From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the pristine shores of the Andaman Sea and the picturesque hills of Chiang Mai, spas have sprung up all over Thailand. The growing global trend of wellness combined with distinctive Thai culture has brought about a unique hybrid spa experience in one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.

With its tradition of natural healing arts such as ancient Thai massage, its natural springs, its abundance of medicinal flora and a reputation for excellent service, Thailand becomes a natural setting for the many facilities, modest and luxurious, that have appeared over the years.

Wellness has become big business. With the significant increase in the number of spas around the country during the last few years, a group of spa operators, practitioners, trainers, suppliers and spa consultants founded the Thai Spa Association. As of 2004, it had 100 members representing this multimillion-dollar industry.

With its long tradition of natural healing and ancient massage, Thailand’s spas have lured thousands of visitors pursuing a heightened sense of well-being.

Between June 2001 and June 2002, about 230 spa operators attracted a total of 3.3 million customers, of which 2.5 million, or 79 percent, were overseas clients. For that period, the industry contributed a total of $85 million to Thailand’s foreign exchange revenue.

Around the world, successful spas offer a wider range of topquality services and products, the right price, friendly and competent staff, as well as clean, relaxing and well-designed facilities. Readership surveys and polls conducted by leading international travel, leisure and lifestyle publications have cast their votes in favor of Thai spas, which have topped lists of leading spas since 1999.

A reputation for outstanding hospitality and solid operating results that far exceed those of its regional competitors have made Thailand the spa capital of Asia. This is all good for the government’s campaign to turn the country into the region’s healthcare center with its hospitals, spas and local herbal products. Having made a success in Asia, next on the agenda is the world.

Hotel and resort spas lead the way in the growth of the local spa industry. An increasing number of

hotel properties in Thailand will launch spa products in the coming years. Many more deluxe hotels are investing in new spa facilities and will be offering in-house lines of spa products and services.

World-weary tourists come to Thailand to experience an exotic culture and explore well-preserved natural wonders, both excellent reasons to visit. But for a unique kind of trip, these travelers should include visits to a spa. Whether the spa is nestled on a hill or overlooks a beach, a stressed-out visitor will leave feeling recharged and ready for another dose of the real world.