Siam is a tranquil getaway in the heart of Hamilton

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23: Stepping out of the hustle and bustle of Reid Street on a Saturday afternoon straight into the calm, soothing atmosphere of a Thai spa is quite a surreal experience.

Situated above Coconut Rock at 20 Reid Street in the heart of Hamilton city is a little tranquil getaway that offers an array of Thai massage, facials and body treatments to lighten the burden of everyday stress.

Siam Thai Massage and Herbal Spa recently opened its doors and is quite different to anything else on the island.

The furnishings have come from Thailand and include a lavish water fountain at the entrance, silk bedding features and attractive wall hangings.

You are welcomed by friendly faces and a little customary bow by the therapists and receptionist which makes it a spa experience like no other here.

When I visited Siam I decided to try out one of their Unique Body Treatments as it was something new to me.

Thai spa therapist Natthaporn Jutharlee mixed up a concotion of sugar and oil for the Love Potion Number 9 treament and another of chocolate and yogurt.

My skin was certainly in for a feast. First came the tingling sensation from the sugar scrub followed by soothing the creamy texture of the chocolate yogurt which contains antioxidents and seritonin to enrich and soften the skin.

Next your body is wrapped in plastic wrap which I wouldn’t say was the most comfortable experience but it certainly helped the ingredients to sink in and take effect.

My skin felt great after I washed off all the treatment — even if I did smell of  chocolate desert for the rest of the day.

The spa, open from Monday to Saturday between 9am and 9pm, is well worth a visit. It is reasonable compared to hotel prices — the  60 minute body treatment is $105 for an hour or $150 for 90 minutes.  There are several offers on at present including 15 per cent off all body treatments.

For more information call 295-3999.