Category Archives: Spa Reviews

Talay Spa at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort

Located within the gorgeous Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort, Talay Spa draws inspiration from the aqua waters of Makham Bay and the natural elements surrounding the resort. Spa treatments are based on traditional Thai and Chinese concepts of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

The Walk to the Spa. Photo by Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort

The menu of services isn’t extensive and I believe that creates an environment where the therapists are experts at the treatments they perform. Thailand is renowned to offer inexpensive massages and the prices for treatments at this luxury resort were modest compared to similar services in America or Europe. I opted for a 90-minute deep tissue massage and it was an affordable 2800 Thai Bhat (approximately $85 USD). My husband chose the 90-minute Thai massage and it was 1900 Thai Bhat (approximately $60 USD).

Couples’ Suite

Spa treatments use natural products made with ingredients from well known Thai herbs, plants and flowers. When we arrived for our appointment, we were offered scents to be used in our treatment. Our options were Champa Massage Oil with Michelia alba flower (used to relaxing, de-stress), Jasmine Massage Oil (used to calming, anti-septic, de-stress), Lemongrass Massage Oil (used to balancing, anti-septic, skin toning) or Ylang Ylang Massage Oil (used to calming, de-stress). I opted for the lemongrass oil as I associate those aromas with Thailand, and also because they claimed it’d be calming.

We were escorted to a spacious couples’ suite where we showered and were given a traditional foot bath by our therapists. We then started our services which were expertly-performed. My super fit husband had never experienced a traditional Thai massage and left the treatment sore and incredibly relaxed from the gentle stretching of ancient Thai techniques. My deep tissue massage provided the perfect balance of deep pressure and relaxing movements.

A nice touch is that a bowl of water with floating flowers is placed below each massage table so that when a guest is laying face down, he/she has something pretty to look at versus the wood floor – Thai attention to details at its best.

Traditional Foot Bath
My View Face Down on the Massage Table

Talay Spa says it endeavors to “restore the balance and harmony between mind, body and spirit to relax, rejuvenate and re-energize” and it delivered on that promise. This was one of the best spa experience we’ve had.

Opening hours: 10.00am – 09.00pm.

Talay Spa at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort – 44/5 Moo 8 Sakdidesh Road, Vichit, Muang, 83000 Phuket , Thailand. www.pullmanphuketpanwa.com/spa-lifestyle/talay-spa

Here’s to more awesome spa experiences!

Veronique

Amazing Spa Experience – Panpuri Wellness Bangkok

Panpuri Spa Lobby

I’ve visited many spas around the world and can easily say that Panpuri Wellness (https://www.panpuriwellness.com) in Bangkok is one of the finest.

First, it’s located in the very exclusive Gaysorn luxury shopping center, so one can do some shopping then slip right into the spa to unwind.

Panpuri Couple’s Suite

Second, from the moment one enters the spa, the staff is ultra-attentive and welcoming. We enjoyed a couple’s “Pure Relaxation Body Ritual” – 30 minute onsen (hot bath), 30 minute body polish, signature 90-minute massage and 30-minute foot massage. The couple’s suite we were placed in was immense and modern with a huge onsen hot water bath. The services, provided by therapists with years of experience, were top notch.

Panpuri Spa Lounge

A nice perk – it was a mere $275 for both of us for nearly 4 hours of pure luxury and pampering. See the spa services menu here.

Panpuri Wellness – Phloen Chit Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand.

Cheers,

Veronique

Spa Review – Lapis the Spa at Fontainebleau

 

Photo by Fontainebleau
Photo by Fontainebleau

Dubbed “the most beautiful spa in America” by Martha Stewart, Lapis the Spa at Fontainebleau is a lavish retreat designed with guests’ well-being in mind.

This 40,000-square-foot, two-level spa showcases the restorative qualities of water to craft luxuriating experiences. This popular Miami Beach spa boasts an impressive 30 private treatment rooms, invigorating water features and a co-ed pool to offer guests stress reducing and anti-aging solutions.

Lapis Ritual Water Journeys

Included in all spa services is a Lapis Ritual Water Journey. From a dip into the immersion mineral water jet bath to a plunge in the energy deluge shower to a detox in eucalyptus infusion steam to an invigorating stint in the Bleau rain room, guests are urged to take advantage of these service enhancements before and after treatments.

The spa treatment menu is extensive and is categorized as Bleau Ocean Luxuries, Body Renewal, Massage, Facials, Ayurveda, Bride Packages and Hair & Nail.

Bleau Ocean Luxuries services are done in the privacy of spa suites with breathtaking views of the ocean. In the luxe suites, guests can share a massage or a facial, soak in a jetted, scented tub or enjoy other luxurious treatments ensuring complete physical and mental relaxation.

Photo by Fontainebleau
Photo by Fontainebleau

Body Renewal treatments are ideal for patrons looking to ease everyday tension and boost the body’s restorative powers. Water is used in conjunction with various body treatments to help circulation, cell regeneration and tone sore muscles.

Massages are offered as typical basic services and as elevated experiences like the Four Hands massage where two knowledgeable therapists work in unison to provide a Swedish massage resulting in a pure relaxed state.

Facials can be booked as standard pore-refining treatments and age-defining techniques like microdermabrasion and gentle stimulation with the use of microcurrents. Every facial includes a hydrating hand treatment.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning life and knowledge. It’s one of the oldest natural sciences in the world. Lapis’ collection of Ayurvedic services improve overall well-being and help rid the body of harmful toxins.

Bride Packages aim to bring complete relaxation for the bride and the members of her bridal party before the anticipated wedding takes place. From massages to body scrubs to hand and foot treatments, these services are meant to have a calming effect.

Hair and Nail services range from basic haircuts and manicures to hair extensions, gel polish and jewel-studded toe nails.

Photo by Fontainebleau
Photo by Fontainebleau

Non-hotel guests must purchase a 50-minute service to access spa facilities. Lapis is an adult-only spa and guests must be 18 years or older to use the facility or receive spa treatments.

Spa Hours

9:30 AM – 6:30 PM / Mon – Fri

9 AM – 7:30 PM / Sat

9 AM – 6:30 PM / Sun

Fontainebleau Miami Beach – 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140.

Cheers,

Veronique