Trisara Resort and Spa: The Perfectly Designed Hotel Suite with Plenty of Room for Spa Treatments
by Susie Ellis

Last year I experienced what I considered to be one of the most perfectly choreographed spa treatments I had ever had. It was at the Sphatika Holistic Treatment Center in New York - a 2 hour treatment superbly executed. Later I found out that they had worked on this particular treatment for five years in order to reach this level of perfection!

Well, now I feel that I have experienced the most perfectly designed resort suite. Am here at the Trisara Resort and Spa in Phuket, Thailand. And sure enough, when I had breakfast with the general manager, Anthony Lark, I found out that he had spent almost ten years thinking about and finally designing and perfecting this room. It was 1,000 square feet and all I can say is that I couldn't wait to get back to the room although the rest of the resort was superb as well.
Apparently every villa at the resort has this same design which includes an infinity pool and ocean view from every part of the villa - from the office/bedroom/sitting&eating area, and even the long bathroom that runs the length of the entire villa behind the bed and rooms. That's the ingenious part.

Take a look at the photo. You can see the bed from which the view would include the large infinity pool and past that, the ocean. If you are lying in bed, to the right of you is a large area with a desk, a large (initially hidden) area to plug in all kinds of electronics, banquette space, storage underneath and some closet and drawers all built in. To the left of you is the sitting/eating area from which you enjoy the same pool/ocean view. There is a spacious minibar area including a large pull-out shelf with coffee maker, instant hot tea maker, dishes, etc.

This large open trio of rooms has gorgeous wooden ceilings - each with a dfferent configuration and at varying heights, with all kinds of lighting effects. And then what was really cool, is that if you are lying in bed - behind you and running across the entire back of the villa - is the bathroom from which you can also enjoy the infinity pool/ocean view because there are pocket windows (mirrored) that stretch the length of the room above and behind the bed. When these are opened, they give you the ocean view from the bathroom and when closed give the bathroom total privacy.

It wasn't just the design of the villa, it was also every small little detail that felt perfect - like the reading light above your bed that shines at just the perfect angle and where you can reach the switch from your bed without straining, etc.

There is something about perfection that is inspiring...and in a way, part of what makes a spa vacation something memorable and transformative.

The only thing I felt didn't fit was a kind of elephant-like structure made out of two hand towels to which two small black slips had been added to look like eyes that was sitting on the banquette in front of the bed to greet you when you first arrived at the room. It reminded me of the "napkin-art" you get at convention meals. Odd, but I suppose, forgiveable.

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Most Expensive Spa in the World Opening Soon! Six Senses Spa to Introduce its Destination Spa and 7th Sense Spa Experience
by Susie Ellis

Had a sneak peek at the soon-to-be-launched new Six Senses Destination Spa here in Thailand. It was a 30 minute boat ride from the Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi where I am currently staying. During a tour of the property which is nearing completion (although it looks to me will need more time than they think to be ready for opening), I kept saying, "wow," "wow," "wow" with every corner I turned.

The opening of this Destination Spa is going to be big news, - both inside the spa industry and outside of the spa industry. My guess is that these will be the big media stories:

1. You can eat the landscaping around your villa and pretty much eat everything else growing on the property.

2. This isn't one spa - it is literally four spas in one: an Indian spa, an Indonesian Spa, a Chinese Spa, and a Thai Spa. And I don't mean "area" but "spa"! There is also a salon called the hair spa as well as color therapy spaces, colonics, Watsu area, Pilates, kenisis, a feng shui'd gym (finally!), and a host of other offerings too numerous for me to remember. It would be easier to try and list what they don't offer.

3. Although not a medical spa per se, there will be master practitioners and medical doctors and an emphasis on both Eastern and Western wellness options - no aesthetic medicine.

4. It will no doubt be lauded for its ecologically embedded practices.

5. The food will likely get rave reviews because of the garden-fresh ingredients, their raw food restaurant option, and the status of their spa-celebrity chefs.

6. The 7th Sense will be introduced which will trump the Sixth.

7. It will be the most expensive spa in the world.

There are very few true destination spas left. In Asia there are just a handful - Chiva Som in Thailand (the most well known), Como Shambala in Bali (very small but exquisite), and the Farm at San Benito in the Philippines (unfortunately, a well kept secret).

North America has Canyon Ranch, Miraval, Rancho La Puerta, Golden Door, Greenhouse, Cal a Vie, and about 10 others. All destination spas are gems in my opinion. Very expensive to create and operate yet offer the greatest chance to pursue wellness and transformation. Bottom line for me is that I always feel my best (and am told I look my best) after a stay at a destination spa.

In fact that reminds me of how I recently heard someone describe the difference between a resort spa and a destination spa: When you return home from a resort spa you tell others how great it looked. When you return home from a destination spa others tell you how great you look!

Stay tuned....and fasten your seat belts.

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