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There is a sense of overwhelming calm that comes with boarding the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa's courtesy boat at Saphan Taksin pier and chugging lazily down the Chao Phraya, to their urban escape. This act in itself is a kind of ritual cleansing of the mind, allaying of worries and cares, in preparation for the hours and moments you spend under their most hospitable, welcoming and embracing hand. If you happen to be on your way to their Anantara Spa, then this journey is all the more therapeutic and relaxing, as it dawns on you that you are going to be thoroughly pampered, under the expert touch of their well-trained and discreet spa therapists. Although in Bangkok, this resort seems far removed from a city location, which gives it such a distinctive out-of-town appeal, as if taking a trip on a brief, but exotic, expedition.

The words 'journey' and 'ritual' are very much akin to treatments at Anantara Spa, as their entire spa concept is based on a series of such journeys and ritual treatments, to indulge, calm and delight the senses. Each Anantara Spa destination, with the help of MSpa International, the company that currently operates some 36 high-end, branded and individual spas the world over, including the Anantara Spa brand, offers some unique treatments, conceived particularly for their individual destination. There is, in addition to these, as one would expect, a whole array of relaxing, cleansing, toning, reviving and rejuvenating options, all set to high quality of standards, that can be found in every Anantara Spa, regardless of location.

The treatment menu is split into different categories, each drawing inspiration the physical and spiritual qualities of different lotus flowers. Under the 'Bua Luang', the signature package treatment, specifically designed for the Bangkok Anantara Spa, pays homage to Thailand's rice paddies. The reason for this is based upon the constant blessing ritual of the rice crop from planting right through to harvest, in the hope of abundance, stability and happiness. Drawing on this wish for prosperity, the Bangkok Anantara Spa signature treatment journey, called the 'Signature Rice Ritual', aims to bless you, head to toe, with the naturally rejuvenating benefits of rice, for an abundance of health.

This 135-minute treatment begins with their floral foot bath and scrub, with honey milk, and a refreshing footspray, followed by a full body Sri Nin rice scrub, which is rich in antioxidants, as well as vitamins B and E. The scrub provides gentle, but cleansing exfoliation, removing dead skin cells, without harming the healthy ones. After showering, the skin feels thoroughly clean and polished, prepped and ready to fully absorb the specially blended rice bran oil from the ensuing massage. This full body massage incorporates pressure point and stretching techniques, combined with a heated rice compress, as opposed to the usual Thai herbal compress. The aroma of steamed rice helps with the sensation of relaxation, but if you are looking for a fluid, uninterrupted massage, this may not be for you, as the massage strokes and rice compress application are made alternately, for different areas of the body, to help release tension, pain and stress, but does create a stop-start effect, that may not be for everyone. If you opt for the 195-minute version of this treatment, then you will additionally receive an Anantara Signature Facial, which utilises a blend of nourishing plant extracts and traditional Thai ingredients, to treat and revitalise your complexion. In your private treatment room, aptly suited to the rice ritual theme, a very flavourful hot brown rice floral tea is served, once the treatment is over.

Although a novel and beneficial experience, should the rice compress not be quite what you are after, then fear not, as the ultimate journey into relaxation on their menu awaits, under the 'Bua Phan' water lotus flower category, by way of the Anantara Signature Massage. Once you have showered and had your feet thoroughly bathed, scrubbed and sprayed, 90 minutes of sheer pampering follow. This signature massage begins with some deep breaths and light stretching, before the application of the warm 'Meridian Line Massage Oil'. The oil not only smells divine, but is also rich in nutrients, with such ingredients as rosewood, geranium, mandarin and sandalwood essential oils, combined with jojoba, sweet almond and coconut oils, as well as vitamin E, to name but a few in this magical blend. Specifically created for this massage, the oil is blended to stimulate the flow of energy along the body's meridian lines. The idea is to unblock the meridians and eliminate stagnation of Qi energy, which is considered to be harmful to the overall health of the body. The recommended pressure for this massage is from medium to strong, depending on your preference, but the therapists, along with checking on whether you are comfortable, if the lighting and music are to your liking, or if the temperature is just right, also ensure that you are happy with the depth of their strokes.

The massage on your meridian points is intended to stimulate the blood circulation in your body, deeply relax your muscles, clear blockages and increase balance within. The massage, in stimulating the circulatory system and unblocking your flow, also helps to flush out the toxins from muscle tissue, which can boost your immune system and contribute to a healthier being. In addition to the focus on the meridian lines, the massage also employs reflexology, to assist in rebalancing the internal organs. The technique is based on Anantara's 'Five Classical Movements', to promote a soothing and relaxing of the senses. The visible and tangible benefits of this massage are relaxation, muscle tension release and easing mental fatigue, which can lead to reduced stress and better sleep.

To top off the experience and journey into indulgence at Anantara Spa, take a short detour, before you head back onto the boat up river, to their deli and bakery 'Numero Uno Cafe{aac}'. Treat yourself to a light bite or a sweet extravagance from the range of over 100 different types of chocolates and baked goods. The boats depart every half hour from the resort pier, so you need not worry, if you get carried away in the chocolatiness of it all. Anantara Spa is well signposted, once you arrive at the resort, and is open from 10am to 10pm daily. Spa treatment reservations can be made by contacting 02 476 0022 ext. 1563. Numero Uno Cafe is open from 6am until 11pm daily, on the ground floor of their main building.

ANANTARA SPA
Anantara Riverside Resort & Spa
257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road.
Tel. 02 476 0022