As 2020 is expecting a surge in people seeking restorative wellness and favoring self-care as part of their holiday, it’s clear travelers are seeking more than sandy beaches and sun-bathing spots from their travels.
From a brand-new spa specializing in aromatherapy to massage masterclasses and soul-healing ancient therapies, South East Asia is an ideal destination for those seeking a far-flung wellness escape.
Thai Massage Masterclasses at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
An oasis located on the Andaman coast in Southern Thailand, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra is renowned for its timeless, colonial elegance and promotes a sense of complete peace and quiet. Designed with Thai teakwood and flooded with floral scents, herbs and the calming flow of water, the SO Spa with L’Occitane combines the best of ancient Thai and modern French therapies. Bathe in a private, lavender infused bath before easing away tension with an authentic Thai massage.
Guests of Sofitel Krabi can master the art of Thai massage with weekly masterclasses, hosted by a seasoned massage therapist. After learning about the unique oils, herbs and spices used in the treatments, guests are shown, step-by-step, how to deliver a Thai massage. Renowned for its ability to work out muscle aches and pains, the Thai Massage dates back thousands of years, and focuses on clearing the lines of energy throughout the body, promoting supple and flexible movement.
A New, 100% Organic Spa at Vie Hotel Bangkok
A city-centre sanctuary in the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital, located a stone’s through to Siam, the city’s upmarket shopping district, Vie Hotel Bangkok has recently opened one of the finest boutique spas in the city - VIE Spa by ORGANKIA. Offering 100% organic and natural spa treatments, this newly renovated luxury spa will offer a series of deeply restorative 150-minute signature packages designed for detox, calming, purifying and uplifting, along with an array of full body treatments, facials and scrubs. Each treatment emphasizes the power of aroma to unlock the senses through a unique blend of both calming and energising scents, designed to create a sense of balance amidst the busy city environment.
Conveying a sense of pure luxury, the VIE Spa boasts gold, white and bronze décor with six private treatment rooms as well as a specialised Thai massage room and couples’ rooms, as well as an expansive spa suite with a private jacuzzi, for ultimate relaxation.
Thailand’s Secret Escape at V Villas Hua Hin
Historically, the beachfront village of Hua Hin was a place of pilgrimage for those seeking relaxation, from celebrities to the Thai Royal Family, and it’s easy to see why; as soon as you step into the lantern-lined paths of V Villas Hua Hin, which lead to an infinity pool seamlessly merging with the horizon of the Andaman Sea, the stresses of everyday life slip away. It’s an escape that prides itself on privacy, exclusivity and a discreet service, aiming to rejuvenate guests sense of undisturbed bliss.
Begin the day with one-on-one sunrise yoga, whether on the sun-dappled deck or in the privacy of your own private pool villa, before indulging in a tailored treatment, inspired by ancient Thai therapies. Choose between V Spa, a sanctuary designed to re-connect mind, body and soul, or a bespoke massage in-villa. The Thai Boran Herbal Compress starts with an authentic Thai Massage using a unique blend of native herbs, from ginger and turmeric to lemongrass. Herbs are wrapped in a muslin compress, warmed and then used as an extension of the therapists’ hands to alleviate tension and de-stress, promoting ultimate relaxation.
Connecting with Cambodia - Khmer Treatments at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Set in the heart of Siem Reap’s leafy French Quarter, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor is steeped in history, culture and adventure. After a day of exploring the ancient archaeological site of Angkor, weary travellers can soothe their mind, body and soul in the Raffles Spa; an oasis in the cultural heart of Cambodia, boasting a range of traditional Khmer and modern treatments.
For true connection to Cambodian culture, try the traditional Khmer Therapeutic Massage, also known as ‘Chad Ta Shai’. Inspired by ancient Asian therapies, a vagarious, firm pressure point massage which incorporates kneading and twisting of the muscles, encouraging a deep internal flow of energy. Heated herbal compresses holding precious herbs – from turmeric to ginger – are then compressed onto the body to improve circulation. Toast your experience with a herbal tea by Cambodia’s most iconic swimming pool, patterned after the Angkor Royal Baths.
A Spa with a Panoramic City View at SO/ Bangkok
An urban luxury, design-led hotel, SO/ Bangkok is the ideal spot for style-conscious travellers, and the SO/ SPA is no exception. Designed in a unique collaboration with Monsieur Christian Lacroix, this five-star hotel houses a spa inspired by the Asian folklore of the mythical Himmapan Forest – located below the Buddhist heavens and invisible to the eyes of mortals – where ancient traditions meet modern skincare systems. Each signature spa treatment begins with an exclusive natural aromatic welcome ritual, and combines innovative, high-tech ingredients and bespoke techniques with semi-holistic therapies.
Located on the 11th floor with panoramic views over Lumpini Park, indulge in the signature Experiential Jade Therapy Massage in the SO/ SPA, where the soothing warmth of precious Jade stones on the body will relieve muscle tension, enhance blood circulation and eliminate toxins. The treatment begins with a 60-minute massage using aromatherapy oils, followed by a 30-minute relaxing facial using Jade boards and rollers to hydrate, rejuvenate and boost complexion for beautifully glowing skin. Renowned for centuries for its unique healing power, Jade stones are thought to create a serene sense of harmony and balance, whilst strengthening the body’s natural defences.
