The Wellness Holiday Boutique's review of RAKxa Integrative Wellness

A contemporary house featuring a swimming pool surrounded by lush palm trees, showcasing a serene outdoor living space

RAKxa Integrative Wellness is a luxury medical spa retreat that offers a transformative wellness experience, far beyond the typical spa retreat. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, RAKxa is nestled in the peaceful urban oasis of Bang Krachao, a man-made island often referred to as the Green Lung of Bangkok, offering a serene escape just on the outskirts of the vibrant city of Bangkok.

My luxury wellness journey began even before I left the airport. All wellness programmes at RAKxa include complimentary airport transfers and a VIP immigration fast-track service, which allowed me to skip the security lines and breeze through immigration. This was a welcome relief after a long flight, and soon I was on my way, enjoying a 45-minute drive to the retreat.

Upon arrival, I was greeted with warm smiles and a peaceful atmosphere at the welcome pavilion. After being offered a soothing tea, I was invited to join a Tibetan bowl ritual. The serene surroundings and attentive staff immediately set the tone for what would become an incredibly immersive and rejuvenating wellness experience.

The Hotel

RAKxa, meaning "to cherish and heal" in Thai, embodies a philosophy that allows the retreat to provide a comprehensive wellness experience for those seeking peace, recovery, and holistic healing.

As soon as I arrived at the retreat, I felt as though I had entered an oasis of calm. Spanning 63 acres, RAKxa is designed with soft neutral tones that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Bicycles are provided in the villas, making it easy to navigate the expansive grounds and get to appointments or simply explore the area. I discovered the Olympic-sized swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery and enjoyed the tranquil lake views, which offered a stunning skyline backdrop of Bangkok’s high-rises. I was even lucky enough to spot an otter on the far side of the lake. The retreat’s commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices was evident throughout, adding to the overall sense of harmony and balance.

What truly stood out during my stay was the warmth and professionalism of the staff. Communication was seamless, with the team available on WhatsApp for anything I needed. On one occasion, when I arrived at the wrong building for an appointment, the staff efficiently guided me to the correct location before I had even dismounted my bicycle. A thoughtful touch was the linen envelopes left on my room door each evening, providing any messages or updates to my programme.

The Accommodation at RAKxa Integrative Wellness

RAKxa Integrative Wellness offers 60 villas, each with either garden views or private pools, all meticulously designed to promote deep relaxation and restoration. I had the pleasure of staying in a private pool villa, which provided the perfect sanctuary of privacy. Upon arrival, I was welcomed with a thoughtful gift—a wellness journal, a reusable water bottle, and a bag to use during my stay.

My villa was modern, luxuriously decorated with soothing earthy tones, and prioritised comfort. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the lush green gardens and my private pool, while the oversized bed promised the dreamiest nights of sleep. The bathroom featured a Japanese toilet and a deep, sunken bath, adding to the serene atmosphere. The spacious lounge and dining area included a well-stocked minibar with fresh health shots and nutritious snacks, as well as a comfy L-shaped sofa and dining table. It truly felt like a home away from home, providing the perfect setting for my wellbeing escape.

The Wellness Facilities at RAKxa Integrative Wellness

RAKxa Integrative Wellness combines ancient wisdom with cutting-edge medicine to create a personalised healing journey designed around each guest's unique health goals. By blending advanced diagnostics, treatments, and therapies, the retreat focuses on four key pillars: Therapy, Nutrition, Rest, and Lifestyle. These are all addressed through RAKxa's key modalities, delivered in the retreat’s main buildings.

RAKxa Jai, the holistic wellness centre, offers over 200 treatments in a comprehensive and peaceful setting. The centre features a wide range of therapies, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Thai Medicine, Ayurveda, and Energy Healing. The therapeutic spa also provides indulgent massages and healing treatments, along with a hydrotherapy circuit for men and women. Here, you can unwind in the vitality pool, sauna, herbal steam room, sensory shower, and relaxation area.

The VitaLife Scientific Clinic, in partnership with Bumrungrad Hospital (one of Bangkok's top hospitals), takes a preventative approach to enhance vitality with state-of-the-art treatments. Guests can benefit from advanced diagnostics, including genetic, hormone, and micronutrient testing, as well as preventative cancer screening. Modern treatments such as IV nutrient therapy, cryosauna, infrared sauna, light therapy, and platelet-rich plasma therapy cater to those seeking cutting-edge wellness solutions.

RAKxa Gaya is the medical gym, fully equipped with Olympian-approved equipment and staffed by a team of experienced physiotherapists and physiologists. Whether you're looking to improve exercise performance, rehabilitation, or neuromuscular training, the team provides tailored support. To complement the wellness journey, the retreat offers a variety of group activities, including four daily classes such as HIIT, stretching, Reformer Pilates, and singing bowl therapy.

My Wellness Programme at RAKxa

I opted for the Well Relaxed programme at RAKxa to focus on relaxing and recharging after a hectic year that left me feeling on the brink of burnout. Prior to my arrival, I completed an in-depth questionnaire covering every aspect of my health and well-being, from physical issues to emotional concerns. Upon arrival, I had a detailed discussion with my wellness consultant, who further explored my lifestyle and current health. Together, we selected the treatments that would best support my goals for burnout recovery.

Some of the most memorable treatments from my programme included:

Deep Tissue Massage: My masseuse, a trained physiotherapist, worked through the knots in my upper back, an area where I was holding a lot of tension.
Chi Nei Tsang: This abdominal Chi massage is designed to detoxify the body and release negative emotions, allowing Chi (energy) to flow freely. My therapist explained that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the abdominal system is known as the "second brain," with specific organs responsible for functions like digestion, immune response, and hormone regulation.
Colon Hydrotherapy: Prior to my treatment, the restaurant prepared a lighter lunch to prepare my body. While it wasn’t the most comfortable experience, my first-ever colonic left me feeling thoroughly cleansed.

I also found the Functional Fitness Consultation at RAKxa Gaya to be highly insightful. During my physical fitness assessment, I was able to assess my balance, cardiovascular endurance, muscular power, flexibility, and trunk stability. I learned that the left side of my body was weaker than my right, and my instructor provided me with creative and therapeutic exercises to improve my strength. Since returning home, I've implemented these tips into my routine and have already noticed significant improvements.

The Food at RAKxa Integrative Wellness

RAKxa’s approach is all about integration, and this extends to their food philosophy as well. The retreat combines the expertise of chefs and nutritionists, all guided by an anti-inflammatory philosophy that prioritises unprocessed ingredients free from sugar and preservatives. Every meal is carefully designed, with macro and micronutrients tailored to optimise and support each guest's health goals.

The food at Unam Restaurant was a highlight of my stay—nutritious, delicious, and abundant, which is not what you'd typically expect from a medical retreat. I never felt restricted, and each dish was bursting with flavour. From duck and scallops to ravioli, every meal was paired with a carefully prepared tea infusion by the tea sommelier. Before each meal, we were served homemade kombucha to promote healthy digestion, followed by gluten-free bread with changing flavours. Lunch and dinner were three-course meals featuring vibrant colours and seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Rakxa's own organic farm. Breakfast was offered à la carte, with small plates allowing me to sample both Asian and Western dishes. I can honestly say the food was exceptional.

On my first night, the chef personally checked in to ensure I was happy with my meal. When I mentioned that the coconut pandan steamed pudding was one of the best desserts I’d ever had, the team surprised me with one at lunch on my last day—another testament to the incredible care and attention given by each department at RAKxa.

In addition to meals, RAKxa Cha Tea Lounge offers afternoon tea and healthy snacks, with special infusions blended by the tea sommelier each day. I can confidently say that I never went hungry during my stay at this wellness retreat.

My Personal Summary of RAKxa Integrative Wellness

My recent visit to RAKxa Integrative Wellness left me feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and deeply inspired by the exceptional care and attention to detail in their personalised wellness programme. The world-class facilities, luxurious accommodations, and serene setting made for the perfect backdrop to this transformative experience.

Throughout my stay, I met a variety of guests—some looking to kick-start a balanced lifestyle, others seeking healing therapies for illness, and a few with weight-loss goals. One thing we all agreed on: RAKxa truly delivers results.

As I reluctantly said goodbye, I left feeling not only restored in body and mind but also equipped with valuable knowledge and tools to continue my wellness journey long after my departure. The personalised wellness programme at RAKxa exceeded my expectations, offering a holistic approach to well-being that is empowering, deeply transformative, and truly life-changing. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a path to greater health, vitality, and inner peace.

The Wellness Programmes at RAKxa Integrative Wellness

Ready to Book your Wellness Retreat at RAKxa Integrative Wellness?

If you're interested in booking your next wellness escape to RAKxa Integrative Wellness, enquire here or call to speak to one of our wellness specialists on +44(0) 203 886 0082.