Greg on the ultimate rubdowns ... and genital detox therapy

Trust me, I'm a massage therapist!

"Thailand is the home of spa," enthuses Greg Morling, an Australian spa consultant. "And Chiang Mai is where it's at because it delivers that ephemeral experience, the ambience, it's naturally in the Lanna people."

The Lanna Kingdom left a rich heritage in ancient health secrets, and secrets for healing and rejuvenation. The Lanna Exotic Massage style combines centuries-old Thai massage techniques (known as Tok Sen) with oils extracted from local herbs, and Lanna music therapy.

"Any of these techniques may be physically replicated anywhere in the world. But it's not going to be the same if it's not in northern Thailand."

The misty mountains where lemongrass, prai and turmeric grow. Soaring spiritual temples (there are over 300 in Chiang Mai alone). Cooler climate. And the softer, gentler Lanna culture that has pervaded this region since the 13th century.  

 As former president of the Australian Association of Massage Therapy, Morling knows what he's talking about. And he was recently in Chiang Mai to find the very best spa experiences to bring specialist tour groups to, commencing June 2011.(See http://www.spaindulgencetours.com)

Getting your rocks ON at Rarinjinda.

By his definition, spa means 'water' so it's all about reverence for water. His big thing is signature treatments. "Each of us has a signature, one signature; so a spa needs to have one too. Something truly unique and original to it." For example, Oasis Spa's signature is a four-hands massage (two masseuses simultaneously), and one treatment with real gold leaf in its oil.

He's off to check out The Spa at Four Seasons Resort . "I've heard it's the best in the world, but I've not tried it yet."

Greg's Top 5 Spa experiences in northern Thailand:

1/ Rarinjinda (www.rarinjinda.com): "Great spa with a sound Ayuveyda basis. This is a complete Wellness retreat and has the presence of a Western/Ayuveda doctor there full time to work out programs. Also has a reverence for water and uses hydrotherapy as a basis for many treatments."

2/ Tao Gardens (www.tao-garden.com): "This is a true Health Resort and while it might be a little bit ‘out there’ with treatments on the menu that include Karsai Nei Tsang Genital Detox Therapy, it is nestled in beautiful surroundings and has many of the regular Spa treatments available performed by skilled therapists."

3/ Ban Sabai Village Resort & Spa (www.bansabaivillage.com): "Tucked away north of the city, this is a complete resort with wonderful Lanna cuisine and a very high Spa treatment standard. Detox programs make this a complete Wellness retreat."

Aah, I feel better already. Chiida Spa cascades.

4/ Peak Spa (www.peakspa.com): "Some Spas are small but hold palpatory gems! This is one. The Thai hands here are second to none. I have been a massage therapist for nearly 30 years and I was impressed! They also make their own Thai treatment ingredients and they have one of the most gracious Spa managers I have met; worth the visit to meet Tai."

5/ Chiida Spa (www.chiidaspa.com): "Unforgettable setting next to a waterfall. It is a little way out of Chiang Mai but I was impressed that they are always upgrading and evaluating their service. Quite an holistic retreat offering yoga and meditation as well as the usual Spa offerings."