spadestination

ome to colourful monks, traditional temples and pampering spas, Laos is Asias best kept secret. Kate Graham explores the top seven spas in a country about to hit the big time.

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writer Kate Graham
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AmAntAkA The latest hotel in Aman VIETNAM BURMA Louang Namtha Resorts Asia-wide chain, Xam Nua the Amantaka brings Luang Prabang LAOS effortless luxury to Xiangkhoang Gulf of Phonsavan Tonkin Vang Vieng capital Luang Prabang. M Ban Nape Vientiane Set in an elegant oneg Muang Khammouar story converted hospital Savannakhet in the centre of town THAILAND this boutique hotel is a Salavan Pakxe haven; simple, understated design that combines the CAMBODIA simplicity of cool white walls and the style of carefully chosen furniture. The excellent inhouse spa delivers the Aman recipe of chic and sleek; four spacious treatment rooms staffed by eight well trained spa practitioners and impeccable facilities that include steam, sauna and hydro pools. The spa menu offers a selection of both classic and local treatments. Start with a 90-minute, Traditional Laos Massage, a rhythmic oilfree massage. Guests recline in a pair of loose, soft cotton pyjamas while the therapist uses a combination of gentle yoga stretches and pressure point massage to soothe and relax. Other treatments include the Asian blend massage (a dry massage fusing techniques from Laos, Thailand and China that creates inner harmony) and the dreamy 60-minute, four hand massage. Extend the heavenly experience with a soak in a specially created bath, choosing from either the energising effect of a lime and ginger cocktail or the serenity of a frangipani floral blend. If your skin needs a pick-up try a body scrub, each of which take inspiration from Laos fruit and foliage; the Ginger Flower, Papaya, Tangerine and Jojoba Bead scrub uses Epsom salts to create 90 minutes of pure invigoration.
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Or if Frangipani and Hibiscus sounds tempting, try the Salt Glow, which both buffs away impurities and uses aloe vera, seaweed and cucumber to nourish and hydrate. This spa is much more than the sum of its parts, from the warm welcome and spacious changing areas to the invigorating ginger tea presented at the end of your stay this is a spa that truly puts Laos on the map. www.amanresorts.com/amantaka/spa.aspx ChAmpA LAo In the capital of Vientiane the Green Park Hotel is a new luxurious boutique. Made from a collection of low rise polished wooden structures and peacefully tinkling water features it makes the perfect place to enjoy the laid back city. The spa, set beside the swimming pool offers peaceful, comfortable treatment rooms and a well thought out treatment menu. Massages on offer range from the Lao Traditional (using a deep tissue, pressure points and stretching technique), Aromatherapy (applying pure essential oils to balance the mind and relax the body) and anti-stress back, neck and shoulders massage. The Indian Head Massage uses a 2000 year-old technique, that combines a head massage with drops of warm oil that drain from the head. For something more unusual choose the Ear Candling, also known as ear coning, a treatment where a hollow candle is placed inside the ear canal. When lit it creates a soothing warmth within the head, ear and sinuses. Champa spa also offers Belly Button Candling, which improves digestive and colon health, skin quality as well as reducing water tension. The 30-minute treatment includes a deep abdominal massage. www.greenparkvientiane.com
this page: The spa at Amantaka; and The Spa at La Rsidence Phou Vao Hotel. opposite page: An outdoor couples massage at The Spa at La Rsidence Phou Vao Hotel. opening pages: Swimming pool at Villa Maly.

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LA RsidenCe phou vAo hoteL The first luxury spa to open in Luang Prabang, The Spa at La Rsidence Phou Vao Hotel began the transformation of the towns spa reputation. The design is a five-star blend of both Laos craftsmanship, combining local woods and silk, with sleek modern style. As well as an extensive menu of treatments, all spa guests are encouraged to begin with a traditional herbal steam, the chance to unwind in a room of limestone, followed by a cooling splash of water from earthenware urns. Post-treatment guests can relax in the hotels infinity pool, with views of the mountains in the distance and the town of Luang Prabang below. The menu includes the Sip Sen a 60-minute Lao massage first created in the monasteries of Laos and passed down through the generations. The massage is based on the belief that our bodies have a life force that runs through energy lines, called sen.

By freeing these lines through applying pressure using thumbs and palms you will emerge relaxed, detoxed, balanced and energised. Alternatively try the 90-minute Mahom, inspired by the healing practices of the Hmong shamans. A steamed indigo herbal compress is first massaged into the body, followed by a deep tissue massage. Indigo represents the Buddha of Medicine, and in Laos is believed to heal muscle tone. Bath and body treatments include the Tamrap Luang in which seven sacred flowers and delicately rubbed into the skin to heal and purify for 120 blissful minutes. The Piu Nuan blends local Lao ingredients and flowery fragrances. Known as the Lao secret to sensual skin, this 90-minute treatment begins with a gentle exfoliation using fruit acids, followed by a massage using a steamed mixture of rice and sesame seeds soaked in warm coconut milk. www.residencephouvao.com

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this page: The swimming pool at Angsana Spa at Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel; a massage and spa details at Villa Maly. opposite page: Swedish massage in a VIP Pavillion at Papaya Spa; and a floral bath at The Spa, at La Rsidence Phou Vao Hotel.

AngsAnA spA At mAison souvAnnAphoum hoteL An award winning spa from the world-class Banyan Tree brand, like all the Angsana Spas the Maison focuses on the power of aromatherapy and touch to relax, rejuvenate and heal both bodies and minds. Designed with energy and colour the interior is vibrant, and spa guests are offered the chance to have treatments in either air conditioned rooms or private open-air pavilions, some surrounded by water. Either way you arrive through the waving palms of a lush garden, lit in the evening by the twinkling of tiny lights. The menu has an Asian-focused flavour, from the Fusion massage which blends Swedish and Thai techniques to unblock stiffness, to the Siam, which delicately stretches the body with oil-free Thai techniques of palming and thumbing. Meanwhile the body polishes are good enough to eat, with the Thai Herbal Glower mixing cooling yoghurt with Thai herbs and the Oatmeal Honey Lime Aglow removing impurities and dirt from deep within the skin. Excellent treatments aside it is the little touches that set this spa apart, the delicious herbal drinks and thirty minute calm time that allows the effect of the massage to truly sink in. www.angsana.com viLLA mALy Once a private villa of Princess Khampieng and Prince Khamtan, a grandson of the 19th century King Zakarine, this original 1938 residence has been given a luxury Art Deco inspired makeover. As well as 33 stylish rooms, arranged in four buildings named after flowers, the boutique accommodation includes a small but well run spa. Manicures and pedicures join a selection of relaxing massages. The Traditional Lao Massage is a blend of pressure points massage and slow stretching. It releases tension, increases vitality and flexibility and creates wholeness of body, mind and spirit. www.villa-maly.com spA gARden Simple and calm this central Luang Prabang spa is easily the nicest stand-alone choice in town. The menu may lack the bells-andwhistles of many five-star spa spots, but what is on offer is both well delivered and excellent value. Set in a green garden there is an instant air of peace and calm, the interior of the traditional Lao building is a mix of dark woods and colourful material throws. After a day spent sightseeing through the towns temples a 60-minute foot massage is heavenly, as is the Mystic Laos Massage, which uses ancient Lao massage techniques to reduce stress and get the blood circulating. If the use of pressure points and body stretching does not appeal, opt for the more relaxing Aromatherapy option. www.spagardenlpb.com

pApAyA spA In the heart of Vientiane, tucked away on the banks of the Mekong River this is the best free-standing spa in the city. Set in a beautiful French colonial building you arrive through a tropical garden of green foliage and sweet smelling blooms, a mixture of frangipani, waving palms and coconut trees. The dcor is simple and rustic, all polished teak and local artifacts. As well as treatment rooms there are two herbal steam baths and a number of VIP Pavillions, each with its own lovely private garden. Therapists are fully trained at Vientianes Traditional Medicine Institute and enjoy the additional expertise from both the Moh Shivagakomarpaj Foundation in Chiang Mai, and the Cosmoprof Institute of Singapore. The therapists here understand that fresh fruit and local spices have benefits far beyond their delicious taste. Drawing on ancient Lao recipes the various treatments include sweet papaya and pineapple, the energising effect of coffee, soothing cucumber, honey and yoghurt, and the stimulation of oats and sweet almonds. The facial includes both tamarind and papaya, both of which have been used by Lao women in beauty treatment since ancient times thanks to the ability to both moisturising and rejuvenate skin. All the body and facial care treatments include a blend of 100 percent pure natural fragrance essential oils, created in Grasse, France. Extend your stay by unwinding in the garden, or sipping a herbal tea at the in-house bar. www.papayaspa.com

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