Work on Your Wellness in Southern Thailand
With Thailand’s easy “Test & Go” scheme now up and running, it’s once again a breeze to visit this friendly, foodie Southeast Asian country. Why not treat yourself to a wellness retreat in southern Thailand to celebrate?
Photo courtesy of The Sarojin
To celebrate the reopening of Thailand’s borders, we sat down with our friends at Remote Lands to design a beautiful sample itinerary focused on wellness and foodie delights in southern Thailand. This is easily combined with extra time in other parts of Thailand—such as the capital city of Bangkok or northern wildlife havens Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai—or with visits to other countries, such as neighboring Cambodia or Myanmar.
This sample itinerary focuses on balancing body, mind, and soul. After all, Phuket and Khao Lak are the perfect settings in which to unwind and unplug. Stays at top luxury resorts with a wellness host, healthy plates of southern Thailand seafood and fruits, and seaside meditations are only the beginning of the wellness wonders this trip holds for you.
This itinerary isn’t too long, coming in at only five nights, but it’s only meant to be a starting point to set you daydreaming. All of our itineraries are customized just for you, so we can make your Thai adventure as long or as short as you’d like as you delve into this wellness wonderland.
Day 1
Phuket
Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree Phuket
Your time in Thailand begins in ethereal Phuket, where you’re likely to be greeted by sunshine and a warm breeze, along with your private guide and driver. You’ll head to your luxury wellness retreat next. We have a couple of favorites, including the Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary Phuket or Rosewood Phuket, but we will choose your accommodation based on your personal preferences and style.
On arrival, a Wellbeing Host will sit down with you to design a unique program for your stay. Banyan Tree, which is adults-only, offers daily in-villa spa treatments and unlimited wellbeing activities as part of your stay, while Rosewood has wellness packages including spa treatments, yoga, and consultations. Poe Travel clients will receive extra amenities at either hotel because both are included in our trusted Virtuoso network of luxury hotels.
Spend your first afternoon settling into your secluded retreat as you start your wellness journey. Perhaps you’ll indulge in a pampering massage to help ease your jet lag, swim a few laps in the pool, or sweat it out in a cardio session. This evening, we recommend a fresh, healthy meal at your hotel, followed by a well-earned night of rest.
Photo courtesy of Arty on Unsplash
Day 2
Phuket
Start your morning off right with a guided seaside trek or meditation, allowing the ocean breeze to wake you up and revitalize you. Enjoy a healthy breakfast, and then head out for a curated wellness experience. This will be personalized to you but might look like slow stretches and yoga or, if you’re feeling a bit more amped, power ropes and core strengthening.
Afterwards, head to town to get to know the vibrant local food scene. Phuket was historically an international commercial trading port, which has rendered it one of the most culturally diverse destinations in Thailand. This is why you’ll see a wonderful blend of cuisines here, featuring influences from China, Malaysia, and India. A blend of spicy, salty, and sweet known as Peranakan Baba can only be tasted on the island, so you must try it here! You’ll find many casual eateries around Phuket Old Town from which to choose, and your hotel will be able to make recommendations if you aren’t feeling too intrepid.
After lunch, stroll around town, taking in the quaint atmosphere of colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese architecture. You’ll spy mural paintings and street art adorning buildings that are worthy of any Instagram feed. Depending on your interests, we may recommend some museum stops, including the Chinapracha Mansion—a privately owned museum giving you a glimpse into a preserved Sino-Portuguese home—and Thai Hua Museum, which displays the history of Chinese people in Phuket. If your appetite will allow it, sample street food favorites such as satays and rotis, and you MUST try Phuket’s signature dessert: Ah-pong, a crispy, rolled-up crepe. We can make recommendations for dinner in Phuket Old Town this evening, if you’d like!
Day 3
Phuket
Just like yesterday, today will begin with personalized wellness experiences, whether you’re focusing on mindfulness or breathing exercises, unwinding with a detox massage, engaging in a dynamic active session, or doing a little bit of everything!
Relax at leisure this afternoon. Take a dip in the pool or sunbathe on the beach, fresh coconut or fruit smoothie in hand. Did we mention the fruit in Phuket is legendary? It makes for some seriously tasty and downright refreshing drinks. If you’d prefer a bit more activity, maybe you want to take a cooking class at the hotel’s culinary school to try your hand at crafting some local specialties.
For Phuket’s premier farm-to-table culinary experience, we recommend dinner at Pru this evening, which has garnered the island’s first Michelin star for its locally sourced produce and unique focus on the elegance of vegetables—a must-add for any wellness itinerary!
Day 4
Khao Lak
One last morning in Phuket brings a last chance to squeeze in a wellness experience before checking out. If you’re all wellnessed out for the moment, you can instead choose to take a private cruise of Phang Nga National Park this morning. Phang Nga is famous for its picturesque limestone cliffs, mangrove forests, and small islands. The smallest island here is famous as James Bond Island.
Enjoy a final meal in Phuket at a local restaurant of your choice. We recommend taking this opportunity to try out a casual seafood restaurant that specializes in transforming fresh seafood into tasty Thai dishes such as pla meuk yang gleua (barbecued squid with salt and pepper), hoi maeng poh op mo din (steamed mussels with lemongrass and herbs), and haw mok pla (curried fish mousse served in banana leaf).
After lunch, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive north, just over an hour up the coastal road to Khao Lak. You will notice immediately after you arrive how remote Khao Lak is as you take in the lack of traffic, buildings, crowds, and noise. Check into the secluded boutique Sarojin, which is situated on a long stretch of white sandy beach, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
This evening, you’ll be blown away by a private dining experience at Sarojin, whether you choose to dine beside a jungle waterfall by candlelight or under the stars on a hidden beach.
Photo courtesy of The Sarojin
Day 5
Khao Lak
Spend today exactly as you please. The Sarojin is a tranquil and serene hideaway, the perfect spot for unwinding or getting active.
Photos courtesy of The Sarojin
If you want to relax, while away your day on the beach or have a stress-melting massage as you are lulled by the sounds of the Andaman Sea. If you’re feeling a bit more active, hike through the lush national park to explore the jungle and cascading waterfalls. Alternatively, charter a private yacht out to the Similan Islands for some of the best diving in the world.
Come sunset, indulge and treat yourself by taking the resort’s private yacht to a secluded sand isle for a magical private dinner of champagne and fresh seafood under the stars, the perfect way to cap off your explorations of southern Thailand.
Day 6
Departure
Whether you decide to explore more of Thailand, venture into neighboring countries, or set off home after your quick getaway, we know you’ll leave totally enchanted with the magic of southern Thailand.
If you would like to Go Away to southern Thailand (or anywhere else in the world), simply contact us. We will design a customized itinerary to suit your interests and preferences, making sure you receive the VIP treatment at every turn.