The Rayavadee

Relaxing at the Rayavadee Varee

The Rayavadee, Krabi is an exceptional resort that resounds with 5-star splendour. Having won numerous awards for environmental sensitivity, including an Award of Excellence for Best Resort Hotel Project in South East Asia, the resort takes immense pride in its closeness to nature. Rayavadee boasts a uniquely scenic position, flourishing tropical gardens, subtle architecture and a diligent and dedicated team of professionals whose only wish is to see their guests enjoying life in the lap of luxury. All this is delivered wrapped in the understated elegance that is Thai style. The Rayavadee spa concept encapsulates the essence of Rayavadee, serving individualistic and holistic therapies in an environment that exudes natural beauty and Thai elegance.

The Spa Manager, Rachel Awang is a genteel woman whose vast knowledge of traditional and holistic therapy has been poured into developing an enticing menu of spa treatments. Each treatment has been carefully designed to maximize effect and affect. Highly trained therapists perform facials, body scrubs, body boosters, massages, specialized hand and feet treatments as well as a full range of beauty and hair treatments.

The spa concept is aimed at promoting healthy, balanced living rather than weight loss strategies and Rachel was fast to point out that she does not sanction the idea that spa treatments be used as quick fix weight loss tactics. “We don’t like to associate our spa treatments with weight loss so you’ll see our menu doesn’t have body wraps, rather we have body boosters, which are a treatment of the skin. The treatments have all sorts of beneficial effects which when combined with a nutritious, balanced lifestyle promote healthy weight control.”

One of the more innovative features of the Rayavadee Varee is its own range of essential oils that have been extracted from a wide variety of native Thai plants. Many of the Rayavadee treatments use these oils to stimulate the body’s most receptive sense, that of smell, which in turn aides in the balancing of mind and body. Other treatments use the natural goodness of fruits, herbs and dairy products, which are blended into luxuriant concoctions to soothe and nourish the skin.

Yet another noteworthy element of the Rayavadee service is that a number of treatments have been designed specifically for children. Rachel said, ‘most of the kids absolutely love having a special treatment while Mum and Dad indulge themselves. It makes them feel special and allows the parents to enjoy their treatment even more because they know their kids are being well looked after.”

The only treatments that do not use 100% natural ingredients are the facials that employ products developed by Margie Lombard for her famous salon on the French Riviera . World renowned Margy’s ceramides products are utilized for a facial that allows the skin to recover all the softness, shine and healthful glow that the harsh sun may tarnish. Margy’s Prestige Treatment uses a seaweed matrix that contains minerals vital to the anti-aging process. Combined with the application of serums, triple action cream and high concentrate products the prestige facial deeply cleanses the skin while also regulating the oil and moisture functions of the epidermis.

The range of facial remedies also include an Aloe Vera treatment for sensitive or sunburned skin, a tropical facial using exotic fruits and a natural facial for kids. Four varieties of body scrubs exfoliate and cleanse the skin. The Tropical scrub uses a delicious mixture of tropical fruits, natural fruit acids and fruit kernels to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells making the skin feel soft and smooth.

The Ying Yang Body Booster is an innovative treatment designed to balance the body and mind. First, a cooling blend of Thai herbs is applied to refresh and stimulate the Ying of the body, followed by a warm and spicy envelopment of natural Thai ingredients to balance the Yang. The Aloe Vera body booster is specially designed for those guests who have indulged in a little too much sunbathing. Using the renowned healing properties of Aloe Vera and lavender combined with cucumber, this soothing blend will quench the thirst of even the most dehydrated or irritated skins.

A list of thirteen massages is presented including a special Mothers’ Massage. Rachel explained that many pre natal and nursing mothers are wary of using essential oils on their skin and of applying strong pressure to areas of the body due to the possible risks to the baby. Yet, who needs a massage more than a pregnant lady or a new and tired mother? Using Aloe Vera, Roman Chamomile, honey, oranges and almond oil, this massage will relieve tension helping mums to relax and make the most of their break. Rachel says the most popular of all treatments are the Siamese and Rayavadee Massages. The head to toe Siamese massage is performed by two therapists who synchronize their movements and apply Thai herbal heat packs to release muscular tension and rock their patient into a deep state of relaxation. The Rayavadee massage combines deep flowing massage movements with a choice of soothing essential oils and is recommended for those who like a firm yet relaxing massage.

There are ten different hands and feet treatments, which are performed in a special outdoor area where the floor has been surfaced with a knobbly, rocky covering to stimulate the feet. Pressure-point foot massage, manicures and pedicures especially for men and a Thai Royal foot treatment are just some of the therapies available for our most over-worked body parts.

A number of combination packages have been thoughtfully prepared ranging in duration from a little over two hours to a full three day package aptly named ‘3 Days of Indulgence’. These packages offer sheer extravagance and a healthy alternative to lazing in the sun.

Of course, the spa interior is beautiful. Subtle colours and exotic fabrics delight the senses of sight and touch and the soundlessness of the suites facilitates a peaceful, meditative state of mind. The Rayavadee Spa is unlikely to receive many day visitors due to the secluded location of the resort itself but for resort guests a visit to the spa is a must. General Manager, Mr. Regis Catoire remarked that “almost every Rayavadee guest takes at least one spa treatment during their stay.” The reasons are numerous; the individualistic and holistic therapies, the environment of natural beauty and the grace of the Thai tradition of hospitality. The Rayavadee does it with style and should not be missed.

 Benjarong Magazine - August 2003, Volume 6 Issue 8