Banyan Tree Spa

Located on 53rd floor of Westin Banyan Tree Bangkok, it is the highest spa in town and from my suite I had a spectacular view across Lumpini Park and The Royal Bangkok Sports Club. From the reception I had to go down two floors to the gentleman's locker room to change and take a pre-treatment shower.

Nicely scrubbed up I was escorted back to 53rd Floor to take to take my Javanese Lulur treatment. Naked laying face down on the bed the masseur slowly started my Indonesian massage. At each stage she asked if I was comfortable with the pressure she was applying and was the room warm enough. The long circular strokes were firm yet gentle with in no time my heart beat and breathing was half of what is was when we started. This treatment stimulates blood circulation, improves the energy flow and disperses tension. With each stroke I float further into my celestrial calm - a world of inner peace.

This was followed by an exfoliation scrub using tumeric and herbs, which quickly turned my skin a jaundiced yellow. It was then the therapist asked what colour shirt I was wearing that day. Luckily it was blue, but it been white, the herbal treatment would have indelibly stained it bright yellow.

The majority of the yellow paste was then washed away with a warn yoghurt rub down. A bit messy but a great feeling. Having showered off the residual yoghurt and paste I had a blissful soak in a scented flower bath sipping a rejuvenating Jamu Elixir. From my privelidged position I could lie in the tub watching the rush hour traffic on Sathorn Road struggle it's was home. Such is life.

This two hour indulgence cost US$100++.

Banyan Tree Spa,
21/100 Thai Wah Tower II, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120.