RAKxa Optimal Wellness Awaits
Recently BT took time out for a bit of self-care and enjoyed a few days of R&R at RAKxa Thailand. Located in Bangkok, RAKxa is a fully integrated wellness and medical retreat. RAKxa ’s state-of-the-art facilities include a modern fitness centre, a holistic wellness centre and the VitalLife Scientific Wellness Clinic (managed by Bumrungrad International Hospital). There are any number of reasons why people choose a wellness retreat, including battling serious illness, recovering from injuries, struggling with the effects of long covid, or simply wishing to feel better about themselves. RAKxa combines traditional therapies and leading medical practices to curate personalised wellness journeys for every guest. So, tired, stressed, and feeling a bit unhealthy after the festive season, we placed ourselves in the kind and capable hands of the highly qualified staff at RAKxa, ready for a wellness reboot.
When we arrived in Thailand we were whisked away by limousine to Bangkok’s ‘Green Lung’, Bang Krachao Island. Although we could still see the urban skyline we felt a world away in the beautiful setting of RAKxa, surrounded by serene waterways and dense jungle.
Our first stop was to check-in at the Welcome Pavilion where, overlooking the lake, our Personalised Wellness Programmes were communicated to us. Before we left Australia we’d completed detailed questionnaires about our health and goals, which meant our individual programs were designed and ready for us upon arrival. Greetings and explanations over, it was off to our villa to the resounding vibrations of singing bowls.
Everything at RAKxa has been carefully selected with an eye to wellbeing. Even our villa was good for us … the finishes and fabrics having been specially chosen for their hypo allogenic properties. Accented in natural materials, the interior design of the villa shared an obvious connection to the environment which added to the calming atmosphere. And if we wanted more, all we had to do was throw open the glass doors to our private pool in the lush garden and let the scents of the jungle waft over us while listening to the birds calling. We were starting to feel better already, and our therapies hadn’t even started. Cycling is the preferred mode of transport here and bikes are provided to all villas; there’s also a buggy service available after a quick call to reception.
Now, anyone who knows us, knows we take food very seriously and consider the dining experience as paramount to the success of any travel. So, we’re delighted to report that the cuisine at RAKxa did not disappoint. In fact, it was one of the highlights of our time there. Naturally, the focus is on healthy eating and honouring local ingredients that are unprocessed and anti-inflammatory, free from sugar and preservatives. And they were delicious, beautifully presented and restaurant quality. Portion sizes varied, depending on what you had negotiated with your wellness co-ordinator. But those of us who may have requested smaller portions for weight reasons were never refused seconds when our willpower wavered.
At RAKxa, BT fasted from alcohol, but whenever we fancied a drink we headed to the Tea Villa where we sipped delicious beverages, lounged and debriefed – exactly as we would have at any hotel bar. Here, we were offered an array of teas based on our whims or wellness requirements. At dinner, after our kombucha mocktails, the tea ‘sommelier’ would arrive with suggestions about which infusions to pair with our meals. Admittedly, BT heaved a sigh of relief at breakfast when we spotted a serious coffee machine brewing RAKxa’s very own in-house blend … served with oat or almond milk of course!
Our “bar” fridge was replenished each day with a selection of Italian sparkling waters and energy shots. Also in our villa was a selection of RAKxa tea (pots) and homemade healthy biscuit treats that were replenished daily, fortunately. Ours seemed to disappear quickly.
A personal wellness schedule is delivered to your villa early each day. BT’s morning started with a private session at RAKxa GAYA – the medical gym – where we worked on improving our understanding of our bodies through movement, strength and balance. By assessing kinetics using state-of-the-art equipment, our results were interpreted by physiotherapists and wellness trainers, who created a bespoke training plan for us. Then it was on to a private pilates session. We were even given a program to continue at home.
After lunch and a swim BT spent the afternoons relaxing, being pampered at the heavenly RAKxa JAI – the holistic wellness centre. The hardest thing here was choosing between all the traditional Thai massages and therapies on offer. BT’s favourite picks: the Thai Traditional Salt Pot Massage and the Cryorganic Firming and Anti-aging Facial.
RAKxa believes true wellness is achieved through the balance of mind, body and spirit and it’s hard to argue with that philosophy. BT found its visit here a total sensory experience … experiential travel at its best: exotic destination, luxurious accommodation in a stunning natural setting, healthy activities to fill the day and delicious meals to please our stomachs. It’s no wonder RAKxa was awarded the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller ‘Best Holistic Heaven’ for 2023.
A trip to RAKxa Thailand would suit BT clients who are interested in travel that’s as good for your body as your mind (and for those who don’t mind a little bit of luxury too).
THE FINE PRINT
Three (minimum), five and ten-day wellness packages include your stay in a Garden or Pool Villa, return limousine transfers, all meals, tailored program, treatments and daily activities. Or a three-day minimum A la Carte stay includes return limousine transfers, all meals, daily activities (treatments not included).
If you are interested in medical treatments or advanced aesthetics, the Vitallife Scientific Wellness Clinic offers programmes and packages.
Please call us for a full list of wellness programmes and retreat packages or discover the retreat at https://rakxawellness.com/
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