Last night at the glamorously green Vibes, AsiaSpa honoured 28 of the spa industry's top spas, personalities, destinations and products. Themed “Emerald Green”, more than 400 of the industry's top professionals mingled in Hong Kong's newest design hotel, The Mira.
The coveted title of Destination Spa of the Year went to Koh Samui's Kamalaya while the MiraSpa took home top honours as the year's Best Urban Spa. Spa Product of the Year went to British skincare brand Aromatherapy Associates and Bali won Spa Capital of the Year. Other winners ranged from old favourites Chiva-Som in Thailand to the new Aman Spa at Amanfuyun in Hangzhou China. In the year's new category, Most Innovative Spa, The edge Bali took home top honours.
“The spa industry is maturing in such an interesting way and I feel so lucky to be tracing its evolution in the magazine's pages,” said Rebecca Walker, Editor-in-Chief. “This year's awards are our biggest yet which is a wonderful reflection of healthy competition within the industry.”
The crystal awards were provided by Baccarat jewellery with additional sponsorship from Aromatherapy Associates, Terrake, Algotherm, Tea Concepts, VERO chocolates, Fiji water and emmanuel f.
The winners of the AsiaSpa Awards 2010 are:
· Destination Spa of the Year: Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand
· Urban Spa of the Year: MiraSpa, The Mira, Hong Kong
· Day Spa of the Year: Tirta Spa, Boracay, Philippines
· New Spa of the Year: The Aman Spa, Amanfayun Hangzhou, China
· Men's Spa of the Year: i.sawan Residential Spa & Club, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Thailand
· Spa Retreat of the Year: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Australia
· Eco-Spas of the Year: Spa Alila, Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
· Socially Responsible Spa of the Year: Himalayan Healers, Nepal
· Medi-Spa of the Year: S Medical Spa, Bangkok, Thailand
· Asian Spa Capital of the Year: Bali, Indonesia
· Spa Association of the Year: Asia-Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition (APSWC)
· Spa Event of the Year: Global Spa Summit, Istanbul, Turkey
· Spa Personality of the Year: Susan Stein, Jari Menari, Bali Indonesia
· Spa Academy of the Year: Banyan Tree Spa Academy, Thailand
· In-Spa Training of the Year: ESPA
· Spa Design of the Year: Oazia Spa, Oazia Spa Villas, Bali, Indonesia
· Best Children's Spa Menu: little lamb's pediatric wellness place, Philippines
· Spa Treatment of the Year: ‘Opium’, Sense of Touch, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
· Holistic Treatment of the Year: 'Quantum Emotional / Physical Release', Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
· Men's Spa Treatment of the Year: 'Gentlemen Only', The Oriental Spa, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
· Spa's Therapist Team of the Year: Jari Menari, Bali, Indonesia
· Most Innovative Spa of the Year: The Spa at The edge, Bali, Indonesia
· Spa Product of the Year: Aromatherapy Associates
· Anti-Ageing Product of the Year: Somme Institute
· Natural Product of the Year: ila
· Men's Product of the Year: Pevonia Botanica, 'Spa Care for Him'
· Spa Cuisine of the Year: The Farm at San Benito, Philippines
· Spa Marketing of the Year: Chuan Spa, Langham Hotels & Resorts
mercredi 17 novembre 2010
lundi 31 août 2009
La Grée des Landes: un eco-hotel spa par Yves Rocher
Inscrit dans une démarche de développement durable inédite, ce complexe hôtelier se situe entre Rennes et Nantes, près de la Gacilly en Bretagne. Il comporte 29 chambres et possède une salle de séminaire pouvant accueillir 70 personnes.
Le site web est très beau mais en fait peu d'information sur leur démarche écologique, si ce n'est une architecture bio-climatique... et un environnement superbe.
L'établissement a l'ecolabel Européen. On peut donc croire dans leur engagement écologique
. Il faudrait simplement que les actions soient clairement énoncées sur le site.Tout cela a l'air tout de même bien sympthique et le restaurant a la chance d'avoir un chef étoilé.
Le spa est bien sûr mis en avant avec tous les qualificatifs utilisés dans le monde du spa.... beaucoup de jolis mots et peu d'informations factuelles. C'est dommages!
Rendez vous sur leur site : http://www.lagreedeslandes.com/index.php/
lundi 27 octobre 2008
Philips and Starwood Sign Exclusive ‘Green TV’ Deal
Philips Electronics today announced the signing of an exclusive three year agreement with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Inc. to provide Philips' latest range of SmartPower(2) energy efficient televisions to Starwood's 460 properties across North America.
The deal, which could be worth up to $100 million with existing opportunities and expected growth, will see industry-leading energy efficient televisions installed in new hotels and existing Starwood properties looking to convert to LCD TV technology for the first time.
In what is believed to be the biggest 'green TV' deal to date, this agreement is also expected to save the premier global hotel company more than $12 Million dollars in energy costs over the seven year lifetime of the equipment, and reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent when compared with the televisions currently in use.
Philips will immediately begin installing these televisions, which are also available to consumers as the 'EcoTV'. Taking the recently announced growth targets of Starwood North America into consideration, at least 80,000 Philips SmartPower(2) TVs will be installed over the course of the next three years. This partnership impacts such well known Starwood brands as St. Regis,
The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton and Aloft.
These 'Green' TVs will also be included in Starwood's newest hotel brand, Element, which is at the forefront of green hoteling, having recently announced that each of its hotels brand-wide are required to pursue the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification. "This is a defining agreement for us, and is indicative of the fundamental change in mindset we have implemented around procurement and sourcing, and the partners we want to work with to achieve this," said Paul Davis, Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing at Starwood.
"Philips has shown us that it is easy to simultaneously provide our guests with the very latest technology while making a sound business decision that significantly impacts costs and reduces energy consumption."
Televisions were an important area to address for Starwood in its search for energy efficiency. Starwood estimates that the average hotel television is operating for six to eight hours every day. Anecdotal evidence highlights that guests regularly leave their hotel rooms without switching off their television, while many hotels also like to welcome guests with a personalized message on the television screen in their room.
This deal continues an already successful relationship between Starwood and Philips, which has also been the exclusive provider of energy efficient lighting to the hotel group for more than two years. This lighting includes compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs for hotel rooms, as well as other energy efficient lighting for areas such as lobbies and building beautification. A comparison of hotel rooms reveals some staggering saving numbers. While configurations differ for each hotel, there is on average one television and three light bulbs in each room, using approximately 455 Watts of energy daily. Replacing these with the Philips SmartPower TVs and Philips energy efficient Compact Fluorescent light bulbs, and energy consumption is reduced to 153 Watts, just one third of existing energy needs. Philips currently has more than 6 million TVs installed in hotels worldwide, its success largely due to product built specifically for the Hotel TV market.
The segment has consistently grown for Philips over the last 25 years, and is of increasing importance as Philips leverages its combined professional and consumer expertise to offer integrated solutions for this industry. "This partnership with Starwood highlights Philips' ambitions to become a major sustainability and global innovation partner for the hotel industry," says Willem Houck, Head of Global Business Key Account Management for Philips Electronics. "Whether it be lighting lobbies around the world or choosing the right television when it is time for a replacement, we demonstrated to Starwood that there was no need to compromise on product quality in its goal to reduce the company's carbon footprint and achieve important environmental goals." "For years we have been educating consumers around the world about how a simple switch in lighting can make a big difference to both their utility bill and the world's energy crisis. Now this simple switch is also available in the form of environmentally friendly televisions."
The deal, which could be worth up to $100 million with existing opportunities and expected growth, will see industry-leading energy efficient televisions installed in new hotels and existing Starwood properties looking to convert to LCD TV technology for the first time.
In what is believed to be the biggest 'green TV' deal to date, this agreement is also expected to save the premier global hotel company more than $12 Million dollars in energy costs over the seven year lifetime of the equipment, and reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent when compared with the televisions currently in use.
Philips will immediately begin installing these televisions, which are also available to consumers as the 'EcoTV'. Taking the recently announced growth targets of Starwood North America into consideration, at least 80,000 Philips SmartPower(2) TVs will be installed over the course of the next three years. This partnership impacts such well known Starwood brands as St. Regis,
The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton and Aloft.
These 'Green' TVs will also be included in Starwood's newest hotel brand, Element, which is at the forefront of green hoteling, having recently announced that each of its hotels brand-wide are required to pursue the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification. "This is a defining agreement for us, and is indicative of the fundamental change in mindset we have implemented around procurement and sourcing, and the partners we want to work with to achieve this," said Paul Davis, Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing at Starwood.
"Philips has shown us that it is easy to simultaneously provide our guests with the very latest technology while making a sound business decision that significantly impacts costs and reduces energy consumption."
Televisions were an important area to address for Starwood in its search for energy efficiency. Starwood estimates that the average hotel television is operating for six to eight hours every day. Anecdotal evidence highlights that guests regularly leave their hotel rooms without switching off their television, while many hotels also like to welcome guests with a personalized message on the television screen in their room.
This deal continues an already successful relationship between Starwood and Philips, which has also been the exclusive provider of energy efficient lighting to the hotel group for more than two years. This lighting includes compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs for hotel rooms, as well as other energy efficient lighting for areas such as lobbies and building beautification. A comparison of hotel rooms reveals some staggering saving numbers. While configurations differ for each hotel, there is on average one television and three light bulbs in each room, using approximately 455 Watts of energy daily. Replacing these with the Philips SmartPower TVs and Philips energy efficient Compact Fluorescent light bulbs, and energy consumption is reduced to 153 Watts, just one third of existing energy needs. Philips currently has more than 6 million TVs installed in hotels worldwide, its success largely due to product built specifically for the Hotel TV market.
The segment has consistently grown for Philips over the last 25 years, and is of increasing importance as Philips leverages its combined professional and consumer expertise to offer integrated solutions for this industry. "This partnership with Starwood highlights Philips' ambitions to become a major sustainability and global innovation partner for the hotel industry," says Willem Houck, Head of Global Business Key Account Management for Philips Electronics. "Whether it be lighting lobbies around the world or choosing the right television when it is time for a replacement, we demonstrated to Starwood that there was no need to compromise on product quality in its goal to reduce the company's carbon footprint and achieve important environmental goals." "For years we have been educating consumers around the world about how a simple switch in lighting can make a big difference to both their utility bill and the world's energy crisis. Now this simple switch is also available in the form of environmentally friendly televisions."
lundi 1 septembre 2008
http://blog.greenty.com/
Congratulation to my Friend David who is the writter of this interesting blog. It is so important to have more and more information on the work and impact of the "greening" in the tourism.
Go to : http://blog.greenty.com
Thanks
Go to : http://blog.greenty.com
Thanks
lundi 25 août 2008
Chi at the Shangri-La
Ambiance: Walking into Chi is like walking into a cavernous sanctuary. Everywhere candles flicker their gentle light in the huge spaces, and the atmosphere of quiet is tangible. A modern interpretation of a Tibetan temple, there really is something almost religious about it, which has you tip-toeing to your treatment room so as not to break the spell.
Treatment menu: The best of Chinese and Himalayan philosophies have been brought together with treatments strongly influenced by the traditional five elements - metal, water, wood, fire and earth. In fact before you start one of the 35 treatments, your therapist will determine your predominant element and decide on which oils and products are therefore best for you. Experts in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Himalayan healing arts created signature therapies like the Chi Balance, Himalayan Healing Stone Massage, Mountain Tsampa Rub...
What's Special: Just opened, the question really is what isn't special in this spa? But AsiaSpa especially liked the Tibetan singing bowls which are played at the beginning of each treatment, the oh-so-indulgent infinity baths, and their cashmere robes are to die for.
Products: Biodroga for the facials, and Chi's own line of products for the body treatments.
Downside: The spa is only accessible for hotel guests.
Where to go: Shangri-La Bangkok, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road.
www.shangri-la.com
THE Oriental spa at the oriental Bangkok
Ambiance: The Oriental is an absolute legend. The historical hotel opened the first spa in Bangkok in the charming teak Thai house right next door to the Oriental Thai Cooking School. Walk in, and the first welcome comes from two mischievous birds who have been taught to chirp "Sawadikaaaaaa" and some rather less savoury phrases in Japanese.
Treatment Menu: More than 50 treatments cover everything you could possibly want from top to toe, drawing on traditional 2000-year-old herbal preparations, as well as high-end hydrotherapy treatments. Book in for a half, full-day or an impossibly indulgent three-day programme of massages, facials, wraps and more...
Products: Thalgo, and their own private label.
What's special: The Exclusive Monsieur and Exclusive Madame treatments, available to try alone or as a couple, include a Cuisine Minceur meal, as well as a massage, cleansing, manicure or pedicure and a facial. His and hers complete re-energising.
Downside: Priority goes to guests between 3pm-6.30pm and during the New Year celebrations. The waiting room is a little on the austere side, but the treatment rooms are comfort personified.
Cost of a typical massage: Essential oil massage, 60 minutes, Bt 2800
Where to go: The Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue. Shaphan Taksin Skytrain station or jump on the Oriental boat.
www.mandarinoriental.com
Devarana Spa at Dusit Thani
Ambiance: Leave the real world behind, and walk through the heavy sculpted doors into the peaceful open-air courtyard of the Dusit Thani's temple garden. Devarana means 'garden of heaven', and here you'll have found exactly that: a stream dances by, a fountain plays its welcome and calm enchanting music envelopes you from head to foot.
Treatment Menu: Anything and everything from basic massages right up to complete healing treatments - stay an hour, or stay a day. Packages include the divinely named Body Bliss, a body scrub, wrap and 90-minute massage, and the Inner Balance which concentrates firstly on your feet with a reflexology session, followed by a massage.
Products: At Devarana, facial therapies use organic Jurlique, while body treatments come with the seaweed based Algotherm.
What's special: Simply irresistible is the new Tiramisu Body Scrub - a sweet combination of crushed almonds, cocoa butter and espresso beans with a touch of vanilla. Revel in the complete indulgence and then come back to your senses for an unhurried return to reality at the foot of the waterfall in the garden. Delicious.
Downside: The fitness centre, yoga and meditation classes, and the stunning pool are for hotel guests and members only.
Cost of a typical massage: Aromatic Detoxifying Massage, 60 minutes Bt2000.
Where to go: Dusit Thani Hotel, 946 Rama IV Road. Near Silom Station.
www.dusit.com
GRANDe SPA AT THE Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
Ambiance: The scents of lemongrass, sweet orange and pandan leaf waft over you the moment you enter the spa, while the natural surroundings of silk, teak and colourful orchids provide a calm visual antithesis to the busy Sukhumvit Road outside. Your spa experience has started before you even enter the treatment room.
Treatment Menu: The Grand Spa offers a full range of treatments for men as well as women, including holistic aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and an inspiring massage menu. Try the Grande Head and Scalp Massage Treatment which releases tensions causing headaches, hair loss and - remember this - memory lapses.
Products: Guinot, the French brand exclusive to Sheraton, as well as Integrity, their own line made from Thai herbs, plants and spices.
What's Special: A Thai massage at the edge of the most dazzlingly exotic deep blue pool in Bangkok. Surrounded by lush tropical plants, clay pots and delicate pink bougainvillea, this is an experience not to be missed.
Downside: Again, the pool is reserved for hotel guests, so you can look, you can dream, you even can eat a light spa lunch under its outdoor sala, but you can't dive in.
Cost of a typical massage: Aromatherapy sports massage, 55 minutes, Bt 1700
Where to go: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Road, (between Soi 12 and 14). Skytrain Station: Asok.
http://www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com/grande_spa.asp
Praduu Spa CLUB
Ambiance: Very exclusive, very marble. This private house, owned by a wealthy businessman, opens its doors for only the most privileged. The luxury and purity of the Roman spa style takes you back in time, while the treatment rooms all boast a different feel from colourful green and red, to canary yellow to a more calming soft pink and mauve.
Treatment menu: This spa won the Bangkok Spa Contest 2004 for its range of exotic signature treatments featuring Vichy showers and incredible body treatments, and they even have the Junior Spa Suite where kids can be spa'd along with their parents.
Products: Garraud, the French skincare brand whose very European products are all plant based.
What's special: How much more special can you get than a goat milk bath a la Cleopatra or a red wine bath surrounded by red roses? They also have candlenut spa treatments, just one of their botanical secrets.
Downside: To go from the changing room to the treatment room you must cross the garden, so in the middle of the rainy season you could start your hydrotherapy treatment a little earlier than expected.
Cost of typical massage: Aromatherapy massage, 60 minutes, Bt 3000
Where to go: Praduu Spa Club, Sukhumvit between Soi Ekamai 63 and Klongtan Road 17.
www.praduuspaclub.com
COMO Shambhala at the Metropolitan Bangkok
Ambiance: Smart and fresh, the minimalist modern design of Shambhala offers a beguiling mix of the latest East and West designs with graphic furniture and sophisticated décor standing out against a cool white palate. Fluidity and transparency are key, and nothing disturbs the complete break with the outside world.
Treatment Menu: Numerous signature treatments are on the menu from massages to facials, all developed at COMO's Parrot Cay retreat in the Turks and Caicos. From Jet Lag Therapy to Jet Set Beauty, your wellbeing both within and without is taken care of.
What's special: The COMO Shambhala Bath Body Care Treatment is a combination of invigorating salt scrub infused with essential oils, macadamia oil and oat bran, followed by the Como Shambhala massage and a fresh juice from Glow, the spa cuisine restaurant just next door. Drop in for a light lunch after your treatment, the food here is inspiring - so healthy and yet bursting with flavour.
Downside: The spa and fitness centre are for hotel guests only, and aficionados of the colourful warm spa beware, the clean, stark atmosphere might be a shock to begin with, but you'll be reveling in it by the end.
Cost of typical massage: Thai Massage or COMO Shambhala massage, 60 minutes Bt 2200
Where to go: The Metropolitan Bangkok, 27 South Sathorn Road, Tungmahamek.
www.metropolitan.como.bz
Divana Spa
Ambiance: The most welcoming spa disguised as an old Thai house, Divana is like a breath of fresh air in its simplicity. Surrounding a tropical garden complete with pond, this home from home will have you relaxed and feeling completely at ease immediately.
Treatment Menu: Everything for the body and soul: from their super slimming anti-cellulite treatment, sweet honey and sesame body scrub and avocado and green tea facial, to regular yoga and meditation classes.
Products: Treatments feature various 'Sense by Divana' homemade secret recipe creams and oils depending on the season and the mood of the chef - you might even see the him gathering ingredients from the garden.
What's special: The Slimming Body Massage begins with a ginger heat body gel massage which stimulates the metabolism, followed by a slimming massage with anti-cellulite gel, while a herbal compress increases blood circulation.
Soon Divana plan to share their savoir-faire with the rest of the world by opening an academy for massage and herbal treatments.
Downside: Only Privilege members can join the 'how to create your home spa' lessons, and the only bathrooms are on the first floor.
Where to go: Divana Spa, 7, Sukhumvit Soi 25, Bangkok. Just 10 minutes from Asok Skytrain station.
www.divanaspa.com
Mandara Spa
at the Marriott Royal Garden Riverside
Ambiance: Located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, going to the Mandara Spa feels like getting away from it all. Surrounded by a luxurious garden full of secret nooks and crannies, you really can lose yourself in the greenery and among the lily ponds.
Treatment Menu: A harmonious blend of modern facilities and traditional rejuvenation therapies include various massages, body treatments and facials using delicious beauty elixirs. The traditional Javanese Beauty Treatment is unusual, made of powdered spices and sweet woods while the Mandara Four Hands Massage blends five different styles: Japanese Shiatsu, Thai, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Swedish and Balinese.
Products: Decleor and signature essential oils.
What's special: The Deluxe Spa Suite has a private garden with an outdoor shower and traditional sala, and many of the rooms have, wait for it, your very own ensuite waterfall - so that the sound of gently running water provides an infinitely relaxing background to your treatment time.
Downside: The pool and fitness centre are only available for hotel guests.
Cost of typical massage: Bt2,100
Where to go: The Marriott Royal Garden Riverside, 257 Charoennakorn Road, Samrae, Thonburi. From Skytrain station Saphan Taksin take the Marriott boat.
www.mandaraspa.com
JW's Health Club & Spa AT THE JW MARRIOTT HOTEL
Ambiance: Arriving at this spa takes you past the open gym facing the outdoor pool, and the health bar for blends of juice and spa cuisine, but don't feel bad walking straight into the spa, you are here for something equally as healthy.
Treatment Menu: A full range of spa treatments including the Pregnancy Massage to reduce tensions in the back and shoulders, legs and feet.
Products: Biodraga and Margy's Spa products, which come all the way from Monte Carlo.
What's special: The Colour Body Scrub combines colour therapy with a wonderfully invigorating scrub. Choose, for example, the Ylang-Ylang, associated with patchouli and the vitality of red to bring back energy, or the Deep Blue Sea Scrub, which blends eucalyptus, peppermint and pine essential oils and stimulates the respiratory system, perfect after the heat and hustle outside.
Downside: The serenity room, where you wait for your treatment has no windows, which is a little disconcerting, and there are no spa suites with private Jacuzzi or steam baths.
Cost of a typical massage: Aromatherapy massage 60 minutes, Bt 1,700
Where to go: JW Marriott Hotel, 4 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 2.
www.marriott.com
Season's Spa at the Conrad
Ambiance: This spa somehow manages to combine the sleekly modern and yet warmly traditional with its natural earth colours and low candlelight. While you are waiting for your treatment a screen hypnotises you with a slow dazzling tropical fish dance in a deep blue sea, so that by the time your therapist comes to collect you, you are already in a relaxed state of mind.
Treatment menu: The exotic spa menu consists of nearly 40 different treatments, including the Elemis Japanese Silk Booster Facial, the Well Being Massage, Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow and Exotic Frangipani Body Nourish Wrap.
Products: The world-renowned Elemis products and Seasons Spa's own line.
What's special: The Elemis Aroma Stone massage sweeps your cares away with a treatment that mimics the gentle flow of a stream while hot basalt stones are annointed with spicy aromas and placed on key energy points on the body.
Downside: There's no serenity room. The after-treatment pause is spent back in the busy reception area.
Cost of a typical massage: Well Being Massage 60 minutes, Bt2,400
Where to go: The Conrad Hotel, 87 Wireless Road, Phatumwan.
www.conradhotels.com
Ambiance: Walking into Chi is like walking into a cavernous sanctuary. Everywhere candles flicker their gentle light in the huge spaces, and the atmosphere of quiet is tangible. A modern interpretation of a Tibetan temple, there really is something almost religious about it, which has you tip-toeing to your treatment room so as not to break the spell.
Treatment menu: The best of Chinese and Himalayan philosophies have been brought together with treatments strongly influenced by the traditional five elements - metal, water, wood, fire and earth. In fact before you start one of the 35 treatments, your therapist will determine your predominant element and decide on which oils and products are therefore best for you. Experts in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Himalayan healing arts created signature therapies like the Chi Balance, Himalayan Healing Stone Massage, Mountain Tsampa Rub...
What's Special: Just opened, the question really is what isn't special in this spa? But AsiaSpa especially liked the Tibetan singing bowls which are played at the beginning of each treatment, the oh-so-indulgent infinity baths, and their cashmere robes are to die for.
Products: Biodroga for the facials, and Chi's own line of products for the body treatments.
Downside: The spa is only accessible for hotel guests.
Where to go: Shangri-La Bangkok, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road.
www.shangri-la.com
THE Oriental spa at the oriental Bangkok
Ambiance: The Oriental is an absolute legend. The historical hotel opened the first spa in Bangkok in the charming teak Thai house right next door to the Oriental Thai Cooking School. Walk in, and the first welcome comes from two mischievous birds who have been taught to chirp "Sawadikaaaaaa" and some rather less savoury phrases in Japanese.
Treatment Menu: More than 50 treatments cover everything you could possibly want from top to toe, drawing on traditional 2000-year-old herbal preparations, as well as high-end hydrotherapy treatments. Book in for a half, full-day or an impossibly indulgent three-day programme of massages, facials, wraps and more...
Products: Thalgo, and their own private label.
What's special: The Exclusive Monsieur and Exclusive Madame treatments, available to try alone or as a couple, include a Cuisine Minceur meal, as well as a massage, cleansing, manicure or pedicure and a facial. His and hers complete re-energising.
Downside: Priority goes to guests between 3pm-6.30pm and during the New Year celebrations. The waiting room is a little on the austere side, but the treatment rooms are comfort personified.
Cost of a typical massage: Essential oil massage, 60 minutes, Bt 2800
Where to go: The Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue. Shaphan Taksin Skytrain station or jump on the Oriental boat.
www.mandarinoriental.com
Devarana Spa at Dusit Thani
Ambiance: Leave the real world behind, and walk through the heavy sculpted doors into the peaceful open-air courtyard of the Dusit Thani's temple garden. Devarana means 'garden of heaven', and here you'll have found exactly that: a stream dances by, a fountain plays its welcome and calm enchanting music envelopes you from head to foot.
Treatment Menu: Anything and everything from basic massages right up to complete healing treatments - stay an hour, or stay a day. Packages include the divinely named Body Bliss, a body scrub, wrap and 90-minute massage, and the Inner Balance which concentrates firstly on your feet with a reflexology session, followed by a massage.
Products: At Devarana, facial therapies use organic Jurlique, while body treatments come with the seaweed based Algotherm.
What's special: Simply irresistible is the new Tiramisu Body Scrub - a sweet combination of crushed almonds, cocoa butter and espresso beans with a touch of vanilla. Revel in the complete indulgence and then come back to your senses for an unhurried return to reality at the foot of the waterfall in the garden. Delicious.
Downside: The fitness centre, yoga and meditation classes, and the stunning pool are for hotel guests and members only.
Cost of a typical massage: Aromatic Detoxifying Massage, 60 minutes Bt2000.
Where to go: Dusit Thani Hotel, 946 Rama IV Road. Near Silom Station.
www.dusit.com
GRANDe SPA AT THE Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
Ambiance: The scents of lemongrass, sweet orange and pandan leaf waft over you the moment you enter the spa, while the natural surroundings of silk, teak and colourful orchids provide a calm visual antithesis to the busy Sukhumvit Road outside. Your spa experience has started before you even enter the treatment room.
Treatment Menu: The Grand Spa offers a full range of treatments for men as well as women, including holistic aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and an inspiring massage menu. Try the Grande Head and Scalp Massage Treatment which releases tensions causing headaches, hair loss and - remember this - memory lapses.
Products: Guinot, the French brand exclusive to Sheraton, as well as Integrity, their own line made from Thai herbs, plants and spices.
What's Special: A Thai massage at the edge of the most dazzlingly exotic deep blue pool in Bangkok. Surrounded by lush tropical plants, clay pots and delicate pink bougainvillea, this is an experience not to be missed.
Downside: Again, the pool is reserved for hotel guests, so you can look, you can dream, you even can eat a light spa lunch under its outdoor sala, but you can't dive in.
Cost of a typical massage: Aromatherapy sports massage, 55 minutes, Bt 1700
Where to go: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Road, (between Soi 12 and 14). Skytrain Station: Asok.
http://www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com/grande_spa.asp
Praduu Spa CLUB
Ambiance: Very exclusive, very marble. This private house, owned by a wealthy businessman, opens its doors for only the most privileged. The luxury and purity of the Roman spa style takes you back in time, while the treatment rooms all boast a different feel from colourful green and red, to canary yellow to a more calming soft pink and mauve.
Treatment menu: This spa won the Bangkok Spa Contest 2004 for its range of exotic signature treatments featuring Vichy showers and incredible body treatments, and they even have the Junior Spa Suite where kids can be spa'd along with their parents.
Products: Garraud, the French skincare brand whose very European products are all plant based.
What's special: How much more special can you get than a goat milk bath a la Cleopatra or a red wine bath surrounded by red roses? They also have candlenut spa treatments, just one of their botanical secrets.
Downside: To go from the changing room to the treatment room you must cross the garden, so in the middle of the rainy season you could start your hydrotherapy treatment a little earlier than expected.
Cost of typical massage: Aromatherapy massage, 60 minutes, Bt 3000
Where to go: Praduu Spa Club, Sukhumvit between Soi Ekamai 63 and Klongtan Road 17.
www.praduuspaclub.com
COMO Shambhala at the Metropolitan Bangkok
Ambiance: Smart and fresh, the minimalist modern design of Shambhala offers a beguiling mix of the latest East and West designs with graphic furniture and sophisticated décor standing out against a cool white palate. Fluidity and transparency are key, and nothing disturbs the complete break with the outside world.
Treatment Menu: Numerous signature treatments are on the menu from massages to facials, all developed at COMO's Parrot Cay retreat in the Turks and Caicos. From Jet Lag Therapy to Jet Set Beauty, your wellbeing both within and without is taken care of.
What's special: The COMO Shambhala Bath Body Care Treatment is a combination of invigorating salt scrub infused with essential oils, macadamia oil and oat bran, followed by the Como Shambhala massage and a fresh juice from Glow, the spa cuisine restaurant just next door. Drop in for a light lunch after your treatment, the food here is inspiring - so healthy and yet bursting with flavour.
Downside: The spa and fitness centre are for hotel guests only, and aficionados of the colourful warm spa beware, the clean, stark atmosphere might be a shock to begin with, but you'll be reveling in it by the end.
Cost of typical massage: Thai Massage or COMO Shambhala massage, 60 minutes Bt 2200
Where to go: The Metropolitan Bangkok, 27 South Sathorn Road, Tungmahamek.
www.metropolitan.como.bz
Divana Spa
Ambiance: The most welcoming spa disguised as an old Thai house, Divana is like a breath of fresh air in its simplicity. Surrounding a tropical garden complete with pond, this home from home will have you relaxed and feeling completely at ease immediately.
Treatment Menu: Everything for the body and soul: from their super slimming anti-cellulite treatment, sweet honey and sesame body scrub and avocado and green tea facial, to regular yoga and meditation classes.
Products: Treatments feature various 'Sense by Divana' homemade secret recipe creams and oils depending on the season and the mood of the chef - you might even see the him gathering ingredients from the garden.
What's special: The Slimming Body Massage begins with a ginger heat body gel massage which stimulates the metabolism, followed by a slimming massage with anti-cellulite gel, while a herbal compress increases blood circulation.
Soon Divana plan to share their savoir-faire with the rest of the world by opening an academy for massage and herbal treatments.
Downside: Only Privilege members can join the 'how to create your home spa' lessons, and the only bathrooms are on the first floor.
Where to go: Divana Spa, 7, Sukhumvit Soi 25, Bangkok. Just 10 minutes from Asok Skytrain station.
www.divanaspa.com
Mandara Spa
at the Marriott Royal Garden Riverside
Ambiance: Located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, going to the Mandara Spa feels like getting away from it all. Surrounded by a luxurious garden full of secret nooks and crannies, you really can lose yourself in the greenery and among the lily ponds.
Treatment Menu: A harmonious blend of modern facilities and traditional rejuvenation therapies include various massages, body treatments and facials using delicious beauty elixirs. The traditional Javanese Beauty Treatment is unusual, made of powdered spices and sweet woods while the Mandara Four Hands Massage blends five different styles: Japanese Shiatsu, Thai, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Swedish and Balinese.
Products: Decleor and signature essential oils.
What's special: The Deluxe Spa Suite has a private garden with an outdoor shower and traditional sala, and many of the rooms have, wait for it, your very own ensuite waterfall - so that the sound of gently running water provides an infinitely relaxing background to your treatment time.
Downside: The pool and fitness centre are only available for hotel guests.
Cost of typical massage: Bt2,100
Where to go: The Marriott Royal Garden Riverside, 257 Charoennakorn Road, Samrae, Thonburi. From Skytrain station Saphan Taksin take the Marriott boat.
www.mandaraspa.com
JW's Health Club & Spa AT THE JW MARRIOTT HOTEL
Ambiance: Arriving at this spa takes you past the open gym facing the outdoor pool, and the health bar for blends of juice and spa cuisine, but don't feel bad walking straight into the spa, you are here for something equally as healthy.
Treatment Menu: A full range of spa treatments including the Pregnancy Massage to reduce tensions in the back and shoulders, legs and feet.
Products: Biodraga and Margy's Spa products, which come all the way from Monte Carlo.
What's special: The Colour Body Scrub combines colour therapy with a wonderfully invigorating scrub. Choose, for example, the Ylang-Ylang, associated with patchouli and the vitality of red to bring back energy, or the Deep Blue Sea Scrub, which blends eucalyptus, peppermint and pine essential oils and stimulates the respiratory system, perfect after the heat and hustle outside.
Downside: The serenity room, where you wait for your treatment has no windows, which is a little disconcerting, and there are no spa suites with private Jacuzzi or steam baths.
Cost of a typical massage: Aromatherapy massage 60 minutes, Bt 1,700
Where to go: JW Marriott Hotel, 4 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 2.
www.marriott.com
Season's Spa at the Conrad
Ambiance: This spa somehow manages to combine the sleekly modern and yet warmly traditional with its natural earth colours and low candlelight. While you are waiting for your treatment a screen hypnotises you with a slow dazzling tropical fish dance in a deep blue sea, so that by the time your therapist comes to collect you, you are already in a relaxed state of mind.
Treatment menu: The exotic spa menu consists of nearly 40 different treatments, including the Elemis Japanese Silk Booster Facial, the Well Being Massage, Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow and Exotic Frangipani Body Nourish Wrap.
Products: The world-renowned Elemis products and Seasons Spa's own line.
What's special: The Elemis Aroma Stone massage sweeps your cares away with a treatment that mimics the gentle flow of a stream while hot basalt stones are annointed with spicy aromas and placed on key energy points on the body.
Downside: There's no serenity room. The after-treatment pause is spent back in the busy reception area.
Cost of a typical massage: Well Being Massage 60 minutes, Bt2,400
Where to go: The Conrad Hotel, 87 Wireless Road, Phatumwan.
www.conradhotels.com
Some famous pas in Southeast Thailand
I like many others, have always dreamt of stumbling across an undiscovered desert island where I could live a simple existence for a while, a hermit's life in paradise. No stressing phone calls, no emails, nothing. Just myself and the blazing sunshine, the powdery white sand and a sea clear enough to reveal all the aquatic life within it.
I have journeyed many times in Thailand and I could never have imagined that I would discover the island of my dreams in a country whose stunning beauty spots are becoming ever more crowded.
In fact, the southern coast of Thailand still offers discerning visitors a few tranquil hideaways and unique, secluded spa experiences. For aspiring Robinson Crusoes, seeking a little bit of luxury, the bountiful islands in Southwest Thailand offer hidden paradises and sumptuous spa retreats. And, not far from the well-trodden streets and shores of Phuket lie a few secret havens still waiting to be discovered. When you do though, just don't tell too many of your friends.
Phuket
Evason Resort & Spa:
One enters the world of the 70's-style redesigned Evason Resort & Spa through a bright tunnel, which opens up into a lush garden of tropical trees and flora. The secluded Resort offers its guests all the privacy they need to replenish and rejuvenate themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed lounging around under the shade of the trees lining my own private pool, which offered stunning views of the Andaman Sea. Five minutes boat ride away on Bon Island, guests can relax on their own private beach, where they can experience a range of treatments at the six senses spa and its private suite spa rooms. Coming soon, a meditation room and juice spa. (www.evasonphuket.com)
Amanpuri:
Nestled in a generous coconut grove on the beach, the Amanpuri Resort will appeal to those seeking the utmost privacy. The exclusive Amanpuri villas come equipped with all the finest amenities seasoned travellers would expect from a self-styled home-away-from-home resort. Discreetly concealed amongst the lush foliage lie the private pavilions spa and its cheerful masseurs. It is there that guests can enjoy a range of treatments tailored individually to their needs. My individualised assessment was followed by a soothing meditation, body-limbering yoga session and a delicious herbal drink packed with vitamins and minerals, served to me on the fountain terrace, before I returned refreshed to my private villa and garden. (www.amanpuri.com)
Le Meridien Yacht Club Resort & Spa:
Considered one of the world's finest luxury hotels and honeymoon resorts, the Meridien Yacht Club actually comes with a seal of approval - it received the Royal Seal in acknowledgement of its distinctive and sophisticated Royal Suites. The Yacht Club welcomed the first King's Cup Regatta in 1987, today one of Asia's premier yachting events, for the 60th HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday. On my visit, I spent some time at the recently opened Royal Spa and stayed in one of the Luxury Suites. Here guests can enjoy some of the best treatments available in this luxurious setting. The Royal Indulgence package comes highly recommended and promises to transport guest into a state of supreme well-being. (www.lemeridien.com)
Koh Samui
Tamarind Springs: Despite it becoming more popular - perhaps a little too popular for some people's tastes - Tamarind Springs is the best natural island spa on Koh Samui and still one of the most original. The blend of traditional Thai beach huts, rock-lined coconut groves and natural fall springs are all conducive to a natural rebalancing of mind, body and soul. Tamarinds Retreat shirks uniformity, instead giving each luxury villa its own unique design and feel. Guests can match their mood, be that at the shady and secluded Tamarind Suite, the Monika's Ocean View, the Japanese-style Pond House. For guests seeking a longer stay, the good news is, all the villas are available for long-term lease of anything up to 30 years. (www.tamarindretreat.com)
Pansea Samui Resort & Spa: This boutique-style hotel is located on the exclusive northern rim of Koh Samui. For sporting and outdoor enthusiasts, Pansea Samui Resort & Spa is conveniently located next to the island's first golf course and one of its most important marine national parks. There are only a few luxury cottages here, making this secluded village a perfect hideaway for those seeking both sporty and spiritual relief. Concealed by lines of palm & coconut trees along the beautiful beach of Maenam, guests can indulge themselves in a wide range of strictly personal traditional Thai treatments. (www.pansea.com)
Khao Lak / Similan Islands
Sofitel Magic Lagoon Resort and Spa Khao Lak: The sheer scale of this elegant resort will take your breath away. The Sofitel Magic Lagoon Resort only opened to the public on May 1, and is the nearest gateway to the 51 secret Similan Islands, and some of the most spectacular coral reefs in Thailand. Guests can easily lose themselves here in the many different landscapes of this resort, as they can in the biggest lagoon-style swimming pool in the world. The Spa Khao Lak offers a relaxing and a rich environment for guests to cultivate mind, body and soul. The luxurious Spa and Fitness Centre features special VIP treatment rooms, its own pool and hidden courtyard, where guests can relax breathing in the delicious aromas of lemongrass and cardamom.
(www.accorhotels-asia.com )
Koh Racha
The Racha:
Thirty-minute boat ride from Phuket lies one of Thailand's best kept secret destinations, The Racha. This wonderful, quiet private shelter once belonged to the famous Sanctuary Resorts. The design is distinctly minimalist and refined, the private sea view villas the utmost in luxury, and the seductive courtyard offers some of the best views of the Andaman I have ever seen. Coming soon is The Racha special treatment Spa, which is to be set up in the same image of this haven of peace. All of this within a couple of steps from the new diving school. (www.sanctuaryresorts.com/racha)
Koh Lanta
Pimalai Resort & Spa:
Tucked away among the trees, Pimalai Resort & Spa inspires calm and serenity. Guests can indulge themselves with many body-pampering, soul-enriching, reinvigorating spa experiences in one of the seven dedicated treatment huts. The "salas" offer some of the finest traditions in Thai healing massage as well as a wonderful insight into the local culture. All of the private villas are set within landscaped gardens. (www.pimalai.com)
Sri Lanta Resort & Spa:
The Sri Lanta Resort & Spa offers a break in a sober but charming setting, complete with a range of elegant wooden and straw huts set on the otherwise untouched beach. Following ancient Feng Shui wisdom, the Sri Lanta Resort & Spa has prioritised atmosphere over luxury, preffering to focus on enhancing the natural positive energy for its guests. This Island is undoubtedly one of the best kept secrets in Asia. The open-area Spa combines traditional Thai treatments with water and earth natural therapies to offer a range of individualised treatments. (www.srilanta.com)
Koh yao
Koa Yao Island Resort:
Koh Yao consists of two main islands, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai and is located in Phna Ngan Bay to the east of Phuket. Mainly comprising of rocks and forest, this natural hideaway is endowed with unspoilt virgin coral reefs and beautiful pristine beaches. The exclusive villas of Koayao Island resort border lush tropical gardens which cover an area of over 514 square metres. The outdoor spa prides itself on using strictly natural herbal treatments in all of its therapies, offering visitors all of the amenities they would naturally expect for a complete yet simple regeneration. (www.koyao.com)
THAI MASSAGE'S SECRETS
Its roots lying in the Indian subcontinent, Thai Massage is considered to be one of the most complete experiences for the enhancement of the body and soul. The ancestral art of Thai massage not only stems from Indian Ayurvedic medicine but also shares many features with Yoga and Shiatsu.
Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha is believed to be the legendary originator of this art. He was a famous doctor originating from Northern India and a contemporary of Buddha, over 2,500 years ago. The natural healing techniques that inspired Thai Massage presumably attained the Ancient Kingdom of Siam at the same time as Buddhism in the 3rd or 2nd century BC. Since then, this tradition has been carefully passed on orally from master to student in temples (and in recent times, the teaching has been extended in a few Thai Massage schools) to preserve all the skills of one of the most famous Thai cultural heritages.
Far away from a simple kneading of muscles, Thai Massage mainly works on energy lines of the body, called "Sen". The massage aims to release your energetic potential through a methodical approach to the body. Starting at the feet and progressing up to the head, the masseur exerts pressure on the Meridians with their palms, thumbs, elbows and feet to release the stress energy and blocks. This practice is a deeply relaxing experience helping to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives and to enhance the physical and emotional aspects of the body and soul.
Thai Massage is performed on a mat or on the floor to enhance the balancing weight and pressure of the practitioner and to give the massage the most intensity and strength. Enhanced by stretching movements, Thai massage also attempts to increase flexibility of the body.
Before the start of a session, a consultation will be performed by the practitioner to assess the client-specific needs. A Thai massage session should last between 90 minutes and 3 hours.
No oils or lotions are used during the massage and the best option for maximum enjoyment is to wear loose fitting clothing and relax. Melt under the pressure of your agile masseur, try to liberate your mind and let him lead you on the way of enlightenment. A perfect session should ending with a perfect detoxification of the body, an elevation of the soul and a tremendous feeling of full re-energisation for both the giver and the receiver
I have journeyed many times in Thailand and I could never have imagined that I would discover the island of my dreams in a country whose stunning beauty spots are becoming ever more crowded.
In fact, the southern coast of Thailand still offers discerning visitors a few tranquil hideaways and unique, secluded spa experiences. For aspiring Robinson Crusoes, seeking a little bit of luxury, the bountiful islands in Southwest Thailand offer hidden paradises and sumptuous spa retreats. And, not far from the well-trodden streets and shores of Phuket lie a few secret havens still waiting to be discovered. When you do though, just don't tell too many of your friends.
Phuket
Evason Resort & Spa:
One enters the world of the 70's-style redesigned Evason Resort & Spa through a bright tunnel, which opens up into a lush garden of tropical trees and flora. The secluded Resort offers its guests all the privacy they need to replenish and rejuvenate themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed lounging around under the shade of the trees lining my own private pool, which offered stunning views of the Andaman Sea. Five minutes boat ride away on Bon Island, guests can relax on their own private beach, where they can experience a range of treatments at the six senses spa and its private suite spa rooms. Coming soon, a meditation room and juice spa. (www.evasonphuket.com)
Amanpuri:
Nestled in a generous coconut grove on the beach, the Amanpuri Resort will appeal to those seeking the utmost privacy. The exclusive Amanpuri villas come equipped with all the finest amenities seasoned travellers would expect from a self-styled home-away-from-home resort. Discreetly concealed amongst the lush foliage lie the private pavilions spa and its cheerful masseurs. It is there that guests can enjoy a range of treatments tailored individually to their needs. My individualised assessment was followed by a soothing meditation, body-limbering yoga session and a delicious herbal drink packed with vitamins and minerals, served to me on the fountain terrace, before I returned refreshed to my private villa and garden. (www.amanpuri.com)
Le Meridien Yacht Club Resort & Spa:
Considered one of the world's finest luxury hotels and honeymoon resorts, the Meridien Yacht Club actually comes with a seal of approval - it received the Royal Seal in acknowledgement of its distinctive and sophisticated Royal Suites. The Yacht Club welcomed the first King's Cup Regatta in 1987, today one of Asia's premier yachting events, for the 60th HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday. On my visit, I spent some time at the recently opened Royal Spa and stayed in one of the Luxury Suites. Here guests can enjoy some of the best treatments available in this luxurious setting. The Royal Indulgence package comes highly recommended and promises to transport guest into a state of supreme well-being. (www.lemeridien.com)
Koh Samui
Tamarind Springs: Despite it becoming more popular - perhaps a little too popular for some people's tastes - Tamarind Springs is the best natural island spa on Koh Samui and still one of the most original. The blend of traditional Thai beach huts, rock-lined coconut groves and natural fall springs are all conducive to a natural rebalancing of mind, body and soul. Tamarinds Retreat shirks uniformity, instead giving each luxury villa its own unique design and feel. Guests can match their mood, be that at the shady and secluded Tamarind Suite, the Monika's Ocean View, the Japanese-style Pond House. For guests seeking a longer stay, the good news is, all the villas are available for long-term lease of anything up to 30 years. (www.tamarindretreat.com)
Pansea Samui Resort & Spa: This boutique-style hotel is located on the exclusive northern rim of Koh Samui. For sporting and outdoor enthusiasts, Pansea Samui Resort & Spa is conveniently located next to the island's first golf course and one of its most important marine national parks. There are only a few luxury cottages here, making this secluded village a perfect hideaway for those seeking both sporty and spiritual relief. Concealed by lines of palm & coconut trees along the beautiful beach of Maenam, guests can indulge themselves in a wide range of strictly personal traditional Thai treatments. (www.pansea.com)
Khao Lak / Similan Islands
Sofitel Magic Lagoon Resort and Spa Khao Lak: The sheer scale of this elegant resort will take your breath away. The Sofitel Magic Lagoon Resort only opened to the public on May 1, and is the nearest gateway to the 51 secret Similan Islands, and some of the most spectacular coral reefs in Thailand. Guests can easily lose themselves here in the many different landscapes of this resort, as they can in the biggest lagoon-style swimming pool in the world. The Spa Khao Lak offers a relaxing and a rich environment for guests to cultivate mind, body and soul. The luxurious Spa and Fitness Centre features special VIP treatment rooms, its own pool and hidden courtyard, where guests can relax breathing in the delicious aromas of lemongrass and cardamom.
(www.accorhotels-asia.com )
Koh Racha
The Racha:
Thirty-minute boat ride from Phuket lies one of Thailand's best kept secret destinations, The Racha. This wonderful, quiet private shelter once belonged to the famous Sanctuary Resorts. The design is distinctly minimalist and refined, the private sea view villas the utmost in luxury, and the seductive courtyard offers some of the best views of the Andaman I have ever seen. Coming soon is The Racha special treatment Spa, which is to be set up in the same image of this haven of peace. All of this within a couple of steps from the new diving school. (www.sanctuaryresorts.com/racha)
Koh Lanta
Pimalai Resort & Spa:
Tucked away among the trees, Pimalai Resort & Spa inspires calm and serenity. Guests can indulge themselves with many body-pampering, soul-enriching, reinvigorating spa experiences in one of the seven dedicated treatment huts. The "salas" offer some of the finest traditions in Thai healing massage as well as a wonderful insight into the local culture. All of the private villas are set within landscaped gardens. (www.pimalai.com)
Sri Lanta Resort & Spa:
The Sri Lanta Resort & Spa offers a break in a sober but charming setting, complete with a range of elegant wooden and straw huts set on the otherwise untouched beach. Following ancient Feng Shui wisdom, the Sri Lanta Resort & Spa has prioritised atmosphere over luxury, preffering to focus on enhancing the natural positive energy for its guests. This Island is undoubtedly one of the best kept secrets in Asia. The open-area Spa combines traditional Thai treatments with water and earth natural therapies to offer a range of individualised treatments. (www.srilanta.com)
Koh yao
Koa Yao Island Resort:
Koh Yao consists of two main islands, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai and is located in Phna Ngan Bay to the east of Phuket. Mainly comprising of rocks and forest, this natural hideaway is endowed with unspoilt virgin coral reefs and beautiful pristine beaches. The exclusive villas of Koayao Island resort border lush tropical gardens which cover an area of over 514 square metres. The outdoor spa prides itself on using strictly natural herbal treatments in all of its therapies, offering visitors all of the amenities they would naturally expect for a complete yet simple regeneration. (www.koyao.com)
THAI MASSAGE'S SECRETS
Its roots lying in the Indian subcontinent, Thai Massage is considered to be one of the most complete experiences for the enhancement of the body and soul. The ancestral art of Thai massage not only stems from Indian Ayurvedic medicine but also shares many features with Yoga and Shiatsu.
Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha is believed to be the legendary originator of this art. He was a famous doctor originating from Northern India and a contemporary of Buddha, over 2,500 years ago. The natural healing techniques that inspired Thai Massage presumably attained the Ancient Kingdom of Siam at the same time as Buddhism in the 3rd or 2nd century BC. Since then, this tradition has been carefully passed on orally from master to student in temples (and in recent times, the teaching has been extended in a few Thai Massage schools) to preserve all the skills of one of the most famous Thai cultural heritages.
Far away from a simple kneading of muscles, Thai Massage mainly works on energy lines of the body, called "Sen". The massage aims to release your energetic potential through a methodical approach to the body. Starting at the feet and progressing up to the head, the masseur exerts pressure on the Meridians with their palms, thumbs, elbows and feet to release the stress energy and blocks. This practice is a deeply relaxing experience helping to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives and to enhance the physical and emotional aspects of the body and soul.
Thai Massage is performed on a mat or on the floor to enhance the balancing weight and pressure of the practitioner and to give the massage the most intensity and strength. Enhanced by stretching movements, Thai massage also attempts to increase flexibility of the body.
Before the start of a session, a consultation will be performed by the practitioner to assess the client-specific needs. A Thai massage session should last between 90 minutes and 3 hours.
No oils or lotions are used during the massage and the best option for maximum enjoyment is to wear loose fitting clothing and relax. Melt under the pressure of your agile masseur, try to liberate your mind and let him lead you on the way of enlightenment. A perfect session should ending with a perfect detoxification of the body, an elevation of the soul and a tremendous feeling of full re-energisation for both the giver and the receiver
Luxary travel increasing in Vietnam
Recent statistics from VNAT have shown that Vietnam’s tourist arrivals from Western European countries are seeking luxury travel.In 2007, 170,000 travelers came from France, 100,000 from the UK and 100,000 from Germany, whilst Russian visitors increased 50%. From Japan and South Korean, the figures were positive with 430,000 and 470,000 visitors respectively.Another major market for Vietnam’s tourism sector is ASEAN, where Thailand rose 38% in 2007 and Malaysia by 50%. And in 2007, nine out of the fifteen leading markets grew over 20%.Ha Pham, founder and CEO of the Luxury Travel Company explained that travelers are seeking to holiday in style and that Vietnam has potential to capture that market by selling niche products rather than “sell the same tourism products since 10 years ago”.He added, “Golfing, spa, beach vacation, family travel, junk and sampan cruises, honeymoon and romance moved up to the top notch and favorites for upscale travelers. Vietnam’s appeal is vast” Luxury Travel Company believes that Vietnam’s tourism sector is in an “image crisis as a destination”, where products and services must be developed to cater for that niche market. In order to start the trend, Luxury Travel Vietnam Company will take part in the ITB Asia Singapore from October 22 to 24, 2008 to showcase Vietnam as a luxury destination.
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