Traditional remedies and healing concepts have been passed down through the generations in Thailand. Koh Samui’s best spas and wellness centres provide visitors with an exquisite setting to experience some of these traditional massage and body treatments. A vast choice of indulgent experiences and alternative therapies cater to a range of different needs, with tailored packages also available that respond to each guest’s individual health and relaxation goals.
Samui Standalone Spas
For serious massage aficionados, Tamarind Springs is known as one of the best spas in Asia thanks to its professionally trained Thai massage therapists, yoga retreats and visits, talks and workshops run by celebrated experts in a variety of health and wellness disciplines. The spa’s breath-taking tropical location adds to sense of complete escape with natural rock formations and untouched forest surroundings. Further north on a Samui mountainside with panoramic views across the Gulf of Thailand, sits the Eranda Herbal Spa, another popular choice for those in search of a blissfully relaxing, natural experience, which for a more private, air-cooled massage, Peace Spa in Bophut offers private rooms with outdoor showers and a full range of professional treatments.
Samui Resort Spas
In addition to its lavish collection of standalone spas, Koh Samui is also home to a wealth of top of the range resorts which come with their very own spas. The spa at Four Seasons is one of Samui’s plushest offerings, complete with Jacuzzis, saunas and baths for guests to relax in. Another of Samui’s finest resort spas is nestled within the Sala Samui Resort, set within fragrant tropical gardens, with four private treatment rooms for guests to relax and be pampered. Over in Bophut, the Anantara resort offers one of Thailand’s most relaxing Thai experiences, including coconut body scrubs, Thai massage and Elemis facial treatments. At the nearby Luxsa Spa inside Hasar Samui Resort, all healing principles are based on the elements of earth, air, fire and water. Signature treatments include an Eastern Blend Massage and a Balancing Energy Package. All wraps massages and facials at the Luxsa Spa are also made from home-grown Thai products.
Samui Pamper Packages
After a day of shopping or sightseeing, you might be feeling the need for a pamper session at one of Samui’s mid-range spas to help you wind down before a leisurely evening meal. Situated at the northern end of Chaweng Beach, Amata Spa is home to a detoxifying sauna and a herbal steam room with a plunge pool, providing the perfect place to relax in advance of a tailor-made treatment package. The blissful Magnolia Spa is one of Bophut’s best mid-range offerings, where traditional Thai and Indonesian techniques are used in many of the healing treatments to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. For visitors exploring the region surrounding Lamai Beach, Spavilion provides a range of irresistible pamper packages to refresh and rejuvenate the body.
Samui Local Massage
For many visitors, a trip to Thailand is incomplete without a rigorous Thai massage. During such a treatment, the therapist manipulates the body into different yoga-like positions to release tension and revive the muscles. To experience a taste of local culture, many holiday-makers opt to visit local massage shops for a refresh and reboot experience. Beach massages are also available for those who want to take relaxation to the next level without all the bells and whistles of a spa experience. Hour-long treatments in local places or on the beach will generally cost around THB350 (US$10).
Health & Wellness
Koh Samui is growing in popularity with visitors on a quest to kick start a new health regime with exercise and detox retreats. Kamalaya is the island’s most famous and popular health resort. This globally renowned health and wellness centre offers an array of tailored packages for guests suffering from stress or burnout, and a range of holistic treatments and healing therapies are used to rejuvenate guests body and soul. Packages include full board, detox consultations, nutrition workshops and use of the fabulous steam cavern, swimming and plunge pools. The Yogarden in Bophut is particularly popular with yoga lovers, and their five-day immersion retreat is ideal for those that want to deepen their knowledge of the practice. Each day, the timetable includes two yoga classes, two meditation sessions and other workshops to educate guests on all aspects of the yogic lifestyle.
Updates by Wayne Hue