Spa in Thailand

= History of Spa in Thailand =

Introduced in the early 1990s, spas in Thailand are a relatively new phenomenon – but one though, which has only very recently sky-rocketed in popularity. [http://www.tatnews.org/emagazine/1942.asp#3] Not only are spas popular and fashionable with foreign tourists and expatriates, but the local Thais are also enjoying this new alternative therapy, one which is often ideal to ensure a smooth natural balance. A balance that has been rocked in Bangkok in particular by the unhealthy, serious life-styles and polluted environs. At first, spas were only to be found in 5-star hotels but they have now mushroomed everywhere.

Facts and Statistics

During the years 2000-2002, the growth of the spa industry in Thailand rocketed by an exhilarating 64% and since 1999 Thailand has secured itself a top-5 world rating. In fact, Thailand is the second highest ranked spa destination of the world with an overall grade of 93%+ (just slightly behind Australia).Chiva Som International Health Resort located in Hua Hin, is ranked number one in the world while the Regent Chiang Mai Resort and Spa is ninth.

During the period June 2001 – June 2002, 230 operators serviced 2.5 million international clients, creating revenue of $85 million. This amount well exceeds that of competitive countries, such as Singapore ($35 million) and Australia ($15 million). In total, 79% of all clients were foreigners. [http://www.tatnews.org/emagazine/1942.asp#3]

Thailand’s Spas

There are numerous different types of spa services in Thailand which focus heavily on Thai massage. They are categorized as massage for health, massage for beauty and traditional massage.

The variety of spas in Thailand is quite phenomenal and is found at almost every destination in Thailand. They are:

*Destination spa, the famous destination spa in Thailand is Chiva Som which attracts floods of visitors from all around the world who come to Thailand specifically to be pampered there.
*Hotel spas / Resort spas / Retreat spas: Popular spas like there can be found at the top hotels in the major tourists destinations such as: Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Bangkok, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai
*Day / City spas, are located in the center of the major towns, Bangkok particularly. They are aimed at business folk who have been stressed out because of their rushing serious life-styles. Hideaway Day Spas in Phuket is one of the oldest recognized institutions and very popular with the discerning clientele.
*Club spas: emphasize on strong body through different facilities being massage, steaming and sauna, hot and cold Jacuzzi, yoga and other physical exercises without a stay at the provider’s place.
*Cruise ship spas are popular in Thailand with the older generation who wish for not a spa but also the views of the sea and a breath of fresh air. There is also a healthy Thai Spa diet for passengers during the voyage.
*Home / Mobile spas are spas in Thailand where the trainer visits the client and not the other way around, beats having to travel through the busy streets of Bangkok.
*Hospital / Medical spas are provided in Thailand’s top hospitals. They are popular patients who are being treated in the hospital.
*Fusion spas are popular with hip Thai and foreign people who want to try out the latest most fashionable type of spa.
*Theme spas are in the form of Thai-style parks, gardens or parties.
*Genuine spas are the type of spas where their themes are deeply rooted in Thai Buddhism and its cultures and traditions.
*Mineral spring spas are for those who have an infatuation for Thai mineral water and its various minerals.
*Detoxicating spas are popular with Bangkokians whose body has suffered due to unhealthy urban life-styles.

Popular Spa Treatments in Thailand

Centuries worth of tradition have devised a myriad of different methods to ease the mind and make one feel a whole lot better. They include: pastes, mudpacks, specialized oils, muscle kneading and water jets. More of them are:
*Body scrub
*Body Wraps
*Facial
*Hands and feet
*Waxing
*Massages A massage is the most popular technique offered at spas in Thailand. The stats coming out of Thai spas conclude that 85% of the treatments given are massage. There are however, many different types of massage.
**Thai massage is by far and away the most popular type of massage provided by Thai trainers. Many of the clients feel satisfies in the knowledge that the massage they received was traditionally authentic, unlike perhaps the ‘Thai’ massage they are used to back home.Other types of massage in Thailand include:
**Swedish massage
**Aromatherapy massage
**Ayurvedic massage
**Craniosacral massage
**Deep tissue massage
**Lymphatic massage
**Sports massage
**Stone massage
*Alternatives: There are two types of alternatives:
**Yoga
**Acupressure

*Therapy
**Hydrotherapy Bath: For e.g. Jacuzzi
**Inhalation Therapy: where the saunas or steam rooms are scented with oils or herbs.
**Aromatherapy
**Thalassotherapy
**Vichy Shower
*Other Types of Treatment
**Mud
**Signature Treatments

*Spa Per individual has soared in popularity in recent years in Thailand. The individual spas available in Thailand include:
**Spa for Women is popular with both local and foreign women who prefer the company of people of their own sex. They are excellent places for meeting new friends
**Spa for men is popular with both local and foreign gay men who prefer the company of people of their own sex. They are excellent places for meeting new friends
**Spa for couples attracts mainly foreign couples who are on holiday in Thailand together. They offer a good way to rejuvenate that relationship.
**Spa for mom attracts mainly local Thai women who have been feeling wear and tear of both mind and body. [http://www.grayshottspa.com/treatments/mothers.html] [Spa association of Thailand]

Thai Spa Cuisine

Spa cuisine is basically low fat, low salt and low sugar, so making it extremely healthy. These are the 3 essential points of what goes into Thai Spa Cuisine. On top of this, in order to reduce fat intake, Thai Spa Chefs use only the leanest meat and do not rely on oils. Many of the meals consist solely of fish, grains and pulses. Besides the three lows, Thai Spa Cuisine includes only the freshest ingredients doused in a high level of intensity in flavors, so resulting in deliciousness. Even though there is no formal training available in regards to Thai Spa Cuisine, Thailand’s Spa Chefs are guided by selected dieticians and nutritionists who are considerably knowledgeable about the healthiest options possible. What is mandatory, however, is that the Spa Chefs, while dishing up their cuisine, do not slump into indifference and forget about the ultimate flavors. Flavors which are all so essential in allowing people to actually enjoy eating - some of these flavors involve ginger and lemongrass, the latter of which also assists in clearing the breathing tracts. [http://www.siamspaguide.com/spa_cuisine.html]