Krabi spas
Krabi's lush greenery and tropical climate make this the ideal location to indulge in a spa treatment. Most spas in Krabi take full advantage of Krabi's natural assets and are situated outdoors in fragrant gardens with old-style Thai wooden pavilions and inspiring views.
Pampering is the order of the day in Krabi spas; you will not find the strict dietary and exercise regimes or 'health farms' of Koh Samui or Koh Phangan here. Massage, body scrubs, wraps and facials are the most common treatments available and most spas offer herbal steam and jacuzzi facilities as well.
Most of the spas in Krabi are upmarket affairs, usually attached to a hotel - although outside guests are welcome. Two-hour packages start at around 2,500 Baht and go up to several thousand more for a full-day's pampering.
Here, you are mainly paying for the ambience and service: beautiful gardens, private pavilions and undivided attention from discreet, professional hostesses and therapists. There will many 'extras' - herbal teas, floral foot baths, silk robes, cold towels - that will make the experience memorable.
If all this is not important to you, there are also a number of cheaper places where you can receive similar treatments in more prosaic surroundings. Facials, manicures, waxing and massages will be less than a third of the spa price in most beauty salons in the beach areas of Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi, but you're likely to be indoors, in or near a busy room, with a TV on in the corner!
Thai massage
Wherever you choose to try it, a traditional Thai massage is a must on any visit to Thailand. Combining ancient Ayurvedic principles with Chinese acupressure and elements of yoga, this interactive massage is a workout for your whole body.
Unusually, for those used to Swedish-style massage, the Thai style concentrates mainly on the feet and legs, before moving up to the arms, back and head. Although this sounds strange, you'll be surprised just how much tension is locked up in your lower limbs!
There are many massage shops in the beach areas and Krabi Town. Make sure, however, that you are massaged by a trained therapist - look for a certificate from the Wat Po Institute in Bangkok - as we have heard stories of people being badly bruised by unqualified masseuses, usually those touting their services to sunbathers along the beach.
Recommended Spas
Tropical Herbal Spa, Ao Nang
One of the first spas in Ao Nang, this is a well-run, reasonably priced establishment. Treatments take place in outdoor pavilions set in a mature tropical garden, or in your own private suite with jacuzzi. There is also a large pool and herbal steam area for relaxing. Evening visits are recommended: the place is beautifully lit at night. 20/1, Moo 2, Ao Nang, +66 (0)7 563 7940.
Adora Spa, Krabi Town
Located in a peaceful corner of the vast Maritime Park Resort complex, this is one of Krabi's 'best-kept secrets'. You can spend an entire day here: start in the outdoor four-poster jacuzzi tub that 'floats' in the middle of a lake; try a whole host of body scrubs and massage in an air-conditioned suite; and finish in their beauty salon. 1 Tungfah Road, Krabi Town, +66 (0)7 562 002 8-46.
Montra Spa, Ao Nang
Run by the prestigious Spa Clinique group from Phuket, this is one of the few indoor spas in Krabi. On the top floor of Pavilion Queen's Bay hotel, it enjoys dramatic views of Nopparat Thara Beach from the teak-wood panelled rooms. There's an excellent range of treatments on offer, concentrating on East-meets-West style massage techniques that combine traditional Thai massage with Swedish massage and aromatherapy. There is also a beauty salon and herbal steam room available for guests. 56/3 Ao Nang, +66 (0)7 563 7950.
Pimalai Spa, Koh Lanta
Pimalai is another top-of-the-range spa, set in the lush grounds of the Pimalai Resort in Kantiang Bay. The scenery alone will transport you to another world; while the treatments, including detox massages and body wraps, will leave you feeling like a new person. 99 Moo 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach, Koh Lanta, +66 (0)7 560 7999.
Kantawan Spa, Koh Lanta & Krabi Town
For something to suit the smaller budget, Kantawan is a great little spa concept with two branches, one in Krabi Town (Maharat Rd) and the other in Koh Lanta (Long Beach). Both are set in northern-style teak houses and offer good quality, traditional Thai treatments such as herbal steam, massage with hot compress, and tamarind body scrub.
189 Maharaj Road, Krabi Town, +66 (0)7 562 3659, (Koh Lanta): 224/1 Saladan, Koh Lanta, +66 (0)7 568 4500-1.
