Thailand’s best wellness retreats to detox and de-stress

We all need a break from the hustle and bustle of work in Singapore. And if a simple weekend getaway won’t suffice, why not go all out with a wellness retreat? Here’s a couple in various parts of nearby Thailand to ponder over.

CHIANG MAI

, Thailand’s best wellness retreats to detox and de-stress

Rarinjinda Wellness and Spa

Stay beside the Ping River and enjoy traditional Thai massage, aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. The three-night Wellness Package, priced at $1,068/person, includes a stay in a deluxe room with spa treatment each night, daily breakfast and dinner, round-trip airport transfers and daily usage of the onsen pool or hydrotherapy pool. That’s on top of yoga classes and access to the fitness center, swimming pool and library. Couples can also take advantage of the Honeymoon package, priced at $1,380/two people, which boasts a ton of treatments, plus dinner by the river. Available through Dec 20.

Rarinjinda Wellness and Onsen Resort, 14 Charoenraj Rd., Wat Kate, +66 (0) 53-247-000.

HUA HIN

Chiva-som

Set on a secluded beach near Hua Hin’s Khao Takiab, the luxurious health resort unveiled a large-scale renovation towards the end of 2016 which included beautiful new suites. Here, they offer extensive wellness and detox programs, from weight management and fitness to spa and anti-aging treatments. On arrival, guests are offered a consultation session to create a tailored detox program. From now through Sep 30, a three-night retreat starts at $2,956. All stays include three daily tailored meals, a physical analysis and skin consultation, eight fitness classes and leisure activities daily, unlimited use of steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi, and treatment covering a variety massage or skincare treatments.

73/4 Petchkasem Rd., Prachuab Khirikhan, +66 (0) 32-536-536.

PHUKET

Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort

This campus-like resort in the foothills of a national park is the perfect destination for integrating serious fitness into your holiday, with certified doctors on hand to run tests and formulate a plan for the most effective detox. Earlier this year, Thanyapura was given a huge upgrade with 37 new rooms and the introduction of a raw vegan restaurant, Khun Khao. The three-night Thanyapura Detox Program is $1,466/person or $2,468 for two, inclusive of plant-based meals, a medical, nutrition, health and wellness consultation, colon hydrotherapy, abdominal massage, daily well-being talks, group yoga, meditation and mind training classes. You also get to use the Olympic-sized training pool and return airport transfers. Available through Oct 31.

120/1 Moo 7 Thepkasattri Rd., Thalang, +66 (0) 76-336-000.

Phuket welcomes first serious wellness center complete with Turkish bath spa

Amatara Wellness Resort

This beachfront resort’s signature treatment is a 150-minute holistic program that merges Turkish healing techniques with Thai ayurvedic methods. The Thai Hammam Journey pampers you with traditional sauna, scalp massage, Thai herbal steam room, full body massage on a warmed stone bed and detoxifying thermal mud bath, before finishing with a stint in front of the giant pink Himalayan salt wall. Here, there are also fitness programs such as muay Thai, Pilates, TRX, kinesis and yoga on offer. A wellness day package starts from $657, while a stay in the premier sea-view room starts from $185 per night.

84 Moo 8, Sakdidej Rd.

Atsumi Retreat Healing Center

Fasting and detox programs sit side by side with yoga, massage and treatments like colon hydrotherapy. Upon arrival at the lush green grounds, you are given a health assessment, pH test and consultation with a detox specialist to find a program that suits, including ones like Full Fast, Juice Cleanse, Raw Cleanse or Active Cleanse. A five-night package starts at $299/night (about $1,495 altogether), inclusive of round-trip airport transfers, daily steam sauna, raw meals, healthy drinks, supplements and treatments like probiotics and liver flush. In addition, facilities include a gym, swimming pool and raw cafe. Refer a friend for one of the detox programs in Aug and receive 30 percent off the full rate for two.

34/18 Soi King Pattana 4, Saiyuan Rd., Rawai, +66 (0) 81-272-0571.

SAMUI

Kamalaya

Located atop a jungle-clad mountain, Kamalaya pushed boundaries when it first opened in 2003 as a spiritual healing center that combined Eastern and Western traditions. The vast list of programs includes sleep enhancement, personal yoga synergy, Chinese medicine, naturotherapy and homeopathy. Newcomers should try the Introduction to Detox & Cleanse, which aims to remove toxins from your body with a diet of pure organic food and various body treatments over three days. Priced at $2,396 , the package includes a three-night stay, three detox meals a day, round-trip airport transfers, wellness consultations, a body bio-impedance analysis, plus a range of massages. Available through Oct 31.

102/9 Moo 3, Laem Set, Na Muang, +66 (0) 77-429-800.

Absolute Sanctuary

The Morocco-inspired flagship of the ever-growing Absolute Yoga & Pilates empire offers hot yoga, Pilates reformer, core suspension and bootcamp classes throughout the day, then add in surprisingly delicious clean food by Absolute Fit Food, plus tons of refreshing cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Try the 3D2N Meaningful Holiday Program ($625 for one, $912 for two during low season), which includes breakfast and lunch, your choice of massages, two yoga classes, one Pilates reformer class and round-trip airport transfers.

88 Moo 5, Bophut, +66 (0) 77-601-190.

Samahita Retreat

Founded in 2003 on the south coast of the island, this retreat was initially devoted solely to yoga, but it’s since launched a variety of core and strength workouts like TRX and Bosu, as well as high-intensity cycle classes with sea views. Water Irrigation Treatment, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Remedial Ultrasound are performed in arguably the most peaceful part of southern Samui, while those looking to detox can take a three-day program offering mono-diet and complete fasting options, plus parasite cleansing programs. Starting from $553, every package includes three meals/day and full use of facilities such as the yoga shala, meditation garden, herbal steam room and saltwater swimming pool. A restaurant on-site serves vegetarian cuisine.

55/20-24 Moo 4, +66 (0) 77-920-090.