Typically you get a massage so you can close your eyes and relax. But if you found out your massage therapist weighed well over a ton and lacked opposable thumbs, would you even be able to blink? Don’t get me wrong, I always appreciate a nice big burly massage therapist. But an elephant? In Thailand, elephants are some of the most sought after therapists in the land.
Thai Massage takes on a whole new meaning. They’ve got moves. They pat, push, tickle and perhaps accidentally knead out knots with their feet and trunks. More often than not, they get a little frisky. Possible grounds for a law suit in America, but in Thailand, we’re just having some big floppy-eared spa-ish fun with the largest land mammal on earth. Who, after all this, definitely deserve some massages themselves.
See demonstrations below.
Would you try an Elephant Massage?
Photo via
The idea behind a colonic is that food enters the intestine and a lot of it doesn’t get flushed out, causing toxins to accumulate, which can result in illness. Especially in today’s world, where we’re breathing polluted air and consuming pesticides, our bodies are overwhelmed trying to get rid of it all. So a little “push” now and then really helps the digestive system do its job better.
But before I introduce you to Victor, let me introduce you to the spa. Halcyon, which translates from ancient Greek to “calm, peaceful days”, has some of the most elegant spa destinations in North America, 13 of which are participating in Spa Week this season. The particular one I visited at Saks Fifth Avenue is a sweeping space with an enormous salon, a spa cafe, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a few different lounge areas, and 10 treatment rooms. Beautiful plush blankets, rather than just towels, added a rich touch to the decor and comfort.
