Martial arts programmes appear to be en vogue at top Thai hotels. “The art of eight limbs” has been deeply embedded in Thai culture since the 16th century and continues to thrive in the modern era, attracting hordes of Jean-Claude Van Damme wannabes each month. Anantara Phuket Layan added a new Muay Thai boxing ring earlier this year to introduce guests to the revered national sport.
1 - Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa
Layan Beach, Tambon Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket (+66 76 317 200)
Bontji Moo 4 Koh Samui, Surat Thani (+66 80 886 4226)
3 - Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
219 Moo 5, Angthong (+66 77 243 000)
4 - Muay Thai Hotel
Silom, Bangkok (+66 2 634 7999)
Located in a sala and surrounded by lush greenery, the impressive new ring measures just under half the size of a standard Muay Thai boxing ring for a conveniently compact arena. A range of private classes and programmes has been designed to suit all ages and abilities, including an intensive five-day programme with ringside seats at a local stadium match.
The Samujana, Koh Samui offers trips to regular tournaments at Petchbuncha Stadium, where up to 10 bouts can take place in an evening. Fights are usually held twice a week (Mondays and Fridays) and start at 9pm, but if you want to get even closer to the action, then why not glove up? You can take Muay Thai lessons from nearby trainers on Koh Samui, or you can train down the road at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.
Whether you’re an experienced fighter or absolute beginner, the sport isn’t easy on the muscles – and that’s why the hotel’s spa at has introduced a new Muay Thai Recovery treatment to re-energize guests. Following high-protein snacks, budding Thai-boxing fighters will be treated to a herbal steam using ginger, lemon grass, kaffir lime, plai, camphor and turmeric – known for rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory properties. A massage follows the steam session, with cool water and the stretching of leg and arm muscles.
There is also a full-body massage that incorporates black pepper, clove and ylang-ylang essential oils. Or – for a more rustic experience – the aptly named Muay Thai Hotel allows guests to pay for a room with Muay Thai practice instead of money. Located in Silom, Bangkok, the more authentic experience features a training space and a themed room inspired by local boxing folklore. Every punch, every kick, every drop of sweat will be counted – if you can burn 3,000 calories in a day, you get to spend a night for free.