Food, exercise, sleep – that’s about it, when it comes to what your body needs to stay healthy and fit. But what it needs is one thing, what it deserves is another. Treat yourself to these treatments at Thailand’s finest resort spas and give your body some love.
KATA ROCKS, Phuket
Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand
Ku Nye Massage
The ancient technique of Tibetan Ku Nye massage originates in the healing traditions of the early tantric yogis. This gentle, oil based, whole body massage therapy delivers more than just relaxation and is known to provide relief from headaches, fatigue, neck and back pain as well as depression, tension and insomnia and other medicinal benefits. Ku Nye’s elaborate technique includes soft and deep tissue work, elements of acupressure and joints mobilization. At Kata Rocks the massage is performed with the use of heated oils for additional skin rejuvenation.
DHARA DEVI, Chiang Mai
ซอย 1 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Qi Nei Zang Massage
Chi Nei Tsang or CNT is a traditional Chinese massage technique focusing on the abdomen. The ultimate goal of the treatment, shared by most traditional Chinese medicine, is bringing the internals into balance, increasing the flow of qi (chi) life energy and promoting self-healing. On the physiological level, CNT helps the body detoxify, improves metabolism and blood circulation and is known to be effective for headaches, immunity and digestion problems. CNT combines massage of all parts of the abdomen with breathing techniques, leaving you feeling healthier, lighter and more positive.
KAMALAYA, Koh Samui
102/9 Moo 3, Laem Set Road, Na-Muang, Koh Samui, สุราษฎร์ธานี 84140, Thailand
Acupuncture Rejuvenation Facial
Acupuncture Rejuvenation Facial uses acupuncture to stimulate and tone the facial muscles and enhance circulation, thereby revitalizing and rejuvenating the face. When complimented by Kamalaya’s specifically designed detox diet, it also helps healing the gut effects of which can also be reflected on the skin. Kamalaya’s holistic approach to wellness means perceiving food as medicine. That is why its cuisine combines fundamental principles of the oldest Asian healing traditions with current medical research. Based on vegan recipes, this carefully designed menu aims to reduce toxic intake and load on the digestive system and provide key nutrients to enhance cellular metabolism, resulting in better health and in better looking skin.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, Bangkok
48 Oriental Ave, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Essence of Aqua Body Scrub
Opened in 1993 The Oriental Spa was the first spa to open within a hotel property in Bangkok. Two decades later it is recognized as the pioneer in the Thai spa industry and the Essence of Aqua treatment is here to keep this legacy alive. This water-based treatment begins with a body scrub on a heated marble table to prepare the skin by removing dead skin cells. What follows is a hydro-massage by water jets in the spa’s Vitality Bath. Afterwards, a special mud mixture is applied to the body in preparation for entering the Rhassoul bath. The first of its kind in Thailand, it is based on ancient Moroccan principles of combining heat, water, earth and air to create a sense of wellbeing. Once the skin absorbs the ingredients, a soothing body massage completes the experience.
SOFITEL SO, Bangkok
2 North Sathorn Road, Bangrak, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10500, Thailand
Serenity of Five Elements
Soothing and energizing at the same time, the Serenity of Five Elements massage is rooted in Thai wellness tradition and combines the elements of wood, earth, water, fire and metal with the calming properties of herbal compresses and oils. Beginning with a stress relieving oil massage the treatment then incorporates elements of Tok Sen, an ancient massage technique indigenous to the Lanna region of northern Thailand. The therapist uses a small hammer to tap over the body, creating a deep vibration effect and releasing dormant energy. The treatment ends with a metal ball massage providing a soothing effect for both body and mind.
TRISARA, Phuket
60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherngtalay, ภูเก็ต 83110, Thailand
Six Hands Massage
With triple the usual number of therapists and a combination of Thai and Swedish massage elements with acupressure techniques, Trisara’s Six Hand Massage provides three times the benefits of a standard massage treatment. Performed by three skilled therapists, this soft-to-medium massage begins in perfect synchronicity at both feet and shoulders. A harmony of Thai herbal compresses, long strokes of a Swedish massage and focused pressure delivered by thumbs and elbows has a revitalizing effect. A flow of warm coconut oil on the forehead, which is then massaged into the hair, neck and shoulders, provides a relaxing finish to the treatment.
By Matt Clemens
