| The Banyan Tree Spa has only been opened for four years but has already
gained international acclaim for developing health and massage treatments that
combine Western therapies within a relaxing Oriental setting. Most recently
the Banyan Tree Spa has expanded with eight new pavillions that are retreats from
a stressful world. The pavillions have the same open air design which allows the
humid tropical air to circulate during a treatment but these new pavillions are
more elegant and integrate many of the art forms found only in Southeast Asia. Along
the wall are graceful Khmer dancers in soft sandstone. The beds are covered in
rich handwoven textiles. The pavillion is a carefully designed environment where
the four elements are celebrated. Small candles are lit at the entrance giving
the pavillion an almost temple atmosphere. A moat of water with beautiful floating
lillies sooth the eye while gentle new age music relaxes the ear. For most
massage treatments, the client can choose a special oil and even an incense to
be burned during the treatment. Pornphen Lalitnuntikul is the Area Manager for the Banyan Tree Spa.
"The concept for the Banyan Tree Spa came from America which had gone beyond
a strictly physiological approach to relaxing the body. But here in Thailand,
our people are happy to transfer their feeling for service to their customers,
so I feel our success is the result of using therapies available in other parts
of the world but applying them with a Thai attitude of giving and sharing,"
she explains. Banyan Tree Spa Director David Seet stresses the Oriental
charm of the spa. "Our guests are making longer stays and requesting longer
treatments. We have developed body treatments that revitalize and refresh. Our
Javanese Lulur includes the Indonesian massage, an exfoliation scrub using yellow
colored spices and herbs and a yogurt rub down. This is followed by a soothing
soak in a scented flower bath and a Jamu Elixir to finish. After this treatment,
the skin and the mind are both rejuvenated," he continues. The Banyan
Tree Spa offers such a wide variety of excelllent services that it was named the
Top Spa Resort in the World as judged by readers of Conde Nast Traveller magazine. There's
a menu of six different facials as well as hair and nail care treatments. For
the month of April, the Banyan Tree Spa will feature the Romance package, a body
cleanse and massage for couples who want to share this extraordinary experience. More
information about Banyan Tree Phuket | 
