Health spa: Thailand or South Africa?

Q: Thank you for your two very informative and interesting articles on Koh Samui in Thailand (Sunday Times, June 15th). Please can you tell me how one would book to go to a health spa on Koh Samui; not the one you went to, but one that at least gives you fruit and vegetables. - Joy Flavio

A: The place I visited, The Spa Resorts Samui, can draw up a programme for guests which includes meals at their excellent vegetarian restaurant. The health consultants are strong believers in the benefits of eating fruit and raw vegetables, but most of the guests are there for the fasting and detox programmes. (Tel: +66-77-424 666 or email: thespa@spasamui.com). A good alternative is the Kamalaya Resort. This classy health spa specialises in "Relax and Renew" packages that include meals, a health diagnosis and a variety of massages and treatments.(Telephone +66-77-429-800 or email: info@kamalaya.com). However, as this is an upmarket resort, it can be expensive when you factor in the flights from South Africa.

Thailand is a great destination, but you could also consider one of the health spas in South Africa. They offer similar programmes to those available in Thailand at a more affordable cost. Try the Brookdale Health Hydro in the Natal Midlands (Tel: 033-266-6208), The Hydro at Stellenbosch (Tel: 021-809 3800) or the Hoogland Health Hydro near Pretoria (Tel: 012-380 4000).