In light of current events and the sea of black Bangkok finds itself in, your stress levels may need to be addressed, dear readers. It's important to remember to take care of yourself. You are important too, remember?
That's why we reckon a day trip to Yunomori Onsen & Spa, Pattaya, might do you a world of good. Yeah, you could go to their branch on Sukhumvit 26 but perhaps even that drive out of the city alone would blow those cobwebs. And onsens are just renowned for being one of the best things possible for your mind and body, dare we day, your soul even. People have been benefiting from the therapeutic effects of thermal springs for thousands of years. The natural relief and invigoration of the mineral-rich water -- which, by the way, Yunomori sources directly from the sacred springs of Kanchanaburi's Wat Wangkanai -- has such a tantalising and relaxing effect on you.
At this spa there are many different onsen baths to enjoy -- the soft bubble bath if you want to have a classic and enriching experience, or the jet bath if you really want to target all those knots and problem areas. We personally enjoyed the silk bath -- it genuinely felt like we were floating in heaven. And then we stepped outside and sat serenely in their uberly hot sitting bath of 41˚C -- hot, but you do get used to it -- and took in the surroundings of Yunomori's small tropical garden too.
FYI -- if you were in Japan you'd have to go into an onsen naked. Prudes needn't be afraid as thankfully at this spa you are given disposable underwear; you may as well be wearing nothing though as these are pretty skimpy!
Following the relaxation of the hot spring Onsen baths, your body will be supremely receptive to the benefits of an energising and authentic Thai massage. Yunomori's spa therapies are designed to offer the perfect balance between relaxation and invigoration, allowing for you to retain the calm of the Onsen whilst also giving you the energy you need to return back to daily life.
After your time bathing, you can calmly make your way into a lovely massage room. We chose to have an aromatherapy massage using jasmine oil and we kid you not, this was one of the best massages we have ever had in our lives. And we know what we're talking about.
In terms of food, there's no need to venture out of the spa; Yunomori have gotchu covered, with an international and healthy menu that will set those taste buds back on track, in case you found you've had a waning appetite recently. If you aren't too good at taking care of yourself at the moment, let Yunomori Onsen and Spa take good care of you.
Yunomori Onsen & Spa, Pattaya, is open daily from 9am-midnight. It's located at 300/59 Thepprasit Road, (Between Soi 9 and 11) Nongprue, Banglamung, Chon Buri. For details or to make a reservation, please call 038- 197-038 or visit www.yunomorionsen.com or www.fb.com/YunomoriOnsen.
A Ceramic Tub Bath - These individual baths are set outside in the tropical surroundings of Yunomori's peaceful garden. With temperatures between 40-41C, this bath provides the perfect opportunity for you to be at one with yourself as you enjoy soaking in the natural thermal waters.
Silk Bath - Filled with bubbles, this bath offers a deeply cleansing and relaxing experience. The jets of tiny bubbles not only give the water a sensual, silky feel, but also aid buoyancy, stimulating and relaxing your muscles. These properties work together to make the Silk Bath highly effective for relieving rheumatic and arthritic aches and pains.
