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| AWAY Spa in W Bangkok, n avant-garde approach to wellness. |
BLISS. Countless trips to this state but still can’t get enough of. It’s the ultimate destination, the great escape, even if it’s just for an hour -- one precious hour -- or maybe longer, time permitting, and return rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to take the world once more…… Or sleep, and recapture the peaceful state the recent trip to Nirvana has offered.
Today’s lifestyle has changed and the time for relaxation has somehow become a luxury, the proliferation of spas is proof that it is so. A visit to the wellness center is the ultimate indulgence an urban dweller can have (there’s also shopping for shoes. Can you ever say no to both?). Quick the escape may be, the reward is truly gratifying.
I’ve been lucky to visit several spas, locally and abroad, and experience the unique offerings of each. Ultimately, the destination may be the same but no paths are alike. Each spa present a journey distinctly its own.
Of all the spas I’ve been to, the most recent one has been the most surprising by far -- the AWAY Spa at W Bangkok. This sanctuary departs from the classic image of a spa with its cutting-edge design, an exciting look fashioned by the W Hotel’s concept of great design coupled with luxurious service.
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| The couples room |
“Metamorphosis” is Away Spa’s intention.
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| The "Metamorphosis" artwork by Thai artist Alongkot In-art |
In the 630-square meter retreat with 6 individual treatment rooms and a couple’s suite, a Hammam (Turkish bath), Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, showers with spacious dressing room and salon, guests will experience a wholesome therapeutic adventure like no other and emerge transformed.
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| The Detox Zone's resting room |
After the consultation over the signature welcome at the Welcome & Decompress Zone, I was ready for my 90-minute transformation therapy.
The Delight Zone was where I took my water therapy before I was escorted to a sleek white room with a seemingly floating bed in the Detox Zone illuminated in accordance to my specific treatment (I would have loved to experience the complete series of the therapy but unfortunately some elements of this zone was “under repair”).
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| In the space age "detox chamber" |
And it was done with a snap of a finger. Where did the 90 minutes go? If I was swept “away” to La La Land, it should complement the therapist. It just means that I was totally relaxed during the entire treatment process.
My dreaded part was when I had to awakened and taken away from the state of bliss I was engulfed in. Though I wanted to stay longer, my therapeutic journey was complete and the tired soul that entered the spa was no more.
After days of exploring Bangkok’s day and night scene, this most indulgent treat at the Away Spa was the perfect way to cap my trip.
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| Post therapy potions |
Away Spa is at the W Hotel Bangkok, an Agoda partner hotel, at 106 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, along the prestigious Embassy Row of Bangkok, Thailand, and a minute’s walk to the skytrain- Chong Nonsi BTS Station. Visit their website at www.whotelbangkok.com. For great deals, visithttp://www.agoda.com/asia/thailand/bangkok/w_bangkok_hotel.html
(For more travel & lifestyle stories, visit http://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com/ and http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com/)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on August 29, 2013.
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