Bangkok, Thailand
Weaving Thai Medicine with Indian and Chinese Wisdom into a Tech-forward Package
Hidden in Bangkok‘s leafy Bang Kachao district—the city’s green lung, criss-crossed by canals and mangroves—RAKxa is the kind of wellness retreat that redefines what rest actually feels like. I’m here for its new Energy Renewal Programme, a five- or seven-night retreat to restore energy levels, rebalance hormones, and regulate the nervous system—all of which I’m very much in need of. The traditional acupuncture and massage are also part of the programme. Thai Medicine that is truly resonant. This holistic healing system is based on balancing the body’s four elements—earth, water, wind, and fire—with a strong focus on gut health, Thai herbal ingredients, and rituals that connect the physical and emotional. The practitioners are highly skilled, intuitive and compassionate.
Each treatment is a celebration, no matter if it’s a facial or a massage. Ayurvedic Marma massages that target healing points or sand therapies, which are a combination of art and play therapy. I have raved about sand therapy to my friends at home. After each treatment, a small change in my burnout is felt, whether it’s physical or mental. The food is another highlight: bright, flavorful Thai dishes—light curries brimming with herbs—reimagined for health but never stripped of joy. The onsen Breakfast eggs are my favorite. As someone who has a difficult time eating detox foods, I find this food to be both medicinal and delicious. I am most surprised by the length of time spent doing nothing. It’s uncomfortable at first to be in a state of stillness, with nothing to do. But over time, this discomfort becomes radical. Real restoration happens in moments of forced rest. I spend time in both the hydrotherapy and fitness areas, where trainers customize movement sessions to compliment my treatments. My stay has left me feeling more relaxed and energized, and also more integrated. I feel as if body and mind are finally reintroduced. Here, punishing detoxes and performative wellness is not the goal. Instead, it’s all about restorative calmness that lasts long after your departure. —Anita Bhagwandas
