As Chi Spa it is located inside one of the best hotel in Bangkok, my expectations about it were high. It have an attentive service, relaxing ambience and a variety of treatments that will make a fun experience to anyone who wants to indulge while traveling.

Chi Spa is a Spa brand produced by Shangri-La Hotel that can be found at most of their properties. The Chi Spa Bangkok has a unique Thai ambience and it is reflected in the decor.

Upon the entry you are greeted with low lights and open space. Simple and minimalistic decoration with noble materials.  Chi Spa’s reception area appears once you exit the elevator on their floor. At the waiting area you’ll find candle accented mood lighting and aromatic flowers that introduces you into a very relaxing and introspective mood.

While I had a fresh lemon grass tea I completed some orientation forms (pain areas and what to avoid) then you are taken to your own spa Suite. Yes, I had a SUITE, not a room!

Chi Spa offers different treatment for men and women. From facials to hot stone or aroma massages.

This time I choose the full body Aroma Wellness Massage followed by the traditional Thai Herbal Compress Massage. The experience begins as soon as you walk through the suite door and I am graciously greeted by the therapist that will have my body and experience in her hands for the next couple of hours.

My therapist, Nina Nanthip welcomed me with a traditional Thai greeting and immediately made me feel at ease with her pure grace and warmth. She briefly went over what to expect with the procedure as well as my medical history. Nina gave me a small tour of the suite and then gave me a robe and slippers to wear.

Each suite is independent and exclusive for each client with total privacy. It has everything you need for having a great experience there, big space, the same low light and materials. I met Nina next to the pool (YES, the suite has a Pool!) were she washes my feet. A big bowl with warm water, flowers and salt for exfoliate the skin. I had a divine introduction to the Chi Spa treatment.

We then proceeded to the massage table, and I have to say, Nina is a master at her craft. She combined Traditional Thai Massage techniques with more conventional western ones in what Chi Spa calls the Thai Herbal Compress Massage. This combination resulted in a unique massage experience that was one of the best I’ve ever had. The herbal massage involves a mixture between oil and warm herbal bags that are traditional dating back 500 years. It truly makes your muscles and skin loose and relax. I would have been happy had my day ended there but it was only half done.

Next was the Aroma Wellness Massage. Using aromatic Thai oils, my therapist performed a massage that has elements of Swedish, Shiatsu and Reflexology. The elements complimented each other well. The oils loosen the muscles and soften the skin. My body felt lighter as all the tension and pain have been washed away in a sea of heat and aromas. The two massages combined for an extraordinary experience that culminated with an optional bath/shower (including all the possible toiletries and hair care products you could ever need) and to finish the experience I had warm tea at the spa lobby to recover my body and help to detox it.

Chi Spa’s staff have a level of professionalism and attention that other spas should strive for. Mimicking the overall hospitable nature of Thai culture, Chi Spa’s team have created a quiet sanctuary for customers to enjoy and relax in. It was very welcoming (as in every corner of the hotel), they respect silence and all the staff was very warm and respectful with guests.

I really appreciate they introduce me the therapist and she explained what she was going to do before starting the treatment. Also, and part of the Thai Massage culture they ask you where you don’t want them to touch you or where you want emphasis. This may seen minor but massage is a very intimate experience. As a client you have complete control over how and where you’re touch for maximum comfort.

There is no question that the price point at Chi Spa pales in comparison to what you actually receive. Prices range from 1200-3900bath for services similar to mine. These prices are very comparable to similar Spa’s in Bangkok that don’t offer same level of service that Chi Spa does. Here service is the difference.  In Bangkok you can find several excellent therapists but very few “experiences” like at Chi Spa. For the money it is totally worth it to spend an afternoon being pampered.

Sometimes, when you go to a place with some expectations you get all of them and much more. In this case, being inside the oasis that it is Shangri-La Hotel makes you think about perfection and the whole experience at this Spa was perfect and much more than I expected.

The therapy was one of the best Spa’s experiences I’ve ever had, full of details since I cross the Spa door until I left the place. People are very welcoming and the most, they are very professionals.

They add value in every detail they have and if you are around Bangkok I recommend to have a Chi Journey at this Spa.

Chi, The Spa is located at Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok

Address
89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand
T:(66 2) 236 7777
F:(66 2) 236 8579
www.shangri-la.com

Images courtesy of Shangri-La bangkok

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