Bangkok Spa Review: Rooftop Villas at Hyatt’s i.sawan Residential Spa
I love (affordable) fancy pants spa experiences, so I was greatly looking forward to my first Bangkok spa treatment at the Grand Hyatt Erawan i.sawan Residential Spa.
The morning after my 24 hours in transit, I made my way to the 5th floor to one of the more modest spa reception areas I’ve seen and was checked in.
While they were preparing my room I was invited to sit in the covered area by the pool and sip on my welcome drink (a nice change from tea and kaffir lime juice, although I didn’t catch what the ingredients were).
Not quite the ceremony I was used to with soothing music, trickling water, and lots of thai silk coverings, but quite relaxing in its own way.
In a short time my therapist appeared carrying a closed umbrella. As she led me to down the outdoor stone path, she unfurled it. Whether it was to protect me from random condensation from structures above or the hot rays of the sun I wasn’t sure, but it was a fun, unusual touch.
That’s when I realized I was getting my treatment in one of the outdoor Spa Villas!! I had seen the rooms advertised, but hadn’t realized all of the treatments took place there. This was way cooler than I had thought!
My treatment villa was nice and comfortable, though not as luxurious as the ones at Le Meridien in Khao Lak. I was a little surprised there wasn’t the bowl of flowers underneath the head rest I’d become accustomed to seeing.
But I did get the foot washing ritual beforehand, something that’s awkward the first couple of times but I’ve soon grown to love as it starts the relaxation process immediately.
The attached bathroom did feature a heated toilet though. Now I’m not a huge fan of the multi-function toilets I’ve encountered, but in this case it worked – no jarring change in temperature after a relaxing massage.
The actual lymphatic drainage massage, the whole point of this adventure, was quite good. My therapist spoke good English, so I was able to easily communicate focus areas and when I wanted the pressure adjusted. I left feeling much less jetlagged and at peace with my world.
At around 3300 baht (~$110), the massage is a deal compared to the US, but not one of the best I’ve had in Bangkok and despite the thrill of a rooftop villa, not one of the most luxurious. I would definitely go again if I were staying at the hotel, but because of the pricepoint wouldn’t make a special trip otherwise unless you want the experience of a high rise spa villa. 🙂
—————–
What did you think of this post? Give us a +1 below or leave a comment!
And don’t miss out on any of our adventures and tips. Get instant updates via e-mail or RSS Feed and follow us on twitter and Facebook.
Heels First is the travels and tribulations of two twenty-something frequent fliers jumping into the world of travel. Join Keri and Jeanne as they tackle mileage runs, elite status, and of course–the perfect travel accessories.
What other luxury spas in Bangkok would you recommend instead then?
Perfect timing! I just wrote a review of my favorite, The Grande Spa http://www.heelsfirsttravel.com/2013/07/24/bangkok-spa-review-my-favorite-spa-ever-the-grande-spa-at-the-sheraton-grande-sukhumvit/.
I think Health Land Spa does really nice massages for the price.