Draw of the East
01-Jun-08
As the trend for expansive and dedicated spa facilities spreads worldwide, Asia has become a true hotspot for spa lovers - and a number of properties are launching to attract clients' in search of luxury pampring.
"For the first time ever, we have welcomed members in Asia," says Jaume Tapies, international president of Relais & Chateaux. "For a truly luxurious spa experience, I would recommend Japamala Resort in Malaysia and Matahari Beach Resort & Spa in Bali." (www.relaischateaux.com).
Deborah Beaton, product development executive, Expressions Holidays, says: "The spa industry is huge for Asia, mainly due to the huge choice of stunning luxury hotels offering superb facilities."
Chris Parker, commercial manager, Somak Holidays, says demand is growing for massage in unusual places. He adds: "Kamalaya Wellness Resort, Koh Samui, has many different types of holistic and medical treatments." (www.kamalaya.com). Luxurious openings include W Hong Kong in August and Thailand's Anantara Resort Phuket in November. The 2,003sqm Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Singapore, opened in December. www.fairmont.com. Meanwhile, Ananda in the Himalayas in India has launched three villas with private pools (www.bodyandsoulholidays.com). Conrad Hotels & Resorts has upgraded spa amenities at several hotels and resorts. Conrad Tokyos Mizuki Spa's Mizuki Spirit treatment includes a bamboo sticks massage, and traditional tea ceremony. (www.conradhotels.com).
CHINA
THE ANANTARA SPA
Commune by the Great Wall, Kempinski Beijing
Overview: The 1,000sqm spa is located on three levels, with a design influenced by contemporary Asian art.
Client fit: Those seeking a private hideaway.
Treatment range: Asian-inspired treatments include Ultimate Body Detox or Exotic Fruit Peels, Ayurvedic, aromatherapy and Balinese massage therapies.
Top treatment: Guan Yin Dancing Massage.
Special touch: A private path to the Wall.
Ask for: General manager Yves Wencker.
Hotel details: Set amid the peaceful and green mountains near the Shuiguan section of the Great Wall, the development features 42 villas. The Club House features a courtyard restaurant, a lounge, a large swimming pool, a gallery, a cinema and a library.
Getting there: Beijing international airport is the nearest.
Contact: www.kempinski-greatwall.com
BLISS
W Hong Kong
Overview: At 9,000sqft, Bliss Hong Kong's facilities will be set out over two floors, and will include a retail beauty boutique, two movie-while-you-manicure (and pedicure) stations and nine treatment suites. On the 76th floor, the rooftop spa and pool deck is the highest in Hong Kong.
Client fit: Couples and families.
Treatment range: Skincare and facials, slimming treatments, massage, aromatherapy, waxing and nailcare.
Top treatments: Triple Oxygen Facial, which includes intensive cleansing, exfoliating and fruit acid wash.
Ask for: Spa director Kent Richard.
Hotel details: W Hong Kong opens on 1 August, and promises playful design touches and amenities in public spaces and in guest rooms.
Getting there: Chek Lap Kok international airport.
Contact: www.starwoodhotels.com
INDONESIA
ANANTARA RESORT SEMINYAK
Bali
Overview: Four luxury treatment rooms with shower, toilet and beautiful views over the lush jungle. The spa boasts natural woods and contemporary furniture. The hotel's butler is on hand to arrange anything from spa treatments to sunset cocktails.
Client fit: Adventurous types looking to dive Bali's famous coral reefs, take surfing lessons, hike to volcanic hinterlands or take a ride on a Harley Davidson or an elephant.
Treatment range: Pampering and wellbeing treatments.
Top treatment: The South Sea 'Pearl Mystic', priced at $5,000 (£2,574), includes a pearl necklace.
Ask for: General manager Ivan Casadevall.
Hotel details: The resort has 59 suites with landscaped gardens. Rooms promise Balinese-inspired decor, floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views, dark-wood floors and a double 'rainmaker' shower. The 420sqm Anantara Penthouse suite boasts 180-degree ocean vistas, library and a concept pool with glass roof.
Getting there: Denpasar airport is the nearest.
Contact: www.bali.anantara.com
COMO
Shambhala Estate, Begawan Giri, Bali
Overview: Health facilities include Ojas, the principal treatment area; Shikhara, where the COMO Shambhala Activity Centre is located; and Kedara, the water gardens positioned beside the river Ayung.
Other facilities include nine treatment rooms, an outdoor hydrotherapy area, outdoor jungle gym with a climbing wall. There is a resident nutritionist, naturopath and Ayurvedic doctor, plus teachers of Tai'Chi, Qigong and other martial arts.
Client fit: Independent travellers; sporty types.
Treatment range: More than 20 Asian-inspired and Western holistic treatments.
Top treatment: The two-hour COMO Shambhala Bath includes dry brushing, a revitalising bath and a massage.
Ask for: General manager Michael Stevens.
Hotel details: The residential health retreat opened last December as the flagship property for Christina Ong's holistic health firm. The architecture features stone and wood. The resort has 40 rooms and suites.
Getting there: Denpasar airport, 90 minutes' drive away.
Contact: www.comoshambhala.bz
REMEDE SPA, ST REGIS BALI RESORT
Bali
Overview: The 2,820sq m Remede Spa marries exotic therapies with Balinese philosophies. Facilities include the Aqua-Vitale Pool, 12 treatment rooms and a yoga centre. The spa is near a koi pond within water gardens. Arriving guests are presented with cold towels and tropical fruit.
Client fit: Couples and professionals with families or golf fans, wedding couples and honeymooners.
Treatment range: Packages to suit most client types, including the Honeymooner Spa Ritual; the Sunrise Ritual, ideal for sporty couples; and the Sunda Islands Sun Facial.
Top treatment: The 210-minute Couple's Revitalising Ocean Journey includes an Ocean Clay Massage, a Black Pearl Body Exfoliant, mini-facial and Sea Bath.
Ask for: Spa director Shanti Krisnawati.
Hotel details: Scheduled to open in September, this will be the first St Regis Resort in Asia. It features 81 suites, 42 villas and two residences.
Getting there: Denpasar airport is the nearest.
Contact: www.starwoodhotels.com
JAPAN
CLUB ON THE PARK SPA AND FITNESS CENTRE
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Overview: The 2,100sqm spa boasts seven treatment rooms, whirlpools, dry and wet saunas, plunge pools, a massage room and relaxation room with a library on the 45th floor, while the 46th floor features a 20m x 8m swimming pool, gym, aerobics studio and poolside lounge. Japan's celebrated architect, the late Kenzo Tange, teamed up with the Hong Kong-based American interior designer John Morford to create the glass-enclosed space on the 47th floor. Sun streams through a steel and glass pyramid, filling the gym and aerobics studio with natural light. Panoramic views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji can be seen from almost any vantage point on the entire floor.
Client fit: Film stars, chief executives and sophisticated travellers who appreciate the attention to detail.
Treatment range: From customised facials, thermal wraps and Vichy shower body treatments to aromatherapy/shiatsu massages. Frequent travellers also enjoy targeted treatments such as Leg Relief to eliminate swelling from flying, or salon services including Essential Manicure/Pedicure and Eye Care. Reserving spa treatments at the time of accommodation bookings is recommended.
Top treatment: Total Experience - five hours for Yen56,000 (£276), with a Personal Stretch Class, light poolside meal, Club On The Park massage and Customised Facial with Eye Care.
Ask for: Spa manager Midori Ochiai.
Hotel details: A flagship property for the Park Hyatt brand, the hotel is housed in three towers of different heights on the top 14 floors of the 52-storey Shinjuku Park Tower, in the centre of Shinjuku. Of the 177 guest rooms, the Presidential Suite is the largest at 290sqm, while the 220sqm Tokyo Suite, situated on the 50th floor, opened in March. Interior designer John Morford's aimed to create a place of comfort that was private and different to a regular hotel.
Getting there: Around 90 minutes from Narita International Airport.
Contact: www.hyatt.com; +81 3 5322 1234
MALAYSIA
SPA VILLAGE MALACCA
The Majestic Malacca, Malacca
Overview: The spa is based on the healing culture of the Baba-Nyonya, reflected in the treatments, architecture and cuisine. The 9,110sqft spa area features 10 rooms, including six treatment rooms. Traditional wood carvings are integrated with porcelain wall tiles and traditional Chinese day beds sunlit by floor-to-ceiling windows.
Client fit: Those interested in history and culture.
Treatment range: Inspired by the healing traditions of the Peranakan Chinese. Age-old remedies sourced from indigenous ingredients are designed to cleanse, replenish and reinvigorate, both physically and mentally. There are complimentary pre-treatment hair rituals using indigenous spa ingredients.
Top treatments: Peranakan Signature Experiences include a series of special body treatments. The warming Suam-Suam Panas Experience includes a Malacca palm-sugar and honey body scrub, nutmeg rice-rolling massage and bird's-nest facial with fermented tapioca mask.
Ask for: Hotel manager Robert Hunter.
Hotel details: Located on the banks of the Malacca river and 150km south of Kuala Lumpur, the 54-room property mirrors the architectural style of Malacca's colonial past. Two 70sqm suites feature marble free-standing bathtubs and separate rainforest showers, plus free internet access. The hotel offers a unique turn-down service of Malacca Fruit Tea and local delicacies.
Getting there: Kuala Lumpur airport is the nearest.
Contact: www.majesticmalacca.com
BUYER'S CHOICE
Deborah Beaton, Product Development Executive, Expressions Holidays
The spa industry is huge in Asia. There is the general aura surrounding Asia and its history of spa treatments. Having many of the therapies and treatments embedded in the continent's culture, nurtured and sculpted to perfection, elevates Asia's offering to a superior level.
We have seen the luxury spa offering develop in the past few years to become some properties' unique selling point. From spas built into rock formations, in caves or with waterfalls running through them, the location and decor has become a defining trend in the luxury spa industry.
Another defining factor is the whole experience - it is no longer about simply having a treatment and a period of relaxation afterwards. Spas in Asia now offer onsite health-focused restaurants and cafes and juice bars, as well as spa villas and couples rooms.
My spa hotspot for 2009 has to be the Six Senses Destination Spa in Thailand. This promises a freshened approach to the Chiva Son concept.
www.expressionsholidays.co.uk
THAILAND
BANYAN TREE SPA, BANGKOK
Overview: The spa was renovated last year, adding seven treatment rooms on the 19th and 20th floors, bringing the total to 16, including three Grand Spa Suites for couples; four Deluxe Spa Suites; three Double Spa Suites and six Single Spa Suites. There are panoramic floor-to-ceiling views of Bangkok available in many of the treatment rooms.
The Rainmist experience, combining steam and shower; and a beauty salon offering hairdressing, manicures and pedicures, are also new. There is also a Meditation Sphere and the Bamboo Aisle, a calm and meditative garden.
Client fit: Couples on a city break.
Treatment range: Wide range of pampering treats including hydrotherapy and massotherapy. Therapists are sensitive to guests' needs.
Top treatments: The Royal Banyan and Rejuvenation packages. The Royal Banyan features the exclusive Banyan Massage, which combines East and West techniques.
Ask for: Senior spa manager Kingkarn Olarngarnjanin.
Hotel details: The hotel is located in the heart of the city with a range of dining outlets, fitness centre and 216 suites.
Getting there: Bangkok airport. Advance bookings are advisable.
Contact: www.banyantreespa.com.
SIX SENSES DESTINATION SPA
Naka Yai island, Phuket
Overview: The spa's four interrelating concepts cover 3,000sqm. The buildings adhere to feng shui principles and offer Thai, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian experiences. Gym facilities include kinesis training, oxygen fitness therapy, physiotherapy and a nature jogging trail. The spa promises to be the place to go for a complete personal overhaul. The whole spa will be spread out over lush gardens and ponds.
Client fit: Individuals, couples, families, groups and corporate clients keen to undergo a transformation.
Treatment range: A Thai massage school provides guests with an opportunity to learn. Chinese treatments include Jin Shin Jyutsu, Chi-Tsang and traditional medicine. The Indian Pavilion offers colonic therapy, energy healing and Ayurvedic treatments. The Indonesian section features outdoor water-therapy treatments amid waterfalls. Every guest receives a consultation on arrival with a wellness practitioner to determine what areas need specific attention.
Top treatments: The final menu is yet to be confirmed, but includes the Iridology Consultation - a complete analysis of the iris to reveal how the body is functioning.
Ask for: General manager Ana Maria Tavares.
Hotel details: There are 61 Pool Villas and Pool Villa Suites at the spa, which opens in June. Each villa offers ocean views towards Phang Nga Bay - the bay of limestone pinnacles in the Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
The interactive earth kitchen allows guests to mingle with chefs in a relaxed atmosphere.
Getting there: Guests arriving at Phuket International Airport are driven to Phuket marina and then take a powerboat trip to Six Senses Destination Spa on Naka Yai.
Contact: www.sixsensesdestinationspas.com l
ASIAN SPAS TO WATCH
- InterContinental Bali Sanur Beach Resort in Indonesia is set to open in late 2009, featuring 104 rooms and suites, and 54 private villas. Its Spa InterContinental includes indoor and outdoor treatment areas. There is also a beachfront restaurant. www.ihg.com
- Anantara Resort Phuket launches in November at Mai Kao Beach, 15 minutes from Phuket airport. The resort will be Anantara's flagship property. Each of the 83 Thai-style pool villas will feature a private pool and a terrazzo tub for two. The Suite offers two bathrooms and an open-air living sala. www.anantara.com
- Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Thailand has launched a Puriti Purification programme. Guests follow a Raw Eco Diet followed by the Purification Programme with spa and yoga sessions. www.fourseasons.com.
