At Loft Thai Boutique Spa & Massage, we have always believed that wellness is not just a service it's an art, a discipline, and a way of life. Today, we are incredibly proud to share the achievements of one of our most inspiring team members, Varinraya Ketngam Charles, who recently represented our group at the European Massage Championship. Among over 100 talented competitors, she ranked 4th, a phenomenal milestone that brings pride not only to our spa but to the entire Thai wellness community.
As we reflect on this accomplishment, we also turn our eyes toward the horizon: the World Championship in Massage in Copenhagen, Denmark, scheduled for June 27–29, 2025. Varinraya will once again step forward, representing not only our spa and brand but the centuries-old tradition of Thai massage in an international gathering of elite therapists.
From Paris to the World Stage: The Journey of Varinraya Ketngam Charles
Born in Thailand and now based in Paris, Varinraya Ketngam Charles embodies the cultural richness and technical excellence that Loft Thai Spa and its international branches, including Nakhon Spa Paris, are known for. Her journey is deeply rooted in the classical traditions of Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage) but also enriched by years of professional experience and advanced training under respected Thai masters both in Thailand and Europe.
Her unique ability to blend strength and grace in every movement sets her apart. "For me, Thai massage is a beautiful art form with its own unique charm," Varinraya says. "While it may appear strong and powerful on the surface, each movement is delicately woven with softness, grace, and intention."
Every treatment she performs reflects not only technique but a heartfelt philosophy:
“Where my hands go, my heart is.” This simple yet profound principle is the foundation of her practice and the key to the emotional and physical comfort she delivers to every client.
A Competitive Spirit Fueled by Passion and Precision
The European Championship in Massage, organized by the International Massage Association, is one of the most prestigious platforms for spa and massage professionals across the continent. With participants from various countries showcasing a wide range of massage modalities — from Thai and deep tissue to Lomi-Lomi and sports massage — the level of skill and creativity on display is nothing short of extraordinary.
To place 4th among more than 100 competitors is a clear reflection of Varinraya’s extraordinary skill, commitment, and professional discipline. This success was no accident. Behind it lies:
- Years of study and refinement at institutions such as Hattawikorn School in Rayong and Ong’s Thai Massage School in Chiang Mai.
- Intensive mentorship under renowned Thai masters including Master Tui (Sukunya Le Bras), Master Apinya Nasaree, Master Thana Srisomparn, Master Suwit Sritrairasri, Master Sirimekha, and Master Wikit Kaewcharoen.
- A daily dedication to excellence at Nakhon Spa Paris, where every detail from the choice of oil to the emotional ambiance of the room is meticulously curated.
Her ranking is not only a personal victory but a testament to the philosophy and standard of care we uphold at Loft Thai Spa and its sister branches.
Looking Ahead: The World Championship in Copenhagen 2025
Following this remarkable achievement, our focus is now set on the 8th World Championship in Massage, to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from June 27 to 29, 2025. This event, organized by the International Massage Association (IMA), gathers the most talented massage therapists from around the globe in a hybrid format — allowing both on-site and online participation.
Find out more at: https://worldchampionship-massage.com/
This isn’t just a competition. It’s a global stage where therapists inspire each other, exchange techniques, and elevate the professional standards of the massage industry.
Participants at the World Championship are not only judged on their technical proficiency, but also on their ability to:
- Demonstrate creativity in technique and execution
- Express intention and emotional connection with the client
- Showcase cultural heritage and authenticity in their chosen modality
Each participant receives a Diploma, allowing them to brand their business as a globally recognized professional — but more than anything, it’s about personal growth, global recognition, and cultural exchange.
A Message from Loft Thai Spa: What This Means for Us
At Loft Thai Boutique Spa & Massage, we are driven by a desire to elevate the image of Thai massage on a global scale. While many are familiar with Thai massage as a traditional Thai healing technique, we want the world to see it as a refined, world-class wellness art a practice that belongs in the same league as top medical and therapeutic professions.
Varinraya’s success helps achieve exactly that. It puts Thai massage at the forefront of international wellness competitions and reaffirms the strength and potential of Thai therapists when given the opportunity to shine on the world stage.
We are proud to support her as she prepares for Copenhagen, and our entire team is behind her from the therapists in our branches in Sukhumvit, Bangkok, to the experts at Nakhon Spa in Paris, Bucharest, Monaco, and beyond.
Preparing for the Global Stage: What It Takes
Competing at the world level requires more than experience. It demands:
- Precision and discipline: Every movement must be intentional, every technique flawlessly executed.
- Wellness knowledge: Understanding anatomy, physiology, and emotional healing is just as important as mastering technique.
- Creative presentation: In competitions, storytelling through touch is key. A winning performance is often one that tells a compelling story through the rhythm and flow of massage.
- Mental strength: Performing under pressure, with judges and cameras watching, requires the ability to stay grounded and composed.
This is why we have begun training intensively, with a strong focus on coaching, refining, and innovating. Our goal is to not just participate, but set the standard in this international arena.
More Than a Competition: It’s a Movement
The IMA World Championship in Massage is more than an event — it is a movement that seeks to raise global awareness about the diversity, depth, and dignity of massage as a profession.
At Loft Thai Boutique Spa & Massage, we share this vision. Our mission has always been about educating, inspiring, and offering wellness through the five senses. From art exhibitions in our Sukhumvit 71 gallery to high-end treatments using CHANEL massage oil, from Thai herbal compresses to modern facial machines — we are redefining what a Thai spa can be.
By supporting and celebrating therapists like Varinraya, we hope to continue promoting:
- Thai heritage in a global context
- The empowerment of women in wellness
- The fusion of ancient healing and modern luxury
Join Us on This Journey
We invite our guests, partners, and fellow spa lovers to follow Varinraya’s journey as she represents Thailand and France at the World Championship in Copenhagen. We'll be sharing updates, training insights, and behind-the-scenes moments through our platforms.
And more than that, we invite you to experience the essence of her award-winning techniques right here at Loft Thai Boutique Spa & Massage and Nakhon Spa. Whether you're in Bangkok or Paris, you can book a session with one of our top therapists trained under the same philosophy and spirit that brought Varinraya to the world stage.
Let her story inspire you. Let her hands and heart guide your journey toward deep relaxation and holistic well-being.
In a world where wellness has become essential, we believe that Thai massage, done with mastery and intention, holds the power to heal, to inspire, and to connect cultures. Varinraya’s 4th-place finish at the European Championship is only the beginning.
As we prepare for the World Championship in Denmark, we renew our commitment to excellence, to tradition, and to innovation. Because at Loft Thai Boutique Spa & Massage & Nakhon Spa, we don’t just offer massage.