Sanctuary for the soul

KOH SAMUI draws visitors to its shores not just for its palm-fringed beaches and azure sea but also for its bountiful spas, which offer a variety of luxurious treatments to suit all tastes and pocketbooks.

The cosy and tranquil Luxsa Spa, voted by Conde Nast as one of the best new spas back in 2012, is a great place to give in to a few hours of unadulterated relaxation and pampering.

Located in the Hansar Samui on Bang Phut Beach, Luxsa, which takes its name from the Sanskrit word for healing through water, offers a wide range of holistic treatments inspired by traditional Thai healing.

Spread over three floors, the elegant spa has an organic feel with plenty of wood and textures that pertain to the natural herbs and extracts used in the treatments. 

It’s roomy too with four double-bed spa suites that also house a Jacuzzi and separate shower room, two Thai massage suites, a manicure and pedicure area along with three outdoor salas devoted to foot massage. 

Focusing on relaxation more than reflexology, the spa offers a wide selection of aromatherapy, body wraps, massages and facial treatments that are designed to balance body and mind and soothe the soul and are based on the four body elements of earth, water, air and fire.

Guests can choose from four essential oils designed around those elements. Ylang-ylang helps those born with predominately earth personalities to enjoy better sleep, lavender relaxes water babies while lemongrass relieves tight muscles for those born under the air element and eucalyptus refreshes those in the category of fire element. 

“Our concept is centred on Thainess and this is evident in both the decor and the treatments. It’s a very relaxing place,” says assistant spa manager Supawadee Phansakorn.

Among the popular sessions is the Power Trip, a full-body massage that stimulates the circulation and soothes tense muscles. Long, firm kneading and small circular strokes with medium pressure are used to reduce stress.

The Stimulator treatment, meanwhile, is beneficial for those with digestive problems. Based on Chinese acupressure, it helps the internal organs function better, while releasing tension and working on an emotional level.

The Herbal Healing is a full-body pressure-point massage with a fragrant hot herbal compress of plai, tamarind leaves, turmeric, bergamot peel, camphor, lemongrass and black sesame seed that soothes and stimulates. 

The facial treatments are designed for those with sensitive skin and use only premium products Biodroga and Academy from Germany and France made from organic plants and flowers.

The After Sun Herbal Facial is a must for anyone enjoying time on the beach and starts with an organic cucumber mask to hydrate and nourish the skin and continues with a scrub and massage using a mixture of finest virgin honey, milk, natural yoghurt and golden plai to calm sunburn and reduce redness.

After determining that water is my lead element, the therapist recommends the 60-minute Luxsa signature treatment (Bt2,500) to relax my body and drain the lymph glands. It starts with a thorough foot cleanse with aromatic oil blended with sugar to get rid dead cells. The therapist then uses her hands to apply gentle pressure on my back, using long strokes than travel up to my neck and shoulders. 

Pressure is also applied to my stomach, head and temples to stimulate my metabolism, relieve mental fatigue, reduce stress and tension and balance the nervous system and does indeed promote a magnificent overall sense of wellbeing.

My fire element colleague chooses the 60-minute Eastern Blend (Bt2,500), which combines aromatic oil treatment with Thai massage using the palms and thumbs to relieve sore and tired muscles and improve circulation.

 

SATISFYING THE SENSES

>>Luxsa Spa is at Hansar Koh Samui Resort & Spa. It’s open daily from 10am to 10pm. Call (077) 245 511 or visit www.HansarSamui.com.