Theta refers to a state of mind where brain activity slows almost to the point of sleep; a trance-like state typified by heightened receptivity and creative inspiration. At this spa you’ll find two futuristic float pods and two float rooms that promise to achieve exactly this. Both types of chamber are soundproof and lightproof, filled with around 25 centimeters of dense, skin-temperature Epsom saltwater, which allows you to float effortlessly on the surface (just like the Dead Sea), removing all body pressure points in the process. Prices start at just shy of B2,000 for a 60-minute float, but do check their Facebook for regular promos. Unlimited float packages are also available.
Located a little bit out of the city center, this Japanese-style spa offers private onsen tubs and a full line of spa treatments, from traditional Thai massage to body scrubs, manicure and pedicure. It’s designed to look like a traditional onsen house, with all the equipment and onsen salt imported from Japan. Prices start at B1,150/1:15hr which includes 45-min private onsen and 30-min head, shoulder and back massage. They just opened a branch on Sukhumvit Soi 49, too.
Opened back in 2012, Thailand’s first onsen is the real deal. That means men must go commando, while women get the option of disposable undies (men and women bathe in separate sections). If this thing is new to you, fear not, there are cartoons detailing the whole procedure. The water is said to be sourced from a hot spring in Ranong; hop between the carbonated, hot, cold or jet-equipped baths to increase blood flow and rejuvenate your skin. Rates start from B450 for all-day onsen, and B350 for Thai massage (60 mins). There are also aromatherapy body massage starting from B900 (90mins) and body scrub for B750 (45 mins).
The tide of Japanese onsen sweeping Bangkok continues with this new spa offering hot sand tubs which use volcanic Japanese sand selected for its larger-than-average grains. The spa claims that the 50 essential vitamins and minerals contained within this sand will improve your immune system, stave off signs of aging, detoxify your system and improve blood circulation. Prices start from B2,500 (soft opening rate at B1,500 until further notice) for a one-hour session of sand bathing (15 mins sand bath followed by a scrub and shower). Aside from the sand onsen, the spa also offers aromatherapy (from B800/60mins) and Thai massage (from B500/60mins).
At this holistic spa, layers and layers of imported Himalayan salt line an artificial cave in which guests come to be treated for common city sicknesses like asthma, allergies and insomnia. Spend an hour on one of their lounge chairs inside the dimly-lit, temperature-controlled cave while the salt (which has been scientifically proven to remove dust, pollen and other contaminants from your lungs) naturally cleans out your respiratory system. Prices start at B600/1hr for salt cave.
Silom Village, 39/10-15 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-259-2288. Open Tue-Fri 10:30am-7:30pm, Sat-Sun 10:30am-7pm. www.akaforeveryoung.com
This spa looks to soothe the aches and pains of partygoers. The decor is cozy and minimal, with touches of wood. Apart from the usual Thai and aroma massages and body scrubs, the real highlight treatments are those aimed at rejuvenating you after a night of partying, like the Hangover Retreat (head massage and special honey lemon tea, B1,200/1:30hr and 1,800/2:30hr) and The Micro Nap (relaxing leg scrub and massage, B800/1hr and B1,200/1:30hr). The spa also features a bar—yep, you heard that right—serving wine, cocktails and whiskey.
12/1 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-258-5018. Open daily 10:30am-midnight.BTS Phrom Phong
When celebrated Taiwanese designer Tony Chi created this club-style hotel spa, he made one of Bangkok’s most beautiful wellness retreats. The indoor-outdoor setting feels more like a jungle resort than a city spa. Its 7,000 sq-meter space features six residential spa cottages, nine treatment bungalows, a hair salon and a nail bar—not to mention a modern fitness center, squash and tennis courts plus a 25-meter pool. Prices start at B3,200 for the one-hour Essence of Isawan signature massage.