I arrived at the Black Mountain Spa feeling stressed, hot and bothered. After allowing plenty of time to make the appointment, a flat tyre en route and changing the wheel by the side of the highway was not a pleasant experience. Instead of being ready to relax and enjoy the 90 minute Black Mountain Signature Treatment, I was in a rush and just like my tyre, rather deflated! However perhaps this was an accidental simulation of walking 18 holes and playing a bad round of golf? The question was – could the purpose of the massage therapy be achieved in these circumstances? Revival and relaxation of the body and mind as well as invigorating and easing muscle tension is the aim.
I certainly needed that! My host the Spa Manager Khun Janyarak Fernando, better known as Khun Tak, quickly began the de-stressing process with an understanding warm smile and a cooling drink of tea. She’s been at the Spa for some four years and is eager to slow things down and answer any questions in a confident, self-assured manner. She’ll also ask you to complete a checklist of your requirements and is ready to address any personal or health issues needing to be considered. Next my therapist, Khun Tai introduced herself and led me to the massage room. There are purpose designed rooms for each style of treatment including expansive bathing areas for therapy of the ‘wet’ variety.
By now you are dressed in the spa gown and slippers and all you have to do is what you are told; that’s not much. You’ll also be offered the gentle concerns of the therapist that all is well, not interrupting your rest, just providing extra reassurance. The first half of my treatment included a pampering body scrub (brown sugar), with a combination of warm oils (almond and citrus) and soothing strokes.
After a quick warm shower I noticed my slightly pink and glowing skin. Revival was on the way! Then some more oiling massage strokes and gentle stretching followed by attention to any tension in your scalp; the final winner! The Black Mountain Spa is typically visited by nearby residents and Golf Club Members, apart from casual golfers. The décor is in keeping with the black and gold motifs of this world class facility and leaves nothing to chance or disappointment. If someone in my state of tension on arrival can be successfully ‘de-stressed’, I’d bet that anyone’s physical and mental state can be revived.
If the treatment follows a game of golf, you can either bathe in the glory of being a winner or memories of those horror holes will just fade away. Either way it’s a spa experience that well and truly lives up to its promise. P.S. While you are at Black Mountain, check out the newly refurbished and expanded pro shop with all the golfing equipment and fashion you’ll ever need.
Black Mountain Signature Treatment: 90 minutes; 1,200 THB., Open: Everyday 9 AM to 7 PM., Where: Upper level of the Black Mountain Golf Course Club House. Appointments: Phone – 032 618 666 7 (or book with your tee time).
