Ace-Spa-Retreats

Spas and retreats: Luxury spas in Thailand

For a touch of barefoot luxury, Thailand’s got the spa experience wrappedup, says Emma Van Hinsbergh

If you’re looking for a taste of paradise then you could do worse than head to the tropical island of Koh Samui .But before you recoil in horror at the thought of wall-to-wall hotels, fake designer bag stalls and neon-lit girlie bars, this is a completely different side of the island we’re talking about. While the main drags of Chaweng and Lamai have been blighted by rampant over-development there are still large smatterings of the the islandthat remain untouched, and the Four Seasons Resort is firmly ensconsed in one of these magical enclaves.
Built on almost 17,000 square metres of a former orchard with something in the region of1,000 coconut trees, the top end resort is the epitome of barefoot luxury. Based on traditional Thai architecture, the resort has just over 70 villas cascading down a cliff to a private beach below, all of them with their own pools and amazing views across the Gulf of Siam.

Fantasy island

After a long flight from the UK, arriving at our beach-front pad was like walking into some heady Robinson Crusoe-style fantasy, albeit one through immaculately tended tropical jungle (the staff to guest ratio is something like twenty to one, although they are so discreet that you rarely see them, and there is literally not a fallen leaf out of place) by one of the dozens of little golf buggies that whizz you around. Our villa, which could easily house a family of five back in London, was an open plan, Thai-inspired building nestled in the coconut trees, with aforementioned private terrace and pool,massive sun loungers, and an alfresco shower. It had every single luxury you can think of from flatscreen TVs and iPod docking stations to hypo-allergenic pillows on request and a room service menu that lists boutique wines and vintage Champagne among its many delights.

I could have quite happily spent the entire holiday in my villa, wafting from one dreamy,frangipani-scented, al fresco living space to another, but there was, ahem, important work to be done. And so to the spa – a tropical feast for mind, body and soul. Hidden in a coconut grove, the holistic centre offers a choice of centuries-old healing techniques using herbal remedies deeply rooted in Thailand’s rich spa heritage. Treatments take place in five ‘salas’ – covered verandas – each with two indoor and two outdoor Thai-style massage beds, an outdoor shower and bathtub and a steam room or indoor rain shower. There, I floated away while my therapist worked her magic with a top-notch full body massage and sat in a pleasant daze for what seemed like hours afterwards, sipping on a freshly squeezed tropical juice in the spa’s relaxation sala. It’s a hard life!

Healing treatments

Choose from dozens of deeply relaxing packages which can be taken in your own villa if you wish,so they’re perfect for honeymooners. I particularly liked the look of the two-and-a-half hour Samui Lovers Retreat which begins with a natural Samui Coconut Scrub, freshly made on-site at the spa from coconut, jasmine rice and turmeric, to gently polish and exfoliate the body. This is followed by a sensual chakra crystal massage, with two therapists working in harmony using alternating massage strokes, ylang ylang and jasmine oils,and healing warm crystals to balance the chakra energies. A deeply relaxing and indulgent experience, it ends with a bath of coconut milk,ylang ylang essential oil, and rose petals in the privacy of your own villa. Now if that doesn’t get you in the mood then I don’t know what will.

Sip on a freshly squeezed tropical juice in the spa’s relaxation sala

Then in between your spa treatments and villa loafing you need to fit in trips down to the gorgeous beach to lounge around in hammocks, swim in the stunning pool or graz eon delicious food and cocktails at the Pla Pla beach bar and restaurant. Tempting treats include grilled Samui jumbo prawns, spring onion and preserved lemon zest emulsion or rock lobster salad, tomato, oyster tartare,lettuce cream and avocado. In the evenings,try the awesome Lan Tania restaurant up on the hill overlooking the twinkling Laem Yai Bay that serves sophisticated Thai cuisine which is puts a delicious and modern twist on your favourite Thai classics such as pad thai and green chicken curry.

And last but not least, you’ll probably want to work off a few excess calories while you’re there (if you can prise yourself out of your hammock). Choose from gentle stretch classes,body toning, ashtanga, iyengar or pranayamayoga, chi kung and tai chi, or if you want something more strenuous book in for one of a vast array of sports, ranging from sailing and diving to kite boarding, hiking, golf and trekking. If you can afford it, book yourself in for a few days of this incredible fantasy island indulgence. It might be pricey, but it’s a once in a lifetime treat that will stay with you forever.

MORE INFO

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui,Thailand219 Moo 5, Angthong, KohSamui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand. Bed and breakfast rates, excluding taxes and service charge.

For more info go to fourseasons.com

Article by

Emma Van Hinsbergh

Article by

Emma Van Hinsbergh