The sign next to the door says Smile and that is exactly what you’ll do when you step into the serenity of Smile Thai Wellness.

Let the light incense and waterfall trickle peel off the troubles of the day. Soon you’ll be greeted and given ‘pyjamas’ to put on. Chillin’ in your loose fitting clothes, you’ll be lead to the massage room where colourful hanging sheers create a canopy over a futon on the floor.

It’s time for the master to get to work. Austin Sakchai learned traditional Thai massage at a young age in his native Thailand. After spending some time at an Abbott as a young monk he decided that massage was his true calling.

Luckily, he chose Vancouver as his new home making getting the traditional experience a lot more reasonable than flying to Phuket.

His gentle demeanor, soothing voice and engaging smile will disarm you before he can begin contorting you into various positions. Thai massage is not a typical massage experience. The process involves Austin gently bending and pulling on your limbs to get you into a deep stretch. It’s kind of like yoga but with Austin doing most of the work.

The sessions range from 1 – 2 hours and can be done alone or next to your partner. Not sure that an hour of body-pretzelling is your path to relaxation? Smile also offers non-traditional Thai massage with scented oils.

We’re certain the smile you stepped in with will be a blissful grin when you walk out.