Panoramic foot massage lounge. harnn
From Zen Tower’s 12M Floor (actually 13 to avoid using the unlucky number), a nice view of Bangkok can be captured from Harnn Heritage Spa Krungthep. The panorama may have your eyes exploring beyond the Ratchprasong intersection to Ploenchit, Pathumwan and Lumpini.
The newly-opened spa literally takes you to these and other locations since the treatments are named after places in the City of Angels.
Make three stops — Lumpini, Ploenchit and Pathumwan — the eponymous treatments deliver a body herbal scrub and mask; a traditional Thai aromatic massage; and a facial featuring water lily extracts.
Panoramic foot massage lounge. harnn
Heritage Spa Krungthep is Harnn’s second holistic spa in Bangkok established by architect, Vudhichai Harnphanich, who plunged into the spa industry 17 years ago.
“Bangkok boasts a rich mixture of different cultures. The same could be said about the new spa, which combines Asian healing principles and techniques that have been passed down from generations to generations,” said Vudhichai.
From the spa menu, a traditional Thai massage has been titled Pranakorn Therapy whereas an acupressure massage based on traditional Chinese medicine was correspondingly named Songward, an area in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Another Asian therapy, an ayurvedic head massage is a part of the Chao Phraya ritual for those troubled by with office syndrome.
The interior design is inspired by the past of the spa location in CentralWorld, formerly the premises of Petchaboon Palace, which was recognised as the house of traditional Thai dance and music.
The palace’s celadon (a soft green) gives a calming colour scheme to the spa, whose hallway is lavishly decorated with carved cotton rose, a traditional floral motif created by artisans of the Ten Crafts or Chang Sip Mu.
From ceramic and silverware to crystal bells and clay buffaloes, the decorative elements lend Thainess to the contemporary interior design.
“They are not antiques. In fact, many of them are undervalued household objects that have been recoloured, to give them an aesthetic appeal,” said Vudhichai.
The Thai heritage concept extends to spa packages named after historical eras: Sukhothai, Ayudhya, and Rattanakosin.
Treatment room. Harrn
For instance, the three hour Ayudhya Passage draws inspiration from healing aromatic herbs rich in essential oils used during this period. Firstly a herbal steam bath promotes a balanced wellness whereas a purifying body scrub removes dead skin cells and pollutants. The following acupressure foot massage restores natural energy flow and the aromatic oil massage restores the natural balance of the body and mind.
Vudhichai pampers himself with the weekly Rattanakosin Passage combining an acupressure foot massage with traditional Thai Massage and a deep tissue massage.
“During the three hours, my mind becomes clear while giving me new ideas,” he shared. “My subordinates may not like that though because I tend to assign them more tasks and projects.”
He encouraged stressed-out urbanites to embrace the spa culture, especially when treatments have become more affordable. As a part of the lifestyle, spa-going can help restore balance and well-being.
Herbal medicine is a part of the brand’s Asian holistic approach to well-being, with spa products featuring natural ingredients for instance from jasmine, water lily and white mulberry.
Other Harnn operations include Baan Thai Spa at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Vietnam, which has won Word’s Best Luxury Spa Awards for three consecutive years — 2015, 2015 and 2016.
“Whether the award-winning Baan Thai Spa or the new Heritage Spa Krungthep, we emphasise the Thainess in the service and hospitality,” Vudhichai said of a key success factor.
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.