|
I am fortunate enough to have been living on Phuket Island
for approximately two years. I love it and I can't imagine
life getting any better than it is right now. As I write this
I am lounging beside a most inviting swimming pool. I have
just put down a good book, sipped my Long Island ice tea and
watched the man I love glide toward me beaming a smile that
returns my affections. I feel as if we have stepped into an
extravagant scene from Cleopatra or some old film where luxury
knows no bounds and romance governs everything.
We have travelled the short forty minute drive from Phuket
into the small district of Kok Kloy in neighbouring Phang-Nga
province and our oasis for the past 24 hours has been The
Hot Spring Beach Resort & Spa. Our journey was shrouded
in romantic mystique before we even arrived. As we neared
the northbound Sarasin Bridge, our local driver related a
tragic story of two star-crossed lovers who, after being disallowed
to marry, took their own lives by binding their hands and
ankles together with sacred twine and plunging off the bridge,
to their deaths. It is said that their romantic spirits linger
under the bridge well wishing all lovers passing over. In
fact, legend has it, that if you hold your breath and make
a wish while crossing, they will send your message directly
to the heavens. We all held our breath and made silent wishes,
including the driver, thankfully the bridge is not too long!
 |
|
We were welcomed into the resort reception with a warm-hearted
wai. The receptionist sang, "Sawasdee ka' and she
wasn't just saying a rudimentary hello. She conveyed
a heart-felt message of Thai hospitality, wishing us not only
a pleasurable stay but good health and prosperity for our
lives. While checking in we studied the various display cases
containing antique benjarong porcelain and some large hand-chiselled
bronze water vessels. The reception is beautifully decorated
and hinted at the care that has obviously been taken in furnishing
not only the rooms, but also the garden walkways, pool and
hot spring areas and, especially, the spa pavillions.
My partner and I are avid gardeners hence, the first stroll
through the garden to our Grand Bungalow was visually fantastic.
A vivid green carpet weaves between bursts of colour from
hot pink bougainvillea, tangerine haliconias and pure white
spider lilies. The delightful fragrance of frangipani dances
on a gentle breeze that rustles enormous, waxy green leaves.
The Grand Bungalows are built as two adjoining rooms that
are kept private by a blossoming lotus pond situated between
them. The two rooms share a terrace but each has its own Thai
sala surrounded by lush foliage. The interior decoration is
simple and elegant and the bathroom, which is fitted with
an outdoor jacuzzi surrounded by more plants, boasts an extremely
intimate atmosphere.
|
|
|
We oohed and ahhhed about the room for a while then quickly
changed into swimming gear. It was a hot, sunny day and the
initial chill from the pool was bliss. A leisurely lap around
the stretched, kidney-shaped lagoon revealed a poolside bar.
With only a quick glance at each other, my partner and I placed
"sunset cocktail" firmly on the agenda.
The hot springs, separate for ladies and gents, are fed with
a constant flow of natural geothermal mineral water that maintains
a temperature of approximately 49 degrees Celsius all year.
This same water is piped into the rooms and the spa pavilions.
The benefits of bathing in natural hot springs are well known
and the sensation, even in Thailand's tropical climate,
is wonderful. The hot pools are positioned on either side
of the swimming pool and are not enclosed, but well shaded
by large rotundas. High-pressure jets massage joints and muscles
and provide added fun for children. I'm sure there is
a reason for the single sex pool rule, but I must come clean
and admit that we chose to ignore it. No-one seemed to care.
We had a reservation at the spa for two o'clock and
after an excellent light Thai meal we headed to the pavilion.
We were once again warmly welcomed by our therapists, A and
Ying and lead into the room. The luxuriously decorated chamber
is found in the middle of a lotus pond over which lay a path
of stepping stones. Inside, a string quartet sang quietly
from a small CD player while our feet were bathed in rose
petals. Ten minutes in an herbal steam room made for two had
our skin clean and ready for a soothing oil massage. Twin
tables supported us during the next hour of joy. A and Ying
are outstandingly competent and caring. One hour was not long
enough for us. We highly recommend them both. After the massage
we were escorted to a raised area, cushioned by traditional
Thai pillows where the girls served us jasmine tea and sweet,
juicy fruit. "There is no rush,' they said, "Just
relax.' And we did.
|
|
A leisurely afternoon was then spent lazing by the pool,
passing between various levels of consciousness through idle
dozing, dips in the hot springs and the brisk splash of the
pool. At sunset we sidled up to the bar for that drink; an
ice-cold beer. In the spirit of sensuous delight, I ordered
a pina colada, followed by a mai tai. Why not?
We considered dining poolside, in the water, in our swimming
costumes but, as romance was our objective, we opted to dress
for dinner and seat ourselves at a candle-lit outdoor table
high and dry in the restaurant. As with all the service to
this point the presentation of our meals was extremely decorative
and appealing. My partner's sirloin steak was tender,
juicy and dressed in a delicious sauce and my fillet mignon
was equally tasty and attractive. The breeze, coloured by
the soft chimes of northern Thai music, continued playing
with the trees and brushed our faces as we talked and ate
and talked some more. The evening was young and a delightful
bottle of cabernet sauvignon drew us back to the sala outside
our room. The grounds looked even more like the Secret Garden
under the carefully placed lighting and the sala was sufficiently
lit for the occasion.
|
|
|
The wine accompanied us for the next few hours as our conversation
touched on all manner of subjects. It was almost 12 o'clock,
time for a midnight swim. Unlike many resorts, at the Hot
Spring, the swimming pool and hot spring pools do not close.
The jacuzzi jets are turned off at 10pm but the stream of
hot mineral water continues and the lighting around the pool
is adequate for navigation yet dim enough for star-gazing.
There we sat until the early hours of the morning, in a peaceful,
almost meditative state induced by the heady wine and the
awesome cosmos sprawled above us.
As dawn broke and the birdsong began, we were still fast
asleep in the comfort of our room. We roused slightly before
9am and, after a quick dip, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast
complimentary with the room. A brisk walk after breakfast
took us to the beach, just five minutes walk from the resort.
We also explored the gym and snooker rooms that may be used
free of charge by all guests. Following the neat pathway we
were lead back to the pool for one last swim.
This brings me back to the present where the sun is climbing
the sky and our departure time draws closer. Our getaway has
been made perfect by the friendly staff at the resort, the
intimate surroundings and our own expectations. A significantly
impressive aspect of the resort's presentation and character
is in the overall attention to detail. Not once were we served
anything that was not visually aesthetic and these small touches
add so much to the glamour of a romantic hideaway destination.
Day trips to the resort offer a nice change of scene to residents
of Phuket or to visitors who wish to feel the therapeutic
benefits of the mineral hot springs. The standard rate for
a day pass is only THB 300, which entitles guests to full
use of all the facilities and a free drink. Packages including
spa treatments, accommodation and meals are also available.
We highly recommend The Hot Spring as a weekend getaway spot
for improved health, relaxation and especially, for romance.
The Hot Spring Beach Resort & Spa
Thai Muang District, Phang-Nga
Tel:+66(0)76 580 000-28,
Fax: +66(0)76 580 029,
e-mail: dusit_hotspring_beach@hotmail.com
|
