The Oriental Spa's spa suite

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok's ayurveda penthouse has a copper bathtub to impart its minerals into the water

The Oriental Spa exterior

The Oriental Spa water garden

The Oriental Spa lobby

Rub Me The Right Way

It's Thailand; massages and spa treatments are part of life here both for residents and for visitors, who are only too happy to indulge in a pleasure they often deny themselves at home. Too busy. Too many things to do. Too little time. Leave all that behind and come to The Oriental Spa.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok's Oriental Spa is located in a restored historic teakwood house across the Chao Phraya River from the hotel's rooms and suites; there is a boat service to ferry guests between the two sides of the river. The Oriental Spa makes a statement of tranquillity even before guests enter; one look at the beautiful lotus pond already begins the de-stressing process, furthered along when entering the building's home-like ambience where the wood walls and heavenly scents envelop you further into a state of relaxation-and the treatment hasn't even begun yet.

Which treatment to have? The spa menu is comprehensive, offering a wide array of treatments ranging from basic massages and traditional Thai massage to more elaborate rhassoul and ayurveda treatments. Ayurveda is taken seriously at The Oriental Spa, where the Ayurveda Penthouse Suites serve as the place to feel better inside and out. Though most guests choose single treatments, multi-day programs can be created over a period of several days to maximise results.

The most popular treatment at The Oriental Spa is the Oriental Signature Treatment, which incorporates an overall body massage with aromatherapy oils chosen at the beginning of the treatment, which is performed in comfortable, unfussy rooms where decorative distractions are minimal. After several mediocre spa treatments at other establishments with good reputations, it was a supreme pleasure to be reminded at The Oriental Spa what an exceptional spa treatment can do for one's physical and emotional well-being. Just one squeeze in the right place on the palm of the hand can release tension throughout the body. If only it were that simple at home.