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Spas are big business on Phuket, spurred on by the ever-increasing concern of wealthy societies for their health. People are using their holiday time not just to relax on a tropical beach, but also to cleanse, treat and pummel their muscles, tissues and skin etc. Since Thailand has a long tradition of therapeutic massage and herbal stream treatments, Phuket has found it easy to take advantage of the new trend. And they do it in style. |
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So many Phuket resorts have opened spas that it is now almost considered a standard accessory for up-market hotels here. Luxurious, open-air pavilions with tropical settings like palm shrouded bathing pools typify the mood created by the top-end establishments. The cheaper end of the trend has also witnessed a blossoming of small village-based herbal steam rooms. Some of these are set in pretty coconut groves, relying on passing traffic noticing their signs, and on word-of-mouth. Finding the nice ones might be difficult, but it s fun.
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| Spa Treatments |
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Thai massage has been an integral part of traditional Thai medicine for at least 2,500 years. Derived from a blend of Ayurvedic and Chinese healing influences, Thai massage is a technique that aims to balance energy in the body.
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In a typical two-hour session, the masseuse will guide stretching movements similar to yoga postures and also apply pressure to points along the body using the hands, thumbs, forearms, elbows, knees and feet. These pressure points are believed to be connected to energy channels that run through the body. Massaging them will help remove blockages and stimulate energy flow, thus restoring balance and health in the body. A Thai massage session can help increase flexibility, provide relief to tense muscles and joints, and give one a feeling of refreshment and renewal.
Swedish massage
Swedish massage uses a blend of long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping and other techniques, which help to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. It is also believed to stimulate the skin and nervous system, and also soothe the nerves and feelings of stress.
Shiatsu/Acupressure
Shiatsu and acupressure are based on the same principle of stimulating the flow of energy ("qi" or "chi") through the body to relieve health problems and promote one's well-being. A combination of pressure and assisted-stretching techniques help to improve circulation, release toxins and tensions from the muscles and give the recipient a relaxing and revitalizing experience.
Reflexology
Reflexology developed from the belief that there are reflex areas on the feet and hands corresponding to all parts of the body including internal organs. It is believed that applying pressure to specific points on the feet and hands can affect organs and body systems, and therefore promote good health. In addition to being a relaxing treatment, reflexology is believed to help relieve headaches, sinus problems, breathing disorders, digestive problems, circulatory problems and backaches.
Steam and sauna
A short herbal steam bath and/or sauna session is often included as part of a spa package, usually done before a body treatment to open up the skin's pores and get people into a relaxed state of mind. Steam/sauna is also believed to benefit one's health by stimulating circulation and ridding the body of unwanted materials through sweating.
Hydrotherapy
The term hydrotherapy covers any sort of treatment in which water is used, such as a soak in a whirlpool or a footbath. Both hot and cool treatments may be done. It is believed to help tone the body, stimulate digestion, improve circulation and the immune system and to relieve tension and pain.
Body scrubs and wraps
A number of treatments including body scrubs and wraps are done to help exfoliate, moisturize and freshen up the skin. Natural products such as tumeric, aloe, honey, kaffir lime, tropical fruits, mud, oils or sea salt are applied, with blends often specially prepared to suit one's skin condition (dry, oily, sunburned, etc).
Beauty treatments
Some spas, in addition to massages and body treatments, provide a full range of beauty services including facials, hair styling, manicures and waxing. A nice feature in service-oriented Thailand is that these are often done with a spa-level of care. A haircut, for example, is often not just a haircut - you may get a head and neck massage while your hair is being washed, or before and after the cutting.
Total health/beauty programs
Going beyond the typical day spa experience, some spas are now offering a complete package of services to improve one's health and well-being. Massage and body treatments are just part of a program for weight loss, diet, stress relief or physical healing.
Spa cuisine, fitness regimens, colonic cleansing, physiotherapy, tai chi, yoga, meditation and more may be offered, as well as beauty treatments such as Botox injections. Some spas may even have professionals on site to perform such treatments/training, or they can arrange treatments at a local private hospital.
There are more types of treatments available, in addition to the ones listed above, as Phuket's spas continue to improve their range and quality of services. Some will even tailor-design a program just for you. Check with the spas for more specific details.
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| Spa Tips |
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"Spa Enthusiast" magazine offers these tips for making the most of your spa visit:
- Try to come at off-peak hours. Your spa experience may be more relaxing and leisurely when you're there at a less crowded time.
- Explore the possibilities. Ask for a full description of any treatment that sounds intriguing. Be open to experimentation. That's how you'll find new treatments to enjoy.
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- Get advice regarding scheduling. If you plan on having more than one treatment, ask if the spa has recommendations regarding the order in which you receive them. Choosing the right sequence may enhance your pleasure. Some facials are more suitable before a body treatment, and some are more appropriate afterward. Many spas will have packages that give you the treatments in the most appropriate order.
- Share your personal health history. The spa can help you plan accordingly. If you have conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or lupus, you should get your doctor's okay for any treatment you'd like to try. People with high blood pressure or a heart condition may want to avoid body wraps or any treatment that involves heat or detoxification. Those with varicose veins may want to avoid heat treatments to those areas, and people with iodine allergies should avoid marine products such as seaweed. Pregnant women should avoid essential oils and anything that could raise body temperature, such as body wraps, saunas/steambaths and Jacuzzis.
- Mention any prescription drugs you are using in order to avoid any services or products that might irritate your skin or otherwise be harmful.
- Anticipate how the treatment will fit into your other plans. For example, if you're having a facial treatment that may leave your skin temporarily irritated or blotchy, you may not want to go to a romantic dinner afterward.
- Allow enough time for your visit. Plan to spend a least 15 minutes sipping a beverage, relaxing, and chatting or enjoying some solitude. And try not to rush yourself at the end of your visit. This way you won't have to be concerned if your visit takes a little longer than you anticipated, and you'll prolong the pleasure of relaxation.
Special considerations for Phuket:
- The person providing treatment may not be fluent in your language. Be sure that any questions or concerns you have are communicated clearly and understood before any treatment begins.
- Some spa staff, especially at the cheaper, more informal shops, may have had minimal training in massage and other techniques. If anything feels uncomfortable, painful or otherwise undesirable, ask to stop the treatment immediately.
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| Spa Directory |
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| In the last decade, Phuket has put itself on the map as one of the world's premier tourist destinations. It's reputation as a spa haven has only added to its popularity, particularly in the past 5-6 years with the opening of several world-class centres around the island. |
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Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel, 390 Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110
Tel: (66 76) 324 324 - Fax: (66 76) 324 174
E-mail: dlp@dusit.com
URL: http://www.dusit-laguna.com/angsana_spa.htm
Following in the tradition of the Banyan Tree Spa, the Angsana Spa shares the same philosophy of a holistic, non-clinical spa which uses aromatherapy and the sense of touch, yet remains competitively priced. Treatments range from a variety of massages using both Asian and Western techniques, body scrubs using natural herbs, salts and exfoliants, body treatments such as mud wraps and herbal wraps, and facials.
Banyan Tree Phuket
33 Moo 4 Srisoonthorn Road Cherngtalay, Thalang Phuket 83110 Thailand
Tel: (66 76) 324 374 Fax: (66 76) 324 375 Direct fax to Spa: (66 76) 271 463
E-mail: banyantree@lagunaphuket.com
This luxurious spa resort opened in 1994 - the first of several built by the group throughout Asia, and the benchmark for new spa centres on the island to aspire to. The resort's spa is a complete sanctuary for the senses, offering a blend of ancient Eastern healing and relaxation techniques with the best of European rejuvenation therapies in an almost temple like setting. Guests can indulge in a whole range of facials and body treatments including honey wraps, mud treatments, various forms of massage and treat their newly rejuvenated bodies to the delightfully healthy but innovative cuisine prepared at THE TAMARIND SPA RESTAURANT. Whether visiting the spa for a few hours as a day guest, or daily as an in-house guest of the resort, you'll emerge from the experience feeling completely relaxed and at peace.
Body & Mind Day Spa
Body & Mind Day Spa
558/7-12 Patak Rd., Karon Beach, Muang, 83100 Phuket, Thailand
Tel: 66 (0)76398 274 - Fax: 66 (0)76 39 275
E-mail: bodymind_spa@yahoo.com, info@body-mindspa.com
Website: http://www.body-mindspa.com/
It is the elegant recent addition to massage and healthy body therapies available within walking distance from Karon Beach. Body & Mind DaySpa has become the popular choice for visitors and residents who want to experience the same therapeutic treatments and luxurious surroundings found at five stars resort but at modest prices.
Free round trip transfer from Patong Beach, Karon Beach and Kata Beach when book your spa at Body & Mind DaySpa.
Hideaway Day Spas
Hideaway Day Spas
157 Soi Nanai, Patong Beach Phuket 83150, Thailand
Tel: (66-76) 340591, 342475
Three Locations For Your Relaxation
PHUKET: Patong & Bang Tao, CHIANG MAI
Kata Spas in Kata
Kata Spa
116/9 Moo 4, Patak Rd., Kata Beach, Phuket,
Tel: (66-76) 330914
Website: http://www.phuket.com/hideawaykata/
The Kata Herbal Aromatic Spa is based on traditional saunas found in temples throughout Thailand, a tradition now more than a 1000 years old. All sites offer Herbal aromatic Steam Saunas and spa pools, fully private sala facilities with a choice of 2, 3 or 4 hour treatment packages and free transfer within each locality. Kata and Patong also offer the option of communal VIP facilities with treatments from 1/2 hour upwards.
Nakalay Spa at Thavorn Beach Village Resort
Nakalay Spa
6/2 Moo 6, Nakalay, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Tel: (66 76) 290 334-42 - Fax: (66 76) 340-384
E-mail: mailto:thavornbeach@phuket.com
Focussing on relaxation that both refreshes the body but also soothes the spirit, the Nakalay Spa is one of the most beautiful health spas in Thailand. Several salas and treatment rooms are available for the therapies as well as several jacuzzi's and saunas, and a full beauty salon. Guests can opt for special packages which include a variety of therapies undertaken over a 2 or 3 hour period, choosing from treatments such as OPC/Antioxidant Body Polish, an Aromatherapy Full Body Massage, an Aromatherapy Body Salt Glow, an Anti-Stress Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage, a Siam Foot and Leg Massage, a Deep Cleanse Facial, the Ultimate Pampering Facial or a Nakalay Deluxe Massage, plus steam , sauna and jacuzzi sessions.
The Royal Spa & Health Club
The Royal Spa
367/63-64 Yaowatraj Rd., Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tel : 66 76 236663, 66 76 236056, Fax : 66 76 236056
Email: info@theroyalspa.com
Website: http://www.theroyalspa.com/
Fascinating relaxation area, reception lounge, tropical swimming pool, waterfall jungle tinkling, private locker room, herbal sauna & steam rooms, robes, towels, sarong and slippers provided for every guests, fitness, aerobic room, beauty salon & hair spa, garden corner, sun beds, car park, The Royal Gallery and credit card facilities.
The Spa at The Chedi
The Chedi Phuket:, 118, Moo 3, Chengthalay.
Tel: (66 76) 324 017-9. Fax: (66 76) 324 252.
E-Mail: mailto:hotel@chedi_com
Opened in early 2000, The Chedi Spa comprises four treatment rooms, two for people who wish to take private treatments together. Five different therapeutic massages are available starting from 900 Baht. They include herbal massage, using fragrant herbs applied with hot, wet towels to soothe the muscles, and full body Swedish massage which acts to invigorate the body and reduce tension. Body scrubs and special foot care treatments are also available, along with special Spa packages which allow you to experience various treatments for the ultimate in pampering. Experienced and skilled spa therapists carry out these treatments to the highest of standards. Aromatherapy oils used in the treatments are exclusive to The Spa and are specially created using combinations of essential and herbal oils. All aromatherapy and massage oils are available in the hotel gift shop and are the perfect souvenir from your spa holiday.
Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness
Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness is the world's first cultural spa with the unique Thai cultural service and design of architect derived from the ancient capital of Siam, with three categories of rooms and 160 treatment beds in the new five-star day spa in Phuket. We provide individual packages based on the philosophy of Thai Ayuraveda as well as full wellness facilities and other ancient wisdom passed down through the generations.
Website: http://www.sukkospa.com/
Atsumi Healing
The Atsumi Healinsg Center is a Natural Therapy-Education Center & Retreat where people re-new their health and vitality through a safe and effective Fasting and Detox program. Many people experience life changing results, moving from a state of poor health and emotional stagnation, to a state of loving joy. During your stay you can also learn Yoga, Meditation, Horse Riding, Afro Drumming, Thai Atsu/Shiatsu Massage, Salsa Dancing and Bossa-Nova Guitar.
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Phuket Spa, Hotels, Holiday and Travel guide to Phuket Thailand |
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