Essential Four Seasons In Thailand

Life

oi-Staff

Monday, October 12, 2009, 10:39

For a hideaway of simple, spiritual calm, the destination is Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Now, this luxe country retreat is more tantalising than ever—promising an authentic experience of Thai culture.

Just minutes from the city of Chiang Mai, known as the artistic and cultural hub of northern Thailand, Four Seasons is nestled in the quiet countryside of the Mae Rim Valley. Wrapped around its own rice paddy, the Resort is a jungle-like garden enclave with architecture inspired by traditional Thai beauty.

The newest way to experience the Resort is in a chic indoor/outdoor Pool Villa. Each spacious one-bedroom villa opens to a private swimming pool and whirlpool, with views of purple mountains in the distance. Even while you cocoon in seclusion, you're just steps from all the Resort's glamorous amenities.

Spiritual serenity awaits in the Spa. Treatments echo ancient Thai rituals, using native herbs, spices and aromatic oils. While the Spa already uses herbs grown in its own garden, soon there will be new treatments that incorporate these organically grown ingredients.

For dining, there are gorgeous settings—whether open-air on the pool terrace or under soaring teakwood ceilings—where you can savour the sumptuous flavours of Thai cuisine. Or dine casually and communally at the new Chef's Table in the cooking school.

With professional-quality training facilities, the Resort's cooking school is a highly reputed destination in itself—introducing both novice and experienced chefs to the art of Thai cuisine. Come for a morning session and make your own deliciously healthy lunch, or attend classes every day for a week!

Though you might easily decide you never wish to leave the Resort grounds, there are many distinctively Thai experiences nearby—from shopping at the Chiang Mai and touring Buddhist temples to visiting a buffalo training camp. Wherever you go, it's always enlightening to meet the local Thai people, justifiably famous for their friendly, gracious manner.

To enjoy a complete portrait of Thailand, combine your stay in Chiang Mai with visits to Four Seasons properties in Bangkok for shopping and culture, Koh Samui for exotic island beaches, and the Tented Camp Golden Triangle for jungle adventure and interaction with elephants.