Review: RXV Wellness Village, Thailand spa review

Why go?

A truly family-oriented wellness retreat for multi-generations to get healthy and mindful together. Take note, it’s not a spa with a place to park the seniors, plus kids’ club. In classic southeast Asian style, RXV wants to care for families of all ages; the concept is that nobody is too young or too old. The team here offers various paths to living long and well, from medical screening to bespoke treatments, cardio workouts to mindfulness exercises, but perhaps what sets RXV apart the most is their Thai arts and crafts programme with traditional Buddhist and heritage activities supporting focus and concentration.

What's the backstory?

Founded by Thai real estate entrepreneurs, RXV Wellness Village is their second foray into hospitality. Their first retreat, RAKxa Wellness, also on the fringes of Bangkok, has a strict over 16 years policy and so they conceived RXV because their guests wanted a place to bring their families in tow.

What’s the wellness concept?

This is integrative wellness, with a medical and holistic approach to anti-ageing and preventative healthcare using therapies, exercise, nutrition, rest, stress management and family bonding. Inside the wellness centre adjoining the hotel, there are clinics, gyms and treatment rooms offering diagnostic testing, such as the 60-second 3D Styku scan, to determine body composition of fat, lean and bone mass; and the Mobee spine analysis, using a rolling sensor on the spinal column measuring curve, symmetry and posture. The nutritional analysis is sometimes handled by an online consultant, which is a shame, even if Wisanuwong “Hush” Prasertkhongkha does a stellar job remotely. There are traditional Chinese medicine approaches, such as acupuncture; and Ayurvedic treatments, such as shirodhara; as well as colon hydrotherapy and IV vitamin infusions. Plus, a cryosauna for speedy muscle recovery; hyperbaric chamber for skin and tissue regeneration; infrared sauna; steam room and hydrotherapy circuit. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the lush landscaped grounds for morning yoga, power walks, and strength and conditioning bootcamps, tailored to any level and group size. The Thai arts and crafts programme encompasses mindfulness and meditation, to help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

What are the signature treatments?

The Belly and Gut treatment is a combination of the Taoist practise of Chi Nei Tsang, with Ayurvedic Vasthi paste and Thai herbal oils. This intense abdominal massage is said to improve digestion, while the penetrative oils nourish the skin. There’s also the True Back Stress Release aiming for a shift from thoracic to deeper abdominal breathing, working on myofascia muscles, massaging the diaphragm and using INDIBA radiofrequency tech to help regenerate tissue.

Which therapist should I book?

Jirapat “James” Pongsalee is a wellspring of enthusiasm, yet balanced by a mild manner. He offers one-on-one Pilates sessions and outdoor cardio workouts on the banks of the river, finding a brilliant balance of active physiotherapy and neuromuscular training. James diligently stays in touch with guests after check out, emailing them links of his own youtube videos as reminder nudges to exercise after they return home.

What makes it different?

Led by Tarinee “Mii” Promsu, who’s a total delight, the traditional Thai arts and crafts programme adds a wonderful element to the wellness programme, drawing in young to old. Guests can choose mindful colouring in the cafe; meditation classes in the traditional Thai wooden house with its views of the river; or making mandala – with concentric patterns of flower petals – while listening to the mesmerising sound of singing bowls. Mii also leads a craft class making Phuan Pang Rum, delicate garlands with natural dyes and essential oils, while explaining how this practise and others were used in Thai royal household.

The cuisine at RXV is worth noting for its exquisite presentation and rich Thai flavours in dishes such as Tom Kha soup, spicy pomelo salad, and Goong Meanam Nam Pla Waan using plump prawns from the river, organic vegetables and dried chilli. Heading up the kitchen is superchef Bansani Nawisamphan, whose principles around “rainbow cooking” aim to create a balanced diet and cover off a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. The food never skimps; one can ask for seconds and request food off the menu; coffee and desserts are plentiful; alcohol, too. RXV wants to embrace guests of all stripes. As they point out, within a family, one individual might want a hardcore health fix, but another more of a holiday with daily massages and red wine at dinner.

One more note is that guests are encouraged to break out of the wellness retreat, guilt-free, and discover the local area. Not far away is the astonishing helter skelter-style Wat Samphran dragon temple; also, Wat Rai Khing temple with its golden Buddha; and the riverside Don Wai market is a particular draw for foodies.

What else do they offer?

In line with their principle to care for families at all stages of life, there are women-focused therapies for expectant mothers, new mothers and women in menopause. The Traditional Thai Court Massage uses a technique historically reserved for members of the royal family, which focuses on specific points along principal meridian lines. There are also specialist abdominal massages using bespoke herbal blends for postpartum care, and peri- and menopausal stages of life.

Where do you stay?

From Bangkok airport, it’s an hour or so by car skirting the south side of the capital, to reach RXV Wellness Village, set within a leafy 50-acre estate, Suan Sampran, on the banks of the Tha Chin river. It’s a surprising suburban find full of century-old trees and traditional wooden Thai homes; only the occasional long-tail boat motoring down the river breaks the quietude. RXV has taken over an existing, rather ordinary looking hotel of 83 rooms with balconies, ten of which are interconnecting for families. The higher up, the grander the view of the meandering river, its boat traffic, and the shimmer of monastery roofs. Inside the hotel, the look and feel is contemporary and uncluttered, with subtle Thai accents.

Anything else to mention?

At the weekend there’s an organic farmers’ market in the grounds of Suan Sampran park with vendors dressed in indigo-coloured hanfu, selling fresh vegetables, coconut pancakes and jars of bee pollen. There’s a cafe on site, as well as charming workshops to tie-dye t-shirts, and concoct herbal toothpaste and pots of rice-based exfoliating scrubs. RXV can organise visits here with Chef Bansani to learn about seasonal vegetables, smell crushed herbs, and taste organic ice-cream, before returning for a cooking lesson and bountiful lunch.

Final word

They’re expanding. Look out for their next venture, Urban, a day spa-style outfit in downtown Bangkok, with a medical team, wellness practitioners and a restaurant for healthy eating. If you’re staying in the city, it’ll be a perfect pop-in health shot.

Healing Holidays (healingholidays.com/condenast) can arrange a 5 night Gather & Tune programme from £4,599.00 per family (2 adults & 2 children) including transfers, full board accommodation and inclusions of the programme