The Health Club & Spa

This minimalist spa was created by New York based Tony Chi & Associates. It offers four massage treatments, a Traditional Thai Massage based on acupressure alternating with gentle body stretching; Aromatic Massage with personally selected Thai herbal oils are kneaded into the body with gentle kneading circular movements; Oriental Massage a unique blend of the first two massages and; Wild Mint Foot Massage a cooling treatment using a loofa scrub, wild mint oil and lotion revive tired and weary feet.

I opted for the Aromatic Massage. My therapist asked me to smell each of the five oils to see which appealed. The choice was Lemon Grass with a grassy scent used by Thai for tissue tone; Wild Mint an uplifting oil that improves circulation; Nutmeg a spicy-warm scent for muscular aches and pains; Ylang Ylang a soft romantic oil and; Prai a sweet woody fragrance that brings a soft glow to the skin.

Nutmeg has always been a personal favourite in the kitchen so why not try it for a massage. Having chosen my oil I was then invited to select from a choice of three which CD I wished to relax with, this was the only time that I was ask to choose the music. The oil was warmed before being applied to my body.

The gentle kneading brought my body and mind to a complete rest. I forgot where I was and enjoyed the gentle hands gliding across my body. Nothing seemed important other than to enjoy the sensation. Submit to the pleasure. So what if I was running late for a lunch appointment. Everyone is late in Bangkok and achieving and maintaining my inner sense of calm was more important to me at the time.

Sadly all things must come to an end. I could have continued to enjoy the massage for the whole afternoon, but that was not my schedule.

The Health Club & Spa, The Regent Bangkok, 155 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok 10330, Tel (66-2) 251-6127, Fax (66-2) 253-9195