For Body, Mind And Soul

During the seasonal monsoon, when there’s a lull in the daily downpours and the skies are blue from dawn until dusk, we like to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and head to the seaside for a few days of rest and relaxation. For the past few years, Hua Hin has been our destination of choice thanks to the cooling sea breeze, ease of travel and distinct lack of crowds on weekdays.

 

In October, we headed south to what the Tourism Authority of Thailand is now promoting as Thailand’s Riviera. While our local coastline still has someway to go to catch up with the more famous ‘Riviera’s’ of Europe there are still many delightful places of interest to visit, many of which have European influences too. In fact, our host for our weekday break was European hospitality giant Mövenpick, which had just completed the acquisition of its newest Thai property, the five-star Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa.

 

It is quite fitting that Mövenpick decided to include the word ‘spa’ when it rebranded this seaside oasis because the treatments on offer are truly wonderful. There are a number of massages such as Aromatherapy, Indian Head massage, Traditional Thai and Mother-to-be as well as various body scrubs and peels that last up to 90 minutes. Being a stone lover I have a collection of semi precious gemstones I was eager to try out Asara Spas 90-minute Himalayan Salt Thermal Therapy.

 

It is important that we keep the minerals in our bodies in balance and as such salt or sodium plays crucial role. This is where Himalayan crystal salt differs from regular salt, which has been processed so much that most of the minerals have been destroyed leaving only sodium and chloride. Known as pink halite, Himalayan crystal salt has roughly 84 health benefits contained in its pink crystals, which are found deep inside the mountain ranges of the Himalayas.

 

 

The salt contains electrolytes that help power our bodies during times of exercise as well as trace minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, chloride and sulphur. Himalayan salt is also brilliant at balancing the pH levels in our body and can alleviate the pain of arthritis, gout and even acid reflux.

 

My treatment began with a layer of detoxifying organic oil slowly caressed into my skin after which heated Himalayan Salt Stones were strategically placed to draw out toxins while infusing the skin with minerals. My senses could feel the elements at work and the aroma from the combined hot stones and oil put a smile on my face as the treatment felt so positive.

 

Himalayan salt has a very purifying effect as the alkalizing minerals are so easy for our bodies to absorb and a healing detox spa treatment is the perfect way to remove unwanted toxins from the body. My skilled therapist informed me that for the best results I should refrain from showering and allow my skin 2-3 hours to completely absorb the mix of oil and salts. The pure minerals contained in Himalayan salt bind to positive toxic ions in the body, which can lead to stress if not kept in balance.

 

After my therapist had completed my treatment, I took a few minutes just to be calm and to clear my head of any negative thoughts. My stay at Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa had been completely positive up to now and so I wanted to keep that upbeat vibe flowing through my body and mind as I could feel my spirit being refreshed. Now, clear-headed and cleansed internally, I felt far superior to when I arrived and I was looking forward to my next challenge.

 

Asara Spa is open from 10am to 9pm everyday with the last treatment commencing at 8pm. Advanced bookings are recommended so don’t forget to book your treatment once you arrive by dialling 460 from your suite or villa. If you are calling from outside the resort, dial +66 (0) 3252-0777.