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PussyLover 69
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Report from The Nation dated 30 September 2012 :-
Japanese spa in Bangkok a hit
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The Japanese have a long tradition of communal bathing and visitors to the country are often amazed at the sheer number of hot springs or onsen all over the country. But stripping naked and bathing with others is not something many Thais feel comfortable with.
That hasn't stopped Thai entrepreneur Smith Mekaroonkamol from opening Yunomori Onsen & Spa - Bangkok's very first Japanese-style public baths - on Sukhumvit Soi 26. Occupying an area of 2,700 square metres, Smith has opted for minimal decor in the two-storey building, with lots of pinewood and bamboo, beige upholstery and muted lighting as well as tubs in the garden.
"The Sukhumvit area is home to a large Japanese community but there is no public bath or sento to serve their needs. We expect Yunomori - which literally means 'hot water in the garden' - to support these Japanese expats so we're a little surprised that during our first month of operations, 40 per cent of our customers are Thais who had never experienced onsen in Japan," says Smith.
Smith has visited onsen in both traditional Japanese inns in the countryside and in modern hotels within major cities.
"Soaking oneself in hot water full of minerals is truly relaxing from head to toe. It's the best way to get away from hectic city life and de-stress after a hard day of work, as we stay open until midnight," says Smith.
"During the first week, we provided disposable underwear for female customers who were too shy to be naked in front of friends and other strangers. So far, only a few customers have asked for it. Perhaps there is an awareness that going completely unclothed is natural in the onsen while wearing even a minimum amount of clothing can draw attention to oneself."
An investment of Bt70 million has gone into the project, which is located in the new community mall A Square. Designed as a hangout for the whole family, the first floor features onsen facilities with separate areas for men and women, a beauty clinic, a Japanese restaurant and a cafe. The second floor is a spacious spa with 70 stations that offer pampering with Thai and aroma massage as well as reflexology.
"Onsen is a central feature of Japan while Thailand is known for great massage. I've combined these two features under the same roof," he says.
Each guest is allocated a locker along with two towels - big and small. All guests must wash and rinse themselves thoroughly before soaking in the hot water at the washing station where only the small towel is allowed. Like any typical Japanese public baths, on offer are buckets, stools and showers and toiletries such as soap and shampoo. Entering the onsen while still dirty or with traces of soap on the body is socially unacceptable, as is dropping the towel in the water or washing in the bath.
"The system operations follow strict Japanese standards under the supervision of a Japanese company and we've invested in an advanced censor system that ensures the cleanliness and maintains the temperatures of the water," says Smith.
Adorned with skylights to let natural light stream in, the onsen facilities for both men and women have six baths for each with different water temperatures varying from 38 to 42 degrees Celsius. Each facility can accommodate a maximum of 40 people.
It's recommended that you start with the soda spa - where the temperature is kept at a constant 38 degrees Celsius. Smith spent about Bt4 million on importing an artificial carbonated water generator from Japan, claiming that the highly concentrated carbon dioxide dissolved in water promotes the circulation and stimulates the metabolism. Next to it is a soda shower area said to be effective for a healthy hair and scalp.
When you get accustomed to the water's temperature, you may soak at a slightly higher temperature of 40-41 degrees Celsius in the jacuzzi bath. Then comes the main bath for which Smith brings in water from natural hot springs in the Southern province of Ranong. The temperature is set at about 42-43 degree Celsius.
There are also steam and sauna rooms and a cold bath set at 17 degrees Celsius for cooling down. Nature lovers may prefer to relax in the 40-degrees Celsius hot bath or go solo in the wooden bathtub - both set in the garden.
The onsen entrance fee including the use of all baths, sauna and steam rooms costs Bt450 (S$17.91) for adult and Bt250 for children aged 15 and under and seniors aged 65 and over. The spa treatments range from Bt350 for a one-hour Thai massage to Bt750 for 45-minute body scrub.
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 9:36 pm on Sep. 30, 2012
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bkkexpat
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I've done this in Japan, its really great, I don't recall going totally naked though, can't imagine that would be possible in Thailand in a public shower place...
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 7:27 am on Oct. 22, 2012
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