Named the best new hotel opening of 2021 by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, Capella Bangkok is a world-class wellness destination on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
From sound healing and sunrise yoga by the river to Bogafit at the pool and hydrotherapy at Auriga Wellness -- the programme is tailored to individual needs. Personalisation is important for spa enthusiasts seeking stellar treatments and an escape.
The spa is named after a constellation in the sky. Latin for charioteer, Auriga is home to Capella -- the sixth brightest star in the sky. Two stars symbolise Capella Hotels and Resorts, which partnered with GOCO Hospitality to create spa experiences for Capella in Sanya, Bali, Maldives and Bangkok.
The beauty, history and culture of each destination are celebrated in the concept and treatments.
Capella Bangkok's backdrop recalls how the Chao Phraya River was a waterway not only for trading but cultural exchanges, including health rituals. The location of Charoen Krung Road is rich in healing traditions, such as herbal medicine and ancient massage techniques preserved by the local communities.
The heritage is combined with elements of traditional Chinese medicine, Indian rituals and time-honoured Thai techniques as well as cutting-edge contemporary practices for the Auriga Wellness spa programme.
Hydrotherapy is also a big part of the spa experience as clients have access to gender-specific water facilities featuring heated loungers, saunas, steam rooms, vitality pools and experience showers. Producing different effects on the body's systems, the use of water in various forms, pressures and temperatures complements spa treatments in promoting wellness.
The signature treatments include Hom Mali, which salutes therapeutic traditions of rural Thailand through a multisensorial massage employing touch, scent and gentle sounds, after a body scrub with a blend of fragrant rice, sweet almond oil and moisturising yoghurt.
Synergistic Asian therapies are combined in the three-hour Dhyana For Two, inspired by Changzong, a Zen-like tradition rooted in ancient Indian rituals of Dhyana.
The session begins with a purifying Thai herbal bath with lemongrass, turmeric, bergamot and tamarind, followed by a body scrub with a hydrating mixture of brown sugar, oats and almonds. The following aromatic oil massage focuses on the body while a personalised facial restores a radiant complexion. The treatment for two ends with a guided lotus meditation that brings you back to yourself and connects the energy centres shared between partners.
The third signature treatment is an East meets West pampering, following a partnership with London-based 111Skin.
Founded by cosmetic surgeon Dr Yannis Alexandrides, 111Skin is known for high-performance formulas, such as Y Theorem Repair Serum NAC Y², originally used to promote skin healing after facelifts or eye jobs. The serum rejuvenates the skin in the facial part of the Powerful Body Healing by 111Skin treatment, which also involves a Thai oil body massage.
Besides incorporating the British formulas in its face and body therapies, Auriga Wellness also retails its skincare products for daily use.
The extensive menu includes natural face treatments, body purification, traditional Thai therapies and sound healing.
Involving the striking of three or seven Tibetan bowls, the age-old therapy targets the cellular level with sound waves echoing the body's natural vibrations.
Shared by trading migrants from the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Tok Sen or hammer massage renders good vibrations through rhythmic tapping along the body's energy lines, resonating across pressure points to relax the muscle and dislodge built-up tension.
The signature massage oils are named after the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan rivers that flow through the fertile valleys of the Lanna Kingdom in northern Thailand. The four tributaries converge at Paknam Pho in Nakhon Sawan, to form the Chao Phraya River that further courses through the heart of Bangkok and in front of Capella Bangkok.
The 1,074m² Auriga Wellness is tucked in a verdant garden with a view of the River of Kings, from its outdoor garden and a naturally-lit reception area-cum-tea lounge. The ambience changes with darker tones inside the spa featuring seven treatment rooms, including two spa suites with Jacuzzi bathtubs, not to mention the water therapy facilities and post-treatment relaxation lounge.
The inviting facilities entice spa-goers to while away time and optimise the Auriga Wellness experience.
For information and reservations, email auriga.bangkok@capellahotels.com or call 065-998 4648 and 02-098-3888.
