Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort in Phuket is a one-stop shop for all your bodycheck, wellness and vacation needs
One of the benefits of writing for Honeycombers is getting to explore different wellness experiences, such as Asaya Hong Kong, Cryo Spas and facial acupuncture at Eu Yan Sang. We were invited to Thanyapura, a sports and wellness centre nestled away amid the rainforest in sunny Phuket. Find out why it’s our new obsession (and why we’ve significantly upped our coconut water intake since visiting!)
Welcome to Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort
The classes
What you really come to Thanyapura for is the amazing selection of classes on offer. A lot of these are part of your rate when booking in, and the daily schedule covers off everything from yoga to meditation to swimming clinics.
I tried a really great Muay Thai class and an excellent meditation session during my time at Thanyapura, and also made use of the gorgeous outdoor Olympic-sized pool on a few occasions, which was heavenly. There’s a running track, a bike track, a fully equipped gym, tennis courts, football fields and more, so it’s no wonder that a number of international athletes and teams regularly frequent the resort.
The sport science part of Thanyapura is really something. They work with coaches and scientists from across the globe to shave time off a number of professionals’ races. Whether you’re looking to improve your running technique or compete in your first triathlon, this is the best place to kick-start your goals.
The wellness clinic
Alongside all the sports facilities, Thanyapura has an incredible clinic that offers a range of tests and specialists to help you get the best from your body. As an integrated medical centre, they’re known for their Thanyapura Health 360 wellness check which incorporates Lifestyle Assessment, Heavy Metals and Toxins Scan, Body Composition, Functional Fitness, and a Full Body Bio Scan for less than $2500 HKD. Taking around three hours to complete, we love the idea that busy people can arrive on Friday after work, have their test done on Saturday morning, chat with the specialists about fixes and still have time for some R&R before being back for work on Monday.
While I was visiting, I got to try the Full Body Bio-Scan test. Basically, you stand on a machine and six currents are sent through your body to read everything from the percentage of water in your cells to the weight of each limb: fascinating stuff. Once you’ve had the test, you can then chat with the nutritionist about your results and they will give you some ideas about how to fix any deficiencies or what you want to be aiming for.
Apparently, a large percentage of water in my body is not actually in my cells, so I was advised to up my electrolyte intake to get me hydrated in the right places (bring on the coconut water!)
They also have a selection of chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists, and doctors who can help with things like stress management, hormone imbalance and weight loss & nutrition. Plus, there’s an aesthetics clinic in case you’re in the mood for a little Botox, HIFU or some fillers before you leave.
The hotel
You don’t go to Thanyapura for the luxury hotel rooms, as life here is really about the health and wellness facilities. That being said, the rooms are great and large by HK standards, and you’ll have everything you need. I love that they have water refill stations across the property so you always have drinkable water in sustainable containers.
I also loved the little outdoor nook that was attached to my room in the garden wing, where I could sit and read a book when I was between classes. The bed was comfy and I got to catch up on a whole lot of great TV programmes in the evenings – so life was all good!
In the pool wing, there’s a–surprise–swimming pool that’s all about leisure, floating and catching some sunshine with a book in hand. There’s a pool bar where you can fill up or get a drink and just generally have that classic Thai experience.
The food
Vegetarian paradise! This is what Thanyapura was for me. For years they’ve offered a range of vegetarian and vegan food (they even have an onsite vegan restaurant!) so you don’t have to worry about being fed right. If you’re not veg, there’s loads of food for you too (I saw bacon and eggs at breakfast), but it’s so nice to go somewhere and not have to worry about only having fruit to eat in the mornings. 10/10 for food!
The spa
Of course, what Phuket vacay would be complete without a good massage? Thanyapura offers a range of treatments, including some sport-specific options for those who are in heavy training mode. For those in not-so-heavy mode, the signature Relaxation Massage is heavenly, and a definite must-try during your stay.
I’ll be heading back again soon to get revitalised and to check where my internal water is.
Psst… a second resort in Sanya, China is slated top open in 2022, so keep your eyes peeled!
Find out more about Thanyapura.
