In Bangkok, a spa capital and global pioneer in massage, those looking to be pampered are definitely spoiled for choice.
Discerning spa-goers know to put themselves in the capable hands of the pros. And the 14-year-old Chi The Spa is among the most highly trusted establishments in the city.
Occupying a 1,000m² riverfront space at the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, Chi was designed to be a sanctuary of tranquillity inspired by the idea of free-flowing chi, or the universal life force that governs a person's well-being and vitality.
With its "spa within a spa" concept, Chi offers a top-class experience that features six exclusive suites complete with jacuzzi bath, steam room, shower and relaxation lounge; four private treatment rooms; a public studio for an express massage; and an indoor spa pool.
There's a wide range of treatments to be had from relaxing to curing to beauty. Chi's signature therapies, developed by a team of experts in traditional Chinese medicine, are based on the key principle of balancing and harmonising the yin and yang within the body.
I recently visited Chi to try some of the spa's new treatments. With a little over two hours to fill, the manager helped to customise my retreat session, combining the 60-minute Siamese Massage (2,700 baht) with a 60-minute Intensely Hydrating facial (2,900 baht).
The session began with a warm and gentle foot scrub in a private spa suite filled with soothing ambient music. I was then asked to lie face down on the spa bed for the body massage.
A perfect blend of traditional Thai palm-pressing and stretching techniques and Western aromatherapy oil massage, the Siamese Massage helps to eliminate muscle aches and tension while improve flexibility and relaxation.
This treatment is also ideal for those put off by the prospect of a typical hard-core Thai massage which has the potential to cause pain. Here, pressure is applied through gentle, well-trained palms, while the use of oil helps make the hand movements smoother and more relaxing.
Guests can choose their favourite massage oil scent from a range of options including oolong tea, ylang ylang, vanilla-sandalwood and Mandarin orange. All are produced locally with organic ingredients.
For facial courses, meanwhile, the spa opts for imported world-class products from Phytomer, France's leading skincare company, which focuses on using sustainable marine-based ingredients from Brittany.
My treatment started with a gentle facial cleansing followed by a warm mask and an intense hydrating massage -- all with silky, mildly-scented Phytomer products.
During the entirety of the two-hour session I was too happy and relaxed to remember everything that was being done to me, or to admit to myself that all good things come to an end.
Though I was reluctant to part from the good hands of my superb therapist Khun Oh, I could happily reflect on the radiance of my face in the mirror and the feeling that my physical strain had been totally lifted.
Chi The Spa is located in Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok's Krungthep Wing and is open daily from 10am to 10pm. For more information and reservations, call 02-236-7777.
