Lying back and receiving a traditional Thai massage surrounded by fragrant oils and candlelight is an experience to savour.

The Oasis Spa, which has branches in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya, fuses Thai herbs with modern-day expertise to create some professional pampering. Fresh ingredients are used for each treatment, which can include wraps, facials, steam baths or scrubs.

Chiva-som in Hua Hin has more than 150 physiotherapy, spa and holistic options that use the best of Eastern and Western treatments. Fitness classes using Tai Chi and Pilates are also available.

The Spa Resort in Koh Samui and also in Koh Chang and Chiang Mai has its own programmes in yoga, meditation, vegetarian food and detox advice. The emphasis is on showing guests how to live healthily and how to exercise properly.

For a spa with style, the Six Senses Spa, at the Evason, Phuket, takes some beating. Its treatments take place on three different floor levels, and include ‘sensory therapies’, facial therapies and a body ‘cocoon’ treatment. Up in the northern city of Chiang Rai, the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort has gorgeous teakwood rooms and steam rooms from which Burma, Laos and the might Mekong River can be admired.