin by stimulating the pressure points of your face and d écolleté to clear energy blocks, activate microcirculation and leave your skin looking radiant. Body wraps offer a variety of benefits that include detoxification, contouring and skin-softening while boosting your lymphatic system and metabolism. Among wraps, Roselle is designed to stimulate your lymphatic system and circulation and refine the texture of your skin by removing excess fluid and toxins from your body. This method also firms loose skin and treats the unsightly appearance of cellulite.

The spa’s most popular scrub is the Lanna Heritage, which uses a variety of natural herbs and ingredients freshly prepared at Ratilanna. This treatment is designed to keep your skin healthy through exfoliation and ends with a short massage oil rub to moisturize your body. There are two body masks – the Thanaka Brightening and Deep Sea with Caramel. Other scrubs include the Kaffir Lime, Black Sesame and Coffee and Yogurt. Ratilanna has two main restaurants and three bars/lounges: The Mira Terrace offers Oriental fusion and international cuisine. There ’s also a continental breakfast buffet with a cooking station all-day and à la carte dining.

The Rio Restaurant & Wine Bar is all-you-can-eat at its East Meets West grill. The Walin Pavilion offers a lounge menu and exotic cocktails and wines, while at the Library Lounge, you can order sandwiches and pastries and treat yourself to afterDeern tea. There’s also a great selection of books and magazines. Sandwiches, salads and regional dishes are available at the Pool Bar, and cocktails and freshly blended tropical smoothies served on the sun deck around the pool. Interesting things to see and do nearby: Ratilanna has an exclusive sightseeing tour to Wiang Kum Kam if you're in the mood for a day tour . You take a traditional Scorpion boat along the Mar Ping River to Wiang Kum Kam, where you ’ll visit a traditional farmhouse, where you’ll be able to buy kitchen herbs, fruit and vegetables from the garden.

The trip takes two hours , including a horse-drawn carriage tour of the ancient city and lunch at the Mira Terrace. You can also opt for an evening dinner cruise while watching the sunset. Boats leave from the pier at Wat Chai Mongkolon Charoenprathet Road or the Riverside Restaurant. Many visitors must visit the famous Wat Phrathat Doi Temple, dating back to 1383 and overlooking Chiang Mai. You can walk the 300 steps up a steep Naga stairway or take a tram.

The temple has a huge golden chedi or spire, where holy Buddha relics attract devotees worldwide. And if you ’re really adventurous, try trekking in the mountains of Chiang Dao and Chiang Mai. You ’ll encounter caves, waterfalls, elephant centres, two huge national parks, hill tribes and even bamboo rafting. There are half-day and three-day trekking packages. Other favourites: Chiang Dao caves – very popular with Thais – providing some of Thailand ’s most beautiful scenery. Chiang Dao Mountain is the third highest in the country, and its sacred caves are filled with Buddha images belonging to Wat Tham Chiang Dao. The upper caves are the easiest to explore because the lighting is installed there. If you wish to go deeper, having a guide and a lantern is best. Chiang Mai Zoo, another popular attraction, houses 6,000 animals and encompasses two waterfalls, reservoirs, a park and camping spots. It ’s too big

for walking, and bicycles and motorbikes are not allowed. Best to go by car.

Shangri-la Chiang Mai Unwinding in the City

here is a romantic tale of Two Rice Birds, separated when fire destroyed their nest. The father was away at the time, and when he returned, he

followed his mate into the smouldering ashes. What makes the story special is that the birds are reincarnated as two different people from two very other families but still discover their love and eternal connection – a symbol of faithfulness and love – through a series of magical events. The tale is depicted in different art forms throughout the lobby of Chiang Mai’s Shangri-la Hotel – in local wood and metal objects in the waiting area and the hotel’s grand ballroom entrance. It’s only one of the things that make Shangri-la special. The 281-room hotel, is with its roomy, brightly lit lobby, describes itself as a retreat into the city, located in the prime area of Chang Klan Road and is only minutes from the airport and many of the area’s attractions. The hotel’s spa, CHI Spa, is separated from the rest of the complex at the rear, within 4,600 square metres of landscaped grounds. Treatment villas offer a

tropical garden view and access to a free-form outdoor swimming pool. It has six therapists and uses two product ranges: CHI ’s range of Synergies – massage oils, mists, body and bath products; and Futuresse’s specialty skincare products from Biodroga. CHI spas are based on the Shangri-la legend and inspired by James Hilton’s book Lost Horizons . When Shangri-la ’s owner read the book, she wanted everyone who stepped into the spa to feel the legend. “It’s one of the reasons why the spa is separated from the hotel,” said Nuttaya Wongsang, spa manager, who sees the spa as a place of tranquility, where you’re transported mentally and physically to another world.

“Everything in the spa, including the decorations, has a story, like the Tibetan prayer wheel. We combine Chinese treatments with Tibetan folklore at Shangri-la, such as the Tibetan singing bowl. Our guests often remark it ’s like being in a temple in Tibet.” Its treatments are based on Asian wellness massage therapies and the five Chinese elements – metal, wood, water, fire and earth – which must be balanced to harmonize with our bodies' positive Yang and negative Yin energy. To maximize your CHI experience, you ’ll be asked to take a short online questionnaire to discover your element sign based on your tastes and preferences. First stop is “The Sanctum,” a 10-sided consultation building, where you

are very conscious of Tibetan influences, whether in the form of Tibetan art objects, like a prayer wheel on the shelves or the fountain playing in the background. It’s also part of the motifs that turn to reflect light from crystals at different times of the day. “People want memories, and we try to create them.” The spa works on the five traditional Chinese elements – metal, water, wood, fire and earth – which should be balanced with a positive yang and negative yin energy to restore balance and re-energize the body and mind. The CHI concept was developed with a team of recognized experts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Asian therapies. According to TCM, your chi must flow freely within your body to maintain good health, but when blocked, “dis-ease” and illness follow.

You’ll be given a welcome drink at The Sanctum and asked to complete a health questionnaire. From there, you ’ll be escorted by one of the therapists to your treatment villa. Here you ’ll be able to discuss your needs before deciding what treatment may be best for you.

Movement is critical in releasing these blockages – body massages, exercises, stretching, hydrotherapy and mental training through relaxation and meditation. You could be a “metal person” if you ’ve had a hectic day. “Every time you come to the spa,” says Nuttaya, “we have to determine what element is good for you that day. Today, for example, you may be in a romantic mood and a “fire” element. Each element has an ingredient of pure things such as lavender to help you relax.” The spa has nine large, Thai-inspired villas located a short walk from The Sanctum and surrounded by a greenery-banked waterway. Each villa incorporates the signature CHI “spa within a spa” concept. There’s a great aroma along the pathway to the treatment villas. It comes from Pandas leaves, especially on hot days. The leaves are cut and boiled to produce their essential oil. The waterway along the pathway winds around the spa, separating it from the hotel and helping to prepare you for the calming world of the spa. The colour of the water is grey. It comes from the rivers , which turn that colour in late spring. In May and June, lotus flowers bloom all along the river. White and pink blossoms border the walkway to the villas, and a 200-year-old Banyan tree stands like a guard nearby. There’s also a yoga pavilion, whose walls can be opened to allow guests to see the lotus blossoms. The aroma in the spa is Shangri-la ’s signature scent – a blend of five different essential oils. C17ZXamM0aw Shangri-la Chiang Mai https://youtu.be/7ijKJYA9HFM Visiting Shangri-la Chiaing Mai https://youtu.be/ZReRpJyAlKA More Shangri-la Chiang Mai Pix

Your journey starts here … in the calming down … as we near the first spa villa. You will be asked to change your shoes for slippers and your clothes for a bathrobe when you first enter. When you ’re ready, your therapist will review

each step of your treatment and discuss what areas you would like her to concentrate on before starting your treatment. “Women appreciate the sense of privacy and the fact that they will have someone to help them describe and decide on a special treatment for them. “We now have a treatment created by local people, passed down from generation to generation. In ancient times, the treatment was created by people who worked in the field and had sore muscles at the end of their workday. They needed something to relieve the tension and provide relief. It ’s unique to this spa,” said Nuttaya. After their treatment, you can lie down, relax and sip tea. “Here, you can hear the leaves falling in the wind … pure nature for guests who find it adds to their sense of relaxation.” The spa’s most popular treatments? The Lanna Blend massage, which CHI calls the “king of massages ,” was designed exclusively for Shangri-la Chiang Mai. It blends the best “Lanna stroke” to improve flexibility and joint movement. Then warm healing stones are placed on your back to help loosen tight muscles and encourage the flow of chi energy throughout your body. “People like to try something authentic, unique to the region. In Chiang Mai, that means the Lanna tradition. The movements in the massage tend to be slow and reflect the personality of the Lanna people. It ’s also become very popular because it addresses many of our guests’ concerns.”

CHI Spa Sense of Place treatments that use local ingredients with a spa treatment for well-being: The Signature Lanna massage blends the best technologies of Thai and other Asian to create a soothing and pampering experience. The Healing Royal Herbal Compress massage uses steam-heated compresses filled with organic herbs and plants released on your body to stimulate blood circulation, pains, and sore muscles, leaving you feeling relaxed, balanced, and detoxified. Other massages include Relaxing Aromatherapy, which uses Swedish techniques to reduce tension, soothe sore muscles and increase circulation, and The Stress Relieving Neck and Back pain. ePEkjacpPv0 Nuttaya Wongsang, Spa Manager The Traditional Thai massage and the Royal Thai Herbal Compress massage are also very popular. The Royal Thai Herbal or Luk Pra Kob – a pillar in Traditional Thai medicine – uses a heated compress of Thai herbs placed along tension areas to ease stiffness, followed by a relaxing massage using

indigenous aromatherapy oils to relieve stress and balance your body. Heat penetrates your body and muscles, where your skin absorbs the herbs. The compress is applied with a rhythmic press and release sequence along your body to stimulate blood circulation and pressure points to relieve aches, pains and sore muscles. The spa has several body treatments – Chiang Mai Lotus Body Polish, which uses lotus root to remove dead skin cells and the Natural Coconut scrub; and the Citrus and Salt, described as a classic scrub, rich in mineral salts and a citrus oil blend to rejuvenate your body and skin. Both Asian and Western women like CHI ’s rituals. Asian women like the Enchanted Journey, and Western women, Acupressure Lifting. The Enchanted Journey is a great pick-me-up after a long trip or a hectic day to relieve muscle aches and tension.

Hydrating is one of its most popular facials, which restores your skin ’s natural silkiness and moisture with moisture-replenishing ingredients that deliver hydration to dry skin caused by the weather, environment, and travel. The Acupressure Lifting melts muscles in your face while unblocking blood and oxygen, using specialized Thai techniques and a heated sesame seed compress and to lift facial contours. Deep Cleansing is a purifying treatment for oily

mixed skin, using a deep cleansing mask to remove impurities and balance excessive sebum while brightening uses a collagen mask with anti-ageing benefits to address tightened, dull skin and hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The spa ’s holistic facial treatments centre on skin nourishment, starting with the CHI facial, which uses pure aromatic herbs, oils , and a focused touch to awaken the “energetic and physical channels” of your face, mind, and body to bring about inner beauty.

Other popular treatments: Skin Polish, another CHI signature treatment, uses mineral salts and citrus oil blends to gently rejuvenate your lymphatic system, remove dead skin and encourage the free flow of chi throughout your body. , stretching and It also offers three programs designed for beginners

warming your body. All CHI Asian wellness massages start with a foot ritual. CHI Spa offers three yoga programs, beginning with a special class for beginners at all levels about the basic philosophy behind yoga. It starts with easy stretching and an over-all body warm-up, followed by gentle yoga poses and introductory meditation techniques. Ashtanga Yoga centres on more sustained, focused action in poses, as described in the yoga sutras of Patanjali. Ashtanga yoga embodies the traditional eight limbs of yoga – Yama (control); Niyana (rules of conduct); Asanas (poses); Pratyahara (withdrawal of sensory perceptions); Dharava (concentration); Dhyana (uninterrupted meditation) and Samadhi (complete) equilibrium. There’s also Power Yoga for the more experienced – a series of ab workouts focused on routines with poses designed to target your abs. The workouts also strengthen your body’s central support system and help to improve your lower back, and help support your abdominal region. It is usually combined with a cool-down routine.

Wild Flower Body Glow is a big favourite among body treatments, tracing its origins to Thai culture. According to tradition, Thai households with a

Saraphi tree will be blessed with longevity. The tree ’s sweet-smelling blossoms used in this treatment provide soothing effects. They are mixed with an aromatic blend of organic Chiang Mai herbs to exfoliate dry skin, smooth skin irritations and dark spots and leave your skin soft and glowing. Favourite wraps – The White Clay Body is excellent for detoxification , enhancing body contour, and a natural energizer, and is great for jet lag. The White Clay Body wrap has been used in Thailand to promote beauty and health for hundreds of years. The clay ’s rich minerals and trace elements help rejuvenate your skin, remove toxins, calm your mind, and leave your skin soft and smooth. There’s also the Detoxifying Dead Sea Mud wrap, which uses mud from the Dead Sea to help your body absorb essential vitamins and minerals, and the local Thai Herbal wrap, a traditional Thai wrap made with local herbs and Phi powder to boost your moisture levels and healthy cell renewal while fighting wrinkle formation and giving your skin a natural glow. Shangri-la Chiang Mai offers four distinct dining choices, starting with the Kad Kafe – the Culinary Theatre Caf é – housed in a Thai-influenced teak structure named after the Northern Thai word for “market”. It offers all-day dining and features Asian and international favourites like Pad Thai, Chicken Tikka Masala and Tiramisu. Its emphasis is on market-fresh ingredients prepared in front of you. Favourite dishes at the China Kitchen include Crispy Chicken with dried chillies and poached fish Szechuan style. At the Dhala, a pool bar, you can order cocktails and Thai and international snacks, either poolside or in the four cabanas at the side of the pool. For those who want to get close to the action, a glass-enclosed chef ’s table in the kitchen can accommodate six guests at a time. The Lobby Lounge offers views of the hotel’s landscaped gardens, a light dining menu, and afterDeern tea and cocktails, while the Silapa Thai Lounge & Bar features a selection of “Thaipas” – a Thai food in tapas style and a Thai specialty.

Interesting things to see and do nearby: Shangri-la sees its 281-room hotel and spa as a retreat into the city, yet a great starting point to visit some of Thailand ’s most holy Wats or Temples. There are about 300 in Chiang Mai. One of the best known is the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, said to house a relic of Buddha, carried to the site by a white elephant. The temple dates back to the 14th Century. Visitors can take a tram or climb the 300 steps to the temple. On the north side of Wat Chedi Luong, you can meet and speak with Buddhist monks in English. th Century Lanna Chiang Mai , by the way, was the capital of the 13 Kingdom. Lanna means “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields” and is the name for the culture, language and art of Chiang Mai today, its people and its way of life. You can still see the city wall , four gates, and the moat that encircled the original city. For shopping, markets and bazaars, there ’s the Kad Luang, the biggest market in the city and the place to experience the real city. Then there ’s the night bazaar, which features arts and crafts, local Thai food and foot massages. For shopping, markets and bazaars, there ’s the Kad Luang, the biggest market in the city and the place to experience the real city. Then there ’s the

night bazaar, which features arts and crafts, local Thai food and foot massages. The best bazaar is the Sunday market, located on a walking street in the old square and 10 minutes by Tuk Tuk from the hotel. Here you can take in the art and crafts of Northern Thailand as well as street entertainment, including pavement artists, traditional musicians, Thai dancers and even puppet shows.

The Wisdom of Lanna's arts and crafts on the walking street showcases art from 21 villages, including the Yong, known for their unique handicraft techniques, including elephant carvings, bamboo products and drawings on cloth. And if you want to see elephants paint pictures with their trunks or play music, head for the Thai Elephant Centre, about 60 km southeast of Chiang Mai. You can also watch them perform tasks, bathe, and even experience what it ’s

like to ride an elephant.

CHIANG RAI

Anantara Golden Triangle Chiang Rai A Spa for Elephant Lovers

e arrived just in time to follow two elephants amble into the inner courtyard at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai in northern

Thailand. Two young women were aboard the elephants, which knelt on their forelegs to allow them to descend. The elephants got to their feet a few seconds later and disappeared through the entrance to the resort. It’s not as simple as it looks. In fact, you need to know a couple of things when riding these gentle beasts. Even before going for a ride, the mahout, who trains and watches over the elephant, will tell you what commands to use and a few tips, such as getting the elephant to kneel while you climb up onto its foreleg. The trick is to grab the elephant ’s ear with one hand and its hide with the other. It does not hurt the elephant. For many, the real challenge is keeping your balance when their elephant is walking. There’s nothing to hang onto. You have to keep from falling off while keeping your legs high enough to kick high enough to kick the elephant behind its ears. It may not hurt the elephant, but some people find it a bit exhausting after a while and experience some soreness in their legs.

The easiest part is getting off, which you can do with simple commands. “The elephants are very popular with guests,” says Spa Manager Katthariya Kongphauk. “The elephant is also the symbol of the resort.” The elephants come from the nearby elephant camp, a 10-minute walk from the spa, and are set within the resort’s bamboo camp. It’s home to 30 elephants, which are cared for by their mahouts or drivers under the direction of John Roberts, Anantara ’s director of elephants, who works closely with the Thai government’s Conservation Centre to develop Anantara ’s camp as an elephant sanctuary. “The resort uses two elephants – Ebong and Boonssi – one in the mornin g and the other in the afternoo n. Each is trained for different activities. The other elephants are for riding in the jungle,” said Katthariya, whose Thai nickname is Kat.

You can see elephants from the sanctuary grazing from the spa's treatment rooms and Laos across the Mekong River. Outside, the resort gardens feature cascading terraces of annuals and scented native trees. The spa and its treatments are rooted in the enlightening qualities of Thailand’s lotus flowers. Each treatment category represents a different aspect of the flower, and its specialist therapies reach back into Thailand ’s past and natural secrets. The spa is located on the first floor of the resort. One of the first things you

spot is the Sat Tu Pan , a traditional Buddhist screen – two by three metres in size – designed to enhance your sense of arrival in the typical Lanna style. It features engraved nagas or serpents with brass candleholders along each side. Reconditioned teak wood is used extensively throughout the resort and spa, and locally made arts and crafts that reflect the area ’s hill tribe and Buddhist cultures. The spa has five treatment rooms with a herbal steam room , a private deck with a muslin-draped soaking tub, or a Thai spa massage platform. Music plays quietly in the background to relax and enhance your sense of calm. Your spa journey begins with tea at spa reception, where the receptionist will ask you about your health and any concerns you may have and get to know what treatments you have in mind. https://youtu.be/jm5SP5z2t84 Anantara Chiang Rai Spa https://youtu.be/JaniGm37MVA More Anantara Chiang Rai Pix “If you want to look younger, we have treatments to help you. If you ’re interested in wellness, we also have treatments for this. We concentrate on the mind and spirit of each guest. When you come to our spa, you can expect the best. That includes doing our best. Every time.” There’s more to the spa than elephant rides, of course. It has a full menu of treatments, including massages, facials, scrubs, wraps, etc., and a very decided philosophy to go with it based on the enlightening qualities of the lotus. “Our Lanna experience takes three hours and includes a detox foot bath, a whole-body scrub and ends with a massage,” said Kat.

The spa’s most popular treatment is the Poo Loey Massage, one of the spa ’s signature treatments, which cools inflammation and eases digestion and joint and muscle aches while calming, replenishing and purifying your skin. The Plai, known for its therapeutic treatment uses a specially blended oil called abilities. Also popular is the Aroma Stone massage, which uses warm pure essential oils, rubbed over your body by natural, heated volcanic stones to release your body’s stored tension. Small volcanic stones are placed on key energy points along your meridian lines. The deep, penetrating heat from the stones massage your body to release tension and balance your spirit. All of the spa ’s massages last 90 minutes. They include the Anantara Signature, Traditional Thai, Thai Herbal Compress, Swedish, Stress Release and Deep Tissue massages. There are two Ayurvedic massages as well – The Marma Abhyanga and Shirobhyanga. The 90-minute Marma focuses on your body ’s marmas – significant sites in the body that can be stimulated to achieve over-all health and balance. The Shirobhyanga massage applies medicated oil on the marma points in your neck and head to regulate your mind and body systems. The Body Collection also includes a Turmeric wrap, Essence White Coconut

wrap, a Poo Loey scrub and a Turmeric body scrub. Big favourite among facials, the Elemis Visible Brilliance is a 75-minute therapy designed to combat ageing and stressed and slackened skin with a new anti-ageing face and eye treatment that increases moisture by up to 61% and elasticity by 40% -- after just one treatment. It also reduces dark circles, instantly firms and plumps skin and restores radiance. The Elemis Oxygen Skin Calm, another popular facial, is designed for sensitive skin. It soothes red and stressed skin using gentle massage techniques.

Kat recommends the 165-minute Dawn Renewal for first-time visitors – one of its spa journeys. It offers “a little of the most beneficial spa treatments”. These include a scrub infused with green tea extract, a choice of body massage, a floral foot ritual, a shower, body massage and refreshments. For experienced spa-goers, she suggests another spa journey – Mahout Relaxation, which starts with a Thai herbal compress and features a Traditional Thai massage, where your therapist uses her thumbs, palms, feet, elbows, and knees to press, pull and stretch your body into therapeutic positions, and rhythmic kneading along your body ’s meridian lines and acupuncture points, using a pressure level you feel comfortable with.

The Journey of Siam, a three-hour spa journey, is designed to help you rediscover your inner strength through a series of treatments. It also begins with a floral foot ritual , including the Essence White Coconut scrub, Thai herbal steam, shower, Traditional Thai massage, and refreshment. , that ’s rich in Asian women like the Essence White Coconut Mint scrub antioxidants, vitamins, lotus, and apricot seed granules to remove dead skin, while the coconut oil and shea butter keep your skin nourished and feeling

smooth. Western women opt for the spa’s signature facial.

One of the big draws at Anantara Chiang Rai is its one-day Spa by Nature experience. Its costs 5,900 Thai Baht a day and attracts a lot of guests. You wake up in your private spa and breakfast chalet, surrounded by the resort’s rice fields and tropical landscaping. Your day starts with an organic breakfast prepared by your own chef, followed by a 90-minute signature massage outdoors. “The venue is very popular,” says Kat, “we can accept only one booking a day.” Anantara Golden Triangle is situated in the mountains at the end of a long, winding, tree-fringed cement road. It has 77 rooms with sweeping views of the countryside. Its 64 sqm Chiang Rai hotel suites have 20 sqm balconies, terrazzo bathtubs, king-size beds, down duvets and individual air conditioning and ceiling fans. Its 13 three-country view suites offer panoramic views, a large living room and balconies. Facilities include an infinity-edge swimming pool, surrounded by a multitiered pool deck and floral gardens, and set into the hillside behind the resort – with views of the Mekong Valley below. There ’s also a fully equipped gym, indoor squash, and outdoor tennis courts . Its Muay Thai ring is adjacent to its

health club and offers training for guests interested in this unique form of boxing. No matter where you are on the resort – in the jungle, besides rice paddies or alongside elephants in bamboo forests at the elephant camp – Anantara’s two main restaurants are prepared to come to you. You also can choose from a wide range of dishes for an unusual dining experience.

The Baan Dahlia, the resort’s other main restaurant, features all-day dining, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, and an extensive wine cellar. Chef’s specials

include Signature Caesar salad and Parmesan spaghetti prepared at your table. Or create your own dishes from frutti di mare , black truffle cream carbonara, trapanese pesto with Parma ham, tiger prawns with pesto and pine nuts – all served with sweeping views of the Mekong Valley. For lighter fare, try the Elephant Bar and Opium Terrace, where you can order signature Anantara signature gourmet beef burgers or prime Angus beef on a bun and drinks. There's a fireplace during the winter months and an open hearth on the outside terrace. Interesting things to see and do nearby: For most people, the biggest attraction is at the resort -- elephants and elephant activities, including learning how to drive an elephant. You ’ll learn mahout commands and how to take your elephant for bathing and experience mahout camp life. If you’re a bird watcher, you ’ll see a lot of different species in their natural habitat along the nearby riverbank, and if you like hiking, there ’s a guided tour along several nature trails. At the resort, you can learn the basic techniques of traditional Thai cuisine at Anantara’s cooking school. The course starts with a morning excursion to the local produce market with a resort culinary team member , who will provide insights into choosing the best items. The class ends with eating the meal you’ve prepared. There’s also a great night market in Chiang Rai, where you can buy drawings and watercolours created by local artists, jewelry, silk scarves, T-shirts and local delicacies.

You can see the huge sitting golden Buddha at Golden Triangle from a distance, shimmering against the intense deep blue morning sky. When you finally reach it, you discover the roadside lined with big red umbrellas with green and orange-coloured hangings covering stalls and selling everything from pineapples, T-shirts, caps, and kites to clothing and fast food. And off to one side, as you head back to your car, you suddenly become aware of the kites bobbing and weaving in the late morning breeze. Temples pop their heads out from the lush, green jungle crowding the riverbanks from across the river.

Katiliya Mountain Resort Chiang Rai The Magic Mists of Katiliya

vening is a magical time at Katiliya Mountain Resort in Northern Thailand during winter. In the morning, you can see the mists lingering in the blue

valleys and on the tops of hills of the surrounding countryside; the air is cool, clear and pure. Mists roll in at sunset, swathing the resort in woolly, gr

streamers, like something from a medieval romance or fairie tale. There are three ways to get there – all by ground. If you arrive by air at Chiang Rai, Katiliya offers a transfer to and from the resort, by rental car from the airport, or by car – the way most Thais arrive. However you come, Katiliya is a 40-minute drive from Chiang Rai, up 2 km on a side road off the main highway – a hilly, bumpy ride up the side of the mountain. When you pass through a clearing in the trees, you get a quick glimpse of the smalling valleys below and suddenly become aware of how far up the mountain you’ve come. And then, unexpectedly, a turn in the road and you see the resort, perched like a medieval keep on the side of the mountain. As you roll into the resort's entrance, the trees suddenly give way to green fields on either side of the roadway. The lobby is bright, airy and spacious. Flowers are everywhere, and its large tiled, multi-hued floor gleams in the morning sunshine. The smell of the flowers mingled with the aroma of lemongrass, creates a delicious scent.

Sawadee statues stand like angels at the entrance to welcome and protect guests during their stay. At night, the lobby blazes with the brightness from large lamps with star-shaped transparent shades that hang from the high, slanted, redwood ceiling. The first thing you notice is the huge wooden decorative element behind the reception desk, with its huge golden representation of the Cattleya orchid, created from an iron plate and the massive fireplace on the opposite side, which separates the lobby from the Fireplace Bar – a popular hangout in the evening. The back of the lobby is completely open. You can see Katiliya’s 20-metrelong pool amid a garden, with the Pool Bar and changing room on the left. The bottom of the pool features a large, ornate flower design – a type of orchid grown in the north, called Sri Mala in Thai and Sri Tirumala in Hindi.

Another 20 metres or so, hidden behind the greenery, is a Jacuzzi pool, another big favourite with guests during winter. We come across the kid ’s pool and the resort’s Baan Thai restaurant entrance, a short distance away. On a tour of the resort on a buggy, we travel on a narrow, paved driveway that winds around the resort – down bamboo-canopied laneways, past incredible views of the surrounding three-cloaked valleys and sky -blue lakes that look even smaller in the distance. Leaves fall from trees that line the driveway, mainly due to the heat and dryness. We stop at spa reception, a straw-thatched building that dazzles in the morning sunlight. It looks like a typical spa outside, but all that changes once you enter and experience the spectacular setting.

“At Katiliya, you wake up to the sound of birds,” said a young woman at reception. The spa is called Spa on the Lake, named by the resort ’s owner, who drew his inspiration from the small body of water he could see from his private residence. https://youtu.be/3iZ7AueMDZ8 More Katiliya Chiang Rai Pix It was in winter, and the lake was covered in mist, conjuring up an aura of mystery as well as romance. He wanted a name that reflected that. The spa is on the left side of the property, away from the resort ’s residences and restaurants, and designed to create “a place where you can relax and find true peace. Most of our guests are busy and come here to relax.” Relaxation plays a pivotal role in the spa’s treatments. “We believe that true health can be achieved only when our bodies are balanced and in harmony with nature. With this in mind, we ’ve created a haven of relaxation and tranquility set in a truly unique mountain setting.” The spa’s treatments are based on natural and organic products and ancient therapies from Asia and have been passed down through generations. Many of the spa’s treatments, like the Katiliya Massage, are unique to the resort. It ’s also the spa’s most popular treatment. In this massage, hot compresses and massage oils combine to de-stress, stimulate blood circulation, and reduce swelling and muscle inflammation. It ends with stevia tea, whose properties can help lower blood pressure and stabilize blood sugars. For first-time visitors, the spa also recommends the Katiliya Signature massage and the Aromatherapy Oil massage – a relaxing treatment that combines light-to-medium pressure with fragrant essential oils to relieve tension, stress and muscle tightness in key areas to leave your body and mind in balance and harmony. The Aromatherapy oil massage is also a favourite of Western women, while Asian women prefer the Traditional Thai massage.

The spa also offers four packages, ranging from the two-hour Katiliya Beauty, which features a facial and body scrub, to the three-hour Katiliya Indulgence, which includes a facial, body scrub and the Aromatherapy Oil massage. Katiliya’s facials incorporate European and Asian massage techniques to release toxins and impurities that leave your skin soft and supple. Four scrubs – Lavender Salt, Red Wine, Coffee, Gold and Thai Organic Herb – are designed to exfoliate dead skin cells and leave your skin with “a radiant glow”. Also popular are its Body masks, including the Organic Herbal, which uses a blend of Thai herbs, honey and turmeric, designed to absorb impurities and leave your skin clean and bright, while the Detox Body Mask contains charcoal properties that leave your skin clean and smooth. “It ’s also helpful in treating acne,” she adds. Each spa’s treatment room has private terraces overlooking the twin lakes spa and is located in three separate thatched villas, a short walk from the reception. The rooms are large, and the windows open up to a spectacular setting of soft rolling hills of uninterrupted greenness that seems to go on forever. Large red blossoms decorate the head and foot. Treatment beds are also large and covered in white. The scent of lemongrass hangs in the air like the mist on the two lakes below. A soft lavender scent is also used. Each treatment room is air-conditioned, with a shower and a private terrace

overlooking the lakes. The spa is easily accessed by buggy from the main lobby. Katiliya’s 56 rooms and suites, scattered throughout the grounds, are exceptionally large, ranging from 90 sqm for its Mountain suites to one, two and three-bedroom suites, ranging in size from 175 sqm to 375 sqm. All offer commanding views of the surrounding countryside, private balconies, oversized king-size beds, extra-large bathrooms, large bathtubs, separate showers and his and her closets. There are four bedroom suites, which also offer a private pantry; 11 Mountain suites; 10 Superior suites and 27 Katiliya suites, 100 sqm in size; one Duplex suite, 120 sqm in size; and three 120 sqm Heritage Thai suites, featuring unique Thai architecture – a mixture of Thai, Mandela and Hunan styles.

The Terrace, the resort ’s main restaurant, offers expansive views from the restaurant’s outside terrace as well as a diverse menu with a full range of dining options. The mountain air adds an extra edge to your dining experience. The restaurant is just off the lobby via a stairway to the left of the fireplace. Popular dishes include Katiliya pizza, a thin crust pizza and one of the Katiliya’s special creations, featuring grilled chicken, salami, pepperoni, pork sausage, herbs and grated mozzarella , and Lab Moo Kua, a traditional Lanna dish that offers spicy minced port salad with chilli and shallots, lemongrass and Thai herbs. DFert Merng offers assorted Northern-style Chiang Rai sausages, Australian Back Angus steak Rossini, grilled wild mushrooms, asparagus, Dauphine potatoes and red wine jus. Breakfast at The Terrace is an extensive buffet that features restaurant-made favourites include butter croissants, specialty breads and pastries. Lunch

authentic Italian and Mediterranean dishes from its open-air kitchen. For authentic Thai cuisine with a northern touch, Baan Thai restaurant offers a romantic setting in a restored traditional Thai house, with open-air dining among the trees and starry skies. There’s the Pool Bar for lighter fare, where you can munch on international snacks and light lunches. One of the bar ’s interesting features is the large , lacquered dark red jar at the end of the counter. It’s called Uop in Thai. The Fireplace Bar in the lobby area features exotic cocktails and a large selection of single malt whiskeys, brandies, specialty coffees and imported cigars. Interesting things to see and do nearby: You can almost hear the voices from the past as you take in the sights of the area. Chiang Rai is at the heart of the Golden Triangle, filled with relics from Thailand’s long history, including historic towns, villages, and temples. These include Wat Phra That Doi Thong, an ancient hilltop pagoda overlooking the Mae Kok River and predating the founding of Chiang Rai as the capital of Lanna Thai. The temple is also the centre of an annual pilgrimage by thousands of Thais, who gather to pray there every March. It also offers superb views of the surrounding countryside.

Katiliya, in fact, is ideally located to take in some of the best the area has to offer – 30 minutes from Mae Sai at the Burma border; 45 minutes to the Golden Triangle; and one hour to Chiang San, one of the oldest towns in Thailand, where you can walk among the ruins.

Also dating back centuries is the famous Wat Phra Kaeo, where the original Emerald Buddha was discovered in 1354. The Emerald Buddha is now located in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The temple currently houses a jade replica of the original. Two other temples – Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and the nearby Wat Phra Singh – date back to the 15 th Century. Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, a hilltop temple, features a pagoda with an ancient Buddha relic. Also of interest is the Wat Klang Wiang, built in 1432, w ith contemporary Lanna art and a fascinating history.

Not to be missed, the village of Salong, known as Santa Khiri, or Village of Peace, is often referred to as Little Switzerland because of its scenic mountain location, with incredible views , which can dramatically change with the mountain mists at sunset and sunrise. The village was created by Chinese Nationalist troops fleeing the revolution. Even today, most of the villagers are ethnic Chinese and speak Yunnanese. Best time to see it – December and January – when Thai cherry trees blossom. Also worth seeing: Khun Nam-Nang Non or Lagoon of the Sleeping Lady, so named because of the natural rock formation that resembles a sleeping woman; and the Tham Pum-Tharn Phat, about 1 km north of the Sleeping Lady Lagoon, known for the striking interiors of its caves. For shopping, head for Mae Sai, the Thai border town separated from Burmese and Burma by the narrow Mae Sai River, where you can buy Thai, Chinese goods.

PATTAYA

Dining at Centara Avenue Hotel Pattaya

Avani Pattaya Be Sure To Say Hello To …

f you’re planning to visit the Avani Pattaya Resort and Spa soon, be sure to say hello to Peter Pan and Big C.

So that you know, Peter Pan and Big C are wonderfully hued, constant talking, big-beaked macaws who like to chat up guests around the pool. But be forewarned. Just because they love to talk doesn ’t mean you can take liberties with them. They bite, and with their big beaks, need I say more? And whatever you do, keep your jewelry, watches and even your mobile phones out of sight. They ’re fascinated by anything shiny and will snatch your watch or jewelry away before you blink. They’re also born entertainers, bilingual, and can talk to you in Thai and English. Their vocabulary is limited, usually to questions like “Hello”, “Where are you from?” “Where are you going?” 4CYGmhOuXiI Big C at Avani Pattaya https://youtu.be/cdB9ay0TMcY Centara Grand Beach Pattaya

https://youtu.be/2GnxaC-enKI More Avani Pattaya Pix “But they can also sense what we ’re thinking by our body language,” said Asanee Intaring, the hotel ’s marketing communications manager, who introduced me to Peter Pan and Big C. The birds aren ’t the only attraction at poolside around noon every day. If you happen to be there, you ’ll be offered a free five-minute neck-and-shoulder massage. “Our guests love it,” said Spa Manager Siriwipa Promkomut, “and many come to the spa for the full treatment.” As the story goes, the birds were born on a farm in the Pattaya area. They were purchased by a man whose wife told him to get rid of them. He took them to Avani Pattaya, where he had once stayed with his family, remembering the resort’s beautiful garden. Peter Pan and Big C (also the name of a huge retail outlet in Bangkok) like to relax in the resort’s tropical garden, often described as an oasis of greenery in the heart of downtown Pattaya, and features several sub-tropical and tropical plants, including a lot that will be new to you:

Dracaena Loureiri Gagnep, a sub-tropical evergreen that flowers once a year; Alpinia Purpuratam native Malaysian plants that bloom with a small

white flower on top; Spathiphyllum or Peace Lily, an evergreen plant with large thick leaves, native to tropical regions; Cordyline Fruticosa is an evergreen flowering plant from Indonesia, also known as the “good luck” plant; Bird ’s Nest Fern, native to tropical southeastern Asia, Australia, Hawaii, Polynesia and India; Livistona Chinensis, the Chinese fan palm with a thick trunk – a spectacular large-fanned palm with a thick trunk and found in sub-tropical areas. Plumeria obtusa, also known as Singapore, although it originates from Columbia, has large, waxy flowers with thick latex-like branches. Nymphaea, a water lily, famous throughout Thailand and used in Thai ceremonies like Loy Krathong for centuries; Plumeria, also known as Red Frangipani and worn in Polynesian culture by women to indicate their marital status. Pandanus, whose leaves are used to make house thatching and women ’s grass skirts. Ravenala Madagascariensis known as the Traveler’s Palm because its stems hold rainwater that can be used to drink in emergencies. Platycerium coronarium is found in Central Peninsula Malaysia and Northern Thailand and nested in very old trees along roadsides. Ficus Benjamina is a graceful ‘weeping fig ’ native to southeast Asia and Australia. You can get a great view of the garden from the spa. MSpa, one of Asia ’s top spa management The spa is operated by Siriwipa. “Our relaxed companies, with a strong emphasis on service, says atmosphere, our emphasis on privacy, and the smells of our spa put you in the mood that something better is coming. Our guests have high expectations that their treatments will be first-class.” To ensure they are, Siriwipa asks guests about their treatments and whether the treatments lived up to their expectations. “They often remark on our therapists' big smiles and the spa's aroma – a balancing essential oil that includes bergamot, lavender, ylang ylang and mandarin orange. Many guests buy it to take home.

“Our concept is back to basics, including a soft, gentle touch and Thai hospitality towards guests. We believe inner beauty is just as important as outer beauty because it ’s the basis of outer beauty. We have absolute knowledge of the industry and the latest trends and are masters at delivering our treatments.” Many guests come from the adjoining fitness centre or right from work to wind down before returning home. They all like the convenience of popping in after working out or shopping at the Royal Garden Mall next door and that they can come without going through the lobby. The spa has a separate entrance. “It’s like a Thai house from the past.” You get your first hint of what ’s to come at spa reception, where you ’re immediately struck by the brightness of the morning sun and the smile of the spa’s receptionist, who will welcome you with a warm herbal tea and ask you to preview the spa ’s list of treatments. You ’ll also be asked to fill out a health questionnaire before you see your therapist, who will discuss treatment options, based on the questionnaire before you ’re escorted to one of the spa ’s five treatment rooms, including a spa suite and three deluxe spa rooms. The treatment rooms are also bright, with white walls and hand-carved decorations designed in the classical style from the Lanna era – “a hideaway in the midst of the city”. The scent of Frangipani trees floats in the air from the garden, and soft music plays throughout your treatment. 7cdM6BD0tDE

Siriwipa Promkomut, Spa Manager Avani Spa has been completely redesigned with total guest comfort in mind. It is now on the ground floor, and its treatments now focus on four key areas – Boost, Balance, Calm and Purify. Purify, detoxify and cleanses. Boost re-energizes, rejuvenates and and a De ep revitalizes, using a Thai massage to stimulate your energy flow Tissue Sports massage to release tension. Balance is designed to reset the natural flow of your body, mind and mind, using a Balinese massage to exfoliate and brighten your skin. Calm focuses on destressing , soothing your nerves, and quiet ing “busy thoughts”. It includes an Aromatic Oil massage to help you relax and a back, shoulder and neck massage that targets major stress points to promote serenity. It uses a Lymphatic massage to stimulate your Lymphatic and circulatory systems, clarify, help you recharge, and an Indian Head massage to reduce neck tension. Its treatments have some great names, starting with its signatures, featuring a “touch perfect balance of bio-active ingredients and high-tech components for a new dimension in skin care,” adds Siriwipa. These include the spa ’s most popular facial – Naturally Beautiful, an antiAgeing treatment designed to renew your skin cells and activate a youthful, natural glow. The Skin Hydration, which rehydrates and replenishes your skin; and Deep Purity, a deep, cleansing facial designed to clear, calm and purify, sweeps away impurities to leave your complexion clarified and your skin rebalanced, while the Skin Hydrator calms and conditions to protect your complexion and replenish your skin and a mask for a more even tone. Avani Signature Touch massage combines an oil massage with stretching techniques focusing on your shoulders, shoulder blades, upper arms, and upper body sides. They are designed to release muscle tightness and improve flexibility. The spa has several Balance treatments, which do you “a world of good if your emotions bounce from high to low, and you feel out of sync with the rhythms of life,” says Siriwipa. Avani has a number of treatments to help you do that: Herbal Harmony is a full-body massage with a heated herbal compress to warm and relax your muscles. This is followed by a massage, using a blend of essential oils to reduce muscle tension and balance your mood and emotions.

The Perfect Balance is a Balinese massage that uses traditional Indonesian techniques, palm pressure, stroking and warming to help you balance your mind, body and emotions. Then there’s the Fresh Factor which combines an organic flower to nourish, detoxify and rejuvenate, and revive the radiance of your complexion; and Calm – designed for over-worked individuals and people who have trouble sleeping – using treatments that melt muscle tension and soothes nerves. Gentle Rhythms, an aromatic oil massage that calms you from head to toe, employing flowing techniques and full body and facial pressure points to destress and reduce insomnia; Muscle Melt, which focuses on your back, neck and shoulders to increase energy flow, reduce s headaches, and help you relax and sleep. Feeling Smooth is a body scrub that uses organic jasmine and Aloe Vera to remove dead skin cells, improve skin conditions, and nourish and soothe your skin. Its Signature massage is the Avani Touch, which combines an oil massage with stretching techniques, focusing on your shoulders, scapulas, and your body’s upper arms and upper body. It releases muscle tightness, improves flexibility and boosts your energy.

Asian women prefer body massages , while Western women like spa packages that include a body scrub, massage, and facial treatments, says Siriwipa. https://youtu.be/2GnxaC-enKI More Avani Pattaya Pix Other massages include the Gentle Rhythms, an aromatic oil massage that calms with flowing techniques and touching body and facial pressure points. Avani also has several treatments that address environmental toxins, poor diets, and over-indulgent lifestyles that take their toll on our bodies, starting with its Detox and Refine massage, which uses special techniques to stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory systems, flush away unwanted toxins and reduce cellulite and water retention. Nicknamed “Passive Yoga”, the Energy Rush massage unlocks energy flow and improves flexibility, while Perfect Balance uses a Balinese massage to increase your energy flow. Herbal Harmony, a full body massage, uses a heated Herbal Compress to relax your muscles, using an essential oil blend in the massage, The Clear Head, aka Indian Head massage, is an Ayurvedic treatment featuring pressure point and vibration techniques that stimulate your head and neck, sweep away stresses in your life and reduce headaches and tension, while Radiant Reflection, a body scrub designed to remove impurities and toxins, uses Thai herbs, charcoal, algae extract and sapphire to leave your skin smooth and brightened. There are other treatments that boost your energy. Siriwipa describes them as “a perfect tonic for low energy, a weak body and tired minds that revive you in every way.”

The Deep Impact is a whole-body deep massage that works on sports muscles, focusing on your upper back and shoulders to help reduce tension caused by too much time at the computer. The Refresh Smoothie sounds like a health drink, but it ’s actually a name for a body scrub. It uses botanical extracts loaded with anti-oxidants and antiageing agents – Diamond, Shea butter, Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid – to revitalize your skin for extra youthfulness. The spa also offers several tasters designed specifically for express treatments like Facial Reviver, Head Soother, Deep Relief, Foot Joy, Rejuvenating Steam and Cleansing Smile. Asian women tend to favour pampering and rejuvenating body treatments, particularly the Traditional Thai massage, while facials, manicures, pedicures, and massages are popular with Western women. The resort has four main restaurants and bars: The ground floor Garden Café, which offers international cuisine and a special BBQ buffet of Thai and Western dishes; Benihana, a Japanese steakhouse with teppanyaki chefs who provide a theatrical show while preparing your meal; Mano Bar, a swim-up bar offering signature cocktails and exotic drinks; and the Elephant Bar, with live entertainment and located on the ground floor and the resort ’s most popular bar before and after dinner.

Interesting things to see and do nearby: Avani Pattaya has 298 rooms and suites and is just steps away from some of the best shopping and entertainment in the city. If you ’re sight-seeing or has to top the list. Also looking for souvenirs, the Pattaya Floating Market known as the Four Regions Floating Market , it covers 100,000 square metres and is separated into four distinct sections, each representing and selling items from the four major parts of Thailand – North, Northeast, Central, and South. It has more than 100 shops and on-water vendors selling authentic Thai food and desserts, fruit stalls, souvenir shops and art galleries. There’s also a cultural show every afternoon and man-powered boats for hire to take you around the market and the surrounding riverside life. The boats are large enough for four people and can be rented for a small fee.

Then there ’s the Sanctuary of Truth, a gigantic wooden temple-like structure situated by the sea in North Pattaya. The Sanctuary was conceived from a vision of what civilization has achieved and nurtured through religious thought. Further afield is the Nong Deerch Tropical Garden, about 18 km south of daily Pattaya – a sprawling recreation park on a landscaped site featuring elephant shows. Thanks to the zoo's unique feeding program, you ’ll see tigers, dogs, and pigs living together in harmony at the Bengal Tiger Zoo. Here, mother pigs feed tiger cubs along with their piglets. What else? A crocodile show, ostriches, single hump camels, elephant riding and an aviary of exotic birds.

Centara Grand Mirage Pattaya Discovering Centara’s Lost World

very night, just after sunset, 100 gas torches are lit throughout the resort. The effect is magical, and it’s one of the things people always remember about their stay at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort in Pattaya, a 90-minute drive south of Bangkok. “It’s all part of our Lost World theme. People have been looking for the Lost Centara Grand Mirage, we ’ve found it,” says World for generations. At Chuenkamon Leechutiwat, the resort’s spa manager. We are standing on a balcony outside The Club on the 12th floor, overlooking the beachfront and grounds and its maze of pools, waterfalls, huge water slides, statues, monuments, and even a “lazy river” with its own jungle. “In fact, you get a map of the Lost World when you check in,” adds Chuenkamon, whose Thai nickname is Dao. Without it, you might get lost for a short while because there ’s a lot crowded into the 17-acre beachfront site at the rear of the resort. Centara Grand Mirage is Thailand's first Lost World theme resort , which may see more as resorts and spas try to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. “We didn ’t want to be just another resort or hotel. Our owner has a vision of being different, of doing something Thailand hasn’t seen before.

“It could only have been in this place,” said one of the resort ’s executives. “Centara had a hotel on this site before, but a few years ago, it was torn down and rebuilt as a theme resort, resulting in our resort becoming a destination in itself. The entire design of the resort is unique. Every detail of the resort is designed with the theme in mind, including the guest rooms, where you can feel the Lost World concept at work. Even though the hotel can accommodate more than 1,000 people, you never think 1,000 people are there – except at breakfast. “That’s because of how the resort is laid out, and with its different levels, pools, water slides, you rarely see more than 100 people in any area.”

But size brings challenges, and Centara Pattaya ensures the resort has the right management team, people who want to work in this environment and are driven by excellence. “At the same time, we also have to keep changing. We can ’t run our hotels and spas today as we did 2 5 years ago. People ’s expectations change and products change. Our challenge is to go with that change and ensure we're ahead. We’re in the people business and need to sense what they want.” Grand Centara Mirage Pattaya was built as two towers, giving the complex a special look. They represent the two mountains, also part of the Lost World theme. All its 555 rooms and suites face the ocean. The theme appears again in the waterfalls on both sides of the stairs going up to the hotel ’s huge lobby and

spectacularly high ceiling. qO4rSW3i42Y Touring Centara Grand Mirage Pattaya https://youtu.be/cdB9ay0TMcY Expriencing Centara Grand Beach Pattaya https://youtu.be/R-w_fJ-8ym0 More Centara Pattaya Pix The first stop is the spa reception, located in its own pavilion, where Dao awaits us. Its spa, Spa Cenvaree, is situated in its own oceanfront village, a few steps right from the lobby. The floor is made of flagstones, laid out in a geometric circle. An artificial waterfall, one of many on the site, splashes a few feet away. The spa ’s 22 treatment rooms – 10 luxury couples suites and 12 single treatment rooms – are located on two floors in a separate building a short walk away. There ’s also an indoor shower, an herbal steam room and sauna, a hot and cold plunge pool, a yoga and meditation pavilion and a relaxation lounge, where you’ll be offered herbal tea, fruit juices and healthy snacks. Throughout it all, there is a scent of sweet orange and lemongrass. “Our spa focuses on promoting the universal life force within us,” said Dao. “We do this by combining positive mental attitudes and purification therapies with the healing properties of locally grown herbs.“Our collection of traditional treatments uses the healing power of water and traditional touches to create a spa journey customized to you and your sense of wellness. ” All our treatments use original recipes.

The spa offers six signature treatments: Thai Harmony Four Hand Massage; Couples Spa Journey; Ayurveda therapies and balancing programs; an aquatic experience with Vichy Rain Shower; Hot Stone Therapy, slimming treatments, and Jurlique Anti-Ageing facials. For experienced spa -goers, she suggests the spa ’s three-hour Wanalee package, which features a Botanical Bliss Scrub – a signature body treatment that combines plants like flower petals with honey, oatmeal and ground rice. This is followed by a warm galangal wrap with turmeric and black pepper, a Galangal firming and an Ayurvedic hand massage. , can cure certain skin Galangal has a stimulating and heating effect diseases, and improve skin texture while promoting softening and cleansing. The treatment ends with an oil massage, Royal Thai massage, and Jurlique deep cleanse. “Our collection of traditional treatments uses the healing power of water and traditional touches to create a spa journey customized to you and your sense of wellness.”

The low-tech spa uses fresh products throughout its treatments and features ingredients and herbs like ginger and lime. Your experience starts at reception, where you’ll be offered a cool towel and an herbal drink and asked to fill out a health questionnaire before discussing treatments with one of the spa ’s therapists to determine the best treatment for you at that time. At the spa’s changing room, you’ll be given herbal tea and able to relax before your treatment. recommend a special treatment. “If you have sunburn, for example, we Treatments start with a foot bath that is anti-bacterial and detoxifying. For first-time visitors, Dao suggests Cenvaree ’s signature Salt Pot Muscles Melter Massage, a ritual combining deep tissue massage with a hot salt pot compress to relieve tension on your shoulders and lower back muscles. The pot is made of sand and contains a special blend of course salt with Thai herbs with strong detoxifying properties. The treatment is paired with a custom oil blend, using petitgrain, eucalyptus and lavender to relieve tired muscles. Your experience starts at reception, where you’ll be offered a cool towel and an herbal drink and asked to fill out a health questionnaire before discussing treatments with one of the spa ’s therapists to determine the best treatment for you at that time. At the spa’s changing room, you’ll be given herbal tea and able to relax before your treatment. “If you have sunburn, we recommend a special treatment.” Treatments start with a foot bath that is anti-bacterial and detoxifying at the same time. The spa offers six signature treatments: Thai Harmony Four Hand Massage; Couples Half-Day Spa Journey; Ayurveda therapies and balancing programs; an aquatic experience with Vichy Rain Shower; Hot Stone Therapy and slimming treatments; and Jurlique Anti-Ageing facials.

For first-time visitors, Dao recommends Cenvaree ’s signature Salt Pot Muscles Melter Massage, a ritual combining deep tissue massage with a hot salt pot compress to relieve tension on your shoulders and lower back muscles. The pot is made of sand and contains a special blend of course salt with Thai herbs with strong detoxifying properties. The treatment combines a custom oil blend using petitgrain, eucalyptus and lavender to relieve tired muscles. She also likes the Niran Nirvana, which features steam therapy, Sea Champagne Body Contour wrap, a Citrus and Coconut Milk bath, an Aromatherapy massage and Jurlique Intense Recovery; and Honeymoon Retreat, which starts with a body bruising and a Detoxifying Dead Sea Mud wrap, followed by a Strawberry scrub, a Vanilla Shea Butter massage, Thai Herbal facial and refreshment. For experienced spa-goers, she suggests the spa ’s three-hour Wanalee package, which features a Botanical Bliss scrub – a signature body treatment that combines plants like flower petals with honey, oatmeal and ground rice. This is followed by a warm Galangal wrap with turmeric and black pepper, a Galangal firming and an Ayurvedic hand massage. Galangal has a stimulating and healing effect, can cure certain skin diseases, and improve skin texture while promoting softening and cleansing. The treatment ends with an oil massage, a Royal Thai massage and a Jurlique deep cleanse. The spa is known for its Signature Organic facial, a relaxing treatment customized for any skin type . It uses powerful herbal antioxidants and natural nutrients to help with skin texture and organic ingredients such as Lemongrass Tamarind, Oatmeal and Botanicals. It also features a Lymphatic facial massage and a Signature facial pouch filled with warm sesame.

This package also includes an aromatherapy massage and a Jurlique Intense Recovery – an intense facial to treat sun-damaged and nutrient-deprived skin with natural antioxidants. These are derived from herbs and plant oils, which help to soften fine lines. When it comes to massages, the two big favourites are The Nuat Thai or Royal Thai Massage and the Thai Harmony. Two therapists perform the Thai Harmony or Cenvaree Four-hand Signature Massage in unison. It coordinates a blend of Thai, Swedish, Shiatsu and Reflexology massages designed “to leave you feeling renewed in every sense”. Also popular are Cenvaree ’s Hai Muea and Hot Stone massage, in which handcrafted hot stones, known for their healing properties, are glided over your body, concentrating on muscle aches and tensions through deep heat penetration. ’s In Hai Muea, a village ritual for back relief was invented by Cenvaree master therapists, using deep tissue, Swedish and stretching techniques to relax shoulder and neck. It ends with a back the tired muscles of your back, compress, the touch of your therapist and warm golden herbs. Favourite body scrubs Canvaree’s Botanical Bliss scrub, Tamarind and Sesame Detoxifying scrub and its anti-cellulite ritual. The anti-cellulite package is designed to improve lymph flow and reduce cellulite, using a soft seaweed mud wrap, while the Succulent Strawberry and Roselle Scrub use fresh

strawberries and oatmeal, crushed almonds and Roselle flowers to exfoliate dead skin cells. It ’s high in Vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acids , leaving your skin soft and with a wonderful smell.

The Face Hydration, and Glow and Anti-Ageing are the most popular. The Face Hydration and Glow – a Jurlique deep cleanser – focuses on unclogging pores and improving skin tone. The treatment includes cleansing, exfoliation, seaming, and a cleansing mask to remove impurities and excess oil, and ends with a hand massage. The spa ’s Anti-Ageing Jurlique Intense Recovery – is an intensive facial designed to treat sun-damaged and nutrient-deprived skin with anti-oxidants derived from carrot root extract. As an add-on, She suggests a 30minute Jurlique Absolute Eye Bright, a special treatment to firm, brighten and refresh the delicate skin around the eye area. Arnica and Elder cream is used to refine eye contours. Its Signature Anti-Cellulite is designed to improve lymphatic flow and melt away cellulite. It also uses a warm seaweed wrap infused with great tea and cucumber to reduce water retention and flush out toxins, an anti-cellulite massage to trim cellulite, a Marine Salt scrub, a Seaweed Mud wrap, and a Signature Anti-Cellulite massage. Cenavaree also offers three Ayurvedic therapies – the Marma Abhyanga massage, Shirodhara and Shirobhyanga or Indian Head massage. In the Marma Abhyanga, medicated oils alleviate mental stress and physical stress. The

technique includes pressure points to stimulate vital energy points and strengthen your life force within your body. The Shirodhara is based on ancient Ayurvedic medicine, where herbal oils are poured continuously on your “third eye” or forehead to calm your senses. This therapy improves mental clarity and relaxes the body. It ’s great for anyone seeking relief from insomnia, jet lag or mental stress. The Shirobhyanga also uses warm oils to sweep away tension in the head and shoulders. The Ayurvedic Rejuvenation is a two-hour treatment designed to release body toxins. It includes a Fosha consultation, an Abhyanga, and an Indian Head massage. The Ayurvedic Balancing focuses on reducing fatigue and providing relief for insomnia, migraine and anxiety problems. Centara Grand Pattaya has five main restaurants, starting with Flames. Its beachfront BBQ and grill specializ e in steaks and seafood. The m ost popular dishes are The Combo (friend Calamari, potato skins, fried Mozzarella, crab cakes and chicken wings), surf and turf (steaks, chops, shrimp and seafood). is located in the resort gardens with oceanfront The Ginger & Lime kitchens. It specializes in Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Its most popular dishes are Dragon roll (Tempura shrimp, cream cheese, asparagus, cucumber and crab sticks topped with avocado and sweet soy sauce); and Kamikaze (tuna, salmon , and cream rolled in rice, covered in bread crumbs and deep-fried and topped with Teriyaki sauce and spicy mayonnaise). Oasis offers an international breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner buffets, and themed dinner events —popular dishes – grilled pork chop and chicken and coconut milk soup. For modern Italian cuisine, try Aqua, wh ich focuse s on fresh seafood. Popular dishes – broiled giant sea scallop in red onion confit and tomato tapenade; pan-roasted snow fish on ink spaghetti, with cream of saffron and pina peppercorn; and spaghetti with king prawns and light cherry.

Dusit Thani Pattaya Like a Giant’s Halo T here’s no mistaking the aura of grandeur or sense of occasion from the moment you step into the lobby at Dusit Thani at Pattaya – the marvellous sense of space, the high ceiling with large circular ornamentation that hangs from the ceiling like a giant’s halo, and the lush green garden that fills the huge atrium, just off the lobby. The lobby's design is a Thai concept adapted from King Rama VI – a sense of style in a grand manner that is repeated on the floor in a series of five concentric circles of alternating dark and light brown tiles. There's a large stand in the centre of the lobby on which vases of three types of flowers and dark, leafless branches point like fingers toward the ceiling. The Atrium Garden, as it ’s called, is a large expanse of dense greenery, illuminated by natural light from a peaked translucent polycarbonate roof that creates the feeling of being in the open. The garden was created over 25 years ago when Dusit Thani Pattaya was built and is very popular with guests. It is carefully maintained under the watchful eye of a Kasetsart University professor, who advises selecting plants and things like moisture and light.

https://youtu.be/j82GBGnrFoc Welcome to Dusit Thani Pattaya https://youtu.be/VpJz-viVQOI Relaxing at Dusit Thani Pattaya https://youtu.be/R2hQUOuSQboMore More Dusit Pattaya Pix You can take the stairs down from the lobby to a brown-coloured walkway that seems to disappear as it curves away amid the thick undergrowth and trees. Another door leads to the Atrium meeting facilities, serving as a preferred breakfast venue for guests. The spa is also on the lower level – down a flight of stairs, over a series of raised stone slabs that appear to float over a black-tiled shallow pool, and through a tall, dark door and into spa reception. It is a long, brightly lit room with sofas and tables against a wall of wide glass windows. Bowls with white and red blossoms sit on each of the tables. Outside, the greenness of the Garden Atrium makes the reception area seem larger than it really is. A man-made waterfall splashes over the rocks and encroaching plant life against one of the windows. The reception desk is located at the far end, where you check in on arrival. You’ll be asked about your health concerns and preferences before deciding on your treatment.

The spa ’s name, Devarana, comes from Thai-Sanskrit, meaning Garden in Heaven, which dates back to ancient Thai literature and a story called Tribhumphararuang, which describes a particular garden at Heaven ’s Gate, surrounded by gardens and ponds with a heavenly scent, and glittering with silver and gold. The garden is filled with natural stones and gems, and soft music is played by harp, flute and other traditional Thai instruments. These elements are reflected in all Devarana spas, which focus on creating an otherworldly atmosphere in the Atrium Garden and its artificial waterfall ’s Grand Suite and indoor pond – set between the reception area and the spa entrance. The background scent combines basil, tea tree and orange flower essential oil. Jirapan Khamsuwan, spa manager, “Our guests like the concept,” says “especially the pampering and healing treatments offered in a soothing and stress-relieving environment.” They also like the d écor – a contemporary Thai design that “invites guests to transcend the everyday world…in a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere”. Its nine treatment rooms and suites are large, each with its own “inner sanctum”, and an outside area. Five standard rooms feature a built-in steam shower and an indoor and outdoor massage area; three Deluxe Suites that also include a lounge; and a Grand Suite with a shower room, a steam room, bath, massage area and lounge.

You enter the suites through French doors. Like the treatment rooms, the beds are large, with cream- coloured covers. The mat at the entrance features concentric circles echoing the rings from the lobby. The spa emphasizes wellness, relaxation, and pampering, using East-meetsWest Thai health and beauty practices from ancient therapies updated with modern knowledge.

Jirapon recommends the spas Heavenly Nantha Garden Program for firsttime visitors, which features a Thai exotic floral bath, a body scrub, and a Devarana massage, which offsets the pressures of Thai Ayurveda and Shiatsu massage techniques with the soothing strokes of Swedish and Aromatherapy massages. For experienced spa-goers, Jirapan, whose Thai nickname is Diw, suggests one of the spa ’s signature treatments like the Heavenly Nantha Garden and a Devarana bath – a two-hour treatment based on Buddhist teachings that our bodies are made up of four elements – earth, water, wind and fire. Traditional Thai medicine is based on this teaching and believes that an imbalance of our four elements causes diseases and that our minds are controlled by ego, leading us to unhealthy emotions like attachment and aggression. This treatment draws inspiration from the famous literary work, in

which Nantha is described as a garden at Heaven’s gate, where magical flowers and herbs grow. Devarana Spa brings the gardens to life by mixing fresh tropical pink lotus and champaca with aromatic blends of ylang -ylang and jasmine to create “a truly heavenly experience”. The Harmony of Tad Si is an ancient Thai therapy based on the Buddhist teaching that the body is made up of Tad Si – the four elements of earth, water, wind and fire, and that two reasons cause diseases: An imbalance of the four elements, and that our minds are governed by ego that leads to unhealthy emotions. The treatment uses a Thai herbal compress dipped in aromatic oil, tailored to your body element, and a Thai massage, incorporating pressure point and stretching techniques to relax muscles, relieve soreness, promote circulation and stimulate your nerve meridians. She recommends the 90-minute Devarana Signature massage for first-time visitors, a unique massage combining fiv e techniques from Eastern traditions and Western methods. Eastern massage therapies focus primarily on clearing and balancing the body's energy pathways, while Western methods rejuvenate. This massage, which pays attention to the small details and is a popular treatment at the spa, ends with a bowl of hot water with sliced kaffir lime and orange for respiratory clearing.

If you ’re looking for something different, Tor suggests Pattaya ’s Delight Journey, a two-hour soothing body scrub that draws its inspiration from local

Thai desserts in Pattaya, a scrub made from sticky rice, coconut, black pea and sugar is used to exfoliate and revitalize your skin. The treatment ends with the Devarana Signature massage, starting with a warm bamboo stick compress to remove stress and tiredness. Other messages include the Detoxed and Contoured massage, which uses special slimming oils to fight accumulated cellulite and water retention. Lymphatic drainage follows this to help remove toxins from your system, while the Ginger Compress and Back massage use steamed gingers on your back to relieve aches and pains and stimulate blood circulation. There ’s also an oil massage of your choice, where you can experience a combination of different massage techniques. The Ayurvedic head massage is ideal for relieving stress, promoting sleep, strengthening hair roots, nourishing your scalp, and releasing the flow of prana or life energy throughout your body. Its most popular facial is The Hyaluronic & Collagen facial, also popular, moisturizes your skin while reducing fine lines and wrinkles, creating “a very natural kind of facelift – a potent new popular designed to re-energize and restore the youthful potential of your skin and create a visibly young-looking complexion”. The Hydrating concentrates on repairing dehydrated skin. It starts with a cleanse, followed by applying Vitamin C and seaweed to leave your skin hydrated and looking radiant, while the Hydrating and Ultimate Glow is designed for those with dry, hydrated skin and healthier and clearer complexions. Devarana is also known for its scrubs. Its 60-minute Aloe and Green Tea body scrub uses its healing powers to protect your skin from damage. The Rose Petal body scrub harnesses the softening and rejuvenating properties of rose petals to improve the elasticity of your skin – “excellent anti-ageing” – while the Lavender body scrub, which induces relaxation as it cleanses and exfoliates and nourishes, leaves your skin smooth and refreshed.

Popular body treatment packages include the Maritime Essence, a 150minute treatment that starts with the toning and moisturizing properties of brown and green seaweed and a jojoba body polish enriched with thyme, cypress and orange flower essences. It is followed by a seaweed wrap in a warm massage sheet with a neck and head massage. It ends with an aromatic oil massage. The Thai Herbal Mud Reviver starts with a dry brushing to encourage lymphatic flow circulation, followed by a Thai Herbal Mud wrap and a Detoxed and Contoured massage, while the two-hour Living Radiance features a body scrub and a 90-minute body massage with natural essential oil blends to restore your skin’s natural radiance. The spa offers four wellness massages, starting with the popular Shiroabhyanga, a traditional Ayurvedic massage; the Detoxed and Contoured – “the ultimate body cleanse” – which increases the flow of fluid through your lymphatic system; and the Mind Calming, designed to help you reduce tension by focusing on specific acupressure points on your neck, head, hands and feet. Devarana’s wellness program also focuses on stress removal through its two-hour Stress Buster. The Body Slender uses Algae Green Tea scrub, a Thai Herbal wrap and Detoxed and Contoured massage to help you lose weight.

When it comes to accommodation, there are 14 options, starting with Superior Garden View King and Superior Garden View Twin, each with a private terrace and views of the resort ’s gardens. The Superior Sea View King and Superior Sea View Twin, with private terraces and views of the Gulf of Thailand. The resort has 304 Superior rooms, offering 40 sqm of living space.

The Dusit Cabana King and Dusit Cabana Twin are 60 sqm and include an en suite living room and a terrace where you can step out to the Chaba pool. Dusit’s Club Sea View King and Club Sea View Twin also include a terrace with views of the Bay of Pattaya, plus an oversized desk for a roomier workspace. The Dusit Grand, Dusit Second Floor King, Dusit Second Floor Suite Twin, One Bedroom Suite Garden View and Sea View also include a private balcony and separate living and bedroom areas, large bathrooms and complimentary use of the Dusit Club lounge facilities on the 8th floor. Dusit has three main restaurants – The Cascade, located in the lobby next to the Atrium Garden and its waterfall; The Peak, on the 8 th floor, just above the Dusit Club lounge; and The Bay, offering indoor and outdoor dining. The Cascade can handle more than 200 in its buffet area, plus a private à la carte Thai, an room and al fresco seating on the terrace. It features an international dishes menu, and an international buffet breakfast. Favourites

include Pad Thai, Dusit fried rice, and Khao Soi Chiang Mai. The Peak is a Chinese restaurant, probably named after The Peak in Hong Kong, and offers great views of Pattaya Bay. It ’s known for its Dim Sum luncheon and other Chinese dishes like Szechwan soup and jellyfish salad.

The Bay is an Italian restaurant known for its Saturday night dining event called Cuisine du Monde, or the cuisine of the w orld that features a fusion of BBQ items, international cuisine, and indoor and outdoor dining. Popular dishes include spaghetti vongole and squid black ink. The Dusit Gourmet Bakery is for lighter fare, located in the Atrium area because of the cascading waterfall. It offers pastries, cakes, ice cream, teas and aromatic coffees. For nightcaps, the place to be is the lobby lounge, where the hotel’s resident musicians perform nightly.

HUA HIN

Morning yoga at Chiva-Som Hua Hin

Anantara Hua Hin Boundless Water

NANTARA. In ancient Sanskrit, it means boundless water. The word sits marvellously on the tongue, like a spot of honey, much like the old Greek

word, Thalassa, meaning the sea. Water is everywhere at the Anantara Garden Spa in Hua Hin, a seaside resort area about 220 km south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand. You see it in the intense blue waters that fringe its white sandy beaches and the free-flowing, lily-filled lagoons winding around the spa like a protective moat. It all comes as a surprise as your car turns away from the highway and down a tree-lined road, around a wall carved with parading elephants, and to the Anantara ’s open-air lobby, where the elephant motif appears again – this time in two paintings each showing polo players on the backs of elephants. Both from 1927 looks much older, like pictures are dated 1927. The furniture something from the colonial period. It also extends to Anantara’s logo – the top of the logo looks like a water jar and a triangle beside it. “It symbolizes an old Thai custom, going back a couple of hundred years , when Thai people left a water jar in front of their homes for passersby to help themselves,” said Sunistra Pichayawaraku, spa spokesperson.

U9Zvmb2L_tM Anantara Hua Hin https://youtu.be/Zngxaqf6-PM Touring Anantara Hua Hin https://youtu.be/WHi0Nq4n7Zc Breakfast at Anantara Hua hin https://youtu.be/REcVa6BqOjE More Anantara Hua Hin Pix “It’s giving without expecting anything in return. Because we ’re in the hospitality business,” she added, “we adopted the story into our logo. Kindness and giving are rooted in our culture and many areas of our business.” Hua Hin is Thailand ’s oldest resort area, with long sandy beaches on the sunrise side of the Gulf of Thailand. With Buddhist temples dotting the coast, the location is also a long-time favourite of Thai royalty. Several palaces surround the Anantara Resort, including Maruckkhathaiyawan Palace – the world’s largest golden teak palace.

The spa’s tropical gardens, designed by Bill Bensley, a prominent Bangkokbased landscape designer, have five distinct sub-gardens –white , heliconia, red, palm, and yellow. The air is still, the sun bright and intense, as we walk from the lobby beside the lagoon and over a wooden bridge, where a battered rowboat is drawn up on the side of the lagoon. Then, onto a gecko-stamped concrete walkway to the spa area. You’ll be asked to fill out a health questionnaire at a separate building in the spa area at spa reception. The spa area is shielded from the outside by a threemetre-high, reddishAs we walk past the orange coloured terracotta wall to ensure privacy. treatment rooms, we see a towel wrapped around the handle of one of the doors. The handle looks like the @ symbol in email addresses. Therapists use the towel to signal that the treatment room is occupied. We stop at one of the spa ’s seven suites, each with its garden courtyard. Three have a deep terrazzo bathtub designed for two, with dual “rain” showers suspended in bronze cages modelled as traditional Thai fish traps. The treatment room in each suite is air-conditioned and separated from its courtyard by sliding glass doors. Four double suites, including one dedicated Thai massage room, are designed for couples who want to have their treatments at the same time. Three spa suites are accessed by a wooden jetty, lit at night by oil lamps running around the edge of the lagoon. Guests enter their spa suites through large wooden doors topped with decorative lintels. Each suite has a private courtyard and treatment room. We stop at one of the spa ’s two glass-enclosed steam rooms made from cultured marble. You can summon your therapist when you're finished by striking a small gong hanging outside the steam room door. The spa offers a unique range of body treatments designed to exfoliate, soften and invigorate. They draw on “destination-inspired therapies and exclusive rituals”, starting with the 205-minute Journey of Siam that includes a shower, Thai herbal steam, Essence White Coconut scrub, and ends with a Traditional Thai massage. All Anantara Spa Journeys start with a Floral Foot Ritual.

There are two other spa journeys – Dawn Renewal, designed to refresh and replenish, features a Detoxifying Green Tea scrub, Jet Lag massage and refreshment, and the Elemis Couture Touch that combines a one-hour TOUCH facial with a personalized Freestyle Deep Tissue Massage. Signature experiences draw on Anantara Spa ’s “world-class expertise,” indigenous wellness traditions and unique holistic therapies. Its specialized rituals blend pampering with strong, long-lasting benefits for your body, mind and soul. There are three Anantara Spa Signature experiences – Hua Hin Signature Journey, a highly popular place of treatment, which uses the healing powers and massage warmth of the sand and the exfoliating benefits of a turmeric scrub; and its Bespoke Spa Experience, designed to suit your needs and mood at the time. Here, you can tailor your treatment to your body's needs to focus on the benefits you want. You also get to choose what spa product you w ish to use in your treatment. The elixirs and oils used in Anantara ’s treatments are made from locally produced ingredients, using traditional beauty essences such as sandalwood, ylang-ylang, patchouli, mandarin, lavender, lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon, bergamot and powdered spices, yogurt, carrots and cucumbers. It has several massage treatments, starting with its ever-popular Anantara Signature Massage, which combines a signature blend of oils with purposedesigned massage movements to stimulate your body ’s circulation while

promoting deep relaxation and restoring energy (prana) along your meridian lines. Another favourite is the Elemis Free Style Deep Tissue massage, which includes an aromatic oil – based on your needs at the time – to relieve stress and promote relaxation. It uses flowing movements to ease tension and encourage optimum circulation. Other massages include the Traditional Thai, a deep, full-body treatment that uses pressure point massaging techniques along your body ’s ten major energy channels or “ sen” lines to release blocked energy; Thai Herbal Compress; and the Indian Head Massage. It features Ayurvedic oils and pressure point Indian head massage techniques to relax and revitalize your body – excellent for insomnia, chronic headaches and sinusitis.

The Anantara Spa Balance Wellness Spa & Healthy Lunch is quite a handle as spa treatments go, but it hits quite a responsive chord among visitors to the spa. “The program was created to enhance our guests' health and well-being in any way our guests wish,” said Sprite, with a choice of experiences, from cuisine and raw juices to fitness activities, spa treatments, wellness seminars, results-driven spa treatments and alternative healing therapies.” It focuses on total well-being, using stress-relieving dynamic movements, a and nutritious cuisine that leaves you feeling soothing spa experience, “rejuvenated, empowered and glowing with vitality”. The package includes a 30-minute Muay Boxing session or bike tour, Thai Herbal Compress, a threecourse spa cuisine meal and a healthy raw smoothie.

The spa’s body treatments include an exotic fruit peel, which uses a blend of fresh orange, honey and milk powder, followed by the ultimate spa detox features the exfoliating benefits of a salt sea scrub and a tropical essence. The most popular are the Detoxifying Green Tea scrub and the Elemis Body Nectar Nourishing Frangipani, which use the velvety texture of Monoi oil for super hydration — cocooned and warm – while mood-balancing aromatics and skinconditioning oils work their magic. Body scrubs include the popular Essence of White Coconut and the Elemis Cleansing Salt Scrub + Lime and Ginger, which uses fragranced salt to remove dead skin cells gently, leaving your skin smooth and responsive and ready to absorb a nourishing body oil.

The spa also offers a range of Elemis facials and the ever-popular Anantara Signature facial, which uses nourishing plant extracts and traditional Thai ingredients to treat and revitalize your skin. Jasmine oil, white orchid, and pink lotus blend encourage cell renewal and oxygenation. A gentle massage follows a herbal mask to restore the this to induce deep relaxation and ends with balance of your skin. The Elemis Pro -Collagen Age Defy, also popular at other Anantara spas, focuses on fine lines and wrinkles using the age-defying benefits of marinecharged Padina Pavonica and red coral, a targeted massage to encourage cellular function to leave your nourished and younger looking.

Other Elemis facials include the Elemis White Brightening Pigment Perfector, designed to restore skin tone and target pigmentation. It uses Vitamin C to brighten and inhibit future pigmentation; Elemis Superfood Pro-Radiance, which uses “natural rich superfood” and essential minerals to target stressed and dull skin with energizing, detoxifying active ingredients that leave your skin plumper and radiant; and the Elemis Sensitive Skin Smoother, which uses soothing massage techniques to reduce the appearance of redness and protect against daily stresses. There’s also a number of bath and steam rituals – Rainbar shower; mud steam bath (green mud for detoxification, helping to balance oil flow and repair scars); honey milk bath; aromatic floral bath; and the Thai herbal steam bath, used by Thai people for centuries to improve general health and speed healing. Medical herbs can improve circulation and respiratory function, relax muscles, reduce stress, and even stimulate weight loss. “Our approach is different. It shows up in the design of our spas … in how we treat people … in the treatments we offer,” adds Sprite. One of the Anantara brand pillars is its commitment to the area where its hotels and resorts are located – in terms of the skin products it uses, the treatments it offers, and the décor of each spa.

She notes that half of its treatments are the same in all spas. About 30% reflect the spa's region, and the remaining 20% are locally based and individual.

At the same time, every spa has its program. All are located in resorts. And while treatments may differ from spa to spa, its commitment to its guests is the same everywhere, she says. For breakfast, head for Issara Caf é, which offers a buffet with international and Thai favourites in an open-air setting. MSpa, which operates Anantara Spas as well as Mandara, is a large organization that can offer staff transfers to other spa locations as they develop. MSpa trainers test the skills of each The process starts with hiring. candidate before they are hired. In addition, all candidates must have qualifications approved by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.

MSpa looks for three things in candidates: Experience, Education and Attitude, especially attitude toward people. “We offer refresher courses in the spa and give them more training based on what we do at the spa level. Training is an on-going activity. That includes having staff come to Bangkok for training at Spa ’s Training Centre when we introduce new treatments.” MSpa also provides special training for its senior therapists to become trainers in their spas, where they conduct a regularly scheduled training program on a daily basis. “We believe in the guest ’s journey, that everything must be synchronized and coordinated – from decorating the spa to the treatments we offer or the

hiring and training of staff. “Above all, we want our guests to leave with good feelings … with a great story to tell their friends. We ’re selling experience. Guests come to Anantara and see us as another world they can enter and provide the special relaxation they’re looking for.”

Centara Grand Beach Hua Hin Whispers of old Hua Hin

f you’d like to experience how the rich and famous lived in Hua Hin in the 1920s, you can still capture glimpses of it at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas.

The whispers of it are everywhere – in the old lobby, in the guest rooms, the teak wood furnishings and period fixtures, the d écor, the grand staircase that branches to the left and right at the back of the lobby, and the old railway clock and suggestion box in the resort’s spa reception. Back in 1923, when Centara Grand Beach Hua Hin was known as The Railway Hotel, it was definitely the place to stay and be seen in Hua Hin, and since then, it has become a popular beach destination. It was built to accommodate visitors to King Rama VI ’s summer palace and was acquired by Centara in 1985. Centara has added 42 contemporary-style villas since then. It is now considered one of Asia’s most historic hotels. Like most Centara resorts, the lobby at Hua Hin is bright, high and spacious, dominated by a dark-stained wood staircase rising to the second floor. At first glance, you barely notice the grand piano near the right stairway or the thick green carpet with a pattern of ivory-coloured leaves. Its spa is located on a corner of the beachfront and the Railway swimming pool. “Our guests look for relaxation and relief from muscle tension, Pranatchanan Hunthale, spa detoxification, and skin improvement,” says manager. “They have a right to expect the best from us.” Your journey starts at spa reception with a welcoming cold towel and a butterfly pea flower herbal drink. At this point, you ’ll be asked to discuss any health concerns and have the opportunity to review the spa menu. The receptionist will also introduce you to the spa ’s massage oil selections and describe the benefits of each. “We aim to make your experience a memorable journey – from the moment we welcome you until we bid you farewell,” said Pranatchanan, whose Thai nickname is Mie.

The spa has the coziness of a simple, white Thai-style house from the outside. The simplicity spills over to the spa ’s nine multi-function rooms; in the white walls of the reception area, you can see that old railway clock and suggestion box that echoes back to a time when the resort was a railway hotel. An energizing scent of peppermint, lemongrass and range adds a mystery of what’s to come. The spa opened in 1987, and most of its therapists have been with the spa since then. It uses its products for body treatments and Jurlique for facials. The scent changes to a calming and soothing lavender in the treatment are painted off-white, creating a rooms. Like spa reception, the rooms traditional Thai-style look. The beds are wider than usual treatment beds, with yellow coverings offset by extra-large red runners draped over the lower half of the bed at an angle. White flowers float at the centre, surrounded by a ring of red blossoms. Light brown curtains and Venetian blinds are at the window, where you can catch glimpses of the intense green gardens outside. A large brown water pot sits on the floor near one of the treatment beds. YOMukEHVzMQ Pranatchanan Hunthale, spa manager

Centara Grand Beach Hua Hin 1-WEt1Dxja8 What Centara Hua Hin looked like before https://youtu.be/U9VKUOAGG8Q Centara Grand Beach Hua Hin https://youtu.be/GAw35D_FuZ8 More Centara Grand Beach Hua Hin Pix Asian women favour beauty treatments like body scrubs, oil massages and facial treatments. She recommends Cenvaree ’s Aromatherapy massage for firstfocusing on muscle time visitors, a full-body treatment with aromatic oils relaxation and creating body and mind harmony. For experienced spa-goers, she recommends Cenvaree’s Signature Salt Pot Muscles experience, which uses the detoxifying powers of salt and herbs to treat muscle tension, reduce pain and promote harmony of your senses. In addition to its Aroma and Salt Pot massages, the spa offers Thai Harmony Four Hands massage, performed by two therapists working in unison, using Swedish, Shiatsu and Reflexology techniques. Other massages include Nuad Pra Kob Compress massage; Nuad Thai Royal Thai massage; Hot Stone massage, which uses warm basalt stones to provide relief for aching muscles. The Balinese massage is based on Siamese healing techniques, where your therapist uses palm pressure, stretching and pressure point techniques and a blended oil to release toxins and ease stress.

Among body treatments, one of the most popular is its Galangal Firming Wrap, which is based on the Eastern technique of using a body mask infused with blends of galangal, turmeric and black pepper to reduce cellulite and water retention – known for relieving muscle stiffness, improving blood circulation and providing relief for dehydrated skin. It ’s particularly popular with individuals who are looking for slimming effects from their spa experience. The spa ’s most popular facial is Face Nourishment, which uses natural ingredients like lemongrass, tamarind, oatmeal and cucumber to give your skin radiance and a healthy glow. The recipe is different for each person and customized for your particular skin type. Another big favourite is the spa’s AntiAgeing facial – the Jurlique Intense Recovery – designed to treat sun-damaged and nutrient-deprived skin with natural antioxidants from organic herbs and plant oils. The treatment includes cleansing, exfoliation, steaming and an intense recovery mark to revitalize your skin. Then, a wrinkle-reducing cream softens fine lines. Favourite scrub is the Botanical Bliss, which uses fresh garden flowers like rose petals, leelawadee, frangipani and pure botanical oils and ground rice as a gentle scrub. And a wonderful new scrub, the 60-minute Succulent Strawberry, voted the best antioxidant, uses fresh strawberries, oatmeal, crushed almonds and Roselle flower to exfoliate dead skin cells. High in Vitamin C and alphahydroxyl acids leave your skin soft and with “a delightful aroma”.

The spa also offers several wellness therapies that use its Vichy rain shower on chakra points to enhance skin clarity and leave you feeling completely refreshed. These include Aquatic Infusions, which features a dry body brush to help break up fatty deposits and body scrub and ends with a refreshing rain shower and an aromatherapy massage; and Water Wellness, in which water is used to activate your detoxification system. It begins with an herbal powder scrub using Ayurvedic herbs, followed by a mineral-rich mud mask. In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, the mud mask effectively reduces cellulite by stimulating cellular metabolism and ends with a light massage under a stream of warm water.

The spa also offers several Ayurvedic treatments, including special Shirodhara therapies incorporating steam sessions. In the Shirobhyanga, herbal oils flow continuously on your forehead or “third eye” to create a sense of calm. “Ideal if you have insomnia, jet lag or mental stress.” Other Ayurvedic treatments: Marma Abhyanga massage, which uses pressure point techniques and medical oils to promote life force energy and stimulate your body’s natural cleansing process; and the Udvartanum or herbal powder scrub, using a mixture of herbal powders and paste to clear your lymphatic system, stimulate blood circulation and reduce cellulite. The spa ’s Ayurvedic Wellness program includes several two-hour treatments. These

include the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, which focuses on releasing body toxins, and the Kati Basti, Marma Abbyanga, Shiro Abhyanga and the Shirodhara. The spa’s Ayurvedic Wellness program also features two-hour treatments. These include the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, which focuses on releasing body toxins, and the Kati Basti, Marma Abbyanga, Shiro Abhyanga and the Shirodhara. Its Thai Tranquility Experiences include the three-hour Harmony, Kalyan and Wanalee or Royal Rainforest Treat; the four-hour Inara or Glow from Head to Toe: and the half-day Sabai Ar-Rim or Blissful Day. Centara Grand Beach is located in the heart of Hua Hin and sits on 13 hectares of beautifully kept lawns and gardens. It has 207 guest rooms – Super, Deluxe rooms, Junior Suites, Deluxe Suites and Executive Suites, and 42 villas, including Deluxe Spa villas with a walled garden and rain shower over-sized Jacuzzi. The Deluxe Pool Villas and Premium Deluxe Pool Villa feature a fivemetre private pool. Centara Hua Hin has four main restaurants offering Thai, Japanese and Western cuisine. The Railway Restaurant, an elegant and historic venue located in the heart of the resort, with its old railway clocks with Roman numerals hanging from the ceiling, offers a buffet breakfast as well as dinner featuring Thai and Western dishes. It ’s also known for its prime beef rib for two with green peppercorn juice, butterhead salad, and weekly themed buffet dinners.

Suan Bua Thai Restaurant, the resort’s traditional Thai restaurant, is located among the tropical gardens, waterfalls and fish ponds in the modern villa area across the road. Favourite dishes include its Kaeng Phed Ped Yang – roasted duck in red cherry with grapes and pineapple. Your experience consists of a poolside setting and traditional Thai music and dance. Traditional and modern Japanese cuisine is featured at Hagi, where you can experience “the art of Teppanyaki”, live cooking, and a full selection of sushi and sashimi. The restaurant also includes a 16-seat Teppanyaki kitchen, which becomes a theatre, creating a dramatic dining experience. Hagi also offers cooking classes. Popular dishes include the Yaki Maguro – pan-fried red tuna on crisp vegetables and sanshow pepper butter. Also very popular is the COAST Beach Club & Bistro, which offers international cuisine and seafood, especially its Grilled Seafood Basket Basket COAST Hua Hin – poached Boston lobster, tiger prawns, freshly shucked Fine de Clair oysters, giant Blue Swimmer Crab. The Museum Coffee and Tea Corner in the original hotel lobby offers high tea and a chocolate buffet.

Chiva-Som Hua Hin Where Healing Begins

ost people think about Chiva-Som as a wellness resort, a go-to place to get your life back. A luxury resort in a captivating setting with a full line of pampering treatments and, above all, a place of peace and warm memories. It’s that. And more. But its wellness programs tend to overshadow everything else – to a point that it’s easy to forget that Chiva-Som is also blessed with a soft, white sandy beach, large pools and meandering waterways, carefully preserved gardens and palm trees. Its lobby has a rustic look. At the rear, a large open window frames a scene of what you can expect on the way to your suite – an arched wooden bridge over a waterway fringed with green plants and trees and quaint residences with their characteristic A-shaped Thai roofs. Its name, Chiva-Som, means Haven of Life . “It ’s all about learning to live, enjoy, and appreciate each moment – creating a personal path to health and wellness, allowing people to develop a fine balance of mind, body, and spirit. But that ’s only the beginning. It ’s a unique journey of self-discovery and fulfillment,” said Wanna Homsanoe, whose Thai nickname is Tuk.

Chiva-Som sees itself as a six-star luxury resort that dates back to the 1970s, when its founder, Boonchu Rojanastien, a powerful Thai businessman, former prime minister and a strong believer in the work/life balance, started inviting his friends and colleagues to his beach house in Hua Hin during the weekends. The routine was essentially the same: Exercise on the beach during the morning, a nutritious lunch, which he prepared himself, and relaxation and a few badminton games later in the afternoon and evening. The word spread, and soon, so many people came that Boonchu started a destination spa with his best friends as founding members. Little has changed since then. Yoga has replaced the badminton and Boonchu’s great rose garden with a 72-room spa – but his philosophy lives on. The spa has an extensive daily schedule of wellness classes run by the resort ’s fitness professionals and talks, meditations and lectures by staff and visiting consultants. “We offer more services under one roof than any other destination spa in the world,” added Tuk, noting that Chiva-Som is Asia ’s first comprehensive wellness retreat and destination spa, offering “proven transformations in mind, body and spirit”. Chiva-Som’s wellness journey has three phases: the Foundation, Discovery, and finally, Transformation – “a place where true healing can begin”. The Foundation phase concentrates on restoring balance and harmony, while the Discovery phase enables you to experience new challenges and knowledge, including a spiritual exploration through art, beauty and nature. The final phase, Transformation, is designed to help you ensure that the benefits of your stay will last a lifetime. https://youtu.be/LsPCQQ9YWgI More Chiva-Som Hua Hin Pix “Permanent, positive changes through education, empowerment, home care programs and products and, above all, follow-up.” She admits it ’s a tall order and adds, “It’s what sets us apart from other spa resorts.” Chiva-Som pioneered combining traditional Asian therapies with Western health and diagnostic skills, taking it a step further by complementing its health and fitness programs with gourmet spa cuisine. Every facet of lifestyle transformation is catered to here. “Our treatments provide deep relaxation for the mind and body, bringing health benefits including weight loss and stress reduction through a unique synergy of indigenous traditions and evidence-based wellness methods.

“As a dedicated wellness resort, Chiva-Som provides a tranquil environment where real personal improvements can be attained through our team of consultants, therapists and practitioners providing expert advice, personalization and assistance, even after your journey ends with us.” The meals are prepared by a team of Thai and international master chefs, using fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit grown in the resort ’s own organic garden. The resort draws guests from 48 countries. The majority come mainly to instill a lifestyle change, escape from the world, relax and rejuvenate. More than 50% return year after year and stay an average of eight nights. Even though downtown Hua Hin is only a few minutes away, most don't leave the resort. There are so many focused wellness programs that knowing where to begin is hard. Weight management has to top everyone ’s list. While there ’s no magic solution for easy weight loss, being overweight is reversible. “Our practitioners also understand how hard it can be. It ’s the reason why we consider education so important.” If you join the spa ’s weight management retreat, you ’ll work with personal trainers and nutritionists to change your lifestyle and dietary habits to include foods that will help you achieve your ideal weight. She says it may take longer than your stay, but you should leave with a clearer idea of how to achieve your goal.

The retreat focuses on two key elements – nutrition and activity- and ’s expert health provides a health and wellness consultation with the spa adviser. If you’re interested in a cleansing diet, your adviser will also work with kitchen staff to create a special menu to suit your needs. A key component of its weight-loss program, Acu Slim, is described as a painless way to stimulate weight loss while maintaining a satisfying diet that uses electro-acupuncture to strengthen your digestive system, which controls your appetite. Benefits include a stabilized appetite, the release of endorphins that decrease your food cravings and hunger, and a more effective digestive system that burns calories more effectively. The LPG Keymodule Enermalogy is also used to complement your weight management anti-cellulite program. It uses infrared radiation to penetrate your tissue, which, in turn, stimulates the movement of fat around your abdomen and things. It also works on scar s, connective tissue, and Accelerated Body Shaping therapy. Rounding out the treatments for treating cellulite is the Venus Legas Legacy, which helps you rid your body of unwanted fatty areas, using Vari Pulse technology with multi-polar radio technology and pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate your fat metabolism to achieve tighter skin, less fat cellulite and reduce stretch marks. Chiva-Som also offers a number of retreat stays, starting with Taste of

Chiva-Som, which provides a comprehensive overview of the Chiva-Som approach and “an ideal foundation” to build a strong and enduring personal wellness practice, says Tuk. Its Optimal Performance retreat focuses on rejuvenating and revitalizing for the mental and physical state, designed to help you return to physical fitness, optimize your current performance level, and help you alleviate pain or improve posture. The Spa Well-Being retreat is designed to restore a new sense of health and soothe your mind while indulging and engaging all five senses to induce mindful awareness of the present moment. The Yoga for Life retreat uses Yoga to rejuvenate your body and heal your spirit through a greater sense of awareness and the Art of Detox retreat. It is a personalized program that includes a formulated cleansing diet and advice from your Health and Wellness advisor to help you discover your ideal diet. Other retreats include Immune Resilience, which uses a multidimensional and incorporates mindful exercise, nutrient-rich cuisine and detoxification; Senior Wellness, which focuses on diet, exercise and lifestyle choices to help you preserve your health and ability to enjoy life to the fullest. It uses bio-feedback to enhance emotional stability and sleep quality. Its Gut Health retreat uses a detox system with natural ingredients, probiotics and fibre to restore the integrity of your digestive function. It also includes the spa ’s signature detoxifying abdominal massage, probiotic-infused colonics and Pranayama breathing sessions. Cell Vitality has been carefully created to support guests who have recovered or are in remission from cancer. It includes daily programs crafted to help you regain your appetite through dedicated dietary plans and physical and mental stimulation. “If you suffer from migraines and life-disrupting headaches, you can learn craniofacial how to regain stability through meditation with specific exercises and a special dietary plan of fresh, organic and nutrient-rich foods,” said Wanna Homsanoe, whose Thai nickname is Tuk. Its Body Renewal Intensive, another favourite, focuses on your organ health and overall vitality. It combines three of its most effective treatments – Balneotherapy, Cleansing Cocoon and Manual and Lymphatic Drainage -- to revitalize your metabolism and work with your body’s detoxification systems. Chiva-Som’s physiotherapists, who have expertise in postural integration techniques, will evaluate your posture and provide treatments to correct any problems you may have. We find freedom from pain and aches when our bodies are perfectly aligned. “If we experience pain in our neck, it can often cause further misalignment,

causing more problems elsewhere, frequently in our back. That ’s where postural integration techniques can help. Understanding good posture makes it easier for us to recognize problems, such as round shoulders,” says Tuk. If you suffer from musculoskeletal pain, you’ll be interested in Chiva-Som’s H2O Body Complex, which is great for weight loss, rehabilitation, and health improvement. Exercises are performed in the pool, where the movement resistance in water is much greater and calorie burning. This therapy also builds respiratory muscles and muscular relaxation and is great for people with muscle spasms. It also has important psychological benefits, providing greater confidence and a feeling of well-being. The Detoxifying Balance therapy is an ancient ritual that hearts your body with the healing and therapeutic powers of the ocean. It uses blended essential oils with 180 -degree massaging underwater jets that improve circulation, stimulate and detoxify lymphatic flow and build muscle tone. Pilates Body Conditioning caters to your specific needs with slow, pressure movements to help you discover any weakness and postural misalignment caused by injury or muscle balance. A Bone Density Exercise stimulates bone strength through natural activity and proper weight-bearing exercise. Facilities include a Watsu Pool, which features a warm water session where your therapist stretches your joints without pain or discomfort. Chiva Som. The colour of the Chakra Balancing is also a bit different at . The colours represent our rainbow represents each of your seven chakras different body points, emotions and life areas. Your therapist will then place her hands above your clothed body to align your chakras. Its Stress Relieve Therapy relieves stressed musculoskeletal areas due to too much time at the computer. Heat is applied to your arm to ease tension and increase blood circulation. It also uses a Herbal Compress on your eyes and soft tissue areas around your eyes. Other therapies include craniosacral and the Reiki Gemstones, which focus mmed gemstones on our physical, mental, and spiritual levels, using progra with reiki, aromatherapy, and sound to draw out negative energy and stimulate energy and rejuvenate our mind and body systems. Most of the aches and pains we get are due to repetitive strain or prolonged periods of unbalanced movement through poor posture or inflexibility. Other causes include the way we walk, sit or even stand. After being assessed, you ’ll be advised on what type of exercise or therapy to bring your body back into balance. Another treatment, Total Body Balancing, uses the Tuina Principle to repattern our muscles, alignment and joint structures. With this treatment, your

body becomes better aligned, and tension is released in your muscles below the surface of your skin. It uses techniques like rhythmic pressure and traction applied along your body’s energy channels to lubricate your joints and benefits most body areas – muscles, bones, spinal cord and brain. It improves the over-all functions of your organs, nerves, arteries, brain and lymphatic system. It even helps organize the way your muscles and brain send messages to each other.

It is late afternoon by that time. As you might expect, Chiva-Som has a number of wellness retreats and a long list of visiting practitioners who visit the resort regularly. Chiva-Som’s medispa, called Niranlada Medi Spa, uses Ultrasound to direct sound waves deep under your skin to tighten your skin without surgery. It also helps your body’s own healing processes by creating new collagen under the surface to slow skin ageing. The Frequency Focused Ultrasound, she notes, can’t replace the results you get with surgery, but it does lift eyebrows, reduce excess skin on your eyelids, and lift and tighten sagging cheeks and neck to give a younger, slimmer appearance. Chiva-Som also offers a full menu of pampering treatments. The spa is in a separate building, a short walk from the resort ’s dining room, gymnasium and private consultation rooms.

Fascia is a membrane that protects and separates your muscle groups and bones. Some of its interesting treatments include the Fascia Release, designed to restore your skin's elasticity, conductivity, and hydration. The treatment focuses pm scar tissue in your cranium, spine, ribs and pelvis to increase soft tissue and joint mobility. Its LPG facial uses 100% natural, non-invasive, non-aggressive mechanical skin stimulation techniques that reactivate cell processes. LPG ’s patented treatment intensely exerts micro-pulsations on your skin ’s surface. The motorized flaps awaken the natural synthesis of essential rejuvenating substances naturally and thoroughly reactivate the production of essential support fibres – collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid – for an immediate and lasting effect. Its spa is also one of the largest in Thailand – 70 treatment rooms, with a staff of 50. Thirty-five are spa therapists, plus another 50 are health and wellness therapists/practitioners. We reach spa reception, with the sun still dancing off the white-veined black marble walls and floors. The atmosphere is light and airy, and a sweet fragrance created from Chiva-Som’s signature essential oil lingers in the air. Chiva-Som created a line of products for its spa treatments. The products use only food-grade preservatives and contain no parabens, phenoxyethanol, colours or petrochemicals, silicones, animal-based ingredients, artificial fragrances. Guests can also purchase these to carry on their spa treatments at home. Wc9WYTffxuw Chiva-Som Hua Hin There are no stickers on its bottles, jars and tubes ; all boxes are made from recycled paper. The full range of 24 products includes body massage oils, body products and face products. Suppose you ’re visiting her spa for the first time. In that case, Wanna suggests the Crystal and Quantum, which uses crystals and therapeutic oil in a pressured massage to relieve muscular tension and release trapped emotions to balance our bodies. It ends with a chilled set of quantum crystals placed over your head to release your emotions and ground your life-force energy. Chiva-Som offers more than 200 treatments in a highly customized approach. She also recommends the highly popular Chi Nei Tsang – an internal organ

massage based on ancient Taoist techniques that use the energy flow of all our major body systems in breathing circulation, lymphatic flow and nervous system, fasciae muscles and meridian points. With practice, she says, you’ll be able to increase the energy to your internal organs. The centre where all systems meet, connect and separate is in your naval area and where Chi Nei Tsang is directed. “Great treatment if you suffer from shoulder stress.” This massage works on muscles, scar tissue and fibrous connective tissue to release accumulated tension blockages and knots, leaving you more flexible and less vulnerable to pain and tension. For best results, she suggests three or more treatments over one week. Chiva-Som’s signature massage, a perennial favourite, promotes a sense of well-being by increasing blood circulation and lymphatic flow and improving muscle tone and skin texture. You can choose the pressure level you feel comfortable with and from three Chiva-Som signature oil blends you would like used in your message. The blends are designed to suit your mind and body aches and needs and skin texture at the time and relieve muscular tension, pains.

Its Detox Massage recognizes the connection between your digestive system and your brain. These connections are influenced by a multitude of factors in everyday life, ranging from repressed emotions environmental factors

and chronic health issues. The treatments begin with the percussion technique to reduce stress, promote relaxation and stimulate lymphatic functions, detox, tone, and energize the abdomen and associated internal organs. A hot stove massage is included to relieve muscle spasms, pain and tension. The Gut Health Holistic Therapeutic Massage combines elements of Chi Nei Tsang with other methods such as the Japanese Abdominal Hara Massage, Thai Krasai Massage and hot stones. The combination works on transformations in your internal organs. Other disciplines help to alleviate sedimentation in your veins to heal your digestive and gastrointestinal systems. It works on bladder and liver problems and insomnia and improve s blood circulation. Its popular Bamboo Massage, a powerful and preventative therapy against stress, is essentially a new approach to performing a Swedish or Deep Tissue massage. It uses Bamboo sticks and Bamboo massage oil to roll and knead your tissue, creating extreme relaxation and well-being. There’s also a wide range of massages that address other health issues like , Neck and Shoulder, Deep Tissue, Maya, Foot Ritual, Relaxing Foot, Back Stimulating Hip and Thai Oriental Scalp Remedial, Traditional Thai Herbal and the ever-popular Traditional Thai. Its Ayurvedic treatments include the Abhyanga, a detoxifying treatment that uses warm medicated herbal oil to release toxins, stimulate circulation , and relieve stress and tension , and the Shirodhara. This is the treatment where warm medicated oils are poured on “the third eye point” of your forehead to alleviate problems like sinusitis, migraines, headaches, insomnia, sore eyes and even stress. Wellness treatments like the Mind /Body and Energy Therapy Chakra Balancing are also popular. She describes chakras as wheels of light , thousands of them all over our bodies. Seven major chakras are located along our spine colour and from the base of our crown. Each is represented by a rainbow associated with different parts of our body, emotions and life areas. To improve the balance of our body and feelings, each chakra needs to be adjusted properly with other parts of our body. In this process, your therapist places her hands above the surface of your body, gently pulling your chakras into alignment. Joint Retraining is an exercise to enhance awareness of the sense of motion in your joints. Its benefits include an improved joint position sense and body awareness, improve d balance and prevent the risk of falling, improve d coordination and strengthening core muscles. There’s a long list of other wellness treatments like the Therapeutic fluids and Lymphatic, which helps to improve immunity, circulate body

transport nutrients and waste through our bodies. Blockages, she notes, increase the risk of heart disease. There ’s also Vacuum Cupping, Craniosacral Therapy, Facial Acupuncture, Shiraku Acupuncture and Shiatsu Acupuncture, etc. Asian women prefer massages and slimming treatments , while Western women like massages, body scrubs and medical-facial treatments ( Niranlada non-surgical facelifts). The spa ’s most popular facial is Bioplasma. In this treatment, a stream of micro-lighting from a high radio-frequency electrode moves close to your skin, enabling it to destroy almost all the bacteria on your skin's surface and deep into the hair follicles – all this within seconds. The number of treatments, says Tuk, depends on your skin. In most cases, three-to-five treatments are needed. This is followed by deep cleansing with a high-speed jet peel to remove the dead bacteria, prevent dryness, and contouring and firming facial to combat visible signs of ageing –“great for mature, dry and dehydrated skin”. Also popular are the spa’s CCI Anti-Ageing facial – an intense, non-surgical face-lifting treatment for mature complexions and skin affected by environmental factors to reduce expression lines and accelerate collagen regeneration. The Anti-Ageing package includes two wrinkle-free treatments. There’s a long list of facials – CACI Acne and Blemish, Soothing Eye, Rebalancing, Rejuvenating and Cryotherapy Age Defying, which combats the visible signs of ageing. It harnesses the power of advanced Cryotherapy and Ginkgo Biloba, marine spring water, gourd extract and pressure point techniques and manual lymphatic drainage around your eyes. Several facial treatments use technology. Revite, for example, is a laser treatment that encourages healthier-looking skin, reduced pore size, fine lines, sagging, large pigmentation spots and dilated veins. The Fermage is a nonsurgical skin-tightening procedure that delivers radiofrequency heat into your skin to tighten collagen. A skin-tightening procedure also delivers Frinescan uses very radiofrequency heat into your skin to tighten collagen. accurate microscopic laser columns that target collagen and the elastinproducing layer of your skin – without affecting the surrounding tissue. It improves skin tone and texture, reduces brown spots and fine lines around your eyes, m sagging skin around your cheeks, chin and neck. Also popular is the Chiva-Som Spa Haven Body Polish – a great add-on for a massage. Choose from its Zesty Thai Body Polish to uplift or an Aromatic Coffee Polish for a quick pick-me-up. They will leave your skin feeling fresh and smooth, and the natural oils used in both will help seal in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. Chiva-Som’s cleansing The Aromatic Coffee body polish also figures in

cocoon, designed to exfoliate your skin and stimulate blood circulation. Then it’s a choice between Purity or Zing oil for your massage to remove toxins and boost your lymphatic system. Then, a Bon Voyage Cellulite treatment during the cocoon process to firm and tone. “A great treatment if you ’re concerned with cellulite and fluid retention and for relieving heavy legs or sluggishness after long flights,” says Wanna. Also popular is the Sweet Campaca Perfume Body Exfoliate, which uses natural jojoba bead and konjac exfoliate and Champaca oil to leave your body perfumed. If you have special dietary needs, you ’re in luck. Unless otherwise noted, the recipes used in the resort ’s two restaurants are also suitable for diabetics or vegans. Dishes that contain wheat or dairy products are also clearly marked. Diabetic choices include Mountain Blend Cone with chicken , mixed salad, and seared Tempe with brown rice bread. Some of its health benefits include reduced risk of high blood pressure, blood cholesterol, cancer and osteoporosis. Vegan selections include Dill Yogurt Dip and honey pistachio fruit crudit és – great for lowering bad cholesterol and removing impurities from your blood and liver. The special menu contains full details of each meal, including protein, calorie and fat content. Three spa meals are included and can be taken at either restaurant. Its main restaurant, The Emerald, serves international cuisine – a blend of Thai and Western dishes; and the Taste of Siam, located by the beach, offers Thai spa cuisine. Their low-calorie, low-fat menu is divided into three parts: Classic; Discovery, featuring dishes inspired by seasonal products from ChivaSom’s organic garden or local sources; and Raw, recommended for individuals seeking optimal health, detoxification and greater vitality. Chiva-Som’s 57 guest pavilions are located in the heart of the resort, surrounded by tropical gardens, lakes and waterfalls. The pavilions make effective use of Thai architectural styles, especially in their A-shaped roofs. Western-style rooms are located at the far end of the grounds and feature large terraces overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Wood, marble and hand-glazed ceramics are used extensively throughout the resort. Images of the East and West are everywhere, like the shallow, blue-tiled pool, with two lines of large red jars and a statue of Buddha sitting in a niche within a trimmed hedge, representing Chiva-Som’s philosophy – balancing the mind, body and spirit. There are 33 ocean view rooms, each with its own balcony; 17 Thai pavilion rooms – traditional-style Thai buildings set in landscaped gardens; two herbal

suites, located on the fourth floor of the central resort building, with butler service; two fragrance suites, located on the third floor, that have butler service as well; and two rainforest suites – the most spacious, and offering separate dressing and wardrobe areas and a living room. The resort also has a wide range of health and wellness facilities and activities – Watsu Pool, gymnasium, dance and Pilates studios, a yoga pavilion, yoga sala, Tai Chi pavilion, exercise pool, plunge pool, waterfalls, a large hydro Jacuzzi, Kneipp therapy foot bath and separate male and female saunas, steam rooms and relaxation rooms. As with most of the large brands in Thailand, sustainability and the environment are core elements in Chiva-Som’s daily operations, and in recent years, it has redoubled its efforts on both fronts. Chiva Som has worked with the Clinton Climate Initiative ’s Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program. Under this initiative, Chiva-Som replaced its lights and cooling systems to reduce over-all electricity consumption by 28% Chiva-Som’s and its carbon footprint by 20%, says Brian Anderson, sustainability coordinator. “New green initiatives are constantly being explored throughout the resort, and we seek eco-friendly alternatives wherever possible,” adds Krip Rojanastien, Chiva-Som’s chairman and CEO. Chiva-Som narrows it down to five basic things for a healthy lifestyle: Reduce stress, laugh more and think positive ly; Avoid pollution, keep plants in your home and office, take regular trips to the countryside and avoid smoke-filled rooms; Smile wide, brush and floss after each meal; Make something. Boost your creative energy. Try a new recipe, paint, write, plant seeds, and drink smoothies. They ’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Most people think Chiva-Som is a wellness resort, a go-to place to get your life back. A luxury resort in a captivating setting with a full line of pampering treatments and, above all, a place of peace and warm memories. Its that. And more. But its wellness programs tend to overshadow everything else – to a point that it’s easy to forget that Chiva-Som is also blessed with a soft, white sandy beach, large pools and meandering waterways, carefully preserved gardens and palm trees. Its lobby has a rustic look. At the rear, a large open window frames a scene of what you can expect on the way to your suite – an arched wooden bridge over a waterway fringed with green plants and trees and quaint residences with their characteristic A-shaped Thai roofs. As you might expect, Chiva-Som has a number of wellness retreats and a long list of visiting practitioners who visit the resort regularly. Chiva-Som’s medispa, called Niranlada Medi Spa, uses Ultrasound to direct sound waves deep under your skin to tighten your skin without surgery. It also helps your body’s own healing processes by creating new collagen under the surface to slow skin ageing. The Frequency Focused Ultrasound, she notes, can’t replace the results you get with surgery, but it does lift eyebrows, reduce excess skin on your eyelids, and lift and tighten sagging cheeks and neck to give

a younger, slimmer appearance. Chiva-Som also offers a full menu of pampering treatments. The spa is in a separate building, a short walk from the resort ’s dining room, gymnasium and private consultation rooms. Fascia is a membrane that protects and separates your muscle groups and bones. Some of its interesting treatments include the Fascia Release, designed to restore your skin's elasticity, conductivity, and hydration. The treatment focuses pm scar tissue in your cranium, spine, ribs and pelvis to increase soft tissue and joint mobility. The Ear Ab Reflex manipulates points in our ears that reflect associated organs in our bodies and is based on the same meridian principles as Traditional Chinese Medicine, which facilitates the flow of energy within the ear’s reflex points to restore your body to its optimal and mental balance, stress management, recovery and rehabilitation. Its spa is also one of the largest in Thailand – 70 treatment rooms, with a staff of 50. Thirty-five are spa therapists, plus another 50 are health and wellness therapists/practitioners. spa reception, with the sun still It is late afternoon by the time we reach dancing off the white-veined black marble walls and floors. The atmosphere is light and airy, and a sweet fragrance created from Chiva-Som’s signature essential oil lingers in the air. Chiva-Som created a line of products for its spa treatments. The products use only food-grade preservatives and contain no parabens, phenoxyethanol, petrochemicals, silicones, animal-based ingredients, artificial colours or fragrances. Guests can also purchase these to carry on their spa treatments at home. Wc9WYTffxuw Chiva-Som Hua Hin There are no stickers on its bottles, jars and tubes ; all boxes are made from recycled paper. The full range of 24 products includes body massage oils, body products and face products. Suppose you ’re visiting her spa for the first time. In that case, Wanna suggests the Crystal and Quantum, which uses crystals and therapeutic oil in a pressured massage to relieve muscular tension and release trapped emotions to balance our bodies. It ends with a chilled set of quantum crystals placed over your head to release your emotions and ground your life-force energy. Chiva-Som offers more than 200 treatments in a highly customized approach.

She also recommends the highly popular Chi Nei Tsang – an internal organ massage based on ancient Taoist techniques that use the energy flow of all our major body systems in breathing circulation, lymphatic flow and nervous system, fasciae muscles and meridian points. With practice, she says, you’ll be able to increase the energy to your internal organs. The centre where all systems meet, connect and separate is in your naval area and where Chi Nei Tsang is directed. “Great treatment if you suffer from shoulder stress. This massage works on muscles, scar tissue and fibrous connective tissue to release accumulated tension blockages and knots , leaving you more flexible and less vulnerable to pain and tension. For best results, she suggests three or more treatments over one week. Chiva-Som’s signature massage, a perennial favourite, promotes a sense of well-being by increasing blood circulation and lymphatic flow and improving muscle tone and skin texture. You can choose the pressure level you feel comfortable with and from three Chiva-Som signature oil blends you would like used in your message. The blends are designed to suit your mind and body needs and skin texture at the time and relieve muscular tension, aches and pains.

Its popular Bamboo Massage, a powerful and preventative therapy against stress, is essentially a new approach to performing a Swedish or Deep Tissue massage. It uses Bamboo sticks and Bamboo massage oil to roll and knead your tissue, creating extreme relaxation and well-being. There’s also a wide range of massages that address other health issues like Deep Tissue, Maya, Foot Ritual, Relaxing Foot, Back , Neck and Shoulder, Stimulating Hip and Thai Oriental Scalp Remedial, Traditional Thai Herbal and the ever-popular Traditional Thai. Its Ayurvedic treatments include the Abhyanga, a detoxifying treatment that uses warm medicated herbal oil to release toxins, stimulate circulation and relieve stress and tension , and the Shirodhara. This is the treatment where warm medicated oils are poured on “the third eye point” of your forehead to alleviate problems like sinusitis, migraines, headaches, insomnia, sore eyes and even stress. Wellness treatments like the Mind /Body and Energy Therapy Chakra Balancing are also popular. Seven major chakras are located along our spine colour and from the base of our crown. Each is represented by a rainbow associated with different parts of our body, emotions and life areas. To improve the balance of our body and feelings, each chakra needs to be adjusted properly with other parts of our body. In this process, your therapist places her hands above the surface of your body, gently pulling your chakras into alignment. There’s a long list of other wellness treatments like the Therapeutic fluids and Lymphatic, which helps to improve immunity, circulate body transport nutrients and waste through our bodies. Blockages, she notes, increase the risk of heart disease. There ’s also Vacuum Cupping, Craniosacral Therapy, Facial Acupuncture, Shiraku Acupuncture and Shiatsu Acupuncture, etc. Asian women prefer massages and slimming treatments , while Western women like massages, body scrubs and medical-facial treatments ( Niranlada non-surgical facelifts). The spa ’s most popular facial is Bioplasma. In this treatment, a stream of micro-lighting from a high radio-frequency electrode moves close to your skin, enabling it to destroy almost all the bacteria on your skin's surface and deep into the hair follicles – all this within seconds. The number of treatments, says Tok, depends on your skin. In most cases, three-to-five treatments are needed. This is followed by deep cleansing with a high-speed jet peel to remove the dead bacteria, prevent dryness, and contouring and firming facial to combat visible signs of ageing –“great for mature, dry and dehydrated skin”.

Also popular are the spa’s CCI Anti-Ageing facial – an intense, non-surgical face-lifting treatment for mature complexions and skin affected by environmental factors to reduce expression lines and accelerate collagen regeneration. The Anti-Ageing package includes two wrinkle-free treatments. There’s a long list of facials – CACI Acne and Blemish, Soothing Eye, Rebalancing, Rejuvenating and Cryotherapy Age Defying, which combats the visible signs of ageing. It harnesses the power of advanced Cryotherapy and Ginkgo Biloba, marine spring water, gourd extract and pressure point techniques and manual lymphatic drainage around your eyes. Several facial treatments use technology. Revite, for example, is a laser treatment that encourages healthier-looking skin, reduced pore size, fine lines, Fermage is a nonsagging, large pigmentation spots and dilated veins. The surgical skin-tightening procedure that delivers radiofrequency heat into your skin to tighten collagen. There is also a skin-tightening procedure that delivers Frinescan uses very radiofrequency heat into your skin to tighten collagen. accurate microscopic laser columns that target collagen and the elastinproducing layer of your skin – without affecting the surrounding tissue. It improves skin tone and texture, reduces brown spots and fine lines around your eyes, and sagging skin around your cheeks, chin and neck. This is followed by deep cleansing with a high-speed jet peel to remove the

dead bacteria, prevent dryness, and contouring and firming facial to combat visible signs of ageing –“great for mature, dry and dehydrated skin”. Also popular are the spa’s CCI Anti-Ageing facial – an intense, non-surgical face-lifting treatment for mature complexions and skin affected by environmental factors to reduce expression lines and accelerate collagen regeneration. The Anti-Ageing package includes two wrinkle-free treatments. There’s a long list of facials – CACI Acne and Blemish, Soothing Eye, Rebalancing, Rejuvenating and Cryotherapy Age Defying, which combats the visible signs of ageing. It harnesses the power of advanced Cryotherapy and Ginkgo Biloba, marine spring water, gourd extract and pressure point techniques and manual lymphatic drainage around your eyes. Several facial treatments use technology. Revite, for example, is a laser treatment that encourages healthier-looking skin, reduced pore size, fine lines, sagging, large pigmentation spots and dilated veins. The Fermage is a nonsurgical skin-tightening procedure that delivers radiofrequency heat into your A skin-tightening procedure also delivers skin to tighten collagen. Frinescan uses very radiofrequency heat into your skin to tighten collagen. accurate microscopic laser columns that target collagen and the elastinproducing layer of your skin – without affecting the surrounding tissue. It improves skin tone and texture, reduces brown spots and fine lines around your eyes, and sagging skin around your cheeks, chin and neck. Also popular is the Chiva-Som Spa Haven Body Polish – a great add-on for a massage. Choose from its Zesty Thai Body Polish to uplift or an Aromatic Coffee Polish for a quick pick-me-up. They will leave your skin feeling fresh and smooth, and the natural oils used in both will help seal in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. The Aromatic Coffee body polish also figures in Chiva-Som’s cleansing cocoon, designed to exfoliate your skin and stimulate blood circulation. Then it’s a choice between Purity or Zing oil for your massage to remove toxins and boost your lymphatic system. Then, a Bon Voyage Cellulite treatment during the cocoon process to firm and tone. “A great treatment if you ’re concerned with cellulite and fluid retention and for relieving heavy legs or sluggishness after long flights,” says Wanna. Also popular is the Sweet Campaca Perfume Body Exfoliate, which uses natural jojoba bead and konjac exfoliate and Champaca oil to leave your body perfumed. If you have special dietary needs, you ’re in luck. Unless otherwise noted, the recipes used in the resort ’s two restaurants are also suitable for diabetics or vegans. Dishes that contain wheat or dairy products are also clearly marked.

Diabetic choices include Mountain Blend Cone with chicken , mixed salad, and seared Tempe with brown rice bread. Some of its health benefits include reduced risk of high blood pressure, blood cholesterol, cancer and osteoporosis. Vegan selections include Dill Yogurt Dip and honey pistachio fruit crudit és – great for lowering bad cholesterol and removing impurities from your blood and liver. The special menu contains full details of each meal, including protein, calorie and fat content. Three spa meals are included and can be taken at either restaurant. Its main restaurant, The Emerald, serves international cuisine – a blend of Thai and Western dishes; and the Taste of Siam, located by the beach, offers Thai spa cuisine. Their low-calorie, low-fat menu is divided into three parts: Classic; Discovery, featuring dishes inspired by seasonal products from ChivaSom’s organic garden or local sources; and Raw, recommended for individuals seeking optimal health, detoxification and greater vitality.

The resort also has a wide range of health and wellness facilities and

activities – Watsu Pool, gymnasium, dance and Pilates studios, a yoga pavilion, yoga sala, Tai Chi pavilion, exercise pool, plunge pool, waterfalls, a large hydro Jacuzzi, Kneipp therapy foot bath and separate male and female saunas, steam rooms and relaxation rooms. As with most of the large brands in Thailand, sustainability and the environment are core elements in Chiva-Som’s daily operations, and in recent years, it has redoubled its efforts on both fronts. Chiva Dom has worked with the Clinton Climate Initiative ’s Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program. Under this initiative, Chiva-Som replaced its lights and cooling systems to reduce over-all electricity consumption by 28% and its carbon footprint by 20%, says Brian Anderson, Chiva-Som’s sustainability coordinator.

“New green initiatives are constantly being explored throughout the resort, and we seek eco-friendly alternatives wherever possible,” adds Krip Rojanastien, Chiva-Som’s chairman and CEO. Chiva-Som narrows it down to five basic things for a healthy lifestyle: Reduce stress, laugh more and think positive ly; Avoid pollution, keep plants in your home and office, take regular trips to the countryside and avoid smoke-filled rooms; Smile wide, brush and floss after each meal; Make something. Boost your creative energy. Try a new recipe, paint, write, plant

seeds, and drink smoothies. They minerals and fibre.

’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins,

Dusit Thani Hua Hin King Rama’s vision of Utopia “In the early 1900s, King Rama VI envisioned a wondrous Utopia called Dusit Thani. It still underlines Dusit ’s philosophy and is part of everything it does and stands for. When Dusit was launched, it is the inspiration for all that we do,” said Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, founder of Dusit International. At Dusit Thani Hua Hin, that vision extends to the spectacular chandelier that hangs over The Restaurant like a brilliant, golden, tornado-shaped funnel and to its luxurious rooms and suites, its 50-metre-long Olympic size swimming pool and beachfront, and its spa, which takes this vision to base its own unique concept as a Garden of Heaven. You only have to enter the brilliantly lit lobby to understand what Dusit Thani Hua Hin is about. It ’s expansive, bright, larger than life, airy, and grand in every sense of the word. That includes another huge chandelier that twists its way down in narrowing circles to the top of a water-tumbling, green-leafed ceramic fountain in the lobby.

It has to be one of the biggest chandeliers – if not the biggest chandelier you’ve ever seen – until you spot the gigantic chandelier hanging from a golden dome ceiling over The Restaurant, where late risers are still dawdling over breakfast. The chandelier in the lobby has 130 lights, and the one in The Restaurant 270. The crystal drops for both were made in Morocco and assembled in Thailand. From an upstairs window, another perspective – the 50-metre long and 25metre wide Olympic-sized pool, an even larger lagoon, where a fountain shoots water in three directions, and beyond that, its white sandy beach on the Gulf of Thailand. And overall, an understated sense of balance and harmony. A motif repeated over and over in Devarana Spas is a 14 th Century arched Thai door, symbolizing the doorway to this fabulous garden at Heaven’s Gate.

The spa has eight treatment rooms – four standard rooms with built-in steam showers and massage areas; one double room, also with a steam and massage area; and two deluxe villas and one grand villa, with shower, steam, bath, massage area and lounge.

The beds feature pale yellow coverlets with brown runners decorated with white blossoms. Their ceilings billow with white muslin, like clouds on a still day and Venetian blinds provide subdued lighting. When the doors of the treatment rooms are shut, it ’s a signal to other therapists that the room is occupied.

As in most spas, your spa journey starts at spa reception, where you ’ll be questioned about your health concerns and decide on your treatment with your therapist. Devarana takes its name from Sanskrit, meaning Garden in Heaven. The concept for its spa is from a story in medieval Thai literature called Tribhumikatma, written by Phrayalithai of the Sukhothai Dynasty in 1345. According to the story, this garden is situated at Heaven ’s Gate, surrounded by ponds and gardens —the garden shimmers with silver and gold and is filled with natural stones and gems. Somewhere, unseen, soft, melodic music is played on a harp, flute and other traditional instruments. And overall, a heavenly scent. The scent used in the spa, a combination of basil, tea tree and orange flower essential oil, was crafted expressly for Devarana Spas and is available for sale at

its gallery. At night, the entrance to the spa, flanked by niches shaped like the spa ’s th 14 Century style doors, and lit by candles, makes it very clear you’re entering a special place. A pond at the entrance links the main spa building to the spa treatment villas. More surprises await at spa reception, where the high ceiling, with its light blue-patterned beams, statues and light-coloured floor tiles of silver and grey, create an ultramodern look and feel. https://youtu.be/NA3DoARcwzo Dusit Hua Hin Values https://youtu.be/REmdBJlSWXg Dusit Journey Hua Hin https://youtu.be/ccTns-j-M48 More Dusit Thani Hua Hin Pix Again, the stylized 14 th Century slanted Thai arches appear here and there. From reception, pebbled glass columns lead your way to the treatment rooms and, in the end, a decorative tree with red and yellow balls on its branches, representing the gem-studded gardens from the story. The spa is known for the Devarana Signature massage, a 90-minute exclusive Devarana treatment, which combines Thai Ayurvedic and Shiatsu massage techniques with flowing Swedish and Aromatherapy strokes to create “the ultimate” pampering experience. It ends with a hot drink of sliced kaffir lemon and orange to clear your respiratory system. The spa also offers a number of other massages like its one-hour Ayurvedic Head, Ginger Compresses, Calming and Detoxed and Contoured massages.

For first-time visitors, Buntarika Jumnongarinrak, whose Thai nickname is Por, suggests Devarana ’s Heavenly Nantha Garden Experience, which draws upon the ancient Thai story to bring the divine Nantha Garden to life by mixing champaca with aromatic blends of ylang ylang and fresh pink lotus and jasmine. It uses these flowers to create an exotic floral bath and body scrub with a rejuvenating Devarana massage. Western women tend to like the soft-to-medium pressure Swedish massage. She also recommends the Devarana Signature massage for first-time visitors. The massage is also popular with Asian women, who prefer its strong pressure. For experienced spa-goers, she recommends the two-hour Harmony of Tad Si, an ancient Thai therapy based on Buddhist teaching that our bodies are wind and fire. According to this made up of four elements – earth, water, teaching, diseases are caused when these elements are out of balance. Our egos run wild and lead us to unhealthy notions like attachment and aggression, disturbing the body’s harmony.

The Harmony of Tad Si includes a Thai herbal compress, dipped in aromatic oil and tailored to your body element, and a Thai massage, using pressure points and stretching to relax your muscles, relieve soreness, promote circulation and stimulate your body’s nerve meridians. It uses a whitening sublimate mask that combines AHA, Vitamin E and chlorella seaweed to stimulate and protect your skin, giving it a radiant look and your skin a luminous glow. The treatment ends with a UV Ray-protecting whitening day cream. Hua Hin ’s Charm is a great name for Devarana Hua Hin ’s sense of place treatment. It blends palm sugar, coconut, pandan juice, and leaves into a scrub that exfoliates and revitalizes your skin and ends with the Devarana Signature massage. Great for relieving tension and tiredness. Facials include Hyaluronic and Collagen – a 90-minute treatment designed to moisturize your skin while the collagen visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles, providing a natural “facelift” and leaving your skin younger looking. The Rejuvenating, a restorative facial for anti-ageing and problem skin, uses an , leaving it toned and anti-ageing mask to stimulate and protect your skin moisturized. The Hydrating starts with a cleansing and ends with the brighten and leave application of Vitamin C and seaweed to hydrate, purify, your skin looking radiant, The three-hour Ultimate Glow is tailored for individuals seeking healthier ,

clearer complexions and a stress-free body. The treatment includes a facial, body scrub and massage. There are also two water treatments – the Moisturizing Oatmeal and Honey bath and the Luxury Milk and Roses Bath. The spa ’s most popular wellness program is the Body Slender, a 2.5-hour package designed to help you reach your weight-loss goals while firming and toning your skin with an Algae & Green Tea body scrub, a Thai Herbal Mud wrap and a Detoxed and Contoured massage. The Mind and Body Detox features a Thai Herbal Mud wrap, a Detoxed and Contoured massage, a Mind Calming massage and Foot Reflexology to help you restore harmony in your body and life and flush out environmental toxins from your body. Other wellness treatments include the Stress Buster, which features an Aromatic Purple Lotus Milk bath and a Mind Calming massage to restore your mind and body balance. “Great for stressful people with poor digestion and constipation.” Wellness massages include the Shiroabhyanga. A traditional Ayurvedic oil massage for your head, neck and shoulders, which your therapist pours onto your forehead to help relax your nervous system.

There are two 75 sqm suites – Dusit grand king and the Dusit Grand Twin, which can be connected to the Dusit club room, and offer an extended bedroom, a separate living room, a walk-through closet, and a pantry. The Dusit and Lanai suites are 84 sqm in size. Both offer a large sitting room, a corner pantry and a dining area. The Superior King, Lanai King and Lanai Twin are 36 sqm and have extended private terraces and direct access to the swimming pool and tropical gardens. The Dusit Club King and Twin offer a premium location and panoramic views of the beach, lagoon and tropical gardens. The Lanai suites are located on the ground floor in prime locations. The 170 sqm Presidential Suite features a master bedroom, second bedroom, living room and dining room that seats eight. When it comes to dining, Dusit Thani offers four options: The Restaurant, home of the giant chandelier, has three kitchens – one for Thai food, a second for international cuisine and the third for BBQ grilling. It serves traditional Thai favourites as well as international dishes, and its floor-toceiling windows offer views of an ornamental pond, the resort ’s main swimming pool, a white sand beach and the blue-green waves of the Gulf of Thailand. Next door, The Dusit Gourmet offers delicatessen items and a display of selected wines to go with them. San Marco, named after the Piazza San Marco in Venice, evokes memories Deern. Here, of standing in that famous square and hearing the bells toll at you’ll find traditional Mediterranean favourites, the resort ’s popular Pasta Factory buffet every Wednesday, and a selection of Italian red and white wines – all in a distinctly Italian décor. With its beachfront location, Rim Talay Bar and Grill is one of the most beautiful places to dine in Hua Hin – perfect for outdoor dining. Its menu includes local seafood and grilled imported meat. At Ban Benjarong, you can savour authentic Royal Thai cuisine in a traditional Thai setting overlooking the lagoon. In addition to its lobby bar, there is a large pool bar fronting the lagoon and two others – the Garden Pool and the Polo Bar, adjacent to San Marco.

Interesting things to see and do nearby: If you ’re looking for souvenirs, be sure to spend an evening at the Hua Hin Night Market. The place is filled with people every night – Thais and tourists. Parking can be problematic, but the atmosphere is upbeat, and the bargains are real. Also interesting – Kha Sam Roi Yot National Park and its mountain range of 500 peaks. A Royal Pavilion is located in one of the caves, but the 400-metre climb can be challenging. If you ’re still in the mood for climbing, visit Khao Takiab or Chopstick Mount, as it ’s known locally, which juts out into the sea, with a temple at its top. Since the Royal family built their summer home here, Hua Hin has been popular with Thais. That includes Wang Klai Kang Won Palace, built by King Prajadhipok as an alternative summer place. It features stone sculptures from Bali, sundials, lamps and other ornaments. Marukhathaiyawan Palace was added in the 1920s by Rama VI as a summer palace near the beach. Also nearby is the Hua Hin railway station, with its Royal Waiting Room, one of the oldest in Hua Hin.

KRABI

Reception at Ritz Carlton Pulay Bay

Banyan Tree Krabi Surrounded By Nature

anyan Tree Krabi’s open-air lobby is like no other. It faces the Andaman Sea and the limestone cliffs and is fronted by a pool with a water feature that looks like a giant sinkhole with a Naga-themed staircase that takes you down to a grotto sitting area under a curtain of running water. The resort is surrounded on three sides by a national park and a marine park of uninhabited karst islands. Banyan Tree sees itself as a sanctuary for the senses in which nature plays a significant role. “It ’s simply about embracing nature and surrounding and the art of the human touch ,” what Ho Kwon Ping, Banyan Tree’s founder and executive chairman, had in mind when he launched Banyan Tree. Banyan Tree spa is a pioneer of the tropical garden spa concept. can choose their “When guests book a Well-being Sanctuary, they activities,” said Remko Kroesen, area general manager, who oversees Banyan Tree Krabi and Bayna Tree Samui. “Before arrival, we send them a questionnaire so they can stipulate their goals. Our practitioners are on hand throughout their stay to ensure they have every opportunity to connect with nature, discover a deep sense of relaxation and find balance. “And when they leave, we will consult and provide suggestions to help finetune and inspire daily routines and assist them on their journey.” Teams at Banyan Tree Krabi and Banyan Tree Samui, located on tranquil beaches, have tailored holistic itineraries based on Banyan Tree ’s “Eight Pillars.” These are dietary awareness, physical vitality, cultivating the mind, sleep and rest, harmony with nature, learning and development, bonding and connection and sustained practices. Each of the villas selected for the Wellbeing Sanctuary has been adapted with various well-being amenities – a mini-bar stocked with fresh juices and herbal teas instead of alcoholic drinks, a yoga mat, stretch bands and a Tibetan singing bowl along with an outdoor pool and a hot jet pool.

Its spa is housed in a 500-plus sqm pavilion of eight treatment rooms with a steam bath, an ice fountain, and facilities to accommodate its highly popular special Rainforest Trail, a Banyan Tree innovation that includes three outdoor pools, one cold, one hot and a hot Jacuzzi. The treatment includes ten unique hydrothermal experiences that take your wellness and holistic therapies to a new level. The Rainforest Trail ’s walkway has flat stones embedded in pebble-studded cement. It curves at crucial points, giving the process a sense of anticipation and an aura of mystery. It leads you through each stage of the Rainwalk that starts with a cascading shower to cleanse your body before continuing to an aromatic chamber that produces heavy perspiration to detoxify your body and boost your immune system and circulation. A drenching, soothing rain shower follows this before you experience the sensation of a preheated capsule, where warm therapeutic mud with detoxifying powers is applied to your body. The fifth stop is visiting the bucket drench shower, where massive amounts of water cover you. The sudden temperature change helps close your pores and improve your skin tone. This is followed by a Swiss shower, where water jets massage different body parts , and then a sauna, where your body will undergo further detoxification to boost your immune system and circulation. From the intense heat of the sauna, you ’ll be led to the Rainforest ’s Ice

Fountain, where ice is rubbed on your body to tighten your skin and enhance your circulatory system. This is followed by a tingling foot treatment that combines the rejuvenating effects of alternating cool and warm hydrotherapy. “It’s great for individuals with specific cellulite-prone problems,” said Bussayawan Chanchal, spa manager. The journey ends at the spa ’s vitality pool to relax tense muscles and improve blood circulation. Water jets work like gentle acupressure, covering your body to reduce headaches, tension and sleeplessness. There are seven steps in this final stage – hydro massage jets for your upper body; hydro-massage jets. “It’s consistent with Banyan tree’s wellness branding … and thoroughly tranquillizing experience,” said Bussayawan, whose Thai nickname is Katt. The spa also has a number of scents. You can select the one you w ant based on your energy and mood. “Sometimes, we choose the most popular, but if that does not match your mood, you are free to choose what you would like.” The spa’s most popular essential oils are peppermint, orange, lavender and litsea cubeba. There are two massage oil options – Love, which includes Ylang Ylang, Geranium, and Peace, the most popular, black pepper seed and Lavender.

The Rainmist experience is only one of a number of other treatments that have made the Banyan Tree popular, starting with Banyan Signature treatments. Its most popular is the Royal Banyan which features the best Eastern and Western massage techniques designed to improve blood circulation and ease muscle aches. The treatments include a warm herbal pouch dipped in Sesame oil, a Coriander Cucumber cleanser, a Royal Banyan herbal pouch massage, a Jade Face massage, a therapeutic herbal bath experience, Pearl and

Coconut treatment and a Lava Shell massage. Its Master Therapist Experience restores energy you thought to be long gone. It features a repertoire of techniques and tools in which your therapist takes time to understand your profile and needs before customizing a package best suited to them. The spa also offers several time-honoured traditions, drawing on Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, and Thai treatments. The Chinese use massage techniques used for centuries to heal your body. Tui Na improves mobility and circulatory health by correcting the flow of Qi in your body and restoring harmony and balance, while the Indian Oriental Head Massage draws on Ayurvedic traditions to help you regain your energy channels and strengthen your immune system. The treatment includes an Ayurvedic head massage, Shirodhara, Lepanam, and a steam bath. Once practised in the palaces of Central Java, the two-hour Indonesian treatment uses a deep tissue Balinese Massage to dissolve all muscle tension, using century-old recipes with healing ingredients. It includes a Lulur Purifier yogurt body splash, a fresh mild nourisher and a Jamu bath. The Thai tradition uses therapeutic stretching to alleviate tension and enhance your body ’s flexibility. The treatment includes a Ginger Refresher, a Thai herbal heat treatment, a Herbal enhancer, a Thai Classic Massage and an Aromatic Giver Bath. It is tailored to your senses, a great title for several treatments, where you mix and max with several body treatments. These range from 30 to 120 to 150 minutes in duration and include: body massage, body scrub, body conditioner, facial and a calming bath and for men – body massage, back massage, body scrub, body conditioner, Express facial and a calming bath.

There are three purposeful therapies – a special massage designed to stimulate your body ’s circulatory system using kneading movements around your lymph nodes beneath your skin and pressure point techniques to stimulate blood flow and promote your body’s removal of waste and toxins; The Mobility Stretch, designed to alleviate daily stress and chronic tension and increase your mobility and flexibility for post-exercise recovery; Urban Relief is meant for prolonged desk-bound work strains on your neck, back and shoulders. You can even create your own tailored for your senses treatments, ranging in 90, 120 and 150-minute treatments. These include body massage, body scrub, body conditioner, a facial and a calming bath for women, a body massage, back massage or foot massage, body conditioner, an Express facial, and a calming bath for men. There are four purposeful therapies – A Restorative Detox, a massage that stimulates your body ’s circulatory system, using kneading and pressure point techniques to remove waste and toxins. Mobility Stretch uses stretching to ease physical strain and tension; Urban Relief, which uses trigger points and myofascial massage techniques to relieve neck, back and shoulder strains; and Sleep Essentials ideal for those with insufficient rest or poor sleep. It combines techniques and approaches to bring your body into a deep state of rest. There are four full-body massages: Balinese, where your therapist applies

deep thumb and palm pressure to uplift your senses; Deep Tissue, ideal for those who prefer a lighter massage pressure or expectant mothers, children and the elderly; Thai Classic, which uses stretching and compressions to balance your body system and stimulate your energy flow; and Thai Essence, adapted from Traditional Thai Massage techniques, using palms and thumbs on your pressure points to relieve tired muscles and boost energy. Head and Shoulders Reliever, where your therapist kneads away your stress and headaches away and improves blood circulation within your head. The spa also has several fusion treatments designed for people on the go. These include Back Reviver, great for people who spend long hours at a desk, and Foot Release, a relaxing massage concentrating on your pressure points to rejuvenate tired, worn muscles.

Banyan Tree ’s facials are designed to leave your skin glowing and refreshed. The Banyan facial is a signature recipe specially created by Banyan Tree Spa that features a hydrating mask to moisturize and brighten your skin. The Premium Time Defence, two favourites, nourishes your skin with a cream mask filled with active sera and a radiance ice cub complex to reveal a visibly fresher-looking complexion and reduced fine lines. Each facial includes a shoulders and arms massage. Other facials include the Banyan Brilliance, an ultra-firming facial to plump and rehydrate your skin, using aromatic complexes and active sera to boost cellular and a mineral mask to nourish your skin, leaving it firm, smooth and Hydro Treat is an intensely brilliant. It ’s suitable for all skin types. The hydrating facial designed for dull, devitalized skin lacking moisture for normal and combination skin. It uses a mineral-infused velvet cream mask that soothes,

nourishes and leaves your skin dewy and supple. The Perfectly Purified, designed for oily and congested skin, is a deep cleansing facial featuring a traditional steam and a balancing face massage. It includes a detoxifying eye mask to hydrate, purify and rebalance your skin. For Sensitive skin, there ’s Sheer Comfort, which provides comfort , soothes irritations, and reduces redness and dark spots with a moisturizing cream mask that enriches with anti-oxidizing properties. There is also an Express facial for people in a hurry. The spa also offers an array of body treatments, starting with Aloe Lavender Healer, great for sensitive skin that uses a mask to improve skin condition and calm skin irritation. The Chrysanthemum Enhancer, which uses a mix of dried chrysanthemum, yogurt and honey blended with wheat flour for extra soothing benefits; Honey Avocado Healer, which improves skin condition and restores softness to your skin; and the Kieffer Lime Mask, a body mask that leaves your skin feeling soft and radiant.

It offers four body scrubs, including the ever-popular Apple Gree Tea Polisher, which nourishes your skin with anti-oxidant properties; Kieffer Lime Refresher for normal and oily skin, which uses wheat germ to smoothen fine

lines; Ginger Lemon Cleanser, designed for oily skin, that leaves your skin refined and radiant; and the Tumeric Honey Cleanser. There are four 30-minute baths – Detoxifying, an all-time favourite for centuries; Purifying Bath; Relaxing Bath and the Rejuvenating Bath. Banyan Tree is a 45-minute drive from Krabi International Airport. It is located on an “island” between the sea and a meandering stream, with quaint bridges which run through the resort and sit next to the main swimming pool and the resort’s Naga Kitchen restaurant. It has 72 suites and villas, each with a private infinity and jet pool. Facilities include two restaurants, a beach bar, a kids ’ club, a fitness centre, a meeting centre, and an elevated outdoor wedding deck.

Ritz Carlton Phulay Bay Reserve Krabi A Sense of Privilege

ou feel it the moment you step inside. The sense of being in a special place. A place of peace, stillness and exclusivity. You make your way on cement

stepping stones beside a long, narrow, shallow pool, flanked on both sides by 20-foot-high purple-coloured cement walls towards the lobby of Ritz-Carlton Phulay Bay Reserve on the outskirts of Krabi. Purple and gold are the colours of Thai Royalty and the two main colours in the Thai tradition. The purple is intentional. It ’s to show that you ’re entering a new world, to a secure, protected place. It’s not like any resort or hotel lobby you’ve ever seen. Phulay Bay's lobby is a stand-alone, high-pitched Thai pavilion made of wood and situated on an island surrounded by 2,000 candles. “I arrived at night,” one guest told me. “And seeing the pavilion lit up by these candles was quite spectacular.” At least not in the traditional sense. At the pavilion, you ’re met by the hotel manager, who introduces you to your personal butler and will be your contact with the resort for as long as you’re there. And no check-in. That happens when you reach your villa, where your butler handles all the details for you as well as any requests you may have, whether arranging dinner reservations or organizing a BBQ lunch on the beach, a meditation class with local monks, an elephant trek, or a seaplane tour of the region. The butler’s job is to teach you about Thai culture, food and traditions. Ritz-Carlton Phulay Bay Reserve is grand in every sense of the word. You threeunderstand it immediately as soon as you step into your bedroom – a metre wide bed twice a king-size, a deep sunken bath, walk-in closets, large decked gardens and oversized keyhole doorways. The resort is secluded on a beachfront property with dramatic views of Phulay limestone karsts rising from the deep blue Andaman Sea. “Sunsets at Bay are memorable … with one of the most incredible views in Thailand,” says Sutisa Yojew, spa manager. vhJww_OlQl8 Tour of Ritz-Carlton Phulay Bay Krabi https://youtu.be/YT8FdNNQpQ8 More Ritz-Carlton Krabi Pix “It ’s all part of the Ritz-Carlton Phulay Bay Reserve ’s focus on creating authentic luxury. A sense of privilege runs through it – the beach, the expansive green laws, the different shades of greenery all around the resort, the intense red and orange flowers that suddenly shake their heads to get noticed among all this greenness. “A lot of thought went into the design, even to the s ite selection. The hotel

was in a pre-opening phase for two years to ensure that the right materials were found and all the furniture and furnishings we ordered could be created,” said Sutisa, whose Thai nickname is Sa. Ritz-Carlton went north, where all the traditional and handicraft designers are found, and chose the material the resort wanted to create for each item. Everything in each of its 64 villas is handmade expressly for Phulay Bay. All the decorations in the villas, including pillows, floor mats, etc., are handmade. You see it again in the 16 Signature Reserve villas. No two are alike. Each is different in design and styling, including a private rooftop for alfresco dining and seeing sunsets. Service, one of Ritz-Carlton’s hallmarks, is a notch or two, even above that. “At Phulay Bay, we go a few steps beyond, providing unique, tailor-made experiences for each guest. Our focus, in every instance, is to create an experience that is even more privileged and eclectic.” Its name, Reserve, was chosen because it suggests an ultra-classic and privileged resort. Each Ritz-Carlton is a one-of-a-kind resort positioned in a unique setting, and each has a distinctive personality that blends with a sense of place. Phulay Bay comes from two Thai words that mean mountain and sea. “From the beach, you see a very flat sea and mountains in between – a unique view hardly ever duplicated in Thailand,” said Sa. Its design incorporates four natural elements – fire to create “romantic interiors ,” water in bathing areas, air in creative spaces for contemplation and reflection , and earth in many accents throughout the resort. “It was designed for romance.”

You experience that sense of privilege again when you enter spa reception: In the midst of everything, a sense of being close to nature and gardens, in the mix of the elegance of tradition, nature and water in its design. Predominant colours are black and dark grey, which play against a background of the purple colour of its product packaging, the greenery of plants, and the red flowers. The spa is spread over three traditional Thai pavilions, covering 2,000 square metres and connected by a teak walkway. Its two-level pavilions contain 11 treatment rooms, including singles and couples massage rooms and two VIP suites. All have a private decked terrace, a raised platform for Thai massage, a deep bath with bamboo walls, and tropical plants in the lagoon that add to your sense of privacy. “Our focus is wellness, but that ’s often confused by the pampering aspect of some of our treatments,” adds Sa as we enter one of the treatment rooms. “For us, at Phulay Bay, keeping in balance with your inner self is critical, but if you don ’t have good health habits, including exercise, the effects of the spa treatment will be short-term.” The treatment rooms are grand and oversized in scale, with distinctive Thai and Middle Eastern accents – “inspired by beautiful things from around the world to create an environment where your senses are engaged from the moment you enter.”

When you arrive at spa reception, you ’ll be asked to fill in a consultation form and discuss your concerns before seeing your therapist, who will recommend special treatments to address your concerns. In the spa area, you suddenly awaken to the sweet smell of eucalyptus that follows you, like a whisper, into your treatment room. The spa is known for its Phulay Spiritual Signature treatment. a Four Hand Signature treatment – “a remarkable experience that inspires a harmony of the heavens” in which two therapists work in unison to provide a warm scrub that smooths and replenishes your skin, followed by a Harmonious massage to balance your body.

Phulay Bay has always been known for its pampering and beauty treatments, but it also has a strong wellness menu, starting with its rituals. It uses Kerstin Florian and Biologique Rech erche in its treatments. It also sells Divana, a Thai spa brand, at the spa store. Its Holistic Energy Balancing Ritual is a two-hour package that focuses on smoothing, nourishing and hydrating your body. It uses a tailored Essential Oil Combination of massage and volcanic stones to ease muscle soreness, tension, and knots. It ends with an acupressure head massage and stretching to help release tension around your neck and shoulders. The Royal Thai Ritual uses Thai herbal ingredients to reduce pain and inflammation and increase lymphatic drainage to induce a sense of well-being

in your body and mind . It includes an Advanced Age-Defying facial to nourish and cleanse your skin. “It leaves you feeling reborn,” says Sa. There’s also a Phulay Signature Treatment, a four-hand massage designed to create harmony in your senses. It starts with a warm scrub that soothes and replenishes your skin, followed by a Harmonious massage to balance your body and a head and foot massage. Its most popular massage also had wellness content. “It ’s the world ’s first combination spa therapy and uses each individual’s blood type to personalize your treatment. “We provide natural spa treatments for each blood type and suggest certain dietary options best suited to you.” While creative and artistic, these individuals often struggle to relieve daily stress. It uses a Harmony Genes massage oil to ease tension and stimulate your nerves to hel p you experience peace. There are two companion massages -Immunity Strengthening uses massage oil to balance your immune system and hormone system, and Stress Harmony is designed for A and AB blood types. Balancing Your Mind is best for all blood types. It ’s detoxifying and great for Type O individuals. The Thai Herbal Compress and Traditional Thai massages are always popular among essential body treatments. Phulay Bay has three popular anti-ageing treatments – The Anti-Ageing Soin MC110 reduces wrinkles and lacklustre skin, leaving your face, neck, and chest toned and redefined. The Anti-Ageing treatment, Restructurant et Lissant, reconditions your neck and chest smooth and toned, while the Antiskin to leave your face, Ageing Soin Lift CVS is designed for mature skin. Sa describes it as an exfoliating and lifting treatment that leaves your face and neck smooth and relaxed. Other facial treatments include Sensitive Cold Mask and The Correcting Brightening and Luminescent Caviar and Pearl, which uses pearl powder – an ancient beauty secret – to exfoliate, nourish and bring radiance to your skin. Among scrubs, the favourite is The Pink Pearl Sun-Dried Salt Oil and Body Exfoliation, which uses essential oils, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin B lotion to moisturize, smooth, and soften your skin. Other body treatments include The Plai Body, Coffee Body, and Chocolate Body wraps, which use plant-derived lactic acid and cinnamon oil to improve circulation and metabolism. Favourite wrap is the Dead Sea Mud Body Mask, which uses a special formulation, Vitamin E, caramel, lavender and chamomile oils in a thermal blanket to refresh and renew you.

The spa ’s wellness studio offers meditation and yoga. Other facilities include sea shell -inspired oval steam rooms and warming vitality pools with lagoon views. When it comes to dining, you have six options, each designed to accommodate a small number of people to ensure personalized, non-intrusive service, where chefs personally meet diners to understand their tastes and preferences better. All ingredients are sourced locally and cooked fresh.

The resort ’s signature Thai restaurant, Sri Tang, offers a private dining room for 10, set on its jetty overlooking the shoreline and called Sri Trang by the Sea. Lae Lay, located on the beachfront, sits parallel to a 23-metre Infinity pool stretching out to the sea and beyond, with oversized chairs and hanging lanterns amid the trees. Its official name is Lae Lay under the Stars. It overlooks the Andaman Sea, faces the National Park islands, and exotic traditional lamps light the pavilion. Lae Lay offers a wide selection of Western-style cuisine with an Asian touch and specializes in fresh seafood. You can also dine in your sala, which seats up to eight. You can create your menu at Dining Beyond, one of the main restaurants, which will come to you no matter where you are, whether at a family barbecue on the beach, sunset dinner for two, or a picnic while exploring Krabi. To experience the best, try the chef’s tasting table, where dishes are tailored to your taste. At Jampoon, it ’s international home-style cooking – a wide selection of Western-style cuisine with an Asian touch. Its action kitchen also offers Chef Table dinners and private event dining. For authentic Thai cuisine, head for Sri Tang, and a real change in pace, you may also want to try the Red Bar and its “revolutionary culinary concept” – a light and healthy menu which emphasizes organic, fresh-grown raw produce as well as juices, mocktails and herbal teas. It also has a hydroponic bar, growing wheatgrass and lettuce. Try Plai Fah, an Infinity pool bar, an outdoor restaurant and a bar offering Western and Asian meals for something light.

Interesting things to see and do nearby: You could easily spend your entire stay sampling som e water activities. There are a lot, starting with a sunset cruise, four-island hopping, speed boat and long tail boat explorations; snorkelling over five islands; speed boat diving tours; and a canoe tour of Gypsy Cave Trang, where you can see stalagmites and stalactites and grottos.

The most exciting part of the visit occurs for most visitors when you have to lie flat in your canoe to pass through a 350-metre -long tunnel. Some people believe the passage is auspicious – similar to going under the belly of a dragon. In the middle, the cave looks like the backbone of a dragon. There are loads of other activities like River Camp trekking or a jungle safari that includes bathing in an emerald- coloured pool and its mineral-rich waters and a dip in its thermal hot springs, a naturally occurring volcanic Bor Thor, where you can see almost 100 spring; exploring the caves of pictographs on the cave walls and ceilings; and a tour of the Mangrove, just behind the Jao Fah Pier in Krabi, and its huge variety of birds.

Amari Vogue Krabi Home of the Terraced Pools

ou see them first as you drive up to the lobby– two large stone elephants splashing in the water of a high-spurting fountain at the front entrance of Amari Vogue on the outskirts of Krabi on the coast of the Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand. Elephants are a sign of good fortune in Thailand, Kamollak Chaiworn, spa manager, explains as I meet her inside the resort's lobby. “They symbolize progress and a flourishing economy. Thai people believe they represent loyalty, wisdom and elegance. Some Thais believe an elephant statue will protect them from bad omens.” Elephants appear again on either side of the resort ’s main swimming pool as huge concrete statues in different poses, shooting water spurts into the pool. The lobby is bright, airy and spacious, with an A-shaped slanted light brown timbered ceiling. The reception desk is on the right as you enter, anchoring a floor of white tiles with black diamond-shaped accents. From the back of the lobby, past the wide lattice-topped open windows, you can see the resort ’s garden and the A-shaped roofs of its buildings and pavilions with their four-cornered shaped roofs, the limestone outcroppings jutting out of the deep blue Andaman Sea. The resort is on Tub Khaek Beach, the most secluded in Krabi.

The lobby is lit by two large wrought iron chandeliers, each with several lamps with miniature shades.

Amari Vogue’s lobby is located at the top of a hill, which slopes sharply to the resort’s grounds and gardens – a short walk down a stairway beside a series of terraced infinity pools on your right to the paved walkway to the beach. The terraced pools jut out like a series of steps down the slope from the top. Looking back from the beach, you can see the reflection of the morning sky changing in hue at each level. The spa’s signature scent is Tamarind and honey, which ties in with its Plan BEE initiative. The honey comes from local bee farms in a small village that ONYX Hospitality has supported financially and through training. The spa is located in a separate building, the entrance guarded by two lionshaped carved statues made in Bali and common decorative items in Southeast Asia. when you enter the spa You can sense a feeling of lightness and fun reception. The spa was renamed Breeze, and its colours reflect it – an azure blue highlighted with “a more grown-up purple” that works well with guests leaving the feeling that the spa is fun, easy and approachable. The spa has also developed a new signature “Breeze” scent, containing kaffir lime, lemon and neroli. “Our spa promotes warmth and happiness – a comfortable environment with uplifting music to enhance your spa experience,” said Kiristy MacCormick, Kiristy at the time and former director of spas for Onyx Hospitality Group. spearheaded the redesign. She noted that many spas in Thailand have been developed to assume that guests want to feel relaxed when they visit a spa. But that’s not always the case. “At Breeze, we focus on people's different needs. Some may feel tired and need an energy boost, while others may feel down. That ’s why Breeze has developed its simple, innovative Mood Therapy Treatment Concept,” said Kamollak, whose Thai nickname is Kay. “The concept is designed to be a complete sensory experience, with carefully chosen traditional body therapy or massage techniques, specific aromatherapy oils, herbal teas, music and even colours to deliver the mood you want to bring into your life at that time.

“We believe that happiness is the best step towards wellness and why treatments should be fun and smart. Their energy boost will prepare you to take on the world when you leave here.” To achieve this, the spa has developed a signature mood treatment to take the guesswork out of picking just the right message. Here ’s how it works: Your therapist first asks you how you ’re feeling at that moment – Tired? Stressed? Relaxed? Tense? Refreshed? And then how you ’d like to feel when you walk out – Dreamy? Serene? Rejuvenated? Invigorated? Energized? Your therapist then selects the mood treatment that best matches that feeling before escorting you to one of the spa ’s treatment rooms for your treatment. The spa usually spends more time with first-time spa users to find out what they want to achieve from their treatments. Breeze’s mood concept is accentuated in each treatment room, where dispensers project different scents to match your mood. It’s all part of Breeze ’s Mood Therapy treatment concept, in which each treatment is aligned with a matching body therapy or massage technique as its centrepiece. Specific aromatherapy oils, herbal teas, music and even colours are used to deliver the mood you ’re looking for at that time, whether feeling completely relaxed or calm or rejuvenated. These therapies draw from Asian and European influences and wellness and feature five signature mood oils known for their therapeutic properties, all with Thai-style service. Breeze offers five signature mood massages, each geared to your mood at the time – Dreamy, Serene, Rejuvenated, Invigorated and Energized. Kay says

they’re designed to take the guesswork out of picking the right massage. The Dreamy, called Take it E-Zzzz, features long, flowing massage strokes – “ perfect after a long flight or whenever you just want to drift away,” while Serene, called No Worries, uses a long stroke palm pressure technique to stretch your muscles, work out all your knots and kinks and leave your body feeling carefree, deeply relaxed and rebalanced. It is also the spa ’s most popular treatment. The Invigorated features a deep tissue massage designed to relieve chronic tension. In this treatment, high-pressure massage techniques target the points in your body where stress often resides to force out the tension. The Energized uses a traditional Thai massage that uses a compress of traditional Thai herbs with earthy aromas. When c ombined with the Thai massage, the herbs' healing powers help unwind all the Knots. There are also five Mood scrubs with the same names to complement your Mood massage that help reinforce your massage's benefits.

She suggests the Samui Tropical Paradise package for first-time visitors, which refreshes your skin with an organic coconut oil sugar scrub that will leave you feeling and looking younger. The sugar granules and the health benefits of the coconut oil combine to create a tonic for your body that may be experiencing inflammation, irritation or dryness. Next, a combination of Thai and Ayurveda techniques to relax strained muscles. It ends with a Crystal Fresh

facial to rejuvenate and promote skin recovery. The Essential Body Reviver is a three-hour package that includes a massage, a rejuvenating body scrub, and body and foot massages, while the Jasmine ‘N’ Melon body treatment will leave your skin smooth and refreshed. “We wouldn ’t ordinarily recommend a strong pressure massage and will ask you if the treatment is to your liking or if you would prefer stronger or lighter movements,” said Kay. For experienced spa-goers, she recommends the Breeze Krabi’s signature treatment, which is unavailable at other spas. Asian women, she notes, love European products and results-driven facials along with pampering massages and wraps, while Western women like to experience sense of place treatments like the Thai massage with herbal poultice or Balinese facial. “Generally, our guests love the Signature Muay Thai massage and our iconic “Moon Massage and Mood Scrub treatments,” added Kay. Amari Vogue ’s Sense of Place treatment is the Signature Krabi Retreat package to suit your beauty need and mood. Using PlanBEE organic honey, it purifies and stimulates to address dry skin. It continues with a massage combining Thai and Ayurvedic techniques, relaxing strained muscles strongly . It ends with an uplifting Crystal Fresh facial to counteract dry skin, especially in the tropics, and promote skin recovery.

Facial treatments are focused on brightening, clarifying and comforting your skin. The Brightening facial fights dark spots, pigmentation and uneven skin tone, using double brighteners to boost skin radiance and reverse visible

signs of damage to leave your skin brightener and smoother. It begins with an Aromatic Essence Mist, followed by a unique hot-and-cold facial ritual and a “finger dancing facial massage,” and ends with a cleansing mask packed with natural minerals and vitamins. Other facials include the Specialized Hydrae Blue, which offers doubleaction moisturization and natural marine botanicals to strengthen your skin instantly, while the Anti-Ageing helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The Deep Cleansing dissolves pore-clogging impurities and refines your pores to improve clarity and smoothness. The Advanced Youth Revealing creates an invisible, natural film that immediately smooths wrinkles. “Great for mature skin.” The Chakra Cleansing immerses you in a stimulating jet tub that awakens your seven chakras or energy centres to release muscle tension and improve blood circulation when it comes to exfoliation. The Detoxifying Steam bath is designed to strengthen your immune system by releasing toxins. There are two body wraps – The Indigenous Thanks Body mask, used by Burmese women for more than 2,000 years. It nourishes your skin using a paste from ground bark with a fragrant scent. There are a number of scrubs, starting with the White Sesame Seed Exfoliation that cleans away old, dull cells; the Local Coconut Sugar Body Anti-Oxidant Green tea polish that promotes the production of elastin; the scrub also sweeps away old skin cells and replaces them with brighter and more youthful-looking skin; and the Natural Salt Sea body scrub that cleanses and purify your skin. Your Jasmine ‘N ’ Melon Scrubbing mask boosts your treatment using organic Sea Buckthorn Berry oil and Organic Black Mulberry extract, celebrated for its rejuvenating properties. The Sun Soother body wrap comes in handy when you’ve been out in the sun too long, and the Roselle Skin Radiance body wrap. Roselle is a natural defoliant , and combined with jojoba, coconut and safflower oils, it leaves your skin feeling “on top of the world”. Breeze’s Mood messages have a sensory experience attached to them. They include a specific scent, oil and massage technique to create your desired mood. The spa uses its facial treatments to use Comfort Zone, an award-winning Italian spa product brand. Amari Vogue Krabi has 57 large rooms and suites, including 35 deluxe rooms, eight Honeymoon Deluxe, four Ocean Villas and two Spa suites. All come with balconies and are decorated in the Lanna style from Northern Thailand. Pavilions surround the resort ’s main swimming pool with A-shaped

dormer roofs and residences with slanted roofs that pierce the evening sky with decorative wood carvings, often shaped like a pair of horns, called Ka-Lae, and located at the top end of the sloping roof. “Our guests always mention our beach and the view. It ’s quiet and very peaceful. For some, looking out at the sea and the limestone karsts is something they remember long after they leave.” You can choose from Italian and seafood at Bellini and Asian and international cuisine at the Lotus restaurant when it comes to dining. Bellini is located on the beachfront and specializes in authentic Italian cuisine , such as homemade pasta, gourmet pizza and seafood. Big favourites are its bruschetta and wood-fired pizza. “Our guests prefer Thai dishes such as Gai Hor Bai Toey (deep friend chicken in pandanus lead) and Som Tum (Thai green papaya salad).

https://youtu.be/T7FRqgpcnr8 More Amari Krabi Pix The Sunset Lounge offers great sea views and light meals for lighter fare . You can order tropical drinks and snacks at the resort's poolside bar while relaxing on your sun lounger. Interesting things to see and do nearby: Try the 1,200 steps up to the Tiger Cave Temple for a panoramic view of the area if you're up to it. There are only 130 more steps up to the monks’ cottages if you have any energy left. And if you ’re still in the climbing mood, the limestone cliffs of Krabi are a natural magnet for rock climbers; for beginners, there ’s Railey Beach. The area abounds in natural wonders, including a secret jungle lagoon at the Khao Pra Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary. Amari Vogue is on quiet Tub Khaek Beach, 3-4 km long, with golden sand to warm your feet. There are not a lot of beach activities in this area, but longtail boats are available for rent. From Tub Khaek, you can easily go to Koh Hong Island Group, a protected marine park and one of the most beautiful in Thailand. You can also take one of the resort ’s kayaks to see incredible sunset views over the Andaman Sea. They’re 70 km away, but if you like hot tubs, don ’t miss Krabi Hot Springs, where you can sit in nature ’s “hot tub”, carved out of volcanic rock and fed by deep, warm thermal springs filled with mineral salts. These salts are reputed to help a range of health problems like rheumatism.

The hot springs are close to Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, where you can also visit Thailand ’s famous Emerald Pool, which is named because of its emerald-coloured water. Then there ’s Railay Beach, with its white sandy beaches, limestone cliffs and lagoons hidden inside cliffs, located south of Ao Nang Beach. It’s effectively cut off from the rest of Krabi, and the only way to get there is by long-tail boat. Only three ar e in the world – a petrified shell cemetery, known locally as Susan Hoi – also not far away. It ’s ancient by any reckoning, with estimates running from 25 to 75 million years. It was formed when fossilized shellfish, snails and other sea organisms were locked into limestone deposits, creating slabs that contain these creatures, frozen in time. The islands of Koh Lanta are less travelled – 52 in all – and approximately 70 km from Krabi. Koh Lanta Yai was once a favourite for backpackers, but that has changed with the arrival of several exclusive resorts.

KOH SAMUI

FOREWORD You’ll notice the difference almost immediately when you leave the plane , into the hot, humid atmosphere. In Phuket, t he taxis charge a set fare, depending on the area where your resort is located. The big resorts are scattered all over the island. I solved the problem by hiring a taxi for two days to take me to all my appointments. It’s also hot there but not as humid at Samui, thanks to the breezes from the sea. Wherever you go in Thailand, you’ll be treated with kindness. If you get invited to a Thai home, be sure to leave your shoes on the doorstep.

Amari Palm Reef Samui For Something Quite Different Amari Palm Reef Resort & Spa on Koh Samui introduced its new spa When concept a few years ago, and it created quite a stir. It was cheeky, saucy, irreverent, and with a wonderful cleverness in naming its treatments. It’s called Breeze, unlike any other spa you’ll likely see in Thailand. “We were looking for a spa and wellness solution that stood out from the crowd, one that made you feel relaxed the moment you arrive at the spa, that was also colourful, fun and friendly, and offered fantastic smart treatments,” said Kirsty MacCormick, who was director of spa, Onyx Hospitality Group, and architect of the new concept at the time it was launched. by choosing a “It’s just part of the over-all theme and was developed treatment menu that was both simple and fun. Reading the spa menu should make you smile…and help you emotionally connect with the spa.” That’s immediately evident as soon as you enter spa reception – in the floraldesigned, mosaic-tiled reception desk, repeated on the wall behind. “The floral design made from mosaic tiles is a signature in all Breeze spas. The materials are all tactile to make it sensory.”

“We believe that happiness is one of the key foundations for wellness. You don’t need a dictionary of New Age jargon or ancient languages to understand our menu. You just need to know how you feel.” The spa is located in its own bungalow, a few steps away from the lobby and next door to the garden pool, a gathering place during the day, with bright red umbrellas and sun loungers. The bungalow is covered by a three-tiered grass-thatched roof and reached via a pebbled walkway with stepping stones. WenB_7qliiM Touring Amari Koh Samui rEHvuKrsSWs Breeze Spa at Amari Koh Samui https://youtu.be/I5tvL1m8ChM More Amari Samui Pix You’re immediately struck by the openness and the bright natural light that

floods spa reception as you enter. An extended dark wood divider, filled with products and brightly coloured bowls, adds another dimension and a sense of openness. On the wall opposite, the blue floral mosaic design runs like a motif from the reception desk. A table made of light-coloured wood, displaying more products, sits on an oval, cream- coloured rug. Overhead, a recessed golden oval design increases the sense of brightness and the spa’s light-hearted atmosphere. There are six treatment villas behind the spa reception bungalow, plus a treatment sala at the beachfront for massages. The treatment villas are large, filled with natural light from white-curtained, floor-to-ceiling windows running the entire wall in front of the treatment beds. The beds are blue with blue-and-white runners, featuring the same floral design, which appears again in the mosaic-tiled wall on the right. An ovalshaped white tub with white blossoms sits patiently by in the corner. And overhead, another recessed golden oval overhangs the treatment beds. The shape is repeated in a large, cream-coloured rug beneath the beds.

The concept is carried over into the spa ’s treatments, based on the belief that happiness is the best step forward, and “the reason why Breeze ’s treatments not only are fun and smart but also provide guests with an energy boost to take on the world when they leave. “It’s part of our light-hearted approach to mak e you feel at ease, and the

reason why we serve fun juice shots before each treatment and as a naughty treat, a Breeze macaroon, along with a chosen mood tea at the end,” said Jeeriva Nonpakdee, Samui’s spa manager. For Jeerivat, whose Thai nickname is Pla, it means providing each guest with a refreshing experience that “tantalizes the senses.” Breeze’s mood concept is accentuated in each treatment room, where dispensers project different scents to match your mood. It’s all part of Breeze ’s Mood Therapy treatment concept, in which each treatment is aligned with a matching Body therapy or massage technique as its centerpiece, along with specific aromatherapy oils, herbal teas, music and even colours to deliver the mood you ’re looking for at that time, whether feeling completely relaxed or calm or rejuvenated. These therapies draw from Asian and European influences a nd wellness and feature five signature mood oils known for their therapeutic properties, all with Thai-style service. Breeze offers five signature mood massages, each geared to your mood at the time – Dreamy, Serene, Rejuvenated, Invigorated and Energized. They ’re designed to take the guesswork out of picking the right massage, says Pla.

The Dreamy, called Take it E-Zzzz, features long, flowing massage strokes – “ perfect after a long flight or whenever you just want to drift away,” while Serene, called No Worries, uses a long stroke palm pressure technique to stretch

your muscles, work out all your knots and kinks and leave your body feeling carefree, deeply relaxed and rebalanced. It is also the spa ’s most popular treatment. The Invigorated features a deep tissue massage designed to relieve chronic tension. In this treatment, high-pressure massage techniques target the points in your body where stress often resides to force out the tension. The Energized uses a traditional Thai massage that uses a compress of traditional Thai herbs with earthy aromas. Combined with the Thai massage, these herbs' healing powers help unwind all the Knots. There are also five Mood scrubs with the same names to complement your Mood massage that helps reinforce your massage's benefits. She suggests the Samui Tropical Paradise package for first-time visitors, which refreshes your skin with an organic coconut oil sugar scrub that will leave you feeling and looking younger. The sugar granules and the health benefits of the coconut oil combine to create a tonic for your body that may be experiencing inflammation, irritation or dryness. Next, a combination of Thai and Ayurveda techniques to relax strained muscles. It ends with a Crystal Fresh facial to rejuvenate and promote skin recovery. The Essential Body Reviver is a three-hour package that includes a massage, a rejuvenating body scrub, and body and foot massages, while the Jasmine ‘N’ Melon body treatment will leave your skin smooth and refreshed. Among massages, the 90-minute Siamese Jade Stone is a stand-out. Here, heated jade stones are moved over your body to release heat slowly into your muscles, increasing blood circulation and relieving stress : t he Siamese Back Tension Relief, a back and shoulder rub. The Super Stress Relief focuses on and Oriental tension relief in a two-hour, head-to-toe Muscle Tension Relief head and foot massage. You can feel the tension melt away in the hands of your therapist. “Perfect if you’ve just stepped off the plane.”

Head over heels, another great name for a treatment, is a four-hour package that starts with a foot ritual followed by an invigorating body scrub. Next, you get to choose a 60-minute scrubbing wrap, a 60-minute body massage, a 15minute head massage, a 15-minute body scrub, a 45-minute body scrub, a 90minute massage, and a 75-minute facial. Breeze’s five facial treatments range from 60 to 90 minutes, starting with Hydration, a brightening treatment described as an ultimate moisture experience and an age-diffusing and unique to ease fine lines , and double chin The hydration restore s your skin ’s natural contours and youthful glow. Brightening is designed to fight dark spots and pigmentation to boost skin radiance and reverse visible signs of damage, leaving it brighter and smoother. lines and renews It tightens firms and revives dehydrated skin, smooths resilience. Other facials include its Deep Cleansing, a deep cleaning treatment that dissolves pore-clogging impurities , refines pores, and features a radiance peel to unclog pores and improve clarity and smoothness. There are also the Brightening and Sensitive After-Sun facials. Also popular is Breeze Samui ’s Anti-Ageing treatment that targets signs of ageing, using a powerful, intensive peel to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and infuse your skin with long-lasing hydration and leave it smoother and more youthful – after just one treatment. Other facials include Deep Cleansing, a deep-cleansing treatment that

dissolves pore-clogging impurities and refines pores. It also evens skin texture and tone. The Brightening, designed to fight dark spots, pigmentation, freckles and uneven skin tone, uses a fast-acting formula with double brighteners to boost skin radiance and reverse visible signs of ageing. Thai massage treatments are rooted in Thai wellness and send you to a deep state of relaxation. One of the most popular offerings is the spa ’s Signature Muay Thai f or those who want to learn Thai kickboxing.

The Sun Soother body wrap uses Aloe Vera and cucumber's soothing and cooling power to soothe, cool and reduce redness , and Radiance Illuminator, a coconut and safflower oils Roselle skin-healing body wrap that uses jojoba, along with Roselle. When it comes to scrubs, the big favourite is Breeze Samui ’s iconic Mango coconut and rice to Sticky Rice scrub, infused with mango butter, creamy exfoliate your skin and help it retain its moisture and nourish it with vitamins and minerals. It ends with a coconut milk application. Asian women prefer prolonged pampering treatment packages that start with body scrubs and full-body massages. There ’s also a Jasmine and Mint Body scrub and a Sun Soother Body wrap. A big favourite is the Body Glow. Western women tend to go for Thai massage treatments. Environmental concerns play a paramount role in Amari Palm Reef ’s

operations. It takes environmental sustainability to heart in all its operations and has launched several green initiatives in energy and water conservation, including waste management, environmental quality, recycling, use of chemical products, purchasing, engineering, and staff training. The resort ’s name pays tribute to the palms surrounding its site and the coral formations off its shore. It is on a secluded beach near Chaweng, the most popular beach on Koh Samui, with remarkable views of the Gulf of Thailand. The resort has two- storey rooms, built as salas and grouped to resemble a Thai village – 55 Superior rooms, 32.5 sqm in size, with a private balcony/terrace and with garden or pool views; 124 Deluxe rooms, with 33.4 sqm of living space, including 15 Deluxe duplexes that feature floor-to-ceiling windows along the entire length of the front wall, with views of the garden or overlooking the pool; and eight Junior suites, 45 sqm in size, and offering oceanside terraces that overlook the main pool.

There are two pools – the garden pool near the spa; and the curving freeform main pool, featuring three circular smaller pools on three sides. When it comes to dining, there are two main restaurants – Meranté, offering gourmet Asian, Thai and Continental cuisine , and Prego, with its open kitchen and authentic Italian menu. Meranté serves breakfast, lunch and supper amid an elegant décor and romantic ocean views. Prego has an open-air kitchen , gourmet pizzas, handmade pasta, and fresh

seafood. Favourite dishes include spaghetti alle vongole, pizzas with tomato, Parma ham, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses; and pan-fried veal loin in a white wine sauce and a crispy parmesan broccoli purée. For something lighter, there ’s Bar@C, the resort ’s boutique seaside bar, or The Pool Bar at the beachfront, where you can order snacks , cocktails, and fruit juices. Interesting things to see and do nearby: Amari Palm Reef is a great place to start if you want to learn diving. You can sign up for lessons at Discovery Dive Centre ; its modern equipment will help make your experience worry-free. The summer and winter months are the best. You ’ll find some of the best diving sites on Koh Samui and Kao Tao. There ’s also a daily dive trip to Angthong National Park, where you can swim amid colourful corals and fish life.

Bandara Resort Koh Samui A Pool Of Pools

fter checking in at Bandara Samui, one of the first things you do is to head for the resort’s super, king-sized 400-metre by 10-metre pool. Its largerthan-life aspect stays in your head long after you leave. Even more so after a walk to Bandara’s beach. It takes about five minutes from the lobby, and you’re constantly aware of its presence most of the way. Elephant sculptures, placed at intervals along both sides of the pool, reinforce its sense of length and uniqueness. It’s a natural gathering place for guests in the evening. It ’s never far from them. Two long residences, one on each side, overlook the pool. It ’s become the centrepiece of the resort and where guests go for morning yoga. The pool is also one of the things Bandara’s guests mention, says Yaowanee Phuakpum, Bandara Samui’s spa manager. “They love the size of the pool and the sea view while they’re in the pool. Bandara’s spa, Shine Spa, is also different, with a new spa menu and a staff that keeps guests coming back. When I first visited the spa some years ago, the spa had a series of treatments based on your sun sign. A number of other treatments have now replaced that. Bandara’s spa team created the sun sign concept. “We’re constantly looking for new ideas and knowledge and developing them for our spa,” says Yaowanee. “It’s on-going.” It’s paid off for Bandara, and while most major Thai spas have won many awards, Bandara’s spa keeps winning top awards year after year for excellence. Her secret. “Training. Training. And more training. We made it a priority, and our mantra is to provide retraining to ensure we maintain our standards every month. We ’re also constantly looking for new techniques, local herbal products and developing our staff to provide new and better experiences.” Your first stop is spa reception, where I caught up with Yaowanee, whose Thai nickname is Tim. Spa reception is a bright, big-windowed structure surrounded by gardens , tropical plants, and the trophies it has won over the years. The spa is in a separate building, a short walk from the main lobby. This is where you ’ll be interviewed by the spa receptionist, who will discuss your health history and what treatments you’re interested in. You’ll also meet one of the spa ’s ten therapists before being escorted to your treatment suite, located a short distance through the spa garden.

G3otmO8kYJE Yaomanee Pluakpum Spa Manager, Bandara Resort, Koh Samui R5Fd59NnAYE Bandara Resort and Spa, Koh Samui https://youtu.be/axNyamo8iMI Tour of Bandara Samui https://youtu.be/uYTeTCGm5dQ Bandara Samui facilities https://youtu.be/n85v4fLppTY Bandara Green Leaf Program https://youtu.be/-Tq3nAeYYAc More Bandara Samui Pix The treatment suites are similar in design to the resort ’s villas, offering privacy and the sounds of soft music and water trickling in the background. All treatment suites have outside showers , milk baths, indoor bathrooms, steam rooms, exotic rain showers, and hydrotherapy baths. The suites are painted in different shades of brown and decorated with scented tropical flowers and traditional Thai carvings. While many of the spa ’s treatments have a pampering focus, all have a wellness aspect, offering therapeutic benefits. Handed down through many generations, its treatments draw on ancient rituals, using pure Thai herbs, aromatic oils and time-tested techniques to improve circulation and ensure relaxation. Shine Spa ’s most popular treatment is its 90-minute Hot and Cold Stone massage, which uses alternating hot basalt stones and cold marble stones to create a sense of deeper relaxation and invigoration that you would get with a regular massage. The alternating hot and cold helps your body ’s cells absorb more oxygen and nutrients and melt away toxins and muscle and joint pains while easing tension. “The alternating hot and cold stones help put your body back in balance. The cold stones are good for long-term relief.”

“The basalt stones are heated in the sun, which gives them a special warmth,” says Tim, who notes there ’s also a hot stone massage, which uses basalt stones and aromatherapy oil that connect energy lines that promote physical harmony by relaxing your muscles and improving blood circulation. It also stimulates your lymphatic system to detoxify your body. Another big favourite is the Himalayan Pink Salt massage. “It ’s more than just a massage,” she adds. “It launches out new Signature Experience”. It uses Himalayan pink salt, a local-inspired ritual , and a Deep Tissue massage with a hot salt pot compress to release shoulder tension and lower back muscles. For first-time visitors, she likes an aromatic Swedish massage, which combines Aromatherapy and Swedish massage techniques that use palm movements to relax muscles, soften tissue and increase circulation. Be sure to tell your therapist what level you ’re most comfortable with. You also get to choose your massage oil. For experienced spa-goers, she suggests the 90-minute Four Hand massage – “a routine that perfectly serves today’s hectic lifestyle”. The massage incorporates the skills of two therapists who synchronize every stroke to create an experience that promotes healing by increasing blood circulation and releasing muscle tension. It combines the techniques of a

Swedish, sports, and Royal Thai massage – all rolled into one. “It can be a remarkable experience…with the emphasis on the back and shoulders,” says Tim. There are two Shine Signature Authentic Journeys – the Shine Spa Collection, which includes a personalized therapy program designed by the spa’s management team, with customized recommendations regarding the use of products and therapy going forward, and the Shine Spa Residents Collection, which also offers similar programs but includes priority booking of times at the spa.

All facial treatments begin with an analysis of your skin to ensure your therapist uses the most suitable product for your skin type. This is followed by a cleansing, a massage, a mask, toners and a moisturizer. Every facial treatment ends with a hand and arm massage. Its most popular facials are the Anti-Wrinkle and the Thai Herbal, which uses a secret natural honey blend to cleanse and the After Sun Soothing facial. Revitalizing and Refirming is also a deep, penetrating, anti-oxidant facial, using Aloe Vera and deep-sea extracts to soothe irritated skin. The Oriental Blend is a deep tissue massage using a pressure point massage

based on Thai-Indian techniques to relieve aches, pains and strains, reduce tension and soothing sore muscles. Tim recommends letting your therapist know if you have a particular muscle problem so she can address it. Siam Body, which uses an ancient blend of Thai flowers that is worked over your skin to stimulate and rebalance your senses, and the Brown Rice, rich in vitamins to rejuvenate and bring a youthful glow to your skin; and Salt Glow, a unique treatment, using pure sea salt and lemongrass oil to remove dead skin cells. Body treatments include Coconut polish, blended with rice and bran and essential oils to remove dead skin cells. Great for sunburn skin and scars. Shine also offers slimming and cellulite programs like the Toning Marine Algosilhouette Care treatment that targets water retention drain and accelerates water elimination while releasing cellulite trapped in water , while the Contouring Marine Algosilhouette Care focuses on dormant excess fat and drains toxins while limiting fat storage. The Firming Marine Algosilhouette Care targets dormant fibrosis and breaks down cellulite while stimulating collagen production to restore your skin’s elasticity and suppleness. If your memory isn ’t what it used to be, Bandara ’s Indian Head massage, passed down through generations, will improve your memory and mental alertness and relieve stress and tension in your neck, shoulders, and back. It ’s also great for sinusitis, headaches, jaw ache, insomnia and eye strain.

The Bandara Thayoga or Nuad Thai, an ancient massage technique used for

centuries in Royal Thai palaces, stretches thumbs and palms to concentrate on the body ’s meridian lines and stimulate energy flow to unblock energy and improve blood circulation. The spa also offers six Shine Signature three-day authentic journeys: Royal Balance: Day One – Choice of bath and brown rice polish; Day Two – Oriental Bland massage; Day Three – After-Sun Soothing facial. Bandara Breeze: Day One – Herbal steam and Siam Body buff; Day Two – massage of your choice; and Day Three – Thai Herbal facial. Bandara Days: Day One – Herbal steam, Aromatic Swedish massage; Day Two – Sea Salt Glow; and Day Three – Body Soothe of your choice. Bandara Stairays: Day One – Floral foot bath, branded foot massage; Day Two – Herbal steam, Brown Rice Polish; and Day Three – Siam Body Swathe. Bandara’s Stairs of Heaven: Day One – Aromatic Swedish massage; Day Two – choice of bath or sea salt scrub; Day Three – Floral foot bath and foot massage; and Day Four – After Sun Soothing facial. Bandara Window to the Stairs – Day One: Hydrotherapy and Siam body buff; Day Two – Oriental Blend massage; Day Three – Siam Body Swathe; Day Four – Hot Stove massage; and Day Five – Facial of your choice Bandara is located on a quiet beach in the Bophut area of Samui, offering 159 residential units comprising 98 Deluxe rooms, two Grand Deluxe, 22 standard and 28 villas. Each of the villas is landscaped to blend within its garden. The interiors feature a tropical theme – open space , vaulted ceilings, and ornate ceiling fans. There are also full-width picture windows and a nine sqm pool for private swimming. The pool also has a deck that can be used for sunning, dining, or a private Thai massage. Each villa has an extra-large bathroom, which opens into a secret garden featuring an organic sunken bathtub and rain shower. Bandara also has a white sandy beach. It ’s a bit of a walk from the spa along a walkway past the sun loungers on each side of the pool and to the beach bar before descending to the beach and the warm breezes off the Gulf of Thailand.

There’s another beach pool, with concrete frogs spurting water into the pool from their open mouths, and a smaller pool, with dolphin figures for children. The resort has two main restaurants – Leelavadee and Chomdao. Leelavadee offers breakfast and all-day dining – from Western omelets, pastries and sausages to Asian traditional favourites like Deerdles and rice. It also serves a health and high-energy menu for dieters and the fitness-minded. Its all-day à la carte menu features Thai dishes, seafood, sandwiches, oversized hamburgers, and Bandara baked rice – another popular dish. Chom Dao, Bandara’s beachfront dining experience, offers fresh sea breezes and spacious seating with natural decorations to recreate a wharf ambience. Seating is limited to 80 to ensure personalized service. Chom Dao offers a full menu of Western dishes blended with authentic Asian cuisine. Chef’s recommendations – seafood platter, which includes a variety of fresh catches with three sauces; roasted rack of lamb provincial, tuna panini, baked oyster Rockefeller, rock lobster salad with lemongrass, stuffed chicken with red wine, tuna sesame steak along with a wide selection of wines. Its open kitchen close to the tables gives you a great view of your meal being prepared.

Bandara also has two bars: The Beach Bar @ Bandara, which offers snacks and tropical cocktails. It ’s also the place to be Friday evenings for the Bandara GM Cocktail Evening, when Bandara ’s general manager is host to a “thank you” evening of complementary drinks and snacks.

The Long Lounge, located just off the main lobby, offers a 180-degree view of the resort, including the main pool and landscaped garden. Interesting things to see and do nearby: If you haven ’t tried the famous Thai whiskey called the Mekong, there are plenty of places on Koh Samui to test it. The island is known for its nightlife, concentrated in Chaweng and Lamai. There are also outdoor parties every Pha Ngan, a short month, where you can dance the night away on Koh speedboat away, which also has its own celebrated Full Moon party. Chaweng Beach, Samui ’s most developed area, runs 6 km, surrounded by restaurants, hotels and shopping. Popular tourist attractions include Muay Thai boxing and bungee jumping. The beaches at Mae Nam and Bophut, where Bandara is located, are less crowded. The big draw at Bophut is Fisherman ’s Village, consisting of two

narrow streets. It is a great place to see Thai village life , shop for souvenirs, gifts, and clothes, or hang out at restaurants and bars. Friday is the busiest night of the week. Also nearby are several Buddhist temples, including Wat Phra Yai with its large gold Buddha; Wat Ban Phai Leam Temple and its huge statue of the god Shiva, and Wat Khunarin, a shrine to an esteemed Buddhist monk, whose mummified remains are on display at the shrine. Worth noting: When visiting temples, there’s a standard dress and etiquette that includes wearing long pants, sleeves and removing your shoes before entering. You’ll love Na Muang Falls, which rushes over a cliff and spills into a rocky pool. Great if you ’re a camera buff. Not a place for swimming but incredible scenery. Koh Samui is also known for its adventures, including elephant rides in the jungle, go-carting and diving, and a world-class diving destination and offshore coral reefs. Kho Tao , the best diving destination in Thailand, is also located nearby.

SPA MAGIC ASIA

Banyan Tree Samui The Rainforest Experience

t’s early afternoon. Hot and humid. And we

’re cooling off in the lobby bar,

sitting next to the window and sipping something cool. Outside, the sun is

almost blinding on the light blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand as soft breakers flood Banyan Tree’s secluded cove on Koh Samui.

But what draws your eye are the Banyan Tree Resort ’s villas, built on square concrete stilts and perched on the side of an amphitheatre of tropical forested hills. Later, when I visited one of the villas, I understood just how superb Banyan Tree’s location on Lamai Beach was. The doors in the living room open up to a sweeping view of the cove, the other villas, each with an unobstructed view of the gulf and the resort’s semi-circular pool surrounded by coconut trees and the shimmering private pool in front of the villa reflecting the intense blueness of the afternoon sky. The lobby bar is only a few steps down from the main lobby, with its darkstained wood finish that contrasts sharply with the light-coloured floor and a colourful area rug inspired by ocean rocks and sea waves. Pendant lamps and lampshades suggest figures of equipment used by Samui fishermen. It’s only a short buggy ride from the lobby to the spa, its entrance fronted by a long shallow pool and beyond that, you can see the bay below, half-hidden by the flowers and bushes. A colonnade runs around the perimeter of the L-shaped building, where tables are set for visitors interested in sampling the spa ’s cuisine. The walkway to spa reception is divided into two directions – the Rainforest on the left and the spa reception on the right. Inside, two receptionists are waiting for us. One of the walls features a display of products used in the spa. As in all Banyan Tree spas, this is where your journey starts. Here, you ’ll be asked a bout your health and treatment preferences before meeting with your therapist, who will use the information to suggest what treatment would best suit your needs. The scent in the spa is light and fragrant. It ’s extracted from herbs, spices, flowers and plants – their unique fragrances designed to help you restore inner harmony and balance. Your experience is enhanced with pure essential oil blends to calm your senses in the treatment room.

Some of the essential oils and massages used by the spa have been labs and using natural developed by Banyan Tree, working with certified ingredients such as turmeric, coconut and jasmine. These products are also available for sale at various Banyan Tree locations. The spa has 12 indoor treatment pavilions, including four Royal and six Deluxe pavilions. Each Royal pavilion includes a bathtub, outdoor shower, Jacuzzi, a shower room with steam, and a special room for the spa ’s tropical Rainmist experiences. The design of the pavilions harkens back to old Samui residences, softened with timber window screens and drapery and in keeping with Banyan Tree ’s philosophy of creating a sense of place in each of its resorts and spas. Here, darkstained timber, brown-hued walls, and floor tiles add to the over all feeling of serenity. coloured with a hint of gold. The The ceilings are draped in Thai silk, inspiration for the motif and pavilion accents comes from the Koh Samui flower, Lamduan, and the artwork, from the equipment used by southern Thai fishermen. Treatment beds are covered in green with black-and-white runners, the lighting is subdued, and the view is of the spa ’s tropical garden. Herbs, vegetables and spices used in the treatments are arranged artfully in a basket nearby – with a few orchid blossoms added for colour and contrast. Orchid

blossoms also float in tubs and baths. Before the treatment begins, you ’ll be asked to choose from a range of incense with different scents with fanciful names like Banyan Romance, Rose, Lemongrass and Lavender. Regarding treatments, the spa ’s absolute favourite is its Rainforest Trail, a Banyan Tree innovation and the only one on Samui, which features ten unique hydrothermal experiences that take your wellness and holistic treatments to a new level. The Rainforest Trail’s walkway has flat stones embedded in pebble-studded cement. It curves at crucial points, giving the process a sense of anticipation and an aura of mystery. It leads you through each stage of the Rainwalk that starts with an invigorating warm shower to cleanse your body before continuing to an aromatic chamber that produces heavy perspiration to detoxify your body and boost your immune system circulation. Next, a drenching, soothing rain shower before you experience the sensation in a preheated Rasul capsule, where warm therapeutic mud with detoxifying powers is applied to your body. The fifth stop on the Rainforest Trail is visiting the bucket drench shower, where massive amounts of water cover you. The sudden temperature change helps close your pores and improve your skin tone. This is followed by a Swiss shower, where water jets massage different body parts , and then a sauna, where your body will undergo further detoxification to boost your immune system and circulation. From the intense heat of the sauna, you ’ll be led to the Rainforest ’s Ice Fountain, where ice is rubbed on your body to tighten your skin and enhance your circulatory system. Great for individuals with specific cellulite-prone problems. This is followed by a tingling foot treatment that combines the rejuvenating effects of alternating cool and warm hydrotherapy. The journey ends at the spa ’s vitality pool to relax tense muscles and improve blood circulation. Water jets work like soft acupressure, covering your body to reduce headaches, tension and sleeplessness. There are seven steps in this final stage – hydro-massage jets for your upper body; hydro -massage jets for your lower body; waterfalls for your neck and shoulders; a Lazy River; a foot spa; waterfalls, this time for your head, neck and shoulders; and a body massage lounger – heated loungers designed to help your body relax after your Rainforest experience. The spa recommends taking the time to relax as you complete the therapeutic process. Another big favourite is the spa ’s Tropical Rainmist, another Banyan Tree Rainmist steam bath with an innovation, an experience that combines a

invigorating body scrub in the comfort of your treatment bed.

Also popular are Banyan Tree ’s Signature Royal Banyan and Harmony Naphasawan Badklang, spa manager, whose Thai Banyan, according to nickname is Film. For first-time visitors, she recommends Banyan Indulgences. These include the Royal Banyan, which incorporates a Royal Banyan Tree Herbal Pouch massage. The pouch is dipped in warm sesame oil, using East-meets-West massage techniques to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension. It starts with an herbal footbath, a Lemongrass and Cucumber scrub, and ends with a Jade Face massage to improve your skin condition, firm up facial muscles and a therapeutic herbal bath. The Harmony Banyan, another three-hour package, also starts with an Herbal footbath and features a Pineapple and Coconut scrub, a Harmony massage, a head-and-foot massage, and ends with an Apple Green Tea bath and refreshments. Its signature facial is The Sukhothai Heritage, which uses “the goodness of fresh coconuts” along with Jasmine rice, Turmeric and Tamarind to create a healing scrub and wrap. Thai massage techniques are used to improve flexibility. Other wraps include the Aloe Lavender Healer for dry and sunburnt skin , Kaffir Lime Mask to lift your senses; Honey Avocado Healer, which improves

your skin condition and restores softness; and Chrysanthemum Enhance. It works with all skin types. The spa’s scrubs harness the natural benefits of locally sourced ingredients, offering unique benefits for all skin types. The Apple Green Tea is the most popular, “great for dry skin”; Guava Fresh scrub for normal skin; Kaffir Lime Refresher for normal to dry skin; Turmeric Honey Cleanser, known for its healing and healing cleansing properties; and Ginger Lemon Cleanser. Its Master Therapist Experience uses holistic treatments for your complete mental, physical and spiritual renewal for an “ultimate pampering experience”, says Film. It ’s a specially tailored treatment where your therapist uses various massage techniques and tools. The spa’s Time Honoured Traditions draws on the secrets of wellness and beauty of four Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian traditions. Thai traditions focus on therapeutic stretching in its massages to enhance flexibility and the healing power of Thai herbs. Chinese traditions include a massage technique used for centuries to heal the body and aid circulatory health by connecting the oil flow in your body. Ayurvedic traditions figure prominently in Indian traditions, whether to restore vitality to your energy channels or strengthen your immune system. They include a Shirodhara treatment, pouring warm oil on your forehead to relieve anxiety. Indonesian traditions use a Deep Tissue Balinese massage to relieve muscle tension as well as centuries-old beauty recipes to awaken our senses. Asian women prefer Banyan Signature packages with the Royal Banyan, while Western women like the Balinese and Thai traditional treatments. Banyan Tree’s Sense of Place treatment, The Sukhothai Heritage, uses timehonoured Thai ingredients such as Jasmine rice, turmeric, and tamarind, converted into healing scrub and wrap. Thai massage techniques work perfectly to promote deep relaxation while improving flexibility.

Among facials, the Premium Age Defence is p acked with skin renewal properties to bring out that youthful glow again. Nourish your skin with a cream mask filled with active serums and a radiance ice cube complex to reveal a visibly fresher-looking complexion and reduced fine lines. Brilliance uses active sera and aromatic complexes to boost cellular renewal , leaving your skin firm, smooth, and brilliant. It ends with a Radiance Ice Cube Complex that gives your face “a special glow.” Banyan Tree also offers an array of massages designed to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, starting with the Balinese – a medium-to-strong deep tissue treatment. Your therapist uses her thumbs and palms to apply pressure on your back, using unique warming essential oils to stimulate blood circulation, boost your energy and relieve tension. Other massages include the Thai Essence, Thai Classic, Gentle Touch, Deep Tissue, Back Reviver and Head and Shoulders Reliever. The spa’s scrubs harness the natural benefits of locally sourced ingredients offering unique benefits and suitable for all skin types. Apple Green Tea is a favourite, great for dry skin. Other scrubs include the Guava fresh scrub for normal skin; Kaffir Lime Refresher for normal to dry skin; Turmeric Honey Cleaner, known for its healing and cleansing properties; and Ginger Lemon Cleanser. Two Banyan Day packages feature signature therapies for total top-to-toe

renewal. There also are Yoga classes to help you learn proper stretching and breathing techniques, either as part of a group or privately, which Apple describes as “a perfect combination with spa treatments.” The spa also has a retail outlet offering a range of spa merchandise, including aromatic essential oils, massage oils, incense, Banyan Tree Signature ceramic oil burners, candle holders, and pampering bath collections. Banyan Tree’s 88 pool villas are among the largest on the island and come in eight different styles and sizes – from 130 sqm to 316 sqm. Accommodation includes: Garden Pool Villas, featuring their own pool, a large living room and landscaped gardens; Grand Pool Villas that also includes an outdoor jet pool and outdoor sala; Ocean View Villas, splendidly decorated and featuring their pool and great sea views; Hillcrest View Villas, located further up the hill with magical views of the cove. The Royal Banyan Pool Villas offer wrap-around views of the area and their sala. At its Spa Pool Villas, you can have treatments in your ensuite spa treatment room, private pool, and Sanctuary Pool Villas, which feature an outdoor deck and private garden, private pool, and uninterrupted views of the Gulf of Thailand. The Presidential Pool Villa comes with two private pools, a specially decorated sala that links two one-bedroom villas , and a setting for intimate gatherings, with a panoramic overview of the resort, sea and cove. Banyan Tree takes advantage of its hillside location to create five dining experiences, starting with Saffron, the resort ’s signature restaurant, offering Thai cuisine. Signature dishes include Pho Pia Sod, Goong Mhunggorn, Yum O salmon, and scallops.

Banyan Tree Samui also offers Destination Dining options that include Samui Episode for dining experiences in a softly illuminated private pavilion on the beach. For all-day dining and great views of the cove, try The Edge, which serves Asian, Western and locally inspired dishes using seasonal ingredients. Sands on the beach offer a different experience and feature char-grilled, wood fire or rotisserie seafood and prime cuts of meat. Sands is open for brunch and dinner. It’s popular on Sundays with its brunch extravaganza. The Lobby Lounge, just off the main lobby and the first stop on my visit, is great for after noon tea or cocktails with Thai and Western tapas. The Pool Bar offers complimentary afternoon treats around the pool , including ice cream, sorbet, and shaved ice. It also serves chilled cocktails, fruit juices, snacks and light meals. There’s also in-villa dining, starting with breakfast with food choices including Thai, Western, Japanese and a special health menu. Lunch and dinner offerings include international , local, and signature dishes from Saffron and Sands. Banyan Tree is located off Lamai Beach – the second largest on the island – the second largest on the island – in a private bay all its own. On any day, there’s always a line of white umbrella sun loungers hiding a group of bathers taking advantage of the light green waters of the gulf.

Nearby attractions include Hin Ta Him Yai, a risqu é-shaped pair of rocks nicknamed grandfather and grandmother in Thai and Lamai Temple, the main gathering point for religious and community activity on the island. The temple has a cultural hall housing artifacts from S amui’s past, such as brass and earthenware vessels, attracting hundreds of tourists daily.

Bo Phut Resort Samui Golf In Sight Of The Ocean

olf against an amazing backdrop of rolling hills, waterfalls, a creek, and always in sight of the ocean at one of the most beautiful golf courses on Koh Samui. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Bo Phut Resort & Spa, part of the Santiburi Group and has a special arrangement with the Santiburi Samui Country Club that allows Bo Phut ’s guests access to the club. Bo Phut also provides free transportation and discounted green fees to and from the club. It is the island's first and only golf course designed to meet international golf club standards. Santiburi’s course is located lengthways along the coast, and its hilly terrain and sloping greens pose special challenges for golfers of all stripes. With its large, towering double-tiered A-shaped roof, the entrance to Bo Phut sets the stage for more surprises that include a long, white coral sandy beach, a larger-than-life curving pool surrounded by sun loungers shaded by large white umbrellas, gardens, and walkways of thickly growing tropical plants, flowers and dense green undergrowth. In the lobby, pillars with granite bases, topped by wooden columns, reach the timbered ceiling on your way to check-in at reception on the right. Sofas with brightly coloured striped and orange pillows are scattered on each side of the outer lobby, where guests often gather to plan their day.

The pillars give the lobby an open feeling, as does the large open entrance at the rear that leads to Bo Phut’s tropical gardens and a cement walkway to the beach and pool. Small statues, like the mother duck and her brood at the side of Sala Thai, one of the resort’s restaurants, are scattered throughout the grounds. On your way to the beach, you pass a large, curving pond with a highspurting fountain, past Bo Phut ’s villas, and then a stone wall embedded with long, narrow, hollow bamboo shafts that shoot water into a shallow pool, and finally to the main pool, edged by concrete statues of fish. The pool is close to the beach, with a wooden deck on one side and a stone floor on the other. It ’s late morning, and the air is still, but that changes as you approach the main pool and the resort’s 250-metre-long beachfront. M8w-l0WwAB4 Touring Bo Phut Samio ttps://youtu.be/hNTmFoUs3bA More Bo Phut Resort, Koh Samui Pix

Your first introduction to the spa also comes in the lobby, where you ’ll be offered a complimentary 15-minute Jet Lag massage, plus a special discount on treatments. The spa is steps away, on the right as you leave the lobby and located in a special bungalow with sandstone brick walls and frangipani near the entrance. Inside, at spa reception, with its terra-cotta pillars, lounge area and tropical plants, there is an immediate sense that you ’ve entered the peace and calm of BoPhut’s spa world. The spa has four treatment rooms, including two couples suites with teak walls and parquet flooring, an outdoor shower and a stone-tiled herbal steam bath. The beds have white covers with brown, burgundy-striped runners. Blossoms are positioned neatly on the beds to provide another dash of colour. A small, white oval notice on a chain of dark beads hung on the doorknob with the words, Privacy Please, alerts others that the room is occupied. The spa ’s most popular treatment? The Bo Phut Signature warm oil massage was created exclusively for Bo Phut Spa. It combines Thai and European massage techniques, in which palm strokes and thumb pressure are qi or chi, used to work on your key pressure points to strengthen your inner along with a specially formulated warm oil to enhance your experience. Saraporn Suravittayanon, spa manager, recommends a herbal steam bath to warm your body, open your pores, and boost blood circulation for first-time visitors. For experienced spa-goers, she suggests a body scrub or cleanser to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy skin growth; and an Aromatherapy massage using Aroma massage oil.

Other massages include the Royal Thai traditional massage, which helps to relieve tired muscles, and the Royal Thai massage with luk pra kob or hot herbal compresses to relax and soothe sore muscles. The Hot Stone massage, where hot stones and essential oils are used to increase your metabolic circulation, a Remedial massage which combines Thai, Swedish and Deep Tissue massage techniques. Others include the Balinese massage, which adapts traditional Balinese techniques, and the Aloe Creamy, a calming, full-body massage that combines aloe-rich vitamins and minerals with gentle strokes – “great for mature, sensitive and sunburnt skin,” says Saraporn, whose Thai nickname is Sarah. The Aromatic facial starts with a deep cleanse and exfoliation to soften your pores with a mineral-rich purifying mask and ends with a hand and arm massage. Facials include the Honey Delight, which uses a blend of honey and cucumber in a mask to encourage skin moisture and restore your skin ’s natural balance. Rejuvenating facial, the spa ’s most popular uses protective and antiaging ingredients to saturate your skin to deep levels. Among body treatments, favourites include the Ginger Caramel body scrub, which harnesses the power of ginger, oat powder and honey to detox and bring your body back into balance. Its vitamin-rich and anti-bacterial properties make it great for dry and sensitive skin. It also removes dead skin

cells while soothing and smoothing your skin. Other popular scrubs: Coconut Butter body, a mild, nutrient-rich scrub designed to exfoliate, nourish and moisturize; The Firming Coffee body scrub, which uses the deep-cleansing powers of coffee to exfoliate, stimulate and refresh your entire body; The Honey and Sesame body scrub that uses a mixture of traditional herbs with honey and sesame seeds to remove dead skin cells, moisturize and encourage new skin cells; and the Relieving After Sun Care, designed to relieve pain and damage after too much sun.

The spa ’s Dead Sea Thermal Mud wrap uses the healing and detoxifying properties and minerals to leave your skin softer and refreshed. “A great treatment to ease water retention,” says Sara. Bo Phut also has six pampering packages, ranging from two hours and three hours in duration, all with great evocative names – Serenity, Harmony, Romance, Sweet Honeymoon, Royal Thai Healer, The Bo Phut Royal Treat; and Perfect Day, which lasts 5.5 hours. It includes a herbal steam and jacuzzi, a choice of scrub, a Milk Body wrap, a body wrap and facial and spa cuisine and ends with a relaxation session and Thai herbal tea. Steams and wraps include a Moor Mud bath, Samunprai Thai Herbal Compress and an Aromatic bath. The Royal Thai Healer lasts 3.5 hours and starts with a herbal steam bath, a Turmeric body scrub, a Honey Milk body wrap, an Aroma Thai massage and a

Thai Honey facial. It ends with a herbal tea. The Sweet Honeymoon, another 3.5hour package, includes a Honey Milk bath, a Honey and Sesame Scrub, Aromatherapy massage and a Honey Delight facial. The 2.5-hour Bo Phut Royal Treat begins with a floral footbath and includes a Romance Salt scrub with luk pra kob, a neck-and-shoulder massage. It ends with herbal tea. Bo Phut offers nine types of accommodation, starting with its Deluxe Garden View and Deluxe Ocean View rooms. Both offer 50 sqm of living space , including a private terrace or balcony, outdoor furniture, and an outdoor Jacuzzi in the case of the Ocean View rooms.

Its Junior suite, 70 sqm in size, is located on the top floor of a low-rise building. It features separate living and sleeping areas, a large terrace with outdoor furniture, and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Bo Phut ’s Garden Villa Standard is a contemporary Mediterranean-style , large villa, 75 sqm in size, and features separate living and sleeping areas bathrooms, large terraces, and an outdoor Jacuzzi and furniture. The Garden Villa and Ocean View villas, also 75 sqm in size, offer the same amenities as the Garden Villa Standard. A tropical garden surrounds them, while the Ocean View villas provide wide views of the Gulf of Thailand. The Beachfront villa, 120 sqm in size, also features outdoor showers, a toilet and a Jacuzzi. It’s located in the gardens with views of the beach and ocean.

There are two 160 sqm villas – Garden Plunge Pool and Garden Pool – built in the style of a contemporary Thai house, featuring large terraces with private entrances, a writing desk, an en suite bathroom and an outdoor plunge pool. The largest, the 180 sqm Premier Pool villa, features similar amenities and is surrounded by gardens and landscaping to ensure absolute privacy.

Bo Phut has two dining options – L’Ocean and Thai Sala. Both are located by the water. L’Ocean is a Mediterranean restaurant located by the beachfront, offering specials from Mediterranean countries, including Fattoush salad, rolled eggplant with goat cheese, Moroccan-style chicken with saffron, and homemade pastas. Favourite dishes include sea bass fillet , pumpkin tower almond leek, Kobe beef, lasagna, and grilled fresh prawns. Sala Thai, housed in an old-style teak building by the resort ’s meandering pond, features foods from various regions of Thailand in a candlelit atmosphere. Sala Thai ’s sous chef also conducts weekly cooking classes, where he reveals the secrets of his creations. Its Thai set menu night features a Thai dancing show on Thursday nights. Sala Thai favourites include Pla Tod Sumun Prai, Goong Makham and Gaeng Khew Whan Gai. Bo Phut cultivates a family atmosphere. “Many of our guests tell us that when they’re here, it feels like their second home…we go the extra mile to make our guests feel really welcome,” said Sara.

“When our resort was opened, many of our guests who visited us at that time keep coming back. We have a special dinner for them with our senior management, for example, and follow up with them and everyone else who stays with us. It 's part of our philosophy and approach and colours everything we do. We stay in touch.”

Four Seasons Samui A Place to Remember

ou’re never prepared for the stunning view entering the glass-walled reception area at Four Seasons Resort on Koh Samui. Certainly not for the sweeping, heart-stopping beauty that suddenly appears as you step literally into a different world: Villas perched halfway down an amphitheatre of sloping hills to the white sandy beach and the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand. And the incredible greenness surrounding it all. The air is hot and humid in the midday sun as we board a buggy and walk down the winding road to the spa office, nestled among the coconut trees. And beyond the spa, the cement roadway , with its endless twists and turns , was purposely designed to accommodate many coconut trees on the hillside. Every effort was made to preserve each tree when the resort was built. There ’s even one tree growing in the middle of one of the villas. The other villas were built

around the trees. The sounds of cicada s rising and falling in the thick growth of Beetle Nut trees as our cart slows for a sharp turn and takes us right up to the beach area. It’s part of the Cicada mating ritual and common in Thailand in the noon-day heat. Kotchaphan Mekloy, Four Seasons Samui spa director, directs us to a soft chair opposite her in the coolness of the spa reception. She smiles a lot when she describes what her spa is all about. “Many of our guests seek well-being experiences when they stay with us,” said Kotchaphan, whose Thai nickname is Fan. “Some combine spa and fitness with Day-Long Experiences based on our core foundation – a healthy meal, a satisfying workout, a good night’s sleep, and some pampering. Treatments use coconut shells and oil, enhanced with warmth, while others are interested in slowing down their pace and relaxing through meditation and other experiences. Our team spent time understanding this and has come herbal compresses or fresh ginger paste, butterfly pea flowers and Kaffir lime zest. XnzH0xuYf3I Touring Four Seasons Koh Samui https://youtu.be/b7G2nn1BL_I Experiencing Four Seasons Samui Your spa journey starts with a health questionnaire at reception before you’re escorted up to the spa villa, where you receive a footbath, and your therapist reconfirms any concerns you may have and reviews your treatment requests. She also explains the benefits and the steps involved in the treatment so that there are no surprises. At the end of the treatment, the spa usually provides hot slippers for each guest. “We also put a hot towel on their backs and do a few massage steps while sitting up.” The Spa ’s questionnaire covers health conditions like heart, diabetes, cancer, eczema and thyroid problems, what medications you take and any recent injuries and surgeries you may have had. In each case, much depends on your choice of treatment and what your therapist recommends. Its five signature treatments are very different from each other. The most popular is the Secret Garden massage which uses steamed herbal compresses, while the Kala massage uses two small coconut shells (Kala in Thai) to massage

the guest. Also popular is the Samui Fusion, which blends Thai stretching with deep techniques. Two male spa therapists created the treatment. The spa ’s most popular wrap is the Thai white clay and Pumpkin, where you’re encased in banana leaves that leave your skin deeply nourished. Among facials, the favourites are its Anti-Ageing treatments that use ultra oxygenating, dehydrating and firming, vitamin-rich berries, wheat germ, super berries serum, rose essence, and spirulina to tighten and lift. “We’ve incorporated new facial brands focusing on brightening and hydrating the skin. We always aim to keep the ingredients we use in our facials as natural as possible.” Other facials include Deep Cleansing, which uses three treatments to purify, soften and refine your skin using an exfoliating peel, cleansing lavender, berry serum and a mineralizing mud mask; the Brightening, which uses a powerful blend of skin-illuminating botanicals for brighter, tighter skin and instant radiance, using turmeric, rice, Kombucha and red algae serum; the Lymphatic helps to drain trapped fluid and toxins, using circling techniques to reduced swelling, ease sluggishness and headaches. rYfLol5yjUY Driving down to the beach pYiWnqIALc4 More sights and scenes https://youtu.be/ScTOZFrmGFE More Four Seasons Samui Pix The spa’s spiritual journeys focus on the benefits of yoga. Its yoga pavilion is open from sunrise to sunset for guests to practice in private or classes. Complimentary yoga classes are available on Mondays and Fridays. Yoga and meditation classes, as well as Pilates, are also available. Popular wellness therapies include the Chi Ned Tsang, designed to boost your energy and digestive function, use a focused abdominal massage to stimulate your digestion, and cleanse and improve your overall well-being, while Magnesium Wellness uses the “miracle mineral” to restore tired muscles. This is followed by applying mineral-soaked towels, an immunity-boosting coconut massage, and warm water cushions for maximum preventative heat. It

ends with a mini facial.

What treatments would she recommend to a new visitor to her spa? It depends, says Fan, on the needs of each person. For someone who likes to be pampered, she suggests the three-hour “Tree of Life” Ritual “that revives beautiful feelings from childhood”. The treatment begins with a full-body cleansing with natural coconut and Thai honey soap. Then steamed Tamarind leaves are used to moisten the body before massaging it with soap, followed by a honey and coconut scrub and a Kala massage. Stephanie Western women tend to book more facials than Asian women. says they both like to be pampered when it comes to massages. The spa ’s Fragrant Cocooning Rituals include the Tree of Life and the Energy of Samui – an Aroma treatment that enlivens the body and mind with a Guava and Kaffir Lime, a wrap of Thai white clay, pumpkin and banana leaves and ends with an oil or Thai massage. The Earth to Sky Ritual, described as a “bespoke experience , " features a scrub, massage and facial combination, followed by a Secret Garden and Coconut Hydrating facial. Siam Lovers, a special treatment for couples, combines home-grown herbs and the hands of four therapists working in harmony. It includes a coconut and jasmine rice wrap, a rose bath, and your choice of bathing in the spa ’s outdoor tubs or villas. The Secret Beach treatments are performed on a secluded beach under the shade of palm trees.

The spa has a number of “Reason To” treatments, starting with Reason to Sleep, which begins with a flow yoga session to unite your breath and movement session, followed by a Lava Shell massage, an hour of meditating, a candle-lit bath and a shoulder, neck, feet and head massage. Reason To Pamper is a cocooning top-to-toe that starts with a scrub, a massage using pressure point and stretching techniques, followed by a steam compress filled with local Thai medicinal herbs and ends with a High Tea. Reason To Play, which starts with guided exercises at the gym or beach, is followed by a Muay Kickboxing session, a healthy lunch and a Magnesium massage to release muscular tension and enhance sleep; and Reason To Nourish, designed to replenish lost reserves of health and energy that start with a rejuvenating body scrub, a healing wrap and scalp massage with warm coconut oil, followed by a private session to learn the art of juicing, using fresh tropical ingredients, plus six power-packed mini-meals throughout the day. Most popular facial is the Deep Cleansing – a skin-invigorating trio of treatments that purify, soften and refine, using lavender and body serum and a mineralizing mud mask. Other facials include the Coconut Hydrating, which uses Samui Coconut oil and seaweed to reduce fine lines, fight puffiness and leave you with a healthy glow, and The Brightening, which features a blend of illuminating botanicals for brighter, lighter skin along with turmeric, luminous rice, a Kombucha and red algae serum. Anti-Ageing tightens and uplifts your skin, using ultra-oxygenating maximum hydrating and vitamin-rich berries, and the Gua Sha Instant Lift boosts circulation, detoxifies, reduces puffiness and inflammation, and promotes hydration. Flowing strokes soothe stiffness and lull you into a state of relaxation, followed by a soft-to-medium Herbal Oil massage. Relaxing is the spa ’s most popular massage. Its Signature massage is The Secret Garden – a medium tostrong Herbal Oil massage to soothe tight muscles, using compresses of Secret Garden herbs, followed by stretching, acupressure and warm herbs to restore your senses after a tiring day. Another popular Signature massage is The Bespoke Bodywork, designed to cure symptoms with a focused approach, using acupressure, trigger-point therapy, hands-on healing and a soft and deep massage, offering deep relaxation, relieving pain and helping frozen shoulder, backache and neck pain. Steam is recommended at the beginning to remove toxins from your body. In the end, the spa’s healers will offer tips and secrets to allow you to start afresh. The Earth Energy Four Hands, a rhythmic crystal massage, is performed by two therapists. The warm crystals remove negative energies while flowing strokes and healing oils balance your body. The Kala Coconut is a one-of-a-kind

massage that uses coconut oil and Kala ( the Thai word for shell) to knead your muscles and reduce tension. Other massages include The Traditional Thai, Back and Shoulder, Warm Coconut Scalp, Earth To Sky, Subset Connection and Siam Lovers, performed by four therapists. It features a Coconut and Jasmine Rice scrub , a Coconut and Rose bath indoors, or a fresco. The spa offers four massages at the resort ’s secluded beach spa beneath palm trees – The Beach Thai, Beach Oil, Feet, Back and Shoulder, Scalp and Lava Shell. The Secret Garden ’s most popular wrap is designed for cooling your overheated, sensitive or sunburnt body. There are five scrubs – Guava Zest, Coconut Oil and Jasmine Rice, Lavender Geranium and Lavender, Thai White Clay, Pumpkin and Coconut oil, Banana Leaves, and Red Clay Rosella, Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Germanium and Grapefruit. Four Seasons Samui has 73 rooms – 60 villas and 13 private residence villas. Each of the villas is built on the side of the hill, offering great views of the Gulf of Thailand and private infinity pools. The resort also has the island ’s only private beach access.

Four Seasons Samui ’s two main restaurants – Lan Tania and Pla Pla – are located at the top and bottom of the property. At Lan Tania, perched more than 100 metres above the beach, you can sit indoors in air-conditioned comfort or outside under a thatched roof on the adjoining terrace. Indoors or outdoors, you ’ll have incredible views of the Gulf

of Thailand and surrounding islands. Lan Tania offers Thai and Italian specialties with a breakfast buffet with Continental, Thai and Asian dishes. A full North American breakfast is available à la carte. On the beach, Pla Pla – the Thai term for “many fish” – serves fresh fish daily and includes a comprehensive seafood selection with meat and vegetarian options and local dishes with varying degrees of spiciness in an atmosphere of white Thai sandstone walls and floors. You can sit on the white sand beach or an open-air terrace. There’s also a dining pavilion on the beach to accommodate 16 guests. You can also choose fine dining in your villa or your private BBQ with a chef to do the cooking. The Beach Bar is between Pla Pla and the pool and has great views and tropical cocktails. A big favourite is the resort ’s pool and beach bar , aptly called Coco Rum after the island’s famous coconuts. Coco Rum is at the end of the resort’s new 50metre infinity lap pool. It offers the “most comprehensive collection of ru ms on the island ” and a curated selection of fine wines and weekly live Latin American music.

Hansar Samui

Happiness And Healing With Water

UXSA comes from ancient Sanskrit and translates as “Healing – health through water”. This philosophy and old Thai healing methods based on the four body

elements of earth, water, air and fire form the basis of the concept at LUXSA Spa.

“Our philosophy is also based on creating happiness in others and on the Supawade Thai concept of the four body elements in our treatments,” said Phansakotn, Luxsa’s spa manager, whose Thai nickname is Pum. The four body elements – earth, water, air and fire – are the foundation of the whole body in Thai medicine and healing. In Thai medicine, the ongoing interaction of these elements affects your health and causes disease. It ’s the main reason why keeping these elements in balance is so important. She notes that it appears in your body differently when not in harmony. The earth element represents solid substances like skin, muscle, tendon, bone, fat, and organs. When the earth's element is out of balance, it shows up in our bodies in the form of tumours, bone disease, skin disease, etc. Water represents bodily liquids – blood, eyes, phlegm, lymph, urine, saliva, etc. When this element is out of balance, look for blood disease, eye problems, urine or renal disease, bladder or urinary tract infection or stones, abnormal other liquid discharges. Air represents substances that have movement like respiration, digestion, excretion, the motion of limbs and joints, sexuality and ageing. It ’s considered longevity and the most important element in promoting mobility, strength, vigour. Imbalance would appear in organs associated with the air element – pneumonia, coughing, mucous congestion, TB, bronchitis, fainting, dizziness and even arthritis. Fire represents substances that have heat like body temperature, circulatory system and metabolism. When out of balance, it shows up as diseases in your fire organs – your heart and circulatory system. “Many of our treatments do have a wellness aspect to them … and cater to those who want to regain the internal balance of their bodies naturally,” said Pum. Holistic treatments include aromatherapy with pure Thai essential oils, , massage and which the spa creates for its treatments, spices and aromas relaxation. We are talking at spa reception on the ground floor – a large, spacious area furnished with modern furniture and plants. This is where you can discuss treatments and your health conditions before being escorted upstairs to one of the spa’s six treatment rooms – four large couples suites and two Thai massage suites, plus three outdoor salas for open-air treatments.

Luxsa offers five Ayurvedic treatments, including Chakra Healing, Ayurvedic Treatment Balancing, Ayurvedic Head and the popular Abhyanga and Shirodhara. The Chakra Healing, a two-hour Luxsa signature treatment, combines ancient healing methods with contemporary massage techniques to help you reach a high level of relaxation and emotional balance. Ayurvedic Treatment Balancing uses a combination of three basic ancient hair conditioner treatments – bergamot, ginger, coconut, blue pea flowers , as well as Asian herbs – and the Ayurvedic head massage to relieve tension from your neck, shoulders, back and scalp, using deep thumb and finger pressure to ease emotional and physical stress.

The abhyanga is the most ancient technique used for relieving pain and is still a thriving art in many regions of India to correct “dosha” disorders, especially Vata. This massage also stimulates the skin, muscle s, veins, arteries, circulation and nervous system. It also helps heal orthopedic injuries, relieve swollen tissues and promote the regeneration of tissue and organs. The Shirodhara, another powerful treatment used to relieve pain and nervous tension, works on the mental layer or manomaya kosha, where your behaviour mind holds past impressions that imbalance desires and habitual

patterns. The Shirodhara is used to treat a variety of conditions, ranging from migraines to neurological disorders, memory loss, depression, anxiety and vertigo, and even greying hair. LUXA also has a master-in-residence program where visiting practitioners/retreats will help you achieve a healthy lifestyle. These visiting practitioners provide holistic treatments and guidance in their areas of expertise, such as yoga, stretching, Pilates, Tai Chi, meditation and Reiki, yoga, photography and art. The program also allows guests to immerse themselves in various “schools of therapy, ” healing wisdom and spiritual teachings. Chi, meditation , Eastern healing and Specialties include meditation, Tai spiritual meditation, conducted in a tranquil beach setting. Luxsa Facial Treatment, a Luxsa’s most popular facial, says Pum, is the multi-sensory experience that leaves your skin soft and radiant. This aromatherapy facial can be tailored to suit your skin ’s special needs. The facial starts with cleansing your face, throat, d écolleté and bust, then applying the alpha-energizing formula refreshing gel concentrate. Great for dry skin, combination-to-oily skin, sunburn and age-defying. The right facial for your skin is designed to meet your skin ’s specific needs, whether for dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, or age-defying results. HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/MYNDBEHMLO8 More Hansar Samui Pix Other facials include The Soothing ‘His or Her ’ After Sun Herbal, designed to hydrate and nourish your skin after exposure to the tropical sun. A combination of virgin honey, milk, natural yogurt, golden plai, organic cucumber and hydrating botanicals is used to calm the redness of sensitive or sunburnt skin. The spa also offers two Biodroga facials – Beauty Harmony and AlphaEnergizing. Beauty in Harmony is designed for sensitive skin, using a sensitive concentrate and collagen formation and a sensitive mask that makes the epidermis more resistant and protects it from negative effects, producing a visibly restored appearance and radiant looking. The Alpha-Energizing starts with an after -skin-specific cleansing of your face, throat, d écolleté and bust with an Alpha-Energizing formula Refreshing Gel Concentrate. It includes a special massage of your face, throat, and décolleté performed mainly with knuckles and ends with a moisturizing eye and lip mask using the skin-specific Alpha-Energizing formula.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your skin tone. The spa recommends using natural products and says chemical peels should be avoided during this period. There ’s also a Luxurious LUXSA facial for expectant mothers. LUXSA also offers a range of massages, starting with the Healing Hot Stone, which uses water-treated stones placed on specific sites on your body to promote relaxation and help open up the meridians or your energy pathways. , The hot stones prepare your body to perform deep tissue manipulations making your muscles more susceptible to therapy. The LUXSA is used to balance your elements. Oil is applied to your skin for healing in the massage, which stimulates your metabolism, relieves mental and physical fatigue, and balances your nervous system. The popular Eastern Blend combines additional massage techniques, where the therapist uses her thumbs and palms on your body’s pressure points to relieve sore and tired musicale and improve blood circulation. The Power Trip is a full-body massage to stimulate your blood circulation : long, and soothe tired muscles as your therapist combines three techniques firm, kneading, and small circular strokes. You have your choice of the spa ’s four elements of oils. Other massages include Herbal Healing, Serenity, The Stimulator, The Exquisite and Siam. There’s also a special message for expectant mothers. Pamper Your Partner is also popular with couples, where each learns to massage their partner in the spa, adds Pum. Its most popular body treatments are scrubs and wraps, starting with The Secret Signature scrub. The scrub uses the healing properties of the coffee plant, which kills free radicals and neutralizes destructive oxidation reactions – the cause of everything – from acne to eczema. It ’s also a gentle exfoliation that improves micro-cellular circulation and breaks up fatty deposits that can cause cellulite while protecting against UVA/UVB by screening out sun rays responsible for burning, premature ageing and skin cancer. The Coconut scrub offers deeply hydrating benefits that leave your skin silky and smooth, and the Four Elements wrap, where sea salt removes dull surface skin cells and improves blood circulation.

The spa’s Milky Bath uses Moorish ingredients to draw out impurities from tired urban skin and vitamins from milk and yogurt to prevent pain inside your body and give your skin a healthy radiance. Wraps include After Sun, Detoxifying and Four Elements. The Healing Tips is an Asian herbal secret remedy relieves muscular pains and aches. It delivers its therapeutic powers into your bloodstream and every cell of your body while cleansing your body from the inside and outside. The Element bath uses Thai herbal herbs and fresh oranges, lemons, and citrus oil to invigorate your skin. Other treatments include Thai Herbal Steam, one of the most efficient ways to eliminate your body of toxins through the skin and lungs. Popular massages include The Eastern Star. It combines Traditional Thai massage techniques with oil, in which your therapist uses her palms and thumbs on your body ’s pressure points to relieve sore and tired muscles and improve blood circulation. Other massages include The Luxsa, in which oil is used in a message, designed to stimulate your metabolism, relieve tension fatigue and balance your nervous system, and The Siam uses ancient Thai healing massage techniques to release tension, improve blood circulation and free your body of toxins that build up in tired muscles. Luxsa’s Pamper Your Partner massage teaches couples how to massage their partner when they return home. Power Trip, a full-body massage, stimulates blood circulation and soothes

tense muscles, combining kneading strokes with small circular strokes to reduce stress, while The Exquisite, a relaxing treatment, uses a specially blended signature massage of sweet almonds to help you relax. Luxsa Spa also offers a range of luxurious spa treatments for expectant mothers, from a full-body massage to soothe tired or sore muscles during pregnancy to beauty treatments to enhance your inner glow. “Hormonal changes can affect your skin tone, which a facial can help rejuvenate or revitalize your skin,” says Pum. The spa also offers a full range of Luxsa packages, ranging from its 2.5-hour Harmony of Siam to its six-hour Comprehensive Well-Being, spread over three days. Day one starts with a steam bath, a foot reflexology massage, a neck and shoulders massage, and a Thai herbal tea. Day Two also begins with a floral Luxsa facial, and Day footbath, followed by a LUXSA Signature massage, a Three, a body scrub, a choice of body scrub and a manicure/pedicure. The Harmony of Siam starts with a foot bath and herbal steam and ends with a Luxsa facial and The Siam massage. Other packages include Recovery, The Facial Bliss, The Beauty Ritual, Earth To Heaven, Vital Energy, Healing Hot Stone, Sun Salutation, After Sun, Coconut Healing, Ultimate Bliss, Herbal Healing Rejuvenation, Blissful Hanser, and the Farewell Healing, a 1.5-hour package that offers a floral foot bath, Coconut Massage and Herbal Facial Treatment for After Sun.

Hansar has 74 rooms overlooking Bophut Bay and offers three types of accommodation – Sea View, 50 sqm. Amenities include either King size or two Queen size beds, a free-standing bathtub, a walk-in shower, a daybed, and a sea view. The 75-sqm-Sea View XL is more luxurious and offers a great sea view, a four-poster bed with drapery, a free-standing tub and an oversized balcony, while its Beachfront Villas, the resort ’s most luxurious accommodation, also with King size beds. It’s just steps away from the sand and sea. Hansar’s main restaurant is H Bistro, which features a French Mediterranean menu, special Thai dishes and an exclusive wine list. It uses true Mediterranean spices merged with ingredients ranging from fresh Maine lobster and oysters from Canada, Japan and France. It ’s also the resort ’s go-to place for breakfast. H Bistro’s Under the Stars version is very popular, which features flame-lit beachfront dinners for two under the stars, complete with barefoot butler service. You can indulge in homemade ice cream, snacks, and fruit -blended drinks Bophut Bay, offering an at the Beach Bar. The Chill Lounge overlooks international wine list—a great place to relax and watch the sun go down.

Intercontinental Baan Taling Ngam Samui Tiptoe through the Treetops I f you ’re like most visitors, you ’ll find your first walk to the beach at InterContinental’s new Baan Taling Ngam Resort on Koh Samui a phenomenal experience and a great way to reconnect with nature. It starts on the elevated walkway from the lobby that takes you among the treetops and the intense smell and beauty of the forest as you gradually descend. The view from the lobby is exceptional. So is the lobby – large, airy and completely open on all sides to make the most of its view. It has two reception desks. The first is on the right as your enter. The wall behind the desk features wooden decorations, which hide the resort’s back office. You check in at another reception desk, with an unobstructed view of the grounds and ocean. The resort is considered one of the best places to see the sunset on the island. The wooden sculptures in the lobby are part of the design to give the resort an authentic Thai look. The first, made of dark wood, looks like the branches of a tree caught in the gyrations of a great wind. The second is a grouping of large black-painted wooden Thai-shaped figures. When it comes to names, InterContinential’s Baan Taling Ngam Resort couldn’t be more apt. In Thai, Baan Taling Ngam means home on a beautiful cliff, and when you see the resort from the air, you understand immediately. The resort has three main areas – the lobby and main buildings, the villas and the beachfront. At the beach, sun loungers, shaded by large grey umbrellas, look out on the Gulf of Thailand – a short distance from the water’s edge. Behind them were a beachside bar and a grouping of white cement Thai figures, similar in shape to the black objects in the lobby and the resort ’s main pool a short distance away . Here and there, lamps in bell-shaped wire cages provide light for evening strolls. Above, the resort ’s villas, white and sparkling in the sun, sit like brooding birds perched atop the hillside. You can get a clear view of the curving shoreline and white sandy beach from the villas, and at the left, a pier that extends some distance from the shore. VIGink2WyG8 Club InterContinental Baan Taling Ngam Resort Koh Samui

https://youtu.be/weewoIP4l6I More InterContiental Samui Pix The resort has seven pools located at strategic spots on the property, including five smaller, coloured pools in the residential areas, a panoramic infinity pool and a large 30-by-10-metre pool at the beach. The colours are created by the colour of the tiles that line each of the pools. The blue pool – 16.5 by 14 metres in size, is called the Dara and is located halfway between the main lobby and spa. The purple pool, the Napa, is a short walk from the spa. The orange or Cantra pool is surrounded by trees at the edge of the grounds. The red or Santhaya is near the residences, and the yellow pool, named the Tawan, is also located near the spa. Baan Thai Spa is two floors between villas, a short walk from the lobby. Its facilities include a reception lounge, retail and tea bar, a consultation room, a welcome sala, a large couples suite with a soaking tub, and a full private change room. Treatment rooms include a Thai massage room. All have private changing areas, en suite bathrooms, and a holistic and Ayurvedic consultation room. Its treatments were created by HARNN and focus on restoring your body's natural balance to create “a unique experience”. Each treatment has been designed to alleviate stress, remove toxins, and provide nourishment and a pampering experience in an Asian surrounding. Reach treatment is designed to enrich your relaxing experience. Treatments are designed to alleviate stress, remove toxins and provide a nourishing and pampering experience. Together with HARNN ’s unique holistic approach, natural active ingredients from botanical extracts and plant essential oils help restore your natural balance, strengthen your immune system and protect yourself from harmful pollutants. The treatments reflect HARNN ’s pride in Thai cultural heritage and the Asian holistic approach to well-being, and Asia ’s cultural diversity, as seen in its passage treatments. These include Tropical Samui Passage; Chinese Rose Passage; Siamese Passage; Oriental Herbal Passage; and Occidental Passage. The Siamese Passage is a cleansing ritual for your body and feet and starts with a pre-treatment consultation and a Siamese Heritage massage, followed by a Water Lily Purifying facial and a Jasmine hand treatment. The Oriental Herbal Passage uses the power of essential oils and traditional acupressure along your meridian lines to stimulate internal energy flow or Qi and release your mind from physical and emotional stress. In addition to a pre-

treatment consultation, the Oriental Herbal Passage includes an Aromatic Footbath and Foot scrub, an Oriental Body Exfoliation, and an Oriental Elements Jade massage.

The Chinese Rose passage, known for its scent, focuses on restoring the true radiance of your mind and body. It starts with an Oriental Rose Aromatic massage and features an Oriental Uplifting facial massage, an Aromatic Foot and Bath scrub. Teak is used extensively throughout the treatment rooms – on the floors and its panelled walls. The treatment beds are covered in white with dark runners. The scent, which seems to cling to everything in the spa, is called Dreamy Deluxe and was created and manufactured in Phuket by Signature Scents. It is organic and contains coconut , jojoba, sweet almond, vitamin E, and three essential oils – frankincense, rosewood, and lime. All ingredients are fresh, derived from safe, renewable sources, and contain no animal ingredients. The background music features soundtracks featuring a medley of relaxing chants and the sounds of nature and music of the Orient. A lavender scent is used throughout the spa. One of the highlights of your spa journey comes at the end – a tea ceremony

in which Oriental healing teas, sourced in Thailand and around Asia, are used to promote good health. The tea selection begins with a personal assessment that includes a review of your health history. The spa uses nine carefully selected Tichaa tea combinations mixed for their different healing properties. “It’s more than a drink,” said Dennapa Chaipaim, Baan Thai Spa ’s manager. “It ’s a gentle reminder of days where powerful, natural and simple rituals continue to be performed, in which the fundamental properties of each herbal tea are extracted most naturally.” The main core of the healing Tichaa teas used in the ritual and ceremony is customized for the spa by Harnn. “We believe in creating spa journeys that bring geApplene benefits … and returning to the true essence of the beauty of the Orient, using treatments and therapies ranging from a half to a full day of pampering,” said Dennnapa, whose Thai nickname is Denny. She recommends a Tension Relief Back massage for first-time visitors, which he describes as “a great stress-buster. Back discomfort affects your mood and the energy flow in your body”.

The massage is designed to loosen tense muscles on your back, neck, shoulders and head and uses hand-blended massage oils, applied with firm strokes and acupressure techniques on your neck and back to create a deeply calming effect. Denny also recommends a Thai Herbal massage or Luk Prakob to relieve deeper back . In this treatment, the heated herbal compresses help to detoxify and alleviate muscular aches and pains. A special oil blend , Tropical Mist, is then massaged into your entire body to help your back muscles relax deeper. For experienced spagoers, Denny suggests an Oriental oil massage, one of Baan Thai Spa’s most popular Signature massages, in which your therapist uses her palms, thumbs, fingertips and hand heels to focus on all areas of your body, using a fusion of Eastern and Western massage techniques. The Oriental is great for soothing stress and relieving tension while increasing vitality and flexibility. It provides the benefits of a Thai pressure point massage, while pure massage oil and soothing Swedish massage strokes allow for floating movements. The pressure can be adapted to suit your personal needs and sensitivities. Harnn, a natural home spa product brand in Thailand, created two signature therapies for the spa . Harnn adopts a holistic approach that focuses on restoring and maintaining natural balance using botanical extracts inspired by traditional herbal medicine and scientific research. At the spa level, Harnn’s organic plant extracts and essential oils counter the effects of stress and pollution.

The spa’s signature treatments – Eurasian Energizing Therapy and Oriental Rose Beauty Therapy with Co-enzyme Q10 for women – last 135 minutes. The Oriental Rose Beauty is designed to revive your skin, using a Cellular massage on the upper level to leave it firmer, luminous and radiant. Great for combating dry skin and improving the appearance of ageing skin. It uses a specially formulated body massage balm from Harnn, with plant extracts from Rosewater, Co-enzyme Q10, Shea butter and rice bran oil to treat your whole body, back, neck and shoulders and to boost your immune system and protect your skin from free radicals. The Oriental Rose Beauty Therapy includes an aromatic footbath, foot scrub, Oriental Rose Aromatic massage, and a Tichaa herbal tisane and fruits. Baan Thai Spa’s holistic treatments include the Chi Nei Tsang, a 60-minute Chinese treatment focusing on your internal chi or energy transformation. Nei Tsang translates freely as working your internal organs. This massage is performed on your abdomen to help you improve your digestion and energy level. It also helps release toxins in your organs and tensions that show up in other parts of your body. The Indian Head massage, a 60-minute Ayurvedic treatment designed to arms and reduce tension and stress, works on your neck, shoulder, upper

pressure points to help your muscles relax. Gentle massage techniques are used on the scalp to stimulate and revive your scalp to encourage circulation, raise oxygen levels and provide nutrients. The massage also increases the oxygen supply to your brain and helps stimulate hair growth.

Baan Thai spa ’s most popular facial is the HARNN Heritage Hydrating, a replenishing treatment for normal and dry skin with a holistic approach that leaves your skin hydrated and soft. Each facial begins with a pre-treatment consultation, an Aromatic Footbath and scrub, a formal deep cleansing and skin toning. Each treatment ends with a herbal tisane and refreshments. Other facials include the Honey and Cucumber, the HARNN Heritage Clarifying, a 60-minute treatment with a deep cleansing, facial steam with g Ozone exfoliation and a Balancing Facial Mask. HARNN Heritage Upliftin uses a hydrating facial mask to combat dry skin and improve dry skin and blood circulation – one of the factors that cause deep wrinkles. The HARNN Heritage Hydrating employs a detoxifying facial mask, a Revitalizing Lymphatic Drainage massage, a relaxing facial mask and a Deep Nutrition facial mask to leave your skin supple and radiant.

Baan Thai spa also offers a special package – the Traveling Weary Away Therapy – a two-hour treatment designed to fight off fatigue from long flights and jet lag, combat tiredness, and relieve body aches. The treatment includes a warm bath with sea salt to ease body aches and release muscle tension and a Siamese Aromatic Oil massage to improve blood circulation and restore agility.

It’s all about knowing your body's needs to help you create your personal haven. “By combining the nourishing benefits of a body exfoliation with a healing massage, you give your skin a chance to discover a tranquil recovery,” she said. The HARNN Lifestyle Design starts with an Aromatic Footbath and scrub and ends with a choice between the HARNN Facial Ritual and the HARNN Body Pampering. Baan Thai Spa also offers a wide range of massages, from the Eurasian Energizing Body and Himalayan Ayurvedic Head Massage to the Eurasian DeStress, the Eurasian Energizing Body Massage. Massage – a The big favourite is the 90-minute Siamese Aromatic Body combination of Traditional Thai and Aromatic Oil Massages. The treatment uses a warm herbal compress to release contracted muscle and absorb active

botanical ingredients into the skin to maximize therapeutic effects. Palm pressure and stretching help ease muscle tension and restore agility. The Oriental Element Jade Body is also popular and based on the Traditional Chinese concept of elements. Each meridian point is anointed with HARNN’s signature blend of essential oils, followed by soothing massage movements. Jade is used to restore your mental equilibrium. The Traditional Thai Massage is always popular. It uses stretching techniques after Buddhist meditation. It ends with a warm herbal compress to release contracted muscles and maximize therapeutic effects. The spa’s most popular body wrap is the Sun Soothing Body Mask, which uses Aloe Vera to relieve sunburns, reduce redness and irritation while soothing your skin. Its Balneo Experiences offer three baths – Romance, Inspire and Renew – that leave you feeling hydrated, stimulated, and hydrated.

Exfoliation is a critical step in achieving great skin. Dead skin cells do not make your skin look dead but prevent your skin from absorbing active ingredients from skincare products. The big favourite at Baan Thai is the Oriental Rose Skin Purifying and Siamese Jasmine body exfoliation for dry and sensitive, along with the Eurasian Purifier, an Oriental Deep Cleansing and

three masks – Firming Body, Detoxifying Thai Herbal Compress. Other scrubs include the Oriental Rose Skin Purifying Body Exfoliation with Coenzyme Q10, which uses a skin -purifying body scrub containing essential natural botanical extracts, while organic rose water enriches your skin and apricot seed exfoliates it. Shea butter and Coenzyme Q10 are added to replenish moisture, improve skin condition, and promote a natural glow. The Sun Soothing Body Mask is the spa ’s favourite wrap. Other wraps include the Firming Body Mask, Thai Herbal Compress and Thai Herbal Ritual. “It’s specifically designed for skin with visible signs of fatigue and to bring life back to your face,” added Apinum. The treatment includes a facial massage and a facial mask. The mask absorbs the impurities and toxins in your epidermis, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized. Its most popular massages focus on holistic and pampering. The traditional Thai Yoga massage, used for centuries in Thai royal palaces, incorporates yogastyle stretches , Thai massages that send energy along your sen or energy meridians, aligning, balancing and allowing the free flow of energy throughout your body. It also helps to stimulate your blood and lymphatic systems and, when incorporated with yoga, improves body immunity for anti-aging and longevity.

Its Aromatherapy massage consists mainly of long strokes over your oiled skin and kneading the outer layers of your muscle tissue to reduce stress and soothe sore joints and muscles. The Aromatherapy massage uses oils from aromatic flowers, herbs, spices, woods and fibres. At Baan Thai, you can choose from five unique spa blends. Samui is known for its coconut trees and uses them in the spa ’s Samui Coconut Body Exfoliation. It mixes coconut husks, fresh coconut milk and sundried Andaman Sea salt to exfoliate and soften your skin. The treatment also uses a blend of virgin coconut and jojoba oils that leave your skin moisturized with the scent of coconut. Great for all skin types, especially after a day in the sun. The spa ’s Touch of Celestial Beauty four-hour package is “the ultimate pampering experience,” says Denny, “in which you rediscover your celestial beauty.” It starts with an Aromatic Foor Ritual and a warm steam shower with exotic herbs to hydrate and cleanse your pores. Next, total body exfoliation with a Rose Milk bath, an Aromatic body massage, and ends with a HARNN Signature facial with its unique massage techniques to restore and create an

instant glow and a younger-looking appearance. The resort is built on a gently sloping hillside that ends at the edge of a 120metre-high cliff overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. InterContinental Samui makes the most of its 22-acre cliffside setting by developing its large, Thaiinspired rooms, suites and villas. There are seven types of accommodation: Ocean View and Premier Ocean View rooms, each 67 sqm, have panelled doors leading to a large balcony with day beds and a dining area. The Premier Ocean View rooms are on the top floor with views of Taling Ngam Bay. Tropical Pavilion suites, 70 sqm, are located on the ground level and feature a private bar, adjoining private dressing room, private terrace and access to the resort’s five coloured pools. Ocean View suites, ranging from 120 to 215 sqm, provide dark wood Thai furnishings, four-poster beds, vaulted ceilings, louvred doors, wooden latticework and a private dressing room.

Panoramic View villas, 210 to 240 sqm in size, are cliffside villas that offer secluded luxury, phenomenal views of the gulf and greenery, a large minibar and cocktail-making facilities, and two en suite bedrooms, large sundecks , and are close to pools. Beachfront Pool Villas, 82 to 89 sqm, are located on Taling Ngam Bay, with a private sundeck.

The Three-Bedroom Napa Reserve villa, 320 sqm in size and located in the middle of the resort ’s rainforest, offer panoramic views and residential-style accommodation; Thai-style bedrooms; separate dining and living areas; and outside, a lounge and show kitchen, a large sundeck and private pool, and access to exclusive use of the spa suite. When it comes to dining, you can have two unusual dining experiences, starting with Amber, its top restaurant, which offers all-day dining and features dishes with a Thai influence and other Asian tastes. Popular dishes include Boston lobster steamed over hot rocks at your table, with soy sake mirin broth and soba Deerdles; pan-fried gnocchi ; preserved lemon and caper butter, tomato salsa and grilled tiger prawns. Braised Wagyu beef is also in red wine jus, potato purée, soft-boiled egg vinaigrette and caramelized shallots. Stained glass wall murals and contemporary artwork and seeing the restaurant’s chefs prepare dishes at a live cooking station in the middle of the restaurant combine to create a very special ambience. Or you can dine al fresco outside, where you can dawdle over your meal while taking in the great views of the gulf. Amber’s in-room wine cellar stocks more than 1,000 labels. Its other main restaurant, Flames, is spectacular on several levels, starting with the dazzling performances of its fire performers on Saturday evenings. Flames is located beachside in a high-gabled roof building with an arched entrance. Guests also have the option of dining outside. The menu is themed around the fire concept. Here, you can have fresh seafood or meat cooked by flame, grilled, baked or on the BBQ. Special dishes seafood and include cannoli risotto cooked with chicken bouillon, local crustacean foam; mud crab claw, avocado guacamole, coconut and lemongrass foam; and oven-roasted duck breast on a spicy mango and cashew nut salad. Lighter fare, including tapas and sushi, is available at the Air Bar on the cliff. The location creates the sensation of floating above the gulf and offers 360degree views. Serene, the lobby café, is the place for afterDeern teas and coffees serves up light lunches and from Thailand and around the world. It also homemade pastries. The Fireside – a unique Continental concept – draws on our instincts to sit around the fire in the evening. It ’s located in front of Flames, where guests gather around a central fireplace. You can nibble away on various Thai and Asian dishes and desserts at the Pool and Beach, including its signature ice cream and sorbets.

Melia Samui A Resort within a Resort

t’s called The Level, which consists of 55 luxurious rooms and suites, a private lounge, and a number of bespoke privileges.

There are 30 elegant two- storey The Level Boat suites that are more than 100 years old. Six of the suites offer vistas of the resort ’s two-level infinity pool with sunken seating areas and in-water lounges, while seven other suites have access to the lagoon pool. Twenty-four Level Pool Access rooms have private terraces that segue 700 metre-long lagoon pool that meanders through the resort’s lush grounds like a river. Melia Samui overlooks secluded Choeng Mon beach on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui and has a 256 sqm presidential suite with its own exclusive floor for privacy. It offers a vast living area with a ten-seat dining table and a private balcony overlooking the lagoon pool. It’s also part of The Level. The Level also offers an upgraded level of service and benefits, including access to an executive lounge shaped like a boat ’s hull with all-day snacks and beverages and boasts a vast open terrace surrounded by a water feature with panoramic views of Choeng Mon Beach.

Other The Level privileges include complimentary afternoon tea, cocktails, and canapes at The Level Lounge from 2.30-4.30 p.m. and 5.30-7.30 p.m. During the latter, guests also can learn how to make cocktails at the lounge ’s cocktail counter. A superior level of personalized service encompasses private check-in and check-out at The Level Lounge, welcome amenities including chocolate and fruit, a dedicated concierge service, and preferential reservations in the resort ’s restaurants and bars by the concierge. “With The Level, we have introduced a resort within a resort that prides itself on both exclusivity and privacy,” says Ernesto Osuna, the resort ’s general manager. “Drawing upon our warm and sunny Spanish hospitality, The Level lifts the getaway experience on Koh Samui island to a whole new level.” In-room services include Nespresso coffee machines and capsules and late check-out until 2 p.m., subject to availability. Other benefits include a 10% discount at YHI Spa. The Level guests have access to Meliá Koh Samui’s facilities, including two restaurants, a swim-up bar, a fitness centre, a ballroom for families, a kid’s club, an outdoor playground, and a mini water park. Many activities include Muay Thai boxing, yoga and water sports such as kayaking, and a packed “Edutainment” program at the Kid’s Club Kidsdom.

Meliá Koh Samui’s YHI Spa is a serene health and well-being sanctuary. Its therapists provide an array of reinvigorating treatments, including massages, scrubs, wraps and facials that blend ancient Asian wisdom with modern wellness techniques. The spa is located on the second floor above the beachfront resort ’s main lobby. It offers private facilities, including two double spa suites featuring a shower and bath, two single spa suites, an infrared sauna, a Thai herbal steam room and a hydrotherapy shower. https://youtu.be/E_40DrDLnXE Touring Melia Samui https://youtu.be/yFwd1juH4tQ More Melia Samui Pix YHI Spa’s treatments are based on organic Thai wellness brand HARNN ’s products, made with natural ingredients via methods handed down by generations of Thai artisans. The spa focuses on invigorating your senses and promoting purification and relaxation. YHI Spa, as it is called, is the place where the soul, spirit and body meet. We aim to balance the five senses and foster complete well-being. YHI Spa offers numerous paths that lead to harmony. All you have to do is go with the flow. These include the aroma of essential oils, gentle music, expert techniques and the perfect temperature. “These include a healthy external appearance that reflects your interior, says Kantima Choimpoolad, spa manager, with therapists who are experts in your relaxation and well-being and water as an essential element of therapy, using carefully selected natural, ecological products. YHI Spa has an array of essential oils in its treatments. “We like to use our intuition and choose an aroma that feels just right for that day. For example, if ful lavender, ylang it’s a sunny day, we may choose a combination of peace ylang and peppermint that ’s refreshing, energizing, and complements the golden rays outside. We may select HARNN ’s signature essential oil blend of “Sensual Tangerine and Patchouli” or “Passion Rose and Geranium” if it's rainy. They relax and encourage our spa-goers to rest as they hear the raindrops outside,” said Pum.

Its most popular signature treatment/package is the Power Relief, a 60minute and 90-minute treatment. It’s a delicate massage developed for the deep layer of muscles, using slow but firm strokes to increase blood flow and promote muscle recovery. This treatment addresses chronic back and shoulder tension, reducing stiffness and improving circulation. Most popular massages, facials and body treatments include the 60-minute Healing Beachside Thai massage that uses pressure on the body ’s energy meridians to ease built-up tension, improve blood circulation, and free your body of toxins that gather in tired or overworked muscles. “Guests enjoy this massage amid our stunning natural setting of Choeng Mon Beach's pristine sands and aquamarine waters.” Local coconuts are a key ingredient in the spa ’s 150-minute “Samui Paradise Experience ,” that begins with 15 minutes in the steam room and/or sauna to open the skin ’s pores, followed by a fresh coconut body scrub, a fresh coconut body scrub and a virgin coconut oil massage. This package ends with a relaxing aromatic bath with natural essential oil to release stress and restore energy. It also includes a scented bath with refreshments and a blended YHI herbal tea experience. Among facials, YHI Spa ’s most sought-after facial is the 60-minute “Soothing ‘His or Her’ After Sun Herbal Facial,” which results in super-soft and radiant skin. This multi-sensory experience combines the finest virgin honey, milk, natural yogurt, ‘golden plai’ (from the ginger family), organic cucumber and hydrating botanicals to calm the redness of sensitive or sunburnt skin. Relaxing aromatherapy facials are individually tailored to suit your skin ’s requirements. Our trained facial therapists help guests select a treatment that

best purifies and balances their skin. This facial deeply cleanses, hydrates and nourishes the skin, soothing and reviving even the most sensitive complexions. “After a personalized consultation with our therapist, the guest ’s skin is treated to a complete facial using our customized blend of plant-based products and aromatic essential oils selected to address specific needs. It works for normal to dry skin, combination oily skin, sensitive skin, and age-defying results.”

“Not-to-be-missed Thai Herbal Blended Steam is one of the most efficient methods of eliminating the body of toxins through the skin and lungs. Highly plai, pandan and aromatic medicinal herbs, including lemongrass, turmeric, camphor grown in our own garden, are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and circulate in the body ’s tissue, delivering their therapeutic powers to each cell.” At the same time, the hot steam opens the pores and allows the herbal vapours to enter the skin to draw out toxins as you sweat. The herbal steam simultaneously cleanses the body from the inside and outside, providing a doubly detoxifying effect and a relaxing, soothing experience. “YHI Spa therapists offer treatments by Choeng Mon Beach's pristine sands and aquamarine waters for guests who prefer the outdoors, such as the Healing Beachside Thai Massage. You can’t get a better “sense of place” treatment,” said Kantima.

Six Senses Koh Samui Where the View is Never the Same

ll your senses come alive as you make your way down the wood steps to spa reception at Six Senses Hideaway Samui – the smell of the lemongrass, the

touch of the faint breeze from the Gulf of Thailand, the sound of waves breaking on the sandy beach below and a view that changes from day to day.

From the observation deck, built from old railway ties and close to the main lobby, you can see the thatched roofs of the treatment huts, almost hidden in the thickly growing trees and undergrowth. And beyond that are the gulf's bluegreen waters, where speedboats leave trails of foam in their wake as they head back and forth near a small island in the bay. Spa reception is located beneath the resort ’s main lobby, where we meet Keerana Sripongtunkul, wellness and spa director, who notes that all the spa ’s treatment rooms face the sea. “It ’s rare t o find a spa where all the treatment rooms have such an incredible view. Our guests love it.” When Six Senses first viewed the site, it was full of rocks. But Six Senses

saw a million-dollar view, an exclusive hideaway for world-weary travellers and a place of rich experiences – and transformed it into one of the island ’s premier destinations. “You ’d never recognize it today,” said Keerana, whose Thai nickname is Kae. “The view is never the same. Sometimes, the bay is turquoise. Other times, different shades of blue. The colour changes every day.” You’ll be invited to rest on a large day bed , swing, or lounger at spa reception and take in the view while being advised on your spa program, selected from a wide range of spa treatments and therapies. “We go that extra mile to make your experience the absolute best,” said Kae. Spa reception overlooks seven indoor treatment villas that can accommodate couples, each with a fabulous view of the sea. Its outdoor treatment salas, positioned between the indoor treatment villas, are far enough apart to ensure complete privacy. They are equipped with rain protection, mosquito nets, and ceiling fans , creating a definite feeling of being close to nature. joWflNqyoe8 Keerana Sripongtunkul, wellness and spa manager, Six Senses Koh Samui RL9o49TGLMw Dining on the Hill at Six Senses Samui https://youtu.be/q37Qv5wiFlA More Six Senses Samui Pix The cabins are not just used for treatments. The straw-thatched open huts are very popular with guests, who like to have their treatments where they can hear the sound of the sea. Some guests also like to do yoga, tai chi and holistic exercises there. The emphasis is also on spirituality and well-being, healthy food rather than diet food, authenticity and individualized treatments. “Our therapists provide high touch, not high tech, and we help you select the -tuned to suit your most suitable treatments and packages that can be fine needs,” says Kae. “We work with a team of highly skilled therapists and another team of selected holistic practitioners worldwide and have put together our deep emotional and spiritual health, understanding and passion for physical,

resulting in great well-being. “We care not only about ourselves but also about others and our environment…and support many charity projects and environmental initiatives. “In the spa, she adds, “the focus is to offer de-stress treatments that bring out your inner beauty by pampering to your body’s needs.” Herbal steam, sauna, showers, changing rooms and relaxation areas are available in the spa. The resort also has a fitness centre and a yoga pavilion, complete with mats, surrounded by great views of the Gulf of Thailand. The spa uses Dermalogica products in its treatments. The scent of peppermint and lavender, which have strong antibacterial properties, is used in the treatment villas. After each treatment, you ’re invited to relax with a chilled Roselle drink or, if you prefer, hot ginger tea. If you ’re seeking relaxation, Kae will probably recommend an Aromatherapy massage. “In one of our foot rituals, you ’ll have a great view of the sea while you soak your feet.” The spa also tries to refresh and create new treatments regularly, including a number of SLOW LIFE treatments that make you feel not so rushed. She says the spa uses herbs in its Thai massage, noting that the resort also grows its organic herbs.

SLOW LIFE treatments include the Secret La Stone Four Hands, a hot-stone

massage using unique massage techniques, and ending with a Reiki session. Amazing Senses Four Hands, performed by two therapists working in unison, and Hideaway Retreat combines Thai and Western massage techniques to reduce accumulated stress and restore balance. Hideaway Fusion, a customized body treatment, uses different massage styles to soothe and rejuvenate your body. A second Four Hands Massage , The Amazing Senses Four Hands, combines massage techniques, Reiki, Chakra balancing and hormonal healing techniques to remove old blockages and stagnant energy. The spa also offers several massages, including Thai Healing, which works on the body ’s major energy lines, called Sen. Traditional Thai massage uses a system of pressure points like Chinese acupuncture to promote healing and release stress to allow your Prana or life force to circulate freely. Several massages are based on ancient Thai wisdom, starting with the Thai Boran or Nuad Thai, which relieves stress, provides deep relaxation for stretched muscles, and increases energy levels and greater flexibility while relieving sore, aching muscles and joints.

The Oriental Fusion, described as “the ultimate treatment for your body,” uses a variety of massages to soothe, relax and rejuvenate your body. The Four Element is designed to balance your four elements, and Sense of Element, a soothing massage over your entire body to achieve overall well-being. Other

massages include the 90-minute Hideaway Retreat. Other Thai wisdom-based treatments include Thai Healing Therapy and Holy Thread therapy for your hands and feet. In this treatment, your hands and feet are soaked in a traditional Thai herbal bowl, and a holy thread is wound around your hands and feet. It ’s designed to balance your lymph and blood flow and is recommended for individuals who suffer from cramps, muscular contractions and lethargy. The Energy Detox is helpful for people who have stomach problems or feel sick, uncomfortable, stressed, and not sleeping well. The Cleansing Ritual, designed to rejuvenate your body inside and out, is “a pampering solution for today’s stressful living. “Oriental philosophy regards beauty and health as a holistic concept that embraces both your inner and outer self and the ritual supports the belief by applying natural elements that specifically suit your body ’s needs, release tension, improve circulation and create perfect harmony.” The spa has two popular facials – The Hydrating, designed for tired, dry skin, using firming Botanicals and vitamins to provide maximum nourishment and hydration: and the Sensitive skin facial. Skin Brightening/Pigment Relief is a revolutionary treatment to even out pigmentation and dark spots caused by sun exposure, age spots, h ormonal imbalance or pregnancy. Other facials include the 60-minute Soothing, which helps reduce skin irritation and damage caused by environmental problems by promoting healthy tissue regeneration. The Anti -Ageing uses natural silk cocoons to hydrate your skin. The cocoons contain 12 amino acids that improve your skin ’s elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and repair sun-damaged skin. Great for all skin types. Anti-aging treatments include the Lift and Glow, which use s the latest generation of repairing peptides and lightning actives with a collection of hightech cosmetic ingredients. The Anti-Wrinkle Eye Mask is designed to repair the skin, relax wrinkles, increase hydration and relax skin suppleness to leave our skin looking visibly youthful. To revitalize premature damaged skin, Kae suggests the Multi-Vitamin Power Skin treatment that features a vitamin power exfoliation, followed by a vitamin recovery mask to improve the texture of your skin.

Other options include Revitalizing Eye Rescue; Purifying Perfection for oily skin; Gentle Glow for sensitive skin; Anti-Ageing that breathes life into your skin; Revitalizing Boost facial; and Whitening Inspiration, based on Clarins ’ exclusive High-Performance Lack-Around System. When it comes to exfoliation, Six Senses has a number of wraps and scrubs, including the Detoxifying Seaweed body wrap, which draws out impurities from your skin while improving your complexion and protecting it from harmful UV rays. If you’re looking for a scrub, there’s the popular Thai Coconut Butter and Aromatic Marine Salt. There ’s also an After Sun Soothing scrub and a wrap of the same name. More body treatments include the highly popular Senses of Element – a fulloverall well-being. For best results, it body massage – to help you achieve should be combined with Chakra Balancing, where Reiki is applied to the seven major chakras individually. In the hands of an experienced professional, the universal life energy is transmitted to you. It supports your body ’s healing by removing old blockages and stagnant energy. Favourite scrubs and wraps include the Coconut and Aromatic Marine Salt scrub, rich in minerals and licorice to heal and remineralize your skin. The After Sun Soothing wrap uses Aloe Vera to treat sunburn and reduce skin irritation , and the Coconut Bady Mask draws out impurities, improve s complexion, and protects your skin from UV rays.

Zen Na Tai is an ancient therapeutic medical massage that focuses on your abdominal area – the centre of your energy flow in your body and chest area to relieve mental tension in your chest area. It improves digestion and breathing. Its 60-minute Energy Enhancing or The Tibetian Seven Full Moon Singing Bowl awakens your chakra energy with healing oils to activate your body ’s energy flow. The sound vibration from the singing bowls resonates with your body fluid to cleanse and rejuvenate. Six Senses also offers several packages, ranging from two hours to 3.5 hours in duration, starting with Sweet Honeymoon, which features a private Honey Milk bath, a Honey and Sesame scrub, an Aromatherapy massage, Honey Delight facial, and ends with a relaxing Thai herbal tea.

Other spa packages include Royal Thai Healer, Romance, Harmony and Serenity. The spa’s holistic treatments include several choices: Massages designed for pregnant women to reduce peripheral swelling, prevent insomnia, reduce cramps and back pain , and the Indian Head massage that produces a deep sense of calm by improving blood flow to nourish your scalp. Harmonic Healing uses energy chimes on or near your body to produce sound pulsations to shift energy blockages, balance chakras and realign your body. Reiki and chakra balancing are also used to deal with energy flow problems.

The spa ’s healing rituals include the Thai Ancient, which combines the ancient Thai Boran massage with a Thai herbal compress ball to stimulate blood circulation and relieve muscle strain and tension. The Samui Ritual is a tropical oasis of fresh hydration and pampering that infuses your skin with healing coconut to remove dead skin cells, strengthen new skin tissue enzymes, and address sun damage and pigmentation. Its most interesting ritual is the two-hour Sleeping Enhancement – “a journey to recharge your body, rest your mind and enhance your soul.” It works on your mind, your heart feeling , and gut awareness to help you relax and become one through guided breathing. The process is enhanced by the healing sound of the Tibetan Chakra Singing Bowls that cleanse your body ’s energy and slow down brain wave frequencies. The package includes Reiki energy, Senses of Element and ends with a Ful Moon Singing Bowl. Six Senses also offers several exercise regimens that provide holistic benefits, starting with yoga, ideal for beginners and advanced students; Pilates, fun physical activity on a large blown-up ball; meditation, with an instructor who will walk you through sitting and meditation techniques; Tai Chi, as a graceful form of exercise originally developed in China 4,000 years ago as a form of self-defence; Medical Qi Cong , which uses slow movements for therapeutic purposes to strengthen your internal energy and boost your immune system.

The yoga sessions are led by Dr. Serge Landrieu, a visiting consultant who conducts the spa ’s myotherapy program and a Realignment Package designed to realign and tone your body structure. There’s also an astrology and palmistry session led by Omesh Langmann, a freelance astrology/palmistry expert and meditation healer. If you happen to be around the pool in the after noon or by the deck in the evening during the free bar, you can take advantage of an initial treatment provided by the spa ’s therapists. It can take the form of a shoulder or foot massage and lasts about five minutes. Many guests follow up with a full massage later. What do people like most about their stay at Six Senses Samui? Watching the sunset at Dining on the Hills has to top everything. Other turn-ons: The resort ’s butler service and eco-friendly style are in keeping with Six Senses’ SLOW LIFE philosophy. “All the water we use here is recycled. Even the water from our laundry is used for our plants and trees. Conservation is especially important on an island like Samui. We don ’t use cut flowers, for example. Instead, we pick up flowers that have fallen on the ground. We use them in the spa and for decoration around the resort.” Six Senses Hideaway is located on a sloping headland on the northern tip of Koh Samui and is set among 20 acres of indigenous vegetation. Its design echoes the look and feel of a Thai fishing village, with its accommodations amid greenery.

The resort ’s facilities include a large central Infinity swimming pool with poolside service, a gymnasium, a gift shop, an herbal garden, laundry, and a butler service. When it comes to dining, there are two main options – Dining on the Hill and Dining on the Rocks – each with unforgettable sunset views of the Gulf of Thailand. So bring your camera. Dining on the Hill, located on the sunset side of the resort, is open for breakfast, lunch and supper. Breakfast is spread over several dining stations. Lunch features balanced cuisine emphasizing taste, while dinner offers Thai favourites and weekly themed evenings with a traditional Thai dancing show. Also popular are its BBQ seafood night, with local Samui seafood, cooked either Thai style or BBQ grilled. It also offers three different seating styles – restaurant’s either at a table or daybed or Thai style on cushions, set on the pond deck. Dining on the Rocks, Six Senses ’ signature restaurant, offers new Asian cuisine –tried, tested, and original recipes with a new slant in a style called Modern Interpretative Cuisine. The emphasis is on taste and fresh ingredients. The restaurant ’s unique design and architecture feature ten terraced decks of weathered teak and bamboo. Other options: Chill by the pool, where burgers, pizzas and Mediterranean favourites are cooked in an open kitchen; Chill by the Beach, where you can eat

at your daybed or regular beach tables; and In-Villa Dining, where the restaurant comes to you.

There are two bars: Drinks on the Hill, where you can watch the sunset while listening to music, and Drinks on the Rocks, located within Dining in the Rocks. The resort ’s wine cellar stocks more than 300 labels from 19 countries and has regular wine tastings and wine dinners in the wine cellar with the resort’s sommelier. Interesting things to see and do nearby: Boat trips to some of the most beautiful areas on the island; snorkelling trips to Anythong National Marine Park as well as to Kho Tao and Koh Pha Ngan; visiting the island ’s morning market; mountain hiking; sea kayaking excursions; catamaran sailing; windsurfing; diving in nearby sites; shopping in Chaweng, the island ’s hot spot; taking in the sights on Walking Street at Fisherman’s Village; or visiting tourist sites like Big Buddha, a short distance from the resort.

Tongsai Bay Koh Samui Immerse Yourself In Nature

he soft, sloping green hillside rolls down to the beach, past the butterflies fluttering over the bushes and past lizards, a few metres long, that scurry

among the thick undergrowth as you approach. There are two ways to reach the beach at Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui – down the walkway on your right or the paved road on the left. I took the pathway, hoping to encounter one of the lizards, but they probably hid in the shadows of the bushes along the path. “We have a lot of wildlife here, including the lizards and 60 different bird Julathmart Tongpuek, the species that visit here throughout the year,” said resort’s Green Project manager, on our walk to the beach. Once you reach the beach and stick your toes in the soft, white sand, you know why the beach is such an attraction, not to mention the resort ’s Pro Lad Bistro and Bar with its wide views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Then, to the left of the bistro and past the pool, over a small bridge, you suddenly come across the spa, almost hidden in the thick growth of a tropical forest. The spa, called Prana, meaning life force, is reached through an entranceway with round, concrete stepping stones placed at intervals in a long shallow pool. Overhead, a dark-stained timber ceiling provides shade against the early afterburn sun.

“Prana is also a green spa. We use natural ingredients products,” says Bassy, Prana’s spa manager. “Green spa treatments are more effective because your body absorbs natural products more easily.” The spa has three special treatment cottages, each designed to accommodate two persons at a time and featuring open-air bathtubs, Thai or oil massage beds, a herbal steam room and chairs for foot treatments. The cottage treatment rooms are bright and extra-large, with arched roofs and wide, floor-to-ceiling windows. Lighted candles flicker on a stand on the opposite wall. But what takes your eye is the large golden metal floral sculpture against a pink background framed on the wall at the head of the treatment beds. The beds have white coverings with patterned, light brown runners. White and red blossoms decorate white towels at the head and again in the centre of the treatment beds. A blended essential oil of lemongrass is used throughout the spa to help you relax. A footbath ritual, using sea salts to draw out toxins, is included in several of the spa ’s treatment s. In the case of massages, you can also opt to have them done in your room or at a beachside sala. “People like getting massages close to the sea,” says Bassy, spa manager. Your spa journey starts when you enter reception, where you ’re welcomed with a cool towel and a cool drink and invited to relax as your therapist discusses any health concerns you may have and treatment options. The glass-enclosed spa reception is surrounded by thick green tropical

growth, which shields it from outside noises and distractions. In the background, a woman is singing Good Night Irene in a soft voice. Treatments usually end with a massage, using special oil that does not need to be removed in a shower. After the treatment, you can relax with tea before resuming your activities. Prana Spa has an interesting approach, a fascinating concept , a story, and imaginative names for its treatments. Its name is rooted in Ayurvedic medicine as the essence of Vata, the principle of wind, which serves prana as the life force and the attraction between Purusha, the lover, and Prakrit, the beloved. This force is vital to your life energy. Without prana, life cannot exist. It specializes in a relaxing technique that helps your mind and body move in sync to control and decrease your response to stress. It does this by first helping you relax, which, in turn, enables your blood to circulate freely. This helps cleanse your body of toxins and impurities and bring your body back into balance.

The spa is near the beach, almost hidden in the thick green growth. Its spa cottages have two massage beds, two treatment beds for Thai and another massage style, two easy chairs for foot treatments, a herbal steam room and an open-air bathtub for floral or milk baths. Treatments range from pure relaxation to specifically designed to decrease stress and stress-related problems. Signature treatments include The Samui Dream, a traditional Thai remedy that uses coconut oil and local herbs to repair sunburned skin.

Its most popular treatment, The Return to Prana, Tongsai’s signature package, was created for couples who want to go through a series of relaxing experiences together – the lover and beloved – starting with herbal steam and a Sangtong scrub for the lover and a Rojana scrub for the beloved. Then, you and your partner smooth the spa ’s homemade honey cream on each other ’s bodies before taking an Aromatic Milk bath. The Return to Prana ends with a massage with the spa’s blended oil. Princess Rejana, the youngest, was the most beautiful of the seven princesses of the Siamese Kingdom. She is pure of heart and dismisses criticism about Santong’s appearance. She presented him with a garland of jasmine flowers to show her deep attraction to her. The Sangtong for men and Rojana for women help bring their souls closer together. The one-hour Aromatic Oil Relaxation massage allows the essential oil to penetrate your skin, resulting in full-body revitalization and stress relief. The Rojana scrub uses a blend of jasmine scent and cashew nuts, honey and sesame oil to exfoliate dead skin cells and impurities to leave your skin healthy and balanced. There is also a couples ’ Aromatic Milk bath in your private open-air bathroom. It uses honey, lemongrass and ginger cream, which are applied by each other before being immersed in a milk bath and rose petals. Bassy also recommends The Return to Prana for experienced spa-goers. Her choice is the Prana Thai massage for first-time visitors, which uses acupressure to bring your four elements – Earth, Water, Air and Fire – back into balance and increase your energy flow. This massage is very popular with Western women, who find it relaxing, balancing and stimulating.

The spa’s two most popular facial treatments are the Samui Sundal Honey mask, used to treat skin complaints in the East. Its Collagen treatment is described as a direct way to restore your skin's natural collagen support layer. It helps to smooth facial lines and diminish wrinkles while improving the hydration and elasticity of your skin. Other facial treatments include Lifting and Firming and Linden Mask. Prana oil and Prana Thai massage are the two most popular massages. The Prana Thai massage focuses on acupressure, which is effective in helping your body develop natural pathways for your energy flow. It also harmonizes your body’s four elements. Aromatherapy, another wellness massage, focuses on your nervous system to energize and relax your mind and body. It uses romantic oil and techniques that stimulate your breathing and help s you synchronize your mind and body. It’s also great for headaches, insomnia, stress and increased blood circulation. Other massages include the Traditional Thai Herbal Compress – an ancient aromatic treatment in which a warmed herbal compress to ease suffering sore muscles and The Head and Neck, Anti-Stress, Pregnancy, Hot Stone, Swedish and The Lifting and Firming. https://youtu.be/k_--X05t99s More Tongsai Bay Samui Pix Favourite scrubs include the Coffee and Honey scrub that balances your

moods and removes dead skin cells, making your skin smooth and soft and minimizing the appearance of cellulite and varicose veins. The Tamarind scrub contains AHA, which helps nourish and soften your skin as it eliminates dead skin cells, while the Samui Dream, another big favourite, helps repair sunburnt skin, using coconut oil and local herbs in a body mask, together with an Aromatherapy massage and facial. There’s the 2.5-hour Samui Secret, which features a herbal steam, Coffee and Honey scrub, Prana Oil massage, and a Samui Sundal Honey mask among the spa's packages. Other packages include the Thai Way, Trim Off and Firm Up, Tongsai for Ladies and Touch of Nature. There ’s also the Sun Soothe mask, The Turmeric and Thai White Clay mask, Herbal Body wrap and the Floral Yogurt scrub. The Mind and Body Relaxation also helps you achieve better breathing, stronger blood circulation, release tension, cleanse yourself of toxins and impurities, and achieve inner balance and overall well-being. Akorn Hoontrakul, The history of the resort goes back to 1985, when chairman of the Imperial Family of Hotels, saw Tongsai Bay for the first time from the sea. Seven days later, he purchased the land and, for the next three weeks, slept on the beach, dreaming of his ideal resort and deciding on the best location for its cottage suites in a way that would avoid cutting down a single tree and result in minimal damage to the area. Tongsai Bay opened in July 1987 as the first five-star luxury hotel on Koh Samui under the Imperial Family banner. In 1993, Akorn sold the hotel group to a Thai businessman – but kept Tongsai Bay, where he wanted to live the rest of his life. He died in 2000, and his son, Thanakorn Hoontrakul, and his daughterin-law, Saisiri, who shared his passion for the environment, became owners and managed the resort.

Since then, Tongsai Bay has launched its own Green Project, working with other resorts and hotels to preserve the island ’s natural environment, according to Julatamart Tongpuek. Its Green Project includes several critical initiatives: Taking care not to contaminate the water and soil is one. Others include: Decreasing the amount of rubbish it creates; avoiding plastic products on site; supporting animal and tree conservation; using water-saving faucets to reduce toilet flush capabilities; and recycling the hotel ’s wastewater to water its gardens. Minimizing waste production: waste sorting and recycling; composting organic waste for use in its gardens, where Tongsai Bay grows organic herbs and vegetables; using recycled napkins and ceramic bottles for toiletries and glass instead of plastic bottles; using biological pesticides, compost as fertilizer and natural detergents; and supporting and funding local projects such as planting trees, litter clearing and beach cleaning. Energy conservation is also extensive – using energy-saving light bulbs, electric buggies, installing solar cells and using hot water generated by air conditioning and an ozone system in its laundry. The Tongsai is located in a secluded setting overlooking Tongsai Bay. Its 83 , open-air suites and villas are built on a hillside, with terraces or balconies baths, and a sitting area. These include Tongsai Villas, offering clear views of the Gulf of Thailand, an 81 sqm terrace, a gazebo where you can sleep under a mosquito net, a bathtub, and a pantry-bar dining table with sun loungers.

The Tongsai Pool Villas, located in the same Tongsai Grand Villas, offer a partial sea view between a palm-fringed garden, an extended terrace, and a plunge pool. Akorn Villa, the resort ’s largest, features two-bedroom accommodation, sharing 140 sqm of open-air terraces and a panoramic sea view. The Nang Gong Villa, perched on the edge of a small hill, offers 360-degree views of the resort and the sea, a private plunge pool on its terrace, and its private garden. The Guvnor Villa and Guvnor Pool Villa – are two adjoining villas with an extra bedroom in the middle. There are 12 seafront cottages. Most are semi-detached and include 29 cottage suites – McGuigan, named after Gordon McGuigan, who visited the resort annually from 1990 until his death, staying five months each time. It has a large terrace and is located close to the beach. The Hideaway was built in isolation , some distance from the resort but with an unlimited sea view . Viewpoint Family Cottage offers 160 sqm suites with two bedrooms, two bathtubs and an L-shaped terrace. These suites feature a large, open-air patio, a bathtub and a gazebo. Tongsai Bay has two main dining options – Chef Chom ’s Thai, located on a hill leading down to the beach, with indoor and outdoor dining on its terrace. It offers an international buffet breakfast and traditional Thai cuisine at dinner, with an à la carte menu , occasional theme nights, and fresh seafood cooked in an open kitchen. The Pro-Lad Bistro & Bar is the go-to place for Thai, Chinese and Western food during the day. At night, it turns into a gourmet restaurant with a different menu and an emphasis on a “fusion” of fresh seafood and meats. You can dine in an open sala or on a canopied terrace. On Wednesday and Thursday nights, a third option – Butler ’s Grill, located near the half-moon pool, which serves up steaks, seafood, and lamb with fresh salads and memorable desserts.

PHUKET

Anantara Phuket A Torchlight Welcome

very night, just as dusk falls, oil lamps are lit throughout Anantara Phuket Villas, just as they were in Thai villages long ago, as a sign that “people of

significance” were visiting.

This is followed by a procession of resort staff and guests that starts at the entrance to the spa and winds its way through the resort to the beat of three drums to welcome new guests to the retreat. Traditions are important at Anantara. Its logo looks like a water jar, and beside the jar is a triangle. It symbolizes an old Thai custom, going back a couple of hundred years , when Thai people left a jar of water in front of their homes for passers-by to help themselves. “It’s giving without expecting anything in return,” said Sirirat Kampongsun. “Because we ’re in the hospitality business. Kindness and giving are rooted in our culture and many areas of our business.” Every Anantara resort is represented by an icon that reflects its location. At Phuket, it ’s the turtle. The Chao Lay people believe that a woman of the sea gypsies changed into a turtle with a human face. Since then, they ’ve treated turtles as sisters of humans. Anantara’s beach, Mai Khao, is a well-known nesting area, and Anantara supports their conservation through the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation because “the turtle is very important to the people of Phuket ”. Between November and February, giant Leather Back Turtles leave the sea to lay eggs in the soft sand every year. The turtle theme is repeated all around the resort, even at the side of your personal pool. On the island's quiet, unspoiled part, Anantara Phuket Villas is located on Mai Khao Beach, a 15-minute drive from the airpo rt. Each of its 83 villas has its own pool set either within gardens, offering meandering paths down to the sea, or by a lagoon, with its bamboo water fountains and flaming touches at night. Some villas have private dining salas accessed over a wooden walkway across the lagoon. rXYAOv9GrE Lighting the lamps at Anantara Phuket https://youtu.be/DzdFZGZKHxs More Anantara Phuket Pix https://youtu.be/Y-Au12185Z4 Relaxing at Anantara Phuket

Anantara has a great line about its spas – that “the greatest journeys are felt, not told” and does its best to live up to it. It’s all about feeling good on holiday and finding balance, says Sukansee, whose Thai nickname is Joy. “Whether you want to focus on weight loss and body toning, detoxing and anti-ageing, de-stressing or holistic healing, or just the satisfaction of returning from holiday, looking and feeling great, Balance invites you to choose the ideal elements for you – from individual experiences to tailored programs, with total freedom in between.” The spa is known for its bespoke recommendations and programs that fit your ideals and times. When was the last time you stepped away from your work to recharge? She answers the question by referring to the spa ’s Balance Wellness threetiered program, which is also the spa’s overriding theme. You’ll also hear much about lotus flowers when visiting the spa. Growing in muddy waters and rising above the water with remarkable beauty, the lotus symbolizes the spa's philosophy and underlies many treatments, including its yoga program.

“Anantara offers a haven of serenity where you can leave behind the

stresses of everyday life and help you get in touch with your inner self – a place where hearts, minds, and actions are as pure as the lotus symbolism,” said Joy. Spa reception is located behind the main lobby. It is southern and central Thai in style and decorated with pottery, clay and brass, with a thatched roof, typical of the local area. The aroma of lavender essential oil follows you from reception to the spa ’s six treatment rooms – one couples suite with an inside bathtub and steam room, and an outdoor massage bed; four couples rooms with an outdoor bathtub; and one Ayurvedic room decorated in Indian style and featuring an inside steam room. The spa has a staff of 17. There’s also a lifestyle swimming pool – eye-catching even before you reach it – with its series of water terraces of various depths, fountain effects, built-in loungers, three tennis courts and a fitness centre and health club. The spa offers three Spa Journeys, ranging from 120 to 210 minutes long, “each crafted to help you escape the limits of time and space”. The Journey of Siam starts with an Exotic scrub to remove dead skin cells traditional headed while strengthening and smoothing your “new” skin. A compress filled with remedial herbs and healing Thai Massage techniques are used to soothe muscle tension all over your body. This is followed by a Floral Foot Ritual, an Essence of White Coconut Mint Scrub and a Traditional Thai Herbal Compress. The East to West Bliss draws on Phuket ’s Chinese Merchant Heritage and Anantara’s expertise to create a unique experience. Ancient Oriental Massage techniques and a special oil blend combine to relieve muscle tension by focusing on your body ’s meridian lines. The treatment also includes an Elemis Sensitive Skin Soother to reduce the appearance of redness and to protect your skin against daily stresses , a Floral Foot Ritual , and a Traditional Chinese Back massage. The Couple’s Exotic Romance Retreat focuses on pampering – revitalizing your skin with a refreshing lime and Stimulating Ginger polish, a luxuriant Milky bath that softens and moisturizes. Like other spas journeys, it begins with a Floral Foot Ritual, and includes an Elemis Intensely Cleansing Salt Scrub, massage and the Elemis Lime and Ginger scrub, Milky bath, a Bespoke Sensitive Skin Soother.

The spa has a number of massages with interesting names like the Elemis Deeper Than Deep Hot Stone, which uses Balinese stones bathed in Frangipani Monoi oil that is worked deep into your muscles to relieve tension and leave you with intensely hydrated skin. Its signature treatments – Anantara signature massage uses a warm , which helps to meridian oil massage that focuses on your meridian points stimulate circulation, relax your muscles and clear energy blockages. The Pearl of Andaman revitalizes your body from the toes up, “much like the Eastern lotus, a symbol of spiritual unfolding”. The treatment consists of a cleansing foot soak and a Chinese herbal back massage to clear your meridians and ends with an anti-aging facial to boost circulation for improved elasticity and radiance. Two other interesting massages – Chakra Crystal Balancing and the Bamboo Signature. With the Chakra Crystal Balancing, you get a chance to choose the crystalinfused oil blend that resonates with you as your body is surrounded by precious stones – the harmonizing Eye to balance your solar plexus; Chakra ’s Citrine to nourish your naval Chakra. , the Unconditional And with the Amethyst to open your throat Chakra Love of Rose Quartz for your heart Chakra , and Moonstone that enhances your creativity when placed on your Third Eye.

A purifying massage follows this to provide holistic well-being by releasing stress and tension and harmonizing your energy flow, stimulating blood circulation and your body’s detoxification. Singing bowls are used to begin and end the ritual. The Bamboo Signature harnesses bamboo ’s holistic energy, aromatic oil, and a set of warmed bamboo sticks to penetrate further, using stroking and rolling techniques to help release tension, reduce toxins, and heat and fluid retention with long-lasting benefits. Also popular are the Traditional Thai, Elemis Freestyle Deep Tissue and Thai Herbal massages. For first-time visitors, Joy recommends an Aromatic massage, a soft-tomedium pressure massage with a choice of four massage oils, using a combination of strokes and acupuncture techniques to help you relax. For experienced spa-goers, her choice is the Anantara signature massage. The big favourites are the Pro Collagen Quartz Lift Facial and Visible Brilliance facials. The 75-minute Pro-Coll agen Quartz Lift is an “anti-wrinkle facial with proven results, independently and clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by up to 94% and improve skin firmness by up to 57% after just one treatment,” says Joy.

This treatment uses specialized lifting massage techniques and professional strength, anti-aging formulations that make your skin firmer and youthful.

The Visible Brilliance-Brightening is a 75-minute face and eye treatment designed to combat ageing , stressed, and slackened skin. She adds that this treatment has also been independently tested “with revolutionary results”, she adds. After one treatment, it firms and plumps your skin while reducing dark circles and increasing moisture levels by up to 61% and elasticity by 40%. It incorporates micro-circulatory massage techniques, powerful formulations and an amino-active mask to restore your skin’s radiance. The spa also has three advanced anti-aging treatments – S.O.S. Purifying facial for oily skin , Oxygen Skin Calm facial for sensitive skin , and its TriEnzyme Resurfacing facial. Each lasts 75 minutes. The S.O.S. Purifying facial for oily skin is great for congested skin and is a powerful face and eye treatment that helps balance the function of the skin. It combines a purifying massage and a unique Japanese sulphur mask infused with Absolute Vita-C booster serum to calm irritation, rebalance oil-rich pores and leave a matte complexion. The Oxygen Skin Calm facial for sensitive skin combines gentle massage techniques with calming ingredients and a restructuring Japanese silk mask infused with Absolute Calm booster serum to rebalance sensitive complexions and relieve redness – a great face and eye treatment. The Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing facial helps to smooth away the years for more radiant skin. It pioneers the precision layering of three target enzyme serums to remove the thickening layer of the epidermis to resurface your skin by up to 75%. It increases smoothness by up to 32% -- also just after one treatment – and targets blemishes and superficial scarring. If you ’re thinking about a scrub, the spa has several that use fruit as the main ingredient. This includes an avocado body scrub, which uses avocado and apricot to remove dead skin cells, cleanse your skin and detoxify. The treatment also includes a floral foot ritual and a body moisturizer. Another favourite – the grape seed body scrub – harnesses the powerful anti-oxidant qualities of grape seed to fight signs of ageing, blending with essential oils to detoxify and moisturize your skin and restructure skin tone and texture for a smooth and silky look. This scrub also includes a floral foot ritual and a body moisturizer. Avocado appears again as one of the spa ’s most popular body wraps. It ’s enriched with Vitamins B and E and uses a blend of essential oil, white and red clay and avocado butter, created from avocado oil – a great treatment for impure skin and all skin types. The spa also offers four Ayurvedic treatments: A 60-minute Indian Head

massage – an energizing massage that combines pressure point techniques with coconut oil to relieve tension in the head and neck, relieve insomnia, chronic headaches, migraines and even sinusitis. In the Shirodhara, warm oil is poured continuously on your forehead, helping to calm your mind, body and spirit and enhance blood circulation to your brain, resulting in improved memory and nourishing your scalp hair.

The Abhyanga massage focuses on key junctions in your body, where blood, lymph vessels, muscle, bone tissue, and nerves meet from the feet up. The Murradanda focuses on body awareness and enhancing flexibility around your spine. Here, warm medicated Ayurvedic oil is applied to the back to facilitate treatments on the cervical and lumbar areas, improving circulation while relaxing still muscles and soothing pain. All four treatments include a floral foot ritual. The Sattabongkoj Ritual, named after a double rose lotus with large rosepink flowers that stand high above the water, has the same mystic aura. It offers two: Three, and five-day spa journeys. These feature massages, facials and body treatments designed to help you kick start a healthy lifestyle with vitality and beauty – inside and out.

The three-day Wellness Retreat consists of a 2.5-hour series of treatments that include a welcome bath ritual, a floral footbath, a choice between a traditional Thai massage or Oriental foot massage, plus an Anantara Signature facial over the three days. The five-day Well -Being Package starts with a welcome bath ritual and a floral footbath. It includes a Thai herbal steam, a traditional Thai massage or Oriental foot massage, Ultimate Spa Detox, a choice of a Shirodhara or Indian Head Massage, and an Anantara signature facial. The total package takes 5.5 hours spread over five days. Anantara’s yoga sessions are inspired by the lotus position of Padmasanam – Budding Lotus: Yoga for beginners, including postures, deep breathing and meditation; Sooryanamaskar or salutation to the sun, a great way to greet the day and stay fit and agile; Pranayama focuses on breathing techniques to help you increase the supply of oxygen in your body; Swan, “a Yogic wellness approach to eternal youth”, based on your physical condition, while the Swankarma shares simple techniques to nurture vigour. The Vaiyakthikham caters to each person’s diverse needs. Anantara Phuket has three restaurants – La Sala, which offers a buffet with gourmet à la carte options, and Italian dishes with a strong Sicilian accent for

lunch and dinner. Ask for its special dish – Royal Thai Set, which includes Siam Plate, Tom Yum Koong, stir-fried mixed vegetables, fried rice with chicken, deep-fried fish with garlic and pepper, green curry, sticky mango rice and fresh fruit. Sea. Fire. Salt. – the resort ’s beachside restaurant — features fish and meat dishes. Its special dish is grilled sea bass on salt brick, while the Tree House, named for the spiral staircase winding around an old Banyan tree and descending to the bar, serves Thai fusion tapas and hot and cold drinks.

The Tasting Room offers personalized menus, including special cheese and charcuterie, paired with wines chosen by the resort ’s wine guru from The Tasting Room’s private wine cellar. Interesting things to see and do nearby: Water-based activities abound, whether it’s a midnight canoe trip to a quiet lagoon glistening with the phosphorescence of fireflies, a sunset cruise aboard a private fishing boat, a diving expedition to the Similan Islands and its worldfamous coral reefs, or a picnic breakfast at a rubber plantation and learning how to tap rubber trees. Phuket has three marinas , making it a great starting point for island hopping and the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta held yearly since 1985.

Also worth seeing is Old Town Phuket, not just for its shopping but its SinoPortuguese architecture, still evident today, especially in its Shop houses. Shop houses were popular with business families in the early years of Phuket, who used the ground floor for doing business and the rest of the building for living space.

Banyan Tree Phuket A Haven For Renewal

s you walk past the main pool and across the freshly cut green lawns at Banyan Tree Phuket, you’d never guess the site was once pitted with acid-

filled craters and considered too ravaged to sustain development.

But the people behind Banyan Tree saw something different. They looked past the worn-out land and saw a green haven with inland lakes, flowering, sweet-smelling plants, and wide green expanses, a place that could be turned into a refuge where weary guests could come and renew themselves. Banyan Tree opened its first resort on this site in 1994 and showed everyone that magic can happen when you have the will and the vision to be a force for positive change. It’s now a place of inland lakes that support aquatic life and a colony of wild ducks. Its plants and fruit trees attract migratory birds like white egrets and Siberian ducks. Nothing was left to chance. Even the buildings were designed with the same care to ensure they were in harmony with their new surroundings. They are low-rise and owe much of their design to Thai architecture. It’s also reflected in the look of the resort ’s main lobby, designed in Thai

style and using natural products. The floors are made from earth- coloured teak, and its walls feature sculptures of dancing Thai maidens and meditating Buddhist monks. “It’s a reminder of what we stand for,” says Kingkarn Olarngarnjanin, assistant vice-president/executive director of Banyan Tree Spa and Gallery. “In nature, the Banyan Tree provides a great shade and is used by animals to escape the heat. It means a place of mental, spiritual and peaceful renewal in our spas, a sanctuary for the senses. It’s also the basis of our philosophy. “We’ve been on the top of the list since we were launched, and we ’re still on top. We never stay still. We try to improve on what we ’ve achieved and become even bett er. Every year. We do everything we can always to be the best.” sis2nnbX4wk The villas of Banyan Tree Phuket pWVIasL8MvE Banyan Tree Life Phuket OPF9vhP_sXg Spa Sanctuary at Banyan Tree Phuket https://youtu.be/Q9GI8L2JA3s More Banyan Tree Phuket Pix That means investing a lot of time in the spa ’s therapists to ensure they’re always up to Banyan Tree standards and constantly improving Banyan Tree ’s resorts and hotels. Two other resorts share the site with Banyan Tree Phuket – Banyan Tree Phuket Sanctuary and Double Pool Villas by Banyan Tree. Two statues with barred teeth representing mystical figures guard the entrance to the spa, which overlooks the resort ’s main swimming pool – a 40metre lap pool surrounded by thick greenery and flowering trees. The spa has 25 spa treatment rooms: Four royal pavilions, eight garden spa pavilions, four deluxe pavilions and four spa Tyoken villas, where guests can stay overnight and take advantage of the Rainmist Room. Each royal pavilion has a bathtub, outdoor shower, Jacuzzi and a shower room with steam. They are also equipped with a Rainmist room.

The spa also has a retail outlet, which offers a selection of spa merchandise like aromatic essential oils and massage oils, incense and Banyan Tree signature ceramic oil burners. Depending on the season, it has between 30 and 40 therapists and uses essential oils and some products developed together with certified labs in its treatments. These are used alongside natural ingredients like turmeric, coconut and jasmine. The exotic smell used throughout the spa is a mixture extracted from herbs, spices, flowers and plants as essential oils to help restore inner harmony and balance. You’ll also be asked to choose the incense used during your treatment. The range includes Banyan Romance, rose, lemongrass and lavender.

Your spa journey starts at spa reception, where you ’ll be asked to discuss your over-all health and well-being. You ’ll be escorted to a changing area, where you’ll exchange your shoes for slippers and be given a footbath and arm treatment massage. This helps guide your therapist in making the best recommendations for you, ranging from facials to body treatments. These are based on your desired massage pressure and body needs. Banyan Tree treatment pavilions are very special. They ’re recreations of Royal Thai salas. The walls feature stone sculptures of dancing Thai maidens and meditating Buddhas, and a lily pond surrounds each pavilion with

freshwater fish. Massage beds are draped in green and gold brocade. The spa area includes outdoor showers, a yoga pavilion and a swimming pool. The treatment beds are covered in green with black and gold runners. Essential oils sit in jade green vessels on a table nearby. The treatment room doors are decorated with drawings of gold- coloured lotus flowers against a wrappings around the black background. The same design is echoed in the columns in the spa area. Therapists have an interesting way of signalling when a treatment room is in use – a medallion hung from a chain of beads with the message: Privacy Please. Banyan Tree Phuket is also home to the Banyan Tree Academy, where all its therapists in Thailand go for training. It’s probably why Banyan Tree is known for its massages, especially its Master Therapist experience.

Banyan Tree ’s Master Therapists are an elite group of therapists selected based on their experience, training and intuitive sense of touch. Each two-hour experience focuses on the guest, with tailored massage strokes from Banyan Tree spa massage techniques. The clear favourite is the spa ’s Rainmist experience, another Banyan Tree innovation and the treatment recommended for first-time visitors. It starts with a steam bath to prepare your body for a body scrub, followed by a cascading rain shower and ends with body treatment.

Also popular is the three-hour Refreshing Sprinkle, designed to remove dead skin cells. It starts with a herbal footbath and includes a massage, a bath soak, Rainmist steam, a cleansing mitt scrub, an avocado conditioner, a face mask, a Soya milk splash and a rain shower with hair wash. In addition to the Master Therapist Experience, Banyan Tree offers a full range of massages – the 90 or 120-minute Balinese, which uses alternating thumb and palm pressure and firm strokes. The Asian Blend is a medium-tostrong massage adapted from traditional Thai techniques; and Balancing, designed to smooth out your body’s kinks. Banyan Tree’s new Tailor for Your Senses package allows you to mix and match to create an ideal spa package unique to you. You can select from a 60minute body massage, a 30-minute body scrub, a 30-minute body conditioner, a 60-minute facial and a 30-minute calming bath. You can also choose how long you want to spend, whether 90 or 120 or even 150 minutes.

The Island Dew, developed for sensitive skin, uses a blend of rose, plai, chamomile, and Vitamin E; Lomi Lomi, a deeply revitalizing massage from Hawaii; Sukhothai, great for stress relief stretching and joint movements. , firm and small circular Swedish uses three basic strokes – kneading, long movements.

The Balinese massage is a medium-to-firm massage in which your therapist applies deep thumb and palm pressure with slow, firm, rhythmic strokes that uplift your senses and ease muscle tension. Tender Touch features a rice pouch dipped in warm oil and palm strokes – great for mature guests and expectant mothers; and Thai Classic blends subtle stretching and rhythmic strokes with oil. For first-time visitors, the spa’s Signature Royal Banyan combines East and West massage techniques and rhythmic strokes to ease tensions. Banyan Tree ’s two-hour Classic Rejuvenation offers three 90-minute treatments: The popular Renewed Vigour, a soothing treatment that combines a Turmeric body scrub to exfoliate dead skin and a Swedish massage to soothe tension, reduce stress and stimulate blood circulation; and the Restored Vitality, which uses a Keiffer Lime Refresher and a Balinese massage to improve energy flow and relieve tension.

Other rejuvenation treatments include Pure Bliss, which uses a coconut and sesame scrub and a Lomi Lomi massage , and Perfect Balance, featuring an Apple and Green Tea polisher, suitable for all skin types, where natural acids from the apple act as a gentle cleanser, while the green tea powder nourishes your skin with its antioxidants; and a balancing massage to cleanse your skin and prevent skin disorders. There ’s also the Carrot Purifier, the Keiffer Lime Refresher, the Romance Salt Body, Triple Fruit Body and the Turmeric Honey

Cleanser. Body Conditioners include the Aloe Lavender Healer, Herbal Enhancer, Keiffer Lime Mask and the popular Pumpkin Conditioner – an enzyme-based pumpkin treatment using a paste of milk, olive oil, rose water, instant oatmeal and corn flour that is applied to your body, leaving it soft and supple. All facial treatments start with a back massage and end with a head, neck and shoulder massage and range from the popular Banyan Cleansing and Revitalizing facials to its Balancing and Banyan Brilliance and the Premium Age Defence, a lifting and firming facial that combats visible signs of ageing. It features an Anti-Ageing massage and a mineral eye mask to reduce fine lines and soothe tired, puffy eyes. This is followed by a cream mask enriched with skin-plumping properties and actives to nourish your face. Chevit, the Thai word meaning “life ,” and Banyan Tree ’s sense of place treatment take a step back in time with Thai wellness remedies and the healing touch of therapists to relieve tension and stress. It includes a Classic Thai massage, a Papaya Pineapple Refresher with a steam bath, a cleaning mitt exfoliator and an Aloe Lavender Moisturizer.

Its hugely popular three-hour Royal Banyan and Harmony Indulgences use holistic signature treatments to promote physical, mental and spiritual renewal. The Royal Banyan starts with a herbal footbath and includes a lemongrass

and cucumber scrub, a Banyan herbal pouch massage, a Jade face massage and a herbal bath. There are three other Banyan Indulgences – Soothe, Clarity and Romance. There’s also the Harmony Banyan and the Thai Herbal Detox. The Harmony Baynan features a massage performed by two therapists who work in unison on each side of your body to create a sense of well-being, leaving you in deep relaxation, while the Thai Herbal Detox features a Salt Pot body massage. Then, a Thai salt pot, made of clay and filled with Thai herbs, is heated and wrapped in a pouch for the massage, relieving tired muscles of tension and stress. Banyan Tree also has two Banyan Day Experiences – pampering day and indulgent treatments. Each features Signature therapies for complete top-to-tow renewal. The spa also offers three 150-minute Ayurvedic Signature treatments: Restful Balance combines a chakra head massage and an Ayurvedic massage with a Shirodhara treatment to improve blood circulation and relieve eye strain and tension headaches. The special oil used in these treatments has a calming effect.

The Peace of Mind includes an Ayurvedic massage, herbal powder scrub, Rainmist steam bath, Avocado Splash, a Shirodhara, rain shower and hair wash. Great for relieving anxiety and dispelling insomnia. The Energizer also features

an Ayurvedic massage and includes a Marma face massage, steam bath and Podi Kishi – to rebalance your internal body system. The spa ’s yoga program features a Beginner ’s Ritual that focuses on meditative breathing to balance energy flow and release physical and mental tension and ends with an Island Dew massage. Shirodhara Haven starts with an Indian Head massage and includes a Shirodhara treatment and yoga Nidra. Soul Salutation begins with a salutation to the sun, using a series of postures, co-ordinated with breathing techniques, a back massage and a Marma point massage. The resort has 108 villas, starting with its 270 sqm Spa Pool villas with their private swimming pool, gardens and Thai sala; Sanctuary villas with 350 sqm of living space that includes a separate living area, a courtyard garden with a pool, a kitchen and a Thai sala that converts to a spa treatment pavilion. Two-bedroom pool villas, 350 sqm in size, feature a sunken outdoor bath, private pool, dining patio, Thai sala and a kitchen, while the 370 sqm Deluxe two-bedroom pool villas also include a study/games room that can be converted patio into a third bedroom. It also has its outdoor pool and shower, a dining and a kitchen.

The 550 sqm Spa Pool villas come with king-sized beds draped in Thai silk, a canopy ceiling of soft fabrics, a n open outdoor pool, outdoor shower, dining

patio, and a sunken spa bath- experience scented candles, aromatic oils and background music as well as in-villa daily breakfast. The Double Pool Villas, 1,300 to 2,500 sqm in size, feature a full-length, glass window bedroom pavilion surrounded by a wading pool, as well as a crystal jet pool, outdoor shower and steam room, Thai sala, kitchen and a home theatre, plus a personal 24-hour host and in-villa daily breakfast or buffet breakfast at the Water Court. Dining is a memorable experience that can take you beyond your normal expectations. It includes three dining adventures to pique your interest. There ’s only one hitch. They ’re only available to three couples per night – one per destination. The first is a romantic dinner cruise aboard The Sanya Rak, which translates to Promise of Love, Banyan Tree’s long tail boat. The dinner includes traditional music and a sunset cruise through the resort’s lagoons. The Dinner of the Spirit takes its inspiration from the traditional Thai merit of offering rice to Buddhist monks. Dinner is served beneath a Banyan tree overlooking the lagoon to accompany a Kim – traditional Thai music. The dinner features six differently prepared rice dishes. In the third dining experience, Dinner of the Senses, you ’ll be taken by a longtail boat to your table in the middle of the lagoon.

It doesn’t end there. Back at the resort, a wide variety of dishes and cooking styles beckon – Saffron, an award-winning restaurant known for its Thai cuisine, including stir-fried black crab with pepper and chilli, crisp fried catfish with mango salad and yellow curry ice cream. The Water Court, set at the edge of the lagoon, offers an international buffet breakfast and Mediterranean cuisine in the evening – lobster and grilled prime beef. Tre, a contemporary French Vietnamese-style restaurant, is set among the resort’s two-bedroom pool villas. Its signature dishes include smoked salmon fillet with lotus seeds, fried rice and Wagyu beef pho infused with truffles. Also facing the lagoon, Sala Terrace serves lobster, tiger prawn, French oysters, and Beluga caviar with twists of hot, sweet, tangy and tart flavours of the Tamarind . The menu Thai fusion cooking. Seafood is also available at includes seafood delicacies and Asian wellness cuisine , and exotic herbs, roots, and spices. And for casual breakfast or lunch and caf é fare, there’s Banyan Café, which overlooks the Laguna Phuket Golf Club. There ’s the swim-up Pool Bar, which serves fruit cocktails and snacks on the lighter side. A great place for star

gazing. Interesting things to see and do nearby: The Laguna Phuket Golf Club is an 18-hole course a short distance from the resort. It ’s a challenging course of lagoons, coconut groves and undulating fairways with mountains on one side and the Andaman Sea on the other. The club also has a teaching centre, which includes a covered area for sun and rain protection, a driving range, practice bunkers and chipping areas. All the club ’s ley staff are qualified PGA professionals.

Banyan Tree is located on Bang Tao Beach, known for its long stretch of white sand – popular with sunbathers and activities like windsurfing and

canoeing. Classes in scuba diving, meditation and Tai Chi are also available. If you’d like to see more of the island, there’s elephant trekking and rafting, a jungle safari in Khao Sok, and speedboat tours to Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga, where you can experience the hidden world of the Hongs – a network of crystalline limestone caves. The Hongs are collapsed cave systems in the interior of each island that can be accessed by special inflatable canoes through sea caves at low tide. Each has its character, and many people are fascinated by them and spend days visiting island after island. One of the most popular cruises is Koh Ta-On , also known as the James Bond Island, with its limestone cliffs that jut out of the sea , made famous by the Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun . Nightlife on the island is also nearby and includes a sunset cruise. But be forewarned . I t can get quite crowded during the high season.

Cape Sienna Phuket Romance and Sunsets

f you talk to anyone who ’s stayed at Cape Sienna in Phuket, the first thing they mention is the view of the Andaman Sea. Cape Sienna is perched on a sloping

hillside on the west side of the island, and each of its suites and villas, with their large, floor-to-ceiling windows, provides sweeping, eye-pampering views of the sea. Especially the sunsets.

Cape Sienna makes the most of its view in every area of the resort, starting from the moment you enter the lobby, from its two main restaurants, the treatment rooms in the spa or from your suite or villa. There are many resorts in Phuket, all with incredible views of the Andaman Sea, but the view here has something magical about it. You can see the resort ’s swimming pool and the Poolside Bar and restaurant from the lobby with its boardwalk floor, white umbrellas, and sun loungers next to it. “We cater to couples,” Gunsiri Wattana, Cape Sienna ’s spa manager, told me. “We position ourselves as a romantic, chic, modern hideaway – with an adult-only concept.” Cape Sienna is built on a hillside with a rocky shoreline. It has no sandy beachfront to speak of – but there is one less than a five-minute walk. There ’s also a shuttle service for guests who want to go to Patong Beach. “Most of our guests prefer to spend their stay around the pool,” she added. The pool is 30 metres long, narrow and surrounded by sun loungers and next to the Poolside restaurant, which offers outdoor and indoor seating. The lobby is also long and narrow, with wide windows designed to make coloured leather chairs you can sink into are the most of the view. Tanpositioned along the length of the lobby and provide a relaxing view of the sea from a great vantage point. “At Cape Sienna,” says Gunsiri, whose Thai nickname is Siri, “we ’re all about balance and helping guests regain their bodies and minds . Our bodies need a break from the stresses of work and everyday problems. However, most of us overlook the importance of proper rest. Without it, our bodies don ’t have time to repair, recuperate and grow.”

The spa has developed a number of special treatments to deal with this, using ancient physical and spiritual healing concepts, natural local ingredients and a “special touch” to leave you feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated. The spa’s massages and treatments stimulate blood circulation and balance your body ’s systems and channels. These massages are designed to restore harmony. The aroma of essential oils and herbs releases your tensions, calms your emotions and clears your mind. “They leave you feeling like a new person,” said Jutharat, whose nickname is June. As the spa is called, Balance Spa has six treatment rooms, each with wide, tall windows covered by Venetian blinds, some with great views of the Western headland and others with calming views of the sea. From the floor-to-ceiling windows in the treatment rooms, the light blue waters of the sea seem to go on forever. Balance Spa is located on the second floor – on top of the Poolside restaurant. The beds are covered in coffee brown silk in the couples' suite, with dark brown runners. Yellow flower blossoms add a subtle touch of colour in front of the window, and at the head of the treatment beds, a white Jacuzzi beckons, with white and red blossoms floating on the water. All treatment rooms include a rain shower, Jacuzzi bath and shower. Thai classical music plays in the background. The scent in the spa and spa treatment rooms is a mixture of ylang-ylang.

Balance Spa is all about balance. Its treatments blend ancient physical and spiritual healing concepts, using natural local ingredients in the hands of experienced therapists. Siri likes the Sienna Indulgence for first-time visitors, one of the spa ’s most popular massages, which uses a fairly new form of touch therapy with healing results. This therapy is great at relaxing muscles and balancing your body ’s energy flow along your meridian lines. Then, a combination of Thai, Reflexology, deep fascial and connective essential oil massage to restore your body’s harmony. https://youtu.be/TZx4YsccAvw More Cape Sienna Phuket Pix In addition to the Sienna Indulgence, there ’s the popular Balance massage, which uses aromatic oil to restore natural balance, acupressure techniques and gentle strokes to help the aromatic oils enter your skin's deep layers . Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to unwind, alleviate stress and tension, invigorate your body, soothe your emotions, and clear your mind. The spa ’s other favourite massage is a whole-body treatment that uses a therapist's sensitive touch to massage your head and knead your body. This massage combines the principles of Ayurveda with the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi to leave your body feeling relaxed with new strength and energy and your skin balanced and radiant. Two other intriguing massages include The 1770s and the Herbal Compress. As its name suggests, The 1770s massage was designed in the 18 th Century to relax muscles by applying pressure to deeper muscles. This stretches your ligaments and tendons to keep them supple and pliable while stimulating your skin and nervous system. The Herbal Compress is celebrated for releasing muscle pain and boosting blood circulation while relaxing your mind and body. The Thai herbs in the compress help relax your muscles and provide anti-bacterial benefits. The AturLomi massages. The Lomi combines the Ayurvedic and Hawaiian Lomi compress mix includes turmeric, which cleanses your skin and helps you absorb the healing powers of the herbs. Balance Spa offers two spa packages as well as two packages for couples.

The Royal Silk connects the Healing Nature, designed to create moods and emotions. It begins with a Herbal steam, followed by a foot bath, a body scrub, a Therapy bath, a Thai massage with an Herbal Compress and a Natural Facial. The two-hour Sun Kissed package relieves sun-damaged skin with a soothing wrap of Aloe Vera, cucumber and green tea, followed by an After Sun Facial. The Couples spa packages, designed for honeymooners, start with Love Birds, a 3.5-hour long package that includes a foot bath, an Herbal steam bath, an aromatherapy massage and an Aromatic bath, while the three-hour Ultimate in Paradise offers separate menus for women and men. Popular body treatments – Deer’s Eyes and Indian Head – are very specific and different massages. The Deer’s Eyes is a face and eye massage. Massaging your eye and adjacent tissues can be quite helpful, adds Siri. The Indian Head massage is an ancient therapy used by Indian women “to feel a form of healing while encouraging a gentle scalp massage”. It stimulates the nerves and encourages improved blood circulation in this area. Warm Ayurvedic hair oils work at a deeper level that benefits your hair and improves your circular healing system. The big favourite is the Cape Sienna Body Salt Glow among scrubs, which works for all skin types. It restores your skin ’s radiant glow and uses an exfoliating sea salt enriched with lemon, chamomile, and rosemary to polish

dead skin cells and leave your skin clean, smooth, revitalized, and silky soft. Also popular is The Creamy uses coconut oil to tone, moisturize and smooth your skin, and Tamarind Honey, which combines tamarind and honey to leave your skin smooth and glowing. Favourite wrap is its Dead Sea, so named because it applies Dead Sea mud, rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes, all over your body. “It makes a great body mask,” says Siri. The mud also promotes circulation by increasing the oxygen supply and removing toxins from your skin. Other body wraps include the Detoxifying, designed to boost your metabolism and your skin ’s health, using seaweed and aloe to help you, which uses a mixture of Thai herbs through sweat. The Thai Herbal wrap uses a mixture of Thai Herbs and spices to draw out impurities from your skin and balance for skin’s colour. Two other intriguing wraps are the spa ’s Seaweed and Tropical Escape. Seaweed is rich in vitamins and amino acids and is applied to your body in foil wraps. It boosts metabolism and enhances your skin health. The Tropical calcium Escape uses fresh beet root and lemon, enriched with cream, natural and Vitamin A with a scent of honey, to leave your skin nourished and rejuvenated.

Among facial treatments, the most popular is the Natural and Desensitizing. The Natural is also Balance Spa’s signature facial, and as you can

gather from its name, it uses the natural healing properties of fresh products to regulate your moisture balance. It combats dryness, fatigue and stress and also reduces fine lines. The Desensitizing facial is specifically designed for sensitive skin. Here, using active ingredients, healing ampoules promote healing and prevent infection while reducing redness. Other facial treatments: Secret Control, designed for combination skin and considered an effective solution to remove the accumulation of sebum or oily secretions; Deep Cleansing – great for oily skin, using an innovative peel to eliminate deeply encrusted blackheads and opening clogged pores; The Natural, a purely natural facial that uses the healing properties of fresh fruit to help regulate moisture balance, fine lines and stress; and the Balance ’s Dehydrated facial is designed to heal your face with a creamy mask, using ingredients high in Vitamins A and E, which act as an antioxidant. A mini Cleansing facial also leaves your skin clearer and brightened. Balance also offers three baths – Lotus Flower, Botanical Herbal and Aromatic Milk. Cape Sienna has 146 rooms perched on a gently sloping hill on the island's west side – 98 Studios, 44 deluxe rooms, two suites and two penthouses. Its rooms range from 40 sqm for its Seaview studios to 58 sqm for its Seaview Jacuzzi Deluxe rooms; 80 sqm for its top-floor Seaview Jacuzzi suites, which feature private dining space with a common lounge and a terrace and a Jacuzzi; and its 112 sqm penthouses, with great views, a 35 sqm terrace with a private plunge pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor lounge corner. Cape Sienna’s two main restaurants and lounges also make the most of its view. The Poolside Bar & Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch or dinner , light snacks and refreshments in a casual atmosphere throughout the day and a wide range of cuisines – from oriental to international. The design of The Plum and the views from its seamless glass windows are spectacular. It features authentic Mediterranean dining. The Vanilla Sky Bar & Lounge, located on the third floor, is a natural gathering place for couples in the evening. The Chambre Separe, also on the same level, is a private room for guests who want to celebrate special occasions. For lighter fare, Sienna Rocks, situated below the Poolside restaurant, offers sandwiches, salads, snacks, and cocktails throughout the day and features an infinity pool, sun loungers, and waves breaking on the rocks below.

Centara Grand Beach Phuket A Paradise for Water Lovers W ater activities are a big draw at Centara Grand Beach Resort in Phuket. Aside from four swimming pools, there ’s a jumping-off cliff into a pool, two water slides, a lazy river to float down, a warm sandy beach and uninterrupted views of the deep blue Andaman Sea. And for teens, or those brave enough to try it, a chance to walk on water. It’s not as magical as it sounds. Teens love it. You ’re encased in a watertight clear plastic balloon and put into the water at the poolside. The problem is keeping your balance and feeling tipsy as you take your first step. There’s a trick to it. Teens pick up on it immediately – walk fast. There ’s no guarantee you won’t lose balance and fall. Standing up again could be a bit of a challenge if you do. If you watch teens, they skip down one length of the pool and back again without too much effort. How does it work? As you walk, the balloon rolls forward with you. It ’s as simple as that. In case you ’re wondering, this activity

is not available beachside. Centara Grand Beach Phuket is located on Karon Beach and is reached by taking the road on the left on the crest of the hill off the main highway. Then, a short drive down to the lobby, hidden by the thick greenery and trees lining the sides of the main highway. Like most Centara properties, the lobby is large and spacious, with a high ceiling, brightly lit day and night, and comfortable living room-style sofas. Outside, not far from the lobby, an amazing super-sized atrium-style shallow pool is lined with extra-large black and white square tiles set at an angle. The back and sides of the pool are flanked by a colonnade, providing shade against the hot afternoon sun. Looking out from the colonnade at the rest of the property is like seeing something from ancient times in Athens or Rome. The ceiling at spa reception is also high. But the first thing you notice is the rock-pebbled floor. It ’s a great decoration, and many guests like to use it for a foot massage while waiting for their treatment. gfYUelvA7VU Rungnapa Boonjun, Spa Manager, Centara Grand Beach Phuket clI7KiLLFqI Touring Centara Grand Beach Phuket https://youtu.be/TcJrtajO2mM Playtime at Centara Grand Beach Phuket The pebbled floor appears again in the spa ’s relaxation area, a large room with an ultra-modern look – brown leather sofas with yellow leather pillows and a wood floor laid out in a zigzag pattern. Your journey starts at reception, where you ’ll be interviewed about your health concerns and treatment preferences. You ’ll also be presented with a selection of aromatherapy oils and asked to choose one for your treatment. Treatments usually begin with a footbath to release negative energies and then a singing bowl session to help you relax. For guests interested in learning more about their experience, the spa also offers complimentary lessons and an explanation about the use of herbs. As in most Cenvaree spas, the emphasis is on balancing the three pillars – your body, energy and soul. Its treatments are designed with this in mind. Cenvaree Phuket has ten treatment suites, including a Vichy Shower room.

In some of the rooms, the walls are faced with stone, offsetting the brown colour of the treatment beds and their dark blue runners and purple blossoms. Outside, as you walk down the dark-stained wood floor corridor, you notice Do Not Disturb notices hanging from the handles of the doors of occupied suites. The spa uses four distinct scents – Citrus Fresh (lemongrass), Mood Enhancing (cinnamon, vanilla), Breathe Naturally (eucalyptus) and Serenity (sandalwood). Treatment preferences vary. While oil massages are on everyone ’s list, the spa’s facials and scrubs are also very popular. So is the spa ’s wellness program, which focuses on natural Thai herbs and plant extracts to purify your body. A bit more about that later. The spa’s most popular treatment, Signature Salt Pot Muscle Melter, is also a huge favourite at other Cenvaree spas. It relieves tired muscles when used in a custom blend of essential oils of petitgrain, eucalyptus and lavender . The treatment is based on traditions passed down through generations, in which a hot salt pot containing coarse salt with herbs is tapped along your muscles to alleviate pain. Other massages include the popular Hot Stone, Swedish, Thai Harmony Four hands, Nuad Pra Kob or Herbal Compress, Nuad Thai or Royal Thai massage, Nuad Tao or traditional foot massage, Aromatherapy, Balinese, Deep Muscular and Runner’s massages. https://youtu.be/kthLBh4J4Qo More Centara Grand Beach Phuket Pix “They’re good for everyone, ” says Rungnapa Boonjun, spa manager. She recommends an Aromatherapy massage for first-time visitors and experienced spa-goers, using essential oils to enhance overall well-being. There are three , and Anti-Cellulite, to blends to choose from: Signature, mood uplifting energize your body and mind. Among facials, Signature Organic is a big favourite. It ’s described as “a luscious, relaxing facial, customized for all skin types”. It uses herbal antioxidants and natural ingredients like lemongrass, tamarind, oatmeal, cucumber and botanical oils that deeply cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate your skin. Then, a lymphatic facial massage improves blood circulation and achieves great skin. It ends with a Signature facial sesame pouch. Another big favourite is the Anti-Ageing Intense Recovery facial – great for sun-damaged and nutrient-deprived skin. To offset this, powerful natural

antioxidants derived from organic herbs and plant oils are used in a special treatment that includes cleansing, exfoliation and steaming, plus an intense recovery mask to revitalize your skin. It ends with applying a cream to soften the appearance of fine lines. Other facials include Deep Cleanse, designed to unclog pores and improve skin tone, and After Sun Recovery. When it comes to exfoliation, Spa Cenvaree offers several age-defying scrubs enriched with antioxidants from seasonal fruits and plants, designed to repair stressed skin and protect it from sun damage. All scrubs begin with a body brushing to stimulate your lymphatic system.

Exfoliation is inspired by the Hot Pouch. The heat loosens tight muscles to leave your skin radiant and smooth. The 7 Miracle Grains Body Therapy of Thai Healing is the most popular , filled with freshly steamed grains. The treatment uses seven different types of grains – wheat germ, barley, cornmeal, oatmeal, millet, red rice and soybeans. Other body polishers include the Floral Scent – a Botanical Bliss scrub – which uses a mixture of fresh flower petals, rice blend and oatmeal to restore lost skin vitality; the Refreshing Scent – De-Ageing Passion Fruit and Lemongrass Salt scrub. It is also one of the resort’s most popular treatments and is known for its fragrance and stress-relieving properties, leaving your skin smooth.

The spa offers two contouring and slimming programs – the 105-minute Algotherm Body Shaping and Anti-Cellulite, which uses brown seaweed extracts, caffeine and ivy to detoxify fatty deposits and encourage the elimination of waste fluids – the main cause of cellulite. The treatment includes steam, a marine salt scrub , and a mask infused with Bora Bora sea water and minerals. A single session is often enough to produce visible improvements in skin tone. The second treatment – a 45-minute Algotherm Bust Firming – uses seaweed, spirulina and brown algae to firm and tone your skin and includes a firming massage, marine exfoliation and a firming mask and gel to tone your skin.

Body treatments include the Botanical Bliss, another 105-minute treatment that uses the essence of botanical plants and ground rice as a gentle scrub; the Siamese Detoxifier, a traditional body care treatment customized to exfoliate, smooth and refine skin texture. The Instant Smooth, a body polisher that uses sesame and honey to restore smoothness, and Island Sun Secrets, a soothing wrap of red rice and ground herbs cooked in milk, promote the healing of sun-exposed skin. The spa also offers wellness therapies to counter the effects of seasonal changes.

The two other wellness therapies are Water Wellness, which uses water to stimulate your body and activate your detoxification system, and Aquatic Infusions, a special spa experience that uses body brushing to break up fatty deposits, gentle body scrub and rain shower. It has two, two-hour treatments – Summer’s Best and Winter Recharge. Summer ’s Best focuses on skin hydration and firming, while Winter Recharge helps release toxins and reduce cellulite.

The 3.5-hour Honeymoon Retreat for couples features a Mocho Chino Mud Wrap, a Succulent Strawberry scrub, a Vanilla Shea Butter massage, and a Thai Herbal facial. Its wellness programs also include four 60-minute Ayurvedic treatments – Marma Abhyanga massage, Kato Basti, Shirobhyanga and Shirodhara – and two, two-hour programs –The Ayurvedic Rejuvenation and the Ayurvedic Balancing. Both offer dosha consolation and two Ayurvedic treatments. Its five Thai Tranquility Rituals range from 2.5 to three hours in duration, starting with its popular Thai Body Balance – a journey that combines a collection of signature recipes to help you experience the soul of the Thai as well as ancient Thai traditions. This treatment uses organic grains, bark extracts, aromatic roots and herbal powder for each ritual. Village rituals inspired the Ultimate Well-Being for deep cleansing after a long day in the field. It blends coconut flakes, sesame seeds, oatmeal and coffee powder, heated by basalt stones and then presses the mixture into key locations on your body to loosen tense muscles and reduce inflammation. It ends with an

Organic facial. Body Balance is a collection of signature recipes to help guests experience the soul of a Thai spa journey and traditions. The Wanalee or Royal Treat is deeply detoxifying at all levels. It starts with a wrap of galangal roots, turmeric and black pepper to stimulate your lymphatic system and remove toxins. This is followed by a scalp massage, a shower and an Aromatherapy massage or a Thai massage, and ends with an Oxidant facial, using Calendula, licorice and Evening Primrose to restore skin freshness. Serenity begins with a scalp massage with an Avocado Coconut Cream mask, a de-ageing Passion Fruit and Lemongrass Salt scrub and a Vanilla Shea Butter massage. Centara Grand Beach is located at the far end of Karon Beach (locations in Phuket and Koh Samui take their names from the beaches where they ’re located), and Karon Beach is one of the most beautiful on the island. Its design reflects the character of the famous Sino-Portuguese architecture found in Old Phuket Town, which features lengthy colonnades and stucco mouldings, echoing a time of wealth and luxury. The 262-room resort includes 126 Deluxe Ocean-Facing rooms, 36 Premium, 18 Premium Spa Deluxe Ocean-Facing rooms, 45 Deluxe Pool Suites and 18 Luxury Suites, plus six One-Bedroom Pool villas and four Two-Bed Pool villas. All feature a private balcony and views of the Andaman Sea. When it comes to dining experiences, Mare, the Italian word for sea, fits the name of the resort ’s Italian restaurant. It overlooks the beach and has a relaxed atmosphere during the day when it serves up pizza and pasta. In the evening, the menu changes to classical Italian cuisine like antipasto, sampler platters and stone-baked pizza, plus an extensive wine cellar with a wide variety of wines to go with whatever you choose. The Cove, an all-day restaurant located on the beachfront, offers an extensive buffet breakfast featuring Thai, Japanese, Chinese and North American selections. Lunch is à la carte, and for dinner, its open Asian kitchens showcase geApplene cuisine favourites from Thailand’s regions. There are also five theme buffets during the week – Welcome to Thailand, Silk Road, Mediterranean Night, Steakhouse Night and Seafood Safari. Theme nights also feature live entertainment, starting at 8 p.m. During the day, you can get New York-style deli sandwiches and Western and Thai snacks at The Beachcomber Beach Club Bar. There’s live entertainment at the Luna Bar, located above, with a large outdoor terrace, lounge-style seating, and indoor seating. The Luna Bar also apertivo and Asian tapas and offers light meals, including Mediterranean

cocktails. Happy Hour is between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Interesting things to see and do nearby: Sea adventures abound in Phuket. There are trips to nearby islands, sea kayaking to Phang Nga Hong by starlight – great during the day and breathtaking at night – or a nine-hour cruise to Phang Nga Bay aboard a Chinese junk.

The area also offers some of the best snorkelling in the world, trips to nearby and local tourist attractions, white water rafting and elephant trekking, and golfing at any of the eight of the island ’s courses. Some are built over old tin mines and provide some very different golfing challenges, even for experienced players, amid an incredibly scenic backdrop. For something different, try your hand at tapping rubber trees. Thailand is a major supplier of rubber in Asia, and Phuket is at the centre of it all. It hasn ’t changed much since rubber trees were brought to Phuket. Tapping usually starts around 1 or 2 a.m., when it’s cool, and the sap can flow freely and finishes by sunrise.

Keemala Resort Phuket Home of the Bird’s Nest Villas

n the distance, Keemala Resort on Phuket looks like a group of straw cocoons hanging on the side of a mountain. They aren

’t, of course. They ’re firmly

anchored in the ground and built to exacting standards. “Guests love them,” said Onuma Jitbunjong, Keemala’s spa manager, who talked about the resort from their mountainside pool. She pointed to the town below, the thick jungle around the pod and the Andaman Sea in the distance. “If you come around two o’clock, you’ll see a very ancient tree that appears to rise from the forest. And to the right, there ’s a natural waterway from the mountain, where the resort gets its water. It looks like a brook flows between two of our pods at this level. There’s a rope bridge between them.” Keemala has 38 villas and limits guests to 80 at any given time. Four types of villas are constructed from material and sustainable wood, including natural bamboo and thatched roofs. The pods are built like other buildings and with solid concrete bases. “They’re built this way to withstand heavy wind and rainstorms. We went further than we would with other buildings precisely because they ’re built on the side of a mountain. In addition, every effort was made to build the pods around marked mature trees so that they would not be cut down and redesign our structures so we could work around them,” added Onuma, whose Tai nickname is On.

The eight Bird’s Nest Pool Villas are most interesting, inspired by the RangNok community and regarded as the most superior in intellect and spirituality. They were the philosophers , poets, musicians, philosophers and astrologers. They would bathe under the moonlight, believing their souls would be replenished. What are they like inside? Each has a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, a private pool, a large outdoor terrace and large bedrooms with sea, rainforest and resort views.

Sixteen clay pool cottages reflect the earthiness of the Pa-Ta-Pea clan, who were leaders in agriculture, excelling as fishermen, gardeners, carpenters, blacksmiths and miners. They used earth to build walls, roofs , furniture, and beds made from soil and clay. Their buildings were erected around rivers. They also have a master bedroom with king-size beds. The 14 one-bedroom cottages with king-sized beds and two two-bedroom cottages shared large bathrooms and rainforest and resort views. The seven Tent Pool Villas reflect the lives of the Khon-Jorn clan, an traders and explorers who traded adventurous group of foragers, herders, goods with other tribes they met on their journeys. They built semi-permanent homes. Inside the Tent Villas, decorated by forms of wildlife. At Keemala, the , large Tent Villas also have a king-size bed, private pool, outdoor terrace rainforest and resort bathrooms with a bathtub, an outside shower, and sea, views. Keemala’s seven Tree Pool Vilas represent the We-Ha people, who worshipped the universe and chose to live in dwellings suspended from trees to

be nearer to the sky. They were the healers, creators, architects and inventors. Their furniture and fittings hung from the ceiling. They also have king-sized beds, private pools, large bathrooms, outdoor showers, two levels of living space, and rainforest and resort views. The resort is located on the west side of Phuket Island, a five-minute drive to Keemala Beach and 10 minutes away from Patong Beach. It ’s also a 40minute drive from the airport. You’re unsure what to expect as you approach the resor t, but all that changes when you drive into the resort grounds. You pass a waterfall where ducks play and into the resort ’s welcome pavilion, with its bamboo roof structure and stone mosaic. It’s a pretty steep climb to the next level to reach the lobby. Most guests make the trip in one of the resort ’s buggies. You walk through another set of doors, through a walkway to another pod, to enter the lobby lounge with its dark-stained mahogany furniture with a turquoise accent. The floor has a bluish tinge.

Keemala has two pools. The first is located at the welcome level. The main pool and its organic garden are on the second level. “It has a beautiful view of the resort and a hangout for many guests. “We see ourselves as a romantic retreat, even though we do have young guests from time to time,” said On. Keemala’s spa uses traditional healing approaches to your body, mind and soul and integrates these with the best pampering regimes in treatment rooms to accommodate individuals and couples. Its rituals were designed by

Keemala’s spa team and were inspired by the stories of the Keemala Clans and their distinctive way of living. The spa has eight large treatment rooms that can accommodate individuals or couples. “Each of our treatments incorporates elements of traditional healing that result in a profound internal experience,” said On. “We offer a full range of pampering rituals and massages as well as holistic and traditional therapies. These include Raindrop Healing Therapy, Integrative Thai Bodywork, Reiki and its popular Seaweed Hot Stone massage.” The spa uses organic products from Siam Botanicals, Voya and Spa Ritual. The spa’s signature treatment is Voya Seaweed Hot Stove massage, a deeptissue therapy that releases anti-oxidizing extracts and healing minerals from the seaweed. It is combined with hot stones placed on key parts of your body and offers a special treatment with a master practitioner that incorporates Traditional Thai practices called Thai Integrative Bodywork. The treatment incorporates Traditional Thai Massage, Tok Sen, Pranic, and Crystal Healing. https://youtu.be/_-XTowjk6JA More Keemala Phuket Pix “Our guests generally prefer massages with strong pressure for a deeply relaxing experience,” said On. The spa has two popular massages – The Harmonizing and The Deep Tissue. The Harmonizing is designed to relax, balance, and harmonize your body and calm your mind, using signature oil blends – Khon, Khon-Jorn and PaTa-Pea, while The Deep Tissue focuses on lymphatic stimulation and the elimination of toxins, using a specific organic blend of aromatherapy oils, known for their detoxifying powers. Other massages include the Voya Organic Heated Herbal, which Nuad Pan Doran; Herbal Hot rejuvenates your skin; Traditional Thai or Compress, which relieves pain and inflammation; Synergy, performed by two therapists using Traditional Thai Balinese and Swedish massages techniques; Sowathara, designed to alleviate the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy; and The Raindrop Healing, which relieves pain and inflammation. Popular facials include The Voga Organic Anti-Ageing, which uses Voga organic ingredients to fight visible signs of ageing, leaving you instantly firmed , and the Voga Deluxe and your skin tightened with a natural radiant glow Facial Experience, described as a revolutionary seaweed facial that begins with

a back scrub, using finely ground organic seaweed to exfoliate your skin and organic seaweed leaves on your face. On describes it as “the cr ème de la cr ème” of all facials. It renews and revives your skin and alleviates fine lines and wrinkles. Other facials include the Organic Environmental Defence, which lifts your face through cleansing, exfoliating and nourishing your skin, using a blend of Moringa, Argan and Tamanei; Siam Botanical Deep Cleansing. It uses the antimicrobial and skin-healing properties of coconut, sugar and honey to cleanse and, by a deeply firming massage, using Siam Botanicals Anti-Ageing Replenish Serum. Mala Spa also offers nine rituals, using an Infrared Sauna, Organic Bath and Voya Organic Seaweed Bath. The Seaweed Leaf Ritual features a Seaweed Leaf wrap, followed by a Hot Stone massage and spa cuisine, while the Seaweed Ritual focuses on both our inner and outer beauty. It starts with a steam or a sauna, then a polish and a Harmonizing massage, designed to rejuvenate and uplift your face. The Thai Space Ritual begins with a revitalizing bath and body scrub, using local spices, coconut, and curry leaves. Other rituals include the Anti-Ageing, Sensory Experience; Distress; Women’s Vitality; Energizer; and Restorative Jetlag.

Among scrubs and wraps, standouts include The Infrared Ritual, which uses the healing power of the sauna to relieve muscle tension, skin problems, arthritis and insomnia. Siam Botanicals ’ body polish is an all-natural body treatment that hydrates, exfoliates and removes dead skin, while the Voya Organic Seaweed Leaf body wrap cocoons your body in muslin before being wrapped in a thermal blanket to detoxify, firm and soften your skin.

Other scrubs and wraps include the Rejuvenating; Voya Bladder Whack Body Buff, Siam Botanicals ’ After-Sun, and the Fuscius Luscious Organic Salt Glow. There’s also a Holistic Slimming massage, which uses a special blend of plant essences, and its Anti-Cellulite massage techniques to shed inches and keep your body’s ability to remove toxins and waste. Practitioners specializing in holistic therapies, including sound and Shiatsu by a master in vibrational attunement, visit Keemala throughout the year. The spa also offers living retreats for guests wishing to purify, energize, unwind or rejuvenate. All are available as three-day or six-day retreats. Keemala’s emphasis on organic is also reflected in its cuisine, using herbs and vegetables from its garden. Both are harvested daily for their kitchens and spa. When it comes to dining experiences, Keemala offers all-day dining and an upscale bar, which serves a light lunch, snacks and an early dinner. “A lot of our dining experiences are private. Many guests have breakfast in their pod. We also have private dining, in which you can book a private dinner at a location of your choice.” Things to see and do: Jungle walkways, yacht charters, scuba diving and snorkelling, cooking classes close to home, a fitness studio, a wine cellar and a boutique to discover.

Melia Mai Khao Phuket Home of an Ancient Australian Goddess

“W

ith its breathtaking beauty and serenity, there isn ’t a more desirable

place to be on the water than Mai Khao Beach,” said Magdalena

Martorell, Melia Phuket Mai Khao ’s general manager. She described it as a leisure resort that focuses on customer well-being. YHI Spa is located behind the lobby and Elyxr Café. It takes its inspiration from a myth about Yhi, the goddess responsible for creating life and light, personified by the sun for Karraur – a native tribe a native Australian tribe who worshipped Yhi. Phuket Mai Khao' s treatments reflect this theme and are focused on wellness, where your body is pampered, your emotions nurtured , and your senses regenerated. The spa has five treatment rooms, named after the five elements found in nature, ourselves and our surrounding environment. It also utilizes a ingredients, and its combination of natural plant-based and Thai organic treatments are designed and inspired by traditional healing arts of Thai, Asian and European – with a touch of elegance to create a personalized experience for each person. “Our guests are invited to visit us for a free consultation to establish their Viroj needs and tailor a treatment experience from our therapists,” said Jompaeng, whose Thai nickname is Sed. The spa offer s four Pleasure treatments, starting with its intriguing Soul of

Man Mai Khao Arena – an ancient remedy dating back thousands of years. It uses the natural power of heat therapy , and Mai Khao sand is known to promote well-being from the healing properties of its minerals. In the treatment, heated sand is mixed with herbs , followed by an aroma massage , refining body detoxification to increase blood circulation and discharge wastes while observing oxygen sufficiently in our body.

The Sense Enrich begins with a full-body scrub made from an organic blend of golden honey and organic Phuket pineapple to exfoliate and reveal flawless skin. It also includes a hot candle massage to help you relax. Other signatures include Sense Enrich, the Rhythm of Soul and Luna and Hot Stone Enhancing. The Sense Enrich is the spa ’s four-hands massage, where two therapists work together in rhythm with selected essential oils based on your needs. The Sol oil will invigorate your senses, while the Luna oil calms your nervous system. The Hot Stone Enhancing warms , soothes , and heats your body using a slow Smooth massage and the heat from the stones to help your mind unwind. stones are placed on your body ’s energy points to penetrate deep within to promote blood circulation, ease muscle tension and remove blockages. Body therapies offer a range of massages, starting with the Traditional Thai massage, based on a ritual dating back 2,500 years. It uses palm strokes , thumb pressure along the body's energy line, and stretching to alleviate problem conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches and stress. The Thai

Herbal Bliss massage features a Thai herbal compress, called Luk Prakob in Thai, wrapped in a muslin pouch, used for centuries to relieve pain and inflammation. The herbal pouches and the Traditional Thai Massage are applied to your body at pressure points to promote blood circulation and transport oxygen. “Great for relieving muscle aches and pains.” The Deep Tissue Sport s Massage focuses on the deeper layers of tissue to personalize specific needs due to sports, stress or injury. The Aroma Relaxation uses natural plant extract essential oils blended to represent the four elements – earth, air, fire and water – followed by a relaxation massage to realign and soothe your body, using aromatherapy to transport you to a tranquil state. A Swedish massage also features “a wonderful combination of light to firm gliding strokes to promote total relaxation release” and increase blood supply and nutrients for your muscles. https://youtu.be/lUY0rABpP5I More Melia Phuket Pix YHI also offers three other healing therapies. The Office Syndrome Therapy therapeutic massage concentrates on your specific needs. It focuses on relieving physical and emotional tension in your back, neck and shoulder areas. The Chi Nei Tsang takes a holistic approach, developed following Traditional Chinese healing principles that assert emotional blockages are physically hosted in our body. It focuses on gentle, deep massage of your abdomen to train your internal abdominal organs so that they can operate in a more efficient manner. The Lymphatic Drainage massage focuses on your lymphatic circulation system to work more efficiently, along with a massage to drain your lymph, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels and make your immune system work more efficiently. The spa has a revitalizing series of facial treatments emphasizing hydrating, brightening and soothing. It starts with a cleansing, followed by a mild revitalize and hydrate your skin, exfoliation of facial rice and a clay mask to leaving it soft and invigorated. There is also a scalp, hand and foot massage and a Lymphatic Drainage massage. treatThere are several body mask s, body wraps and body exfoliation ments. The HARNN Contouring Body Mask uses caffeine with active e. Carnitine , other lipolytic substances, ingredients to reduce cellulit pro–liporeductyl technology to penetrate your skin, and a blend of olive oil, reduce cellulite and return natural shea butter and a Firming body wrap moisture to your skin. With regular sessions, this treatment can help tone and reshape your body.

The 60-minute After-Sun Soothing mask uses the cooling effects of Aloe Vera to relieve sunburn and reduce redness and irritation. Other exfoliation treatments include Thai Jasmine, which uses corn cob and red rice to exfoliate , Marsh Mellow oil and Centella Asiatica extract to leave your skin smooth and radiant. The popular White Tea and Camella is a full scrub made from charcoal powder to remove dead skin cells and promote smooth and radian skin while providing long-lasting moisture with ceramides and hyaluronic acid and the antioxidant properties of white tea leaves. It stimulates blood circulation and strengthens your skin barrier from within. The Juniper Atmos Skin Regeneration Sugar Mangosteen – a long name for a onehour treatment – uses sugar and Mangosteen to exfoliate along with Rice Jasmine noisome technology to encapsulate and penetrates deep into target areas while Golden Silk extract leaves your skin smooth and soft. The sugar gently exfoliates and hydrates your skin while Mangosteen powder, rich in polyphenol to nourish your new skin and wound healing effect.

YHI has two bath rituals – the Milky Fleur, which uses fresh milk and the alluring scent of your favourite essential oil to promote hydrating your skin, while the Herbal Indulgence helps to stimulate blood circulation and release tension. YHI’s therapists also provide poolside and in-villa treatments.

The spa ’s fitness centre has treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes and weights machines. And for your children, a kids club with workshops to keep them entertained. Melia Mai Kao is located on eight acres of Phuket ’s northwestern coastline overlooking the Andaman Sea, fronting Phuket’s longest stretch of sand on Mai Khao Beach. It has 30 one-bedroom suites and 70 one-bedroom villas. The resort has three accommodation categories. Each features a single bedroom, differentiated by an anchoring amenity such as an outdoor bathtub, a private plunge pool or a wellness arrangement. The resort is a 15-minute drive to Phuket International Airport and near several attractions, including Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, Sirinat National Park and Wat Phra Thong Temple. Melia Mail Khao is shaded by lots colours as a of trees and plants , and its design uses a neutral palette of complement to Mai Khao’s sandy shore. Its high ceilings, floor-to-floor and roof glass panels and decorative metal screens add another aspect to the abundance of sunshine. showers and All suites and villas feature outdoor bathtubs, open-air outdoor terraces to take advantage of Phuket ’s tropical climate, which averages 28 degrees Celsius year -round. Gardens and fixtures such as white stucco exterior walls also ensure privacy. The 78 sqm suites also have cabanas , and the 85 sqm one-bedroom villas have private plunge pools. The resort ’s “wellness villas” have an opener , Vitamin C shower, daily massage, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, fit ball and a yoga mat. You’re never far from one of its four diverse places to dine or snack, starting with its all-day dining restaurant, SASA, which specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine and fine casual dining at night. Gaia celebrates Spain ’s famed gastronomy, serving Mediterranean and fusion cuisine from an open-air kitchen and cocktails from a long bar. Near the beach pool with its cabanas and sun .” The Elyxr Caf é lounges, there ’s the Gaia Beach Club and “the place to be serves coffee and tea in the resort ’s lounge with sofas and books . At the centre of the resort is the swim-up Pool Bar that serves up fresh juices, smoothies and cocktails. Melia Mai Khao has several pools, including saltwater pools, private pools, a reflection pond with sunken seating areas, water gardens, vertical falls and irrigation mist that evoke a refreshing atmosphere. Conference facilities include a 131 sqm grand ballroom and two additional large multi-function rooms that cater to up to 100 guests for a standing cocktail reception or 88 guests , while the two adjacent multipurpose rooms can seat up to 16 guests for a boardroom meeting.

Phuket Marriott Nai Yang Beach Healing Powers of Feng Shui T hey take feng shui very seriously at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa Nai Yang. Even its location, between the Andaman Sea and the mountains, is designed to evoke a feeling of calm and a sense of harmony and healing. It extends to the location of its gardens, which are connected to the feng shui energy of personal growth and self-cultivation. The feng shui element needed in this area is earth, making it an excellent location for a Zen garden, I was told while walking around the resort. Water is especially important and a complex area in feng shui. The resort uses feng shui consultants for specific formulas and guidelines to determine the best feng shui location and position for a water feature. You can see it at work in the 3,000-metre swimming pool that winds past the resort’s first block of guest residences, under a footbridge, and then a second bridge connecting the upper deck to the Chai Lay restaurant. From there, it curves past another block of residences, the Terrace restaurant and two more residences before completing a circle around the resort.

The oval-shaped waterway is never-ending and makes for interesting, powerful feng shui. Pools that run past residences like these are believed to have a positive influence and can bring good luck.

The Phuket Marriot t’s gardens use flowing shapes , pathways, and the “right” elements in their d écor. In the case of the gardens , curving pathways keep chi or energy flow running smoothly. Straight lines are rarely present in nature. An outdoor fountain, for example, is excellent for money and abundant energy – and a great protective feng shui cure. “You can bring joy and healing harmony to your garden – as we do at the resort – by choosing colours that emphasize specific energies, such as fire energy in the southern part of the garden in the form of red and purple flower colours or earth energy in the southwest with light yellow colours.” BggBkuMHiE4 Visiting Phuket Marriott Nai Yang The resort pays homage to the beautiful Red-Whiskered Bulbub, prized by colourful plumage that ’s both charming and locals for its sweet call and distinctive. It’s quite rare, and locals believe it will bring you good luck if you see one. It even has the stamp of royal approval. Queen Sirikit of Thailand has

established an annual bird-singing content. In honour of Red-Whiskered Bulbub, Phuket Marriott has incorporated images a round the resort – in its furnishing fixtures, fittings, and the most unlikely places. Like other Marriott hotels and resorts, Phuket Marriott ’s Quan Spa draws on water's restorative and healing properties but is adapted to its location. Spa reception is located below the resort ’s Andaman Kitchen restaurant, with easy access from the lawn downstairs from the lobby. A lavender scent follows you around the spa with four large treatment rooms. Every treatment begins with Tibetan Singing Bowl Therapy to relax your body and mind. Tibetan singing bowls have been used for centuries for healing and meditation purposes. They create a range of sounds to restore the normal vibratory frequencies of diseased and out-of-harmony parts of your body, mind and soul. Phuket Marriott is known for its Quan Signature massage, which employs custom touch therapy tailored to your needs. It uses warm aromatic oil to stimulate your body and relieve stress, muscle tension and fatigue while stimulating blood circulation. Then, massage, knead and compress the muscles along your meridian lines using heated salt and herb s for a deeply soothing experience. It is also the spa’s most popular massage. Massages are clear favourites at Phuket Marriott, including its popular Fusion, recommended to new spa visitors. It ’s a relaxing massage with acupressure and stretching techniques to reinvigorate your senses, while the Thai Herbal uses a Traditional Thai massage and heated herb packs to heat to dissolve muscular aches and pains and leave you feeling recharged.

The Deep Tissue massage, a deeper massage is tailored to your needs, whether loosening tense muscles after a long day of activities, sports, or travel, leaving you feeling refreshed. The Aromatherapy uses the healing powers of essential oils and Swedish massage to help you relax. Different blends are used at other times of the day. New to Phuket Mariott? Try the three-hour Siam Touch, a traditional Thai package that starts with an Asian Herbal scrub to remove dead skin cells and revitalize your skin. It uses firm strokes with circular thumb movements to work on tired muscles. It also includes a Thai Herbal Therapy massage and an exotic Thai facial. The spa ’s most popular facial is the Quan Signature, a rejuvenating treatment that features local, natural ingredients – yogurt, black sesame, honey and papaya – to refresh and rebalance your skin. It also uses silk cocoons to firm and tone, provides deep cleansing and exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and leave your skin soothed and soft. Other facials include the ever-popular Anti-Ageing, a 75-minute treatment that instantly and visibly reduces wrinkles while revitalizing your skin. It uses native Alga that aids in the rebirth of skin cells and offers antioxidant protection. regulates and The Balancing Care is a multi-action facial that purifies,

repairs your skin and regulates sebum and metabolism. The After Sun alleviates skin irritations and reduces skin redness – perfect for minimizing the effects of prolonged sun exposure and helping it recover radiance, comfort and protection.

The 30-minute Intensive Eye Treatment uses an eye mask of marine collagen to rejuvenate, warm and refresh your delicate eye area and reduce fine lines. For even better results, it should be considered with a facial. When it comes to body treatments, the spa offers four scrubs, starting with the popular Coconut Salt, which uses Epson salt to exfoliate. The salt also has a detoxifying effect on your skin. Oils are used to reduce the effect of salt. Coconut oils are high in Vitamin E and great for your skin. The other scrubs, also 45 minutes in duration, include the Honey Sesame, Tamarind and Espresso Body. Wraps include the popular Quan Signature Body, which uses lavender essential oil, Clary sage and peppermint to cool your body and relax your mind, while papaya extract, Din So Pong, Thai clay, and green tea powder exfoliate and brighten your skin. The Aloe Vera Soothing Gel is the best source for sunburn therapy, comforting wounds and reducing scars. The Asian White Body employs phial and white mud to whiten jojoba, sweet almond and safflower to nourish and balance your skin moisture. The other wraps include the Green Tea Body,

which uses green tea, whitening properties, and mint and Kaffir lime to cleanse and improve circulation. https://youtu.be/y1Eku28mLD4 More Phuket Marriott Nai Yang Pix Quan Spa also offers three Sea Escapes, ranging from two to three hours in duration: The Quan Journey – a mind-clearing experience that begins with a Coconut Body scrub and a Detoxifying Asian White wrap to exfoliate your body. Then, a Siam Oriental massage to reinvigorate your senses. The journey includes a foot ritual, Coconut Body scrub, Quan Signature wrap, Siam Oriental massage and a facial. The Couples Experience focuses on your mind and body. It includes a foot ritual, an Aromatherapy massage, an Indian Head Massage, and an in-room private bath. The Siam Touch starts with an Asian Herbal scrub, a Thai Herbal Therapy massage to work on tired muscles, and an exotic Homemade Thai facial Experience using local natural ingredients to leave a clean and fresh complexion. A two-day well-being package also features a Detox scrub and wraps; Detox massage, a facial treatment; and private yoga and meditation.

Phuket Marriott Nai Yang has 116 seafront, low-rise rooms and private beachfront villas, consisting of 60 luxury rooms; 32 luxury pool access rooms; eight luxury suite rooms; five luxury suites with pool access; six beachfront pool villas; and five beachfront pool villas. The beachfront deluxe pool villas, 220 sqm in size, are only steps from the sea. They’re designed in two wings, connected by a small walkway. The main living room leads to a large bedroom and en suite bathroom with a rain shower, while the second wing can be used as a second bedroom or a living room and dining area. The beachfront pool villas, offering 182 sqm of living space, feature a private plunge pool, a semi-outdoor bathtub and a Thai-style pavilion that can be used for a massage. The luxury suite and pool access suite, 54 and 112 sqm and French respectively, feature a living/dining room, a large bathroom, windows that open onto a large balcony. Five of the suites offer direct access to the resort’s swimming pool. The luxury rooms and pool access rooms, 65 and 54 sqm, respectively, provide great sea views, and the luxury pool access rooms are located on the ground floor. The resort has three main restaurants, private dining, and its Lobby Lounge and poolside for light snacks and drinks. The Andaman Kitchen is the resort ’s all-day dining restaurant and serves an extensive International breakfast and authentic Thai dishes throughout the

day. It’s the go-to place for breakfast for its daily buffet breakfast, offering a range of live cooking stations creating omelets, Deerdles and our signature dish, eggs benedict , topped with Phuket crab curry. The restaurant also serves an array of Thai cuisine during lunch, and its al fresco terrace is a great venue to relax in style. If you want to know about Thai cuisine, you can take part in a private cooking class, which offers the chance to create dishes from the four culinary regions of Thailand. The Big Fish Restaurant & Bar is Phuket Marriott ’s signature restaurant. It serves an international lunch and dinner menu that showcases seafood and steaks, often sourced from local suppliers, including Phuket fishermen. It offers indoor, or al fresco seating. Alternatively, the rooftop lounge is perfect to soak up sea views while enjoying a glass of wine or a creative cocktail.

Big Fish Restaurant & Bar features regular themed buffets and private candlelit dinners to ensure the most romantic setting for your special occasion. It also features a series of flexible seating set-ups for groups. a selection of beverages, Interested in drinks? The Big Fish Bar offers including signature cocktails, fine wines and cold beers, while you overlook the ocean waves from the resort ’s beachfront bar. It also offers a choice of pizzas accompanied by atmospheric music.

The Lounge, Phuket Marriott ’s lobby bar, is open throughout the day and serves teas and coffees, including ice drinks, alongside landscaped gardens, a golden beach and the Andaman Sea. Takeaway drinks and snacks are also available for diners in a hurry. When the sun goes down, The Lounge transforms into a chic bar featuring a premium collection of wines, liqueurs , spirits, and classic and contemporary cocktails. The Poolside is great for afternoon snacks and cooling drinks while unwinding in the tropical Phuket sun. Guests at the poolside can order a series of classic local dishes such as Phad Thai, plus Western favourites, including sandwiches and burgers at the resort ’s outdoor Infinity pool, which overlooks the ocean. Iced buckets of beer , "Wan Yen” lollipops, and fruits are offered as a complimentary treat during afternoons. In-room dining service is ideal for families and friends wanting to spend quality time together. If you ’re seeking a more intimate dining experience , you can enjoy a range of delightful dishes in the privacy of your room, suite or villa. Couples seeking an even more intimate occasion can book private dinners on the beach – a great way to celebrate special events and create new memories.

Try the Beachfront Street Food Buffet for a unique and memorable dining experience. It offers a selection of the most popular Thai and Asian street food dishes on the sands of Nai Yang Beach, overlooking the Andaman Sea. It’s also

a great gathering place and dining experience for couples, families and friends to come together in a casual and fun atmosphere. Interesting things to see and do nearby: A visit to a nearby orchid garden and Thai village, situated on a lake and featuring a number of exotic varieties of orchids not seen elsewhere, plus cultural performances focusing on Phuket ’s uniqueness, or a visit to one of the island’s cashew nut factories, where you can buy cashews at a great price. Also worth seeing: Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre – the world ’s first permanent program to rehabilitate captive gibbons to survive in the wild. The centre is in Khao Phra Theo National Park, near the Bang Phae waterfall. Laem Phrom Thep, situated at the southern tip of Phuket, is very popular with visitors, who flock to see the amazing sunset over the Andaman Sea. Wat Chalong, Phuket ’s famous monastery, is also located south of the island. When visiting the monastery, a couple of things to keep in mind: Shoes must be removed when entering the temple, and women must not touch the monks. If you want to see the island ’s wildlife, Plant Zoo , Phuket Aquarium, or Phuket’s Marine Biological Research Centre. It features a touch pool, a glass ceiling aquarium and more than 50 observation tanks, where you can see rare species like the electric eel and piranha. Planet Zoo has three daily shows.

Naka Island Resort Phuket Strike the Gong and Make a Wish

t’s a five-minute breezy speedboat ride from Ao Po Grand Marina on Phuket that has been exhilarating, leaving us feeling refreshed and cool as we

stepped onto the wooden pier at Naka Island. The pier is 102 metres long and juts 30 metres out into the sun-tipped dancing waters of Phang Nga Bay. Naka Island is home to the Naka Island Resort – a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Naka Island is small as islands go, tree-covered and with brown sandy beaches. Naka Island Resort is the only resort on the island. From the pier, it ’s a short buggy ride to the resort ’s welcome sala, where you’ll be invited to strike a large gong at the entrance to announce your arrival and make a wish. Then you ’ll be garlanded with a ring of fragrant island flowers, offered a cool herbal drink, and escorted to your villa. It’s all part of the island’s culture. actually Naka Island does not have a lobby in the traditional sense. You check in at your villa. That and other services are handled by a Luxury Collection concierge, a bilingual, certified designation expert available 24 hours a day, and one of the things guests like about Naka Island.

The resort and spa design are based on feng shui principles. Water surrounds the spa, which plays a big role in feng shui . You can see it in the gardens and water curves and flowing shapes of the buildings, the pool, elements – all smoothness with soft, flowing movement. At Naka Island, only 2.56 km in size, you ’re never far from the sea, no matter where you are. That includes the resort’s 458 sqm freshwater pool, which offers an unusual swimming experience. The pool is surrounded by sun loungers adjacent to a tropical pond and close to Naka Island ’s ultra-private beach. The resort ’s 67 villas are designed in a classic tropical style, resembling a bit of a surprise. When you first capture a small Thai village. It comes as glimpse of the island, the resort is half hidden among the palms and deep green undergrowth even as you approach it. More surprises await on your way to the spa, especially the walkway framed by soft , arcing, green-leafed branches. As you near the spa area, the walkway turns into a more formal shaded walkway, covered by a thatched roof and supported by wood columns. It ’s like walking into a leafy tunnel on your way to a different world. The spa, Spa Naka, is located centrally on the island, close to the villas and near the resort ’s fitness centre. The spa focuses on health, beauty and inner peace. Its buildings and walkways are made of natural stone, with paths that meander through foliage and over-water features. Spa reception is very bright, with light brown walls and curving features, including its extra-large, custom-designed extended sofa with brown seat cushions and bright yellow, green and orange pillows. Lighting comes from recessed lamps in the ceiling and on the walls. Natural light floods the area from large windows. Outside, a large, ancient tree overlooks cement stepping stones on a brown pebbled area just outside the entrance. At spa reception, you ’ll be welcomed by the spa ’s ambassador, who will discuss any health concerns and treatment preferences you may have. “Depending on your spa experience, your therapist will suggest the best Urairat, treatment for you and explain the benefits of each treatment,” said whose Thai nickname is Pookie. The spa ’s 12 private treatment suites are in separate villas, a short walk from reception. They include four couples suites, outdoor rainforest showers, a private plunge pool, a stream bed, and a Kanieep pool – a hot and cold pool designed for foot massages. JuQ2xubbKVw

Yuphawadee Khunthong Spa Manager, Naka Island Resort Tr7XExsLwFY Tooling around Naka Island Resort Large by industry standards, the rooms have treatment beds with white covers and flower blossoms at the head of each bed. The walls are an eggshell cream colour, and the wood floors gleam in the sunlight from the green -shaded windows. Spa Naka uses three different fragrances through out the spa – eucalyptus, daily. In the lavender and lemongrass chosen by the therapist and rotated treatment rooms, you get to choose the scent. The spa ’s most popular treatment is the Watsu, which is performed in a large 60 sqm circular pool and combines Shiatsu pressure point techniques with stretching. The Watsu pool is located in a separate sala of light brown rendered brick, with a thatched roof, and surrounded by water and reached by stepping stones. These and the absence of gravity help alleviate aches and pains and prepare you for the challenges we face daily. The Watsu has a lot of benefits and is suitable for all ages, men and women, and all swimming abilities. “You ’re supported every step of the way by our Watsu-certified practitioner,” says Pookie.

These benefits include reduced fatigue and stress, boosted energy levels, improved body tone, deep breathing, harmonized sleep patterns and improved circulation and joint movement. She also recommends the Watsu for experienced spa-goers. In this calm, warming environment, you experience deep physical and mental relaxation, and your aches and pains are reduced, using Shiatsu pressure points, gentle stretching and the absence of gravity to help you find balance. She recommends the spa ’s Holistic massage for first-time visitors, which uses oil and soft-to-medium pressure to address stress and related physical concerns. She also suggests asking your therapist to focus on areas that need extra work. Massages are by far the most popular treatments at Naka Spa. It starts with a body brushing, followed by a massage focusing on areas needing detoxification, especially the hips and thighs. Favourites include the Hydra Memory has been an on-going favourite for several years. Also popular is the DAge Renewal, a body-firming, anti-ageing treatment that uses Kamani oil to restore your body ’s elasticity and firmness. The Detoxifying massage reduces toxins and puffiness and stimulates sluggish immune systems.

In the Hot Stone Elements massage, heated, smooth, flat stones are placed at key points along your body with essential oils to focus on your body ’s vital energy centre. The effects are both emotional and physical.

Other massages include the one-hour Cellulite Refiner and; Cellulite Remodeller, a hot/cold cellulite treatment designed to eliminate fatty deposits and contour and firm your body, and Vital Leg Detoxifying relieve pains from circulation problems due to fluid retention and a sense of heaviness. In this treatment, essential oils reduce swelling, revive your vitality , and prolong the feeling of being toned and firmed. Another favourite is the Intense Muscle Release/Swedish massage, which eases tight, stressed, and aching muscles due to heavy exercise or being chained to your desk for too many hours. It features Swedish and cross -muscle fibre techniques, using stretching , draining, and essential oils to benefit circulation. Black pepper, rosemary, and ginger are used to warm your muscles and disperse lactic acid buildup, which causes stiffness and pain. The spa’s Signature Rituals, featuring the Naka Well-Being Collection, also include a number of interesting massages, starting with the Aromasoul Oriental – a massage based on Tui Na, an ancient form of Chinese medicine. It is

designed to rebalance your body ’s meridians' energy flow and improve blood circulation and muscle contractions while restoring physical balance. This massage uses rolling, stretching, and finger pressure to prepare you for anticellulite and remodelling treatments. The Aromasoul Mediterranean “recreates and interprets the strength and delicacy of waters”. It uses slow, rhythmic pumping and long, flowing strokes to encourage fluid movement in your body and enhance a deep sense of relaxation. “Great when combined with treatments for heavy legs, cellulite, and detoxifying your system.” The Aromasoul Indian massage, inspired by Ayurveda medicine, creates a sensory journey to help you regain your emotional equilibrium. It uses circular movements to reawaken the energy in your charkas and ends with slow, static pressure along your Marma or Nadi points. The Armoasoul Arabian massage is really different. It’s based on traditions of the Berber and Tuareg tribes and is designed to help your body relax, release itself from extreme fatigue and promote the purification of the soul. The treatment begins with a cleansing, using vigorous circular movements all over your body, followed by a delicate contact phase, and ends with an application of light oil. Sao recommends the Armasoul Ritual massage for new visitors, which uses essential oils that promote physical and mental well-being. The different combinations of essential oils provide calming and detoxifying properties. For experienced spa-goers, she likes the Naka Indigenous massage. It starts with facial drainage using the spa ’s Signature Indigenous Aroma scent. A heated compress is then applied to your back muscles to help you relax before choosing an essential oil blend that is massaged onto your body. Popular facials include the 60-minute Hydra Memory, a 24-hour deep hydrating treatment that provides exceptional hydration and nourishment. Effective during dry weather conditions and during and after air travel. The Skin Resonance, designed for delicate skin, is “perfect” if you ’re prone to redness, cuperose, or have fragile capillaries. The Rebalancing – a purifying and balancing facial – features a deep cleansing to leave your skin fresh and toned. The most popular wraps are the Virgin Coconut Body Polish and an 80minerals and minute Aromatic Moor Mud wrap, rich in natural vitamins, enzymes, which is applied to your body to release sore muscles, aches and pains. “Ideal for chronic pain and fatigue.”

When it comes to detoxification, it ’s the Honey Mango, which uses local, not heated or treated honey that retains all its antibiotic enzymes, and when combined with a sweet-smelling mango massage and raw sugar, it leaves your skin smooth and hydrated. The Virgin Coconut Body Polish uses fresh virgin coconut oil to provide a Spa Naka also offers two unique three-hour spa journeys – Thai Temptation, which features an ancient secret Thai herbal steam and Thai scrub, a full body Thai massage, and ends with a secret Thai facial treatment. Its Bath Collections include Pink Himalaya Salt scrub, which delivers pure ingredients while smoothing your body; Homali Jasmine Rice body scrub to brighten your skin and remove dullness; Ofure Bathing, which mimics the Traditional Japanese Bathing Ritual, and includes The Ageless Beauty helps to rejuvenate often-neglected areas of your body with the spa ’s Fit & Firm body massage, which breaks up fatty tissue in your body prone to cellulite. It uses a firming oil and an anti-cellulite cream to eliminate surplus body fat while strengthening your immune system. The treatment includes full-body steam and deep clean body scrub, an anti-cellulite massage, deep tissue massage and anti-cellulite creams.

It also has three Ayurvedic wellness treatments. Each begins with an Ayurvedic consultation to determine your dosha or body type. It is performed by experienced Ayurvedic doctors and masseurs. https://youtu.be/SK6p1xjlL5U More Naka Island Phuket Pix The 80-minute Abhyanga massage uses warm herbal oils blended for your dosha to cleanse and detoxify your body. In the Shirodhara, a 50-minute treatment, warm medicated oil is poured over your “third eye” chakra or forehead – great for calming, reducing insomnia, stress and fatigue. The treatment includes a complimentary Ayurvedic herbal tea designed specifically for your dosha. In the Indian Head massage, oil is poured on your scalp and hair to rejuvenate and create a deep sense of calm with a head and shoulder massage. It relieves mental and physical stress, cleans blockages and relieves emotional pressures. Pookie is like Facial Yoga for its total rejuvenation, which uses jade stone to , and Sacred Lotus bring beauty, balance, and vibrancy to your entire self reduces ageing effects. Bright Brace Face Perfect uses a French green clay mask to extract toxins and sebum and Bamboo Tears to remineralize, calm, and refine your pores. Spa packages include the two-hour Sacred Nature, an anti-ageing treatment for your body and face, using organic products formulated to protect your DNA; the Tranquility Aromatic Ritual, a hydrating and anti-stress face and body treatment that relieves tension and smooths and tones your skin; and Embrace, a romantic package for couples to de-stress, re-energize and indulge together. It features a milk bath or Thai Herbal steam, body scrub and a massage. The spa has a long list of traditional body treatments, including Prana Vital Energy to erase fatigue, Inner Reset Ritual to detox your mind and body , Warm Bamboo and Abma and body contouring is used to sculpt your figure. Others include Posture Rescue, Core Release , Mohorn Indigo Healing and Golden Calm.

Tropical gardens surround Naka Resort’s 67 villas with panoramic views of Phang Bay, limestone cliffs and surrounding islands. The outside is made of rendered brick, featuring curving surfaces coloured and earth-toned light brown to blend into the secluded tropical surroundings. All villas offer private plunge pools and open-air bathrooms. The bathrooms include soak tubs which double as a steam room. Natural wood is used throughout. There are six different types of accommodation, ranging from the 350 sqm Topical and Beachfront villas to the 1,600 sqm Royal Horizon Pool villa. There are also two 450 sqm villas – the Tropical pool and sea view pool – and three 550 sqm beachfront pool villas. The Tropical pool villas feature large windows and sliding doors, a private garden, a private sala entrance and beds with sheer white canopies. The Beachfront villas are only a few steps from the island ’s beaches and come with vaulted ceilings, wood floors, area rugs, a covered sala, a large outdoor area and even a sunken deck. The Seaview and sunrise pool villas are located on either side of the Royal Horizon pool villa. The Seaview pool villas also offer great views of the Andaman Sea, a private pool, a covered sala, and a day bed. A private walkway connects. The most expensive is the gated Royal Horizon pool villa, located on a hilltop, bordered by a landscaped garden, featuring a sunken dining area, a 546

sqm Infinity pool, and a pool deck wraps around the villa ’s two front pavilions and a lounging area. Inside, there ’s a six-person dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a sunroom with lounges and even a spa treatment area with two treatment beds.

Naka Island has two main dining options – the Tonsai and My Grill. Tonsai is just steps away from the sea and offers air-conditioned intimate indoor dining in a high -ceiling dining room that extends over three levels. It also offers outdoor dining with great views of the sea. favourites, Its menu includes international cuisine and traditional Thai using local produce, organic vegetables and regional fish. Breakfast features an extensive buffet, where hot items are customized in show kitchens. Lunch is à la carte, with a menu that includes sandwiches, pizza and Thai favourites. Popular dishes include Tom Kamin pla, ped pla ce tod hora pa – marinated duck with five spices fried in a Thai sweet basil sauce; pooh nim pad pong garee – stir-friend, soft shell crab in yellow curry powder, egg, onions; and green curry seafood pizza. My Grill ha s open-air dining on the hillside, with shimmering sea views. Guests love the sensation of dining and being surrounded by water at head

level. It also offers the opportunity of dining in an open space within the pool area. My Grill ’s menu features fresh local seafood, imported steaks , locally sourced produce, and herbs harvested from the resort’s gardens. Dishes are prepared in a wood-fire d oven on an open -flame charcoal grill or a tandoori oven. Favourite dishes include turmeric and coriander prawns, char-grilled Australian beef salad, Phuket lobster, teriyaki-glazed gindara, grilled tenderloin, and scallops marinated in sweet chilli and vodka with orange fennel and citrus herb dressing.

Soneva Kiri Thailand’s Barefoot Experience

hen our guests arrive, we tell them to take off their shoes and put them in a bag. Having no shoes and no news is very healthy and

grounding,” said Mark Sands, Soneva’s area spa director for Thailand and Viet Nam. “A lot of our competitors apply a dress code. At Soneva, you don’t have to wear shoes or trousers anywhere. It helps our guests feel at home without the worries and obligations of their everyday lives.” Soneva Kiri, located on an unspoiled island, is an hour away by private plane from Bangkok. Its barefoot philosophy is based on a belief that it ’s possible to have wellness and luxury without sacrificing sustainability. “We ’re all about space, privacy and showing how sustainable materials can have a great aesthetic. “We avoid teak and favour bamboo and eucalyptus – both fast-growing trees – that we grow in our plantations. They ’re just as beautiful as rarer materials. We use natural woods without any varnish or oil, and we keep unprotected, recycled wood…usually stunning with a beautiful patina. “We believe in bringing out the beauty of nature. It’s what sets us apart.” fun and Sovena describes its style as comfortable, practical, functional, quirky – with big comfortable day beds with removable fabric covers for easy washing. Soneva Kiri is definitely off the beaten track on Thailand ’s fourth largest – but least populated island, Koh Hood. But if you ’re looking for unspoiled beauty, authentic Thai experiences and organic food – with an environmental

approach – it’s an experience you’ll always remember. You definitely won’t find it crowded. It has only 35 large pool villas located at beach level, hillsides and hilltops that overlook the Gulf of Thailand. All come with chic furnishings, personal electric buggies and a Mr. or Mrs. Friday private butler. There’s a large swimming pool at the main bar and a restaurant in the centre of the resort. There’s also an open-air Cinema Paradiso, homemade chocolate, an ice cream parlour, a high-tech observatory, a mantra ray-shaped children ’s den, and a treetop. 1N4YCEPCWCQ Touring Soneva Kiri wl7zqTLga84 Soneva Kiri Guests can also dine outside. One of the restaurants is located in the trees – with a cable car for guests and a zip wire for waiters. Everyone loves the treetop dining pod, where you ’re hoisted high into the jungle canopy. Dishes include daily at the authentic Thai food made from ingredients personally selected market. The restaurant is built on stilts over a mangrove forest. In the evening, it is lit by torches and fireflies. It does not serve imported water but offers six kinds of purified water, each with a different healing crystal. The Dining Room offers great views and fine dining with a changing daily menu, reflecting the tradition of slow food and organic ingredients grown or caught locally. Dishes are baked in a tandoor, wood-fired, or hot or cold smoke ovens. favourites. So Delicious features light offerings – cold cuts and other deli parlour with 60 flavours and a Chocolate Room There’s also an ice cream featuring slivers of chocolate from 95% cocoa slabs. Its climatically-controlled wine cellar, The Subterranean, has 500 labels with a sommelier to help you choose and offer tastings. “In our concept of luxury,” said Mark, “a fresh salad from our organic garden is more appealing and certainly healthier. And our bathrooms may not have marble or gold taps, but our guests can shower while gazing at a full

moon.” Soneva Kiri ’s spa is located in the middle of the beach villas toward the resort’s main facilities—without the rush and noise --- with views of the beach and the surrounding jungle. Spa reception is large and open, with day beds, wooden furniture and aquagreen cushions. The first thing you notice is the bamboo structure and sustainable wood that merges into the surroundings.

The spa has eight treatment rooms – three with a view of the sea and five with natural surroundings and jungle. In addition to the treatment rooms, the spa has a salon, a consultation room and a Watsu pool. The resort’s gym and wellness pavilion open to view the arrival jetty and bay. As a Six Senses Spa, it offers “an intuitive mix of science and human awareness, where our high-tech and high-touch approach defines a service crafted around the individual”. Its personalized services include an Ayurvedic doctor, yoga teacher, fitness, Pilates, Watsu and destination spa-style programs. “Integrative wellness is a major difference in which we use technology to enhance our Ayurvedic doctor ’s consultations and provide detailed biomarker analysis and natural advice on your needs.

“A scientific approach to treatments, fitness and lifestyle in an easy-tounderstand format. In addition, Fusionetics provide fitness programs, for example, whether you ’re recovering from an injury or just trying to get in shape.” Special treatments include Watsu, Thai Herbal Massage, Abhyanga and Shirodhara. The Watsu combines gentle stretching and massage as you float in warm water, combining the therapeutic benefits of warm water with elements from zen, shiatsu, yoga, and meditation. Acupressure works on your meridian lines, while a heated herbal compress improves Prana flow, normalizing your blood pressure and eliminating impurities. The Thai Herbal massage is a traditional Thai massage form that uses classic Thai Hearting Herbal packs. The Himalayan Singing Bowl massage balances your body’s Chakras and restores harmony through the healing sound of waves and the vibrations of the singing bowls, which are placed close to the area of concern. The Lymphatic Drainage massage is a detoxifying treatment that uses wave-like movements to stimulate your lymphatic system. Other popular massages include The Deep Tissue, Energizer, Holistic, Let Lag, Thai Herbal and Indian Head. The Abhyanga is a traditional Indian synchronized full-body massage known as “the four-handed massage”. It ’s designed to liquidify toxins and induce relaxation while normalizing your blood pressure and eliminating impurities. The Shirodhara is a full-body oil application, followed by lukewarm herbal oil poured in an even stream on your forehead to soothe and revitalize your mind and body. Great for alleviating stress and disturbed sleep. It ’s also an antiageing treatment that improves memory and sleep patterns. The Kata Vasti is a back treatment. Medicated oils are poured on your lower back, promoting muscle and ligament strength to support your spine. https://youtu.be/53PcD3USaug More Soneva Kiri Pix detoxify and Other body treatments include Chi Nei Tsang, designed to stimulate your digestive system. It draws on Taoist traditions and works directly over your abdominal area to release energy blockages. There ’s also a Laghoo Shankja Prakshalana and Yogic Intestinal Cleanse, which uses combined fine specific yoga postures while drinking six to eight glasses of salt

water. Soneva also offers Reiki and a personal consultation with an in-house doctor to determine your dosha type and advice on treatments and dietary needs. There is also personal fitness training, Fit Bal Detox, Flying Yoga, Pilates, Six Senses Meditation and Yoga Nidra meditation. Its wellness screening program provides detailed wellness consultation, using non-invasive biomarker technology to screen your body. Biomarkers, blood oxygen levels, heart rate variability and body composition analyses are used to establish what lifestyle, fitness and motivation changes you need to make to improve your wellness. The lifestyle guide includes nutritional advice based on the mineral and vitamin deficiencies identified in your screening. While the spa focuse s on wellness, Soneva Kiri has a full range of pampering treatments. The 24K Golden Age-Defying by Subtle Energies is its most popular facial, a big favourite with Asian women. Also popular is Anti-Ageing, which uses silk cocoons to firm and tone your skin. The cocoons contain 12 amino acids to improve your skin ’s elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and repair sun-damaged skin. It works for all skin types. Then there is the Nourishing and Purifying facial, a deep-cleansing treatment ideal for eliminating blocked pores and skin blemishes, using flower lemon and tea tree extracts. The Antiessences, active clays, and lavender, Ageing uses silk cocoons to firm and tone your skin. The 2.5-hour Romance Journey starts with Thai Herbal steam, a Six Senses Signature massage, a personalized facial and a Six Senses product to take home. It includes herbal steam, a Six Senses Signature massage, a customized facial, and ends with a footbath and a scalp massage. Other pampering treatments include the Sensory Spa Journey, in which two therapists work harmoniously to create a relaxing experience.

Other popular treatments include The Oriental, Thai Herbal and Ayurvedic Experience, a combination of Abhyanga and Shirodhara massages. The Oriental is a stress-relieving treatment that combines a full-body massage with acupressure and stretching techniques. Other massages include the Drainage, a detoxifying treatment that uses wave-like movements to stimulate your lymphatic system, improve circulation, and boost your immune system. “Ideal for after travelling or during detox.” There’s also a pregnancy massage designed to reduce swelling, prevent insomnia, reduce muscle cramps and back pain and soothe your nervous system. Signature wraps include the Body Refiner, which uses Jojoba and white clay improves to exfoliate; Body Toner, a balancing wrap that helps your skin circulation; and detoxifies and exfoliat es your skin after long travelling. The favourite wrap is the locally inspired Detox Coffee and its most popular scrub, the Coffee and Coconut, a detoxifying, anti-cellulite treatment created from organic and homemade products. Scrubs range from 75 to 45 minutes and include the popular Six Senses Signature scrubs, including Calming – a jojoba scrub infuses with chamomile and lavender essences. Great for sensitive skin and the Nourishing and Purifying scrubs, great for day or maturing skin and a deep clean. Six Senses Signature scrubs also include Clarity – ideal for combination or oily skin, using crushed coconut shell with orange and Rosemary essences and Vitality, a rice grain scrub. Other body treatments include the Detoxifier – ideal after long travelling periods; Natural Sunburn Soother; Chakra Balancing to release blockages and

improve the flow of energy throughout your body; and the Yogic Intentional Cleanse, which uses a natural and non-invasive way by combining five specific yoga postures and drinking six to eight glasses of water. Asian women also like Flying yoga, while Westerners prefer Ayurvedic treatments and Oriental massage. Lisa Marki, spa manager, suggests something relaxing and simple for firsttime visitors to the spa, such as a Holistic or Oriental massage. “Even better if you allow us to do a wellness screening. This would enable us to personalize recommendations as to what your body needs. Allow our experts to guide us.” Experienced spa-goers, he says, should try something different. “Be brave and try Watsu, Ayurvedic Experience. Better still, allow us to do a wellness screening, get you on a program for a few days, and show you the post-screening improvements with actual measurable data.”

Trisara Resort Phuket Where Luxury and Privacy Meet

risara takes its name from ancient Sanskrit. It means the Third Garden in Heaven and is luxurious and ultra-private. At

Trisara, the words are

interchangeable, particularly privacy, which is prized by its guests, who include royalty, heads of state and celebrities.

The entrance is half hidden among ancient hardwoods, down a tree-lined roadway to a guardhouse, before proceeding to Trisara’s main lobby. Trisara has two lobbies – one for arriv ing guests and the second as a check -out for departing guests and visitors awaiting transportation. The arrival lounge is the main contact for guests. The spa also has two reception areas. The first is opposite Trisara’s arrival

lounge, and the second is in a bright, spacious room with large windows within the spa. So do The Spa ’s six treatment rooms – 100 sqm in size – each with two treatment beds with white coverings, changing rooms, separate showers, a steam room, their own relaxation area, and a large deck set amid a tropical garden or overlooking the deep blue Andaman Sea. The high arched, A-shaped wood ceilings and white walls of the treatment rooms are large, bright, and airy and have a distinctly modern look and feel. By industry standards, they redefine our idea of spaciousness. For Trisara, it ’s all about “the experience”, not just in its spa but in every aspect of the resort’s 45-acre tree-filled property. Creating the experience means ensuring everything works – the small and the big things. Every time. “We ’ve spared no expense, whether soundless air conditioning, super-sized villas and spa treatment rooms or memorable dining adventures, to create ‘incredible ’ experiences,” said Raidrawan Boonsompong, Trisara’s spa manager, whose Thai nickname is Kat. Trisara uses in its treatments – Sodashi, That extends to the products known for its 100% organic products, created from essential oils and extracts from the ocean and earth. No chemicals and no preservatives. “But don ’t be misled. All of Sodashi’s products and treatments are very luxurious. So are our treatments,” he said, noting that “our therapists train all the time, usually two hours a day, and offer something special. Sometimes, we go through 100 candidates to find the one we’re looking for.”

For Trisara’s guests, relaxation tops the list. Wellness comes second. “We focus more on treatments where we can use a detox. Yoga is a big part of our business,” said Kat. HTXrBc_w60c Making the rounds at Trisara Resort Phuket She says you must have enough therapists to run a great spa. If you stay at a nice resort and book a massage for a specified time, you can ’t always do that Trisara has 18 at some spas because they don ’t have enough therapists. therapists – more than two for each of The Spa’s treatment rooms. “The same goes for our treatments. They also have to be the best there is.” Trisara’s Jara Spa is a jungle setting in “ The Garden of the Third Heaven .” Jara means journey, and it takes its inspiration from a nearby century-old Ficus tree, which envelopes the spa. It’s also the force behind Java Spa’s quest for wellbeing. Trisara’s spa journey – the “The tree symbolizes the different aspects of roots, the trunk, the branch, the blossom and spirituality. The origins provide rejuvenation through nutrition and balance and provide the tree’s stability. “The branches represent eternal youth and anti-aging practices. They continue to grow as long as they ’re healthy. The blossoms are the spa, beauty

and pleasure and represent healthy leaves and fruit. “Our objective,” said Kat, “is to create a haven for those seeking a journey back to balance, rejuvenation and a healthy lifestyle, removed from today ’s health fads and gimmicks.” She recommends the Jara Spa Discoveries, which feature treatments from each of the spa’s pillars of well-being. “Our Local Experience, for example, will take you on a journey of discovery, using practices and techniques from traditional Oriental philosophy that remove us from the usual reliance on Western medicine.” The five-hour Jara Local uses nature as its inspiration to rejuvenate you from the inside out, using techniques and practices from Traditional Thai Medicine to calm your mind with the walking meditation of Buddhist monks. The treatment includes a Samunpai scrub and wrap, Thai Thermal massage, Thai stretching, or the Sri Dat Ton and Walking meditation. In addition to the Jara Local Experience, there are two six-hour experiences – Jara Well-Being and Jara Pampering. The Jara Well-Being is a complete holistic journey that can be done in one day or spread over your stay – ideal for individuals experiencing high levels of stress and helps to induce deep relaxation while clearing your mind and improving mental alertness. The package starts with a Thai Luk Pra Kob massage, a Radiance facial, a physical assessment, an Aroma foot soak, personal training, private meditation and yoga sessions. whole body experience” – features The Java Pampering – “the ultimate highly popular signature beauty treatments, Sodashi Body scrub and facial. This is followed by an Aroma foot soak, a manicure/pedicure, and ends with an Aromatherapy Bubble bath with Champagne and a chocolate platter in your villa.

Popular massages include the Thai Thermal, which focuses on reenergizing your body, calming your mind, stimulating circulation, and promoting draining and detoxification. The treatment was inspired by an ancient Thai post-natal remedy and uses an Aromatherapy massage and heated Himalayan salt packed in a Thai-style clay pot to promote body detoxification and total relaxation. Other massages include Hot Stone Therapy, which helps to ease arthritic pains and overworked minds; Jara Oil, an Aromatherapy massage using organic massage oils and thumbs, knuckles and elbows to relieve sore muscles. In the Royal Trisara Six Hands massage, three skilled therapists work their magic with a unique combination of Swedish massage and acupressure. The Jara oil massage and the Aromatherapy massage use organic massage knuckles and elbows are used, and techniques in which palms, thumbs, followed by an aromatherapy massage to soothe body tissues and relieve sore muscles. In the Maya Abdominal, your therapist works on 37 acupressure points around your abdominal area to stimulate circulation. “Many experienced spa-goers know exactly what they want, but for those who wish to try something new, we have a team of dedicated consultants who

spend time with you…to recommend a suitable treatment to meet their needs and resolve any issues they may have.” Other massages include the Thai Thermal, which re-energizes your body, calms your mind, stimulates circulation, and promotes draining and detoxification. It starts with the Thai Luk Pra Kob, an anti-inflammatory, a local analgesic and muscle relaxant, followed by a herbal compress to stimulate your body’s Sen Sib lines. It ends with hot stone therapy, a Maya Abdominal , and an Indian Head massage. Jara Spa’s Anti-Cellulite massage helps to eliminate toxins as well as excess fluid, while the Sukhothai uses long deep strokes, thumb pressure and stretching along your body’s blocked energy channels. Your spa experience starts at spa reception. You’ll receive a welcoming cool towel, chat with a receptionist about your health concerns, and be allowed to review the spa’s treatment menu.

At that point, your therapist will step in and discuss what treatments you want and, in the case of health concerns, what treatments might be st suit your needs at that time. She’ll also ask where you ’d like to have your treatment in the spa or, in the case of massages, at a special seafront open-air pavilion, a two-minute walk

down the pathway to the beach, past the main pool and an easy stone ’s throw from the sea. Many of the treatments are also available in your villa. The Spa is known for its Signature Royal Trisara massage, which uses the skills of three therapists and combines traditional Thai and Swedish massage techniques and acupressure to work their magic. It starts with a gentle Thai massage at your feet and neck at the same time, with all hands moving in synchronic harmony. Herbal compresses are applied with long Swedish massage strokes and acupressure, with hands, thumbs, and elbows working harmoniously. It ends with warm organic coconut oil pouring slowly onto your forehead while your therapist wipes it back into your hair and massages your scalp and neck simultaneously. Jara Spa’s most popular facial? It’s the Sodashi Age-Defying, an anti-ageing treatment that reawakens your skin ’s natural healing. The treatment uses a series of timeless anti-ageing techniques rooted in Ayurvedic traditions. It includes a Rose Quartz Chrystal facial massage to prepare your skin for a powerful, Ultimate Age-Defying cream that penetrates your skin for maximum benefits. Other Sodashi facials include the 90-minute Sodashi Facial Rejuvenation. All massage and Sodashi Plant Essence Synergies leave your skin revitalized and fresh. “It’s more than just a facial. It’s nature’s facelift, said Kat. The treatment offers an intensive boost to all of nature ’s vitamins and minerals, using a warm infusing Sodoshi mask to penetrate the vitamins and minerals into the deeper layers of your skin, restoring elasticity and radiance. The Pure Radiance tailors the treatment to your skin ’s needs using a Sodashi facial.

“Mindfulness is important to us and is a big part of our belief that over-all well-being begins from within. We have an in-house yoga master, who can teach different types of yoga such as Hatha and Vinyara and meditation,” said Kat. The Indian Head massage, an ancient Ayurvedic massage, improves blood flow to your neck and head while increasing the amount of oxygen in your system. Trisara’s most popular wrap – Sodashi Detoxifying Marine Body – combines sea plants, algae, marine minerals and plant essences with Sodashi’s Organic Green Tea and Dead Sea salts to create a deeply detoxifying experience. A warm Sodashi Marine Body Mask is then applied before you ’re cocooned in the wrap. The Sodashi Refining Body wrap begins with a Sodashi Aromatic Vanilla Sandalwood exfoliation, a full-body mask, a body wrap and a scalp massage. Then, a Sodashi refining body mask of French pink clay and herbal extracts to firm, tone and condition your skin. Great for treating scar tissue and stretch marks. It’s also safe and effective before, during and after pregnancy. The spa focuses on a number of things you can do for physical renewal, including Yoga, mat Pilates, Muay Thai Boxing and full-body stretching. It also has a variety of practitioners available on call to support guests with Tai Chi, Energy Healing and Holistic Kinesiology.

The most popular is the Samunpai scrub, which improves your blood circulation and promotes detoxification when it comes to exfoliation. It blends Thai flowers and herbs – jasmine, Cananga, turmeric and plai – to remove dead skin cells and improve blood circulation. It also helps with skin healing. Popular wraps include the Traditional Thai Herbal, which uses local products and mineral-rich Thai white mud, fresh Thai herbs and yogurt to nourish your skin, tighten pores and lighten blemishes. https://youtu.be/2V94LrFKrsI More Trisara Phuket Pix The resort has 39 pool suites and villas, guest facilities and 18 residential villas, situated on 40 acres of gardens that gently rise from its 1,400-metre seafront, ensuring great views of the Andaman Sea and total privacy for each villa and suite, no matter where you are on the resort. Of these, 22 are individual one-bedroom pool villas, offering 240 sqm of total space, designed as either oceanfront or ocean view pool villas, and featuring a private 10-metre Infinity pool, teak sun decks, outdoor showers and a huge bedroom. The 12 Ocean View Pool rooms, set further up the hill and above the Ocean View Pool Villas, offer a four- metre private plunge pool, a teak pool sundeck, an outdoor shower and a large bedroom; three private ocean view spa pool suites, at a higher elevation still, with sea views – 240 sqm in size and featuring bedrooms with en suite and outdoor showers, a separate living room, a ninemetre Infinity pool and open decks. There are two oceanfront pool villas, set directly above the bay, with ocean frontage and two bedrooms, each with an en suite and outdoor showers , a central dining and living space. The wing areas lead out to pool decks and a 10metre private pool. All suites include oversized bathtubs and silent air conditioning. Their minibars, by the way, stock Champagne. Trisara also has 18 privately owned residences. Most are situated directly above the oceanfront. They ’re pricey, running between $5,000 and $6,000 a night. They come with their own staff, including your own cook, with two-tofive bedroom accommodation, large swimming pools, and living and dining pavilions. When it comes to dining, there are five main options, starting with The Deck, a spacious, airy oceanfront teak deck restaurant that overlooks the resort’s private beach and is shaded by tall coconut trees. Breakfast is available

at its outdoor seating area, with popular Western and Thai offerings for lunch and dinner. Special dishes include Pla Nung Manto – white snapper fillets steamed with lime, chilli and coriander sauce; Mong Gone Pon Fai – saut éed Phuket lobster with roasted chilli paste and cashew nuts; Gaeny Kiew Wan Gai – green curry paste with apple eggplant and chicken gai; Gooag Sarone – prawns wrapped in vermicelli rice Deerdles, with honey mustard dipping sauce. Its signature Trisara Grill, a new addition to Trisara, is situated on the main beachfront deck, offering grilled seafood, meat and vegetables in a tropical environment. The Grill is open for dinner only and offers indoor and outdoor seating. The Bar, which serves up tapas and exotic cocktails, overlooks the sea and main pool, a gathering place in the early evening to watch the sunset. It extends to the open-air decks over the beach, with sunbeds and lounges. Other dining experiences include an in-villa BBQ and Beach BBQs. “Our philosophy is to take local produce, including seafood, fruit and vegetables, and prepare them to retain all their flavour,” said Kat. Trisara’s bakery produces its bread, pastries and even chocolates. Environmental concerns are uppermost in the resort’s operations. She notes that Trisara’s main water supply is trucked in from a lake, filtered and treated before it reaches any of its suites or villas. It is treated further before being used to wash fruits and vegetables. Guests are advised to drink only bottled water.

Interesting things to see and do nearby: “Most of our guests are returning guests and tend to spend the whole day in their villas,” adds Anthony. He recommends a half-day cruise or a helicopter flight to Phang Nga Bay for first-time guests, made famous by a James Bond movie. “If you only leave Trisara once during your stay, be sure to do this. It ’s truly beautiful.” Other suggestions include visiting the island ’s rainforest, an elephant ride, or a Buddhist temple and being blessed by a monk. The sun can be pretty hot and strong during the day, and many people appreciate the shade after being in the sun for a few minutes. And if you love golf, you ’re really in luck. Trisara’s guests can play at Blue Canyon Country Club, an exclusive world-class championship-quality course 20 minutes away. It’s probably the only place where you need two caddies – one to handle your bag and the other, to carry an umbrella. There are two other quality courses, about 20 minutes away at Laguna and Mission Hills, and a third, Red Mountain, a world-class course about 40 minutes away. If you don ’t have clubs, no problem. The resort also has several new, high-quality men’s and women’s Wilson golf club sets available to guests. Equipment is available from the reception desk on the beach. Also, there ’s no end to water activities and adventures, including snorkelling, which is very popular with Trisara’s guests. You have two options:

You can snorkel straight off the jetty or take a five-minute boat ride to Koh Wae, a small island just off the resort. If you ’re snorkelling off the jetty, head past the teak pontoon towards the northern headland to find incredible species of colourful fish. If you decide to snorkel off Koh Wae, a marine park where both the reef and coral are protected, you ’ll find the best snorkelling on the west coast of Phuket. If you prefer to stay close to home, cooking classes for one o r two people is a very personal experience. They last about four or five hours, and you get to eat your prepared meal. And for special occasions, such as weddings, birthday parties, etc., there are candle-lit paper balloons to release into the night sky and even fireworks on the beach to mark the occasion.

Vijitt Resort Phuket Reuniting With Nature

xperience old Phuket as it used to be. Stroll through fruit orchards, coconut groves and rubber tree plantations, past fields of flowers, shrubs and grasses,

and breath in the fragrances of frangipani, mango and orange jasmine fringing the pathways that wind around Vijitt Resort on Friendship Beach in Phuket.

The resort is built around a sloping, 18-acre beachfront property that has carefully preserved its heritage as a fruit and rubber plantation for more than six decades. Vijitt is much more, of course: Classic dining in its Baan Vijitt Restaurant,

set in a shining white 55-year-old Sino-Portuguese beachside mansion; 92 luxury villas with unobstructed views of the Andaman Sea; a great beachfront with white sand; Thai-style buildings, including wood tile roofs, made from allnatural products, like coconut-based wall textiles, all wood and bamboo fences; lemongrass mosquito spray; herbal spa products; aloe vera-based soaps; visiting Coral Island for other surprises and experiences. The lobby is a huge surprise and in keeping with Vijitt’s theme of reuniting with nature. It has a high-pitched, four-cornered vaulted roof made of straw, open on three sides, with chairs to sink in and look over the grounds and pathway to the beach. The biggest surprise comes at check-in, where your eye is automatically drawn to the strings of various-shaped round decorative objects looking like giant beads suspended from the ceiling behind the reddish-toned wood reception desk just as striking as the lighting – an unusual grouping of smaller colours, plus two large spotlights lamps with shades of various sizes and nestled in over-sized shades on each side.

The atmosphere is upbeat and emphasizes the strong holiday mood that prevails throughout the resort. “Our guests like the feeling of open space, of being close to nature,” said Poom Panduahai, V spa’s manager. It takes about five minutes to walk to Vijitt’s beach. The concrete walkway,

imprinted with art shapes, walks you through the grounds and gardens, past the pool villas and the large infinity pool next to the beach. The pool is lined with sun loungers shaded by large red umbrellas on the wood deck bordering the pool. The infinity pool seems to go on forever as it blends seamlessly into the Andaman Sea. But for memorable views, wander down at sunset when the yellow, orange and red-streaked sky is reflected on the surface of the pool. Tall palm trees shade the grounds in front of the pool and end at a stone retaining wall to protect the pool and grounds from flooding on rare days of exceptionally high tides. The spa is on the left as you leave the main lobby. It’s called V Spa and uses the letter V as the first word in the names of its treatments – not as an abbreviation, as you might assume, for Vijitt, but to introduce the philosophy behind its treatments. V also represents the numeral 5 and the five senses underlying its treatments – sight, taste, smell, sound and touch. “Our focus is on bringing our guests back to nature. Our four treatment villas, for example, are grouped in a way that suggests a small village,” said Poom. Its smaller treatment villas are open-air salas with straw roofs, which blend quietly into the jungle's natural beauty. The spa’s four treatment villas are located by a small canal in a valley and a tropical garden , featuring oversized beds for body and facial treatments. Its walls are made of straw, and white curtains draped from the ceiling ensure privacy. Each villa has an outside private bath, air conditioning and wood flooring. From the open front, you can see the resort ’s gardens and down the sloping hillside, the roofs of its villas and the bright blue waters of the Andaman Sea. V Spa is filled with floral and herbal scents. The prevailing scent in the spa choose from reception is lemongrass, but in the treatment rooms, you can various scents like roses, vanilla and ocean breeze. Background ambience might be the sounds of flowing streams and rivers, the songs of birds or a piano playing at the beach or in the garden. Vijitt, which The spa is known for its V Signature three-hour Secret of features its four-element concept and includes an exfoliation, polish and a fullbody massage to help you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. The package includes a Jacuzzi floral milk, body scrub and V Relaxing massage.

Treatments, like its four V spa packages, have intriguing names and interesting approaches. Its Toning Treatment with Celestial Spheres combines two spheres – a sun sphere, radiating an intense orange colour “to melt away tension in the heart of your muscle fibres”, and the moosphere, deep indigo blue with iridescent spangles that provide relief and inner peace. Vijitt’s other special package – the 2.5-hour V Romance Vijitt for Couples – is a honeymoon package in a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. It includes a V Romance Jacuzzi Milk bath, Coconut Paradise Body scrub and a VDeep Cleansing facial. Other packages range from two to three hours, starting with V Relaxing, which includes herbal steam, a body scrub of your choice and an Aromatherapy massage. The V Well-Being also consists of herbal steam, a body scrub, a Jacuzzi Milk bath and a Swedish massage; the Balancing Paradise offers a body scrub and a body wrap of your choice, an Aromatic Hot Oil massage and an Indian Head massage. The three-hour V Refreshing starts with a Relaxing Jacuzzi Milk bath, body massage and a Hydrating scrub and wrap of your choice, an Aromatherapy facial. “Our bodies,” says Poom, “have four identities called elements, which vary according to your birth month – Earth, Water, Wind and Fire. By using the right

aromatherapy oil to suit your element, your massage will help you adjust your body’s balance and circulatory system for an overall sense of being.” If you were born in January, February or March, your element is Fire. The best aromas for Fire people come from Geraniums, Roses and Rosemary, and the ideal pressure – medium with light with slow movements. Wind people are born in April, May, or June and should use Ginger, Lavender, and Spearmint oil. Appropriate pressure for this group is heavy with fast movements. Ideal oils for July, August and September persons are orange, lemon and Lavender. They are Water persons and need a massage with slow-moving movements. If you were born in October, November or December, the best oil is scented with herbs such as lemongrass, slow and moderate to fast movements are best suited for Earth people.

Vijitt’s popular massage is its Signature massage, which uses the healing power of the Royal Thai spa massage in combination with an oil massage with a warm herbal compress to enhance vitality while invigorating your whole body and bringing your body back into synchronization. The Aromatic Body Oil massage is deeply relaxing, in which your therapist uses long, slow movements and strokes to quiet your mind and being. Other massages include the Siamese Massage or Nuad Thai, which dates back to the time of Buddha, using thumb

pressure, palm and elbows and pressure points to leave you feeling refreshed, strengthened and rejuvenated. The Thai Reliever combines Traditional Thai Swedish massages to soothe sore and tired muscles. It begins with a warm-up session where pressure is applied to the key meridian points of your body. Other massages include the Aromatic Hot Oil Deep Tissue, Swedish Jet Lag, Head, Back and Shoulder, which alleviates built-up stress and blocks energy in these areas. Popular facials focus on skin renewal , like The Anti-Ageing, a professional strength treatment designed to stimulate cell renewal and reduce ageing signs by evening skin tone, softening lines and firming your skin. Next, a special Jurlique massage will lift your skin and leave it feeling soft, smooth, and radiant. The spa’s Hydrating facial delivers intense hydration to protect against environmental damage. “Great for dry and dehydrated skin.” There is also a Rejuvenating Eye and Face treatment that includes an eye massage and eye mask designed to strengthen, soothe and revitalize your face and eye area. The spa also has a number of scrubs and wraps, including the Coconut Paradise Cream body scrub, which uses tropical fruit, coconut, and Aloe Vera extracts to moisten and cool your skin after sunburn, while the Coffee Cream body uses ground coffee grains to detoxify pollution from your body. “Great for tanning if used regularly.” Popular wraps – The Vijitt Body and Asian White Body. The Vijitt Body contains natural stimulates to nourish your skin and relieve stress. “An exquisite treat for your senses,” she adds. The Asian White Body uses Vitamin B1, B2, Vitamin E, and Gamma-o to shed dead skin cells and anti-oxidants to make your skin smooth, golden, and healthy. https://youtu.be/vFfbf2dlHuc More Vijitt Phuket Pix The resort has 92 large stand-alone villas spaced strategically among the trees on its sloping 18-acre hillside site. All have outstanding sea views, large balconies and/or terraces. There are 72 Deluxe Villas, 72 sqm, with a bedroom, supersized baths, a large outdoor rain shower, and a private terrace with sunbeds. The 13 Prime Pool Villas, 178 sqm, feature an upper level with an upstairs living room, a seven-metre pool, a large terrace, and an outdoor rain shower. The lower level is accessed by an exterior staircase within the villa ’s walls and includes a bedroom, living area, and a walk-in closet with a bathroom and rain shower.

There are three 182 sqm Two Bedroom Pool Villas with a master bedroom, an en suite bathroom, a sunken Jacuzzi, a bath and a rain shower. The bedroom A second bedroom also leads to the living room, overlooking a private pool. features a large terrace and a 10-metre pool. The four Vijitt Pool Villas – 162 sqm in size and on the beachfront – feature fibre optic a large bedroom, a bathroom, and an 11-metre infinity pool with lighting. A separate living room opens to a large private garden and the beach. In addition to in-villa dining, which offers restaurant-quality cuisine plus invilla barbeques, Vijitt’s two main restaurants offer a variety of dining options: The Savoury, located next to the main pool and close to the beachfront, provides all-day dining and an extensive buffet breakfast. It also has a delicatessen, bakery, and live music from the resort ’s Trio Band for evening dining. Signature dishes at the Savoury include lemon-garlic shrimp with brie cheese, red snapper fillet with pesto crust and grilled Australian lamb chop with rosemary sauce. The original Vijitt family weekend home has been transformed into an Vijitt’s upscale authentic Thai restaurant featuring Southern Thai specialties. signature dishes: Rock Lobster Satay, Goong Tom yumhang (wok-fried king sa-man-kaw (slowprawns served in caramelized tamarind sauce) and masbraised lamb in massaman coconut curry sauce). Interesting things to see and do nearby: For starters, Vijitt’s rubber-tapping experience – a unique opportunity to experience geApplene local culture in a hands-on way in huge stands of cool, green rubber tree plantations, where trees grow up to 24 metres. You’ll be able to try your hand at tapping and even create your own rubber-based mementos. Proceeds from the rubber tapping are donated to local community projects. Some of the plantations in Phuket have been lost to commercialization. “At Vijitt, we maintain our rubber trees as an integral part of our environmental program,” said Poom.

Other on-site activities include Vijitt’s Beach Marine Walk and Botanical Walk. At its 250-metre -long beachfront, you can explore various marine life exposed in the shallows of Friendship Beach at low tide. The Botanical Walk features more than 300 types of trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers and fruit trees carefully preserved by Vijitt’s gardeners during the past 60 years. Twenty-four types of flora line the network of pathways on the resort, including the Foxtail Palm and lemongrass, one of Thailand ’s most distinctive flavours. Not to miss is a day trip to Coral Island. The resort offers a complimentary Coral Island trip daily – a round -trip shuttle bus to the pier, where a speedboat takes you to Coral Island. They ’ll even provide you with a beach chair, umbrella, and snorkelling equipment. The island is home to colourful reefs and marine life. There ’s also a wide variety of speedboat tours to nearby islands, offering incredible snorkelling adventures. There’s also a shuttle bus service to Phuket Town, Nai Haw Beach and Patong Beach. Local seafood , upscale restaurants, and Prom Thep Cape, a famous place for incredible sunsets, are five to 10 minutes away. Closer to home, there are classes in Thai cooking, napkin folding and flower decoration. Other activities include water sports like kayaking, kiteboarding, beach volleyball, mountain biking and horseback riding.

About the Author

im Carr’s adventure with words began as a teacher of Latin grammar for the first five years. He studied Latin for seven years and holds a degree in Classics and English. He has written a Latin Grammar called Lingua Latina, Latin for Beginners. It was followed by a lengthy career in print journalism at two daily newspapers as a reporter, copy editor, columnist and editor. He left journalism to become a communications specialist for several national and international corporations and institutions. He returned to journalism and now, in retirement, acts as associate editor of Spa Canada magazine and a freelancer for other publications. He also writes a blog about Thai Retreats and spas. Four other mystery novels, Abbot’s Moon, Gravediggers, The Door and Death Star and his book of short stories, Betrayal, are available as ebooks and print books. His other books include Betrayal, which features seven short stories; a wartime romance, There’s Always Tomorrow and a historical romance, Yesterdays. He also has three other wartime books, Forget-Me-Nots, Femme Fatale, and Camp X Doublecross. .