There is no dearth of spas or wellness centres in Thailand or even in the capital city. Though finding the gems in a country renowned for its wellness programmes is rare. Take a moment to relax in prep for the new year.
Sukhothai, a province of Thailand, may have been the inspiration behind the newly-renovated spa at The Sukhothai Hotel Bangkok. But the real “dawn of happiness” is felt as soon as you enter its premises.
Though Sukhothai-style architecture is infused into the new design, it is the serenity in the ambience that immediately embraces you. It’s as though you’ve left the city for quiet surroundings. Quite a feat considering we are in traffic central on Sathon Road. Relaxation and rejuvenation in nature is the guiding force and it begins as you enter the front door.
The Sukhothai Spa is housed in more than 7,000m2 of lush gardens adjacent to the hotel. The traditional Thai houses, which serve as spa rooms are the iconic landmarks of the spa. Drawing inspiration from Wat Sri Chum, the design integrates elements that capture the temple's grandeur.
The new spa is also home to a “Presidential Hammam”, which is inside a traditional wooden Thai door adorned with elegant bronze handles. Luxurious green natural stone finishes, the hammam beds and the two-step recessed ceiling pay homage to Wat Sri Chum, creating a focal point. Terracotta mosaic tiles in the wet zone symbolise the texture of a lotus leaf. Though there is also the traditional “Hammam Room”, which is inspired by Middle Eastern and North African bathing rituals. All the treatment rooms are on the second floor and are a direct representation of Thai architecture with a pra-kon wall pattern. Each treatment room also has a jacuzzi in green terrazzo and light green mosaic.
Though the spa offers massage therapy, a hammam, yoga, Pilates, meditation classes, personalised nutrition advice, and fitness training, it is also home to Bangkok’s only beauty treatment by Bastien Gonzalez.
The spa’s in-house facilities include a salt-water lap pool, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and a state-of-the-art technology facial room.
Though if you’re going to get one treatment here, I highly recommend The Sukhothai Signature Massage, which offers medium to firm pressure, though you can always ask for a softer touch. I did. Rooted in the ancient wisdom of Oriental energy meridians, this massage uses a combination of calming kneading and rejuvenating stretching. It's designed to alleviate stress, enhance flexibility and promote a profound state of relaxation throughout the central nervous system. A massage I did not know I needed.
The spa uses products from the Moringa Project Thailand for treatments under "The Royal Remedies”. Facial products use Biologique Recherché from France. The IV cocktail, wellness, anti-ageing, stem cell clinic, which opens next year, will be by Miskawaan.
The Sukhothai Spa is the much-needed sanctuary for a retreat while still being in the heart of the city.
