Golden Years in Koh Samui

Be the best you in your Prime and Golden Years – with help from Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui.

Absolute Resort recently unveiled its latest offerings: the Prime Years and Golden Years programs, designed specifically for those aged 50-65 and 65-75, respectively.

Prime Years Program (Ages 50-65):

The Prime Years program has been meticulously crafted to empower individuals in the 50-65 age group, equipping them with the tools to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally in this new phase of their lives. It sets the stage for a longer, healthier life by addressing the core pillars of wellness.

The program encompasses personalised movement therapies for balance, agility, core strength and flexibility, mindfulness therapies for cognitive wellbeing, emotional therapies for emotional balance, life transitions empowerment sessions and nourishing wellness cuisine.

Golden Years Program (Ages 65-75):

The Golden Years program celebrates the art of aging gracefully by enhancing vitality, promoting overall well-being, and embracing the holistic journey of growing older. Catering to individuals aged 65-75, this program fosters active aging and encourages the extension of healthier years.

It incorporates the same core pillars of wellness found in the Prime Years program while introducing seniors to personalised pilates for spine mobility, aquatherapy for joint health, and private yoga nidra classes for cognitive agility.

These programs have been thoughtfully designed to cater to the distinct needs and aspirations of these important age groups. The mission is clear: to promote active aging and prolong the years of vitality. Both programs seamlessly incorporate Absolute Sanctuary’s foundational principles, offering innovative movement therapies like personalized yoga and Pilates, enriching emotional wellness sessions, holistic spa treatments, carefully curated wellness cuisine, and engaging social activities that foster lifelong connections.

Within these bespoke programs lie Absolute Sanctuary’s latest enhancements – Salt Sanctuary, featuring a Himalayan sea salt wall known for its immune-enhancing and cell-rejuvenating properties—a perfect complement for the wellness journey of this age group. The resort’s unwavering commitment to alleviating inflammation and nurturing cellular rejuvenation among these demographics is evident in a range of innovative massage therapies centred around Moringa, in collaboration with The Moringa Project.

Moringa, also known as the “Drum Stick Tree,” offers a wealth of benefits, including 46 antioxidants, 36 anti-inflammatory compounds, omega-3 fatty acids, essential vitamins, amino acids, and the plant hormone zeatin, which promotes cell growth and protects skin from damage.

The Moringa Project stands as Thailand’s pioneer Moringa farm, dedicated to embracing organic and sustainable practices while bolstering local farming communities. Guests can look forward to experiencing a 60 min Miracle Moringa Body Massage or a 90 min Moringa Top to Toe Journey.

Claire Bostock-Tang, Chief Wellness & Program Specialist at Absolute Sanctuary, expressed, “The global population in the prime and golden years demographic is steadily growing, and our programs aim to empower this group with mobility, strength, cognitive well-being, and mental agility.

“By adopting a holistic approach and incorporating our latest additions in collaboration with The Moringa Project, we aspire to help our guests lead longer, healthier lives. Our partnership with The Moringa Project also reflects our commitment to supporting Thai farming communities and promoting awareness of this native Thai tree through our programs.”

For more information visit absolutesanctuary.com

Sustainable and Mindful travel in Northern Thailand

After two years of no international travel, many people seeking a more mindful, sustainable travel experience. According to guest writer Michael Cullen, many are looking to travel with purpose – travel with the heart.

Image: supplied, Chivit Thammada

After more than two years of little to no travel, airlines, travel companies, and international travel organisations are seeing increases in global movement thanks to the easing of restrictions. And with borders finally opening, new travel trends are emerging.

People are not looking for more of the (pre-pandemic) same. Many are travelling more mindfully, seeking sustainable travel, boutique and authentic experiences. People want to experience nature and the outdoors, hands-on and immersive encounters, and activities impacting positively on the local community and environment.

People are looking to travel with purpose or, put another way – want to travel with the heart.

To assist your northern Thailand travel planning – Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle and Chiang Rai – here is a range of activities, experiences, and opportunities that fit the travel with the heart concept.

Organic, Farm-to-Table and Slow Food

Food is an essential part of any travel, and Thai food is one of the world’s most popular cuisines. Within Thailand, regions have their own distinct style and dishes, which is undoubtedly true for the north. Elements of Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and Chinese cuisine have influenced northern food. The cooler climate brings many kinds of vegetables, including cultivated and from the wild, plus mushrooms and aromatic herbs used in cooking. Less coconut milk is used, and the curries are milder than those in the south.

And in the north, a growing trend is farmers adopting organic practices, which is seen in fruit, vegetables and herbs, and coffee and tea production. Farm to table is how local people have lived for centuries, though now restaurants bring that concept to Chiang Mai’s general dining public. Here are three local companies bringing these ideas together for your dining pleasure.

Image: supplied, Ori9in Gourmet Farm

Ginger Farm, originally a rice plantation on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, has adopted organics and free-range methods with the farm open for educational visits. Their conveniently located and busy Ginger Farm Kitchen at One Nimman features Thai dishes incorporating their farm-fresh produce. Another organic and farm-to-table adopter is Ohkajhu, started by three local university graduates in 2013. They have two restaurant outlets in Chiang Mai fed by their farms – the original in Sansai to the north of the city and one close to the airport. I love the generosity of their tasty Thai dishes.  

Ori9in Gourmet Farm is the brainchild of Michelin trained Chef James Noble and his wife, Khun May. They supply organic and sustainable produce to some of Chiang Mai and Bangkok’s best high-end restaurants and some of the region’s most notable hotel brands. During the non-rainy season (October to March), they operate the “Waiting for May” picnic restaurant on-site. Have a gourmet picnic in the gardens enjoying all farm-fresh ingredients and Chef James’ culinary flair. Farm tours are also available to picnickers.

Travel with the heart dining in Chiang Rai must include Chivit Thamma Da Cafe and Bistro. Situated in two lovely colonial-style buildings on the banks of the Kok River, Chivit Thamma Da is a strong supporter of Slow Food. This means organic and sustainable, local (no imported food miles) and Fair Trade, thus ensuring their local producers and suppliers can share in their success. An absolute favourite in Chiang Rai, open from 9 am to 9 pm daily.

Cooking Schools – Hands-On Learning

Cooking schools are easy to find across northern Thailand. Here are two suggestions that resonate with our travel with the heart theme.

Thai Akha Cooking School is just a kilometre south of the Old City, offering morning and evening classes. Members of the Akha Hill Tribe community operate this cooking school. As well as preparing and enjoying several Thai dishes, you will gain some insight into the Akha people and their stories. Cooking instructor Niti had our group captivated from start to finish.

As the name suggests, Thai Farm Cooking School is based on their own organic farm just 17 km from central Chiang Mai. They have an office in the Old City and provide city pickup/return as part of their full or half-day course. As well as creating and eating several classic Thai dishes, you get to see where your organic produce comes from – literally just a couple of meters outside the cooking kitchen. Organic farmer and cooking instructor Khun Sawat’s genuine enthusiasm is infectious.

Massage

Holidays are not complete without pampering and relaxation, and Thai massage is a must when visiting the “Land of Smiles”. Said to have its roots in India and practised for 2,500 years, the healing benefits of Thai Massages are well documented. From simple to deluxe, Thai massage studios can be found wherever you travel in the Kingdom, and northern Thailand is no exception. Here are a couple of options that easily link with our theme.

Image: supplied, Lila Massage

Lila Thai Massage has two conveniently located studios in Chiang Mai’s Old City, offering an extensive treatment menu, and has a compelling back story. Former Director of Chiang Mai Women’s Prison, Naowarat Thanasrisutharat, during her tenure, instigated a massage therapist training program to equip selected soon-to-be-released inmates with skills to help support their lives. And then, in 2008, Khun Naowarat created Lila Thai Massage, becoming a direct employer and dedicated training ground for these women as they re-join society. Pre-pandemic, Lila Thai Massage had eight operating studios across Chiang Mai and hopefully will be reopening these as international visitors return. It is our first choice for Thai massage when in Chiang Mai.

Image: supplied, Supatra Blind Massage

Our other choice is blind massage, with many of the current masseuses getting their break thanks to Dr Aud Kaewthong. In the 1980s, he took a massage class in Bangkok and realised that, due to being born blind, his sense of touch was profoundly developed. Thanks to Dr Aud, more than 1,000 blind massage therapists now work in Thailand, and his training has spread into other Southeast Asian communities. Examples of this movement are Supatra Blind Massage in the northeast corner of the Old City, a simple and highly regarded studio. Perception Blind Massage has a slightly more polished feel and is just inside the Thapae Gate of the Old City. Both are excellent options to experience your blind massage.

Community-based Tourism, Hilltribes, and Immersive Experiences

Lisu Eco Lodge is only a 50-minute drive north of Chiang Mai city and is a community-based tourism project operated by the local Lisu hill tribe people. The lodge has four spacious guest houses in a tranquil valley surrounded by organic rice fields, vegetable gardens, and orchards. Two day-one-night stays on a half-board basis will have you experiencing community life first-hand, including a guided village tour. Add-on activities like guided nature walks, bamboo river rafting, or other hill tribe experiences can be arranged. Be sure to do the tour of their award-winning Araksa Tea Gardens less than 6 km from Lisu Lodge.

Journey to Freedom is a week-long full-immersion project that embeds (paying) volunteers into a Karen hill tribe community while gaining a fascinating insight into rehabilitated elephants’ lives. Witness the daily life of the Karen people, become involved in the community and experience intimate encounters with the world’s largest land mammal. You will learn about agriculture and community, develop learning experiences for local school children, assist in the daily care of elephants and live in a cultural exchange at a tribal village in the mountains of Chiang Mai.

Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre just 60 km north of Chiang Mai. Founder ‘Lek’ Saengduean Chailert has championed ethical elephant conservation since 1996. Her “Saddle Off” care of rescued elephants is now being adopted by many camps and conservation parks across Thailand. The park currently offers sanctuary to elephants, buffalo, numerous dogs, cats, birds, and many other rescued animals. You can visit for a day, overnight, or stay on-site for the fully inclusive and highly regarded week-long volunteering programs. If caring for elephants seems daunting, their dog or cat shelters have many furry friends waiting for your attention.

Chiang Rai – Immersive Farm Stays and Eco-Luxe Resorts

Just under 40 km northwest of Chiang Rai at the base of Mae Salong Mountain is Ahsa Farmstay. A working farm with four delightfully rustic-luxe guest rooms, perfect for couples, solo travellers and families. Stays are full-board, with much of the produce straight from the surrounding fields. As most meals are an opportunity for a cooking class, get ‘hands-on’ with your host family and learn the art of Lanna (Northern Thai) cuisine, or head to the fields for some farm experiences.

Image: supplied, Ahsa Farmstay

At 32 acres, there is lots to do on the farm, from collecting fresh eggs to feeding the ducks and geese, learning about rice cultivation, or tapping the estate’s rubber trees. Guided treks in the surrounding hills, including hill-tribe village visits, are available. Return to the farm for a traditional massage or relax in Ahsa’s take on a traditional herbal sauna. There is always plenty to see, learn and experience on this working farm.

Phu Chaisai, which translates as “Mountain of Clear Heart”, is just under an hour from Chiang Rai and is perhaps one of Thailand’s first boutique resorts. Perched atop a bamboo clad mountain with spectacular Mae Salong valley views, Phu Chaisai is a reminder that mindful living with nature is possible, even in this modern age. Created and operated by one of Thailand’s leading interior designers, M.L. Sudavdee Kriangkrai, or Mom Da as the locals call her, its design is harmonious with its surroundings while providing suitable comfort for guests.

Image: supplied, Phu Chaisai

The fresh mountain air is cleansing and reduces the need for air conditioning, while televisions and alarm clocks are absent. Hike the marked trails on this 800-acre organic estate, visit their oolong tea plantation or learn local dishes in the resort’s cooking school. Phu Chaisai’s overall “less is more” concept creates a genuine opportunity for you to immerse yourselves in the natural rhythm and environment of the glorious far north.

Travel with the Heart

Perhaps the most significant benefit of ‘travelling with the heart’ is a richer, more satisfying, and memorable experience for visitors. Seasoned travellers can tell you it is the genuine connection with people and communities that changes you, not the destination itself. This type of responsible travel puts real faces and names to the communities we are visiting. It is an opportunity to slow down, ground ourselves and find something we have lost.

Northern Thailand has an abundance of eco-friendly, sustainable, and community-based activities for travellers who want to dive deep into the region’s essence and travel mindfully. This article highlights a few we believe are worth particular mention. Happy travels.

Article by Michael Cullen.

Restore, Refresh, Renew…

Restore.Refresh.Renew_final

We’re excited to invite you to join our first-ever virtual wellness series: “Restore, Refresh, Renew by Amazing Thailand”. This virtual wellness series features some of Thailand’s most experienced and respected wellness experts across the hospitality industry and will be live streamed on the Hug Thailand Facebook page.

Commencing Thursday 5 August 2021, we will broadcast a Facebook Live Stream every week at 6:00 PM AEST. In each weekly session our panel of wellness experts aim to share their knowledge and provide useful wellness tips to help you live a happier life as well as help you cope with stress.

Our speakers provide practical advice and instructions on a wide variety of wellness topics:

  • 5 Aug 2021: DIY at-home tutorial: How to make your own facial scrub and facial, neck and shoulder massage. Presented by Khun Rattapol Chaimanakarn (Kiang), Senior Sales Manager and Khun Wiyada, Wellness Manager from Movenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok.
  • 12 Aug 2021: Counter back pain with Yoga for Spine. Presented by Orsi Kinka, Yoga practitioner at Amatara Wellness Resort Phuket.
  • 19 Aug 2021: Hip Stretching Yoga. Presented by Orsi Kinka, Yoga practitioner at  Amatara Wellness Resort Phuket.
  • 26 Aug 2021: Integration of medical, wellness and lifestyle. Presented by Khun Wsinee Sukjaroenkraisri, Business Development & Strategy from RAKxa Fully Integrative Wellness & Medical Retreat.

More sessions to be announced in the coming weeks…

Follow us on Facebook to join our wellness series.

Wellness at Home

While visiting Thailand is still something we are dreaming about due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, Centara Hotels and Resorts is helping to bring one aspect of Thailand to you: DIY video guides showing you how to create your home version of a Thai spa, with advice straight from the health gurus.

Centara Hotels and Resorts has produced a series of video guides to help you create a Thai spa in your own home.

Whether it is body scrubs, skin care routines, or massage therapy techniques, try their easy-to-make and easy-to-follow methods. If you are looking for a more active workout to stay fit, Centara has also prepared a collection of simple yet effective home workout videos and guides for you.

Bonus: they’re children-friendly! Start your Wellness at Home routine with these 5 Tips.

1. Get the Mood Just Right

Spa experiences are all about atmosphere – transform your bathroom into your own private Treatment Room. Turn on some relaxing tunes, lower the lights, light some scented candles and burn your favourite essential oil blend.

2. Preparing your skin – Face

Facial steamers are all the rage as they soften the skin, allowing deeper penetration of products. Don’t have a facial steamer? Create your own with a large bowl of boiled water (cooled enough so the steam doesn’t burn your skin) mixed with a few drops of essential oils that are refreshing and detoxing – lemon or peppermint work great. If you don’t have essential oils, simply steep lemon or peppermint tea in the water. Cover your head with a face towel and lean over the bowl for a few minutes, taking deep breathes.

3. Preparing your skin – Body

Dry Body Brushing is a fantastic way to remove dry skin (especially on the legs), improve circulation and lymphatic flow and get your whole system moving. A dry loofah works wonders – using brisk upward movements, start on your lower legs and gradually work your way up the body. Above the chest use downward movements. The process should just take a few minutes and you’ll feel great afterwards.

4. DIY Facial Masks

Making your own face masks is easy with just a few pantry essentials. Mix the following ingredients, gently spread over clean, damp skin and leave on for 5 – 10 minutes. Wash with warm water.

  • For Dry Skin: Mix 2 TBS avocado with 2 TBS coconut oil
  • For Combination Skin: warm 3 TBS uncooked oatmeal with 4 TBS milk until oatmeal has softened. Mix and let cool. Add enough honey to form a sticky, easily spreadable paste
  • For Oily Skin: Mix 1 egg white with 2 TBS lemon juice

5. DIY Body Scrubs

For each of the following, mix the ingredients and then rigorously rub over the body in circular movements (you may like to stand in the shower for this!). Wash off with warm water.

  • Coffee Coconut Scrub: Mix ¼ cup fresh ground coffee with ¼ cup coconut oil
  • Chocolate Sugar Polish: Mix ¼ cup brown sugar with ¼ cup cocoa powder. Add 3 TBS warm honey to form a paste
  • Herbal Sea Salt Scrub: Mix ¼ cup sea salt with 2 dry herbal tea bags and 7 drops of peppermint essential oil. Add enough carrier oil of your choice (jojoba, avocado or coconut) to form a paste

Visit the Centara Hotels and Resorts website for more video workouts and tips from the experts.

Bangkok Marathon: 7 Days to a Healthier You in Thailand

A recent Skyscanner Australia survey found that at least 1 in 10 Aussies plan to take a wellness, health or fitness holiday this year. Mental exhaustion is a key motivator but so too is a desire to get ourselves in better shape, drop old habits and improve our general sense of wellbeing. Travel writer and marathon runner Fiona Harper shares 7 days and 7 ways towards a healthier you in Thailand which she discovered recently following her participation in the Bangkok Marathon.

Fiona Harper Bangkok Marathon

Day 1 Bangkok – Float your way to wellness

Upon arriving in Bangkok, the crazy traffic and big city smog can be an assault to the senses. We suggest you ease gently into your first day in Thailand with a therapeutic floating session. At the Bangkok Float Centre, first time floaters are guided gently through an introductory session which aims to relieve pain, improve athletic performance and increases endorphin production – the sort of high that runners know so well.

Day 2 Traditional Thai massage

When in Thailand a traditional Thai massage should be top of your list. When you visit the famous Temple of the Reclining Buddha, pop next door into the Watpo Thai Traditional Massage School. Watpo is the spiritual home of Thai healing and wellness, training practitioners who take their skills across the globe. It’s not the sort of place you’d visit for a luxury spa experience. However, Watpo excels in providing an authentic, healing half-hour Thai massage, which for approx. AU$10 is a screaming bargain.

Day 3 Lace up your running shoes

Join 13,000-plus fitness enthusiasts for the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok (held in Feb) for the rare opportunity to run through Bangkok’s notoriously traffic-clogged streets sans-traffic. Starting near Golden Mountain pre-dawn when the roads are closed, runners fly past Victory and King Rama V Monuments before heading over Rama VIII Bridge. Fireworks and ear-blasting doof-doof add to the charged, festival-like atmosphere. Not up for a marathon? Don’t worry, there are a 2.5km family fun run, 10km and 21km runs too.

Phuket Beach credit Getty images

Day 4 Phuket – Beach-style wellness

Leave Bangkok behind to fly to Phuket, well known by Aussies for its dreamy beaches, waterfront restaurants and bars and gorgeous holiday resorts. Andara Resort & Villas take wellness and fitness to another level with a gym to rival the best. There’s also a comprehensive program of classes led by Personal Trainers from Boot Camp, Muay Thai and Pilates amongst many others. Andara’s Signature Massage involves a combination of intense rubbing to create heat on oiled skin, followed by vigorous cupping and chopping.

Thanyapura Resort Phuket

Day 5 Fine tune your athleticism

Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort is the sort of hotel where lycra is de rigeur – leave your cocktail dress and fancy shoes at home! Book in for an intensive program designed around sports improvement, detox, weight loss or a custom designed program to suit your body and budget.

Rise before dawn at Thanyapura for an early morning workout in one of Phuket’s most impressive gyms. After your workout head to one of the swimming pools (there’s an 50m Olympic pool and a 25m training pool), the cushioned synthetic running track, tennis courts equivalent to those used at the Australian Open, a football pitch, or perfect your long or high jumps in the athletics precinct.

Thanyapura Resort Phuket

Day 6 Break out a sweat at the vegan buffet

In between classes, dine at Thanyapura’s vegan buffet lunch bar with its fresh juices, vegetable and grain dishes (who knew quinoa risotto was so delicious?) and oodles of fresh salads. It’s health food that tastes every bit as scrumptious as it looks. Don’t forget that workout towel.

Day 7 Water babies take a deep breath

The swanky new Crest Resort & Pool Villas juts dramatically from the cliffs at the southern end of the beach. Rooms with direct swimming pool access are perfect for water babies. Fitness addicts will find their sweet spot at PRIMA & Holistic Wellness Village with early morning Sun Salutations or Sunset Meditation on the rooftop sky lounge. For a totally decadent treat in preparation for your flight home, ask the Bath Butler to prepare a blend of oils for an aromatic soak.

Crest Hotel Phuket

Read Fiona’s full article here and follow her on Facebook at Travel Boating Lifestyle.

Kickstart your health in Koh Samui

Guest blogger Carmen Jenner kickstarts a healthy regime at wellness centre Palms Retreat in Koh Samui.

The huge hill taunts ahead; wobbly from the heat. This isn’t a side to the turquoise fringed paradise of Koh Samui I had ever expected to encounter. Wellness Resort Consultant and Personal Trainer Ron Velduis soothes the climb with words of encouragement as his rescue dogs Setta and Sky playfully coax me along. He sweats and puffs in sympathy which is by no means a reflection on his own level of fitness; the humidity is insane. Preferring to be at one with his environment, he goes sans footwear, on the blistering ground I might add. Continue reading “Kickstart your health in Koh Samui”

Medical Travel to Thailand

Guest blogger John Borthwick recently inspected several major Bangkok hospitals specialising in “medical tourism” and spoke to post-op clients.

“You might call us the Sisterhood of the Travelling Boobs,” jokes Jacky*, 40, from Perth. She is one ten women I meet recuperating in an upmarket Bangkok hotel who have undergone elective medical or dental procedures in Thailand rather than at home in Australia. Continue reading “Medical Travel to Thailand”