Indulge

AFT Unique Asian Spas

A spa is a location where a mineral spring is used to give medicinal baths with health-giving properties. Spas are popular worldwide and it is no exception in Asia. Individual spas have their own properties and features. The highly customizable experience that can be offered and clear health benefits contribute to the high interest in spas.  AFT takes a look at its list of the top ten world-class and unique spas that have captured the imagination and attention of spa-goers.

  1. Banyan Tree, Phuket, Thailand

Located in Phuket is the flagship of Banyan Tree, a worldwide operator of 70 spas. Banyan Tree is a benchmark spa in Asia that has been operating since 1994 and maintains high standards. Therapists are uniquely trained and undergo at least 350 hours of training based on a stringent curriculum of the accredited Banyan Tree. It is a private paradise of luxurious all-pool villas nestled around a saltwater lagoon and surrounded by lush greenery. It acts as a luxurious and strategic base from which to explore the beautiful island of Phuket’s heritage, culture, and stunning beaches.

  1. Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand

Located on a clifftop overlooking a private beach, this wellness center offers comprehensive therapies of acupuncture, Chinese medicine, naturopathy, and Ayurvedic spa treatments.  The spa includes a herbal steam cavern, plunge pools, infrared sauna, colonic rooms, yoga pavilion, the Shakti fitness center and more. True to its holistic vision, it is centered around a monk’s cave that once served as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat for Buddhist monks.

  1. Amatara, Phuket, Thailand

Amatara houses expert therapists led by ex Chiva Som alumni. They deliver a whole range of services including Chi Nei Tsang healing abdominal massage, detox therapies through to naturopathy all while overlooking the Andaman Sea. Its signature is the Thai Hamma—a marathon three-hour treatment which is a hybrid of Thai spa therapy and traditional bathing practices of Turkey and Morocco.

  1. Four Season Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam

The Nam Hai is located on China Beach, Vietnam’s most celebrated beach. It is near three UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Once described by popular English broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson as “the world’s most astonishing spa”, it melds aromatherapy, Ayurveda and herbal traditions.