Koh Samui's Spas
Koh Samui has a growing reputation as a Spa ‘Destination’ and the island boasts literally hundreds of spas dedicated to providing that extra relaxation factor during a holiday.
There are small family-run massage salons, which often provide an excellent service at low rates. Many of these utilize traditional Thai ‘pressure-point’ massage methods and herbal preparations, and will often offer anything from a half hour foot massage right up to a three hour full Thai rub-down.
Thai massage has been called ‘lazy-mans yoga’ by some, and there is certainly a lot more maneuvering than, for example, a Swedish massage. You will lie on a low bed, wearing loose fisherman’s pants, and after much skillful manipulation of pressure points on the legs, arms and back, your therapist will start to stretch out your limbs and spine using her own body strength. It can be a fairly ‘thorough’ experience, so if you prefer a gentle massage just opt for oil. Many of the masseurs also work on the beaches which always proves popular in the late afternoons (presumably to ease away the stresses of a hard days sunbathing).
At the more opulent end of the scale, if you want a truly indulgent experience, many of the high-end hotels have excellent luxury spas. These are often in beautifully landscaped gardens, with softly tinkling water features, beautiful smiling therapists, flowing silky drapes, soft music and heady exotic fragrances permeating the air: quality spas here rival the worlds finest.
Quality spas will use either locally produced herbal ingredients or quality imported products, and most have devised signature treatment packages combining their most innovative therapies. The spa at the Anantara has a very grand jungle-glamour ambience and specializes in Ayurvedic treatments, Eranda Herbal Spa’s hilltop setting ensures spectacular ocean views, Tamarind Springs is one of the original spas on the island, and boasts really beautiful natural surroundings with lush tropical foliage well-tended gardens, highly trained therapists and a completely tranquil ambience – even a steam room built into a huge natural boulder with a plunge pool surrounded by jungle ferns. Combining luxury with the wellness ethos, Kamalaya has highly qualified therapists in many areas of natural health, massage and healing therapies and a delightlful eco-chic setting.
The more rigorous side of spa culture revolves around internal spring cleaning, and usually requires significantly more commitment than the ‘pampering’ sessions. Programmes at the islands fasting and wellness centres can last up to a month, and include fasting, colonics, yoga, meditiation and workshops on anything from Reiki to nutrition. Spa Samui has good value beauty treatments and massage, but the real speciality here is the ever-popular detox courses. On the same tip, Natural Wing, in the North of Samui, runs detox courses, meditation and yoga, and has good massage treatments using natural herbs and oils. Yoga Thailand, runs yoga retreats and is opening a new center in the southern part of the island.
Newest Holiday Villas
- Samujana Villa 17 (Choengmon)
Views don't come much more dramatic! - Upni Duniya (Big Buddha)
Where heaven embraces the Earth! - Baan Chuddanip (Choengmon)
Amazing vistas and lifestyle villa! - Baan Tawan Chai (Laem Set)
a charming and relaxing tropical retreat - Villa Talay Sai (Samrong-Tongson)
A refined property by the beach with sunrise view
- Constanza Boutique Resort (Chaweng)
The best of all worlds! Cozy and close to the beach and nigh - Tamu Villa and Saya Villa (Samrong-Tongson)
A cozy and stylish villa with superb ocean views - Emerald Residence (Bang Por)
Chic, private and a view to savour. The Emerald is a pure ge - Ban Laem Sor (Laem Sor)
Away from the crowd with a local insight - Ban Lim Pa (Bophut)
A stylish Villa designed by one of Asia's leading architects
Koh Samui villas |