Bannaree Spa at Banburee Resort & Spa

Banburee Resort and Spa nestles in the folds of a picturesque hillside in the south of the island, offering some of the best get-away-from-it-all locations. It's an idyllic spot with brilliant sea views and a lush backdrop. It contains all the ingredients necessary for wonderful holidays. But even if you're not staying in the resort itself, it's thoroughly worthwhile taking time out to visit the resort's Bannaree Spa. Community Magazine went along to take a look and received some amazing treatments.

The spa here is a key part of the Banburee Resort's dedication to helping its guests relax and soak up the easeful lifestyle for which Samui is so justly known. On entering you're given a welcome drink and can take your time ordering from the spa menu. The list of treatments is select. This isn't one of those places that tries to offer infinite variations on what are basic themes. Bannaree Spa offers straightforward choices and professional treatments using very experienced masseuses and natural ingredients. I had arrived tired and jaded after one of those drab, work-filled days that can pull you under, and welcomed the spa manager's choice of lemongrass cream scrub followed by an aromatherapy massage. For the massage there are 4 essential oils to choose from: spirit, romance, cellulite and detox. They were presented in little pots and the purpose of each is evident in its name. I chose detox. I guessed that was what I needed. The masseuse took me into a private room and treated me to the lush decadence of a scrub. The lemongrass she used was in a small bowl and felt half way between powder and grit. Lying on the bed it was easy to drift off as I felt the mixture cleansing my pores and bringing them back to life. The treatment ended with a shower, and I emerged feeling a lot cleaner. Now came the massage. The aromatherapy oil is smoothed into the skin and the techniques used date back hundreds of years, and stimulate the energy lines and points along the body. Thai, Japanese and Chinese medicine, all share the common medical ancestry with energy fl ow crucial to one's health and well-being. Having a professional massage of this order is an experience to savour, and my only regret was that I knew it had to come to an end, eventually. But it was an enjoyably lengthy, blissful time, and leaving Bannaree Spa meant the return to the (un) civilized world was a slow one. I retraced my steps back through the atrium and into the green views of hill slopes, and then began the drive back through all that lush scenery. Choose from massages, Thai herbal scrubs and wraps, facials. If you've had too much sun, Bannaree Spa has a special sun-lover wrap to soothe skin. There's also a rejuvenating salt scrub, which is particularly recommended to soften the skin. Bannaree Spa also has a Jacuzzi and steam room. Whatever you decide on, the experience will have you wanting to come back here again. ES Bannaree Spa at Banburee Resort is open every day from 10 am until 9 pm. To reach the spa, head through Hua Thanon and at the large T-junction on the edge of town, turn left. Follow the road (Highway 4170) for a couple of kilometres until you see the sign for Banburee. For further information, please telephone 0 7742 9600.