Life

Good Health – RAKxa Wellness, Bangkok, Thailand

Holistic therapies and modern medical science feed body, mind and soul at Bangkok’s innovative RAKxa Wellness & Medical Retreat, a luxury hideaway on jungle-clad island Bang Krachao, the city’s “green lung”.

1 May 2023

Words by: Sharon Leece

Images by: RAKxa Wellness

The story of your health is as individual as you are, so personalised care is top of the wellness agenda at RAKxa Wellness & Medical Retreat. In a tranquil setting on the leafy green shores of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, world-class medical doctors and holistic healers work to restore and maintain optimal health - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The first of its kind in Thailand, RAKxa sees itself as a truly integrated retreat, with preventative care as the first line of defence against future challenges.

Nestled on the leafy green shores of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River

“Our philosophy is one of holistic wellbeing. Live well. Eat well. Rest well.”

A contemporary earth-toned interior with 2 lounge chairs and a large planter in the middle with windows on either side of the room

The contemporary earth-toned interior palette focuses on natural materials

The Vibe

Nothing is more important than good health. At RAKxa, medical science meets holistic alternative therapies using cohesive, well-informed strategies to re-sync rhythm and restore balance. The atmosphere is one of pure relaxation, amidst a lush natural backdrop with plenty of Thai hospitality.

The Wellness Wow (Factor)

RAKxa in Thai means to cherish, heal and conserve, so fittingly the wellness programmes here were designed by doctors from VitalLife, a subsidiary of Bangkok’s Bumrungrad International hospital. Retreats range from three-day packages to personalised 14-day programmes, including immunity boost, long-Covid recovery, DNA testing, de-stress, face and body solutions, detox, gut health and weight management.

Afternoon tea set up in patio area looking out to lush greenery and a river

A reclining woman wearing a high tech health analysis mask next to a health consultant holding a tablet with charts and graphs

a man in a red shirt and a woman in black yoga wear using a foam roller on yoga mats outdoors

In pursuit of optimum health: holistic therapies meet modern science

a colourful array of vegetables arranged on a textured plate

The Treatments

A three-pronged transformative approach: health consultations (health and wellness, doctor, nutrition) set the stage for a tailored treatment plan carried out at different venues. The VitalLife Scientific Wellness Clinic lays the foundation for health, using cutting-edge diagnostics to identify areas of concern, with doctors ranging from osteopaths to aesthetic dermatologists. At the RAKxa JAI Holistic Wellness Center, healing clinicians use Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurvedic treatments and energy practices. RAKxa GAYA, the high-tech medical gym, has Olympic-level training equipment, fitness classes, trainers and physios to help guests attain optimum strength and balance.

The Look

RAKxa’s 62 luxuriously understated pool or garden villas – with a minimal earth-toned decorative palette infused with thoughtfully crafted local handiwork pieces - are designed to be conducive to a restorative night’s sleep. Relaxation is key, whether inside the villas or elsewhere on site; there are hydrothermal facilities to detox and unwind, a vitality pool for hot and cold therapy, an ice-moon shower, a herbal steam room and a cleansing tea lounge.

A pool villa with 2 patio lounging chairs surrounded by greenery

The serene pool villas focus on relaxation and restoration

The Cuisine

Food for the body and soul: clean, anti-inflammatory dishes to minimise and (eventually) eliminate harmful toxins use produce sourced from Bang Krachao’s farms. Mediterranean-inspired all-day eatery Unam champions all-things organic with heirloom grains, sustainable wild-caught seafood and grass-fed meats and raw, sugar-free and flourless desserts for a sweet finish. Speciality Asian restaurant Ukhao draws inspiration from Thailand and the region, using spices and wild herbs in curries and broths, plus a vegan menu with plant-based versions of unique Asian flavours. Tea sommeliers at RAKxa Cha walk guests through tea origins and share health benefits.

The New Moon Loves

The Discover RAKxa 3-night package for guests new to the RAKxa experience. It begins with four consults – one health and wellness, two doctor and one nutrition – to understand underlying health issues and set the groundwork for a treatment plan. Assessments include DNA, blood test, EKG, physio assessment and body composition analysis, with treatments like cryo sauna, whole body light therapy and IV infusion, acupuncture, cupping, chi nei tsang and chakra balancing. Plus spa treatments and GAYA movement (pilates, HIIT, yoga, tai chi). If the choices sound exhausting, they aren’t - calming, informed staff will guide you along your path towards personal renewal, energy and balance.