Spa trekking around S E Asia
06-Nov-2025
Category: News Stories
OK , let me start with a familiar theme . I am a veteran traveller and started visiting the region back in the mid 70’s ( that is 1970’s , not 1870’s just in case any doubt ) . With several countries I am into well over 100 visits . Safe to say I rather enjoy the total area , the consistent sense of the exotic yet with different scenery and cultures . I think of all the places I have visited worldwide – and that is maybe 90% of the world excluding the two poles – S E Asia holds the most affection .
And it is an area where I still learn . How some places seem to reinvent themselves every 10 years whilst others hardly change . Some places adjust to different market changes , others seem to rely on repeat business almost handed down from generation to generation .
So the attractions of the region . Already mentioned exotic , adding excitement and a real contrast to Europe and North America , cultural and vastly different scenic contrasts even within the same country . And on a worldwide scale some of the very best value in terms of quality hotels at all levels . Plus of course some of the most attractive spa & wellness facilities – anywhere . And it is not just the treatments but the innovation and setting .
Let us look at just a few places I have enjoyed several times . Chiva Som in Hua Hin Thailand is probably the best known dedicated spa & wellness resort in the entire region . You go with a purpose in mind and usually leave with a highly satisfied smile . RAKxa on the outskirts of Bangkok is also impressive , serene location yet with the city high-rise visible on the horizon , again perfect for someone wanting gentle physical & mental change.
There are also many other hotels where the spa is very much part of the attraction . Here are just a few ideas . The wonderfully named Linga Longa at Layan on Koh Lanta . The Pathways spa at Sarojin , Khao Lak – probably my first place to visit on my ( at least ) annual visit . Love it , the treatments and the secluded setting . To me the Thai hard touch body massage is just fantastic , although I have learnt to say “ Ooi “ , Thai for ouch !
The jungle setting spa at The Datai in Langkawi , Malaysia . Amazing and total experience . One of the many resort highlights .
In Bali the spa at the Kappa Senses in Ubud . ( See image , so many smiles ) A perfect place to spend a day after a long flight and bad back , almost sprinted around the adjacent rice fields after . Or the hill top spa at the Damai Lovina , on the less visited north coast , so simple yet total WOW .
And it is not just the resorts . Most of the cities have numerous day spa options – actually in Thailand it can seem like every 6th shop is a spa ! The choice is endless and the vast majority are extremely couples friendly . You might even try a pedicure where the fish bite away at your toes and old skin – maybe an acquired taste , both for you and them - but very different . And in Saigon and Hanoi in Vietnam , just incredible foot and leg massages , including drumming on the calf.
Spa and wellness in all their forms are an integral part of any holiday to the region . Probably different to anything you have experienced , in a rather nice way .
David Kevan – Partner at Chic Locations and PATA UK Chapter Board Member .
