Health and beauty on Koh Samui
The relaxed lifestyle and beachside ambience of Koh Samui make the island a popular destination for those who want to recharge and rejuvinate. The proliferation of top class spas and professional health programmes is one example of this and we’ve created a whole page on spas in Samui . but there are also plenty of less intensive options available for those in need of a physical retune.
Many parts of Samui’s hilly interior provide the perfect terrain for hiking and mountain biking, and the small side roads that lead off the main island ring road in places like Mae Nam and Lamai soon become dirt tracks that head into the hills. The long beaches are also perfect for walking and jogging, and places like Big Buddha Beach can become quite busy with runners and ramblers, especially in the early morning and at sunset. The Hash House Harriers are also represented on the island, and meet regularly to run and socialise. Dates are infrequent but published on their webpage and they generally run or depart (for transfer to the run) from the Red Fox in Lamai at 15:15 or the Pub in Bophut at 15:00 (for more information call Steve on 01-536-8991). There is even an annual Samui Mini-Marathon in August t hat starts in Nathon town and attracts both local and foreign participants.
Swimming is another obvious way to enhance your health and most of the beaches on Samui, especially the ones further north, are ideal for much of the year. The clear waters off Chaweng beach can be quite shallow sometimes, but most resorts there have a pool and even if yours doesn’t, plenty of hotels are happy to allow outside guests to use the pool for a fee.
As well as massage therapies, many of the island’s spas also offer beauty treatments like body wraps, scrubs and facials. These often involve the application of natural products like tropical fruit, yoghurt and even chocolate but may also include well-known brand creams and beauty products. Some spas also offer manicure and pedicure services and these are also available at a number of hairdressing salons around the island.
