British GQ - 04.2020

F

rom the paradisiacal sun-

soaked islands of the

south to the deeply spir-

itual mountain retreats of

the north, Thailand is the

ultimate tonic for body

and soul. Of all the world’s cultures few

can compete with the Thai’s expertise

when it comes to holistic wellness and

their spas reflect this; be it high-tech

medi-spas or zen-like yoga retreats, no

country in Asia can rival their glitter-

ing offerings.

Of course, coming here to be revived

is about so much more than what goes

on in the treatment room. The land

itself is sustaining: the gentle tides

of its warms waters, the flower-filled

forests, the gloriously empty hill tops

of the interior. The people are incredi-

bly friendly and hospitable, all of them

steeped in a culture that cherishes rev-

erence for the natural world, humility

and everyday mindfulness. And the

food everywhere is pretty much an

instant pick-me-up. Locally sourced

and super-fresh, light on the stomach

and vitamin-packed, it has – you can’t

but feel as you eat it – a healing quality

with all those nourishing broths, intense

chillies and soothing lemongrass.

Given the country’s incredible roll

call of amazing spas, it pays to go

to a specialist so they can help you

find exactly what it is you want. And

when it comes to Thailand, the only

people to turn to are Healing Holidays,

whose deep knowledge of the country

is based on years of extensive on-the-

ground experience. They know the

location is crucial and are on hand to

steer you to exactly the right place,

be it a remote jungle hideaway or an

unspoilt island beach.

Whatever you want, they’ve got it

from the blissful beaches of the islands

(some of them familiar like glorious

Phuket, and others off-the-beaten-track

like remote Koh Kood) to the thrilling

forests around Chang Mai in the north.

Those in search of a revivifying active

trip should head to Thanyapura Health

and Sports Resort set in the forests

of Phuket. The focus here is on life

optimisation and disease prevention

and their programmes are designed to

remodel your fitness regime and diet in

a way that’s sustainable and energising.

If you’re after luxury and total seren-

ity, Healing Holidays have an exclusive

deal with the original Aman resort,

the legendary Amanpuri, where the

infinity pools look out on to views of

the sparkling Andaman Sea as a team

of experts slowly soothe away your

stresses. Their Life Reset Immersion

promises a pathway to a new you.

If you want to bend and stretch and

breathe, then talk to Healing Holidays

about a trip to Absolute Sanctuary on

Koh Samui, the stand-out yoga retreat

centre on an island full of them. Here,

you can expect a full postural analysis,

tailored yoga schedule and a superbly

crafted weight-loss detox programme,

all in a stunning natural setting.

For a sense of sanctuary and still-

ness head to Kamalaya on Koh Samui,

which is built round an ancient cave

of worship, long a place of pilgrimage

for Buddhist monks. Their programmes

include everything from sleep-

enhancement to self-discovery, and all

of them promise a sense of total reju-

venation. Also on the island is Samahita

resort, where you’ll find Yogacorecycle

programmes that combine the wellbe-

ing of yoga with the cardio work out of

fixed bike riding.

And anyone hoping for a whole life

overhaul should head to Chiva-Som,

one of the world’s great spas which

sits in lush tropical gardens in Hua Hin

just a couple of hours from Bangkok.

Chiva Som’s stunning architecture and

incredible all-round service can’t help

but add a spring to your step.

Catering to every level of fitness

and a wide range of budgets, Healing

Holidays are the go-to people for

Thailand and its uniquely nurturing

environment.

GQ Partnership

Coming to

Thailand to

be revived

is about so

much more

than the

treatment

room

Thailand, where even the food is rejuvenating, has everything you could need for a break to revive mind, body and soul

Thailand

With its beachside detox

retreats and luxurious

island idylls, Thailand is

the go-to destination for

holistic spa holidays

Story by David Annand

All-round

perfection

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Visit healingholidays.com/gq

or call Healing Holidays on 020 7529 8549

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