LOST in Phuket

I got lucky. Had 4 days and 3 nights stay in one of the best spas and resorts in the world – right in Mai Khao Beach in Phuket at the JW Marriott Phuket. Check out their website, it’s absolute heaven.

What else can one do in a spa than lounge, enjoy the sun, and get a massage every single day at sunset. A massage by the beach, in a hut, with the cold breeze gently blowing on your skin. Or right in the comfort of your own room. Or in the luxurious spa that has its own changing room, shower, bath, bubble bath, sitting room, and of course, your own massage suite! All done by the world’s best masseuses and pampering experts – Thai masseuses. They’re all great, lovely, nice, and with the softest and warmest hands! Walang kalyo!!!! The waft of oils and different scents wake up your senses – or lull them to lala-land, whichever it is that your weary body desires.

Was able to sample a massage by the beach, Thai massage with oil. It was pure bliss, for 400 baht. And then had the privilege of getting an aromatherapy massage and a rejuvenating facial at the spa. For 5,000 baht, it was well worth it. I left feeling like a new woman!!!

But there was more to the Marriott and this paradise than drifting away in spa heaven. The resort is tops in relaxation. Daybeds everywhere. Lounge beds in each corner. Waterfalls galore. Reflecting ponds and infinite pools as far as your eyes can see. This is the place to be for insomniacs! Last Friday, I spent the day reading in front of the infinity pool, lulled by the sound of raindrops and with a gentle breeze fanning my face. Even on a rainy day, you can’t help but feel calm, serene and at peace with the world.

Also at the Marriott, every day can be a learning experience. One day, you can indulge in a Ginja Thai cooking class, the next day, there’s an intro to Thai massage for free, and the next day, there’s Thai flower art lessons…. then there’s a meditation session, a neck massage seminar… even Muay Thai boxing 101 for those who wish to get into the sport! It all comes with the hotel fee – except for the Ginja Thai cooking class that stretches the whole day and includes a trip to a market out of the spa. Kewl.

Of course, there are countless pools and even more deck beds to lounge on – as in rows and rows and rows of them. Each already with your own towel. And on a hot day, while we were there, we got endless refills of ice cold water, a cold towel scented with aromatherapy scents to jolt your senses, even slivers of watermelon – again, all for free! And without you even asking. These people have done their homework in total pampering and service – no one can compare to how the guests are greeted and treated!

In your own room, you also have your own lounge beds – that’s aside from the comfy kingsize bed itself. That’s where you can read and enjoy the view of the garden from your own picture window – so you don’t have to get out of your own veranda!!! This is madness.

Oh, I forgot the beach – 14 kms of golden sand. But you swim at your own risk. Not to worry, this spa didn’t get hit by the tsunami of 2004. The beach is just for walking by and hearing the sound of waves. But it’s a beauty.

At night, if one gets bored out of his wits with all the relaxation, you can go take a 1-hr ride to famous Patong Beach which is a more developed version of our own Boracay. Developed in the sense that there’s a paved street between the beach and the shops instead of a stretch of sand. There are shows, bars, stalls selling Roxy, Billabong and other “branded” shirts and shorts. Then there are the restos – padthai and satay and green curry chicken can be had from 50 to 70 baht – cheap, huh? There are also several Italian restos where you can find most of them white peeps.

Massage parlors are also side by side, with Thai massages at 250 baht for one whole hour, 200 baht if it’s a slow night and you’re lucky. Had a Thai foot massage and even under white fluorescent lights, you will fall asleep right there on the lazy chair – believe me. That was a perfect way to cap a day after going around Patong beach and shopping.

Phuket is dreamland. It’s rest and relaxation at the absolute finest. Total. Divine. Beyond compare. And the people of Phuket, with surroundings like these, they are the epitome of unconditional love – giving without asking for anything in return. Bliss is the word.