Unlike spas, which you probably save for that occasional indulgence, Siam Body Works is the kind of treat you could afford to get your tired body worked on every other week. Why wouldn’t you when you can get a good hour of traditional Thai massage for only RM68?

Siam Body Works has been around for four years. During which, it has expanded from its initial outlet at Ampwalk to include two others in Northpoint Mid Valley City and Menara Hap Seng. That does say something about the quality of service here: you can’t possible sustain that long and still expand if not for a loyal customer base, can you?

Siam Body Works offers a variety of Thai treatments ranging from traditional and herbal massages to aromatherapy and foot reflexology. Surprisingly, it also has a Golfers and Sports Massage.

The outlet I visited at Northpoint Mid Valley City felt like a familiar neighbourhood joint. It’s a simple set up; unpretentious and friendly. The décor carries some Thai elements without being overly kitschy. The double height floor to ceiling glass walls let in lots of sunlight from the courtyard, giving the place an airy, cheerful and inviting ambience.

The only drawback is that there are no individual treatment rooms. You go into a large room and are separated from the next patron by a curtain. However, the outlet is roomy enough for them to space out the patrons in such a way that you feel as if you are the only one there. So that solves the problem, really.

My Thai masseuse did a good job of the traditional Thai herbal massage. She maintained a firm pressure throughout the 90-minute treatment (RM115) and paid close attention to my back when she discovered that it was particularly tense. She started with some body stretching just like any regular traditional Thai massage. This is mostly to relieve tension, back pain and muscle strain. Although it did feel like the lazy man’s yoga, this massage is said to improve blood circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system and realign your musculoskeletal structure.

For the second part of the treatment she switched to a pressure point massage using a steamed pouch filled with turmeric, kaffir lime, camphor, lemongrass and pandan leaves. The heat was very soothing and I presume the herby concoction must be rejuvenating to the body. At the end of the session, I was no longer tired. In fact, I felt so light and happy that the congested traffic outside didn’t bother me at all.

View Siam Body Works in a larger map