DUSIT THANI BANGKOK
DFiT (G/F, 5/F, 946 Rama 4 Rd., 02-200-9000. www.dusit.com. Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm, Sat-Sun 7am-9pm)
Warm up: DFiT is divided into two floors: the pool and fitness room are on G/F and the golf school, aerobic rooms and squash court are on 5/F. It’s definitely the most serious setup in town.
Break a sweat: Five treadmills and plenty of other cardio and strength-training machines. Squash court, daily classes (yoga, pilates, aerobics, combat, stretching and hi/low impact) in a big studio for a maximum of 15 people a class; private rooms also available.
Cool down: Boutique style hexagonal pool (forget about swimming laps, and it closes at 7pm) surrounded by 40 sunbathing beds and luxuriant vegetation. The locker rooms are on the 5/F while the pool is on G/F, but the gym has its own elevators so we don’t mind. Bright, energizing locker room with sauna and steam.
Burn out: The price.
Pumped: The 30-yard golf course on the roof (40 balls cost B50). Golf classes by American pro Doug Hood are available at the Doug Hood Golf School (08-9924-2071, www.doughoodgolfschool.com. Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm) on 5/F.
No money no body: One-year membership B40,000 . Couples B70,000. Day pass B600.
GRAND HYATT ERAWAN BANGKOK
i.sawan (5/F 494 Rajdamri Rd., 02-254-1234. www.bangkok.grand.hyatt.com. Open daily 6am-11pm)
Warm up: The i.sawan gym and spa, with its Tony Chi design, is the most beautiful facility of its kind in Bangkok.
Break a sweat: Six treadmills with their own TVs. Outdoor tennis court and indoor squash court available (B250 for tennis/B120 for squash ball rental, free if you bring your own). Exercise classes daily in the fitness studio with yoga, aerobics, advance step, stretching, dance, fitball, Taichi and hi/low impact in Fitness Studio. PowerPlate is not included in the membership fee (B500 for 30 minutes) as it requires the presence of a personal trainer.
Cool down: The 25-meter free form pool is tempting but we could just spend all day in the gigantic changing rooms. They even have full-length lockers in case you show up in a ball gown. Not to mention warm toilet seats, sauna, steam and a hot/cold plunge pool.
Burnout: It ain’t cheap so try to get two friends to sign up with you (see below).
Pumped: The relaxation room with its warm light and massaging seats.
No money no body: One-year membership B45,000. Couples B75,000. Groups (minimum three) B35,000 each. One day pass B700. Members also get some special privileges with the hotel’s other outlets.
VIE HOTEL
Vie Fit (10/F, 40 Phaya Thai Rd. 02-309-3939. BTS Ratchatewi. Open daily 7am-10pm)
Warm up: Vie is a wide open-plan space that would command nice views of the area if it wasn’t for the line of trees and the purple curtains. Basement vibe aside, it’s a very big space and a totally professional gym. It’s also brand new so you can expect sleek equipment and stylish locker rooms.
Break a sweat: Six treadmills, four cross-trainers, three bicycles and plenty of strength machines (from Startrac). Overall, a pretty impressive setup. There are only nine classes a week, though. Probably because the gym is dead quiet, a good thing otherwise.
Cool down: There is a pool but you’ll have to change buildings to access it and we don’t like crossing lobbies and courtyards in our bathing suit. As for the lockers: steam and sauna for the ladies, sauna alone for the men. Both locker rooms do also have a nice hot tub to relax in.
Burnout: What’s with no steam in the men’s lockers? They worried about foul play?
Pumped: The second biggest gym in our roundup, it’s also the cheapest.
No money no body: Currently only B15,000 a year. Couples get an extra month free.
PAN PACIFIC BANGKOK
The Health Club (24/F, 952 Rama 4 Rd., 02-263-9000. www.panpacific.com. Open daily 6am-10pm)
Warm up: The Health Club is on the small side but has a warm and homey feeling. You’ll either love or loathe the scent of camphor that wafts in from the spa next door.
Break a sweat: Three treadmills and some weight-training equipment. One big plasma TV in the middle of room.
Cool down: The 16-meter pool is surrounded by tropical plants and has its own Jacuzzi. The locker rooms both have saunas.
Burnout: A bit small.
Pumped: A decent pool and affordable rates.
No money no body: A year membership is B16,500, with a free Thai/oil massage. Day pass B500 or B400 for members of Panorama.
SHERATON GRANDE SUKHUMVIT
Fitness Club (3/F, 250 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-649-8888. www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com. Open daily 5:30am-10pm)
Warm up: The Sheraton feels really classic with its wood-paneled walls.
Break a sweat: Six treadmills alongside cardiovascular and weight training machines. Group aerobics studio with daily 30-minute classes available (yoga, pilates, aerobics, step and hi/low impact).
Cool down: The lush surroundings of the free form pool and Jacuzzi make for a relaxing oasis. The lockers have saunas, steam and Jacuzzi.
Burnout: No extras like tennis, golf or squash.
Pumped: Membership grants you access to the day spa which normally only accepts in-house guest.
The Price: A year membership is B39,000, a couple costs B70,000.
