DE-STRESS, DISENGAGE, DETOX
Take a break from stress at Amatara
Here’s the ironic truth: We go on holiday because we need a break from our hectic lives, but we end up exhausted at the end of our trip, anyway. Talk about needing a vacation from the vacation!
But maybe we are going about this the wrong way and should focus on health and wellness while on a break. I know what you’re thinking: Isn’t the whole point of a vacation to have fun, relax and not worry about diets and exercise? However, a holiday need not be extremes. One can actually have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday while also keeping wellness in mind.
Choose wellness
One resort that actually specialises in wellness holidays is Amatara Wellness Resort, which is located in the tranquil bay of Cape Panwa, Thailand. The resort has gotten a well-deserved reputation from guests for its sophisticated programmes addressing different targets – from wellness management, anti-ageing through a more active lifestyle to a total relaxation programme – in a luxurious seaside location.
In between treatments and wellness programmes, guests can relax either by the jaw-dropping 55-metre infinity pool or at the Sun & Moon rooftop lounge for drinks and conversations.
Cocooned and private
If you ask us, there is no better place to decompress than in a property that overlooks a circular bay on one side and a beautiful sea view on the other, dotted with limestone karsks.
The resort feels incredibly peaceful and cocooned, the perfect place to relax and work on one’s health and wellness. Paths lead to three restaurants, a main reception area with a well-stocked library and – if you must – computers for checking emails. But this is a place where it’s easy to forget the outside world. At the lobby, afternoon tea is served everyday or you can head over to the pool for drinks and lunch orders while sunbathing.
Nearby is the spa, a stunning building with still ponds, a yoga pavilion that overlooks the ocean, perfect for doing sun salutations. There’s also a gym for exercise and classes in Pilates, Thai boxing, flexibility training. For those who don’t want to exercise, there are lots of places to relax, including the beach and water activities.
Those serious about their health and wellness journey though should book the Amatara Detox Retreat, which helps to rejuvenate and rebalance body, mind and soul. “We are all exposed to toxins in the air, in our food, and in the water that we drink and bathe in. While these are often in minute amounts, toxins gradually accumulate in the body over time, which can result in us feeling heavy, sluggish, uncomfortable, and lacking in energy,” says Phoebe Boonkerd, the Director of Wellness and Business Development at the resort. The retreat is an all-inclusive package that includes accommodation, roundtrip airport transfer, three healthy meals per day or set detox programme, a wellness consultation, physical analysis, well-selected list of treatments and activities that help promote the detoxification process such as Chi Nei Tsang detoxifying abdominal massage, colon hydrotherapy, detox support supplements, detoxifying ayurvedic massage therapy, annual lymphatic drainage treatment as well as Amatara’s signature treatments, including the Thai Hammam journey for the ultimate relaxation.
Fantastic service
It’s not just the wellness programmes that bring guests back. Service at the resort is first-rate. Rooms come with extras such as free Wi-Fi and movies, complimentary mini-bars with beers, softdrinks and snacks, a daily laundry allowance, loaded iPads, yoga and tai-chi lessons and a shuttle bus into Phuket Old Town.
There are 105 villas at the resort, all situated on the hillside with sea views and a balcony. Villas are airy with high ceilings and comfortable beds and amenities. Request for an ocean-view or pool villas for the ultimate experience.
Exceptional food
Food at the resort is exceptional. There are three restaurants: The Retreat is exclusively for those on a health programme, offering a range of dishes that promote wellness but are also delicious; The Restaurant is casual dining, with a choice of healthy options, Thai dishes and popular western choices like burgers and pizza; while The Grill is the fine-dining option, where you can get beautiful seafood and meats and a lengthy wine list. For after-dinner drinks head to the cocktail bar on the roof, which would be the perfect end to the day.