Staff Report by Karen Nyoni
Chiva-Som
Anyone who is anyone knows about the infamous destination spa in Hua Hin – Chiva-Som. We were met at Bangkok airport by a host who took us to our private Mercedes car for a luxury road transfer to the resort. The journey time from Bangkok is around 2 ½ -3 hours depending on the time of day and infamous Bangkok traffic. It was actually nice just to kick back and take in some of the beautiful Thai countryside. There are comfy neck pillows and blankets (in case the air con is too severe for you) provided along with complimentary snacks and water for the journey. We arrived at the resort and were ushered through to the reception area; this overlooks the beautiful lily ponds and is where you get your first glimpse of the Thai styled pavilions which make up the majority of accommodation at the resort. We checked in signing a declaration promising not to take any photographs during our stay, privacy is taken very seriously here and is intensely protected; don’t be surprised to see famous faces during your stay.
The resort here is laid out on level ground as opposed to the elevated Kamalaya it has beautifully landscaped gardens and amazing Banyan Trees which look like something from prehistoric times. It is located within easy distance of Hua Hin town if you want to venture out and the hotel does provide a shuttle several times a day. For most guests like myself the resort has everything you need and you don your robes and slippers and pad about the resort as if you were used to doing this at home. The atmosphere is relaxed here and during the day robes and slippers is suitable attire as you move from one class to a treatment and back to your room for a rest. We dress for dinner but nothing too glamorous, well unless you want to, anything goes here as long as you feel comfortable.
Whether you book into a set programme or take the regular nightly package which includes all of your meals, one daily massage, access to the huge array of classes and a credit to utilise in the spa however you wish you will be very well looked after here. The wellness centre is a well oiled efficient machine! You have your own book which has all of the treatments available listed and has daily pages for you to complete with your scheduled activities, if this is too much for you to do your own schedule is posted through your door the previous night just to remind you. You can really truly relax as everything is taken care of at Chiva-Som. The list of treatments is extensive and with visiting practitioners too the choice may make it hard for you to choose between options. My advice is to choose them all!
There must have been something in the air at Chiva-Som as I was up early and attending two classes every morning even before eating breakfast! Usually I am pressing the snooze button on the alarm clock to avoid getting up. The classes were excellent with choices such as meditations and yoga (different types of both) Tai Chi, water aerobics to name but a few. There is a full schedule of activities that runs each week and apart from the classes there are lectures/talks in the evenings from some of the resident or visiting practitioners. One thing I think is particularly good was that I could purchase dvd’s of the classes as they were taught to us so it is easier (not entirely easy) to keep up the regime when you get home. You just need to add motivation!
Dining at Chiva-Som is another experience in itself, it is very enlightening to see that you can eat well and healthily and still get fantastic tasting food. All of the relevant nutritional value of food is shown clearly on menus and on tags by the dishes on the buffet which makes choosing your food your own decision and responsibility. Breakfast and lunch in the emerald room are buffet style with plenty of selections to choose from, there is also an A La Carte option too. Smoothies, juices and wheat grass shots are also available and included in your stay. There was a great range of dishes both local and International. For lighter options guests can choose to eat at the Taste of Siam restaurant. It is also possible to eat in the privacy of your own room however this is not included in your stay and will be charged accordingly.
Chiva-Som is the Grand Dame of destination spas in Thailand and deservedly with a great reputation and high level of repeat guests. I can see that returning here year after year is definitely the ultimate gift you can give your health.
Staff Report by Karen Nyoni
Kamalaya
Having visited Thailand many times before it was with great anticipation that I returned to experience my first stay at a Destination Spa. I have over the years visited many hotels and enjoyed the delights of the spa; a great way to relax and have some ‘Me’ time so I was very eager to extend this experience by staying at a Destination Spa. First on the agenda was a visit to the beautiful island of Koh Samui to the wellness retreat Kamalaya. Hidden away on the South of the island away from the hustle and bustle of Chaweng the setting is absolutely magical. Transfers from the airport in private vehicles take around 45 minutes.
Driving through the island we climbed up the road to get our first glimpse of the resort, as you turn into the entrance all you can really see if the beautiful foliage which then opens up to reveal the main reception area. The resort has a very unique atmosphere and I was immediately hit by how calm and peaceful it is, it also has a spiritual air to it but then it is centred around a Monk’s cave. As a Wellness sanctuary Kamalaya has a holistic approach to healing and combines both Eastern and Western therapies to relax or energise clients depending on your own individual needs. The resort is very relaxed, everyone staff and guests alike are known by their first names, it feels just like an extended family, you feel truly at home.
My accommodation was in one of the many villas at the resort, there are quite a few choices of accommodation including hillside rooms, suites and villas with pools. My villa was very well appointed, simply furnished with beautiful wooden fixtures and fittings with plenty of space. The sleeping area is slightly elevated above the sitting area where there is plenty of space to relax. The large adjoining balcony has day beds to relax outside too. Bathrooms are outside in the villas and feature a shower.
Relax and Renew was the programme I had chosen prior to my arrival and as it turned out was certainly fitting as I definitely needed renewing, unfortunately I had sustained a recent injury so was unable to participate in all my treatments as per the programme. This was no problem for the super efficient staff at Kamalaya who were able to swap treatments around to more suitable options – they really are amazing at organising your programme schedules, no matter how many times you need to make alterations! – There is always a famous Thai smile to go with the impeccable service. The guest schedules are pre arranged prior to arrival for guests who have pre booked packages, this really is the best option as the resort will then schedule for the right therapists to be on site during your stay. The wellness centre itself is a little oasis of calm within the haven of Kamalaya, there are stunning views out across the coast from a lot of the treatment rooms. You are always offered either a hot or cold drink both before and after treatments. The list of treatments available is very extensive with options from both the East and West. Once settled in I had my first appointment which as the first consultation includes a bio-impedance analysis, blood pressure check and height, weight measurements. Depending on which programme you are following your consultation will be tailored to this e.g. detox, weight loss etc. My first treatment was an impromptu acupuncture and moxi session to try and relieve the pain from my injury. Andre is the new resident acupuncturist and is a great find by Kamalaya, like all of the practitioners he is very well qualified and in tune with exactly what you need. Several massages later; Indian head, full body, relaxing foot I was feeling much better. The quality of the practitioners and the treatments is exceptional, I even saw practitioners meeting guests at breakfast to follow up on the previous day’s session, the staff here are very committed to the wellness of guests. There is a full list of activities and classes that you can take part in and a few talks in the evening given by practitioners.
The cuisine at Kamalaya was something that I was really looking forward to having heard great reports about chef Kai. The resort has a detox menu which clients can eat from even if they are not on the detox programme, the main spa cuisine menu and a daily detox special menu for dinner. The cuisine is incredible as are the views from the main restaurant, right out across the bay. I am definitely not a ‘detox’ fan however most of my meals were taken from the detox menu it was just exquisite and the chocolate soufflé (obviously not detox!) is just to die for I had one nearly every night! The selection is plentiful. Breakfast is a mix of buffet and A La Carte, lunch is taken in the cafe which offers a huge range of soups, salads and local dishes amongst some favourite dishes. Dinner is A La Carte. Single travellers can eat alone or sit at the community table where guests share a table and their experiences. All of the meals are included within the packages as are all soft drinks and teas. This includes the rather extensive menu of smoothies and juices which you would have to stay at least 2 weeks to get through the list. Alcohol is available at extra charge in the evenings in the form of wine or beer so you do not have to abstain completely, unless you want to.
If you need to detox, lose weight, relax, re-energise or simply have some time to yourself then Kamalaya is the perfect place for you. Staying in a destination spa is definitely addictive and I can see the many benefits of returning for a full body, mind and spirit service year after year.
Staff Report by Susan Dempsey
MAIA - SEYCHELLES
Upon arrival in Mahe we were met and taken by private car to Maia Luxury Resort and Spa.
The journey time from Mahe airport is 20 minutes and just before our arrival at the resort the driver stopped the car to allow us our first sighting of Mahe on the bend before you reach the resort.....and what a view, Maia is your own private peninsula in the Seychelles, infact it is hard to imagine another hotel on the island.
Maia is located on Anse Louis which is a secluded, untouched beach with transparent turquoise sea and sand. Situated on 12 hectares of pristine beachfront this is a pure and tranquil refuge from the cares of the world.
As soon as I arrived, this wonderful, calming energy hit me, even after a long flight. The staff all seem to be delighted to work there and there is a real feeling of closeness and pride in them. I was always greeted with the warmest of smiles and nothing was too much for them, they really do go above and beyond to make sure that every expectation is met.
Maia's 30 villas are located within their award winning, lush tropical gardens, enjoying 180 degree uninterrupted sea views. Each villa consists of two separate pavilions and a private infinity- edged pool. All villas have luxury air conditioned bedrooms with an interleading bathroom and walk in shower, dual vanity and a glorious outdoor, double sunken bath, You have everything you need from a flat screen TV, DVD player to a IPOD docking station where you can play your favourite music and even hear it whilst in the outdoor bath from a speaker that is set up there. There is a secluded outdoor gazebo which is fully equipped with ensuite dining facilities where your personal butler will cater to your every whim. They really have made sure you have everything you need to feel right at home and if you are looking for a secluded and private get away from it all in natural, stunning surroundings; Maia is the perfect for you as there is no need to leave your villa.....everything you need, can come to you!
The Tec Tec restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian Creole accent. The magnificent sunset Pool Bar ,which is surrounded by granite rocks with amazing views over the Indian Ocean and romantic dining options for couples on the beach or in villa dining, all provide wonderful mouth watering cuisine, they even cater for the calorie conscious which is also delicious.
The Spa by La Prarie is Maia's boutique spa and has been designed as a haven for pure relaxation, meditation and pampering. There are three luxurious open air treatment rooms dedicated to the restoration and rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul. This is a must at Maia, the treatments are out of this world and the setting makes them all the more special.
For the more active there is a fully equipped fitness centre with a Technogym Kinesis Wall and you can also do yoga, qi kong or self shiatsu,either at the spa or in the privacy of your own villa.
Recommended excursions are canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling and fishing. There are national parks and tropical forests for hiking and a visit to Victoria the capital of Mahe is a must to see the botanical gardens and the market.
Maia also offers customised excursions to the outer islands by private boat or plane and it is more expensive however well worth it, we visited Lemuria and after snorkelling we swam to the beach where our butler had all of our towels waiting for us and we ate fresh lobster on the sand......truly unforgettable.
The Seychelles have been praised as the most perfect , unspoiled islands in all the oceans, Maia is a shining gem in this archipelago of jewels ... a total treat and an unforgettable experience.
