It can be argued that Phuket is a wellness retreat capital of sorts -- with many destinations offering spa and alternative therapies to choose from. There are no shortages of options on the island, but if you are ready to splurge, the latest top-of-the-line name to keep in mind right now is Asaya. Nestled at the recently opened Rosewood Phuket, this is the hotel's very first holistic wellness concept to be launched globally, with more branches to be rolled out at various Rosewood properties around the world.
All luxury spas have their own way of stunning guests, and Asaya chooses to do so with its glorious greenery. From the very first step into Asaya's space, guests will be surrounded by lush nature and impressive plants that have been stylishly grown across enclosed lounging spaces. These sitting areas are a beautiful and relaxing space to behold, all of which makes for a calming inner restoration as you wait upon arrival or sip on tea after your treatment.
It's the sort of dreamy and soothing setting anyone would want to talk to their shrink at and this option happens to be possible too at Asaya. The hotel's resident wellness practitioner, Steve Harvey, is on hand to curate a personalised programme that is best tailored to your needs, as well as to listen to you talk it out. Not only is he trained to pinpoint the best treatments for you, as he is also a life and relationship coach who can help you sort out your inner life as well. Sessions with him (starting at 7,500 baht an hour) include stress and relationship management treatments among others. Health junkies who have done their rounds at traditional spas will know that some of the time, massages alone don't make your pain go away, as its causes are symptoms from a restless mind. Whatever your problem is, there is no doubt that having someone to listen, as well as to explain what's going on in your body, is a welcoming retreat.
Serenity at the stunning seating area.
Asaya ticks all the boxes you would expect of a luxury spa -- well-trained, courteous staff; a peaceful and delightful space; perfectly performed body treatments -- but it also offers a roster of activities and uncommon treatments that can leave a more lasting impression. This includes a hands-on experience at their well-lit atelier, where guests can pick the plants and grind the very scrubs they will be using themselves. This gives one a chance to go back and really understand nature, as well as getting a sense of place of what Phuket foliage is all about.
Then there are the alternative treatments that have a go at restoring your inner peace. On the spa menu there are options like Reiki Healing (5,500 baht) or Watsu Therapy (5,500 baht) which is where body therapy is performed in warm water in their private treatment pools. For something non-abrasive but deeply healing, try the Seven Bowl Sound Therapy (5,500 baht). This treatment feels like the adult version of having someone put you to bed, but replace mum's singing with the gong of Tibetan bowls instead. These singing bowls will also be placed on different body parts and its humming vibrations are what puts you in a balanced and harmonic state. Its Zen sounds send you into an otherworldly state of mind -- along with it came trippy and fantastical dreams I was slipping in and out of during the session. You'll wake up from your sleep feeling refreshed and will also sleep better that night.
After all treatments, guests can relax with a cup of herbal tea and mango mousse, either within their room or outside in the garden. There's no need to rush, but if you really are reluctant to leave this getaway, Asaya can also offer a villa rental, where light vegan food is served and guests can take four hours to really enjoy the spacious double treatment room, Watsu pool, Himalayan salt sauna with steam shower, outdoor private yoga sala, outdoor soaking tub and rain shower, and oversized day bed. They've got a comprehensive health retreat that covers all aspects of your living, from food to yoga classes, and it's all full points for Rosewood's first wellness getaway.
For more information, visit rosewoodhotels.com/en/phuket/wellness/asaya.
