Introducing Thailand’s luxury spas – a new book which delves into the country’s exceptional traditional treatments and spa culture

LEARN why experts consider the Land of Smiles to be the ultimate spa destination through the pages of Thailand’s Luxury Spas – Pampering Yourself in Paradise. Recently published by Periplus Editions, this new coffee-table book represents a stunning visual showcase of the country’s – and possibly the world’s – finest well-being facilities. It also provides a fascinating insight into how the Kingdom’s booming spa industry is a natural extension of Thailand’s ancient approach to natural healing and feeling good.

Author Chami Jotisalikorn is a Bangkok-based journalist who has penned a number of books on design, style and wellness. With her expertise in well-being and travel, she is a renowned spa columnist and contributor of many international guidebooks and magazines. Chami’s knowledgeable commentary is illustrated with stunning colour photography, shot entirely on location in some of Thailand’s super-deluxe spas by Luca Invernizzi Tettoni, Asia’s best-known spa photographer.

Thailand’s Luxury Spas focuses specifically on the nation’s stress-busting therapies, running the gamut from the many types of Thai massage to full beauty treatments, health tonics and more. Read on to preview just a few of the book’s many highlights.

THAILAND’S LUXURY SPAS

Starting off the book is a journey around the country’s different regions – from Bangkok and Hua Hin, down to Phuket, Krabi and Samui, and then up to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north. In total, 25 of the country’s top spas are highlighted, accompanied by detailed descriptions of why each choice rates among the best of the best.

The reasons for their excellence include each property’s treatments, often featuring traditional therapies alongside a spectrum of international choices set in stunning locations with stylish interiors. These Thai spas don’t just make you feel good, they make you feel better.

EDITOR’S TOP FIVE SPAS FROM THE BANGKOK AIRWAYS ROUTE

1. COMO Shambhala Spa at the Metropolitan Bangkok – for their signature Shambala massage, which is completely relaxing, and enjoy the best health juices and organic cuisine right next door at Glow restaurant. 27 South Sathorn Road, tel +66 (0)2 625-3333, http://metropolitan.como.bz/
2. Mandara Spa at JW Marriott Phuket – for gorgeous contemporary Thai spa suites with private massage salas and outdoor showers. 231 Moo 3, Mai Khao, tel +66 (0)76 338000, http://marriott.com/HKTJW
3. Tamarind Springs, Koh Samui – for its rock cave herbal steam room, waterfall cold plunge pool, and outdoor massages right in the middle of a coconut grove. 205/3 Thong Takian, tel +66 (0)77 424221, www.tamarindsprings.com
4. The Oriental Spa, Bangkok – for awesome facials and its beautiful luxurious Thai house setting that transports you far away from Bangkok. 48 Oriental Avenue, tel +66 (0)2 659-9000, www.mandarinoriental.com
5. The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai – for its tranquil resort ambience overlooking paddy fields and spa treatments inspired by Lanna culture. Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Mae Rim, tel +66 (53) 298181, www.fourseasons.com

THE HEALING TOUCH

Massage is a part of daily life in rural Thailand, given with friendly abandon among family members. Sessions are also free for the elderly at the village temples.

Thais treat a leisurely massage among kith and kin as a form of socialising that helps draw people together and strengthen the bonds within the community. After all, it is a human instinct for people to touch and caress each other for pleasure, and to relieve pain and heal sickness.

As well as exploring the background of the ancient art of Thai massage, Thailand’s Luxury Spas reveals its multiple benefits and the different aspects of the practice of massage – from enhancing a child’s sense of well-being to practical “do it yourself” tips from the Banyan Tree Spa Academy.

THAI HERBAL TRADITIONS

Traditional herbal remedies were once the domain of herbal healers, monks and midwives. Because very few people received formal education in ancient times, healing traditions were passed down orally through generations within families. Hardly any records of healing knowledge exist; the ones that do are inscribed on manuscripts known as samuit khoi, made from the type of parchment used to record Buddhist scriptures.

Such herbal traditions, however, still remain an integral part of Thailand’s well-being practices – from herbal steam therapies, compresses, scrubs and wraps to dried herbal potions sold in traditional medicine stores in Bangkok.

Particularly fascinating is discovering how different Thai ingredients and fragrances are considered to affect the mind and body differently. For example, soap nuts are thought to prevent hair loss; turmeric is a natural moisturiser with antiseptic properties; and lemongrass is useful for treating headaches, skin complaints, poor circulation and as an insect repellent.

HOME SPA TREATMENTS

Bath and body treatments are some of the therapies that Thai spas excel at – and, best of all, Thailand’s Luxury Spas provides helpful hints on how to manage your own body bliss once you are back at home.

The chapter provides easy-to-follow instructions and recipes for a range of DIY treatments, which include heaven-scented soaks, after-bath moisturisers, tropical body blasts and complexion-boosting secrets.

Its comprehensive top-to-toe advice covers everything from how to maintain healthy hair to keeping feet in tip-top condition.

Time to give yourself a great honey and tangerine facelift or polish your skin with a traditional tamarind body scrub today!

States of tranquillity

The sights and symbols of Thai culture are laden with images of a rich spirituality. Thais are predominantly Buddhist and practise their faith as a way of life.

However, though the image of meditation is often linked to the religion, meditation itself does not require Buddhist faith or belief. It is a path, not a goal in itself.

For those who want to delve deeper into the mind-body-spirit conundrum, Thailand offers opportunities for exploration and Thailand’s Luxury Spas helps to highlight what is – and isn’t – possible through both meditation and yoga.

Text: Chami Jotisalikorn
Photography: Luca Invernizzi Tettoni
ISBN-13: 978-0-7946-0341-0
ISBN-10:0-7946-0341-6
Publisher: Periplus Editions (www.periplus.com)
Available at all leading bookstores
Retail price: US$34.95