Thailand is best known for its spectacular beaches, gorgeous landscapes and warm, friendly people. Now, the Kingdom is receiving some well-deserved attention for their incredible spa industry. This recent acclaim partially owes its manifestation to the ancient art of Thai massage and relaxation techniques that has been handed down from generation to generation and also due to the amazing natural hot springs that are available.

To take advantage of the growing trend, the upmarket hotels and resorts in Thailand began offering spa treatments as part of their list of offerings. Independent spas, especially those situated on thermal springs, have emerged and offer a plethora of treatments. Since such a large variety of treatments are available, it is of the utmost importance that you select a spa that best suits your needs.

The Hotspring Beach Resort and Spa is located in Phang Nga just a short distance away from Phuket International Airport. This luxurious retreat offers the perfect place to relax and be pampered while improving your health and rejuvenating your spirit. Situated atop a natural thermal spring, the soothing waters, that reach a temperature of 45 ºC, has a wealth of health benefits. Among them cleaning and exfoliating the skin and easing and soothing tired or aching muscles and joints.

When you combine the thermal bath with a traditional Thai massage or a massage fusion (Swedish, Thai, Aromatherapy and Indonesian style ) the benefits are amazing and the guests are said to leave feeling healthier and stronger than they have in years. What makes the Hotspring Beach Resort so incredible? Besides the exhilarating thermal spring, the surrounding area of Phang Nga is arguably one of the most beautiful provinces in Thailand.

Phang Nga offers miles of picturesque unspoilt beaches and an amazingly rich land that is covered with mangrove trees and evergreen forest. While visiting this resort, I opted to stay in one of the Grand Sea View Suites. After a remarkable 2 hour fusion massage (honestly, the best massage that I’ve ever had in my life), I spent hours on the balcony of the gorgeous 2-storey suite.

I intended to finish reading the novel that I had been working on, but the tranquillity of the waves lapping the pristine shore was completely intoxicating. I lazily watched some locals cast their lines off an old-fashioned wooden bridge while some of the children were enthusiastically chasing baby crabs and kicking a ball around. The view of the sea while the sun was setting was so mesmerising that I quickly lost track of time.

Also located in the beautiful province of Phang Nga is the Bor Saen Villa & Spa. Situated on 47 acres of tropical gardens and parklands and sitting on the tip of a natural lake, this stunning resort offers sumptuous villas that each has its own private pool and Jacuzzi. At Bor Saen’s Royal Spa, you can receive the highest quality treatments offered by a licensed therapist in either a treatment pavilion or in the comfort of your private villa.

Not to be outdone by Phang Nga, Bangkok is home to the world-renowned Oriental Spa at the Oriental Hotel. Voted “Best in the World” by Travel & Leisure Magazine, the Oriental is indeed an oasis in tranquillity. This award-winning spa promotes good health and beauty through meditation, massage and the use of natural herbal remedies. The Oriental Spa has recently unveiled a new "Indian" section: The Ayurveda. Originating in the ancient traditions of India, Ayurveda is the science of achieving a healthy lifestyle that encompasses the physical, mental, social and divine aspects of life. Yoga, therapies and holistic management are some of the essential tools that the highly trained experts at the Oriental use to achieve this perpetual harmony and bliss.

The vibrancy and the glitz of Bangkok may prove a bit extreme for high profile celebrities and jet-setters. So where do celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham, tennis great Serena Williams, Hugh Grant and pop sensation Kylie Minogue go when they need to unwind? Topping the list of celeb favourites is the fabulous Chiva-Som International Health Resort. Located on a beautiful beach in Hua Hin, it is one of Asia’s first full service health resorts. Here you can check into a Water Therapy Suite and enjoy cleansing and restorative treatments, Hydrotherapy treatments, and a variety of massage techniques.

Chiva-Som uniquely blends traditional and advanced therapies to heal and rejuvenate your mind, spirit and body. The serene ambiance and the undisturbed surroundings are an integral part of the rejuvenation process. Guests are able to truly relax and to take full advantage of this distinctive spa - ensuring that celebrities will continue to flock to the heavenly retreat.

What do you do if you are not Posh Spice (I’m sorry…Mrs. Beckham) but you still want to be treated like one of the rich and famous? Not to worry, the Tamarind Village Hotel in the striking province of Chiang Mai is an affordable option. The Tamarind Village Spa is a serene refuge that offers guests the most innovative spa techniques and services but it is reasonably priced. The spa uses herbs and massage to remove stress and to promote a sense of harmony, health and well-being.

One of the more popular treatments at the Tamarind Spa is The Village Hot Stone Massage. This treatment uses crystallized minerals to increase the body's chakras (energy centres). The therapist applies warm stones to the skin using special strokes that helps in soothing achy muscles and balances the energy flow throughout the body.

If your travels lead you to the sensational shores of Phuket, the best spas to visit are at the Banyan Tree Hotel and the JW Marriott Hotel and Resort. Here you can receive world class treatments while enjoying the vibrancy and the unequalled splendour of the 'Pearl of the Andaman'.

Finding a good spa in Thailand is not difficult as many of the top hotels have been offering spa treatments for a while and now many of the mid-priced hotels and resorts offer health and beauty treatments. Remember, even if you are not able to visit one of these fantastic spas, you can still reap amazing benefits from a traditional Thai massage. With massage venues on virtually every corner, you are certain to have a delightful, and healthy, experience.