RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort, Chiang Mai
Situated by the Ping River in the heart of Chiang Mai, RarinJinda is where people come when they want to be pampered. A 140-year-old traditional teak house is the centerpiece of this beautiful wellness retreat that includes 35 luxury rooms and suites with private verandas and WiFi as well as the 2009 Asia Spa and Wellness Festival Best Day Spa Gold Award Winner. Before starting any therapy, guests can consult the alternative medicine practitioner to determine which massages and treatments would be best for them. This boutique resort is also known for its trendy restaurant, D1 Exotic Scene and Cuisine, that’s everything its name, says it is. (1, 14 Chareonraj Rd., Wat Gate, Muang District, Chiang Mai Tel: +66 (0) 5324 7000, +66 (0) 5330 3030 www.rarinjinda.com)
Thaan Sanctuary Bangkok
After playing a sold out show in Bangkok, it is time to head to Thaan Sanctuary (+66 (0) 2656 1424, www.thann.info). My favorite treatment by far is the Nano Shiso Therapy with an Ayurvedic Body Massage. I also like the Healing Stone Body Massage, where hot stones are placed along the body’s pressure points to relieve stress. It is no wonder this awesome place was chosen as one of the Top 55 Best Spas in the world by Condé Nast Traveler; after these treatments, I feel totally refreshed and ready to perform in another show!
Divana Spa Bangkok
When my parents come with me to Bangkok, I like to take them to the Divana Spa (+66 (0) 2661 6784-5, www.divanaspa.com). They have really beautiful private spa rooms that are designed just like a traditional Thai house, with traditional teak wood and fascinating art work.
I make sure mum and dad experience the Spa Exotique & Anti-Stress Facial Treatment, which is almost three hours of therapies with revitalizing body scrubs. I like the Crystal Jade Therapy, a purifying facial treatment that leaves me looking and feeling renewed and ready to hit the town.
Red Ginger Krabi
Krabi is a paradise for those who love snorkeling, scuba diving, ocean kayaking, and even rock climbing. I love staying at the Red Ginger (Ao Nang, Krabi, +66 (0) 75 637 999 www.redgingerkrabi.com) on the top floor of the resort, where the spacious Club Room is built in a loft style. It is located just far enough away from the bustle of town, but close enough for a nice 15 minute walk in the cool evenings. I can also take a long-tailed boat to the action of Phranang and Railay.
Navalai River Resort Bangkok
This is a great hotel on the river. The Navalai River Resort (45/1 Phra Arthit Rd.,Phra Nakorn, Bangkok Tel +66 (0) 2 2809955 www.navalai.com) has beautifully decorated rooms with good size balconies,
as well as a good-looking rooftop swimming pool with excellent views across the city. For what you get, it’s a great deal too. The best part is that staying here is within walking distance to the Grand Palace and Kaosarn road, where there is so much food and fun!
Tenface Bangkok
This hotel is a true oasis in the city; Tenface (Soi Ruamrudee,+66 (0) 2 695 4242 www.tenfacebangkok.com) is set deep within the green part of Soi Ruamrudee, just two stops on the BTS Skytrain from the hustle and bustle of Siam Square. You can take the hotel’s tuk-tuk to the local BTS station, although it is only about a ten minute walk. Everything in this modern, comfortably chic hotel is thought out (including a complimentary iPod), and the staff here is so attentive and polite.
Minus 5 Ice Bar in Pattaya
I have to be honest; Pattaya nightlife isn’t great for young clubbers…unless you happen to be a fan of go-go dancing. That’s why I was so relieved that a real and cozy club opened up that is visually appealing and doesn’t have the same stigma as some other pubs in Pattaya. Minus 5 Ice Bar Soi Petchtrakool +66 (0) 3842 6768, www.minus5pattaya.com) brings the elements of Bed Supperclub to the beach, and it is a good place to catch visiting international DJs. The theme here is ice, so everything is blue and cool. There is also a killer restaurant here where I can chill before heading to the dance floor!
Funky Villa
For clubbing, I usually head to the Thonglor area for its vibrant nightlife scene. There are a lot of places to choose from, but right now the most popular venue has to be Funky Villa (Thonglor Soi 10, Sukhumvit Soi 55 Tel: +66 (0)8 5253 2000). The best feature of the club is its decor. Even though it is not huge with many floors like other pubs, its beautiful design and comfy atmosphere can make you feel like you’re partying in your home (though it is plenty big to accommodate all your new friends!). The big plus is a huge parking lot out front, which is a must for Thai clubgoers.
Fish Foot Massage in Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Thai people love their massages, and so do I. Thailand is like heaven, as you can get any kind of massage from head to toe…not to mention it is usually not expensive! There is a new type of massage that I recently got hooked on. Instead of masseuse’s skillful hands, your feet get massaged by tiny little fish at Fishfeet Spa (Ladprao 71,+66 (0) 85 230 7711 www.fishfeetspa.com ) You put your feet in a fish tank and let the fish nibble away on your skin. This helps get rid of dead skin cells that are the cause of foot odor. It may tickle at first, but it is definitely not animal cruelty either, because the fish like it too!
