Find yourself at Asia's best spas

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.