Koh Samui Nov 2013 - Part VI Spa

Continued from
Part I - Grand Deluxe Sea View Room at Akyra Chura Samui
Part II - Akyra Chura Samui Resort
Part III - Krao Chao Ban Restaurant
Part IV - Saebieng Lae Restaurant
Part V - Food in Samui

More spas have certainly sprung up in Samui especially at Chaweng Beach area, in the past 2 years as compared to 4-5 years back when we first visited.

One of the brands that has been quite aggressive in expanding is D's Spa. The brand has opened 2-3 large branches along the busiest part of Chaweng Beach and appeared to be attracting a fair number of tourists due to it's clean outlook and lovely furnishings.

We too were attracted. Prices-wise, it remained quite competitive, about 300 baht for a foot + back massage.

Upon entrance, guests are invited to this foot wash area where the therapists will provide a simple scrubbing and washing service.

Ground floor area is mainly for foot and back massage.

I asked for my favourite "tiger balm back massage" which is a soothing massage concentrating on the back, shoulder and neck area using tiger balm and some massage oil. The massage also combined some thai style stretching. Hubby asked for the traditional thai massage. This was the 2nd level massage area where we had our massage.

This is another area, probably for facial or scrub/wrap.

I was asked by my therapist to remove my top for the back massage. As for hubby, simply wore his existing clothes. I remembered a few years back when we went for such spas, we would be given a set of comfortable cotton wear to change into. Anyways, the skills of both therapists were so-so only. And after the massage, we were offered only water to drink as we proceed for payment, whereas in the past the spas we visited would lead us to a lounge for relaxation and offer herbal tea.

I think the large spa establishments at Samui these days didn't really train their therapists very well, so their massaging technique and skills weren't up-to-par. And to save costs, cut down on offering cotton wear and herbal tea for customers.

The next day, we went to a smaller establishment Sarunya Spa which was located at the quieter end of Chaweng Beach.

We were led to a lounge sofa area.

Our therapists brought out tubs of water for the foot wash/scrub service.

Also offered a soothing pandanus drink before the start of our massage.

This is the foot massage area.

Once again, I opted for the "tiger balm back massage", same for hubby. This was the massage area located at the ground floor. We were offered a pair of cotton shorts to change into. Yep, much more thoughtful indeed. The skills of the therapists were much better than D's Spa.

After the massage, we were once again offered a herbal drink at the lounge area. Quite pleased with the overall service and quality and hence returned the following night for a foot massage which was equally good.

I guess if we were to return to Chaweng Beach again, we would go for Sarunda Spa or other mid-size establishments instead of the big chains. Till then, I shall be missing my tiger balm massage which can only be found in Samui.

Finally, I've concluded my sharing on this Samui trip! Looking forward to the next one this year (once there's a good promo for Bangkok Airways)!

Phuket Dec 2013 - Part IV dhatri spa at Pullman Phuket Arcadia

Continued from

Part I - Ocean Room at Pullman Arcadia Phuket Naithon Beach
Part II - Kids Club and Float family pool
Part III - Elements Restaurant at Pullman Arcadia

This trip, I had the chance of visiting dhatri spa which is newly opened as well. In places like Phuket, there are definitely lots of spas that offer massages as low as 300 baht per hour. Spas located in hotels are usually more high-end, prices ranging from 2000-4000 baht. Hubby ventured to Naithon Beach one of the days for thai massage whereas I chose to try out dhatri spa.

The spa is located next to the main pool area.

Very friendly spa reception staff.

Product range.

 Cozy lounge area for guests to relax.

As I browsed through the spa menu, I was offered a refreshing drink made of pandanus leave and bael fruit. Love it!!

There are a host of treatments ranging from massage, to facial, to hair treatments to pedi and manicures.

Initially I couldn't decide whether to take up any treatment or not, but the spa staff was very friendly and offered a 30% discount for any ala-carte treatment. Haha, how could I resist? Based on her recommendation, I selected a 60 min back-relief massage with warm compress.

My treatment was in an hours' time, so I returned to the room first. It's good that our room was nearby.

When I returned in an hour's time, I was offered cold towel and the same yummy drink to my delight :) Then I was ushered to my treatment room by my therapist.

Range of essential oil for massage.

Treatment room is well furnished, bright and cozy. I love it that they have full-length windows for natural light with a day curtain for privacy.

Usual practice where guests would receive a foot scrub before start of treatment proper.

Vanity counter.

Wardrobe to change into comfortable bathrobes and slippers.

Wash basin.

My therapist is a local and she was very skilful! She helped knead away my tight knots especially on my shoulders and back area and I felt my tension slowly released during the treatment.

After the massage, I was offered a pot of warm herbal tea and some cookies for refreshment. The herbal tea was very soothing, felt good to drink after the treatment. As for the cookies, I thought perhaps they could offer something special like some local fruits or snacks.

All in all, I paid around S$90 after the discount and this price was actually cheaper than my regular spa treatments back in SG, so no complaints especially when the service quality provided by the spa reception staff and therapist were top-notch! There was in fact a promotion of 40% discount off selected spa treatments during weekdays unfortunately I didn't have enough time for more. Next time!


Next up, would be sharing about the Phuket Splash Jungle Water Park. Stay tuned!

Phuket Sep 2013 - Part VI, Chadasai Spa Phuket

Continued from
Part I - Pullman Phuket Arcadia
Part II - Grand Ocean  Room
Part III - Breakfast at Pullman Phuket 
Part IV - Food at Phuket
Part V - Weekend Fresh Market

Finally, the last part of our Phuket getaway about Spa!


Spas can be broadly categorized into three pricing categories. The more expensive spas are usually housed within a resort/hotel and offer more comprehensive services from massages, to facials, scrubs, wraps, pedicure and manicure. Prices are about 2500 baht and up per hour.

Then there are the mid-range ones such as Chadasai Spa, usually independent establishments located in town areas, offering full-fledged or partial spa treatment services. Prices are about 1000 baht and up per hour.

The most value-for-money types are those small massage salons or beach huts which offer limited types of services, usually foot, head and shoulder, thai or aroma massage. Prices are quite competitive, around 300 baht and up.

There are only a handful of massage salons at Naithon Beach and most of them looked a little dodgy. So when we rented our motorbike we decided to venture to Bangtao area since it's a bigger town with more shops. As we were riding around, we came across several spas/massage salons but neither of them appealed to us. And out of the blue, we chanced upon this modern looking spa, Chadasai Spa and decided to give it a try.

Shopfront looked bright and inviting.

Spa reception. We were lucky there were slots available for us immediately.

Simple soft furnishings with a touch of earthy look. We were served iced water with cold towel while selecting the type of treatment.

We decided on a one-hour aroma massage which focused on the back and shoulder area. Five different massage oil to choose from. I selected green tea whereas hubby like rice.

I love the soothing colours which was relaxing and soothing to the eyes.

We were first led to an inner room and given a foot bath by our therapists.

Our spa treatment room. Clean and neat, and the massage beds were quite sturdy. Initially the room was all quiet and I was thinking why no music? The music was only turned on halfway through our massage -_-

The skills of the therapists were satisfactory, although not the best skills we have been experienced.

This was another massage area, we presumed for foot massage.

 

After the treatment, we were served a nice hot cup of herbal tea.

Overall, we were quite satisfied with the overall service quality and standard, although the skills of the therapists could be further enhanced.

That's all for our Phuket trip. What will our next trip take us? Stay tuned!

Spa Village, Malacca

Continued from Part I.

How could I not visit Spa Village, the signature of YTL Hotels? After I checked in on Saturday, the first thing I did was to check out the spa and to make reservations. Hubby chided me for not making reservations prior to the trip since the spa is very popular and if I were to miss the chance, I have only myself to blame :(((

Indeed Saturday's fully booked, luckily Sunday morning (before checkout) still available so I quickly made a reservation. Also requested to tour around the spa which the friendly receptionist gladly obliged :)

Spa Village, Malacca entrance and reception. Love the porcelain flooring!

The friendly spa receptionist in nonya sarong kebaya.

Some merchandise on sale.

The relaxation lounge area. All spa customers were invited to relax at the lounge before and after treatment. Love the comfy day bed. Unfortunately the lounge faces the pool and some kids were playing in the pool so not really peaceful and quiet unlike other Spa Village.

Spa treatment room.

This is the spa suite meant for couples.

I booked the signature Nutmeg-Rice Rolling Massage. Warm nutmeg and rice are massaged onto the body to reduce aches and rid wind from the muscles, just what I need to relieve my stiff shoulders and back.

My appointment was about 10am (after breakfast). Was led to the changing room to change into comfy bathrobe then proceeded to the relaxation lounge.

Was served a cold towel, water and an orange?! prior to the treatment. Didn't take the orange, a little weird I thought.

My therapist first started a pre-treatment experience of soothing hair care ritual which included washing, combing and scalp massage. Ahhh, blissful! There's a small TV screen fixed to the ceiling for guests to enjoy during the hair wash but they were showing a very old black and white Malay dance -_-"

 

The pair of wooden comb used by the therapist to comb my hair was gifted to me at the end of the treatment.

After the pre-treatment hair ritual, was led to the spa treatment room where the therapist worked her magic to sooth my stiff muscles. I must compliment the skills of the therapist, and the nutmeg-rice was indeed warming and soothing to the body. I totally love this signature massage!

 

After the treatment, was served a pot of hot Chinese tea and some achar (pickled vegetables).

 

Overall, was really pleased with the spa experience, Spa Village certainly lives up to its name! Not sure when I would visit again, probably some other YTL property for different Spa Village experience.

Bangkok Jan 2013 Part I - Divana Virtue Spa & Nathong Restaurant

Earlier in Jan this year, hubby and I went on a short Bangkok getaway with another couple P and N. They are foodies as well, and we had a great time eating our way through Bangkok the 3 days we were there. Ok a little exaggerating but still, the amount of food we ordered and ate would be considered overwhelming for the average eater.

 

We took the first flight out and touched down early in the morning in BKK. Our hotel was Siam Kempinski whereas theirs was Novotel Siam Square. Hubby managed to get only 1 room with corporate rate alas we had to stay in separate hotels.

 

After separating our ways at the airport, we proceeded to check-in at our respective hotels and agreed to meet later in the evening for dinner.

 

As it was still early, we could not check into our rooms, so both of us took the free hotel buggy service to Central World and from there a short walk to Erawan Shrine for our ritual prayers.



 

After the prayers, we had some time to spare before our Spa appointment at Divana Virtue Spa, so decided to fill our tummies first at one of our regular haunt at Siam Square.

My order was Braised Pig Trotters with rice and egg.

Oooh, look at the pig's skin, the focus is not the fat but the collagen! LOL!

Hubby's favourite rice noodle soup.

After the yummy brunch, we proceed to Divana Virtue Spa at Silom, nearest BTS station is Surasak. I have been to the Divana Nurture Spa at Sukhumvit before and it's actually re-located to this current address.

The spa is housed in a lovely old Thai mansion and tastefully decorated with lots of floral and chic furnishings.

 

We were served iced pandanus drink with a cold towel.

Different massage oil for selection.

Merchandise on sale. I love the sweet rose and lavender shower gel!

Our treatment room. We were first treated with a foot bath.

Hubby's treatment was Traditional Thai Massage, whereas I went for the Aromatic Relaxing Massage. The massages were not bad, but we had better ones. Would say that in terms of skills, the therapists were average but the whole spa ambience is quite nice.

 

Love the bath tub but we didn't get a chance to use it.



 

After the one-hour massage, we were served some hot lemon tea and fruits.

 

After the spa, we took the BTS back to Siam and proceeded to check into our room. This was our second stay here at Siam Kempinski, we were offered the garden wing deluxe room this time.

 

I think the room was bigger than the one during our previous stay. The king-size bed is certainly inviting.

Spacious walk-in wardrobe for my shopping :p

Workdesk. Free Wifi available in-room.

Good size flat screen TV.

Cozy couch, daily complimentary fresh fruit.

 

Spacious bathtub with oversized bath tub. Dear son would love this one. Well, this trip was not for him.

 

After a good rest, we met P and N at the BTS station, took the BTS then MRT then a cab to Huay Kwang area, for our long-anticipated Nathong Restaurant. This place was recommended by a thai friend and we liked the food so much from a previous trip so we had to come here again despite the inconvenience.

 



 

We were quite early so the restaurant was still empty.

 

3 types of sauces to go with our food.

The tangy and spicy Tom Yum Goong.

Crunchy stir-fry morning glory. The stems were quite tender.

 

Crispy calamari.

 

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My favourite Thai prawn cake, perfect with plum sauce. This was not bad, but still I miss the ones at Sabieng Lae, Koh Samui.

Thai version of stir fried oyster omelette. This was a little wet, slightly different from SG's version.

 

The steamed river prawns are must-order! They are smaller in size but very succulent and sweet!

 

Steamed fish with lime and chilli. The fish was quite fresh and tender, well complemented by the chilli lime sauce.

 

It was amazing how many dishes we ordered in total! And just when I thought we were done, hubby ordered 3 steamed flower crabs. Oh well. Oh but the steamed crabs were good, very tender and juicy!

 

My tummy was bursting at the seams at the end of dinner! Thereafter, we proceeded back to Siam Square for a thai food massage and then back to the hotel for good night's rest.

 

Stay tuned for Part II and III where there's more food than you can eat!