It's hard to achieve balance in a hectic world, but an art installation at Panpuri Wellness encourages some time off with sky-high hydrotherapy.
Sculpted by New York-based Thai artist Kantapon Metheekul, a man and a woman escaping their daily routine are submerged into and framed by a crystal-clear mirror, immersed in and becoming as clear as water.
Kantapon's installation is at the centre of the reception area of the luxurious Panpuri Wellness, which spans 2,000m² and occupies the whole 12th floor of Gaysorn Tower.
Around half of the space is dedicated to a public onsen, where customers can soak in the water while enjoying the view over Ratchaprasong district and beyond.
Over 15 years, Panpuri has expanded its business in producing natural and organic products as well as operating spas in Thailand and overseas. The Panpuri Wellness project has 12 treatment rooms, a wellness studio, a wellness bar and extensive onsen facilities.
The onsen, its water and lighting systems are designed by famed architect Nobuhiro Nakamura and A-Asterisk, a company which specialises in installing hot springs in spas and hotels.
The water comes from Kusatsu, one of Japan's major onsen towns located in Gunma Prefecture, whose acidic water has been hailed as a panacea for most ailments, apart from heartache.
A day pass costing 750 baht allows access to the public onsen, with separate sections for men and women featuring five pools, namely the signature Kusatsu onsen, soda bath, vitality pool, cold plunge pool and seasonal onsen.
Varying in mineral content, water from different sources in Japan fills the seasonal onsen pool.
Rather than randomly dip into any pool, it's better to follow a routine that enhances the effect of the therapeutic water.
The day pass can be optimised by spending as much time as you like at the public onsen and alternate the hydrotherapy with sessions in the steam room and Himalayan salt sauna as well as lazing in the relaxation room.
A spa package, priced at 1,500 baht, combines onsen with Akasuri, which is an invigorating body scrub using a washcloth to slough away dead skin cells and purify pores while improving circulation. Those who shy away from the public onsen can opt for private hydrotherapy, in one of the two suites equipped with an onsen pool, followed by a facial or body treatment with Panpuri organic products.
The organic concept extends to bathrobes, towels and bedsheets as well as fresh fruits and refreshments served at Panpuri Wellness.
The Thai spa brand collaborated with naturopathic physician Dr Aaron Bullington in designing the treatments and wellness programmes that can be tailor-made to address issues such as stress, fatigue and insomnia.
Panpuri signature massage, for instance, combines acupressure with traditional Thai and Swedish massage. The long, flowing strokes along with deep compressions and gentle stretching promote detoxification, alleviate stress and fatigue as well as promote sleep.
Customised programmes also aim to achieve these four goals, through spa treatments, wellness classes and authentic onsen therapy.
