The evolution of wellness: RAKxa Integrative Wellness leads the way

Arriving at RAXka Integrative Wellness, it quickly becomes apparent that this isn’t your average wellness retreat. 

Situated in Bangkok’s “green lung”, just 45 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, this luxurious establishment emerged amidst the pandemic and has swiftly positioned itself as the most sought-after destination in the region for wellness and rejuvenation. 

Asia is renowned globally for its rejuvenation treatments, so what sets RAKxa apart? RAKxa stands out because it uniquely partners with the renowned VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center, which is part of the prestigious Bumrungrad International Hospital. This collaboration allows RAKxa to offer guests a comprehensive and holistic wellness approach, combining clinical science, technology, and ancient therapies. The doctors at RAKxa are some of the top anti-ageing specialists in the world.

The majority of guests at RAKxa stay from three to 14 nights. During that time, they will undergo an individualised treatment plan, developed in collaboration with VitalLife, centred around four core pillars: Therapy, Nutrition, Rest, and Lifestyle.

My schedule allowed a three-night stay. A few days before my arrival, I completed a detailed health questionnaire. Some people come here to treat specific problems, but for me, I just felt generally tired, burnt out and at times, anxious—the usual complaints associated with Hong Kong’s fast-paced lifestyle. 

The wellness journey begins

Travellers are welcomed with a traditional Tibetan Bowl Ritual. The calming notes drifted out across RAXka’s glistening rainwater lake, signifying time to de-stress, unwind, and adopt a more leisurely pace of life. My RAKxa journey began. 

Following a nourishing three-course lunch (more on the incredible food at RAXka later), my afternoon was dedicated to meetings with different medical professionals to customise my programme. Treatments take place at three wellness hubs; 

• VitalLife’s Scientific Wellness Clinic provides cutting-edge technologies, including state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and innovative therapeutic interventions. These include medical lab tests, a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chamber, an infrared sauna for detoxification, a cryo-sauna for cold therapy, and an advanced infusions clinic.

• RAKxa JAI is a wellness centre that combines ancient healing traditions with modern approaches and offers a range of treatments, including Ayurveda Medicine, Traditional Thai Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Energy Medicine, and Therapeutic Spa Treatments. The spa treatments include a Floatation room, Vichy Rejuvenating, Facial and Body treatments, Hydrotherapy, which includes herbal steam, an infrared sauna, an immersive experience shower, and a vitality pool along with a cold plunge pool that utilises hot and cold therapy.

• RAKxa GAYA, a ‘medical gym’, offering a diagnostic methodology with Olympic-grade machines that evaluate body stability, balance, movement, and posture. The facility specialises in personalised corrective exercises, performance-regenerating exercises, Redcord body suspension exercises, and active Aqua exercises in an infinity swimming pool.

Through consultations with various advisors, including a physician and an ayurvedic doctor, it was decided that the issues I was experiencing, such as anxiety and digestion issues, were linked to poor sleep patterns and not enough rest. My plan was adjusted to maximise exposure to treatments that would better aid sleep and rest. First up, a 90-minute Thai Deep Sleep & Skin Radiant Massage, which included a traditional Thai herbal bath, a revitalising Thai herbal scrub with coconut flakes and oil, a soothing Thai oil massage, and a healing Thai herbal compress treatment. This was followed by dinner and an early bed. 

What’s on the menu?

Now onto the topic of food, while some guests visit for weight loss programmes, rest assured that no one leaves here feeling hungry. And the food is simply out of this world. 

All stays are on a full-board basis, and meals are served at UNAM riverside restaurant and tailored to guests’ individual needs and preferences. The cuisine is well-balanced and incorporates anti-inflammatory properties. All the fresh ingredients used are organic, and before each meal, a selection of homemade kombuchas is served to aid digestion.

Breakfast is a leisurely a la carte affair with options such as Avocado on Sourdough, Salmon Poke, Acai Bowl and Vegan French Toast. Lunch and dinner are three- and four-course tailored set menus. For me, the menu included lots of fish and seafood with light and refreshing starters such as Cured Salmon Tartare, Smoked Duck Breast, and my favourite, Yum Chompu (grilled turmeric chicken, rose apple, crispy shallots and homemade chilli jam. Standout mains included Bouillabaisse and Phad Sam Horm (wok-fried spicy seafood with a trio of basil served with riceberry).

There’s lots of tea. The Ayurvedic doctor recommended I drink Chrysanthemum or Peppermint tea in the morning and Lavender or Chamomile before bed. Recommendations were passed on to the restaurant staff, who offered these teas at the appropriate times. Fresh batches of these teas were also delivered to my villa so I could help myself whenever I liked. 

My complimentary minibar was stocked daily with shots. But not your usual hotel minibar shots— these are the fresh-pressed kind, including ginger, lemon, and cayenne pepper to drink first thing and turmeric for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. 

Villas

The retreat is designed like a village, featuring 60 villas (40 garden villas and 20 pool villas) and two private residences spread throughout the property. Visitors have the option to explore by foot, use the bicycles provided (each villa comes with two white bicycles), or request a buggy to access the three treatment buildings.

My Garden Villa was a generous 80 square metres (pool villas are 101 sqm), featuring a separate living room, bedroom, and bathroom with a large shower and tub. Living in a high-rise Hong Kong apartment, the large garden was a highlight. My favourite times at RAKxa were early mornings. I’d set my alarm for 6 am and sit in the garden’s tranquil surroundings to watch the sunrise over my fruitful pomelo tree. Gardens also boast an outdoor patio overlooking the jungle palms, an ample deck with sunbeds and a rock garden for natural reflexology or hot stone healing.

Treatments

My first full day began with a fitness evaluation at RAKxa Gaya conducted by a physical therapist. After about an hour of assessments using advanced equipment, it was determined that although my flexibility was good, I needed to improve my strength, especially on my left side. It was revealed that my right side compensates for my left, causing my centre of gravity to be off balance, which may explain my tendency towards being rather clumsy. Surprisingly, yoga, my preferred exercise, is not recommended for someone with hypermobility and weak core muscles. The physical therapist recommended Pilates as a more suitable option.

The following days unfolded with plenty of massage (including Hot Stone and Mama healing). A physiotherapist conducted a full-body stretching session, followed by time in VitalLife’s Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised environment to enhance brain function. I enjoyed medical facials like Bright-lifting (Profacial), nutritious meals, and ample relaxation. 

The time I spent with the Ayurvedic doctor proved to be extremely beneficial. I discovered that my body type, Vata, requires a significant amount of grounding foods and activities to maintain equilibrium. I was facing various symptoms related to an excess of air/space in my body, such as difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. To restore balance, I needed to make adjustments to my diet and daily routine.

Time for reflection

The staff are well-versed in maintaining guests’ privacy, attracting visits from prominent celebrities and royalty. I had minimal interaction with fellow guests, relishing the solitude that offered a stark contrast to my busy social life in Hong Kong and allowing for introspection.

RAKxa is for individuals who value preventive healthcare and strive for self-enhancement in mind and body. It appeals to individuals dealing with chronic health issues like mobility problems, pain, weakened immunity, burnout, and stress. Nonetheless, anyone can benefit from its services regardless of having a specific health concern.

Follow-up is excellent. The doctors I met encouraged me to reach out with any questions in the weeks and months after my stay. A few days after my departure, the Ayurvedic doctor sent me a tailored eating plan, the benefits of which were immediately recognised. Six weeks after my stay, I’m generally calmer and I prioritise sleep. I’m also less interested in alcohol, reaching for my tailored herbal teas rather than a glass of wine most evenings. And I will eventually get around to booking that first Pilates class. 

I had always considered wellness retreats a luxurious indulgence. However, my stay at RAXka Integrative Wellness has changed this perception. I now see a stay such as this crucial to keep track of my well-being and priorities, especially as I grow older. I am definitely planning to come back next year. It’s an investment, but it’s a life-changing opportunity. Who else is worth investing in more than myself?

My perception of wellness retreats has completely shifted after experiencing RAXka. I now understand the importance of these retreats in preserving my well-being and priorities, especially as I grow older. I am already making plans to revisit next year, this is my opportunity to invest, and who better to invest in than yourself? 

The RAKxa three-day Well-Relaxed Programme starts from around HKD 26,800 per person, based on two people sharing a garden villa and including treatments, round-trip airport transfers, three wellness meals, daily afternoon tea, healthy drinks, herbal tea and fresh seasonal fruits.

RAXxa Integrative Wellness, 28/8, 9 Wat Bang Nam Phueng Alley, Bang Nam Phueng, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand