Issue 37

Thailand has a global reputation as a wellness destination, as well as possessing some of the world’s foremost spas.

As one of the world’s top spa destinations, Thailand offers more than just the renowned traditional Thai massage. It boasts many world-class spas, such as Rarinjinda Wellness Spa, which has recently been chosen as the first runner-up Thai Spa Brand at the Best of Thailand Awards voted by Chinese Tourists Award Ceremony 2015.

“The first Rarinjinda Wellness Spa & Resort was opened in Chiang Mai in 2006 with the concept of being a destination spa with luxurious facilities. Two other Rarinjinda spas are located in Bangkok,” says Narun Wiwattanakrai, assistant managing director of Siam Wellness Group.

“Rarinjinda Spa prides itself in being a Thai spa that boasts the latest spa technology and facilities to the highest international standards, while also offering exceptional services to our guests,” he adds. “For example, our signature treatment is Element of Life, which features the combination of massage, a bed of warm sand imported from Germany, and Tibetan sound therapy. All services are provided by well-trained and skilled Thai therapists.”

The spa treatments at Rarinjinda are a blend of Thai, healing, traditional and modern western spa therapies.

“We offer many carefully selected spa treatments to meet the needs of individual clients,” says Wiwattanakrai. “Thanks to the availability of abundant natural resources in the country, the products [essential oils and herbs] used at the spa are 95% locally produced and the clients absolutely love them.”

“What’s so unique about Thai spa is the touch of Thainess, whether it is the decoration, the etiquette, the friendliness or the hospitality. All of these are factors that make Thai spas so famous.”

According to Wiwattanakrai, customer trends have changed recently and even though the majority of clients are foreigners, he is seeing an increase in local clients.

“Regardless of their income, people still love to pamper themselves from time to time,” he says. “Our main customers are foreigners [80%], but Rarinjinda is an affordable-luxury spa, which means we can cater to a larger group of customers, including local clients.

“Our plan for this and next year is to attract more local clients by creating brand awareness through a promotional strategy. In addition, we are also planning to open another Rarinjinda Spa in Phuket as it is one of the main tourist destinations.”

Wiwattanakrai also believes the formation of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) this year will provide both opportunities and challenges for Thai small and medium-sized enterprises.

“We will be able to expand the customer base from 60 to 600 million people,” he says. “ASEAN clients are becoming trendier and are likely to spend more to satisfy their needs, which is good for business operators. Thailand, as a spa capital of Asia can definitely benefit from this.”

For more information, visit www.rarinjinda.com

Words by: Manisa Phromsiripranee, Photos courtesy of Rarinjinda Wellness Spa