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SPA SESSIONS
what’s hot in the world of spa and wellness
GIVE PLEASURE
Oasis Spa is now offering gift certificates that can be purchased online and used at its chic outlets in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and the branch that recently opened in Pattaya (Central Reservations, tel +66 (0)2 262-2122, www.bangkokoasis.com). Vouchers can be issued in any amount and emailed to the lucky recipient. They are redeemable for any of their first-rate treatments, and make a fantastic gift for your loved ones in Thailand – no more messing around at the post office!
TEA HYDRATE
Don’t ignore the cups of herbal tea served by the spa attendant before and after your treatment – they are much more than just a nicety.
Many therapies, particularly massage, are dehydrating, so your body needs to replenish fluids as quickly as possible. Skip that complimentary cuppa and you may find yourself excessively thirsty – even the day after.
NEW AND NOTED
Tucked away in the suburban area of Ho Chi Minh’s District 2, Dragon’s Nest (186 Nguyen Van Huong, tel +84 (0)4 8271-2076, www.dragonsnest.com.vn) is a new restaurant, health club and spa, with an impressive treatment menu that includes top hairdressing services and indulgent tailor-made spa packages to be enjoyed in stylish surrounds.
There is also a state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool and sunbathing area within the spa complex.
When you’re done getting spoilt, enjoy a healthy, guilt-free meal in the restaurant or a cocktail on the rooft op bar whilst watching the sun set over the Saigon River. Complimentary transfers from the city centre can be arranged.
SPA REVIEW: RAFFLESAMRITA SPA
Deflate and regroup in style with a Signature Spa Treament (US$150) at the RafflesAmrita Spa (Raffles Hotel Le Royal, tel +855 (0)23 981888, www.raffles.com).
The three-hour indulgence session kicks off with a full body scrub using a Dermalogica product made from fig, date and olive seed powders which moisturises while exfoliating. Once you’ve been scrubbed smooth, a generous amount of the spa’s in-house massage oil is slathered on for the knot-releasing 90-minute massage.
Finally, the focus turns to your face with the Fresh Cell Facial that will leave you looking your radiant best. If you time your treatment correctly, you can catch the sunset (about 5.30pm onwards) with a cocktail in hand at the hotel’s popular watering hole, the Elephant Bar.
NO SWEAT
Many spas recommend a pre-massage stint to sweat it out in their heated rooms – this helps to loosen muscles and purge toxins through perspiration. Although essentially the same thing, many have foreign, confusing names. Here are some of different types of hot rooms you may encounter:
Hammam – Also called a Turkish bath, this is a tiled steam bath with one warm room (to start) and one hot room (to end). Herbal Steam – A steam room where aromatic plants like lemongrass or ginger are added for the aroma.
Rasul – A treatment where therapeutic, purified mud is applied on the body while seated inside a steam room – beneficial and moisturising to the skin.
Laconium – Also called Roman Baths, this is a dry room similar to a sauna, heated to around 65 degrees celsius, where water is poured on the body.
Sauna – A Finnish tradition, this is a small room, oft en made of wood (below), that is kept at around 80 degrees celcius.
Steam Room – A very high humidity room filled with water vapour. These are oft en found in gyms and health clubs.
ALL IN ONE
Combining medical centre, spa and holistic health treatments, TRIA (998 Rimklongsamsen Road, tel +66 (0)2 660-2600, www.triaintegrativewellness.com) is Bangkok’s newest and most integrated wellness centre. Its president, Nalin Vanansin tells us exactly how it works.
The spa is attached to a hospital – is it a clinic?
We have medical doctors, hypnotherapists, chiropractors, naturopaths and meditation instructors, so “spa” doesn’t fully capture our expertise. When you walk in, it doesn’t feel like a clinic. It’s a medical facility designed like a spa and offers alternative practices like acupuncture.
Why set up TRIA?
Many lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure and heart problems are preventable, but conventional hospitals are good at treating illness but not strong at helping people avoid disease.
How is it different at TRIA?
We look at the body as a whole. Our various systems interact, so it’s not just a liver condition or a backache. We design our treatments using conventional medicine and diagnostics, and incorporate alternative therapies as well. Exercise and emotional health are a big part of wellness, so we have a gym, pilates, yoga and counsellors to assist.
What kind of problems do people come to you with?
All sorts of things. Oft en, people will say: “There’s really nothing wrong with me.” However, once we dig deeper, there’s always something – it’s just that people somehow think it is normal to have headaches all the time, or not have a good night’s sleep.
How do patients choose from your exhaustive menu?
First, there is an interview with a doctor to determine each person’s needs. From there, tests and treatments are prescribed.
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