iSawan at Grand Hyatt Erawan, BangkokiSawan, the spa at the Grand Hyatt Erawan in Bangkok, is a peaceful retreat in the centre of the busy capital of Thailand. In addition to the normal spa treatments, gym and swimming pool, the spa offers residential cottages, perfect for a weekend's getaway. The gym itself is large and well equipped (go downstairs to the personal training area if you want a more private experience or rowing machine) and the changing rooms have segregated sauna, jacuzzi and relaxation areas. Outside, the large free-form pool is a wonderful respite from the Thai heat, or if you prefer to stay warm, there is also a heated jacuzzi. As the spa is on the 5th floor, there is still the rumble of the BTS Skytrain and the Bangkok traffic, although you don't hear this during treatments.
As the Grand Hyatt is one of our favourite hotels and we love Thailand, for the last couple of years we have taken out a spa membership package. This is fantastic value (30,000 THB net) and offers a night in the spa cottage, 4 half-day treatment packages, a manicure/pedicure package and a few other goodies. This is strongly recommended if you want a night in the spa cottage, it is much better value. TreatmentsAs you would expect, there is a wide range of treatments at the spa, including those that take place in a separate nail salon. Due to a few problems with the scheduling of our booked treatments (described below), we started with the manicure/pedicure package, split between us. These were done efficiently, although there is not enough English spoken for chatting. A broad selection of OPI nail varnishes are available to choose from.
Although we had booked the Relaxation half day package, when the therapists arrived in our suite to commence treatment, they had prepared for the Rejuvenation package. Although this wasn't ideal, we enjoyed the treatments regardless. The package started with a body scrub, before continuing with a foot massage, whole body massage and facial. However, we would advise the Relaxation package, which we have had previously, as almost 3 hours is a long time to lie on a therapy table (the Relaxation package has a break after the wrap, so only has 2 hours in one go). |
Spa CottageAround half the spa cottage (50 of 100 sq m) is taken up with a bathroom split into two parts. In one room is a bath, sink, scrub table (although no scrub provided), Toto Washlet and shower/steam room (Comfort Zone toiletries). In the other room, there are twin sinks and a massage bed (or 2 if having a couple's treatment in-suite). In this second room, there is plenty of storage space, as well as the tea and coffee facilities and a fridge/freezer stocked with complimentary fresh fruit, water, ice-cream, sorbet and juices.
The other half of the cottage consists of a living room area and bedroom. Our suite also had a good-sized outdoor terrace with seating. As our most recent stay was in the run up to Christmas, we had a festive tree in the living room - a lovely touch. In-room breakfast is included in the spa cottage rate. We chose dim sum and fresh fruit, which was delivered hot and on time, although it is somewhat difficult to eat at the low table in the lounge. In contrast to The Barai in Hua Hin, no extra service is included in the cottages (e.g. special bath or steam room set up). |
Overall Impression
Although the Spa Cottages at iSawan are good, we don't believe they are good enough for the price charged. On our previous stay in the cottage, we had a few problems, such as not being shown the cottage (rather just shown to the door) and having none of the benefits explained to us. Despite providing feedback about this (and a few other things) nothing had changed on this stay. We were literally shown to the door and left there. The website mentions a 'choice of 5 breakfasts and evening cocktails.' We have no idea what those 5 options are. Previously, we were offered cocktails and canapés in room, but no mention was made on this stay. The website also mentions 'amenities tailored to guest needs.' As our needs were not asked about at any point, this could not occur.
Having booked treatments in a spa cottage (the membership includes an upgrade to have your treatments in-cottage instead of in a treatment room), we were surprised to be told no cottage was available. We had envisioned starting our treatments at the booked 11 am and enjoying the spa cottage all afternoon. Instead, our treatments had to be in the afternoon, so we had very little time to enjoy the cottage facilities. Combined with the incorrect treatments, there is obviously a problem with communication.
It is impossible not to compare the Spa Cottages to The Barai in Hua Hin - both are managed by Hyatt, both are residential spas in Thailand and they are a similar price. However, the difference is huge and we could only recommend The Barai, unless buying the iSawan spa membership. The service is seriously lacking in iSawan, the therapists are less in-tune and there is no personal touch. We love the Grand Hyatt itself and it seems strange that there are problems in the spa when the hotel is so well managed. However, on both occasions staying in the cottages, we have felt annoyed by the lack of service and lack of information (there is no information folder in-room for example).
If the spa doesn't want to introduce the guest to each room and the benefits, we would suggest a brochure be drawn up, explaining where breakfast is allowed, what options there are for evening drinks and any other benefits. In addition, there should be a pre-arrival email asking for requests or information in order to tailor the stay to each guest. Presently, the concept of the Spa Cottage is good, but execution is poor. We would advise saving your money and staying in the Club accommodation in the hotel, then splurge on The Barai.
Having booked treatments in a spa cottage (the membership includes an upgrade to have your treatments in-cottage instead of in a treatment room), we were surprised to be told no cottage was available. We had envisioned starting our treatments at the booked 11 am and enjoying the spa cottage all afternoon. Instead, our treatments had to be in the afternoon, so we had very little time to enjoy the cottage facilities. Combined with the incorrect treatments, there is obviously a problem with communication.
It is impossible not to compare the Spa Cottages to The Barai in Hua Hin - both are managed by Hyatt, both are residential spas in Thailand and they are a similar price. However, the difference is huge and we could only recommend The Barai, unless buying the iSawan spa membership. The service is seriously lacking in iSawan, the therapists are less in-tune and there is no personal touch. We love the Grand Hyatt itself and it seems strange that there are problems in the spa when the hotel is so well managed. However, on both occasions staying in the cottages, we have felt annoyed by the lack of service and lack of information (there is no information folder in-room for example).
If the spa doesn't want to introduce the guest to each room and the benefits, we would suggest a brochure be drawn up, explaining where breakfast is allowed, what options there are for evening drinks and any other benefits. In addition, there should be a pre-arrival email asking for requests or information in order to tailor the stay to each guest. Presently, the concept of the Spa Cottage is good, but execution is poor. We would advise saving your money and staying in the Club accommodation in the hotel, then splurge on The Barai.