Thomas V.
Google
In Thailand I wanted to try something over-the-top luxurious (for me) and that was the Gentlemen Exclusive Care package at Divana Scentuara Spa. It's a three hour package that offers, in order: Ashiyu Foot Soak & Refreshing Foot Toner, Green Tea & Aloe Vera Body Scrub, Energizing Steam, Mineral Oriental Bath, Warm Oil Body Massage, and Facial Deep Cleansing. All for the hefty price of 5750 Thai Bhat, which is about $170 USD. To secure a reservation, you need to pay 1000 Bhat a few days before your appointment. I'd never spent this much money on a spa/massage in Thailand before, so I was curious what it would be like.
I walked to the location from my hotel, and it's a bit hard to get to if you're on the other side of the walkway, but I made it there on time. It's a very peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. They offer you a cool drink and wet towel to cool down with, which is nice. The private suite is well-appointed with everything needed for the treatment.
The foot soak was fine. The green tea & aloe vera body scrub was relaxing and the scrub was almost mud-like, so it was amusing to see my body covered in it. The therapist was thorough with the scrub, within the bounds of conservative draping. The therapist had reasonably good English and we carried on a conversation throughout the session. After the scrub, while still covered in the stuff, you're wrapped in a towel and directed to the steam shower. I sat there for a bit, but didn't want the full 15-20 minutes so asked if I could skip to the bath.
Wrapped in a towel, I was directed to the half-egg shaped bathtubs that had floating flower petals in them. The therapist exited the room, I got into the nice warm bath, and proceeded to spend 10 minutes rubbing off the body scrub. It was a relaxing experience. I then moved to the oil massage portion of the experience, and the therapist was reasonably good. It wasn't quite as strong as I'd have liked, and she didn't get into my abdomen or other areas as much as I'd hoped, but she worked my hips well. It was a good massage overall, which ended with the facial deep cleansing. It was relaxing. I had a quick shower at the end to get the oil off.
Upon exiting, you're given a small fruit plate with a banana and chunks of pineapple, both drizzled in honey, along with a cup of tea. It was a nice way to end the experience.
This is truly a luxurious experience, but I just don't believe it's worth the price for me personally to do again. $170 USD for three hours is still a bargain compared to what anyone in North America is used to paying, but it's expensive compared to another spa (such as DIORA Langsuan). I could see a couple doing this experience and loving it, or someone who wouldn't be comfortable in a lower-cost massage establishment.
