The Barai Spa at the Hyatt Regency, Hua Hin, Thailand redefines spa treatments, creating a one-of-its-kind exclusivity. A special invitation to Luxe Point India had Purabi Shridhar sampling the myriad delights.

It is indeed possible to be in heaven while still firmly rooted to the earth. The uber luxury residential spa, The Barai at the Hyatt Regency, Hua Hin, Thailand, a piece of paradise is testimony to that!

Facing the Khao Takiab (Chopstick Mountains) silvery beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, The Barai, spread over 4.5 acres has 8 suites and 18 treatment rooms. If that wasn’t enough, the suites have en-suite treatment room. The stunning stand out element is the architecture, the fulcrum that maps out a rejuvenating and peaceful journey of both body and mind. While the spacious suites, four balcony and four pool, are a play of soothing pastels, the spa and the shade is a natural dye obtained from wood. Unlike the all white ambience generally prevalent in spas, the one single dominant colour here infuses both energy and relaxation. Barai in Thai means the pool and it is the Barai, like an oasis in the courtyard of the spa that emits that total sense of serenity draining out every bit of tension and negativity. Not surprising, The Barai was awarded the Outstanding Spa of the Year by the Tourism Authority Thailand.

The magic begins right at the start. The path leading to the spa is lined with big slabs with little gaps between them. The logic is to slow you down. The arrival gallery after that is a spectacular passage with soft diffused lighting, a cocoon of peace. You move into the wall of stars, with star cut outs on the outer wall letting in natural light and creating a breathtaking chiaroscuro on the walls. What awaits next is the tranquility court, a long narrow swimming pool surrounded by a Zen garden and an opening at one end that provides a dazzling view of the Gulf of Thailand.  The treatment rooms are bliss zones with an outdoor open air bath in a high walls enclosed courtyard. The wooden shutters of the treatment rooms have coloured glass inlays that stream in sunlight.

The range of spa treatments - from The Barai Signature Spa treatment (90minutes) to The Barai Element Spa Rituals (three hours, 15 minutes) and the Barai Healing Spa Rituals ( two hours, 30 minutes) - are all rooted in traditional Thai health rituals aimed at balancing the four elements of water, earth, air and fire. The Barai is one spa, says Chalaphan Muangkamchat, assistant director, where nothing is rigid and customized wellness programmes is the by word.

I opt for the The Barai Element Spa Rituals and water is the element for me because earlier for more than an hour, the Buddhist master, Sajja-phol Padaeng had introduced me to the fascinating world of Buddhist Coaching and Meditation and suggested the water element. I was also lucky enough to be given an insider view into the making of the custom Thai herbal compress; the best of medicinal herbs and spices are wrapped in a muslin ball and heated with steam. Beginning with the open air warm bath, the treatment with the warm Thai compress transport one to another world that I plead guilty of slipping off into deep sleep.

From there to the Mcfarland House, the more than hundred years old restored two-storey beachfront restaurant with its sweeping views, lounge ambience and delectable Thai and Western menus with the perfect balance of elements is more nirvana.

Yes, at The Barai it is possible to be in heaven while still on earth!