Thailand Spa & Wellness

	View all Spa & Wellness Union of mind, body & spirit. The Spa and Wellness treatments in Thailand are unsurpassed in the world for the Thais have inherited the legacy of a holistic lifestyle. Thai massage and herbal treatments date back hundreds of years. Outstanding service and warm hospitality is the trademark of our selected courses.

The stone plaques inscribed with traditional healing texts and statues in yoga poses at Bangkok'sWat Pho indicate how important health is to the Thais.

What better place to go for spa treatments and to practice yoga and meditation than Thailand where ancient wisdom combines with modern trends to enhance mind, body and spirit.

Introduction

The word 'spa' probably comes from the name of the town Spa in Belgium.

East meets West, a spa is a place to go to treat and heal your mind, body and spirit using a variety of different techniques such as massage, scrubs, yoga, acupuncture, reike, reflexology, nutrition and body wraps etc.

Back ground / History of Spa in Thailand

Introduced in the early 1990s, spas in Thailand are a relatively new phenomenon - but one though, which has only very recently sky-rocketed in popularity. Not only are spas popular and fashionable with foreign tourists and expatriates, but the local Thais are also enjoying this new alternative therapy, one which is often ideal to ensure a smooth natural balance. A balance that has been rocked in Bangkok in particular by the unhealthy, serious life-styles and polluted environs. At first, spas were only to be found in 5-star hotels but they have now mushroomed everywhere.

Thailand: Asia's Spa Capital

Thailand is a destination to indulge in this pastime therapy. The country prides itself in countless spas offering the highest world-class services at extremely reasonable rates. Much of the recent success of this therapy is due to the tremendous support given by the Thai Spa Operators Association. Not only have they assisted in the training of therapists to international standards, but they have also trained them in keeping methods traditionally and distinctively 'Thai-style'. And it is this kind of service along with the one and only Thai Smile that are the key factors for so many visitors to revisit a Thai spa. Furthermore, most clients walk away from the spa with their head held high in the air with a feeling of rejuvenation and a well-being of mind, body and soul. Thai spas are not only quantity, but also quality. Spas can be found at all the major tourist destinations in Thailand such as: Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Ko Samui, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin.

Facts and Stats

During the years 2000-2002, the growth of the spa industry in Thailand rocketed by an exhilarating 64% and since 1999 Thailand has secured itself a top-5 world rating. In fact, Thailand is the second highest ranked spa destination of the world with an overall grade of 93%+ (just slightly behind Australia).

Chiva Som International Health Resort located in Hua Hin, is ranked number one in the world while the Regent Chiang Mai Resort and Spa is ninth.

During the period June 2001 - June 2002, 230 operators serviced 2.5 million international clients, creating revenue of $85 million. This amount well exceeds that of competitive countries, such as Singapore ($35 million) and Australia ($15 million). In total, 79% of all clients were foreigners.

Services and Hospitality

Thailand is a friendly country and a must-go for all those who enjoy nothing more than a rejuvenating spa. The country is famed for its world-class natural healing techniques and especially Thai massage. For those who appreciate the authentic Thai way of life, there are numerous home-stays, including those in the unique hill tribe villages of the north.

Thailand, home of Theravada Buddhism, is the ideal location to do a bit of spiritual soul-searching and reap the benefits of Vipassana meditation, a technique which has exploded in popularity in Western countries. Then, there is the sumptuous cuisine to wine and dine on, with cooking classes available too.

Reasons for Thailand's spa popularity

Well, for one, they are rather different to the ones found in the West. The spas in Thailand are based on the deep-rooted harmony of Buddhist teaching, so creating an inner spiritual calm, complementing the equation of mind, spirit and body. Meditation is also used. Spas in Thailand have an altogether very Thai touch embodied upon a time-honoured healing tradition based on herbal and holistic remedies and generations of folk wisdom.

Thailand also offers award winning service at reasonable rates and makes a beautiful spot for a holiday vacation.

Reasons why most people go to a spa in Thailand

Thailand prides itself as having some of the finest spas in the world offering services at extremely competitive rates. Since Thailand has never been colonialized, the original culture has remained embedded within society and foreign visitors will find the Thais very hospitable and friendly.

Not only does Thailand, boast some of the most dazzling islands and beaches in the world, but also year-long sunshine; perfect for those who wish to get a lovely shiny suntan.

Thailand has an abundance of reasonably priced top quality accommodation where for the equivalent price of a completely basic home-stay in Europe, visitors to Thailand can enjoy the luxury of a four-star hotel. Then to top that off, they can soothe their aching minds with ancient Buddhist a meditation technique, qi gong, tai chi, solar bath and yoga.

Thailand's Spas

There are numerous different types of spa services in Thailand which focus heavily on Thai massage. They are categorized as massage for health, massage for beauty and traditional massage.

The myriad variety of spas in Thailand is quite phenomenal and is found at almost every destination in Thailand. They are:

• Destination spa , Destination spa, the famous destination spa in Thailand is no doubt, the one and only Chiva Som which attracts floods of visitors from all around the world who come to Thailand specifically to be pampered there.


• Hotel spas / Resort spas / Retreat spas : Popular spas like there can be found at the top hotels in the major tourists destinations such as: Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Bangkok, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai.

Popular Hotel and Resort Spas are:

• Bangkok - The Oriental, Imperial Queen's Park, JW Marriott Hotel, Marriott Royal Garden Riverside, The Regent Bangkok, Peninsula Bangkok, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Sofitel Central Plaza, Thavorn Beach Village, The Westin Banyan Tree


• Phuket - Amanpuri Resort, Banyan Tree Phuket, Central Karon Village, Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa, Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel, The Evason Phuket, Pearl Village, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket


• Koh Samui - Central Samui Beach Resort, Central Samui Village, Health Oasis Resort, The Samui Dharma Healing Center, Santiburi Dusit Resort, The Spa Resort and Health Center, Tamarind Retreat


• Pattaya - Central Wong Amat Beach Resort, Royal Cliff Beach Resort


• Hua Hin - Chiva-Som, Melia Hua Hin, The Evason Hua Hin, Royal Garden Resort, Royal Garden Village, Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort Chiang Mai - The Regent Resort Chiang Mai (Lanna Spa)
  
  
  • Day / City spas , are located in the center of the major towns, Bangkok particularly. They are aimed at business folk who have been stressed out because of their rushing serious life-styles. It may take only 30 minutes or one hour.
  
  
  • Club spas : emphasize on strong body through different facilities being massage, steaming and sauna, hot and cold Jacuzzi, yoga and other physical exercises without a stay at the provider's place.
  
  
  • Cruise ship spas are popular in Thailand with the older generation who wish for not a spa but also the views of the sea and a breath of fresh air. There is also a healthy Thai Spa diet for passengers during the voyage.
  
  
  • Home / Mobile spas are spas in Thailand where the trainer visits the client and not the other way around, beats having to travel through the busy streets of Bangkok.
  
  
  • Hospital / Medical spas are provided in Thailand's top hospitals. They are popular patients who are being treated in the hospital.
  
  
  • Fusion spas are popular with hip Thai and foreign people who want to try out the latest most fashionable type of spa.
  
  
  • Theme spas are in the form of Thai-style parks, gardens or parties.
  
  
  • Genuine spas are the type of spas where their themes are deeply rooted in Thai Buddhism and its cultures and traditions.
  
  
  • Mineral spring spas attract those who have an infatuation for Thai mineral water and its various minerals.
  
  
  • Detoxicating spas are popular with Bangkokians whose body has suffered due to unhealthy urban life-styles.
  
  

Popular Spa Treatments in Thailand

Centuries worth of tradition have devised a myriad of different methods to ease the mind and make one feel a whole lot better. They include: pastes, mudpacks, specialized oils, muscle kneading and water jets. More of them are:

Body scrub which includes

• Honey scrub
• Herbal slat scrub
• Vegetable body scrub
• Loofah scrub
• Lavender and apricot scrub
• Royal lotus scrub
• Wasabi scrub
• Chocolate scrub
• Fruit scrub

Body Wraps: the techniques include:

• Red clay body wrap
• Dead sea and caramel body wrap
• Algae body wrap
• Sun soother body wrap
• Vegetable body wrap
• Royal lotus body wrap
• Chocolate body wrap
• Wasabi body wrap

Facial by the use of different types of products such as creams, gels, serums, electrical currents, oils and oxygen jets.

Hands and feet: There are three different types of techniques available in Thailand to both enhance the appearance and health of the hands and feet. There is a manicure (appearance), pedicure (health) and 'happy feet' (health). The latter of which can be used to treat dry, tired or anti-bacteria feet which have been worn down due to Thailand's streets and hot and wet climate.

Waxing by using depilatory or shaved cream. There are different types of waxing available in Thailand, they include:

• Brazillian waxing, Bikini and Male genital waxing
• Underarm or arm waxing
• Foot waxing
• Full wax
• Eyebrow waxing
• Back waxing
• Complete body wax
• Chest waxing

Massages A massage is the most popular technique offered at spas in Thailand. The stats coming out of Thai spas conclude that 85% of the treatments given are massage. There are however, many different types of massage.

Thai massage is by far and away the most popular type of massage provided by Thai trainers. Many of the clients feel satisfies in the knowledge that the massage they received was traditionally authentic, unlike perhaps the 'Thai' massage they are used to back home.

Other types of massage available in Thailand include:

• Swedish massage
• Aromatherapy massage
• Ayurvedic massage
• Craniosacral massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Lymphatic massage
• Sports massage
• Stone massage

Alternatives: There are two types of alternatives:

• Yoga
• Acupressure

Therapy

• Hydrotherapy Bath: For e.g. Jacuzzi
• Inhalation Therapy: where the saunas or steam rooms are scented with oils or herbs.
• Aromatherapy
• Thalassotherapy
• Vichy Shower

Other Types of Treatment

• Mud
  
• Signature Treatments
  

Spa Per individual has soared in popularity in recent years in Thailand. The individual spas available in Thailand include:

• Spa for Women is popular with both local and foreign women who prefer the company of people of their own sex. They are excellent places for meeting new friends


• Spa for men is popular with both local and foreign gay men who prefer the company of people of their own sex. They are excellent places for meeting new friends


• Spa for couples attracts mainly foreign couples who are on holiday in Thailand together. They offer a good way to rejuvenate that relationship.


• Spa for mom attracts mainly local Thai women who have been feeling wear and tear of both mind and body.

Spa Programs and Packages in Thailand

Spa Trips in Thailand

Whether the spa is for health or treatment, Thailand can offer some of the best programs and packages around.

Upcountry in Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai

These two northern provinces are home to misty mornings and rolling hills and picturesque mountains. The temperatures are the coolest in Thailand. They are good provinces for a fresh rejuvenating vacation surrounded by nature.

Beaches & Islands

• Hua Hin & Cha-am : These two places located just south of Bangkok are easily accessible and are home to some of the finest spas in the country. They include: Chiva-Som, Hau Hin Marriot Resort and & Spa, Mandara Spa, Evasion Hua Hin, Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and Centara at the Sofitel Hotel.


• Ko Samui : This island newly discovered just a few decades ago, has because of its stunning beaches, turned into one of Thailand's leading tourist havens. Some of the most popular spas are at Tongsai Bay (Prana Spa), Ivara Beach Hotel and Anantara Resort & Spa.


• Phuket : Nicknamed the 'Pearl of the South', Phuket is the largest island in Thailand with lots of beautiful white-sandy beaches. There are also plenty of spas to be found there too at: Banyan Tree Phuket, JW Marriot Phuket, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket and Evason Phuket Resort.

Trip Activities

Few of the suggested trip activities include:

Nuturing Touch: This is a delicious sensory journey of loave and care using pepper berries, foot soak, honey, sweet almond oil, yeast powder scrub, milky steam, cheese mud, ginger and vanilla oil.

Imperial Health and Spa: This is a unique vapor of oils and top-notch service using traditional Thai soothing signature treatments.

Mantra of Rejuvenation - Detoxifying Myth : This ancient healing technique consists of foot scrub, almond agrape seed oil, mineral water steam, jasmine body scrub and kaffir lime bergamot oil.

Detoxifying Hot Clay Massage: This is a relaxing and rejuvenating method that uses natural plant essences and aromatic oils to entice activate blood circulation, relief fatigue, eliminate toxic wastes, and reduce cellulite build-up.

Mulberry Authentic Thai Treatment: This is an ancient traditional massage with Herbal Compress to tackle muscle tension and relax the body thoroughly.

A Touch of Luxury Package: This includes massage and facial treatment. The reflexology stimulates the immune system Lymphatic drainage improves body metabolism. Oxygen therapy refreshes the body and mind. Hydrotherapy with Thai herbs rejuvenates the body self-healing process. Cleansing and detoxifying therapy relieves tension and headache and also improves skin condition.

Urban Escape Treatment: This is a combination of derma logical body and face therapies to heal tired and stressed muscles.

Spa Programs in Thailand

Slimming, Weight Reduction & Firming with Spa: This new treatment uses acupuncture, bio-energy balancing, natural herbal extracts, diets and exercise.

Cleansing & Detoxifying with Spa Detoxification: Detoxifying meaning 'cleansing', detoxifies the GI tract, skin, liver, gallbladder, lymphatic system, lungs, kidneys and urinary bladder using fasting, herbal detoxification remedies, hydro colonics, energy-balancing and other body treatments .

Relaxing & Anti-Stressing with Spa: This concentrated relaxation program, encourage visitors to lie back, let the stress out and the pleasure in, concentrating on nothing but the pleasant physical sensations. Massage and hydrotherapy encourage the muscles to relax and also increase circulation, improving the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Oils used during the massages also have physiological and psychological effects, promoting a relaxed body and quiet mind. Some places also have exercise and meditation.

Rejuvenating & Anti-Aging with Spa This program can include exercise, yoga to assist in the flow of body energies, a light, low-fat diet and meditation to encourage proper breathing and re-oxygenation. Oil massages can also develop the system while the massage increases blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to starved cells. Hydrotherapy may also employ for similar effects.

Thai Spa Cuisine

Spa cuisine is basically low fat, low salt and low sugar, so making it extremely healthy. These are the 3 essential points of what goes into Thai Spa Cuisine. On top of this, in order to reduce fat intake, Thai Spa Chefs use only the leanest meat and do not rely on oils. Many of the meals consist solely of fish, grains and pulses.

Besides the three lows, Thai Spa Cuisine provides only the freshest ingredients doused in a high level of intensity in flavors, so resulting in deliciousness. Even though there is no formal training available in regards to Thai Spa Cuisine, Thailand's Spa Chefs are guided by selected dieticians and nutritionists who are considerably knowledgeable about the healthiest options possible.

What is mandatory, however, is that the Spa Chefs, while dishing up their cuisine, do not slump into indifference and forget about the ultimate flavors. Flavors which are all so essential in allowing people to actually enjoy eating - some of these flavors involve ginger and lemongrass, the latter of which also assists in clearing the breathing tracts.

Spa Tourist's Guide

Spa Etiquette

The staff should:

• Give each and everyone of the clients total attention
• Look like they really care
• Offer a warm friendly greeting
• Explain everything clearly
• Use everything correctly during the procedure
• Adhere to the correct techniques
• Answer all question
• Help with clothing

The visitor should

• Arrive relatively on time
• Choose between a male and female therapist
• Do not hesitate to get nude in front of the therapist
• Advise and give feedback to the therapist if needed
• Explain any health complications
• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
• Be quiet
• Share your space kindly
• Do not bring children
• Share public space respectfully with other spa goers.
• Do not bring animals/pets to the spa.
• Give honest feedback to the therapist, owner, receptionist, etc.
• Avoid any vigorous activity for a least one hour following all heat treatments.

Safety and Healthy

• Doctor Download: In the event of a medical treatment, such as a shot of Botox or laser skin resurfacing , from a spa , make sure to check that whoever is administering your procedure is an experienced, licensed physician or a well-trained nurse or physician's assistant operating under a doctor's supervision.


• Good spas: A good spa will always ask a few questions to find out whether the visitor is physically all right.


• Training: Check to see if the spa is a member of the local chamber of commerce and a trade association with a code of conduct.


• Proper Protocol: Check the cosmetologist's tools and the spa's overall sanitary practices.


• Compare Costs: Beware of bargain prices, if they are incredibly cheap the place could be a scam.


• Ask Questions: Never be afraid to ask questions about a spa, its staff and the treatments being offered