Close your eyes. Imagine a top-of-the-range Asian spa. Tropical flowers everywhere. Luxury at every turn. Silk-uniformed staff. And choices. Oh so many choices of treatments.

Now open your eyes, and take yourself along to Chaweng Regent Beach Resort’s charming new Escape Spa. The chances are that it's exactly the same as the mental image you’ve conjured up – but more so…

And although it’s part of a resort, it’s totally separate. In fact, it’s larger than many independent spas. Housed in its own large, 2-storey building, Escape Spa is aptly named. Because you really do feel like you’ve escaped from the real world when you enter its peaceful serenity.

Great attention to detail has been given here, with small things like the brass bamboo-stem door handles, and the temple-style doors both creating a special, relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

Spread throughout the spacious building are 10 air-conditioned treatment rooms: 2 specifically for facials; 4 with the raised 'stage' platforms for Thai massage; and 4 executive suites for the other spa treatments, complete with their own steam rooms, hydrotherapy baths and outside Jacuzzis (n.b. all the water here is specially ozone-treated, with no skin-damaging chlorine present). And when you shower off before your chosen treatments, you’ll notice that the shower-heads are formed from huge brass bells. Yet another charming detail which adds to the overall splendour of Escape Spa. And should you wish to enjoy the warm tropical air, there’s a private sala next to one of the resort’s swimming pools where you can also have your Thai massage.

None of the products used at Escape Spa have chemical additives. And most are from the famous Jurlique (Australian) or Guinot (French) ranges, ensuring total satisfaction and safety. Add to that, the fact that all the treatments are carried out by fully-trained therapists, and you can see that the whole experience here is a healthy and enjoyable one.

And it’s not only a treatment and pampering spa either. Not by any means! Upstairs there’s a sunshine-filled yoga/meditation room, a fully-operational beauty parlour (complete with professional hairdressers), a reflexology foot massage room, and a relaxation area where you can settle down with a book and a cool drink. But that’s not nearly all… There’s also a fully-equipped gym (with certified trainers), and a spa cuisine restaurant where you can enjoy delicious low-fat meals utilizing Samui’s freshest ingredients, including hydroponically grown vegetables.

Thai massage is performed on the application of pressure, gentle stretching of the muscles and acupressure to stimulate the energy meridians of the body.

Our massage uses palms and fingertips to apply pressure that flows rhythmically from one to the other to stimulate blood circulation, relieve tightness and promote relaxation. The oil enriches the skin combines with the massage techniques to refresh and renew the body.

A refreshing natural scrub of plai, honey, tamarind and bergamot to soften and rejuvenate the skin.

Pure aloe vera gel is renowned for its hydrating and soothing properties, which are ideal for sun-burnt, irritated and weathered skin. It cools down the skin and reduces the body temperature as it generates new cell growth.

A three-in-one facial treatment to cleanse, nourish and rejuvenate; whilst alleviating the fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

Beginning with a revitalizing body polish and followed by a romantic floral bath for two with an Indian head massage, this treatment is completed with an aromatic facial and fusion body massage. An idyllic sensation for lovers.

Escape Spa Chaweng Regent Beach Resort 155/4 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Bophut, Koh Samui, 84320, Thailand Tel: (66) 077 422 008-10 Ext. 536 Fax: (66) 077 422 222 Email: admn@chawengregent.com Web site: www.chawengregent.com