Never a better excuse to simply indulge is what this time of year presents. Indulgence comes in many forms, whether food, drinks, gifts or heading off for some spa time. The à la carte treatment menu of the award-winning Le Spa with L'Occitane, at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, is brimming with delectable temptations, to pamper you, throughout the holidays and beyond, and keep you going back for more year round. On the 9th floor of the hotel, turn left from the gym and spa reception and enter into the spa lounge area, where you receive your consultation and a delicious infusion, determined to pre-relax you into the spirit of this spa.
Le Spa with L'Occitane is a tranquil urban oasis, combining touches of French Provence styling with a contemporary Thai experience and warm hospitality. L'Occitane skin and body care products are used across many of the treatments. The feeling of relaxation seemingly emanates from the walls, as you are overcome with a sense of positive vibrations and good energy, while slipping out of your outdoor shoes and into their cozy slippers. Little wonder then, that this spa is so popular with both local residents and hotel guests alike. All in all, they have managed to hone a talent for impeccable French and Thai spa and beauty therapies, with an array of ingredients that help siphon off the stresses and strains of daily life.
Speaking of ingredients, the treatment menu is inspired by gastronomy, from 'Starters' through 'Mains' to 'Desserts', and even 'Specials' and 'Menu Suggestions' for gentlemen, as well as for the ladies. Signature treatments include the likes of the 'Four Teas Ceremony' for the body, including a scrub and massage, while starters can entice you with a 'Soothing Provencal Steam Bath' or 'Lavender Relaxing Bath'. The mains selection is quite substantial, with both 'International Favourites', such as the sporty 'Deep Tissue Intense Relief' massage, incorporating Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, acupressure and stretching techniques, and 'Local Specialities', with attractive names like the 'Thai Heritage' and 'Cocoon Massage'. Desserts, on the other hand, see wraps, scalp massage and waxing as the order of the day. For a full-on day spa experience the special of choice should involve 'Le Spa Afternoon Tea', whereupon the Four Teas Ceremony is followed by an actual French afternoon tea, served in the spa or by the pool, according to your preference (5,000Baht++).
Spoiled for choice, but in need of extra skip in your step and added boost in the radiance of your glow, the 60-minute 'Immortelle Secret to Brightness' is a certain must. With limited time available and no matter how tempting all of the above sound, this is an indulgent facial treat (4,400Baht++) not to be missed. Do check, however, before you start, that this is the right type of facial for your skin type. Apparently suited to most skin, most will have no issue, but those who are particularly sensitive may experience some tightening or tingling with the strength of certain properties in the scrub or creams.
The face is gently cleansed and toned, massaged and moisturized using a special formula, enriched with Vitamin C and bellis perennis (a European species of daisy). The bellis perennis as an ingredient for this facial seems particularly apt, as it quite literally translates from the Latin to mean 'beauty everlasting', also known as the immortelle flower (l'immortelle, in French), which gives rise to the name of the facial itself. Found on the island of Corsica in Europe, L'Occitane has developed a range of products using this flower and its essential oil, they have dubbed an 'elixir of youth'. The flower's name stems from its longevity, as the bloom has a particularly long flowering season. Bellis perennis, furthermore, not only has astringent properties, and has been known in herbal medicine to be used on wounds, acne and eczema, but has also been shown to have an impact on depigmentation of the skin.
Blended with Vitamin C and other ingredients, used throughout this incredibly luxurious facial experience, it is just the ticket for assisting in combating the signs of aging and the effects of sun exposure. The aim of this facial is to help reveal a brighter and more youthful complexion and have you feeling your uplifted best, whatever the occasion – not that an occasion should be needed to treat yourself. Your skin indeed can feel silkier and brightened. Arrive early and allow yourself 15 minutes before the treatment, to ease into the experience, as well as enough time after the facial to re-make-up, if required, since all of your artwork is removed at the start. You will also require time to enjoy your hot tea and French macaron waiting for you in the relaxation area, afterwards, together with your outdoor shoes.
If you quickly become hooked on Le Spa with L'Occitane, and understandably so, or want to encourage someone special in your life to enjoy such pleasurable spa experiences too, then it is worth noting that membership cards and gift cards are available. You can pre-pay for a Christmas or New Year present from an hour treatment to an entire spa day, as a most thoughtful gift, for another lucky person or why not just for yourself – you are sure to make time to return this way and savour more blissful moments.
Le Spa with L'Occitane, winner of the 'World Luxury Spa Award 2014', is accessible through the main hotel entrance via the left hand side lift lobby up to the 9th floor of the Sofitel on Sukhumvit Road, between soi 13 and soi 15. To book your appointment, it is advisable to contact lespa.bangkok@sofitel.com or call 02-126-9655 ahead of time. To pre-plan your spa time, and for further information, browse around on their website (www.sofitel-bangkok-sukhumvit.com), as you may like to combine the gastronomic spa experience with a lazy lunch or dinner at one of their restaurants. The spa is open daily from 10am to 10pm, with full services from 'Le Salon de Beauté by Serge Contesse' also available for enjoyment and personal grooming.
