Talking wellness with Wellness Travel Thailand

There has been a boom in health and well-being in recent years. There is no doubt that the Covid pandemic was the main factor behind this rise as people prioritised a healthier lifestyle. In a post-pandemic world, the trend continues to be seen in the tourism industry with more travellers seeking health and wellness experiences on their holidays.

Before the pandemic, Thailand was already catering to holidaymakers prioritising their well-being. Holistic and spiritual healing has long been part and parcel of Thai life and it’s no surprise that so many weary Westerners continue to come to Thailand for the myriad of wellness solutions to be found here. 

In addition to the health benefits gained by travellers, the tourism revenue can directly help local communities with jobs and business opportunities created. Wellness Travel Thailand is one example of a local company that specialises in wellness-focused travel. The company takes a sustainable wellness approach and integrates authentic Thai traditions into the wellness packages they offer. In our interview today, we are delighted to introduce you to Belle Bhunthanapisut, the founder of Wellness Travel Thailand. 

Please tell us a little about yourself

I am Belle Bhunthanapisut, a Thai professional living in Bangkok. My travel business focuses on wellness travel and female travel. You can find out more from my websites Wellness Travel Thailand and Women Travel Thailand. I’ve been working in the Thai travel industry for a long time with more than 25 years of experience in the wellness sector encompassing health clubs, sports clubs and spas.

What makes Thailand so special for a wellness holiday?

With so many beautiful places and a long tradition of well-being, Thailand is perfect for a wellness holiday. There are so many locations to choose from where you can relax in natural surroundings. From the white sandy beaches of the south to the green mountains of the north, you can enjoy a relaxed environment with great hospitality services. All across Thailand, you can find different wellness experiences like traditional massage, spas and health retreats. Thailand also has an excellent healthcare service with reasonable prices that represent value for money for tourists.

What wellness experiences do you recommend in or around Bangkok?

Bangkok offers many wellness activities like massage, spa, fitness or yoga that you can find at various locations including hotels. If you want specific treatments related to wellness, there are many specialist wellness centres and hospitals that can offer wellness programs to meet your needs. 

One wellness travel activity in Bangkok that I recommend is to go on a bicycle tour at Bang Krachao (known as the ‘Green Lung of Bangkok’), to get fresh air, see birds, and enjoy the greenery. You can also visit the local community and relax at coffee shops here.

Another simple but enjoyable wellness trip is to take a canal boat tour to explore the local way of life of people living along the canal. Away from the chaos of Bangkok, you can enjoy the peaceful environment and cool breeze as you relax. Visit a floating market, fruit orchard, and quiet temples as you experience another side of Bangkok.  

What is your favourite wellness treatment?

My favourite treatment is an aroma-relaxing massage. I like the scent of aroma oil while getting a massage and enjoy being pampered in a quiet atmosphere with the sound of soft music. This can make me truly relaxed (and even fall asleep!) and is a great way to recharge my energy.

What is your favourite spa?

I love all spas because they all have different characteristics and different treatments and decor. But the spas that I like most are the ones that are integrated with nature and the location, treatments and services all embrace natural elements.

Where are your favourite destinations in Thailand and why?

Each part of Thailand has its unique characteristics. There are so many beautiful places to choose from ranging from beach to mountains and with different atmospheres and cultures. For myself, I like places that are not crowded and are quiet for relaxation. In North Thailand, I like the nature and culture of Mae Hong Son with its mountain valley views, cool weather and local way of life. In South Thailand, I enjoy visiting  Krabi to escape from the busy city life, chill out at long sandy beaches, take in the sea breeze, and watch the sunset over the mountains.

To find out more about the different wellness treatments and packages available in Thailand, check out the Wellness Travel Thailand website. Choose from a range of programs available at locations across Thailand. Whether you’d like to practise meditation in Chiang Mai, go for a yoga holiday in Bangkok or detox on Ko Samui, you’ll find plenty of wellness ideas from Khun Belle and her team.

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