The bliss of massages and Spas in Asia

Picture: An intriguing Spa Sign in Siem Reap (Korean operated). I have not dared to try the massage yet.

Recently I got asked if I am a beach or spa type. Well, the answer is simple: a spa type. I just love the touch of professional hands, the relaxation that comes from a massage and the ever-more sophisticated designs of spas that let you dangle your mind. But the major reason why I am in love with Asian spas is the gentle and focused attitude of the Asian staff that let’s me feel at ease and pampered. Asian staff are rarely intrusive and their gentle demeanor is authentic, not like in some European places. But then again, there are spas and spas. Some spas are basic massage places with humble facilities and moderate prices (not to speak off the street-hawking massage facilities on Khao San Road in Bangkok and near the central market in Siem Reap, phew), like serene and tranquil The Garden Spa of my sister Peng in Luang Prabang. On the other hand there are massive spa complexes with highly professional service and all sorts of amenities ranging from steam rooms, to Jacuzzis and lounges, like the Andana Spa In Singapore or the Potalai Spa in Bangkok. Prices vary according to the location, amenities and treatments and can range from as low as 6$ an hour in Luang Prabang to over 45$ for an hour massage in the top spas in big cities. Whatever the size of the spa and the range of its services, I spa should be tranquil and the staff should avoid to make its presence heard. The Spa in Manila for example struck me as particularly hectic and the treatment brisk, not to speech about the rather awkward attendant in the changing room, handing towels. But then I was told that some male guests take advantage of the masseuse, this being the reason for a big common massage room without separations.

With the spa industry constantly evolving and attracting more and better-off clients, the services are expanding and so are the facilities. The new and apparently stunning Devarana Spa in Bangkok offers breath-taking facilities and the new Medical Spa, also in Bangkok, offers all sorts of cutting-edge treatments in fancy machines.

Whatever your budget and demands on the facilities, the good old Aromatherapy massage or a pressure-point Shiatsu massage done by trained hands is still pure bliss in an ever hectic life. And the recent Anti-Stress massage focusing on my head, shoulders and back at the Frangipani Spa in Siem Reap, was exactly what I needed after a hot and wet day in ever busy Siem Reap. PS: For lovers a couple-massage with soaking in the Jacuzzi in a private massage suite is hard to beat.

Here is a selection of Asian spas I can recommend:

• Potalai, Bangkok
• The Garden Spa, Luang Prabang
• Frangipani Spa, Siem Reap
• The Oasis, Chiang Mai
• Andana Spa , Singapore 
• The Spa, Manila
• Devrana Spa, Bangkok

Comments

[Runaway Spa]

Hi East eats West (cool name btw),

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