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Spa Sessions
chami jotisalikorn, author of thai spa book, reveals what’s hot in the world of wellness
SPA SPEAK
Ayurvedic treatments look like a new trend on sophisticated spa menus, but did you know that these therapies hark back 5,000 years?
If you speak Sanskrit, you’ll know the word “ayurveda” means “science of life”. Ayurveda is the ancient Indian holistic healing system that categorises our bodies into three biological humours, or doshas, and is based on the theory that many of our illnesses stem from imbalances in these doshas. Ayurveda not only addresses the symptoms of illness but goes to the root of the problems by balancing a person’s physical and mental aspects through a system of herbal therapies, oil massages, diet, yoga and meditation. A few of the popular treatments you might see on today’s spa menus are:
Shirodara – a mind-body therapy using a stream of heated herbal oil poured continuously onto the middle of the forehead to calm the mind.
Abhyanga – a body massage using heated herbal oil to soothe physical ailments and skin conditions.
Shirobhyanga – an Indian head massage for the scalp using heated herbal oil to de-stress, calm and refresh the mind.
PRODUCT NEWS
Created in Thailand by two French women, fragrant Ytsara products are made from natural, organically grown ingredients like bamboo shoot, orchid and indigo. The name means “freedom” in Thai, invoking freedom of body and mind when you use this spa range.
Ytsara features at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai and Pansea Resorts in Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. A new retail line is available at department stores in Europe, for those who want a home Asian spa experience. www.ytsara.com
SCRIPTURE STUDIES
The Bhagvad-Gita (“Song of Divinity”) is a 5,000-year-old scripture that can take you to the highest state of awareness when properly understood. Learn the secrets of this ancient Hindu text through the unique Bhagvad-Gita course conducted by Vikas Malkani at SoulCentre Singapore (27 Balmoral Road, #12-29 Balmoral Tower, Singapore 259808, tel +65 6738-4009, www.soulcentre.org), which aims to guide you in the attainment of mental and emotional harmony.
WHAT’S NEW
Wellness island Koh Samui is rising to a higher vibe with the launch of the holistic sanctuary Kamalaya Koh Samui (102/9 Moo 3, Laem Set Road, Koh Samui, tel +66 (0)77 429800, www.kamalaya.com), a spa that not only off ers state-of-the-art wellness treatments but also conducts mind/body seminars and workshops led by experts in yoga, detox, meditation and more.
Leading the southern post-tsunami revival on idyllic Koh Phi Phi is the tropical-chic Zeavola Resort and Spa (11 Moo 8, Laem Tong, Koh Phi Phi, tel +66 (0)75 627000, www.zeavola.com), which has a healthy eco-conscious attitude that believes in being at one with the earth and the community.
Glamour and gloss are the rage in cosmopolitan Bangkok with the launch of the luxurious I.sawan Residential Spa at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok (494 Rajdamri Road, tel +66 (0)2 254-1234, www.bangkok.grand.hyatt.com), featuring contemporary interiors and self-contained spa cottages for sophisticated city escapes.
Anti-ageing enthusiasts are swarming by the droves to the slick new S Medical Spa (2/2 Phakdi Building, Wireless Road, Bangkok, tel +66 (0)2 253-1010, www..smedspa.com), which off ers medically administered beauty and dermatology treatments along with holistic therapies, weight management programmes and spa therapy in a relaxing environment, wiThemphasis on catering to foreign tourists.
WELLNESS BUZZ
Can you feel it? March and April are the hottest months in the tropics! Time to get your body bikini-smooth for the beach, or seek relief from skin-soothers aft er too many ultra-violet naps. Whether you’re on the beach or in the city, help is at hand.
If you’re hanging out on the beach, harness the therapeutic powers of the sea with these watery body treats: flotation tank, detoxifying balneotherapy with sea salts and marine algae, and Marine Mud Mask at Chiva Som (73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin, tel +66 (0)32 536536, www.chivasom.com); Detox Marine Wrap at Baan Taling Ngam Spa Samui (Le Royal Meridien Baan Taling Ngam, Taling Ngam Beach, Koh Samui, tel +66
(0)77 429100, www.lemeridien.com); Romance Salt Scrub at the Banyan Tree Phuket (Cherngtalay Phuket, tel +66
(0)76 324374, www.banyantree.com); and Ocean Body Wrap at the Mandara
Spa at the JW Marriott Phuket (231 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Phuket, tel +66 (0)76 338000, www.marriotthotels.com).
In the sweltering heat, these beauty treatments will keep your skin cool and smooth: Essence of Aqua hydrotherapy massage and Sunburn Recovery Facial with cold mask at the Oriental Spa Bangkok (48 Oriental Avenue, tel +66 (0)2 439-7613, www.mandarinoriental.com); Th anaka Body Scrub, using traditional Burmese thanaka tree bark, at Sareerarom Spa (117 Th onglor Soi 10, Sukhumvit 55, tel +66 (0)2 391-9919, www.sareerarom.com); Chromatherapy Colour Therapy Bath at Devarana Spa, Dusit Th ani Hotel (946 Rama 4 Road, tel +66 (0)2 636-3596, www.devarana.com); and Maharajah Royal Body Treatment with ice back scrub and lotus flower bath at the Divana Spa (7 Sukhumvit Soi 25, tel +66 (0)2 661-6784/5, www.divanaspa.com).
NEW BEGINNINGS
Best remembered for its stunning turquoise bays in the hit Leonardo di Caprio movie The Beach, Koh Phi Phi has beaten the tsunami blues by building newer, better resorts. Managing director and owner of the brand new Zeavola Resort and Spa, Quanchai Panitpichetvong tells us what makes his island getaway so special.
What is the concept behind the Zeavola Resort and Spa?
The resort concept is a rural village, while the spa is for the adventurous holiday-maker, with spa treatments being more invigorating than relaxing. Therapies are designed to continue the thrill associated with water sports while soothing the body at the same time.
Is it true that the spa is very eco-conscious?
The spa is perched at treetop-height above the resort, making use of natural sea breezes instead of air-conditioning. The plants are decorative and deter insects too. Spa treatments are based on the use of natural, authentic Thai ingredients.
How are your spa products diff erent from those at other spas? Unlike many spas that use imported Western beauty products, Zeavola Spa uses indigenous Thai products from two Thai companies, HARNN (www.harnn.com) and THANN (www..thann.info). The formulations are derived from traditional herbal medicine. THANN promotes only environmentally friendly products and packaging, and is against the use of child labour and animal testing.
What is your favourite signature treatment?
The Zeavola Body Brush Massage (120 minutes) is an truly invigorating full body brushing followed by a head massage and a full body massage using rice oil with lemongrass, ka[fb03] r lime and essential oils.
How do you support the local community?
Zeavola has built a new canteen for Baan Laem Tong School and carried out post-tsunami repairs to the school’s existing structure, facilities, building and playground. For Children’s Day on 14 January 2006, we hosted a party for the kids.
SPA REVIEW
Many city spas adopt the concept of garden resort, but the glamorous I.sawan Residential Spa takes it to the next level by recreating a “garden in heaven”, no less, according to the name’s Thai translation.
Six residential spa cottages next to the rooft op pool, complete with frangipani trees and lush bamboo, really do create an amazing sky garden six storeys above Bangkok’s busiest intersection. The luxurious cottages have large private spa massage rooms, so your treatments come to you. For body grooming, there’s a gym, hair salon and nail bar. There is also a restaurant for casual dining.
With full-day and half-day spa packages to choose from, spend a day pampering yourself on this floor without ever descending to the shopping malls below.
spa samui
graeme malley selects his top ten island retreats
IN the last few years, Koh Samui has become increasingly popular as a spa destination – so much so that it is now recognised as a major wellness centre in the region.
With new facilities opening every few months, the Samui Spa Association has been formed to maintain high standards and enhance the island’s growing reputation.
What follows is just a selection of the world-class spas available. One visit will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and perhaps even a few years younger!
CHEDI SPA
The Chedi Spa is an oasis of tranquillity located in the heart of Chaweng. In this Garden of Eden, ancient Eastern secrets are combined with Western new-age methods to give you an exquisite experience that melts away stress. Enjoy therapeutic massages or Chedi’s spa treatments, which focus on aromatherapy and natural ingredients. Packages available range from the 90-minute Taranee, up the five-hour Iwara – the ultimate indulgence. 155/60 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, tel +66 (0)77 422787
TAMARIND SPRINGS
Tamarind Springs is especially renowned for its extraordinary herbal steam room. Known locally as the “Dragon’s Cave”, it is set between two boulders whose rocky sides serve as walls, beside a waterfall-fed plunge pool.
The names of the treatments alone sound inviting, with “Back to Bliss” and “Stoned on Samui” to mention but two. Whichever package you choose, the expert therapists can accommodate your specific needs. Prior booking is needed in many cases, so be sure to check out the website to find out exactly what appeals to you. 205/7 Th ong Takian, Tambon Maret, tel +66 (0)77 424 221, www.tamarindretreat.com
SWASANA SPA
When you feel the need to slow down and recharge, there’s no better place to do so than Swasana Spa at Impiana Resort Samui. This boutique spa may not have the widest range of treatments, but the ones it does off er are of the highest standard, and at very reasonable rates.
Whether you opt for air-conditioned comfort or prefer to be outside in the spa garden, you are guaranteed a rewarding experience. Combine your treatment with an evening enjoying top spa cuisine at the highly acclaimed Tamarind restaurant. Chaweng Noi Beach, 91/2-3 Moo 3, Bophut, tel +66 (0)77 422011, www.impiana.com
PEACE TROPICAL SPA
Peace Tropical Spa can – naturally enough – be found at Peace Resort in Bophut. It is the perfect environment to relax and be pampered in a uniquely Thai style setting, using treatments and natural ingredients inspired by traditional herbal medicines. There is a full range of therapies available, which can be selected individually or as part of a package. Why not try the Volcanic Clay Wrap which promises to help shed those extra pounds and firm up those parts that need firming! 17 Moo 1, Bophut, tel + 66 (0)77 430199-200, www.peaceresort.com
RAI-RA SPA
At the renowned Rai-Ra Spa at Muang Samui Spa Resort, guests can enjoy feelings of peace and tranquillity in a beautiful tropical setting. Private steam rooms, Jacuzzis, aromatic baths and massage rooms with breathtaking views all help create that perfect place for a truly pampering and memorable spa experience.
Select treatments from the extensive menu or allow their highly trained spa personnel to give you a hand in selecting the right programme for you. They even off er babysitting facilities. 13/1 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road, tel +66 (0)77 429700-9, www.muangsamui.com
B1 SPA
One of the newest spas on the island, B1 Spa has been designed according to feng shui principles and features original artworks throughout. Water plays an important part in the therapies on off er, with a large salt water flotation pool, Jacuzzi, dipping pool and the island’s first flotation tank. The massage room must have one of the best views on the island, with uninterrupted vistas over to 
Koh Phangan. Intended to be a more intimate spa experience, the facilities can only accommodate four people at a time, with the overall focus being on a true sensory journey. 6/10 Moo 1, Fisherman’s Village, tel +66 (0)77 427 268, www.b1spa.com
PRANA SPA
Prana Spa can be found in the beautiful Tongsai Bay Resort overlooking its own private bay. The three spa suites are located in their own individual cottage aff ording the utmost in privacy, with massage beds, a herbal steam room and open air floral bath.
The body treatments at Prana emphasise the use of local herbs and natural ingredients, such as coconut oil in the Samui Sun Soothe for sunburnt skin. Amongst the packages is the “Return to Prana” for couples, which involves a series of exotic relaxing experiences that includes the application of Honey Bath Cream to one another! 84 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, tel +66 (0)77 245 480, www..tongsaibay.co.th
FOUR SEASONS TROPICAL SPA
“Discover Heaven’s Secret” at Four Seasons Tropical Spa.Each of the air-conditioned treatment rooms, located amidst tropical flower gardens, reflect a particular season through the use of diff erent colours and decor.
The oil massage therapy off ers a selection of 16 essential oils, and the therapists who use them are highly knowledgeable in the benefits and characteristics of each.
Tropical Spa has all the facilities you would expect of a top spa, with Jacuzzis, bathtubs and steam rooms. Try the Hot Stone Massage, where perfectly smooth hot stones are placed on various energy points on the body to stimulate and detoxify. 14/1 Moo 2, Tambon Bophut, tel + 66 (0)77 414141, www.spafourseasons.com
SATIRA HERBAL SPA
Baan Haad Ngam Resort is one of the island’s most stylish boutique resorts – and the Satira Herbal Spa perfectly complements this image. Their exclusive Satira brand uses only the highest quality Thai herbs and essences to aid relaxation and enhance beauty from head to toe.
With only five treatment rooms available, the spa off ers highest level of service and relaxation in a soothing environment. The full range of services covers everything from manicure to massage and body scrub to herbal bath. Ensuite steam rooms, showers and couples rooms are available to further enhance the experience.
Chaweng Beach, tel +66 (0)77 231 500, www.baanhaadngam.com
SIVARA SPA
Sivara Spa is the in-house spa of the Amari Palm Reef Resort. Bright, airy and beautifully decorated, there are just four split-level private treatment suites, each of which can comfortably accommodate couples as well as individuals. The raised massage and changing area leads onto an open garden with open-air shower.
The wide range of healing treatments includes massages, facials, manicures, body scrubs and wraps all the way up to the Sivara Package, which features a bit of almost everything in an indulgent five-hour experience. 14/3 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, tel +66 (0)77 422015, www.amari.com
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