What’s hot in the world of spa and wellness
NEW AND NOTED
Siem Reap has gladly welcomed two new openings recently with Th ai chain Bodytune (293-296 Pokambor Avenue, tel +855 (0)63 764141, www.bodytune.co.th) setting up a smart, minimalist spa with a short but sweet menu. Across town, Bodia (Svay Dang Kum, tel +855
(0)63 761593, www.bodia-spa.com) is another freestanding entity that is bringing the spas out of hotels and onto the streets. Enjoy Bodia’s own range of wellness products such as fragrant soaps and herbal teas.
In Ho Chi Minh, Glow (Eden Mall, 183 Dong Khoi Street, tel +84 (0)8 823-8368, www.glowsaigon.com) is making waves with one of the city’s first ever hair spas, on top of the usual treatment menu. Set in a historic restored French cinema, the innovative centre also includes a relaxing Aquarium Lounge where tired shoppers can get a foot massage while watching fish swim in the tank.
SPA REVIEW: BANGKOK PARADISE
For once, here’s a spa that truly lives up to its name. Th e Bangkok Oasis Spa (above, 64 Soi Swaddee Sukhumvit 31 Road, tel +66 (0)2 262-2122, www.bangkokoasis.com) hides itself away from the Sukhumvit throngs, and yet is only minutes away from Phrom Phong train station.
Staff rush to greet you as soon as you step into the landscaped gardens surrounding the beautiful converted bungalow, and Bangkok’s harried pace disappears behind you. Service is exemplary, with the gracious staff anticipating your every need.
The couple’s treatment rooms are particularly lovely, with an outdoor tub, shower and toilet attached. Perfect when the sun is out, but perhaps a little less so when it rains. Although their English is rather basic, therapists are genuine and sweet. A must-try newcomer to Bangkok’s dense spa scene.
FABULOUS FOURSOME
If you’re tired of the usual rub-down offerings, here’s one to try: the indulgent Four-Hands Massage at Sivara Spas (www.sivaraspa.com) across Th ailand. Two therapists work on you at once in perfect synchrony, loosening muscles and ridding stress in half the time. Sivara Spas can be found at the Amari Hotels and Resorts in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket and Koh Chang. Priced at 3,400++ baht.
DESIGN AND BUILD
Some of the region’s most stunning luxury spas are the creative work of Bangkok-based architect, resort and spa designer Bill Bensley. His creations include the Four Seasons Koh Samui, Shenzhen’s New World Yishan Garden and JW Marriott Phuket.
Here, the king of style builds speaks to Chami Jotisalikorn about his inspirations and favourite massage.
How are spa and hotel design processes different?
There is no set process. Creativity is not manufactured.
What’s your favourite spa treatment?
Thai massage – and as hard as possible!
What’s the most important element in a luxury spa?
In spas, the relationship to Mother Nature is paramount. Th e guest should have the option to be outside and yet have complete privacy.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I travel 250 days a year, so I see everything that’s new in our industry. Each year, I go to places I’ve never been before – most recently to Tibet.
How many hotels and spas have you designed in total now?
I’ve never counted, but it’s probably close to 150. I’m still young though, so I expect that number to grow!
STRETCH OUT
For sheer relaxation and more in the Maldives, practice Kundalini yoga in an open-air sala perched over the sea at the One&Only Reethi Rah resort (www.oneandonlyresorts.com).
Called the yoga of awareness, Kundalini employs powerful breathing techniques, mantras and even eye focus positions to strengthen the nervous system, cleanse the bloodstream and improve both lung capacity and inner awareness.
One&Only’s veteran instructor Coco Ryuko Maruno explains that it’s the speed with which Kundalini can transform the mind and body that sets it apart from other forms of yoga. For more than just one lesson, sign up for a private yoga journey of three to 10 days with Coco.
SPA SPEAK
Many spa menus now include treatments inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). But what does it all mean? Here are some common TCM therapies explained.
Acupressure – a technique that uses massage to help chi (energy) flow smoothly and restore balance to the body.
Ba guan – also called cupping. Small glass cups are pressurised with heat and placed on key points of the body. The suction is said to be excellent in treating stomach trouble and backaches.
Meridian – the pathway in the body through which energy or chi flows. There are 12 major meridians found all over, from head to foot.
Reflexology – an intense healing massage on the feet, which works on the basis that certain pressure points correspond to specific areas of the body.
Tui na – literally meaning “push pull”, this is a traditional massage used to remove tension and knots. It can be painful, but the results are virtually instant.
