< Previous20 THE BUZZ 22 A NEW CHAPTER OF WELLNESS ON KHAO LAK Discover the allure of health and wellness destinations on Khao Lak, in the southern province of Phang Nga. 26 COME FLY MYAIRLINE COME SPA WITH ME: 28 JARA SPA 30 ANANTARA SPA CHIANG MAI 32 TROPICAL RETREAT SPA BY OASIS SPA 34 ANANTARA SPA KOH SAMUITHE BUZZTHE BUZZ KHAO LAK Discover the allure of health and wellness destinations on Khao Lak, in the southern province of Phang Nga. Embrace some “me” time focused on promoting your wellbeing as you bask in the charm of southern Thai culture against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya | Photos by The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) A NEW CHAPTER OF WELLNESS ON 22The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a "Thailand Meaningful Wellness" campaign to entice travellers to world-class health and wellness destinations around the country. In Khao Lak, enjoy the warm southern hospitality, pristine beaches, tranquil ambience, and stunning sunsets it's known for. Discover local wellness wisdom, relish healthy cuisine and experience activities both relaxing and fun. Savour tasty and organic Southern food at Nai Mueang Khao Lak, a recipient of a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand. This restaurant exudes retro charm with its bric-a-brac interior adorned with old tin mining memorabilia and sewing machines. I recommend the Lotus Stem in Coconut Soup and also the rarely- found Kangsom Naimuang, a sour soup with lontar palm. If time allows it, book a Thai cooking lesson with owner Khun Kwan and you'll also get to explore their garden, and learn about local herbs and spices before moving into the kitchen. Phang Nga province is blessed with a multitude of inspiring natural attractions. Make a stop at Khlong Plai Pu Hot Spring where you can immerse yourself in hot spring water, akin to a Japanese onsen. The hot spring's mineral- rich waters, which flows through a fresh river stream, will help soothe inflammations, improve blood circulation, alleviate muscle pain and promote better sleep by relaxing the body and mind and reducing stress levels. Feeling small hunger pangs? Purchase a charming cane basket filled with eggs, drop it into the hot spring for a while and then enjoy the boiled eggs with a dash of Maggi sauce! After unwinding at the hot spring, rev up your energy level by surfing at Memories Beach - Surfer's Destination. Experience the thrill of surfing with waves of an average height of one metre which will occasionally rise over your head! At Memories Beach, which is run by passionate local surfers, you'll find a surf shop where you can rent all the necessary gear and also hire a private surf instructor. Memories Beach has become Thailand's best destination for surf enthusiasts of all levels to connect with friends and nature, and ride the waves. The best season to catch the waves is from April to October. After some exhilarating surfing, look forward to winding down with a mesmerising sunset at Karkinos Beach Club. Enjoy the seamless transition of architecture into nature at this open-air beach club that invites you to feel the sand beneath your feet and the sea breeze on your skin. The club is a haven for Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, and the menu boasts simple yet elegant dishes prepared with the philosophy of sustainability and using fresh, regional and sustainable ingredients. After sunset, relish food that replenishes your energy, complemented with delightful drinks and melodious tunes in the background. 23THE BUZZ Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage at Cool Spa within Baba Beach Club Na Tai, a retreat featuring luxury villas, suites and poolside cabanas along the pristine shores of Na Tai, one of Phang Nga's most beautiful beaches. The original award-winning Cool Spa by Sri Panwa, ranked among the Top 10 Spa destinations, offers wellness experiences for mind, body and soul has now been replicated at Baba Beach Club Natai. Spa treatments are conducted in the privacy of a villa or by the beach and based around the best ancient local healing rituals using Thai herbs to transport you into a realm of infinite wellbeing, fully relaxed and rejuvenated. The place to lay your head down for a night is the boutique Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas, nestled in-between the natural lagoon and pristine beach. You will have an excellent night’s sleep before waking up rejuvenated and ready to tackle some morning activities, such as a blissful Yoga and Mindfulness Session at the observation tower by the sea with an expert who will guide you with cleansing and purifying your mind, and the release of any residual tension in your body. Creative activities are always a fun way to try something different, and also good for bonding time with family or friends. Stimulate your senses and enhance your concentration with any of the crafts workshops at the resort such as a Batik Painting Class. Paint a beautiful handkerchief to give to a loved one, or even your own clothes or bag for a new look, and discover your artistic flair as well as create a cherished memento of your trip. If you have some time to fill before dinner, take the rare opportunity for some Coconut Painting by the beach at Baba Beach Club Na Tai – this will be fun and rewarding, and also leave you with a sense of pride in your work of coconut art! Conclude your day with a healthful dinner at The Season Restaurant, located in five-star boutique Aleenta Phuket & Phang Nga Resort & Spa. The restaurant promotes sustainable and healthy eating choices, and focuses on plant-based dishes showcasing local produce and products. Their innovative approach reimagines Western favourites and traditional Southern Thai delicacies, and prioritises delicious and innovative culinary adventures that mirror the ever-changing seasons. In conclusion, Khao Lak will allow you to embark on an enriching wellness journey through Thailand's southern province of Phang Nga. Visit www.thailandmeaningfulwellness. com for much more information on places promoting holistic well-being, natural landscapes and traditional healing practices. 24THE COMPANY MYAirline is Malaysia's latest airline, established on 11 January 2021 and providing affordable travel with world-class services. It operates a fleet consisting of Airbus A320- 200 aircraft from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2) to nine domestic destinations: Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi, Kota Bharu, Penang, Sibu, Tawau and Miri. Its first international destination is Bangkok, Thailand twice daily from both Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) and the airline will be quickly expanding to other neighbouring countries in the Southeast Asian region. COMFORT AND ENTERTAINMENT As MYAirline operates mid-length flights, there is neither entertainment on board nor a personal screen for passengers. However, the special design of the foldable tray in front of each seat will hold any personal gadget and gizmo to keep passengers entertained throughout their flight. The all-new sleek interiors and its first-in-class pre-reclined seats feature sustainable materials and weight-saving qualities while offering the utmost comfort and also more legroom for passengers. I was very comfortable and did not feel any back pain. The middle seats on MYAirline have an important benefit – they are wider than the aisle and window seats! SERVICE AND CUISINE The airline emphasises reliable and attentive service both on-ground and on- board, and human communications via its live chat available on its website. Further setting it apart from other airlines, it is the COME FLY WITH ME COME FLY MYAirline Text by Urasa Chittamvanich first airline in the region to introduce a gender- neutral uniform for its cabin crew to promote inclusivity and equality. I found the cabin crew service to be a nice balance of professional and friendly, and they clearly enjoyed their stylish uniform with jacket and pants, styled with white sneakers, which made their work easier. The inflight menu offered enough variety to please all palates, and it took me some time to make my choice from Nasi Lemak, Nasi Biryani Chicken, and Curry Noodles. The list of hot and cold beverages was a long one. 26 THE BUZZOVERALL IMPRESSION My flight was punctual and my experience from boarding to landing was seamless. Rayner Teo, CEO of MYAirline, has said: “MYAirline is poised to transform air travel by placing our passengers at the core of everything we do. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, we are confident that MYAirline will become a preferred choice for travellers worldwide as we further expand our flight network to other neighbouring countries in the Southeast Asia region this year.” From my experience, I can attest that it will certainly happen in the near future! myairline.my 27Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya It draws inspiration from the quintessence of the ancient ficus tree, which acts as the guiding philosophy to holistic well-being here through five pillars that resonate with the rejuvenating essence of the natural world that resonate with the rejuvenating essence of the natural world: root nurturing, earth connection, core fortification, tranquillity cultivation, and inner self-care. These ancient healing principles underpin the foundation for the spa's treatment menu and anchors it in mindful, active, natural, restorative and holistic healing practices, each tailored to gracefully meet individual needs. Nestled within a serene, sea-facing building, Jara Spa offers opulent treatments ranging in time from 30 minutes to six hours. Indulge in Thai and Oil Massages, Facial Rejuvenation, Manicures and Pedicures, Scrubs and Wraps, Hot Oil Stone Therapies, Foot Reflexology, and their distinctive Royal Trisara 6-Hand Massage expertly administered by three therapists. All the spa products are organic and devoid of chemicals, reinforcing the spa’s philosophy. JARA SPA Trisara 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand T. +66 (0) 76 683 320-6 E. spa@trisara.com W. trisara.com/jara-spa/ TRANSCENDENTAL WELL-BEING I was enthusiastic when recommended the transcendental Royal Trisara Massage (THB 15,000) for my muscle aches which felt as if they had sunk deeply to my bones. It began with the sensory delight of a foot scrub including the invigorating aroma of lemongrass essential oil, followed by a gentle massage of my feet up to my shoulders. This was the prelude to the application of hot Thai herbal pouches on specific body points to channel revitalising energy where my muscles most needed to relax. The main massage was extraordinary with not just one, or two, but three pairs of skilled hands orchestrating a symphony of relaxation and rejuvenation across my body. Using a blend of Thai and Swedish massage techniques, the three of them worked on my sore muscles across my body using organic and fragrance-free jojoba oil to reach the deeper knots and to moisturise my skin at the same time. My therapists' hands, forearms and elbows were used in harmonious synchrony and rhythm to conduct a rhapsody of kneading, acupressure and sweeping strokes that endowed a sensation of full indulgence especially on my back, and for my overall wellbeing. The exquisite finale of my treatment was the warm caress of coconut oil as my scalp, neck and shoulders were tenderly massaged simultaneously with my feet, enveloping me with a cocoon of reposeful bliss and lifting me into sensory ecstasy. As you may guess, I had a transcendental experience at Jara Spa and recommend everyone not to pass up on a treatment here. My tensions, both physical and mental, dissolved as effortlessly as snow in tropical sun in the 90 minutes I spent in the tranquil treatment room with sweeping 180-degree sea view, under the care of skilled therapists. Jara Spa may well be the ultimate sanctuary for inner serenity and indulgence on Phuket. Nestled in the lush embrace of a tropical garden on enchanting Layan Beach lies Jara Spa, the award-winning wellness sanctuary situated at Trisara which is a haven of exclusivity on the captivating island of Phuket. COME SPA WITH ME THE BUZZ 28Next >