SAMUI SPA heaven

WHO’s Patrick Giorgi blisses out at Thailand’s luxe Banyan Tree resort

- Patrick Giorgi

My wife has always wanted to pour a bucket of ice-cold water over me – and she finally got her wish when we visited Banyan Tree Samui and abandoned ourselves to The Rainforest.

Koh Samui’s only hydrothermal spa experience consists of nine treatments designed to soothe and reinvigorate different parts of your body. We started with a warm “rain walk” before feeling our tension and stress evaporate in the steam room. Alternating between hot and cold, strong and gentle, our bodies were revitalised, refreshed and rudely awakened (thanks Mrs. G!) as we drifted between each wellness station.

The highlight was the vitality pool, where waterfalls and jets work like acupressure to relax your muscles and get your blood pumping. But beware: some of the jets are so strong they will knock you off your feet, so hang onto the rails! Finishing with a lie-down on the heated stone lounger and a cup of ginger tea, we’d never felt so pampered. The Rainforest is a must for adventurous spa lovers.