Spas in Phuket: Thai spa guide
There is a wide variety of spas in Phuket offering a range of treatments. From facials to fasting, massage to meditation, rustic to red carpet, Phuket spas can pamper, relax and rejuvenate you.
More and more visitors are including an afternoon in a spa as part of their holiday plans here, and its not-surprising, the cost of this luxury is far less than typical prices in your home country. The Thai are particularly good at pampering and health care, and dozens of very professional spas have opened in recent years offering all sorts of exotic packages. They range from ancient ayurvedic practices to a modern use of natural ingredients and treatments, everything from a strawberry body scrub to aroma oils dripped onto your forehead!
Here are few we recommend, your hotel is likely to have a spa too, but shop around for a package that suits your purse and preference, it could cost you anywhere from 500 baht for a particular massage through to 5000 baht for a multi-treatment day.
The Sukko Spa is a fantastic place to visit if you are looking for really luxurious pampering, there is a great restaurant on the premises, with cooking courses on offer, a salon, gallery and even a kid’s area. 5/10 Moo 3, Vichit, (076) 263 222, sukko@sukkospa.com.
The Banyan Tree Spa has won numerous awards, including being voted 'World's Best Spa Resort' by readers of Condé Nast Traveller, along with many other awards. Its Spa Villas redefines luxury with king sized bed pavilions amid private lily ponds, daily breakfast in bed, private pools and jacuzzis. Treatments offered include a variety of traditional Thai massages and body scrubs, Javanese Lulur and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, expect to pay upwards of 10,000 baht for a few hours of pampering. 33, 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherng Talay, (076) 324 374, spa-phuket@banyantree.com.
Angsana Sheraton Grande Laguna is also located in the Laguna Complex near Bang Tao beach, north of Phuket. This resort combines the luxury of a five star hotel with the relaxation and intimacy of a world class spa. Treatments available include facials, body polish massage and the ‘Essence of Angsana’ treatments, which range from two hours to three and a half hours and include body and foot massages, ginger treatments, facials and body polishes in various combinations. The Laguna complex, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, 10 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherng Talay, Thalang, (076) 324 101, spa-sheratonphuket@angsana.com.
Body & Mind Day Spa is located within walking distance of Karon beach and offers luxurious treatments at affordable prices. This elegant day spa features a wide range of traditional Thai and European packages to soothe the mind and awaken the senses. 558/7-12 Patak Rd., Karon Beach, (076) 398 274, info@body-mindspa.com.
Deevana Spa Resort is one of the main spas in the Patong area. Set in 12 acres of tropical gardens that provide a relaxing hideaway from the lights and noise of Patong, the spa has a good selection of treatments but prices can be a little steep. Treatments include facials, body scrubs and wraps and reflexology. Thai and European massage packages are on offer ranging from a simple half hour massage to four packages that include scrubs, wraps and aromatherapy. 43/2 Rat UThit 200 Pee Rd., Patong Beach, (076) 341 414-5, info@deevanapatong.com.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is located right on Kata Noi beach and offers high quality spa treatments in a tranquil tropical setting. The signature treatment is the Casuarina Leaf Enzyme Wrap, which uses the local Casaurina pine needle to refresh and rejuvenate the body. 14 Kata Noi Rd., Karon, (076) 330 124-6, sales@katathani.com.
Trisara Spa is the epitome of luxury - exclusive, private, with a wide range of massages, treatments, and scrubs - prices are high, but well-worth the experience. Set amid outdoor pavilions overlooking the Andaman Sea, this is one of the best spas on the island. 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherng Talay, Thalang, (076) 310 100, reservations@trisara.com.
The Pearl Spa at the Royal Phuket Marina is a modern day spa which looks as if it has been transported from Paris straight to Phuket - sleek white and black interiors match the fusion treatments which combine eastern and western philosophies for a unique experience - must-try packages include the bamboo and chocolate wrap. 68 Moo 2 Thepkasattri Rd, Kohkaew, (076) 360 888, info@thepearlbeautyspa.com.
Six Senses Destination Spa Phuket is another good day spa where you can receive the best facials and manicures on the island - conveniently located in Cherng Talay opposite the Red Room restaurant. 32 Moo 5, Paklok, Thalang, (076) 371 400, reservations-naka@sixsenses.com.
Hideaway Spas are Phuket’s original aromatherapy spas, specialising in this ancient Asian health treatment, and offering unique massage and treatment oils in their services. Branches in Patong, Bang Tao (Laguna) and Chalong. 157 Soi Nanai, Patong Beach, (076) 340 591, info@phuket-hideaway.com.
While most resorts have spas tucked away somewhere (these days, a resort without a spa cannot really call itself a resort), the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa in Karon – Phuket’s biggest resort - has gone a step further, creating an entire spa village in its extensive grounds. This has 15 self-contained villas dedicated entirely to the sensual delights of massage and other relaxing treatments. 333 Patak Rd, Karon Beach, Muang Phuket 83000, Tel: ((076) 396 433 – 441, phuketarcadia@hilton.com.
In addition to the spas listed above, almost all of the major hotels offer massages and other spa treatments. Consult your hotel’s front desk to learn more about the packages on offer.
