TOP LUXURY SPAS IN THAILAND

The name Thailand conjures many images for travelers, including golden temples, stunning tropical islands, and incredible cuisine. For luxury tourists, one of the first things that springs to mind will probably be spas and wellness, and for good reason: the country has a rich tradition to draw on. Thai massage is famous the world over and comes from a craft thousands of years old. In addition to being delicious, Thai food tends to use less oil than many other Asian cuisines, and involves an incredible variety of healthy herbs and spices. Add in the lotus ponds and other general aesthetics of a country immersed in the meditation and mindfulness of Buddhism, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect spa culture.

Aside from this atmosphere that’s totally conducive to wellness, there is the natural beauty that makes Thailand’s travel, tourism, and hospitality industry one of the world’s most sought after. From the misty mountains and glistening rice fields of Chiang Mai in the North, to the South with its lush islands where white sand beaches meet the lapping waves of warm tropical seas, it’s not hard to see why Thailand tourism is so popular.

At the roadside shops that are seemingly everywhere in Thailand, quality hour-long massages can be had for as little as 200 Baht ($6 USD). From there, the sky’s the limit and for well-heeled travelers there are a myriad of luxury spa options around the country. Here, in no particular order, are the cream of the crop, the most elegant, sumptuous spas and wellness centers in Thailand.

Banyan Tree Phuket

This gorgeous resort sits in a tropical garden setting and features Thai-style private villas that leave no need unmet. It is designed to be paparazzi proof making it popular with celebrities like David Beckham and Pierce Brosnan. This exclusivity has the added benefit of keeping all other distractions out, making it the perfect place to relax and decompress. The Banyan Tree Phuket focuses on guiding guests to a harmony of mind, body, and spirit through holistic Eastern therapies. The ownership group also prides itself on its environmental awareness.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

This luxury resort and spa on Phuket island is a true diamond in the rough. Where most of the island is overdeveloped, the JW Marriott is set back from 16 kilometers of pristine beach which is protected by the Sirinath Marine Park. Guest rooms are large and feature ocean views, and are all set amid wonderfully landscaped gardens and ponds. The spa is run by the Bali-based luxury spa company Mandara and features a long list of available treatments, including their famous Healing Hot Stones Massage. There are also ten couple’s treatment suites with indoor and outdoor areas, making this an ideal honeymoon or romantic getaway spot. The resort is built so that everything, including the lights, don’t interfere with the beach which is an important nesting ground for sea turtles. They also work with conservation groups to ensure these magnificent creatures can continue swimming the waters of the Andaman Sea.

Chiva-Som International Health Resort

This health resort and wellness center is one of the best luxury spas in Southeast Asia, and one of the priciest. Built along the Gulf of Thailand in Hua Hin, the rooms and private villas are built to the most exacting standards with exotic woods and silk furnishings, and surrounded by stunningly manicured gardens. Guests who stay in one of the resort’s 13 pool villas often never bother venturing out, staying in all day to enjoy the king-size beds, steam rooms, outdoor baths, Jacuzzis, lap pools, and stunning views. The spa, however is worth trudging out to: on offer is the widest range of treatments, from pilates to acupuncture, herbal rubs to Ayurvedic therapies, and Tai Chi to a wide variety of massages. Chiva-Som is one of the go-to destinations for luxury travelers in the ASEAN Region.

Six Senses Hideaway Koh Samui

While less traditionally “Thai” in its design, the modern private villas set behind whitewashed walls are seemingly bathed in bright light at any time. Set in the jungle but within walking distance of the sea, Six Senses is a private luxury paradise. The organic spa is the ultimate in pampering pleasure but still has a more chilled-out vibe than the typical Thai experience. The restaurant is known as among the best on the island.

Dhara Dhevi

The Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai is built in the traditional “Lanna” style of Northern Thailand. The rooms and villas are built around lawns, canals, and rice paddies and mimic an ancient kingdom city. The spa is the height of luxury yet grounded in traditional Asian healing therapies, from yoga to Chinese reflexology, and meditation to massage. The food is healthy and excellent, and it’s one of Thailand’s most family-friendly spa resorts, with great activities to teach children some local customs in a safe and fun setting.

Anantara Resort and Spa – Golden Triangle

In Thailand’s infamous yet beautiful Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand come together, sits one of Thailand’s best spa properties. Just across from Laos, along the muddy banks of the mystical Mekong River the Anantara features rooms appointed to the highest standards. The spa boasts luxurious treatments including the Shirodhara, or third eye massage. In this one-of-a-kind tension releasing treatment, warm oil is poured onto the forehead in a steady stream. I may sound odd but the results speak for themselves. The resort’s infinity pool overlooking a swaying bamboo forest is simply magical, and the restaurant is impeccable.

Treat yourself

With standards set so high, luxury travelers in Southeast Asia have a plethora of options for high-end health and wellness travel in Thailand. Thai massage and spa treatments are world-famous, and for good reason. While the prices are high and the services targeted at only the wealthiest clientele, these spas still represent value for the money as compared to European or Japanese spas. You can’t put a price on health, and leaving a spa with a newfound sense of wellness and being is a wonderful sensation. In Thailand, you never have to travel far to find it.