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SPA SESSIONS
what’s hot in the world of wellness
LOTION MOTION
Whether at home or away, this nift y invention has got your back covered.
The Body Buddy helps deliver moisturiser, fake tan or sunblock to the parts of your torso you just can’t reach.
Dab a dollop of the product on the non-absorbent vinyl material, grab its handles and rub-a-dub-dub, you’re ready to go. Angled mirrors for checking out the result are sadly not included. Priced at US$24.95 from www.bodybuddy.com
KNEAD TO LEARN
The spa experts at Luang Prabang’s La Residence Phou Vao hotel (tel +856 (0)71 212194, www.residencephouvao.com) are teaching couples to take matters into their own hands, with the Massage Class for Two. During the three-hour session, students take turns giving and receiving a good rub-down, under the instruction of qualified therapists. Spa manager Vieng Khone Chanthoum, who gives the course on occasion, says breaThand communication are key: boThparties must inhale and exhale steadily when applying and receiving pressure, and must talk through what is the perfect amount of pressure in order to get it right. This is truly a unique bonding experience. Priced at US$190 for two.
SPA REVIEW: THE VILLAGE SPA
When you are in Chiang Mai, The Village Spa at boutique hotel Tamarind Village (50/1 Rajdamnoen Road, tel +66 (0)53 418-896, www.tamarindvillage.com) is a must-try. The Coffee and Spice Sugar Exfoliate body treatment (1,600 baht) is most invigorating. For an hour, soft -handed therapists scrub you back to life with an aromatic blend of detoxifying coffee grinds, sugar crystals and almond oil.
The Traditional Thai Massage (1,200 baht) is also a winner, as the seemingly tiny and fragile masseuses deftly stretch out sore muscles with expert hands.
For oil massage, pick from aromatic oils with names like north Sun, Morning Dew and Lavender Floral. Ask for the new Spa Suite which includes an outdoor rain shower, large indoor bathtub, and a private balcony and relaxation area overlooking the hotel’s namesake tree – it is surely the most romantic spot on the property.
MAN TO MAN
Pampering isn’t just for the ladies these days. The boys can get their indulgence fix at these two options on the Bangkok Airways route map.
Men who need a helping hand (or two) to recover from jetlag now have an opulent new option at the JW Marriott Bangkok’s JW HealThClub and Spa (tel +66 (0)2 656-7700 ext 4472, www.marriott.com).
The Flight Reviver is an invigorating 60-minute treatment designed to revitalise weary bodies post-flight. The soothing massage is a part of a new menu that is devised specially for men and includes athlete’s massage and reiki.
Further north in Hong Kong’s iconic Mandarin Oriental, The Mandarin Barber (5 Connaught Road, Central, tel +852 2522-0111, www.madarinoriental.com/ hongkong) offers haircuts, moustache trims, traditional wet shaves and other gentlemen’s treatments.
A must-try is their Shanghainese Pedicure. A therapist removes calluses and trims toenails before massaging tonic into the skin. Top-notch service is delivered by experienced practitioners like barber Freddie Cheung (above) who has been working here for over 20 years.
NEW AND NOTED
The latest spa opening to touchdown in Singapore offers wide, open spaces and green expanses, boThof which are hard to come by in the small city-state.
House (8D Dempsey Road, tel +65 6479-0070, www.dempseyhouse.com) is a new offering that’s setting tongues wagging with its 35,000sq ft of spa, café and bar. The complex is housed in former military quarters, overlooking a luxuriant forest, and is ideal for parties and special occasions.
Catering to groups, House encourages guests to stay all day long, starting with morning tea (from their selection of 20 organic blends) followed by a signature treatment, a yoga session, a light meal at the adjoining Barracks, a dose of foot reflexology (by the kindly Uncle Tien Soon), and a cocktail or two at Camp. Enjoy the quirky, vintage décor and the library filled with antique books.
ABLE HANDS
During his 30 years practising massage, American-born Ricardo Neuman estimates to have given over 12,000 rub-downs (and counting).
Here, the holistic healThexpert and former spa director of the iconic Tamarind Springs Koh Samui (below right) describes the ideal massage and recommends his favourite places to unwind.
What have you studied?
I started with shiatsu in 1976, and became a professional therapist in Hawaii in 1984. I studied Eastern philosophies and methods, including Taoism, Buddhism, the Vedas (Hinduism), yoga, judo, kungfu, karate and many others.
Where are your favourite spas?
Besides Tamarind Springs (205/3 Thong Takian, Koh Samui, tel +66 (0)77 424221, www.tamarindsprings.com), I also love the mountain resort village of Yufuin (tel +81 (0)977 854464, www.yufuin.gr.jp) which is just a two-hour train ride from Fukuoka and is one of my favourite places to relax. It makes for a wonderful weekend getaway or a real treat at the end of a business trip. Most of the accommodation there have their own natural hot springs, or onsen. In Fukuoka, I went to a lovely neighbourhood sento (man-made onsen) called Yamato no Yu (Hirao, 5-22-35, Chuoku, tel +81 (0)92 525-7726) that I also enjoyed tremendously.
What is the definition of a good massage?
One where you get the full attention of a well-trained therapist. It is not mechanical but done differently for everyone, skillfully adjusted to his or her needs. Outside distractions and environmental problems like cold and noise don’t matter. There is a flow and also balance, like a good music or dance performance.
What is the greatest misconception people have about spas?
That they are an indulgent treat rather than an enjoyable and healthy part of one’s lifestyle.
PICTURE: TAMARIND SPRINGS, SAMUI
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