Holidays should be about rest and relaxation; taking time out from life’s daily stresses to seek much-needed serenity and a new perspective. Thailand is the ultimate tonic. The South East Asian gem is not only breathtakingly beautiful, with its tropical landscapes, white sand and crystal clear waters, but offers culture and history too. From the glittering temples of Chiang Mai to the lively streets of Bangkok, the country can transport you to an entirely different state of being. There is no better way to travel there than with Healing Holidays. The independent spa specialists have sourced the very finest retreats in a country that is world-renowned for its wellness industry. Whether you’re in need of pampering or a tailored treatment program, the below spas are guaranteed to help you return from holiday happier and healthier: a fitting souvenir from the so-called ‘land of smiles’.
If you’re experiencing stress and burnout, Kamalaya, can help. Once a contemplative retreat for Buddhist monks, this sanctuary on the coast of southern Koh Samui retains its powers of spiritual rejuvenation, while providing ultra-luxurious facilities. A recent refurbishment has resulted in beautifully bright, airy rooms, a three-storey fitness emporium and a 25-metre swimming pool. Fitness classes, guided meditation, Ayurvedic spa treatments, acupuncture and cognitive healing therapies, are led by world- renowned wellness experts and former monks. The focus is on total transformation. Karina Stewart, Kamalaya co-founder and Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine has developed three unique programs that cater for varying levels of stress. Whether you’re in need of winding down a little or you’re at breaking point, the results-driven programs take a holistic approach that incorporate diet, exercise and therapies to ensure you return home feeling entirely rejuvenated.
7 nights from £2,399pp sharing DiscoverAs winter descends in the UK, it is all too easy to forgo fitness and opt instead for calorie-laden comfort foods. Absolute Sanctuary will help you to break the habit and focus on getting your body feeling strong and well, and your healthy eating back on track. First things first, you’ll receive a full postural analysis so expert fitness instructors can develop a programme to suit you. As well as a world-class yoga centre, offering Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, Hatha, Pranayama, meditational and hot yoga classes, there are also Pilates reformer classes and group suspension classes. Your core will thank you for it! For those that want their adrenalin fix, there are high-impact classes like Boxfit. If you’re looking for a detox break, then Absolute Sanctuary’s fasting programmes are for you, but we recommend fuelling the body for your workouts with the delicious, superfood-rich, Thai-fushion meals that are cooked up in the Love Kitchen.
7 nights from £1,559pp sharing DiscoverOne of the original destination spas, Chiva-Som remains at the top of its game and has recently launched its luxuriously spacious and elegantly designed Ocean View rooms. Sat amongst lush tropical gardens in Hua Hin, a two-hour drive from Bangkok, it is traditionally Thai in both appearance and in many of the holistic treatments it offers. Your schedule may include Tai Chi at sunrise or sunset yoga or meditation and, as well as the myriad massages and facials on offer, there are colonic irrigation therapies, flotation, iridology, seaweed treatments and acupuncture. Treatments cover everything from chakra balancing to physiotherapy. The spa food is saintly but delicious and the focus is on educating guests to nourish themselves in the same way at home. For a traditional wellness retreat, from a spa with 21 years of expertise, you can’t beat Chiva-Som.
7 nights from £2,850pp sharing DiscoverSoneva Kiri is the ultimate escape, located on a sparsely populated island, Koh Kood, off the northwestern coast. It is a tropical haven of palm trees and pristine beaches, combined with the utmost in luxury accommodation. Guests even enjoy their very own Girl/Guy Friday butler on this Robinson Crusoe-esque island. Just arriving at Soneva Kiri is enough to make you instantly relax, but the Six Senses Spa will transport you to nirvana. The massages and facials are heavenly and the Ayurvedic treatments and water shiatsu therapies entirely restorative. The retreat also offers specialist weight-loss programs, incorporating Puriti detox treatments, yogic intestinal cleanses, Ayurvedic cuisine and completely natural holistic care from resident Ayurvedic Doctor, Dr Amit and his team. For those looking to take their yoga practice up a gear, the hotel also offers private yoga sessions in your villa.
7 nights from £3,315pp sharing DiscoverThe Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is both the oldest and the grandest hotel in Bangkok and, in its 140 year history, has welcomed both royalty and rock stars. Its spa is one of the best in the world, offering utter sanctuary in one of the world’s most frenetic cities. The experience of getting to the spa showcases the truly world-class Thai hospitality: guests take a short boat ride across the river from the hotel, where they are then welcomed with a soothing tea, a foot cleansing ritual and a private consultation that allows the therapist to tailor any treatment to individual needs. Traditional Thai and Ayurvedic treatments are combined with cutting-edge therapies. If you’re looking to explore Thailand’s capital city but return home rested and rejuvenated, there is no better place to stay.
3 nights from £1,399pp sharing Discover