Thailand’s capital is famous for fabulous food, seductive bars and excellent shopportunity, but it’s also a dream destination for a pampering mini-break. From soothing day spas to spiffy yoga studios and health-conscious cafes, here are our 10 top Bangkok wellness spots.
SPA & MASSAGE
COMO Shambhala Urban Escape
Zen-chic retreat, COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at the Metropolitan Bangkok, is hands down, one of the city’s best spas. Spot-on Asian-inspired massages harness fragrant signature blended oils; body treatments, facials and yoga also beckon and there are steam rooms and sceney outdoor pool for added relaxation. The delicious, light, organic cuisine at wholesome eatery, Glow will put a spring in your step.
27 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn, +66 (0)2 625 3355, comohotels.com/metropolitanbangkok/wellness
Ruen Nuad
For a more basic but therapeutic massage, Ruen Nuad, set in a renovated old teak house in Silom offers traditional Thai treatments in light and airy private rooms. The foot massages will soon soothe tired shopped and partied out limbs. For a similar no-frills but restorative experience , try the Health Land chain (healthlandspa.com).
42 Convent Road, Silom, +66 (0)2 632 2662, facebook.com/ruennuadmassage
Yunomori Onsen & Spa
Ignore the car park situ, this Japanese-inspired, bamboo- and pine-scented onsen is the real deal. Allow three hours minimum to indulge: first soak in mineral-rich thermal spring water, then take alternate, restorative dips in the hot and cold water tubs, plus steam room (there are separate women’s and men’s bathing areas). Finish with a remedial Thai massage before savouring sushi and smoothies in the cafe.
A Square, 120/5 Sukhumvit Soi 26, +66 (0)2 259 5778, yunomorionsen.com
TRIA
Reputed medi-spa TRIA marries holistic with aesthetic approaches to boost beauty and wellness. The sleek, urban sanctuary offers relaxing steam baths, indoor-outdoor plunge pools and infrared saunas alongside a menu of body and face treatments spanning massages, scrubs and wraps to Ayurvedic treatments, dermatology and hydrotherapy.
998/9 Rim-klong Samsen Road, Bangkapi, +66 (0)2 660 2620, triawellness.com
YOGA, TAI CHI & MEDITATION
Bangkok Shambhala Meditation Center
Thailand isn’t short of meditation retreats, but should you be seeking a mindful few hours, rather countless days of contemplation, this friendly Buddhist centre in Sukhumvit is just the ticket. Drop-in Saturday classes provide relaxed, guided meditation in English, channeling the ancient mindfulness techniques of Samatha Vipassana. Check the site for open practice session times. Om!
2F Yogatique Building, 116/8 Sukhumvit Soi 23 +66 8 6788 7408, bangkok.shambhala.info
Yoga Elements
NY- and India-trained yogi Adrian Cox is a flexi-limbed fixture on the Bangkok yoga scene, having founded Yoga Elements in 2001. Classes for all levels are teamed with great city views (swing by at sunrise or sunset to soak up verdant vistas as you perfect your downward dog). English-language yoga sessions are handy for international visitors.
7/F Dhammalert Bldg, 185 Sukhumvit Road, +66 (0)2 255 9552, yogaelements.com
Lotus Reiki & Yoga
Set in a lovely old Thai-colonial mansion, Lotus Reiki & Yoga, aka khun Melanie specialises in reiki and meditation, as well as the more esoteric kundalini yoga and gong therapy for sound healing. There are kids and community yoga classes, as well as reiki master workshops, all calmly taught amid beautiful Insta-worthy surrounds.
665 Thanon Maha Chai, Samranrat, Pranakhon, +66 (0) 8 9893 1011, lotus-rei.com
EAT & DRINK
Broccoli Revolution
Championing vegan culture in a leafy urban location, this stylish, day-long eatery is your go-to for health-boosting breakfast bowls and cold-pressed juices. A wide-ranging menu draws on regional influences, with dishes from Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia, but it’s beloved for its broccoli quinoa charcoal burger – best ordered with root vegetable fries. Join the revolution!
899 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 49, +66 (0)2 662 5001, broccolirevolution.com
Simple. Natural Kitchen
Locally sourced, organic, farm-fresh food stars at health-centric Simple. Natural Kitchen, an intimate cafe-grocery that’s heaven for brunch. The wholesome menu includes Eggs Benedict and quinoa salad, with plenty to please vegetarians. A buzzy open kitchen showcases the skills of up-and-coming chef Natcha Chatlaong, who honed her craft at Bo.lan and Appia.
235/5 Soi Sawatdi, Sukhumvit Soi 31, +66 (0)2 662 2510, simplenaturalkitchen.com
Rasayana Retreat
This holistic health centre’s name means ‘rejuvenation’, and Rasayana Retreat does exactly what it says on the tin. An established detox centre and raw-food cafe, this lush compound off Sukhumvit exudes a serene, homely vibe. Book in for an infra-red sauna, lymphatic massage, colon hydrotherapy or juice cleanse to spring-clean your innards, then fuel up on living raw plant foods..
57 Soi Prom-mitr, Sukhumvit 39 +66 (0)2 662 4803, rasayanaretreat.com
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This article is produced by LUXE City Guides. Cigna makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of the content of the article.