Find yourself at Asia's best spas

Judy Chapman, Contributor, Ubud, Bali

The diverse cultures of Asia have always held a dialog with water that links the physical, emotional and spiritual. Whether it be bathing in the sacred Ganges River, Japanese communal bathing houses or royal ceremonial Javanese floral baths, they believe that water is to the body as dreams are to the soul. It has the power to transform us.

Spas are blossoming all over Asia and no longer are they spaces for merely a relaxing soak or simple massage. This new breed of multifaceted spas has moved on from simple hedonism to a more holistic awareness.

Their menus include everything from week-long detoxifying programs, life-balancing and Ayurvedic treatments to yoga, pilates and tai chi. They combine Eastern healing and relaxation techniques, many using ancient recipes with the latest Western rejuvenation and beauty treatments.

The Kirana Spa operated by Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido, opening later this year in Bali, is a perfect example of the evolving world of spas. This enormous day spa of white marble and dark wood, spreads itself 18,000 meters along the Ayung River providing a magical world of day villas each equipped with a private plunge pool.

India will establish itself as a world leader with gorgeous spas opening in ancient palaces, and Thailand has long encaptured the trend by providing some of the most enriching and diverse destinations for spa seekers.

Whatever your tastes, spas in Asia provide the spaces and rituals to reclaim the sacred and make the much needed journey back to balance.

* Four Seasons, Kudra Hurra, Maldives

The scene: Traditionally, the word "spa" referred to a place where healing with water happened, and this is possibly the world's best location for total water therapy. You can only access the island's spa via a boat that takes you to five natural, thatched-roof spa pavilions each with its own private garden and bathing facilities.

Spa vibe: A spa with a glass floor gives you the wondrous experience of gazing into the mesmerizing turquoise ocean while you are scrubbed and rubbed from head to toe.

Specialty: Merging the best of Asian beauty with Maldivian, Indonesian, Thai, Balinese and ancient Ayurveda Indian treatments, as well as ocean rituals and seaweed body elixirs. Daily yoga and pilates sessions available.

Best treatment: The Maldivian Monsoon Ritual is delicious. It includes a sandalwood grounding body scrub followed by the sensation of jets drenching your body in warm monsoon rain, and completed with a restorative herbal oil massage and steam bath for a price of US$120.

Contact: (960) 444888 or email www.fourseasons.com.

* Amrita Spa, Singapore

The scene: Asia's largest spa, Amrita, located at Raffles, is a true city spa sanctuary. What better way to begin or end a holiday than a stop at Asia's largest spa, offering the most diverse range of sophisticated Western and Eastern treatments.

Spa vibe: The ambience is refreshingly calm with dim lighting and private relaxation chambers for before and after treatments.

Specialty: World-class facilities, with a five-star gym, two roof-top swimming pools, tennis courts together with yoga and tai chi classes. Ayurvedic Pancha Karma treatments, hot stone therapy, Moor mud wraps, tropical rain showers and a fantastic menu of water therapies.

Best treatment: Herbal Detox (a herbal wrap for detoxification followed by steaming herbal), involving soaked linens wrapped around the body to aid in elimination of toxins. Relax while you inhale the infusion of herbs and experience an Ayurvedic marma point massage on the face and head. Price $100.

Contact: (65) 3364477 or email www.amritaspas.com.

* Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort

The scene: Located on 15 acres of lush greenery sloping down to the gorgeous Arabian Sea in Kerala, southern India. This is one of India's first international standard Ayurvedic Spa Resorts, and has opened up sister properties in Germany and soon in Italy.

A range of beautiful Kerala-style traditional bungalows of all standards to suit everyone's tastes and budgets. One can rent a small round bungalow on the beach with a hammock for as little as $35 per night or luxuriate in a beautifully furnished house equipped with kitchen and living room.

Spa vibe: Turquoise water tranquility, a dreamscape attracting those seeking the elixir of restored health. With 10 doctors and 60 therapists, there is a choice of 28 wellness and bodycare programs as well as meditation and yoga.

Specialty: Excellent for those who are looking for a good place to do yoga. There are 90-minute classes designed for absolute beginners to the more advanced, led by qualified instructors.

Treatments: This is 100 percent Ayurvedic and you can select from treatments that work on back and spine disorders, arthritis, insomnia, mental tension and migraines. Each guest is given a personally designed menu that will help bring their body into balance as well as help in weight loss.

Best Treatment: The Body Immunization is considered the prime treatment in Ayurveda for reducing the aging process. This program is recommended for women and men under the age of 60. It's a 28-day package that includes accommodation, Ayurvedic meals, internal and external therapies, medicated steam baths and body massages.

Contact: (91) 471481601 or email www.somatheeram.com.

* Ananda in the Himalayas

The scene: Located in the foothills of the Himalayas on 100 acres of virgin forest overlooking the River Ganges, Ananda is the birthplace to the 5,000-year-old healing arts of yoga and Ayurveda. Once the residence of a Maharaja, this stunning palace makes this the most royal spa of all. Each of the 75 rooms offer inspirational views over the valleys and the Ganges -- even the bathrooms have glass walls to enhance the view.

Spa vibe: What better way to retreat and spend time for self- discovery than near the top of the world, where an aura of peace permeates throughout. Translated as "bliss", the Ananda spa has set the standard for India's international-class spas.

Specialty: The "wellness center" is 21,000 square-feet with 13 treatment rooms, beauty institute, gym, squash courts, steam, sauna, and outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool.

Treatments: Select your spa treatments form an alluring menu of Ayurveda anti-aging treatments, Swedish Thai and Indian massages, Shiatsu, Body Wraps, Hydrotherapy combined with daily yoga and meditation classes.

Best treatment: Book their three, five and seven night yoga programs, which include accommodation and breakfast, daily yoga class, lifestyle consultation, three rejuvenation spa treatments and use of hydrotherapy spa facilities, as well as cooking classes and various workshops and lectures.

Contact: (91) 137827500 or www.anandaspa.com.

* Chiva Som International Health Resort Hua Hinn

The scene: Just three hours from Bangkok, this is possibly the most renowned spa retreat in Asia, located on a gorgeous Thai beach. Translated as "Haven of Life", Chiva Som's focus is on giving guests an opportunity to replenish their beings on every level.

Spa vibe: The Zen style spa features wooden cabanas set around pools with over 100 treatments to choose from.

Specialty: There's everything under the sun from hydrotherapy, face and body massages, scrubs and wraps and more. Fully equipped gym, yoga, tai chi, reflexology, pilates body conditioning as well as life coach counseling.

Best treatment: Chiva Som Ritual with an indigenous herb and fruit bodywrap, facial and back massage for $150. Packages range from three, seven, 10 or 14 days. The Oriental Bliss Package ($740) includes three-night accommodation with calorie and fat count meals together with daily massages and fitness programs.

Contact: (66) 32511313 or email www.chivasom.com.

* Banyan Tree Spa Phuket

The scene: The world-renowned Banyan Tree Spa first opened in Phuket and remains one of Thailand's most authentic and beautiful spas.

Spa vibe: This award-winning spa is located on Phuket's coastline and designed using Sino-Portuguese architecture. It features 12 pavilions -- six equipped with private Jacuzzis as well as sauna and steam rooms.

Specialty: Of special mention are the half, full and two-day programs with the inspiring names "Vision of Peace", "Voyage of Bliss" and "Oasis of Peace". The latest addition is the Private Spa Pavilions for couples seeking the ultimate romantic getaway. You are treated to a private couple massage lesson, spa breakfasts and afternoon tea, herbal deluxe bath and scrub as well as a sensual "intimate bath and bed setting".

Best treatment: Try the Royal Banyan, a three-hour journey including a mint footbath, an oil-free Thai massage, lemongrass and cucumber rub and the Royal Thai acupressure massage, with herbal pouches filled with Thai herbs and warm sesame oil massaged into your body.

Price: $185

Contact: (66) 76324374 or email www.banyantree.com.

* JW Marriot Phuket Resort and Spa, Phuket

The scene: Just opened is the new Mandara Spa, which merges all the best spa treatments throughout the world into one tropical spa!

Spa vibe: It's Thai style all the way with luxurious spa retreats designed with terrazzo plunge pools, unique herbal steam and sauna rooms, outdoor bales and private baths evoking a sense of spiritual harmony.

Specialty: A global fusion of treatments, including Japanese Shiatsu, Hawaiian-inspired Lomi Lomi and Swedish and Balinese massages.

Best treatment: The signature "Mandara Massage" performed by two therapists who stretch and massage you in Balinese, Swedish, Lomi Lomi, Shiatsu and Thai style.

Contact: (66) 76338000 or email www.mandaraspa-asia.com.

* Spa Samui

The scene: Located on Lamai Beach in Thailand, this affordable spa has been opened for 10 years, attracting those seeking a time out for cleansing and detoxifying.

Spa vibe: A simple venue with 16 rustic bungalows on the beach, vegetarian food and family atmosphere and perfect for those who want the experience of a spa without dishing out.

Specialty: Facilities include steam room, yoga and massage classes. The seven-day "clean-me-out" fasting program is popular.

Best treatment: The Thai Herbal Steam that includes steam, facial, body wrap and aromatic Thai full body massage for 900 baht (US$40).

Contact: (66) 77230855 or email www.spasamui.com.

Judy Chapman is author of Spa -- bathing blends for your home and Aromatherapy recipes for your oil burner.