Rayavadee’s bliss by the beach

YOU DON’T necessarily have to have been out climbing cliffs all day to enjoy what the Rayavadee Spa has to offer. Maybe you’re simply a little worn down or frazzled. Either way, a session at the Rayavadee Resort’s spa at Ao Nang in Krabi will put you back in order. 

The place is as gorgeous as the picturesque coast, tucked into a lush tropical garden, all warmth, wood and very contemporary.

The Rayavadee Spa’s therapies draw on venerable Thai healing traditions and a philosophy of well-being that combines body, mind and spirit. 

If your muscles are knotted up, the recommended treatment is the Revitalising Massage (Bt3,500 for 75 minutes). This is deep-tissue massage with strokes of the palm and the pressure of the thumbs, a vigorous kneading to mend the ache and revive weary muscles. 

The spa has four massage oils to choose from and the therapist will happily recommend the one that best suits your needs. There’s the Siam, which is herb-intensive; the Healing, with lemongrass and lavender; the Soothing, with camomile; and the Exotic, with jasmine. 

The base for all of these is sweet-almond oil, which is hypoallergenic, rich in Vitamin E and soothing for eczema or any mild skin irritation. It deeply moisturises, being completely absorbed into the skin without any greasy or sticky sensation.

For a less complicated by just as effective rub, there’s the Royal Siam Massage at the same price, which is great for lifting the mood as well as easing muscular tension. After a floral footbath, you get a vigorous and firm massage that blends traditional Thai and other Asian healing techniques. Elbows are used to open the knots in the tense areas. And afterwards you feel heavenly, completely relaxed and, rather surprisingly, without any bruises. 

The Rayavadee Signature Massage (Bt3,700 for 75 minutes) is ideal for anyone feeling stressed and tense but not afraid of a little heat being applied to the skin. This is a muscle-easing massage with a hot herbal compress to loosen those knots and ease pain, while the aromatic oil also calms the mind. 

Then there are the beautifying treatments – mainly body scrubs, wraps and facials – using Jurlique products. 

Highly recommended is the Southern Thai Herbal Scrub (Bt3,000) with assorted exotic herbs. The scrub varies from rough to gentle as the skin is cleansed and dead cells are scraped away. The result is glowing, clean and supple skin.

The Rayavadee Spa is replete with lovely, comfortable amenities. All seven treatment chambers are spacious and relaxing thanks to clever designs and nature-theme decor. You feel close to nature while still being indoors. And all the rooms have their own changing corners and toilets, making it very convenient and private.

 

THE PERFECT RUB

>>The Rayavadee Spa is at the Rayavadee Resort on Ao Nang in Krabi.

>>It’s open daily from 10 to 10. 

>>Reservations are recommended at (075) 620 7403.