Pure Decadence... at a more than reasonable price!

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So it's Friday night after a long day at the office. The question is, do I go home, relax and bum around on the internet, or do I motivate myself to go out and do something? In the end, I opted for a combination of both. My back and neck have been aching lately so I decided that tonight I would check out a spa / massage place called Bodhi Spa that seems to get constantly great reviews on the various tourist guide style websites. So after stopping in at home to drop off my laptop and take a shower I wandered toward the Russian market in search of a tuk tuk. After some brief negotiation around the price and walking away twice I was soon en route for the Riverside area of Phnom Penh.

Arriving at Bodhi spa I was impressed before I even walked in the door. The entry way is very nice, and by the time I had climbed the single flight of stairs to the spa itself I was already starting to feel relaxed. Walking in I found what I can only describe as an oasis in the city. Somehow it was quiet and tranquil. Walking in the door I was greeted and shown to a very comfy lounge/cocoon type thing where a beautifully presented cold drink and face cloth, and a service menu were brought to me. I selected the back, head and neck massage and was soon shown to a room. Even getting to the room was pretty cool. They have almost like a little pond / stream thing inside the reception area, with flowers floating in it and some large stepping stones that you skip across to get to the room.

In keeping with everything else, the room was beautifully decorated. Not over the top, but the attention to detail was obvious and made for a very relaxing and pleasant atmosphere. The massage therapist asked me if I wanted to take a shower before my massage – I hadn't even noticed that there was a shower just off the room. Though I had only just had a shower I felt I should agree since I probably got a bit dirty on the way. That is the single best decision that I made all day. Because she turned the shower taps on for me and then left me to shower and let her know when I was ready. Did you notice I said taps? That was not an accidental plural. Two taps. That can only mean one thing. HOT WATER!!! I was genuinely so excited at the prospect of a warm shower that I let out a little squeal. And then I saw that the shower had one of those enormous shower heads that make it like being in the rain. After taking a couple of quick snaps to document this exciting moment, I jumped in the shower thinking “I would have paid $24 just for this!” (Probably not entirely true, but it was amazing to have a plentiful hot shower on sore muscles after weeks of cool showers with hand held shower heads.)

Bodhi have their 'services menu' on the website, so I knew before I left that I was going to be paying well above the average price of a massage in Cambodia. But in the end I think you do pay for what you get and $24 for an hour massage still seems pretty good to me! I can easily see the value in the extra cost. Whilst I noticed that I passed a number of places advertising massage for as little as $2 (I think the average is maybe $7-$12), the atmosphere makes such a difference to my enjoyment of the massage (along with confidence that I haven't accidentally walked into a 'special' massage parlour). The therapist I had was very good and she also had perfect pressure (the last two massages I've received in Cambodia have left me bruised, so I was very happy that this was just right)

The only thing that disappointed me was that I didn't get the option to take another shower after the massage. I found the bill paying process slightly confusing (I think I was supposed to sit and wait for the bill restaurant style rather than go up to the counter to pay). This would have been fine except that I realised later that it meant I had not properly tipped the lady who gave me the massage. I had been thinking to give her a few dollars but actually I think she only got 1. Which I feel quite terrible about. I am hoping that next time I go back (and I will definitely go back) I can rectify that.

So, feeling super relaxed, much happier and ready to take on the world after my massage and bonus hot shower, I wandered along the waterfront in search of a place for dinner. I actually was looking for Khmer food (who'd have thought it, but I really wanted rice!). As I walked I discovered this kind of outdoor free gym that seems to be set up for public use. It looked a bit like a kids playground, but it was clearly intended to be for exercise and was being well used.

Further along I stumbled across The Blue Pumpkin, an amazing restaurant that I had enjoyed with friends in Siem Reap last time we were here. Deciding that I may as well really treat myself, I headed upstairs and took a seat on one of the massive lounge style arrangements they have along the walls. You get to recline while you eat and drink. I absolutely love this place! I sat with my book and had noodles and then went all out and had a delicious lemon tart with strawberry sorbet for dessert. Perfect end to the evening.

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Photos

The massage room
Ignore my bag ruining the atmosphere a bit there

Hot Shower!
Look that massive spray of water. Bliss!

Blue Pumpkin
I really love this place. It's just so comfortable!

Comments

[Morty]

Keep up the blogs. I've enjoyed reading about all of you experiences.