Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you know that one of the best ways to unwind after a long stressful day (or a nice little present for yourself) is to book yourself in for a relaxing albeit semi-painful (but no pain, no gain!) Thai massage or multi-step wellness experience. After all, it’s no secret that Thailand has some of the best spas and wellness clinics in the world. But which spa has the best program for that ultimate treat yourself experience?
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently held a contest for “wellness itineraries” where health and wellness clinics across the country could submit entries. Rather than pick an entire venue, TAT actually looked at specific packages or experiences that focused on various aspects of the wellness field. While they didn’t clarify how exactly they defined what constitutes “wellness,” a look at the finalists revealed that it seemingly covered a broad definition, with the winning entries ranging from a body and mind detox to a post-Covid program (yes, really). According to TAT, the main goal of the competition was to encourage local businesses to “creatively develop” wellness experiences that would attract “wellness tourists.”
Out of 20 finalists, three were selected as the top contenders. Interestingly enough, none of these spas are Bangkok-based. The overall top three programs were:
- “The Wellcation Experience” at Varana Krabi
- “A Dream of Lanna Wellness” at Fah Lanna Spa Chiang Mai
- “VLCC Holistic Body & Mind Detox Ritual” at the VLCC Clinic Cha Am – Hua Hin.
The following 12 were deemed to be “Outstanding Programs” amongst the finalists:
- “Paradise Rest In The Heart Of The City” at Divana Scentuara Spa
- “The Secret of Andaman” at Aonang Princeville Villa Resort & Spa
- “Ocean Therapy: A Tranquil Getaway” at Tubkaak Krabi
- “The Power of U” at U Spa Chiangmai
- “The Oasis Of The North” at RarinJinda Wellness Spa and Resort
- “Reborn With Every Breath” at the Amaravati Wellness Center and Origan Spa
- “Experience Royal Roots: Healthy & Wellness City Lifestyle Program” at The Athenee Spa
- “Fulfill Your Happiness With Bandara Spa Rebalancing Body Massage & Flower Meal” at Bandara Spa
- “Herbal Wellness” at Abhaibhubejhr Day Spa
- “Detox Programs by Natural Wing” at Natural Wing Health Spa & Resort
- “The Longevity Program” at Panacee Wellness Khao Yai
- “Journey with Arokaya” at Wellness Sala, Play La Ploen.
And finally, five programs were highlighted for standing out as innovative and “interesting” experiences:
- “Health Package 4-Day Program” at BAAC-Bangkok Anti-Aging Center
- “The Freedom Of Absolute Rest” at I.sawan Residential Spa & Club
- “The Journey of the Naga Spiritual Wellness Program” at SO Spa
- “Happy Retire Vacation” at Phayathai Sriracha Hospital Wellness Center
- “Post Covid-19 Retreat” at Thonburi Burana Hospital.
