Ok so after a very hectic year i am (tentitively) thinking of going on a spa break to Thailand for a week next year. (probably without the BF) so does anyone have any suggestions? my criteria would be:
I do not want hours and hours of transfer time although a connecting flight from BKK would be ok (will be coming from LHR) so anywhere in Thailand would be great.
Am looking for GREAT value (i am not on the budget of my last thai trip)
Would like the resort to have lots of treatments at good Thai prices (not Oriental or Rayavadee prices)
Thinking of going March to May time (although again i am fairly flexible)
My friend went to Spa Samui so i guess thats the sort of thing i am looking for.

Does anyone have any suggestions of any little gems they have found, that wont bankrupt me, in a good location (near a beach would be nice) would prefere nice weather but not worried about the odd bit of rain... (is that vague enough for you all!!!!)
Thanks all
Jane
X

If I were into resorts/spas (which I'm not for more than a day) I would definitely pick this place.

http://www.phu-chaisai.com/home.php

I hear Aleenta at Hua Hin is very nice - Hua Hn in general meets your locational critera as it is a 2,5 hour transfer by road from bangkok airport. Take a look at Anantara at Hua Hin. Off season Chiva Sm is still pricey so may be bank breaking.

Thanks both
Gloria that resort looks gorgeous any ideas how much the treatments are?
Hobbes will also check out your suggestions, yes Chiva som is way out of my price range... (need to keep this trip low cost been as i am going sans BF and am saving for our joint holidays too...)
I really want to go to a place that "feels Thai" (if you know what i mean) (Thai prices too!!!!)

Jane-- the prices for rooms at Phu Chaisai are very low so I would assume that the spa treatments are as well. What I love about it (based on the website and reviews) is it actually is thai and not international. I mean you'll know you are in thailand and it looks as though there are plenty of other activities if you get bored with the spa.

Gloria,

Phu Chaisai is a great tip. Looks really nice and typically Thai. One to keep in mind for our next trip to Thailand.

Steve

It really does look great and i don't think i could do 7 days of pure "Spa" so the other activities look good.
OK definately one for the list, as the prices really are great and i also like the idea that its an individual place not a "chain resort"

any others anyone?

Firstly I would be wary of the word 'spa' used and do not pressume it means it is or has a full fledged spa, it is often used much the way 'resort' is used and 'resort' can be nothing more in some cases than a guesthouse!

One's which we like in particular are, if you decided to head north would be the Jirung Health Resort and Spa just outside Chiang Mai, it's all suite and a bargain at around the USD 80 - 90 a night region. They do some 3 and 4 night include Spa and wellness packages including pretty much everything from around USD 110-150 a night

Some Jirung Resort reviews;

http://www.r24.org/chiang-mai-hotels...jirung/review/

I would also agree that anywhere that has a 'Mandara Spa' within it would be good such as the Anantara Hua Hin which has a Mandara as that gives yo close to bangkok, great spa plus beach, should be around USD 90 a night including tax/service/breakfast.

The Hyatt regency Hua Hin also has a very good Spa, that is in the $ 110-130 range. I would say that the Anantara and Hyatt probably offer the best spa down from the Chiva Som in Hua hin.

The Aleenta Resort is an excellent 'boutique' style place which has spa services and great rooms, but if you are on your own you might find it rather quiet though near some of the other Pranburi resorts, it really is for pure relaxation, but it is not an all out spa as such. You also have the Pranburi resorts including Evason and the Evason Hideaway ( though the Hideaway goes up to the USD 350 range ).

If you want island style, the Anantara Resort and Spa on Samui should be around USD 160-190 range and that has a very large spa.

For anyone interested here are some reviews of Phu Chaisia, I've never been nor know much about the place, it's around the USD 50 price range.

http://www.r24.org/chiang-mai-hotels...haisai/review/


I think the first thing to decide is if you prefer mountains or a beach area. Also if you want quiet relaxation or you 'do' want access to shopping and a wide choice of dining, these all help to decide the best place.Also note that unless you get a package that 'includes' spa treatments such as Jirung as a guest in the place you might find you get x percentage discount, you have therefore the option of staying at a nice hotel or resort nearby and then trying out various spas at the different places and are not committed to one.

JamesA as ever you posts are both interesting and VERY informative, thank you.
I guess what i want most from my break is the opportunity to have some nice treatments (although not essential to be in the hotel i would be staying in), in lovely surroundings (a beach near by would be ideal but not essential) acsess to "some " shopping would be good, although busy nightlife isnt required, maybe just a handful of bars (but again not essential). I MAY be going alone as i fancy a bit of solitude!!! but then a girl friend of mine may come with me.
HH does sound ideal, that way i only have to get my internatioal flights and i can arrange a driver. I suppose my budget would be around $100 a night max. Would like to try and get away from the BIG hotels with the big price tags....I will check out your suggestions and if you think of anymore i would be really gratefull. One other thing i guess i need to avoid Thai NY as this will bump up the prices??? when exactly is that in April? (sorry if thats an ignorant question)

Merry Christmas to you and all fodorites and peace and best wishes for 2006
Jane
x

Thai new year period covers arounf 12th to 19th April, that is busy and expensive time.

The place that sounds 'right up youir street' is the Kaban Tamor & S'Mor Spa in Hua Hin.

http://www.r24.org/huahin.20m.com/hu...ntamor/review/


Small boutique resort, perhaps 30 rooms, on the beach about 5 mins south of town center past the Chiva Som, Hyatt Regency and Worabura, nice styled rooms, small pool, gardens on the beach ( steps down to beach itself ), lovely views at night of the Golden Buddha at Khao Takiab. That gives you cosy 3 star range boutique style place with a small Spa right there. Easy to goo beach Thai restaurants such as the top rated 'Let's Sea' and also 'Supatra-by-the-Sea' and close to La Mer for superb views at night ( hilltop of Khao Takiab ). 5 mins one way is Hua hin town center for night markets, restaurants, shops, bars etc, 5 minutes the other way you are in Thai village area, cattle and horses grazing, Elephants strolling along to the beach. So rural one side and town the other.

Another that recently opened is the Wora Bura Resort and Spa, same area closer to Hyatt, but Spa wasn't open when we went.

We actualy stay a few minutes just beyond these at Takiab Bay Hua Hin and always nowadays go for the Ocean Breeze though this is a boutique B&B with just 6 rooms and just has a small indoor pool, what it lacks in facilities it makes up for on incredible personal service and refinements, it's a real "can do" place, gets superb reviews, though being just a B&B probably not be the sort of place you are after, be better off Kaban Tamor or Wora Bura

James
Kaban Tamor looks great and very good prices too (a couple of negative reviews about the service but am sure its ok) this is a definately on my list.
Have you any views on the Dusit? A couple of travel agents here in the uk are doing a fab deal, stay 5 nights get 5 nights free!!! and flights are included in the (unbelievable) price, however it does look a bit "corporate"...... and as i said was really looking for something a bit more Thai. However your views would be greatly appreciated.

Jane

I had a look at those reviews, it comes down to often to people's expectations rather that reality, like in most places hotel bar and restaurant staff are on the real tail end when it comes to wages so you can't really expect them to be totaly fluent in a foreign language, but some people sadly do. With menus in English it's not a problem pointing to an item and a bit of common sense most people can get themselves understood. I think when traveling it is very much a 2 way thing of 'being understood' but at the same time making sure you yourself speak clear and precise.

It's a far more laid back and easy place and is utterly different from the Dusit.
If you want grand style classy resort that prepares your Margareita to pure perfection ( at a price of course )then Dusit, if you like to sit at the garden bar when you come back at night and have a laugh with the bar staff over a beer on what you just bought in the night market for your in-laws then Kaban Tamor !!
Totaly different!

You've got time to spare, why not price out a discount fare on some airline like Emirates, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways etc, then price out say Kaban tamor, add about USD 120 to cover private transfers from and back to Bangkok Airport and then take that price against what the Dusit deal offers. Do watch things with such deals like 'Breakfast not included on Free days' to then see that 'Breakfast is compulsory' and then they shoot in some silly price!
Also which time of year? because mid year lots of places localy do such deals.
Also not location. Dusit is right on the beach but mid way between Cha Am and Hua hin, it is down a long driveway which means you have to go with hotel transport to and from Hua hin town where you will probably head in the evenings for night market, restaurants and shopping etc. Kaban tamor you are 6-7 minutes from town and the local bus is right outside the entrance which is 'right there' and costs a pitance of 7 baht each way, even at night a tuk-tuk or taxi is only about USD 3. Right opposite K/T are local places to eat, lots of them, so you can wander outside, sit under a bamboo thatch and have a Cola for 10 baht! Rent a bicycle and cyle around.
Whether you would prefer Dusit to K/T is down to you, but if you want to be closer to the local like then KT for sure! And of course the Dusit you are far away from the other local massage and spa type places of Hua Hin.

I'll just throw in a link for the Ocean Breeze "le club", although it's just a Boutique B&B it 'might' be of interest if you are going on your own as far as personalised service goes it knocks the wotsits off most top class hotels, about USD 40 a night with breakfast. Few mins from S'Mor Spa, Chiva Som, Hyatt Spa etc.

http://www.r24.org/huahin.20m.com/hu...eeze/pictures/

Lots of top reviews

If you opt to stay some place close to the Chiva Som, you can schedule a day of treatmetns at the Chiva Som. A few years ago we stayed at the Hyatt and went to the Chiva Som two days. We did a 6 hours of spa treatments plus lunch one day for under $250 each. That may sound like a lot, but the Chiva Som is the most amazing spa I've ever expereinced. It's often voted the best destination spa in the world. WHile I wouldn't stay at the Chiva Som (prices are truly outrageous and I didn't like the rooms or the villas), I'd go back to their spa any time!

Guys thank you SO much your advice is fantastic. I am definatly looking for the more personal service so i think KT is better for me. Also my dates are fairly flexible so i could go in May which i note is low season. Is the weather ok then??
I am going to do as you suggested and try to build my own trip. I actually found one yesterday called the Verandah spa it looks FANTASTIC and very very good price but again it may not be the best location. Do you have any knowledge of this place?

As for the reviews, well, i always take them with a pinch of salt.....unless they are from my trusty fodorites (and even then it its of course each to their own)

OK so i will do my sums and let you know what i have found. (and of course if you think of anything else let me know)
Again thanks and a Very Merry Christmas
Jane
PS LOVE the idea of Chiva Som for a day