Taking over the spot of the gone-for-good Regent Phuket Cape Panwa comes Amatara Wellness Resort (076-318-888, www.amataraphuket.com) which claims to be the home of Thailand's first luxury hammam aka Turkish bath spa. 

 

The original spa pavilion has been transformed into modern rooms bearing lots of Turkish and Moroccan influences.The signature 150-minute holistic program, dubbed the Thai Hammam Experience, merges Turkish healing techniques with Thai ayurvedic methods, pampering you with traditional sauna, scalp massage, Thai herbal steam room, full body massage on internally warmed stone bed, detoxifying thermal mud bath and finishing with a stint in front of the giant pink Himalayan salt wall.

 

Propably the most serious wellness center on the island, there are also fitness programs such as muay Thai, Pilates, TRX, Kinesis and yoga, plus detox and weight management programs.

 

They are now offering opening rates for the Thai hamman program, which launches this Mar 26, at B5,900 (from B8,300), while a stay at the premier sea view room starts from B7,100 per night.