Last week we talked about getting fir before you travel. Many people say they can’t wait for their vacation so that they can get into shape. All well and good, but to really enjoy that vacation a traveller should be in shape before he or she begins. Once on the road, with all the major hotels having first class fitness centers and heath clubs, keeping in shape is no problem.

Aside from keeping fit, we may want to relax completely, and that is where the spas of Thailand come into the picture. Royal Orchid Holiday’s 77-page booklet “Discover Thailand” has a very helpful section on SPAS in Thailand. To quote from the opening: “No trip to Thailand is complete without indulging in a luxurious world-class spa, and Royal Orchid Holidays presents four spectacular facilities in Bangkok. Whether you're searching for an effective health treatment or a relaxing, spirit-calming therapeutic session, you'll find a programme to fit your needs. So take the time to spoil yourself with a relaxing and revitalising spa.”

 Page 40 of “Discover Thailand” begins a section called Sumptuous Spas of Thailand. For those who don’t have the booklet I would like to tell readers about these remarkable Spas that are available through Royal Orchid Holidays.

Indulge In a blissful Thai spa experience during your visit to the kingdom. Royal Orchid Holidays presents a choice of superb hotel and resort spas at several THAI destinations, offering some of the finest health and beauty treatments anywhere. You'll live in the lap of luxury, and receive a therapeutic spa session using traditional Thai methods and natural herbs and products.

While in Bangkok, with all the sightseeing, shopping, dining and entertainment-packed evenings, why not stay at a choice of excellent hotels offering a revitalising spa session.

Spa packages include a three or more days stay at your choice of spa accommodations, and receive the therapy outlined in each hotel's description.

Many of the spas offer additional services and discounted rates for treatments not listed. Ask your Royal Orchid Holidays agent for details of the range of available therapies.

Link these spa options with your other tour packages to round out your travel programme and enhance your holiday experience at a number of Thai destinations.

ROYAL ORCHID HOLIDAYS
Spa Packages
3 days 2 nights
Operates Daily

Included features

* Two nights accommodation or more, with breakfast
* Airport - hotel transfers
*  Health & beauty spa treatments as outlined in each plan

BANYAN TREE BANGKOK
ROHA43
This tasteful and sophisticated high-rise hotel features elegantly appointed rooms and an exclusive spa providing a choice of massages and traditional treatments:

* A choice of one 90-minute massage
* A choice of one, three-hour Time-Honoured Traditions treatment

JW MARRIOTT
ROHA42
Located in the heart of Bangkok, this luxury hotel offers great dining, plush rooms and a revitalising 2-hour and 40-minute "Awakening the Senses"

Package:
• Facial treatment
• Body exfoliation
* Aromatherapy and herbal bath
* Complimentary foot bath

PLAZA ATHENEE
ROHA54

This majestic hotel features splendidly decorated rooms and a spectacular three-part Siamese Spa Package and
Aspara Relax:

* Siamese Spa: body glow, foot reflexology, Thai massage
• Aspara Relax: Swedish body scrub and body massage

SHERATON GRAND GRANDE SUKHUMVIT
ROHA41

This conveniently located, prestigious Luxury Collection hotel offers an 80-minute hydrotherapy bath and massage and Herbal Grande Scrub:

• Hydrotherapy Bath & Body Massage: Bath and choice of massages or aromatherapy         
* Herbal Grande Scrub: Herbal pounding massage, hydrotherapy, revitalising scrub                    I

CHIANG MAI

Holidays in Chiang Mai include nature treks, hilltribe visits and tours through town. It's also the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing and luxurious spa package at a selection of wonderful hotels.

CHIANG MAI PLAZA
ROHA72

This first-class hotel offers rooms decorated in classic Lanna style and spa packages including the Thai Bussaya Spa and massage treatments:

* Thai Bussaya Spa: 105-minute herbal bath, scrub and aroma massage
• Massage: Thai massage

FOUR SEASONS RESORT CHIANG MAI

Set on 20 acres of landscaped gardens and rice terraces, this luxurious Thai style resort provides the 3-hour "Lanna Sample" and Herbal Aromatic Retreats:

*Lana Sample: Thai herbal steam, traditional massage, Lanna herbal facial, ginger & honey elixir
* Herbal Aromatic Retreat: Choice of one, 120-minute rejuvenator

HUA HIN

Long the of Thai and the affluent, this quaint international beach resort offers great golfing, delicious seafood and one of the best spa in the world.

CHIVA SOM
ROHA5

The rich and famous from around he world come to the garden setting of Chiva Som Spa for its health and beauty treatment programme. And you can join them.

* Four nights of accommodation
* All spa cuisine meals
* Specially designed exercise programme
* Choice of massage and heat treatment

KRABI

Krabi's coastline and islands are unparalleled for their spectacular beauty. Excursions into nature abound, and the white sandy beaches are a picture of paradise. It's the perfect place to indulge in a spa.

MARTIME PARK & SPA RESORT
ROHA53

Just outside town on well-landscaped grounds in the Krabi estuary, this first-class hotel offers a 2-hour Adora spa and a 1-hour Relaxation Massage.

* Adora Spa: Traditional Thai remedy using pressure on certain body spots.
* Relaxation Massage: Oil massage for stress relief

PATTAYA

The "Asian Riviera" bustles with activity, from water sports and amusement parks to dinner shows and shopping. Why not stay at a fabulous spa resort and indulge in a relaxing treatment.

ROYAL CLIFF BEACH RESORT
ROHA58

Sitting on a 64-acre tropical park with a private beach, this grand resort features the anti-stress Royal Retreat Spa and Luxury Body Treatment:

* Royal Retreat Spa: Absolute minceur and anti-stress head, neck and shoulder massage
* Luxury Body Treatment

ROYAL WING AND SPA
ROH.A59

Suites overlook the private beach of this exclusive five-star resort, which features the Spa Elegant Package and aromatherapy massage.

• Elegant Package: Select one of six special treatments
* Aromatherapy Full Body Massage

PHUKET

This tropical island has become a popular international destination known for its land and sea activities, spectacular scenery and fantastic nightlife. The choice of resorts is tough to match, and their lavish spas are among the best.

BANYAN TREE PHUKET
ROHA47

This hotel offers luxurious villas, private pools, a golf course and a two-hour combination Rejuvenation treatment and Renewal Treatment:

* Rejuvenation: Choice of one scrub and one massage
* Renewal: Choice of one body conditioner and one facial

DIAMOND CLIFF RESORT AND SPA
ROHA50

This hillside resort is just minutes from the beach, features a 3.5-hour Diamond Revitalising Package and a 2.5-hour Thai Asian Blend package:

• Diamond Revitalising: Sauna & central spa, aromatherapy
massage & jet-lag treatment, anti-stress facial

• Thai Asian Blend: Sauna & central spa, Thai Asian Blend massage, anti-stress facial

LE MERIDIEN PHUKET BEACH RESORT
ROHA48

This relaxing resort with full facilities on Karon Beach offers guests the half-day Spa Renewal programme
• Spa Renewal: Foot reflexology, Aromatic Swedish massage, facial, salad bar lunch & health cocktail

HOLIDAY INN RESPORT PHUKET
ROHA56

Set amid palm trees on popular Patong Beach, this first-class hotel presents the Aspara Spa's Rejuvenation and Harmony packages:

*Rejuvenate: Exfoliating body facial and choice of massage
* Harmony: Tahitian body scrub, Swedish massage and facial

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN PHUKET YACHT CLUB
ROHA49

This luxurious beachfront resort features the 2-hour Spa Indulge and 2-hour and 55-minute Honeymooner's Heaven package

* Spa Indulgence: Choice of floral bath & body polish or mud wrap and Thai massage
* Honeymooner's Heaven: Steam, bath, scrub, massage

THAVORAN BEACH VILLAGE & SPA
ROHA51

Swimming pools snake through greenery of this peaceful Thai style resort, home to a full body travel treatment and body salt glow aromatherapy:

• Travel: exfoliation, full body massage, facial hydration
• Salt Glow: skin treatment to re-mineralise, remove impurities and improve texture

There are, of course, other spas and massage parlor but with the 9ones listed here you can’t go wrong.

Next week I will take adventure travellers through the highlands of Phuket by four-wheel drive vehicles.