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Health tourism, where patients travel abroad for healthcare, generally for cost savings, shorter wait times, and expertise that they cannot receive at home, is a rapidly growing industry estimated to be worth up to US$40 billion per year.

Broken down into medical tourism and wellness tourism, the wellness tourism sector sees people head overseas for treatments that are intended to maintain their well-being or help them develop better health habits, as opposed to just treating illness.

Aimed at tourists looking for authentic, usually non-traditional therapies which do not involve physicians and do not take place in clinics, wellness tourism is delivered by therapists familiar with integrated medicine in comfortable, often luxury, properties often referred to as wellness spas.

As such, ‘wellness spa tourism’ is the common name for people who cross borders for preventive medicine and lifestyle improvement therapies.

Wellness spas are popular in many Asian health-tourism destinations and across Europe too, with the key component being the delivery of alternative treatments to achieve balance in mind, body, and spirit. The treatments found in wellness spas include things like therapeutic massage, detoxifying clay baths, Ayurvedic treatments, colonic cleansings, acupressure, yoga, reflexology, meditation, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy.

Thailand has become a leading wellness spa destination, providing all these therapies and more, earning itself the unofficial title of ‘spa capital’ of Asia because of the unique way in which the country is able to deliver warm hospitality and service, and therapists with the soft touch and welcoming personalities necessary for a rejuvenating, health-renewing wellness-spa experience. 

Thai wellness specialties include an array of traditional treatments that make the spa experience special, often with specific connections to Thai culture.

The most well-known wellness-spa treatment is Traditional Thai Massage, a healing art that is thousands of years old and was once associated to spirituality in Buddhist temples. 

Another famous therapy that originated in Thailand involves the use fragrant therapeutic herbs wrapped in soft cotton, steamed, and then gently pressed on the body. Commonly referred to as Thai Herbal Compress, when applied to the body, this treatment transfers essential oils and heat for healing. 

Another time-honoured Thai wellness spa therapy is Thai Foot Massage through which a heightened state of relaxation is achieved as varying amounts of pressure are applied not only to the feet, but also calves, thighs, and sometimes even the head and shoulders.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Phuket are each major destinations for wellness spa tourism.

In Bangkok, one of the more famous wellness spa destinations is Samsara Wellness, an oasis in the city providing a calm and relaxed atmosphere aimed at dlivering a ‘total wellness’ package. In Chiang Mai, The Ayurvedic Centre has combined ancient Ayurvedic techniques with modern detoxification treatments in their pursuit of vitality for patients.

Phuket is home to world-class wellness spas like Rarin Jinda, whose concept is to offer clients wellness, good health, and pampering in a sanctuary that is rooted in Thai massage and healing traditions, while Sukko Cultural Spa and Wellness treats guests using ancient Thai medicine techniques such as traditional massages, heat therapies, and native to bring harmony to the body and spirit.

In Hua Hin, Aleenta’s ‘Wellness Retreat Package’ rebalances the body’s energy by removing toxins through three days of wellness activities and detoxification therapies.

8th October 2012 - INTELLIGENT SPAS RELEASES INAUGURAL THAILAND SPA CONSUMER SURVEY REPORT

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