Rakxa

On Bang Krachao, an island on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River that has been nicknamed the city’s “green lung”, the Thai capital’s skyscrapers are still in sight but this lush hideaway feels worlds away from civilisation. 

Villas shaded by swaying trees, some with grassy lawns and private swimming pools, make the perfect base for days (or weeks) of deep healing at this integrative medical retreat and wellness utopia, where doctors and alternative practitioners come together to form treatment plans tailored to each guest, working side by side to create programmes that heal from inside and out.

Rakxa honours ancient modalities, such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Thai Medicine, while complementing these practices with the latest in medical technology. Its on-site Scientific Wellness Centre is powered by VitalLife, the trusted partner of the world-renowned Bumrungrad Hospital which, in the last decade, has been a go-to for health-conscious travellers flocking to Bangkok for comprehensive full body check-ups.

The approach to longevity here is prevention. Guests can test for things such as hormone levels and toxic heavy metals to uncover predispositions at the cellular level and tailor prevention programmes to help delay the degenerative and ageing process.