The Spa Behind the Stone Pillars
30/11/2007
A tropical island breeze lends its reach from the ocean at Bo Phut Beach across the resort's gardens and lotus-covered lagoons and finally finds itself descending on the sanctuary that is the Anantara Spa on Koh Samui island.
A peaceful, Zen-like sanctuary designed to calm the mind and relax the body, the Anantara Spa in Koh Samui embodies the definition of a true destination spa.
Designed as a garden spa, strategically set on a path that leads away from the resort's main facilities, the spa was created by award-winning landscape architect Bill Bensley, who also designed the Anantara Spa in Hua Hin and the Four Seasons Chiang Mai gardens and spa.
A volume-high, arched stone pillar wall welcomes you into the spa grounds through which you humbly enter. Your pace slows, your mind calms and wafts of lemongrass infuse your senses as the body automatically prepares for the ultimate indulgence that lies ahead.
After sipping ginger-infused tea and choosing their treatment, guests float past the lagoons that envelop the outdoor reception area, stroll along the stone path through the luscious gardens and retreat to any of the Spa's six suites. All are set in their own individual courtyard, with indoor treatment beds that face outwards, through floor-to-ceiling glass windows into your personal outdoor sanctuary. A deep, outdoor terrazzo bath designed for two and a dual alfresco ‘rain' shower are features of each suite.
Music volume and air-conditioning in the rooms can be individually-controlled to suit guests and floor vents allow the cool air to slowly circulate upwards rather than descending like a cold blanket.
The Spa's treatments are all deliciously indulgent. The elixirs and oils all use the finest and freshest indigenous ingredients, nutrient rich and luxuriously aromatic. Using traditional beauty essences such as sandalwood, ylang ylang, patchouli, mandarin, lavender, lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon, bergamot and natural ingredients such as Thai coffee beans, natural volcanic pumice, sweet woods, powdered spices, yoghurt, carrots and cucumbers, all the treatments are designed to deliver radiance, relaxation and a sense of well-being.
Signature to his property is the 4-hour Ayurvedic Healing for the body and soul which consists of a Bolus Bag Massage - an ancient aromatic treatment dating back to the Ayutthaya period especially designed for war weary soldiers to soothe their aching muscles. Practiced over 200 years ago, steamed herbal pouches containing 5 different Thai herbs known for their healing and rejuvenating properties are used to massage the body for healing and pleasure. This is followed by a dreamy Ayurvedic Steam Bath and then to release any remaining mental tension and end the journey in a calm state of mind, a Shirodhara treatment. Sometimes referred to as the ‘massage of the third eye' and considered as one of the most powerful Ayurvedic treatments available, it starts with a relaxing head and facial massage followed by a fine steady stream of warm herbal oil directed on the forehead.
For those seeking a boost in stamina, an improvement in digestion and concentration, the Shiatsu massage is known for relieving stress and calming nerves. Holistic in nature, this treatment borrows principles from acupuncture and incorporates techniques from osteopathy, physiotherapy and other healing traditions. Gentle pressure is applied to acupoints in order to restore a balanced flow of energy or ki within the meridians.
If balance, energy and a sense of peace are being sought, then the Anantara therapists might recommend the Warm Stone Massage, a luxurious 90-minute aromatic massage combined with deep heat therapy that uses soothing, smooth basalt stones lifted from heated water and applied with warm oils in long flowing strokes over the body. It's the perfect treatment for loosening stiff and sore muscles resulting from over-exercise and stress.
Anantara's facials also use nature's healers with anti-oxidants such as green tea, chamomile, rose and lavender and traditional Thai skin care products containing skin beautifier and moisturizer, prai and khamin.
The ultimate in pampering is the blissful five-and-a-half hour Anantara Indulgence which includes a herbal steam bath, choice of Anantara Body Scrub or Enzymatic Sea Mud Wrap, floral bath, Nature's healing touch massage, a spa cuisine meal, deep cleansing facial, choice of manicure or pedicure and a cup of ginger-infused tea before you float out of the door, cleansed and utterly relaxed. For spa-loving couples, the Spa Bliss is a four-hour retreat of white sesame scrub, honey milk bath, Swedish massage and a rejuvenating facial.
The resort is located a mere 1 hour flight south from Bangkok. Reservations or enquiries about the resort can be made online at www.anantara.com. Telephone reservations can be made to 66 (0) 7742 8300. Fax enquiries may be sent to 66 (0) 7742 8310.
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Sireethorn Karasudhi
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