We road tested the Luxury Boutique Spa of the Year (yes, it’s in Canberra)

Posted on 29 May, 2018

Canberrans, as a whole, are a pretty stressed bunch.

They’re also discerning, loyal and—with the whole of the city accessible within half an hour—willing to travel to where they know they’ll find the best service or product. So what do you get when you mix stress and a quest for the best? Really, really excellent massages.

So perhaps it’s not surprising that Luxury Travel Guide’s Luxury Boutique Spa of the Year for 2017 is right here in Canberra. Touch of Siam had caught my attention before, tucked around the side of one of the Kingston Foreshore’s busiest blocks. I had walked past many times, but now, after a generous invitation from owner Pam Leeladacha, it was time to step inside.

As it turns out, this is the second time Touch of Siam has scooped the travel website’s biggest annual award, and Pam says it’s testament to their service.

“There’s no better feeling than being acknowledged for the work you dedicate yourself to,” she says. “We have learned so much about the massage business since we started operating in September 2015.”

“Our goal is to not only exceed every experience for every customer, but to make you feel—as one customer put it best—just like you are ‘floating’.

So did I float? Oh yes.

THE EXPERIENCE

Unsurprisingly for those who know their Asian history, Touch of Siam specialise in traditional Thai style massage (read: wearing a set of light cotton robes they guide you through a series of poses as well as a massage without oil) but they also offer oil massages, herbal compress, therapeutic massage, scrub massages and more. I had a 30-minute foot massage and scrub, followed by a 90-minute hot stone massage.

After a quick assessment of my muscles, Mont asserted that she would focus on my upper and mid back, as that’s where I carried tension in my body. This kind of intuition was very welcome (because who even knows their back that well?) and we both chuckled as she worked away at the persistent knots in my shoulders.

As for the hot stone element—this would be a great addition for anyone who really struggles with the cold come winter or gets chilly during massages. My body felt cocooned as Mont alternated using the stones to massage, placing them strategically to loosen knots and tense muscles.

THE ATMOSPHERE

Touch of Siam is laid out how (in my humble opinion) a serious massage operation should be—private, sectioned rooms off a central corridor. The rooms are quiet, and as you’d expect, there’s a steady stream of soothing music piped through the rooms and dim, warm lights.

I started with a foot scrub and massage, which took place in a central area in a delightfully-cushioned reclining chair with a blanket over me. Cosy.

We then moved into one of the private rooms for my 90-minute hot stone massage. Massage enthusiasts will know that in these rooms, detail is everything.

I recently had a massage that was divine…except for the stiff-as-a-board patterned handtowel they had arranged around the face rest, which was comfortable until I shifted slightly and realised my face had become perforated with little indentations that stung. Luckily there was none of that at Touch of Siam. The bed was solid but comfy, the towels soft and the music at the right level.

THE COST

You’ll pay $160 for a 90-minute hot stone massage, however, if you’re willing to forgo the stones, you can get a 30-minute foot massage and a 90-minute massage of your choice for the same price.

the essentials

What: Touch of Siam
Where: Unit 2/2 Trevillian Quay, Kingston Foreshore
When: Open 10 am – 10 pm, seven days a week
Bookings: 02 6154 7278 or at touchofsiamkingston.com.au

The author received their treatment free of charge, however, her opinions remain her own. This review complies with the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission’s guidelines on Online Reviews.