Embracing its Oriental roots and bringing one of the most treasured therapies to the western world, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami has launched a Thai Massage Academy for massage therapists interested in exploring this unique ancient art form.

The 16-hour Introductory Certification course provides a basic foundation of Thai massage where students will learn body mechanics, the quality of touch and how to incorporate movement and position into a healing practice. The 80-hour Advanced Practitioner Certification course covers concepts to perform Thai massage to the whole body with more than 100 techniques taught from the northern-style tradition of ancient Thai massage. It also provides students with certified training that would enable them to practice Thai massage to the high standards of Mandarin Oriental spas. Introductory and advanced courses are accredited with The Florida Board of Massage Therapy.

“Our unique spa academy provides a comprehensive journey aimed at teaching touching, stretching and rolling techniques designed to evoke relaxation and detoxification of the body,” said Ronel Corbin, spa director. “This is an exciting program as it is available for every individual to experience the art of touch”.

All classes are conducted in The Spa’s intimate and tranquil Chi Studio, a perfect learning environment. Thai specialist and in-house spa trainer, Jongrak Intatha instructs all massage classes. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami has been designed to reflect the exceptional standards of service that is intrinsic to Mandarin Oriental worldwide, drawing on its renowned experience with its sister spas such as The Oriental Spa in Bangkok and The Spa at Mandarin Oriental in London.
The Spa complements the luxurious facilities at the 329-room hotel, with its contemporary in design, prominent waterfront location and dramatic views of the bay and ocean. Room packages are available delegates attending the courses at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, the city’s only AAA Five Diamond hotel.

Traditional Thai Massage

Believed to be more than 2000 years old, Thai massage was developed as a therapeutic method of healing the sick and injured. Some benefits of Thai massage include increased mobility, blood circulation, muscle relaxation, mind and body concentration and detoxification of the body.
 
A rare offering at spas outside of Asia, Thai massage works with the body energy body, applying pressure to energy points. Contrary to the popular Swedish massage of the west, which focuses on the physical body with the kneading of muscles, traditional Thai massage incorporates stretching applications that can be linked to Yoga.

 

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