A picture come alive is a thousand words. Nestled deep in the mist-enshrouded mountains and lush tropical rainforests of Chiang Mai, there is a magical resort where cascading pools fall into dramatic rice terraces, like an enchanting playground where fairies from heaven bathe. The closest thing to perfection, the Four Seasons Chiang Mai has an allure that is hypnotic, as it gazes out across the Mae Rim Valley from the exquisite Lobby Pavilion of the resort. No wonder King Mengrai chose this scenic area for the capital of the former Lanna Thai Kingdom. According to legend, Chiang Mai (which means “new town”), 700 kilometers north of the modern Thai capital of Bangkok, was founded in 1296 on the strength of an omen. Mengrai the Great was hunting one afternoon in the Ping River valley when he spotted a large mouse followed by four smaller mice going down the hole in a Bohdi tree (a Ficus religiosus, the species under which Buddha is purported to have achieved enlightenment).

The inspiration for the design of the spa, a temple of harmony and wellness, is based on the several ancient Thai Lanna temples in the region. The spa is housed in a magnificent three- story building with seven spacious treatment rooms, offering total privacy for couples or individuals, including outdoor showers, private herbal steam rooms, romantic outdoor soaking tubs, and tropical rain shower massage tables. There is also a beauty salon within the spa.

The landscaped pavilions and the spa situated in a quiet cul de sac reflect the endemic culture and tradition through the designs of its interiors, gardens, and spa, using indigenous materials and images while waterfalls, mountain springs, and cicadas create a natural background symphony. Thai symbols such as mythical serpents are even meticulously incorporated into the architecture of the spa.

The application of heat on the skin enhances the healing effects of herbs—hence the tradition of using herbal steams, saunas, and heated compresses. Heating the oils stimulates further the healing properties that result in energizingand invigorating effects. Round cotton bundles containing herbal mixtures ofcamphor, lemongrass, turmeric, prai, kaffir lime, and more are steamed and gently pressed all over the body. The heat relaxes the muscles and helps open pores, allowing for better absorption of the herbal flavors. As the heat penetrates the sore muscles, stress and tension ease away beneath the healing, kneading hands of the masseuse. After this replenishing moment of pure grace, my sister and I retreated to our cozy rooms and were cradled in the sweet arms of slumber.