Sivaree Spa In The Amari Watergate Hotel -- Bangkok, Thailand

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It's great to go to a spa for any number of treatments such as massages, facials, body scrubs or body wraps but what's even better is going in for multiple treatments in one session. All spas have package prices which have the benefit of being a little less expensive than the treatments would cost individually and combine different treatments in interesting ways.

I had a recent experience at the Sivara Spa in the Amari Watergate Hotel (see listing for info) that combined three great treatments into a two and a half hour session that left me feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated -- the three Rs of the spa business.

As with all top-quality spas Sivara is beautifully appointed and designed to provide a soothing atmosphere for whatever treatments you are there to experience. The large treatment room we had for our session was simply decorated but was quiet and comfortable. the only sound was that of the special spa music that I don't like at all except in a spa where it adds to the experience, but more on that later.

We were there for a body scrub, body wrap and massage and our package is called the Paritra Package and gave us our choice of the type of body scrub and body wrap that I wanted along with a 60 minute oil massage. I decided on the Lavender & Apricot Scrub followed by the Wasabi Body Wrap.

A body scrub, in case you've never had one, is pretty much what the words imply. Your spa therapist uses a liquid mixture that's lightly granulated, in our case the lavender and apricot variety, and gently scrubs your skin with it. Since there are some granules in the mixture the scrub removes dead skin cells and any other debris on the skin as well as revitalizing the skin and even improving blood circulation to the skin. It also makes your skin feel silky smooth.

After a quick shower I was back on the massage table for my body wrap. Wasabi, as you may know, is Japanese horseradish and tastes great when mixed with soy sauce and combined with sushi or sashimi in a Japanese restaurant. I was curious to see what it would feel like when applied to my skin, however, as the spa literature said that it would energize me and help to boost my metabolism. One thing it did for sure was to give me a tingly feeling all over after my therapist wrapped me in plastic and a heavy sheet. I had the wasabi mixture all over me and the heat from that and being wrapped in plastic soon made me drowsy. Plus it was quiet and the spa music started lulling me to sleep and before I knew it my therapist was back to unwrap me and send me to the shower again. It was a very quick way to spend 45 minutes.

After a lengthy shower to remove the wasabi I laid back down on the massage table for the oil massage which would conclude my session. It ewas a typical Sedish-type massage but with a few Thai massage features such as the use of the therapist's elbows to provide some hard pressure on my back and hamstrings. It was satisfying and relaxing and I managed to stay awake throughout.

After the massage and another quick shower I was getting dressed and ready to leave feeling the three Rs when I found myself wishing I could stay for another treatment or two. Maybe a facial, some aromatherapy, I didn't know, just anything to keep me there in that oasis of peace and quiet.