With the annual January detox and diet frenzy around the corner, four idyllic spa resorts in Asia are offering a haven for those seeking therapeutic treatments for mind, body and soul amid sunshine and serene surroundings. From Watsu therapy, to navel reading and invigorating Javanese massage, these four resorts in Malaysia, Thailand, Bali & Tibet offer something for anyone looking to cleanse and rejuvenate after an over indulgent festive season.
The V Botanical Spa at The Andaman, Langkawi
An idyllic hideaway embraced by nature’s wonders, The Andaman (A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa) is set amidst a backdrop of Malaysia’s Chincang Mountains, rainforests and mangroves, looking out over the white beaches of the Andaman Sea. The resort is home to the V Botanical Spa, which was the first spa in Southeast Asia to offer 100-percent certified organic food grade products. Its award-winning Chi Nei Tsang treatment heals the body from within, removing unprocessed emotions that manifest themselves in the form of energy blockages. Upon “reading” the guest’s navel, the therapist will carefully work on the knots and tangles of their abdomen, stimulating the intestines, abolishing toxins, improving digestion and metabolism, and revitalising the entire body. It is recommended that food is not consumed three hours prior to the treatment, and three to six treatments are advised to achieve maximum results.
Praised for its environmental practices, the resort also offers kayaking, swimming, jungle treks and eco-trails with the hotel’s resident naturalist.
Chi Nei Tsang cost: £53 (RM 340) per 50 minute session.
Stay price: From £187 (RM 1,201) for a Deluxe Room per room per night room only.
Watsu Therapy at Naka Island, Phuket
The resort’s Spa Naka is one of just two Thai spas to offer a Watsu Therapy – a rejuvenating treatment where the body is stretched whilst in the water. Those choosing Watsu from the Spa Naka’s extensive spa menu will benefit from the therapeutic properties of water, as an experienced therapist gently stretches the body whilst submerged in a warm pool. It combines shiatsu pressure points, stretches and the absence of gravity to help alleviate aches and pains whilst easing winter ailments such as fatigue, muscle tension, stress levels, low energy levels, disrupted sleep patterns and bad circulation. The spa menu focuses on traditional Thai treatments such as massage and body steams, using an array of signature indigenous botanical treatments for the face and body, each performed by expert therapists using local Thai products.
The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort, Phuket is perfectly poised along the southern portion of Naka Yai island, just off the eastern coast of Phuket with 67 villas with private pools. Traditionally a refuge for fishermen, and endowed with sandy beaches and coconut groves, the island is surrounded by mangroves and landscaped gardens, providing a tropical haven relaxation.
Watsu price: £93 (THB 5,000) per hour-long session.
Stay price: From £302 (THB 17,200) for a Tropical Pool Villa, based on two people sharing. Including breakfast.
luxurycollection.com/nakaisland
Iridium Spa at the St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Tibet
Using the traditional Tibetan approach to wellness therapies, each guest at the Iridium Spa receives a consultation to determine their dominant constitution and the treatments and herbs that will be most harmonious and beneficial to that guest. The spa offers a full menu, from custom two to three hour rituals to shorter rejuvenating and pampering treatments, including the Fire Cupping & Golden Moxa treatment. Combined with Tibet’s traditional massage techniques and high altitude Himalayan healing herbs and oils, this potent treatment promotes simultaneous healing on physical and spiritual levels while radiating a positive and curative energy flow. Other signature treatments include the Himalaya Snow Rose skincare treatment and the Shambala Bowls & Heated Stones Massage to remove mental fatigue.
The St. Regis Lhasa Resort is the first luxury resort in Tibet. Standing on the “Roof of the World” at 12,000 feet above sea level, the resort boasts awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas and the Lhasa Valley.
Fire Cupping & Golden Moxa cost: £163 (CNY 1,580) per 90 minute session.
Stay price: From £106 (CNY 1,023) for a Villa Deluxe, based on two people sharing. Including breakfast.
Remède Spa at the St. Regis Bali
The St. Regis Bali is a destination of romance and mystique in an exclusive Nusa Dua location. The Remède Spa is a haven of calm and relaxation, housing an elegant moon and butterfly theme, with a host of signature treatments including Balinese Massage, a Bloody Mary treatment and a Champagne spa treatment. Highly trained therapists customise each treatment to ensure guests receive the most beneficial attention to meet their individual wellness goals. Popular with those who are looking for a full-body rejuvenation is the Javanese Healing treatment. First, a full-body massage, beginning with the feet and moving upward to the head, incorporates internal energy treatments and spiritual healing. Using a custom Javanese massage technique, therapists treat muscles, tendons, and circulation, simultaneously stimulating the lymphatic and vital energy systems. An energising Reiki session completes the healing, leaving guests restored.
Artistic in every detail, with thoughtful cultural references, the 125 suites and villas, adorned with Balinese inspired craftsmanship, are designed to meet the needs of the most discerning travel connoisseurs.
Javanese Healing Treatment cost: £102 (RP 1,200,000) per two hour session.
Stay price: From £268 (USD 400) for a St. Regis Suite. Based on two people sharing.
