The Oriental Spa

A temple of well being located on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River to the Oriental Hotel. It easy to reach using one of the hotels two complimentary shuttle boats. From the pier its just a short walk past the Sala Rim Nam restaurant until one finds the teak stair case leading to the Spa on the first floor. Don't forget to your shoes off before entering. I did and was politely asked to leave my shoes outside. I should have known better as the Spa has the feel of a traditional Thai-style house made from beautifully carved golden teakwood. It has its own calming smell. At first I wondered if it was burning oil but later I was told it's the natural smell of the wood itself.

I was quickly introduced to my masseur and shown to one of spa suites on the first floor. I was offered lemon grass herbal tea, an aid to digestion and when served cold is very refreshing.

Before having my Jet Lag Massage I was asked to undress, take a shower and wearing just an oversized bath towel to lay face down on the massage mat ready for my treatment. The showerhead was the size of a dinner plate set high in the ceiling; the water fell like warm rain.

The idea of this massage technique is to banish the fatigue and sluggish one gets after a long flight. The movements are long and sweeping to stimulate and invigorate. This is massage without pain, a style I personally prefer.

My back was the first area to be worked on with lemongrass oil. Open hands sweeping the length of my back. Within seconds my minds was floating to another world.

The legs are part of the body that gets little or no movement in flight. To invigorate the blood circulation a refreshing menthol gel with cypress oil is worked into my legs. When it touches the skin for the first time there was a momentary icy sensation, but as the hands slide up and down the full length of my legs it was no longer noticed. After an hour of pampering I had an aura of well being, a state of calm and relaxation. The massage lasts 60 minutes and costs Baht 2,200.

Once the treatment is over the guests are never hurried and are allowed to take their take time. Some may just want to rest a short while before taking a shower and getting dressed. Enjoy the state of calm rather than disturb it with sudden action.

All the products used for the massages are made of natural ingredients found in the local market. For facials the Thalgo product range from France is used. Music is an important element of the atmosphere. They play either Reiki new age or calming traditional Thai. The staff speaks on soft muted tones so not to disturb the calm serenity.

For guest taking a whole day package a complimentary Spa Cuisine lunch is served. The menu created by Executive Thai Chef Vichit Mukura lists the calories and fat points of each dish. The food is Thai style using vegetables, fish and chicken. Pla Yaang (Grilled Escalope of Spotted Garoupa) Som-O Nai Nam Som (Pomelo Segments accompanied by Refreshing Tangerine Granite). The soups are all clear and light. What we eat is as important as what we do to the overall well being of our bodies

The trend for couples to take their Spa treatments together is growing and the Oriental Spa has five double spa suites. But for little extra there is the spacious Deluxe suite with a sauna and whirl pool at a supplement of Baht 700 per 60 minutes, or the ultimate the Oriental Suite at Baht 1,000 for the same period.

The Oriental Spa has at total staff of 3 males and 21 females. While Wat Po is the seat of learning of traditional Thai massage, the style has to be adjusted for the Oriental Spa to be more gentle and firmer in its delivery. The style of massage from Chiang Mai has been found to be more soothing and relaxing than that found in Bangkok.

Currently there is an equal split of males and females using the Spa and they in the age group 35-50 years old. Mainly American and Japanese with a few Europeans.

In addition to Spa treatments there are complimentary yoga and meditation sessions at 7am for hotel guests. Too often we doing things because of what we will get out of it. The benefit of these sessions is to do something without expectation. Being able to control ones breathing helps us to control our emotions. It teaches us not only to respect others but also ourselves, to adjust our role to fit into our social lives. Finally that happiness is just a state of mind.

I just wish that I could make The Oriental Spa my home.

Oriental Spa, 48 Oriental Avenue, Bangkok 10500 Tel (66-2) 439-7613, Fax (66-2) 439-7614