If you are disinclined to treat yourself in a spa, simply lie down on a beach and have a massage or sit down in a tiny shop by the roadside and have a foot or hand massage for about A$ 6.00 per hour!

Health spas are now a worldwide trend. During the mid 1990s Thailand began opening its own spas, and with its natural attributes the country has emerged as one of the finest spa destinations. A long heritage of natural health and beauty treatments, year-round sunshine, beautiful scenery, and the natural warmth and hospitality of the Thai people have allowed the spa culture to flourish, and when allied to investments in the newest medical, fitness and therapy technology it is easy to appreciate why Thailand’s spas have generated a new tourism sector.

Health spas are now a worldwide trend. During the mid 1990s Thailadn began opening its own spas, and with its natural attributes, the country has emerged as one of the finest spa destinations. A long heritage of natural health and beauty treatments, year-round sunshine and the natural warmth and hospitality of the Thai people have allowed the spa culture to flourish.

Increasingly, health-conscious vacationers are demanding more than the usual pursuits of sunbathing and shopping when away from home. Thus a new general of holidays that emphasis healthy living, with spas playing a key role, are the norm rather than the exception and Thailand’s growing number of spa facilities is attracting the attention of a large number of the world’s travellers and holiday-makers. Over the years, the Kingdom is home to many leading operators of resort and city luxury spas. These spas are located within hotels in the country’s major tourist destinations or as part of a resort. All provide revitalising treatments, including massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, acupressure, body wraps, recontouring as well as sophisticated treatments for hair, skin and face.

Also in most spas are either dieticians to give advices on weight control or spa cuisine menus to provide a diet that is not only balanced and nutritious, but tempting as well. Detox programmes under the close supervision of a team of doctors are offered in a number of venues, which generally have other services such as yoga, qi gong, tai chi, solar bath and meditation.

In March 2003, Thailand’s first spa association was set up primarily to uphold industry standards and ensure that clients are aware of those places that are genuinely committed to providing high-quality service. There are four categories of spa in Thailand, as defined by the International Spa Association. Day spas encompass salons, beauticians, fitness centres and other outlets offering short-term treatments and therapies, and can be found throughout Thailand.

Amenity spas are purpose-built facilities, usually in city-centre locations and attached to hotels: there are many of these in Bangkok and other main cities. Resort spas can be found at most of Thailand’s leading tourist destinations. As yet there is only one destination spa in the country, namely Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Hua Hin. Today, Chiva-Som regularly attracts the world’s top movies stars, models and business leaders to sample its range of sophisticated treatments and facilities. Other luxury resort spas include names such as Mandara Spa, Aman Spa, Banyan Tree Spa, Six Senses Spa, Lanna Spa, Cliff Spa, and Aspara Spa.

But if you are short of time or wish to have a holiday crammed full with exciting activities, Thailand has many day spa centres to choose from. Like desert oasis in miniature amid the urban sprawl, they are the perfect escape from the vigours of the city and most offer a wide range of simple one-hour, half and full-day programme.

Thai hospitality embraces many aspects, and one of them is care for the visitor’s health and well-being. With so much to do and so much to see, holidays can be hard work; but we have ways of making you feel refreshed, relaxed and even rejuvenated.

 

Wat Po’s Thai Traditional & Medical Massage
School 2 Maharat Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10210
Ph: +6+ 2 221 2974
Email: watpottm@nepscape.net

The massage centre inside Wat Po is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Private courses are given in English. General 10-day / 30-hour courses, followed by other 10-day courses teaching the treatment of disease. Graduates receive certificates.

Ayurved Vidyalai (Jivok Komarbhac)
16/2 Soi 5, Phaholyothin Road, Phyathai, Bangkok 10400
Ph: +66 2 619 5836
Fax: +66 2 619 5837

Thai massage for stress relief and relaxation of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 1pm – 4pm. Herbal steam baths every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am – 4pm. Herbal medicine Monday – Saturday from 10am -4pm.

Foundational for the Employment Promotion of the Blind
2218/86 Chan Road, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Ph: +66 2 678 0763-8 ext 114
Fax: +66 2 678 0765

Thai body and foot massage for health and relaxation by skilled and experienced practitioners who are blind.

Dr. Shivaga Komparpaj Foundation
78/1 Lua Road, Chiang Mai 50100
Ph: +66 53 275 085

Ten-day “Nuad Thai” massage course in Thai leading to graduation certificate and membership of the Northern Thai Traditional Medical Club.

International Training Massage
17/7 Morakot Road, Chiang Mai 50300
Ph: +66 53 218 632
Fax: +66 53 224 197
Email: itm@infothai.com

One to six-week courses in basic and advanced Thai massage (six levels) by Chongkol and Atchara Setthakorn.