Wellbeing Escapes Product Director, Helen, visits Aava Resort & Spa in Khanom. Thailand and discovers a contemporary property and breathtaking nature with activities a-plenty!
What were your first impressions of the resort?
How remote and tranquil it is. If you like to be surrounded by other hotels, nightlife and shops, then this isn’t for you, but if you prefer to get off the beaten track and visit what I’d say is ‘real’ Thailand, how beaches used to be before mass tourism, then this sweepingly long sandy beach and the small, boutique Aava is the perfect fit. The hotel is in Khanom, which is on the mainland (the nearest airport is Surat Thani, 1.5 hours away by car) and at the same latitude as Koh Samui but it’s largely unknown on the tourist map, so it’s the perfect serene escape.
What do you think makes the resort so special?
Aside from the 9km long golden sandy Nadan beach in front of the hotel and its lack of noisy neighbours, what’s wonderful about Aava is the caring team. It’s a privately owned, family-run hotel, with a very welcoming atmosphere and a cute little spa. Their terrific yoga and Pilates teacher also teaches Muay Thai and having been part of the renowned wellness team at Kamalaya in Koh Samui, he brings genuine wellness to Aava. But don’t be mistaken, whilst this hotel is a boutique beach bolthole offering spa, fitness and relaxation, it is not a strict wellness centre, so you can be as virtuous or as down-right lazy as you wish. Or both – gin and tonic post workout, anyone?
What was your favourite treatment?
Being in Thailand, I would say their invigorating Thai Massage, the therapists’ skilled fingers were like little needles, getting in between knots and releasing tension I didn’t even know I had. It was great to see that all their spa products are natural, organic and made using local ingredients.
What as your favourite activity?
Hard to say, the various classes of yoga (vinyaya and flow) are very good, as is the Muay Thai and Tai Chi group classes. The Muay Thai class is more cardio and great for releasing stress, plus as it’s a small resort, it may be that you’re lucky enough to be the only one at a group class, so you could benefit from a private one-on-one! These group classes usually take place upstairs above the spa in an open-sided, covered studio although Tai Chi and power walks happen on the beach. Although the wellness classes are only available for those aged 15+, I think it’s cute that Aava also offer a separate Muay Thai children’s class too.
How was the food?
Truly delicious and immaculately presented. They have one restaurant, Alto, which serves Asian and European dishes, plus they also have a healthy menu option for both lunch and dinner. The cuisine here is a real highlight and the seafood is divine, they have a great selection of international wine too.
What was your favourite aspect of the resort?
I love the contemporary design of the low-rise blocks of rooms (the bedrooms are quite compact, but very stylish and even have blackened windows for extra privacy without needing to close the blinds) and the abundance of things to do on the doorstep, from boat rides to see wild pink dolphins to waterfall hikes. The chefs are to be commended, the quality of the yoga and Pilates is very good and for value for money, Aava ticks all the right boxes.
Who would you recommend the resort to?
Anyone wanting some peace and quiet, tranquillity and the beauty of natural, rugged surroundings. If you need a focused wellness centre with heaps of specialists then this isn’t for you, but if you are looking for a laidback, fantastic value peaceful escape, with some great spa treatments and a very good selection of daily activity classes, or just a place to flop in the sun without the crowds, then this is for you, be it as a single traveller, couple, group of friends or small family.
For personalised advice, please call our expert wellness team on 020 3735 7555.
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