LUX Autumn 2018

1807LU06 AThai Oasis in the Heart of Brighton Chutima Therapy is a rare treasure; a traditional Thai massage parlour that embraces the roots of the practice. Where others in the health and beauty sector compete to keep up with the latest trends, Chutima Therapy understands that, sometimes, it is often best to rely on the wisdom of established techniques for the best luxury experiences. For their clients, Chutima Therapy offers a blissful respite from the rigmarole of day to day life. The interior is decorated in a contemporary, yet still true to the style, vision of Thai design; a symphony of elegant lines, bold colours and Asian iconography. The overall effect is perfectly orchestrated to convey an overwhelmingly sense of peace and tranquillity. Where the décor seems to be a marriage between the traditional and the modern, the treatments themselves are a celebration of the time- honoured and the ancient. Chutima emphasises the importance of a traditional, holistic approach in the business, and how it helps them stand out from their competition, “The knowledge of traditional therapies is combined to deliver personal wellness needs. We specialise in Thai technique and incorporating them into our treatments. Other than experimenting with product range - specifically to do with beauty, we do not tend to stray too far from what we are already doing. You have to remember that our clients are coming to see specific therapists for their unique touch.” Naturally, Chutima and her therapists are the driving force behind the firm’s success. When it comes to proving the best possible service for their clients, Chutima was keen to discuss her unique client-first approach, “It is very important to us that our therapists deliver 100% and we encourage our clients to give our individual therapists performance ratings. Also, we closely monitor our public profile on reviewing platforms to ensure that our clients are receiving good value for their money. As a result, our clients always return to us.” Chutima continues, building on the dynamic of the team, “We have a team of roughly eight. It’s not a large operation nor is it complex. Any inconsistencies in our hospitality are very noticeable. Each member of staff is self-employed and they understand that if they want clients to return, they must build a rapport with them. Moreover, the business as a whole has built a reputation for delivering a high standard of service and obviously our therapists are proud of that, and want to maintain it as best they can.” “Our Therapists are career-focussed and passionate about health and well-being. Some continue to study, developing greater expertise in beauty, soft-tissue work and fitness; and they take great care of their own personal health and wellbeing, making sure that they are ambassadors for the industry. They must understand their own bodies before working with others.” Regarding the future of the firm, Chutima details the plans for the ninth anniversary, “We are currently approaching an anniversary and are looking at rebranding, refurbishing and throwing in new spa elements that do not currently exist. It’s a work in progress.” As champions of the traditional, and advocates for wellness, Chutima Therapy more than deserves recognition in LUXlife ’s Health & Wellness Awards as the Most Outstanding Thai Massage & Treatment Service in East Sussex. Founded in 2009, Chutima Therapy is a Thai massage and spa treatment parlour in the centre of Brighton. In June, LUXlife Magazine named Chutima Therapy as the Most Outstanding Thai Massage & Treatment Service in East Sussex, as part of the ongoing Health and Wellness Awards programme. On the back of their win, we spoke to Head Therapist and Founder, Chutima Bellan, to find out how she manages her award-winning services. Company: Chutima Therapy 106 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 4ER, UK Telephone: 01273 682129 Web Address: www.chutimatherapy.co.uk