UPDATE : 12 July 2010
Maneeya Dhammataree
Located within a lush mountainous area of Khao Chamao National Park about 30 kilometers from Rayong province’s city municipality, Khao Chamao Health Resort might seem a rather unlikely tourism destination on the surface. But when you examine its concept and offerings in closer detail, it soon becomes apparent that the resort represents a real boon for the growing number of health conscious tourists and travelers, both locally and worldwide.
A Sense of Balance
Khao Chamao Health Resort is an ideal destination in terms of providing guests with the chance to develop or build upon a balanced, healthy lifestyle. The construction, décor and the resort’s range of various activities aims to provide guests with a healthier and happier self.
A form of ‘declaration of intent’ is posted in the form of a printed statement in front of each house. This makes it clear to guests that smoking and drinking (alcohol) are prohibited within the confines of the resort. This declaration ensures that guests clearly understand the ground rules that will shape their stay at the resort, which are aimed at health promotion.
The accommodation at Khao Chamao Health Resort comprises 11 houses. Each house includes two, separate rooms, which are comfortable, but fairly Spartan. The décor is also relatively plain and simple and might not appear to be a key focus. Nevertheless, I noticed when further browsing through the resort that each building features specific colors, which pertain to the resort’s overall mission of providing a healthful environment for its guests.
A Colorful Approach
My accommodation featured a combination of blue ceilings and green walls, while I learned that other rooms had similar colorful contrasts, featuring various combinations of blue, green, indigo, orange, pink, violet and yellow. A helpful member of staff explained that the use of these color combinations could help to provide a form of balance in trying to repair malfunctions of a physical nature since colors respond to human electromagnetic waves.
According to the member of staff, blue can reduce the symptoms of migraine and insomnia, while green can help to treat stress and tension. Pink, on the other hand, is said to be effective in improving dysfunctional kidneys, while yellow is said to be good for your joints and can help in treating gout. Orange relates to the digestive system and violet is said to be beneficial for inflamed skin. You can discuss your personal requirements with a member of staff so that you can select the most appropriate room based on those needs.
Heavenly Scents
The second sensation that hits you on entering your room is a subtle aroma. In the room in which I stayed, a subtle scent of orange emanated from a dish of essential oils located on the bedside table. According to experts, orange aroma can help you relax, reduce blood pressure and improve the digestive system. The resort also uses eucalyptus, which is said to be refreshing, can improve concentration and creativity, as well as reducing infection due to aspects relating to aroma therapy.
Crystal Clear
Rather than opting to use delicate craft works, paintings or extravagant furniture, as many mainstream resorts do, Khao Chamao Health Resort puts crystal salt imported from the Himalayas to good use.
While it’s clear from its shape and form that crystal salt provides an eye-catching ornament, it also possesses more significant benefits. Comprising up to 84 different minerals, crystal salt is said to help clear the air, which can provide a form of relief for people suffering with allergies, asthma and sinus problems. The crystal is known also for being able to get rid of dust mites.
Moreover, the resort doesn’t pamper guests with aromatic baths or massage oils. Rather, each guest receives a packet of salt grains, which have been carefully prepared to provide the ideal compliment for a warm bath. The resort suggests taking this bath before turning in at night. These grains are said to provide a good deal of benefit in terms of producing a detoxifying effect.
Lots to do
Khao Chamao Health Resort also provides a wide range of activities for guests to get involved in, from batik and healthy cooking classes to music therapy, water aerobic or yoga programs. These classes are available on request and the tuition fee is just 100 baht (US$3) per person, per session.
More adventurous types might wish to check out the trek to Klong Hin Pleung Waterfall, which is located about 2-km from the resort and takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Finally, I ought to mention the resort’s excellent organic cuisine. Since good health is the most important factor at Khao Chamao Health Resort, the menu only features fish, or dishes made from local fruits and vegetables. Although the restaurant refrains from using seasonings or other forms of additives, the chef has nevertheless managed to produce some extremely flavorful and delicious dishes.
Accommodation at Khao Chamao Health resort costs 1,350 baht (US$42) per person, per night on weekdays and 1,750 baht per person, per night on Saturdays and Sundays.
For further information, contact Tel: +66 (0)81 377 6511.
Transport Connections:
Car: Take Highway 3 from Bangkok to Klang district in Rayong province before switching over to Route 3377 to Khao Chamao National Park. Drive for about 10 km along this road before turning right at the next junction. Follow the signs for the resort and continue to drive up into the hills for a distance of about 20 km.
