A family friendly wellness retreat isn’t something you expect, but RXV Wellness Village, not far from Bangkok, is changing all that, as Georgina Blaskey finds out.
RXV Wellness Village, family-friendly wellness retreat
Set in a 50-acre heritage estate in the lush grounds of Suan Sampran, on the banks of the peaceful Tha Chine River, RXV Wellness Village is a 4,000 sqm family friendly wellness retreat for everyone, from golden-age grandparents to energetic kids.
Pitched as a place to unplug and unwind, families are invited to reconnect and rebalance in an environment where nature and wellness combine. The approach is relaxed and friendly, with the philosophy, ‘Everyone’s Wellness’, at the forefront.
In practise this means making wellness accessible for all, regardless of age or experience, through personalised programmes.
Making Thai woven fish, fun workshops for kids
Wellness has no age limit at RXV Wellness Village
For adults, it’s about discussing objectives and setting a plan, whether your focus is on gut health, relaxation, physical conditioning, aesthetics or a combination.
Although for youngsters, you may be looking at brain activation, physical conditioning, sensory development, or a combination of all, and RXV Wellness offers a range of individual and group activities for children that are fun, instructive and engaging.
Overall, the goal is to support your and your family’s wellbeing, so you feel healthier and more in harmony, both physically and mentally.
READ MORE: Thailand take two: ditching backpacks to make different family memories
RXV Wellness Village, family friendly wellness retreat
An idyllic setting on the banks of the Tha Chine River
Arriving at RXV Wellness after a long flight from London, our greeting was warm and welcoming. Setting the tone for the days ahead, we were greeted with a fresh juice and whisked to our clean, comfortable suite, with expansive views of the wide river. After a light lunch, it was time to explore the spa facility.
READ MORE: How do you choose the perfect island for family holidays to Thailand?
Wellness Jai, RXV Wellness Village
RXV Wellness Village focuses on mind, body and soul
Incorporating a seamless indoor/outdoor layout, around water features and tropical planting, the space is beautifully designed, with mobiles suspended from the ceiling, gently moving in the breeze.
The spa is divided into two zones. The Wellness Gaya (body) is home to physical fitness for adults and kids, with therapies including Physiotherapy, Sports Therapy, Functional Strength Assessment, Yoga, Pilates and a state-of-the-art gym.
The Wellness Jai (mind) offers Traditional Medicine and Alternative Therapies for all ages, including Traditional Thai medicines, Ayurvedic massages, Energy Healing, Art Therapy, Naturotherapy and the hydrotherapy area.
READ MORE: The best tv show locations for family holidays, right now
Drip Therapy, RXV Wellness
A range of treatments tailored to each individual guest
Over the next few days, we enjoyed a programme of treatments and classes, frequenting the wellness space multiple times a day. I started with Spine Health Analysis, which highlighted the repercussions of a recent ski injury, and a Myofascia Release massage. Deep, penetrating and at times a little wince-inducing, it released all the knots from a long flight and offered the perfect reset from a long journey and the stresses of daily life.
Also, I had my first ever IV Drip on day two, which quickly dealt with any lingering jet lag, and a Belly and Gut Massage helped stimulate and soothe a sluggish digestion.
However, the Aromatherapy Massage on day three really served to anchor the deep relaxation that had embedded itself since our arrival, and a variety of daily Yoga, Pilates and Meditation workshops truly grounded me, encouraging restful sleep.
READ MORE: The essential 12-month guide to planning your next big family adventure
Oxygen Bath, Hydrotherapy treatment
Hydrotherapy became our family evening ritual
Daily visits to the Hydrotherapy pools became a ritual we loved and we ended every day here. Made up of different pools – including a soda pool, oxygen pool and cold plunge – an infrared sauna and herbal steam room, you can choose from a range of circuits, depending on whether you want muscle recovery, glowing skin or deep sleep.
Sound Healing, RXV Wellness Village
Children get the full treatment at RXV Wellness Village
Children get the full treatment too, with programmes designed to introduce health and mindfulness to kids and teens. As well as Junior Neuromuscular Exercise, where kids learn techniques to improve their co-ordination and movement through activities such as plyometrics, balance and agility training, there are a variety of calming therapies including a choice of Thai, Botanical Aromatherapy, Ayurvedic and Good Night Sleep Massage (from nine years and up).
Also, children can take a Functional Strength Assessment to understand their physical potential, get their first taste of Yoga or Crystal Healing, and engage in mindful activities that blend creativity with relaxation.
Then, cultural workshops such as Thai handicraft San Pla-Ta-Pien and Natural Clay Moulding offer hands-on experiences to spark the imagination and connect young minds to local traditions.
READ MORE: What not to miss on a trip to Bangkok with your children
Pools, RXV Wellness Village
Plenty of downtime makes this a well-rounded family holiday
Although, if this all sounds a bit busy, rest assured there’s also plenty of downtime to enjoy the tropical gardens of the Suan Sampran estate.
A short walk or golf buggy ride away is an organic market, full of local, seasonal produce. You can come here to simply soak up the atmosphere and explore stalls selling fresh vegetables and coconut pancakes, or you can shop with the hotel’s chef and bring it all back to the kitchen for a half-day cooking workshop.
READ MORE: The most beautiful secret islands in Asia and how to find them
Food is a real highlight at RXV Wellness
Farm-to-table is a signature at RXV Wellness Village
The food at RXV is a real highlight, with farm-to-table menus of locally sourced ingredients designed to support health and wellbeing. Highlights include Tom Kha soup, spicy pomelo salad, and Goong Meanam Nam Pla Waan using prawns from the river, organic vegetables and dried chilli.
READ MORE: Top 12 destinations in Asia handpicked for unforgettable family holidays
Suite, RXV Wellness Village
A family holiday that creates wellness habits to last a lifetime
Whether you choose to visit RXV Wellness in isolation as a full body and mind reset, or as part of a bigger trip to the region, this is more than just a destination, it’s a sanctuary in which to escape today’s fast-paced world – but you can do it with all the people you love.
There’s a saying: ‘The family that plays together, stays together.’ RXV Wellness offers the perfect setting to create families memories, and wellbeing habits, to last a lifetime.
READ MORE: The best destinations for holidays with children of every age, and stage
How to plan an RXV Wellness family retreat
How to get there
Direct UK flights to Bangkok from 11 hours, 35 minutes
Bangkok Airport to RXV Wellness Village from 1 hour, 16 minutes
Where to stay
RXV Wellness Village, Suite (2 adults, 1 child) includes Personalised Programme, 3 nights from £3,268