Page 35 - ISLAND STYLE MAGAZINE

THE ART OF

RELAXATION

When you arrive in Koh Samui and go everywhere you will
realize that this an island of spa. If you're staying in a hotel, it’s
probable that there will be one as part of the amenities. Thai
spa culture is a mix of Thai massage and old European tradition
called bathing in lavish sorroundings.

All spas offer not just single treatments but include packages
in their spa menu. These may include wraps, scrubs and facia.
Spas on Samui are invariably friendly places with the spa
therapists bringing you a cool drink on arrival and helping you
choose what’s suitable for you. All spas have a menu, with the
treatments clearly listed and explained.
On Samui, spas fall into three broad categories:

Massage
These focus on massage of the whole body and special problem
areas such as the feet, the head and shoulders, and the back.
They tend to offer manicure and pedicure here, too.

Day Spas
These offer the same services as massage spas but in
addition you'll find scrubs, wraps and facials, as well as more
packages. Almost certainly they will offer a herbal steam
room and an area for relaxation.

Health or Wellness
Health is the ultimate goal here, and though there are
plenty of massages to be had, the emphasis is on active
participation, with the guests undertaking more rigorous
options such as de-toxification, yoga, meditation and
perhaps Pilates. Packages last from a few hours to weeks.
Some guests build their holidays around their stay at such
spas and expect to learn how to live healthier lives.

ISLANDS STYLE 35