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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What Makes a Spa Soulful? Contemplating this at a Soulful Spa in Thailand is a Good Way to Find Out.
by Susie Ellis

Am in Thailand at the Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi while at the same time continuing my work regarding preparations for the Global Spa Summit 2008. Interesting how the two intersect.

Am working with the famous architect Robert Henry who will be leading a panel discussion on "How to Create, Design, and Maintain a Spa with Soul" at the Summit which both of us feel is a very exciting and timely topic. Spas are becoming big business and increasingly we find large companies and corporations beginning to create spas when in the past they were birthed and nurtured by individuals whose passion guided the evolution of their spas. People like Deborah Szekely (Rancho La Puerta and Golden Door), Sheila Cluff (The Oaks at Ojai), Dorothy Purdue (various spas in UK), and Enid and Mel Zuckerman (Canyon Ranch), etc.

Here at this very exclusive Six Senses Hideaway I think most people would agree it is a "spa with soul." This one was create by founders of the Six Senses and Soneva Brands, the famous Eve and Sonu team.

All villas have butlers, pools, and mesmerizing views - mine with turquoise water and small islands in the distance. The design and décor is imaginative, the entire resort is not only eco-friendly but what I call eco-embedded. The entire experience one of a sort of "barefoot luxury." Part of the fine dining room sits on top of a glass floor under which is a magically lit green plant garden with trickling stream. And don't even get me started on the "Private Reserve" villa with the 180-degree view and gigantic pool which rents for $16,000 per night.

My outdoor shower has two shower heads. One is a rain shower and the other a more traditional shower head (for when you don't want to get your hair wet). The mini bar has lots of healthy things (and some not-so-healthy for the occasional indulgence). No nickel and dime fees....everything is complimentary. (Well, you can figure it is in the price of your villa.)

It is easy to get a spa treatment booked because they have plenty of staff available so I was able to simply walk in and collapse in their care on day one when I was still feeling jet-lagged.

Have had some very nice moments of time to think about what makes a spa soulful. Can't wait to hear what Robert and his panel share from their points of view.
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A "Plugged-In" Spa Visit To Thailand with Massage and Facial on Day One and a Pre-Flight Manicure and Pedicure
by Susie Ellis

Just got to Thailand after a 16 hour flight from New York to Bangkok aboard Thai Airways, a three hour layover at the Bangkok airport, a one hour flight to Phuket, a 1/2 hour drive to a jetty and a 45 minute boat trip to the island of Yao Noi where I am staying at the Six Senses Hideaway.

I have learned to make the most of my traveling. Got a manicure and pedicure in at the JFK airport (what a time-saver that was!) and answered about 50 emails on the flight (which to the chagrin of the receivers - especially my assistant - all go out at the exact moment that I land in Bangkok), handled another bunch of emails at the Bangkok airport, and finished up the rest when I arrived at Six Senses Hideaway.

Am in the middle of helping plan the Global Spa Summit and don't have the luxury of turning off my Treo for the duration of my trip...however I am not complaining. This is going to be a "plugged in" trip rather than an "unplugged" trip. However, if it wasn't plugged in, I wouldn't be able to take it.

More later....

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Turning Point Gathering - Always a Winner
by Susie Ellis

Just reviewed some literature about the upcoming Turning Point Spa Seminar in Thailand which looks like it is shaping up nicely. Turning Point is a conference that is held in Asia (last year it was in Shanghai) every year which either Peter or I have attended for the past four years. Unfortunately, neither of us will be able to make it this time since I am heading to Thailand just four weeks later and Peter will be in India just prior. We have always been impressed with how Don Siegel organizes his Turning Point events and he gets extra kudos from me for his great looking marketing materials.

Because his events are generally fairly small and intimate, it is easy to get to know people and his topics are always timely. This year it appears as if much of the focus will be on the environment and sustainability with LOHAS research and green initiatives on the agenda.

The location this year is particularly attractive. Chiang Mai is a very special region of Thailand and the host hotel - the new Shangri La in Chiang Mai (photo to the right) - will no doubt be a memorable experience. Ian Brewis, group spa director of all of their Chi Spas, is an extraordinary host. There are two other magnificent spa properties in the area – the Four Seasons and the Mandarin Oriental - which alone would make the trip worthwhile. If you are in the region and have the opportunity to attend, I would definitely recommend it. And please tell Don hello from me.

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I'm sitting in the cyber cafe of Bumrungrad International here in Bangkok, Thailand. Bumrungrad is the hospital that 60 Minutes called, "The number-one international hospital in the world." NBC's Peter Greenberg recently featured it on the Today show. It is getting a lot of attention because the price (low), access (you can walk in and see a doctor within 20 minutes), and quality (tops) are what everyone wants.

I've been told it is the health care of the future - so naturally I wanted to see for myself.

There are 750 doctors on staff, and they see one million patients a year. The nurses and large support staff (many of whom are concierges) have smiles and serve refreshments. The children's area was filled with little ones having fun on the colorful tubes - the kind you see at some McDonald's playgrounds - playing with toys, and crawling over couches and chairs that look like soccer balls. The doctor's offices for the kids resemble little play houses. I bet parents have no problem taking their kids to the doctor around here!

This large, very clean facility looks like a cross between a mall (with a Starbuck's, shopping, restaurants), hospital, clinic, and high-end hotel. The only thing they are missing is a really forward thinking spa facility which could be integrated for patients, visitors and staff.

People fly in from all over the world for low-cost medical procedures here, such as executive health physicals, heart surgery, plastic surgery, or Lasik eye procedures, to name just a few. Although they don't currently have a spa, there are some spa elements available: A gym, hair salon, and massage therapists who can come to your hospital room. There is also a rooftop garden overlooking the city of Bangkok with beautiful landscaping. As lovely as this outdoor space was, no one was using it. And because it is always hot and humid in Bangkok, I don't imagine it gets much use at all. (Looks like great space for a spa to me!)

Ruben Toral, the hospital's group marketing director who is quite passionate about the work they do there, gave me a full tour, explained the business model, and shared with me that they are expanding this facility and also building a new Bumrungrad in Dubai.

I hope he is right about their model - low cost, high quality and quick accessibility - being the future of health care. And now if they could get the spa element right, it would be a real winner.

I'm currently at Evason Hideaway in Hua Hin Thailand, one of the magical Six Senses Spa properties. Spent a few days at Michael Loh's Spa Asia conference and a few days in meetings with spa industry professionals who look at global spa trends. It is always inspiring to exchange ideas and be with others who have similar passions.

Fortunately, I have been able to work in a few spa treatments and was delighted to be able to experience the Coconut and Carrot Body Glow and a Holistic Massage in the new Earth Spa which opened in February. This unusual-looking spa with its domed buildings is composed completely of clay-like mud, straw, and rice husks.