Hua Hin, Spa Capiltal of Thailand
Every imaginable treatment is on offer from holistic to hedonistic.
Chiva Som started it, many years ago, and now every major hotel has a grand spa, but all of them offer treatments unavailable elsewhere. Pampering carried to extremes.
Hua Hin, just south of Bangkok, is, unofficially, the spa capital of Thailand.
First on the scene was the world famous Chiva Som, offering health regimes, detoxing and utter and complete rest for stars of stage and screen and stressed out business execs. . Chiva Som still dominates, but new spas are opening up regularly
All have a Signature treatment and all offer many different types of massage, Swedish, Hawaiian, Hmong, and Ancient Thai Massage as practiced by the monks of Wat Po in Bangkok and with whom most traditional Thai Masseurs have studied.
The ingredients will differ from spa to spa, but you will find delicious kaffir lime leaves, steamed eucalyptus, clove, black pepper, and basil, used in most of the preparations. Body scrubs with rice and mango, ginger and avocado will wake you up or send you to sleep. All will be done after consultation with your therapist.
Nor are Spa therapies available only in the grand hotels. Many smaller establishments offer excellent treatments, but in a more limited space and if what is needed is a massage, reflexology, or facial or body treatments with minimum pampering, you will be adequately served in these smaller establishments.
Top Spas in Hua Hin, Thailand.
Deverana Spa, Dusit Thani Resort Hotel, Hua Hin
Opened a couple of years ago by a member of the Thai Royal Family, the Deverana Spa is set apart from the hotel and surrounded by quiet walkways and water. The famed beach is only a few steps away.
Designed by Lina Lotto (responsible for many top spas in the world today including Carey’s Manor Hotel Spa in the New Forest in the UK) this spa is totally relaxing. Subdued lighting and therapists who seem to float around on soft cushioned feet means the client relaxes from the moment she, or he, enters the foyer to be seated, provided with a cup of warm or cool lemon grass tea, and have shoes removed and feet encased in cotton slippers.
All rooms have showers, toilets, and underwear is provided for those who wish to wear something during the massage. Many of the Thai herbal products used are exclusive to Deverana.
The Barai at the Hyatt Hotel, Hua Hin, Thailand.
Newest to the range is the Hyatt Hotel’s BARAI an oasis of serenity set in 4.5 acres of land. The Barai differs from other spas in that the suites cater for overnight stays in one of eight spa suites and they offer treatments lasting over a whole day or more.
As well as the spa suites, there are 18 private treatment rooms, a tranquillity court and a relaxation pool, and yoga and meditation sessions are provided.
The architectural concept is inspired by the Khmer culture, the beauty of which is carried through from interior design of the public spaces to each of the treatment rooms. The integration of traditional Thai herbal therapies with contemporary ideas of health is a feature of The Barai.
Anantara Spa Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand
The Anantara Spa Resort is located on the Gulf of Siam, not far from the palace of the Thai royal family. Built in the style of a traditional Thai village the hotel is surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
From ancient ayurveda to modern holistic therapies and reiki, the spa menu at Anantara is guaranteed to entice and delight. What is offered at Anantara that is different to other spas is a three hour session of Shirodhara massage. This is often referred to as the ‘massage of the third eye’ and has long been considered one of the most powerful ayurvedic treatments available.
Continuing with a soothing back massage during which strong massage strokes are applied to those areas that carry most stress (the ‘mouse muscle’ as some masseurs call a computer users painful shoulder joint) the treatment ends with a long soak in a soothing honey and milk bath.
All these spas provide special spa menus with healthy dishes (healthy but not not boring) and a day spent at any of these is a perfect way to unwind.
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