PHUKET TRAVEL DIARIES: Ah... this is the life!

As part of my To-Do list in Phuket, I wanted to get a Thai massage by the beach. The thai are well known for this and there’s cheap place in Manila that offers Thai massaige (Ton-ton’s I lurv you!). I definitely wanted to experience the real deal! More pictures and details on my spa experience after the jump!

I love this path to the rooms… the air of mystery and the feeling of going to another world/place helps you get into a more relaxed state.

(image: Sala)

So one of the very first things we did on the day of our arrival was to check out Sala Spa and book MY appointments for the next 2 days. (I highly recommend advance booking for weekends) *Note: The hubby is not into Spa’s at all – the few times he’s tried it, I’ve had to drag him kicking and screaming (okay I’m exaggerating a little here).

Entrance of Sala Spa Phuket Thailand — Exiting the Spa

I was even happier to find out that it was recently nominated for the World Luxury Hotel Awards – Spa Awards 2011. What luck! To be able to try the famous Thai massage at a world-class Thai spa! I was absolutely thrilled!

In the end I decided to have their SUN DOWN package by the beach at sunset the next day, and an hour Thai Massage in an air-conditioned room on our last evening so I could also check the spa facilities out.

SUN DOWN BY THE BEACH | 1800 baht

After sun massage done with Aloe Vera (60 mins) and foot massage (30 mins). This would be perfect because the next day we were planning to go swimming in the morning and touring in the afternoon. So I get to sooth any potential sunburn (I wore SPF, but these days with the sun so hot I almost always get red) and pamper my feet after all that walking.

What could be more perfect than a massage at these beach cabanas, cool sea breeze, sound of waves crashing to shore and faint chill-out music from the bar?

Sun down massage by the beach at Sala Phuket Thailand

eyes covered with a refreshingly cool damp towel

By the beach SUN DOWN TREATMENT at Sala Phuket Thailand

The pressure was perfect. I like my massages hard (my sunburn wasn’t bad at all) and the tiny masseuse was able to deliver. Usually, I find with small therapists end up just putting all their weight into it and squishing you instead of delivering pressure to the specific point. But this one was different, the pressure was in her fingers (and elbow) and she did it slowly so I didn’t feel black and blue after.

Very important note: We underestimated the tour time so I was a bit late for my massage and made the huge mistake of going straight to the spa (which lost me even more time). If you book a beachside massage, don on your bikini and head straight for the cabana. This resort is far from the city proper and other touristy destinations so always have a 2-hour allowance before your scheduled appointment. We exceeded the tour time by more than an hour. The spa accommodates as much as it can, but will not be able to if there is a client after.

Entrance of Sala Spa Phuket Thailand at dusk

1 HR THAI MASSAGE AT THE SPA | 2000 baht

Lucky for me they had an ongoing promo. Book a 1 hour treatment and get 30 mins free. I was there on the dot for my 8pm appointment and was led through that mysterious pathway (pictured on top) and to this gorgeous room that looked exactly like the one below (except it was night-time so it was dark).

Sala-Phuket-Resort-the-spa-room — *(image: Sala)*

The room had its own toilet and shower (open air and with water features of course) and everything was absolutely gorgeous (again) of course! You really have to see it for yourself. The ambiance was perfect, the masseuse so wonderfully pleasant, well-trained and attentive, and everything you need is provided for you. I finished the treatment with some yummy tea and a little snack of cassava chips while looking at the night sky.

I wish I had come earlier to use the luxurious sauna and steam rooms. (Next time I swear!)

Next post will be on cashew shopping, tour of wat chalong temple and super delicious seafood lunch!

ABOUT SALA SPA

By the beach treatments are only available between 10 am – 5pm.
Has five air-conditioned indoor rooms and 3 open airbeachfront massage stations
Gym (cardio, strength machines & free weights) and hair salon (by appointment only)