Bangkok Spas and Health

A wonderful way to escape Bangkok's mad streets

Thailand enjoys a world-wide reputation for its tranquil spas and retreats. In Bangkok, the traditional arts of Thai massage, a rather vigorous but highly invigorating experience, have been combined with a series of modern, holistic treatments such as body wraps, facials and mud-baths to give a visitor to one of Bangkok’s many spas a soothing and relaxing experience; the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

There is a large choice of spas and retreats around Bangkok, which range from the brief but refreshing short-stop treatment to the complete and utter luxury of a full day’s pampering. Most of the high-end hotels such as the Oriental, Holiday Inn, Dusit and the Marriot all contain their own in-house spas. Also, there are a number of world-class private spas dotted around the city, the most notable of these being the Mandara and Aspara Spas.

A perfect blend of ancient Eastern traditional treatments with the more modern, Western approach, these spas in Bangkok are simply wonderful. All the stresses and strains of modern life will be scrubbed, massaged and cleaned away, leaving you feeling like a new person.

The Oasis Spa this is a brand new facility opened by this popular Northern Thailand chain, who have an excellent track record in managing professional spas. They offer a large range of treatments to suit all budgets, including ayurveda, aromatherapy and traditional Thai practices in a lovely environment off Sukhumwit road. 64 Soi Swaddee Sukhumvit 31, Phrakanong, Bangkok 10100, Tel: 02 262 2122.

The Ananda Spa located next to the President Solitaire Serviced Apartments on Sukhumvit lane 11 allows guests to escape the busy streets of Bangkok and enter another world. The spa has a number of private rooms which all contain Jacuzzis, showers and relaxation areas. The spa offers a huge range of spa treatments at competitive prices, Sukhumvit Soi 11, Tel: 02 255 7200, Fax: 02 253 2330.

The Divana Spa a notable name in Bangkok spas treatment, has recently opened a new spa and wellbeing centre called ‘DVN’ on Sukhumwit lane 35, opposite the Emporium Department Store and very close to the Prmophong BTS Station. Placed in a two-storey Thai house and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the centre contains nine private couple rooms and 17 treatment beds. Each room has its own design and theme. The spa offers a wide range of treatments all designed to relieve stress and relax visitors, 7 Sukhumvit 25, North Klongtoey, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Tel: 02 661 6784-5, Fax: 02 661 6028, contact@divanaspa.com

Treat yourself to a spa makeover for a very affordable pampering

The Mandara brand is a well-known name to spa users. Their unique blend of Eastern and Western techniques is sure to soothe even the most stressed out of visitors. The Mandara Spas ’ signature treatment is performed by two therapists working together in perfect harmony for the ultimate massage. Mandara Marriott Resort & Spa: 257/1-3 Charoen Nakhon Rd, (tel: +66 (02)...). The Royal Orchid Mandara Spa at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers: 2 Captain Bush Lane New Road, Siphaya, Bangkok 10500, Tel: 02 266 0123, Fax: 02 639 5478, Hours of Operation: 10a.m.-10p.m., ms_shro@minornet.com.

The Orientist Spas is a unique and exclusive place where visitors can truly relax and escape the stress and strain of modern life. The Spa uses traditional Thai herbs and techniques to give visitors the full benefit of thousands of years’ experience. The Orientist Spa has three branches: Ari Branch: 69 Phaholyothin Rd., Soi 6, Samsennai, Phayathai, , Bangkok 10400, Tel: 02 278 2240-1, Fax: 02 278 2270, Ladprao Branch: 1111/148 Baan Klang Muang (Ratchada-Lad Prao), Lad Prao Rd., Chantarakasem, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Tel: 02 ..., Fax: 02 513 7604, Central World Branch: 6th Fl. Asian Senses (Dazzle Zone) Central World Shopping Complex, Rajdamri Rd., Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Tel: 02 613 1577-8, Fax: 02 613 1579, info@theorientistspa.com

Spa I Am is a haven of peace and relaxation within the heart of bustling Bangkok. Its 26 private rooms are all fitted out with Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. There is a beauty salon on hand to ensure you look as good as you feel. Spa I Am is based on 88 Soi Ladprao 18, Ladprao Rd., Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Tel: 02 ..., 938 4885, Fax: 02 938 4954,

Another popular form of cleansing that has taken root in Bangkok over the past few years is detoxification. Always popular in the East, but now being practised by health-nuts and party-goers alike, these techniques aim to rid the body of toxins over a relatively short period.

Rasayana Retreat and Hydro Health: 57 Soi Prom-mitr,
Sukhumvit 39, Klonton-nua, Wattana 10110, Tel: 02 662 4803-5, Fax: 02 662 4799, info@rasayanaretreat.com offer a selection of different programmes that range from one day to a month.

As advantageous as all the luxury and tranquility of these spas and retreats are, a visitor to Bangkok should not neglect the more rustic and down to earth relaxation on offer on the streets of Bangkok. There are often small and friendly massage venues dotted around, which offer one or two hours of massage for a very small fee. Also, exercise and relaxation can easily be found in Bangkok’s parks and temples.

If you cannot make it to the Bangkok spas there are plenty more provided in the beach resorts as well as Chiang Mai which has an abundance of good value spas.

Credit : http://www.1stopbangkok.com/hospitality/spas/