Monday 28 November 2016

Why a Chiang Mai Thailand Resort Is Better Than a Traditional Vacation

Treat yourself to something a little different with a Chiang Mai Thailand Resort. Chiang Mai boasts several leading resorts but few can compare with the Four Seasons. It is set in a large estate that has been crafted by legendary landscape architect Bill Bensley with an assortment of gardens, lawns, ponds and a working rice paddy. This is no ordinary setting and it hosts a number of luxury facilities to make your stay even more memorable.

The Spa

The spa on the resort is of the highest standard in an area of the world where health treatments have been part of the local culture for centuries. Enjoy relaxing massages, body scrubs and beauty treatments. It is just a short stroll through the grounds of the resort.

Swim in the many pools

The resort has an infinity pool adjacent to the rice paddy with stunning views to the lush forested mountains beyond. You really feel like you are swimming right in amongst the nature here. For those lucky enough to be staying in one of the private residences on the resort there is a private pool available. Again it is set right into the landscaped gardens and adorned with fine Lanna statues. The resort also offers whirlpools, plunge pools and an adult’s only pool.

Health and fitness

There is a health and fitness center which houses many state of the art exercising machines. Perhaps you would prefer the yoga sessions led by the resident Yogi. Enjoy the warming rays of the rising sun while practicing energizing asanas. Reiki and Pilates are also available. Two tennis courts can be booked with or without the resident coach as well as bicycles with which to explore the resort or the local paths and tracks. Maps and local knowledge are provided.

Sights – a seemingly endless list of attractions

You can never really seem to discover everything that Chiang Mai has to offer. Along with the more obvious tourist attractions such as the numerous temples, elephant riding, sightseeing and the many options available in the mountains, there are hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Craft villages, factories, markets, museums, hot springs, safaris, river cruises, and Royal palaces will tempt you away from the luxury of the resort. Fortunately many of them are just a short distance away.

Wining and Dining

Along with tasty Thai dishes is an assortment of international cuisine at the several restaurants on the resort. The organic gardens on the estate produce many of the local fruit and vegetables that will make the short journey via the kitchens to your plate. Watch the sun go down with a selection of cocktails whilst relaxing on sumptuous loungers.

For many the sheer beauty and luxury of the resort is be too much of a magnet and they find that they can spend several days without venturing out. I suppose the truth is that you should plan a longer stay when visiting Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand.

Rejuvenate and Recharge with Yoga Retreats in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai offers visitors a selection of yoga retreats both in smaller studios in the city and also at some of the luxury resorts in the surrounding countryside. Many offer customized yoga retreats with tailor-made programs to suit your requirements. Whichever type of retreat suits you Chiang Mai offers a destination made famous by its lush natural surroundings and the pleasant nature of the local Northern Thai people.

Enjoy oneness with nature

Chiang Mai is surrounded by gently rolling mountains with many pure mineral rich streams that make their way down to the verdant valley below. There is an abundant and rich variety of flora and fauna. Add to that a pleasant and moderate climate and you will understand that practicing yoga here can usually be done in wonderful and inspiring natural surroundings. There is nothing quite like enjoying the warming rays of the rising sun immersed in such a profoundly relaxing and yet invigorating environment.

Expert guidance by renowned yogi

The people of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand have included yoga, massage and other holistic approaches to good health as a natural part of their everyday life for centuries. They have learned from the many visitors from other neighboring Asian countries and gathered extra skills to enrich their lives. It is no wonder, therefore, that you will find expert teachers of yoga in this area. Some of the retreats have their own resident yogi masters such as Dheeraj Singh Patwal at the Four Seasons Resort. Here he uses his deep knowledge of the body and different yoga styles to encourage beginners and inspire and gently adjust more advanced practitioners. The yoga barn is set with stunning views across the rice paddy and lush gardens to the mountains beyond.

Combine your experience with spa treatments

Whilst yoga might be the main reason behind your wish to visit yoga retreats in the Chiang Mai area of Northern Thailand, you might also enjoy experiencing some of the other natural, healthy, and holistic treatments available. Many of the spa resorts offer a full range of spa facilities as well as yoga. Traditional Thai massages and foot reflexology help to stretch the muscles and open up the energy pathways of the body. Aromatic baths and natural oils applied by skilled staff can be a wonderful addition to the breathing, body strengthening and balancing of the nervous system that you achieve with your yoga.

Getting away from the hustle and bustle of modern life

Many yoga resorts in Chiang Mai are set away from the city center in large private grounds lovingly cared for and developed as an oasis of peace and quiet. Practice yoga among a local population that sees it as a natural part of living well. Enjoy healthy food cooked with local ingredients. Experience other holistic approaches to good health that can work in synergy with your yoga. Check out Chiang Mai when planning your next vacation – you won’t be disappointed.