Sarisa Nasinprom
The co-founder and director of Sa-Ni Spa and Wellness Centre, in the newly opened Abstract Hotel in Upper Queen Street.
Drawing on the therapeutic values of ancient Thai massage, Sa-Ni is a stateof-the art spa with traditional Thai values, offering exceptional treatments to promote relaxation, healing, mindfulness, and wellbeing.
Sarisa speaks with Verve about her dream and purpose – and what makes Sa-Ni stand out.
What was your vision for Sa-Ni?
Since early childhood, I’ve been heavily influenced by the philosophy and values of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Even at primary school, I was exposed to the concepts and practice of mindfulness, meditation and wellbeing and, while at secondary school, I studied yoga and meditation. At university, I studied tourism and hotel management and then Nuad Thai (Thai massage) at the internationally renowned Wat Po Temple in Bangkok, following which I researched world-class spas across Asia, America and Europe.
With that international experience, why here?
I came to New Zealand to study and, like so many, fell in love with its beauty and decided to make my home here. I wanted to give something back to this wonderful place and realised that the best thing I could do would be to create a worldclass spa where I could offer services that aligned with my ideals of relaxation, meditation, mindfulness and healing. My partner, Nigel McKenna (founder and chairman of Templeton Group, and owner of Abstract Hotel) supported my vision and designed the spa, working with award-winning architects, Macintosh Harris. Then, Nigel and I worked together to bring Sa-Ni to life. He created the environment; I curated the experience.
Spas are often promoted as retreats where you go to be pampered, yet you talk about Sa-Ni as offering the healing power of touch? Why the emphasis on healing?
Sa-Ni is rooted in the ancient traditions of Thai massage, a form of therapeutic touch that uses techniques developed over 2,500 years ago. In Thailand, these practices are called nuad bo-rarn, which translates as “ancient hands-on healing” or “ancient healing way”, and is one of the most common forms of alternative medicine in Thailand.
How does Thai massage help and heal?
Thai massage is a type of full-body massage which uses a mixture of deep tissue pressure, muscle and joint stretching, and gentle body adjustments into yoga-like poses. It combines compression, acupressure, and passive stretching. Together these increase the range of motion in joints and muscles, improve posture, and help relieve back and headache pain. They also reduce stress, improve sleep, relaxation and digestion, helping to calm your mind and increase your mindfulness.
So, no pampering?
If by pampering you mean be indulged with attention, comfort, and kindness, then yes, Sa-Ni will pamper you. But if you mean mindless spoiling, I think we offer far more, because at Sa-Ni our therapists are committed to helping you achieve mindfulness.
Will I enjoy my massage?
Absolutely. We offer a variety of massages, including traditional Thai, aromatherapy, deep tissue, migraine relief, and treatments designed to prepare you for a deep sleep. Naturally, we also offer body masks, body scrubs and couples’ treatments, but Sa-Ni is not just another place where you can go to get these services. It’s a carefully curated experience, where the tones, textures, temperatures, aromas, lighting, sound quality, linens and music all have specific roles to play in making Sa-Ni a place of healing and care for your whole being. Sa-Ni Spa and wellness centre, Abstract Hotel, 8 Upper Queen Street. sa-ni.co.nz
