Few wellness retreats successfully combine as many approaches to longevity as RAKxa. Set on the protected island of Bang Krachao — often called Bangkok’s “green lung” — this luxury retreat combines cutting-edge diagnostics with traditional Thai, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, all under one roof. Rather than choosing between modern medicine and ancient healing, its philosophy is that each discipline has something valuable to contribute, with every programme tailored to guests’ individual needs.
Fusing science and spirituality is no easy feat. Fellow guests check in for all manner of issues, from stress recovery and burnout to preventative health, weight management or longevity — and the treatments are as diverse as the goals.
There are diagnostics to begin with, to ensure the right treatments are planned during the stay, which might involve anything from hormonal checks to DNA tests to stress analysis. In the VitaLife clinic, guests can book in for a mix of IV drips, along with hyperbaric oxygen and cryotherapy. Traditional therapies in the wellness areas (which are suitably soothing in decor — think abundant wood, rattan and stone) include cupping and acupuncture, and massage and reflexology. And then there are the one-on-one movement therapies like yoga, tai chi or aqua aerobics.
If you think that sounds like a lot to pack in, you’d be right. I checked in for five days, though I could easily have stayed for a week or even two to fit in everything I wanted to do. At first, I found having a timetable of appointments slightly jarring (I like a heavy dose of relaxing on my holidays), but I soon settled into the rhythm of consultations, therapies and movement sessions. It became surprisingly soothing to have no decisions to make while my day took care of itself. I could simply swim, exercise, read, work, sleep and eat.
The USP
The sheer breadth of expertise is what makes RAKxa stand out. On arrival, I met not only a Western doctor but also practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and Traditional Thai Medicine. I decided to see all of them, partly because being in Thailand made me curious to experience the local traditions, and because I expected each discipline to offer a completely different perspective. Instead, they all reached remarkably similar conclusions. Every practitioner identified the same underlying issue: that I have a busy mind, which manifests as stress.
From there, the team created an integrated treatment plan drawing on all four disciplines. It included some relaxation (massages and reflexology), lots of movement (the highlight was “Animal Flow” — more on which later) and really good food to fuel me — and tell my nervous system to calm down.
The medical element is impressive, too. The diagnostics are hospital-grade, with access to specialist medical facilities should you need them, but it never feels clinical. Instead, it strikes a clever balance between hi-tech medicine and holistic wellbeing. You may, for example, have a session of acupuncture followed by physiotherapy to really target niggles thoroughly.
The programme
Days are busy without ever feeling frantic. I usually exercised twice a day — often swimming alongside another movement session — but there was still plenty of time to unwind.
The fitness offering is exceptional. The trainers are knowledgeable, research-led and clearly passionate about movement. One introduced me to Animal Flow, a floor-based practice inspired by the way humans naturally moved before modern sedentary life took over. It sounds unusual, but after giving it a go, it made complete sense. We spend so much of our lives sitting still that moving low to the ground, crawling and rotating almost feels like rediscovering muscles you’ve forgotten about.
I also loved the Hyrox-style training, which felt both challenging and incredibly effective. While movement formed the core of my plan alongside relaxation, if I went back, I’d spend time having the Thai massages I have heard were brilliant. I also might be tempted to have the biomechanics gait analysis to arm me with more of that all-important information.
When I wasn’t in appointments, I’d swim in the outdoor pool, visit the Pilates studio or simply cycle between treatments. The resort is spread across a large riverside estate, so guests travel around by bicycle or buggy, which adds to the feeling that you’re moving through a little wellness village rather than a conventional hotel.
The vibe
It’s all extremely soothing. Although the clinic is technically just outside Bangkok, you’d never know it. The retreat sits within lush tropical greenery, and while the city’s skyscrapers occasionally appear across the river, they feel distant.
Compared with some of the Swiss clinics I’ve visited, everything felt more expansive
The villas are luxurious without being flashy, and there’s a real sense of space. Compared with some of the Swiss clinics I’ve visited, everything felt more expansive.
There’s also an unmistakable Thai warmth running through the place. Not just in the climate, but in the hospitality. The staff are relaxed, welcoming and quietly attentive, which softens the precision of the medical programme, and adds to its efficacy.
Guests largely kept themselves to themselves. During my stay there was an international mix of British, American, Indian and Middle Eastern visitors, all seemingly there for different reasons but united by the desire to switch off and focus on their health.
As you’d probably expect, A-listers have also checked in, including Kate Moss, Deepak Chopra and Jordan Dunn.
The food
Nutrition forms the foundation of the programme. Menus are based on fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients and balanced meals rather than restriction. Think of an inadvertent detox via eating delicious, fresh food, all designed to be anti-inflammatory, with some prebiotics and probiotics served before eating to give the gut microbiome a boost.
Because I was exercising so much, I generally found myself wanting at least one substantial meal a day, although that sometimes meant ordering two starters and two main courses. The black cod was so good I regularly had two portions.
Being in Thailand, some dishes carried a welcome kick of spice, while everything felt incredibly fresh. I also discovered pumpkin seed milk for the first time, alongside an impressive selection of freshly made plant milks.
Must-try
The sound healing was powerful. I’d experienced singing bowls before, but never quite like this. The vibrations seemed to settle my nervous system almost instantly, producing the same deeply calming sensation as humming or chanting “om”. For me, this was one of the stand-out treatments. I’d also make the most of the movement classes. Whether it’s Animal Flow or simply swimming outdoors each morning, the emphasis here is on rediscovering enjoyable ways to move your body, rather than punishing it.
Verdict
I left with a much better understanding of myself. For me, the biggest revelation wasn’t any single treatment but seeing four completely different medical traditions arrive at the same diagnosis. It made me realise that stress really was the common thread running through my health woes, and that tackling it would be beneficial across the board.
RAKxa Integrative Wellness programme rates start from £6,377; rakxawellness.com
