It’s quite incredible. One minute you’re strolling down the busy Chaweng Beach Road, with all the hustle and bustle of busy shoppers and beeping taxis. And the next, you’ve entered a discreet passageway next to Samui Hot Club (near The Islander pub), which leads you along to an oasis of total peace and calm, namely – Mata Hari Samui Day Spa.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking that this is just another one of those massage and reflexology ‘shops’ that line the roads. It’s not. This is a fully-fledged spa in every sense of the word. And it really is quite lovely.

As you enter through the glass-fronted doors and immerse yourself in the welcome air-conditioning you’ll find yourself in a tastefully styled wood-paneled reception area. And this touch of class will give you an indication of what’s to come at Mata Hari.

The first person you’ll meet will probably be the Spa Manager – Khun Patcharee Mueadnok. She’s been a spa professional on Samui for many years now and makes selection from the extensive spa menu a fun and pleasurable experience. Have whatever treatments you prefer, but if you need any guidance then Khun ‘Pat’ will happily make informed suggestions.

Every treatment that you’d expect from a quality spa is offered here, including its ever-popular Breast-firming Massage, Slimming Massage and Hot Stone Massage. And the five-hour honeymooner’s package, The Essence of Love, with all manner of massages, scrubs, wraps and pampering has proved to be a firm favourite with couples (even those who’ve been married a few years!)

Choose to have your treatments in one of the five well-appointed standard rooms, or opt for one of four VIP suites (complete with private Jacuzzi, Swedish sauna and personal shower facilities). Wherever you go, you’ll find the same high levels of comfort and class with particularly relaxing Indian background music. And this fits the overall Asian theme of Mata Hari perfectly, with its subtle blend of Thai, Cambodian, Indian and Indonesian de´cor.

And a big mention must be made about the service. Not only are the therapists extremely well-trained and good at what they do, but their unobtrusive friendliness is second to none. They obviously enjoy what they are doing and make every effort to ensure that you do, too. Even down to providing you with fruit and biscuits, and tea, coffee or juices after. Oh! And they have a free transfer service anywhere in the Bophut, Chaweng and Lamai area. Yes, it really is quite incredible at Mata Hari.

Special Spa Packages

Red Chilly (for sun-burn soothing)                                 3 hours Private Jacuzzi + special essential oil for sun-burnt skin      30 mins Fresh cucumber & Aloe Vera body wrap                            30 mins Relaxing aroma oil massage                                           60 mins Facial treatment for sun-burnt skin                                   60 mins

Shiny Pearl (skin peeling & whitening)                         3  hours Private sauna therapy and Jacuzzi                                    30 mins
Tamarind body scrub                                                     30 mins Tamarind body wrap                                                      30 mins Relaxing aroma oil massage                                            60 mins
Skin whitening facial treatment                                        60 mins

Pure Gentleness (dry & sensitive skin)                         3  hours Private sauna therapy and Jacuzzi                                    30 mins
Sesame body scrub                                                       30 mins Wheat-germ body wrap                                                  30 mins Relaxing aroma oil massage                                            60 mins
Facial treatment for dry & sensitive skin                           60 mins

Modern Detox                                                           3  hours
Private sauna therapy and Jacuzzi                                    30 mins
Coffee body scrub                                                         30 mins Dead Sea mud body wrap                                               30 mins Relaxing aroma oil massage                                            60 mins Facial treatment for all skin types                                    60 mins

Sweet Nature                                                            3  hours
Private sauna therapy and Jacuzzi                                    30 mins
Thai herbal body scrub                                                   30 mins
Thai herbal body wrap                                                   30 mins Relaxing aroma oil massage                                            60 mins
Facial treatment with Luk Pra-kob                                    60 mins

The Essence of Love (a honeymoon treat for couples)     5  hours
Private sauna therapy and Jacuzzi                                    30 mins
Your choice of body scrub                                               30 mins
Your choice of body wrap                                               30 mins Luk Pra-kob or hot stone massage                                   90 mins Facial treatment for all skin types                                    60 mins Reflexology foot massage and skin treatment                     60 mins

Mata Hari Samui Day Spa 166/75, Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320 Thailand. Tel: (66) 0 7741 3146-7 Fax: (66) 0 7741 3226 email: info@mata-hari-samui.com Website: www.mata-hari-samui.com Open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM