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By Marie Moon
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.”
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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.
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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.
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