Ancient wellness therapies revived at Thailand’s Pimalai Spa

Pimalai Spa – a renowned wellness sanctuary on the idyllic Thai island of Koh Lanta, is reviving time-honoured Thai therapies, many of which date back hundreds of years. Thailand is one of the world’s most important wellness cultures and Thai massage has even been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Charintip Tiyaphorn, Owner Representative of Pimalai Resort and Spa advises “Thai wellness is an exquisite artform that has been practiced throughout the Kingdom for centuries. These skills and techniques are passed down through the generations, often without written records, so it is important that we respect and preserve this rich, UNESCO-listed heritage. I am delighted to invite our experience-seeking guests to discover these ancient therapies at The Pimalai Spa, our haven of health and wellbeing. This is just one of the ways we are safeguarding and showcasing the timeless traditions of Thai culture.”

Reviving these rich traditions, The Pimalai Spa has now unveiled four massages that embrace ancient healing wisdom to relax the body and rejuvenate the soul:

1. The Pregnancy Massage (60 minutes, $US70/THB 2,300) is a deep-rooted full-body treatment that has been used in Thailand for centuries to cater to the unique needs of mothers-to-be. This therapeutic massage features specific techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation and are proven to be safe and highly beneficial for mother and baby, specifically helping to reduce stress and relieve muscle tension.

2. Alternatively, the Hot Bamboo Fusion Massage (90 minutes, $US85/THB 2,800) is another age-old technique that can be traced back through the centuries. It involves a deep tissue massage, but with a firmer touch and gently-heated bamboo to stimulate blood circulation and release tension. It has been proven to reduce pain throughout the body, from migraines to deep-seated tension.

3. More well-known in contemporary spa culture, the Hot Stone Massage (90 minutes, $US96/THB 3,200) is a soothing therapy that involves placing a series of warm basalt stones along the spine, shoulders and neck to promote a sensation of deep relaxation. Usually performed as part of a deep tissue massage, this treatment can help to alleviate pain and ease stress.

4. Finally, the Oriental Scalp Massage (30 minutes, THB $US44/THB 1,450) is a centuries-old therapy that can improve the condition of the scalp and hair, while also reducing tension from the entire upper part of the body, including head, neck and shoulders. The organic oil helps to nourish the skin and stimulate the follicles, making the hair look and feel fantastic.

The Pimalai Spa has won a series of highly prestigious international accolades and honours, including World Luxury Spa Awards and Condé Nast Johansens’ Luxury Spa Collection. Wellness forms an integral part of Pimalai’s eco-conscious leisure concept, along with non-motorised water sports, yoga sessions, Muay Thai boxing, cooking classes, tennis, badminton, cycling and more.

Pimalai is now inviting guests to book early and benefit from significant savings for their next spa escape or summer holiday. Under the ‘Early Bird Promotion’, savings of between 10% and 40% are available for bookings made in advance.

International travellers can return to Thailand under the ‘Test & Go’ programme, which is available for fully-vaccinated visitors arriving from any country or territory worldwide, subject to certain entry requirements.

For more information and bookings at Pimalai Resort and Spa visit pimalai.com