Dali Dillon and her partner, Erez, were pleasantly surprised with the onslaught of customers on the opening of their new luxury Magnolia Spa in a new three-story building next to Kandaburi Resort in North Chaweng.

The spa owners said they were prepared for a gradual buildup of customers. But the constant flow of people coming to the spa since opening day in late August, they said, had been totally unexpected.

In the last few years, over 30 spas have opened on Samui, making it one of Thailand’s fastest growing health and wellness destinations.  The choices and styles of spa vary as to location, design and types of therapy available.  The luxury spas primarily have a high-end price tag. The island offers every type of spa -- from indulgent luxury resort spas to stand-alone day spas, including fasting and detox houses and men’s only spas.

However, only a few that can be called luxurious and affordable at the same time. This is where Magnolia Spa comes in. The treatments are affordable yet come with the ambiance, professionalism, attractive décor and furnishings and all-around comfort and privacy generally found only in high-end spas.

Erez and Dali said the appeal of their mid-range fee schedule is that it offers not just a “teaser” of a few initial spa treatments but rather “an entire menu of affordable spa treatments”. While its rates are reasonable enough, it also offers 30 percent discount to island residents, they said.

“As long-time Samui residents, we care about the island community and really want to reach out to other locals with our discount program for locals.  We hope this will help residents, especially expats, to try the treatments at our new spa”.

One can be pampered in the private ensuite spa rooms that include a full bathroom and super top-of-the-line showers for massage treatments. Or one can opt for a foot massage on a specially constructed relaxation chair from a skilled therapist.

Magnolia’s menu of treat-ments includes, apart from traditional foot massage, Thai and oil massage, pra kop massage, hot oil massage and scrub, sun care, aromatherapy and Magnolia special packages.

The spa also offers Dead Sea Mineral Care products designed to resist the aging process and maintain well-being. There are only few spas in all the country offering these kinds of products come from the Dead Sea in Israel.

Magnolia Spa (077-601-133) is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.