Koh Samui Spas

Ten years ago, a spa was a rarity on Koh Samui. But with the upsurge of 'healthy living' in the West, now you'll find that Samui is littered with spas, in all their different shapes and forms.

There are two main types; the so-called 'day spas', where there is no accommodation, and 'resort spas', where you can span your treatments over a course that lasts several days and also offers accommodation.

Additionally, most of the up-market hotels and resorts have got wise to the income-generating potential of having a spa on their premises, and so are now also offering spa treatments. On the whole (although with with some notable exceptions) these are to be avoided. Often, and just so they can jump on the trendy band wagon, resorts are promoting and advertising their spa facilities - which turns out to be a small room with three massage beds in it. And most of the time, their boast of reflexology turns out to be a simple foot massage. (In fact, a lot of the Thai staff in smaller spas believe this is what reflexology actually means!)

As a rule, the dedicated spas are the best. Not only do they have a much wider range of treatments, but they will have a trained and experienced staff, too. There are some that have gone that extra yard into the spiritual realm, and you'll find several “New Age” establishments, offering fasting, cleansing, healing and Ayurvedic and Reiki treatments along with the rest. And some of these have gained a world-wide reputation for their dedication and the quality of service that they offer.

To detail all of the top-end spas on Koh Samui just isn't possible here. But there is an excellent free handbook that's readily available, called 'Samui Spa Guide'. This slim green booklet offers unbiased reviews the best of Koh Samui's spas and is available at most hotels, at the airport and at book stands around Samui.

But of particular note in this area are:

Day Spas

• Tamarind Springs: Lamai
• Eranda Herbal Spa: north Chaweng
• Kamalaya: Laem Set
• Living Senses: Chaweng (above McDonald's)

Live-in Spas

• Escape Spa: Chaweng Regent Beach Resort
• The Spa: Lamai

New Age and Healing

• Health Oasis Resort: Bang Po
• The Spa Resort: Lamai