Visitors to the country often remark on the beauty and grace of the Thai people and their traditions. Herbal recipes and procedures handed down through centuries testify to the importance of beauty and well-being in Thai culture. It is no wonder then that Thailand has become well-known for its spas, which are fast turning into centres for things beautiful and serene. Of all the components that make a spa special, the type of products used ranks high on the list. Products are indicative of what is considered important by spa operators and are selected because they complement the spa’s concept and suit their guests’ needs and preferences. Every successful spa knows that products are one of the key factors in attracting and keeping guests. In short, spa products for therapy and retail are essential elements in a memorable spa experience. At their best, they are a sensory delight that not only engage touch, taste, hearing, sight and smell but also impart a sense of wellbeing and beauty.
Spa goers have a range of goals, but two of the most important are to relax and to look good. That is why so many spas use natural, “feel-good” spa ranges as well as more expensive imported brands that provide more immediate visible results.
Spa goers have a range of goals, but two of the most important are to relax and to look good. That is why so many spas use natural, “feel-good” spa ranges as well as more expensive imported brands that provide more immediate visible results.
NATURAL PRODUCTS
Natural product ranges are mainly derived from plants and there are certainly many well- known herbal options for those seeking an authentic Thai spa experience. Classic Thai healing herbs fall into nine taste categories: astringent, sweet, nauseating, bitter, pungent, nutty, fragrant, salty and sour. Each has particular properties and benefits and single applications or combinations can be formulated to achieve a specific result. Popular ingredients regularly used in Thai treatments are lime, papaya, tamarind, pineapple, turmeric, plai, ginger, honey, egg, rice, kaffir lime leaf, white clay, camphor, aloe vera, lemon grass, rice and rice bran oil.
As many people these days have sensitivities to chemicals, one of the benefits in using a chemical- free, natural spa range is that the possibility of an allergic reaction is reduced. Essential oils are found in practically every spa range and are one of the most versatile spa ingredients because of their effect on body, mind and spirit. As well as the physical benefits, aromatherapy research shows that we respond psychologically and emotionally to certain scents. Well-blended massage oils are designed to evoke specific responses and that is why some essential oils are more popular than others in the formulations of spa products.
Widely used essential oils such as lavender, orange, sandalwood and the expensive jasmine and rose all affect the nervous system and can help relieve stress and depression. French basil, rosemary and vetiver are excellent for alleviating fatigue and nervous exhaustion. Ylang ylang, rose otto and sandalwood appear in romantic blends because of their aphrodisiac properties, whilst clary sage is said to heighten intuition.
Those who regularly use completely pure, natural products may notice that each batch has slight variations of fragrance, despite the most controlled production processes. Anyone who has lived with the highly scented Asiatic lily knows that throughout the day, at certain times, its aroma is much stronger than at other times when it is barely perceptible. This is because plants, unlike chemicals and synthetics, are subject to variation and faithfully respond to their environment. Potency, colour and scent fluctuate enormously and depend on a number of environmental factors. The best natural product makers ensure control over each step of the manufacturing process. Where and how the plant is grown is important with some producers insisting on plants grown in organic soil. The method of harvesting, the age of the plant and the time of day it is picked are crucial factors in ensuring maximum potency. The extraction method used, the blending of the formula and the way the product is packaged all make a world of difference to the power and efficacy of the final product.
As many people these days have sensitivities to chemicals, one of the benefits in using a chemical- free, natural spa range is that the possibility of an allergic reaction is reduced. Essential oils are found in practically every spa range and are one of the most versatile spa ingredients because of their effect on body, mind and spirit. As well as the physical benefits, aromatherapy research shows that we respond psychologically and emotionally to certain scents. Well-blended massage oils are designed to evoke specific responses and that is why some essential oils are more popular than others in the formulations of spa products.
Widely used essential oils such as lavender, orange, sandalwood and the expensive jasmine and rose all affect the nervous system and can help relieve stress and depression. French basil, rosemary and vetiver are excellent for alleviating fatigue and nervous exhaustion. Ylang ylang, rose otto and sandalwood appear in romantic blends because of their aphrodisiac properties, whilst clary sage is said to heighten intuition.
Those who regularly use completely pure, natural products may notice that each batch has slight variations of fragrance, despite the most controlled production processes. Anyone who has lived with the highly scented Asiatic lily knows that throughout the day, at certain times, its aroma is much stronger than at other times when it is barely perceptible. This is because plants, unlike chemicals and synthetics, are subject to variation and faithfully respond to their environment. Potency, colour and scent fluctuate enormously and depend on a number of environmental factors. The best natural product makers ensure control over each step of the manufacturing process. Where and how the plant is grown is important with some producers insisting on plants grown in organic soil. The method of harvesting, the age of the plant and the time of day it is picked are crucial factors in ensuring maximum potency. The extraction method used, the blending of the formula and the way the product is packaged all make a world of difference to the power and efficacy of the final product.
IMPORTED PRODUCTS
Imported products are used in many Thai spas and are favoured by clients who expect immediate, visible results. That is not to say that natural products don’t work, but they tend to work best over time. Products from Europe, Australia and the USA may all be found in Thai spas. Name brands such as Guinot and Decleor have traditionally focused on beauty and aesthetics. However, with the emergence of spas as a permanent fixture of the modern lifestyle, more companies are developing ranges that are specifically spa focused. These tend to contain ingredients derived from plant or sea. The Japanese skincare company, Shiseido, has a spa line known as Qi, using mainly plant ingredients.
Because the sea is intrinsically linked to the concept of spa, Algotherm’s spa range and Thalgo, both from France, contain a wide variety of laminaria, commonly known as seaweed, in all their products. The sea offers all of the elements necessary for cellular function and seaweed has the same balanced composition but is thousands of times more concentrated. Seaweed is highly active and beneficial. Its ability to stimulate cellular activity and increase the efficiency of lymphatic fluid helps the body to detoxify, making it a popular ingredient for slimming products and cellulite treatments.
Muds for beauty and therapy have been used for centuries and may be found all over the world. Rich mud collected from ancient moors such as the Neydharting Moor in Austria is laden with high concentrations of active substances from herbs, flowers and plants. It is rich in bio-minerals, trace elements, vitamins, amino acids, plant hormones and fatty acids, all broken down, pre-digested and highly assimilable, ready to be absorbed and used by the body. The molecular structure of the substance is so fine that it penetrates the skin.
Mud from the Dead Sea in Israel is mineral rich and contains a high percentage of calcium, potassium and magnesium chloride, all of which have a healing effect on skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema and stimulate, tone and cleanse the skin. Mud is particularly useful for the treatment of cellulite and for treating blemished skin and like seaweed, it can be used on both face and body.
The luxurious Devarana Spa uses the Jurlique line from Australia because of the guaranteed purity of the products and their sensational textures and natural complex fragrances. Devarana has gone one step further and even has its own specially composed music designed to accompany all treatments. Six Senses Spa offers its guests Sodashi, an Australian brand, because they share common values including ethical principles and purity of product with a holistic hands-on approach.
Because the sea is intrinsically linked to the concept of spa, Algotherm’s spa range and Thalgo, both from France, contain a wide variety of laminaria, commonly known as seaweed, in all their products. The sea offers all of the elements necessary for cellular function and seaweed has the same balanced composition but is thousands of times more concentrated. Seaweed is highly active and beneficial. Its ability to stimulate cellular activity and increase the efficiency of lymphatic fluid helps the body to detoxify, making it a popular ingredient for slimming products and cellulite treatments.
Muds for beauty and therapy have been used for centuries and may be found all over the world. Rich mud collected from ancient moors such as the Neydharting Moor in Austria is laden with high concentrations of active substances from herbs, flowers and plants. It is rich in bio-minerals, trace elements, vitamins, amino acids, plant hormones and fatty acids, all broken down, pre-digested and highly assimilable, ready to be absorbed and used by the body. The molecular structure of the substance is so fine that it penetrates the skin.
Mud from the Dead Sea in Israel is mineral rich and contains a high percentage of calcium, potassium and magnesium chloride, all of which have a healing effect on skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema and stimulate, tone and cleanse the skin. Mud is particularly useful for the treatment of cellulite and for treating blemished skin and like seaweed, it can be used on both face and body.
The luxurious Devarana Spa uses the Jurlique line from Australia because of the guaranteed purity of the products and their sensational textures and natural complex fragrances. Devarana has gone one step further and even has its own specially composed music designed to accompany all treatments. Six Senses Spa offers its guests Sodashi, an Australian brand, because they share common values including ethical principles and purity of product with a holistic hands-on approach.
Spas with home brands often use locally sourced and manufactured products. Sheraton’s Grande Spa’s Integrity range uses lemongrass as a common component in each of its products because it is widely available and has wide-ranging therapeutic uses. Perfect for hot climates, lemongrass effortlessly eliminates body odour, reduces stress, refreshes and tones the skin and relaxes the mind.
Banyan Tree, a spa pioneer, made a name for its spas with unique treatments incorporating freshly made herbal and other natural products. One of its signature treatments uses a refreshing combination of cucumber and lemongrass in a body scrub.
Home spa devotees are finding more goods to purchase as retailing becomes an essential element in the spa business. Besides an array of skin-care ranges, many more spa-inspired categories of goods are appearing. Traditional Thai herbal products including hot compresses, teas and herbs can be bought to enjoy at home. Apparel for movement therapies such as yoga or Thai Massage or for just plain lounging come in an array of colours and fabrics. Ambient music, essential oils, massage oils, incense and natural fragrances ensure that part of the home space can be turned into a sanctuary of calm. Retail products beautifully packaged in fabrics such as Thai silk, or in natural, hand-made papers have a distinctive Thai flavour. Traditional Thai ceramics such as the famous celadon are fired to makeoil burners, ceremonial tea sets, bowls and incense holders. Well-known manufacturers of bath and shower ranges now have specially branded spa lines which are widely available.
The spa culture is here to stay. More people are becoming aware of the importance of making time to indulge the senses and to create calm in the midst of a busy life. By beautifying and sweetening life, spa products certainly help to achieve this. Relax and enjoy both their cosmetic benefits and their therapeutic qualities.
Banyan Tree, a spa pioneer, made a name for its spas with unique treatments incorporating freshly made herbal and other natural products. One of its signature treatments uses a refreshing combination of cucumber and lemongrass in a body scrub.
Home spa devotees are finding more goods to purchase as retailing becomes an essential element in the spa business. Besides an array of skin-care ranges, many more spa-inspired categories of goods are appearing. Traditional Thai herbal products including hot compresses, teas and herbs can be bought to enjoy at home. Apparel for movement therapies such as yoga or Thai Massage or for just plain lounging come in an array of colours and fabrics. Ambient music, essential oils, massage oils, incense and natural fragrances ensure that part of the home space can be turned into a sanctuary of calm. Retail products beautifully packaged in fabrics such as Thai silk, or in natural, hand-made papers have a distinctive Thai flavour. Traditional Thai ceramics such as the famous celadon are fired to makeoil burners, ceremonial tea sets, bowls and incense holders. Well-known manufacturers of bath and shower ranges now have specially branded spa lines which are widely available.
The spa culture is here to stay. More people are becoming aware of the importance of making time to indulge the senses and to create calm in the midst of a busy life. By beautifying and sweetening life, spa products certainly help to achieve this. Relax and enjoy both their cosmetic benefits and their therapeutic qualities.
Credit : Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
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