If you’re a wellness enthusiast, chances are that you have heard of Thann. The natural skincare and aromatherapy brand hails from Thailand and has presence all over the world. Most recently, the brand re-entered Singapore with a new 667 sqft flagship store in Paragon.
Besides offering products that uses Asian botanicals such as Rice Bran Oil and Shiso, the brand also owns a spa chain, Thann Sanctuary, with 21 spas globally and multiple prestigious awards under its belt.
The latest venture by Thann? Thann Wellness Destination, a luxury spa resort located at Ayutthaya, the old capital of Thailand.
When asked by Daily Vanity why he decided to embark on this latest project, Thann’s founder and managing director Tony (Thitipat) Suppattranont said that was so that Thann could have more time to change their customers’ lifestyle.
Tony shared with us how Thann Wellness Destination came about.
“(Even) for day spa, we only see our customers for at most two hours. I need more time to change their lifestyle,” Suppattranont said at an interview held at Thann Wellness Destination.
He said that he has seen how his customers have benefited from the services at Thann Sanctuary, and Thann Wellness Destination is an extension of that experience that allows customers to spend more time to focus on their wellness.
When you check into Thann Wellness Destination, you have to complete a questionnaire to flesh out your wellness objectives. From there, the resort helps to plan your meals and activities that will help you meet them.
The all-inclusive package starts from 25,000 THB for single occupancy and it includes luxury accommodation, complimentary mini bar, Thann products, daily resort wear, all meals with non-alcoholic beverage, a 90-minute spa treatment (per night booked), and wellness programme.
In other words, you can literally come with an empty suitcase and be able to have everything taken care of at the resort.
Thann Wellness Destination review: How was it like staying there?
I checked into the resort to find out more about what guests would experience there. The resort is in Bangsai (a district in Ayutthaya) and is just one hour away from Bangkok by car. Despite its proximity to the bustling capital, the resort is set in an environment that’s a lot more tranquil. It is surrounded by lush rice fields and Noi River, which puts you in a mood to take a deep breath and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Art pieces and antiques are displayed throughout the property; these are collected by Suppattranont and many of them are extremely rare and precious.
At the centre of the lobby are statues of “the wise monkeys”. There are four of them altogether, the first three symbolise “see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil” – philosophies we are all familiar with. The fourth monkey is shown handing out a banana, symbolising mercy, an interpretation made by Suppattranont based on his personal philosophy.
Once I had my luggage sent to the room, I embarked on the first order of the day: a spa treatment.
The spa complex features 15 treatment rooms and is staffed by certified therapists who are knowledgeable in anatomy, aromatherapy, and massage techniques.
I was told by Thann’s spa director that while the requirement to be a massage therapist in Thailand is the completion of 150 hours of training, Thann only hires therapists who have a Bachelor’s degree in Thai traditional medicine. This means all of them would have completed four years of specialised study in a university before they are considered and recruited.
I chose to go through a Swedish massage and spent the next 90 minutes in absolute bliss. The therapist was able to relieved the knots I was suffering in my body after the flight and commuting, and I stepped out of the spa feeling a lot more relaxed.
Another highlight at the spa complex is the aromatherapy baths, which Suppattranont said is his favourite feature in the entire resort.
“This is where you can relax your body, mind, and spirit, and just let go of your ego and enjoy the moment,” he said.
There are three baths in all, each with a different temperature. You start with the 30 degC warm bath that eases and soothes aching muscles and joints, and then soak in the 39 degC hot bath to improve your circulation and accelerate metabolism. Go back to the warm bath before going into the 25 degC cool bath, designed to stimulate your lymphatic and immune systems.
Food is another memorable part of my stay. Every meal at Thann Wellness Destination is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Every dish is beautifully plated and tastes delectable. There are three dining concepts available: Tea Room, a 42-seater cafe that serves international dishes, Riverfront Restaurant, a fine-dining Thai restaurant, and Thai Street Foods, which serves authentic dishes seen at Thai street food markets.
There are many activities available at the resort that you can go for. Besides fitness classes such as Mat Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, and Tai Chi. Aqua Exercise classes are also conducted at the large swimming pool that all resort guests can access.
I also tried water biking (for the first time!), an activity that allowed me to take in the beautiful, serene sight of Noi River. This also turned out to be quite a leg workout, but while it was tiring, it was a fun and refreshing experience for me.
Cooking classes are available at Thann Wellness Destination.
You can also learn how to blend your own room fragrance.
Besides fitness activities, there are also facial workshops, cooking classes, and essential oil blending and stress remedy workshops to go for.
Returning back to the room, I was impressed by the generous amount of space it came with. The bathroom was also stocked with Thann amenities, which smelt incredible and made me look forward to winding down every night before sleep.
My stay at Thann Wellness Destination had been an unforgettable one, and I know it’ll now be at the top of my list the next time I’m considering a getaway for a long weekend or want to take time for a retreat. I like that it offers an all-inclusive package so I didn’t have to worry about anything else other than my own well-being. It is also super accessible yet offer the kind of serenity you’d be hard-pressed to find in Bangkok. A new concept of paradise for me? For sure!
Thann Wellness Destination officially opens at the end of October 2019. It is located at 1Moo5, Krachaeng, Bangsai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13190, Thailand. Visit its website for more information.
Thann Singapore is located at #03-445 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859. Visit the Thann Singapore website for online purchases and more information.
