From a one-day detox jungle cleanse to a 14-night tailored wellness immersion, here are our picks of the best luxury health retreats in Thailand.
Kamalaya
Voted as the best overseas luxury health and wellness property in our 2017 Gold List Awards, this award-winning health resort on the island of Koh Samui is centred around a centuries-old cave temple formerly used by Buddhist monks. 59 expansive and luxurious rooms, suites and villas sit nestled on a jungle-dense hillside, alongside a fitness centre, two herbal steam caverns, swimming pools and a yoga pavilion. A team of therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths and spiritual healers work with guests to tailor individual healing programs, centred around holistic medicine, spa and healing therapies. Kamalaya also offers a selection of scheduled wellness programs that focus on detox, yoga, stress, emotional balance and living a healthy lifestyle. Rates start at 6,500THB (about A$260) for a single guest per night in off-peak season, with a minimum stay of three nights; a minimum stay of seven nights is required in peak season from December to January. Rates include an initial wellness consultation, use of facilities and scheduled activities.
Chiva-Som
Placing second in the 2017 Gold List, Chiva-Som directly translates to ‘haven of life’. A three hour’s drive from Bangkok in the seaside resort city of Hua Hin, this wellness haven offers more than 150 treatments ranging from weight management and stress relief to skin rejuvenation and body contouring. The 54 recently renovated rooms and suites are spacious, contemporary and fully customisable – the oil burner scent, bathroom amenities, linen and pillows can all be changed according to individual preference. Peak season prices begin at 99,000THB (about A$3,947) per person for three nights in an Ocean Room. All rates include an individual consultation, three daily meals, activities, unlimited use of the Water Therapy Suites and a daily massage.
Amatara Wellness Resort
Located at Cape Panwa, Phuket, Amatara offers some of the best views on the island with sweeping vistas across the Andaman Sea. The resort’s luxurious 22 pavilions and 48 suites each have their own balconies and ocean views; some also offer private plunge pools. The personalised, all-inclusive wellness programs range from three to seven days, and focus on elements such as fitness, anti-ageing, brain health, weight management, detox and yoga. Spa packages are also offered; the seven-night Spa Revive package includes treatments ranging from a Chi Nei Tsang Healing Abdominal Massage to Thai Thermal Therapy. All programs include the resort’s signature 105-minute Thai Hammam experience. Prices begin from THB10,400 (about A$416) per night for a Premier Sea View room and from THB27,040 (A$1,083) for an Ocean View Pool Villa. Wellness packages include accommodation and treatments with rates starting from THB58,500 (about A$2,343) for a three-night package.
Amanpuri
While not specifically a wellness retreat, the ultra-luxurious Amanpuri offers a selection of three to 14 night tailored wellness ‘Immersions’. The flagship of resort brand Aman, Amanpuri translates in Sanskrit to “place of peace”. It certainly lives up to its name; hidden away in a secluded 60 hectares of coconut plantation and beside one of Phuket’s most magnificent beaches, the resort’s 40 Thai-styled pavilions and 32 villas offer ample space and privacy. Each of Amanpuri’s four Immersions — Sustainable Weight Loss, Digestive Cleanse, Mental Awareness and Physical Fitness — begin with a pre-arrival assessment and in-depth consultation, resulting in a tailored program of healing therapies, spa treatments and exercise. All meals are specifically crafted by Amanpuri’s specialist raw food chef, Ben Flowerday. Rates begin at US$3,960 (about A$5,220) per single guest for a three night Immersion.
Six Senses Spa at Soneva Kiri
An hour from Bangkok by private plane, on the island of Koh Kood, lies Soneva Kiri resort. Aside from the large treetop-style villas (the six-bedroom Cliff Pool Reserve is 2,928 square metres), the big attraction is the Six Senses Spa and its selection of wellness programs. The Six Senses in-house experts measure and analyse key physiological biomarkers at an initial hour-long consultation before preparing a personalised wellness program of exercise, spa treatments and nutrition. Also on offer are several yoga programs, an Ayurvedic program and a weight-loss program. Prices start from US$870 (about A$1,147) per guest and US$1,480 (about A$1,951) per couple for a three-day program.
