When you work hard the whole work week, what better way to de-stress than to attend a spa, and the Radisson Spa offers such an experience that claims to ‘enhance a customer’s well-being; mind, body and spirit.’

I was there to enjoy their new treatment a ‘Himalayan Stone treatment’ and I was excited as well as a little confused as the words ‘spa’ and ‘stones’ are not normally used together in a sentence.

“The treatments offer a unique concept combining the year of a guest’s birth date along with the five traditional Chinese natural elements of wood. earth, water, metal and fire.” said Chanlaphan Muangkamchat, the Spa Manager at Radisson.

The hospitality from the staff as I entered, prepared me for what turned out to be a truly wonderful experience. As the lemon tea and a hot damp towel was presented to me, I already began to feel more relaxed and started to forget all about the week’s work.

The Spa’s Six bungalows and towering coconut trees offer an idyllic setting for a total well-being experience. Each of the six spa bungalows feature a massage area, rain shower and outdoor relaxation area and offer a wide array of ancient Asian treatments, Swedish and facial massages are also offered. Four of the rooms contain single beds, while the other two contain doubles.

A Talay Spa begins with the very warm and personal welcome of a foot scrub. It is believed to be a greeting from Radisson Spa, and to relax your feet and kill the bacteria on your feet. Your feet are placed in warm water and then salt and honey are rubbed into them.

A body massage, which lasts about 30 minutes is performed with massage oil specifically selected according to your birth date. As my birthday is 7/4/1986, I received a massage with oil containing elements of wood extracts. Natural and fragrant oils are applied using acupressure techniques designed to penetrate and nourish the skin.

Then comes the signature treatment of Radisson Hotel and what I as a fearless reporter had come to sample; the Ancient Himalayan Stone treatment. “Gui Shi, more commonly known as hot stones are tenderly applied to your meridian points to smooth the flow of Chi throughout your body. Restore inner well-being and spiritual harmony with warm river stones, which have been individually carved and blessed by Nepalese monks. The stones show the 8 traditional symbols of fortune.” said Khun Chanlaphan.

There are three differently sized stones that are placed on the body at different times during the treatment. To begin with I lay on my stomach and a large warm stone was placed under my stomach, I then received a back massage. 24 medium sized hot stones were carefully and slowly placed all over my body and then on my arms and legs. The whole process was interspersed with a massage.

When the stones go cold you turn over and a warm stone is placed on your back and then the process is repeated on your front. All in all it takes about forty minutes.

It is incredibly relaxing when the warm stones make contact with each part of your body and the smell of the oil as it reaches your nose also soothes. Soft music is played throughout the spa treatment. After the treatment you are presented with a cup of hot tea and a warm towel. My spa was wonderful, I sincerely believe that a treatment that combines oriental and western styles is best for a pure pampering experience.