KOH SAMUI
Anantara Resort & Spa Koh Samui - This 106 room boutique resort is set in a serene cove overlooking Bophut Bay. Private treatment rooms are arranged behind a central pavilion, and signature packages include Ayurvedic therapies and an indulgent tropical scrub with wild honey and brown sugar, followed by a moisturizer made of bananas mixed with fresh pumpkin.
(800)525-4800 / www.anantara.com
Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa at Samui - So new that it doesn't yet appear on local maps, Sila Evason is located on the northeast tip of the island. Choose from 66 bungalows, most with private infinity pools, on either the sunrise or sunset sides of a promontory. The spa is on the sunrise side with both open-air and indoor treatment bungalows offering ocean views. Treatments include traditional Thai therapies and an energy healing/bodywork menu, including hypnotherapy, naturopathy, and life coaching.
(949)640-1198 / www.sixsenses.com
PHUKET
Amanpuri - Aman Spa at the Amanpuri resort is a luxurious oasis amid traditional Thai-style pavilions and homes set in a coconut grove. In an effort to revive local tourism, the hotel is offering discounted rates of up to 50 percent.
(800)477-9180 / www.amanresorts.com
JW Marriot Phuket Resort & Spa - Located on Thailand's most visited beach, the ten mile-long Hat Mai Khao, the Mandara Spa is set in a tropical garden. Decor is contempory; treatments are traditional and administered in one of five private salas with a view of the crystalline sea.
(888)236-2427 / www.marriott.com
NEAR BANGKOK
Banyan Tree Bangkok - This deluxe urban sanctuary pairs a traditional spa menu with impressive city views.
(800)525-4800 / www.banyantree.com
Chiva Som - Two hours from Bangkok, in the coastal town of Hua Hin ( a favored playground from royalty and rock stars), Chiva Som is quite simply the world's ultimate destination resort. The lap of luxury, defined.
(800)525-4800 / www.chivasom.com
Frangipani (Plumeria)is one of the most prolific flowers in tropical Asia. The waxy, aromatic blooms fall constantly from the tree of the same name; consequently, they are commonly used in offerings and ceremonies and to decorate religious icons. The plumeria tree is often planted on grave sites in the region.
