Lost Horizon: The legend of Shangri-La lives On
In the era between the two world wars, author James Hilton introduced an enchanting story about the human quest for happiness at a secret destination in the heart of Asia. The novel is aptly titled 'Lost Horizon', and it's the story of Shangri-La. Hidden within Tibet's undiscovered glacial peaks, Shangri-La is a mystical mountain retreat unknown to the outside world; a carefully crafted paradise and a sanctuary of elegance and grace.
First published in 1933, 'Lost Horizon' has twice inspired Hollywood movies; first in a 1937 feature film directed by Frank Capra and, in 1973, a musical by Charles Jarrot. Not surprisingly, considering the age-old human pursuit for perfection, and all that is good in life...
In the book, Shangri-La's manicured gardens overlook the fertile Valley of the Blue Moon below. In Bangkok, the Shangri-La Hotel graciously towers over the River of Kings; a five-star oasis of luxury and tranquility that has captured the magical elements of the novel which inspired its name. The legend of Shangri-La lives on...
Location, location, location
The hotel's modern western d-cor is enhanced by the beauty and fine craftsmanship of Thai decorative motifs and artwork, found from the lobby to every guestroom and suite. Plush and posh - yet, inviting and in a soothing east-meets-west style.
The 25-storey Shangri-La Wing (670 rooms) and smaller, more exclusive Krungthep Wing (129 rooms) encircle the lush gardens, and serve as a perfect backdrop to the resort-like pool areas. Palm trees, flowering bougainvillea, orchids and birds of paradise complete this perfect picture.
The almost quarter of a mile (402 meters) stretch along the Chao Phraya River gives the Shangri-La the longest river frontage of any inner-city hotel, while it's also the only hotel in the area situated so close to a BTS Skytrain station (Saphan Thaksin). Getting around to major tourist and shopping attractions is a breeze; a complimentary boat shuttle service is available every half hour to Rivercity with its antiques and collectables, as well as a hospitality minibus that makes regular rounds to Silom's bustling nightlife scene, and a few other daytime routes. Or choose from tailboats, rivertaxis, tuk-tuks and taxis. If traveling in style is your thing, a limousine or helicopter is just a phonecall away.
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Facilities and amenities are endless, matched only by the impressive list of awards and accolades the hotel and its restaurants have collected over the past 20 years. But, the secret of the Shangri-La's fine reputation goes far beyond the crystal chandeliers, marble features, world-class spa and sought-after awards that has made it host to several high profile events like the APEC Summit in 2003, the Asean Summit and Thailand's H.M. Queen Sirikit's annual Birthday Charity Ball. Service is key. And the incredible attention to detail.
King for a day
The first thing that struck me about my Horizon Club suite is its spaciousness. The elegant d-cor is unpretentious and welcoming. My every need and wish has been anticipated - or rather, exceeded. It took an hour to explore the hi-tech features, gadgets and little extras. I couldn't wait to sample the 'Aigner' shower gel in the enormous bathroom, to collapse in the luxury of the king-size bed with its crisp, 100% cotton bed linen... As everywhere else in the hotel, exquisite flowers featured even in the bathroom. Not surprisingly, it takes a dedicated team of ten florists and more than two million baht per month (roughly USD 50,000) to bring the beauty of Thailand's flora into every corner and corridor of the hotel. Heck, even a rainforest 'wall' has been recreated in the lobby - complete with falling water.
The peaceful ambiance of the suite formed a stark contrast to activities on the river below; from barges burdened with heavy loads to tailboats and ferries transporting people about. It was my own little sanctuary. Yay, I was a king for a day. The only priority at the time was to indicate the pillows of my choice on the 'Pillow Menu' (yes).
The choices varied from anti-snore (no thanks), bolster and flat feather to buckwheat and foam. And I believe the Shangri-La will soon be the first hotel chain in the world to introduce a 'Scent Menu' too. Guests will be able to choose from combinations of lemon, peppermint, ginger, geranium, orange, lavender, bergamot, rose, jasmine, rosewood, grapefruit and cinnamon to "uplift, balance and sooth" while they are having sweet dreams. The mind boggles.
As night falls, the riverside area undergoes a metamorphosis. The sky turns red with clusters of pink hues, as buildings light up almost on cue. Why is it that nowhere else in Bangkok sunsets seem as spectacular and dramatic than at the riverside? It was time to get ready for a dinner cruise on The Horizon, the Shangri-La's luxury, two-deck boat, a fitting ending to a perfect day.
A feast of tastes and sights
On its delightful two-hour cruise along the river, the Horizon passes many of the city's famous landmarks like the Temple of Dawn, The Grand Palace and Temple of the Reclining Buddha, historical buildings, monuments and local markets buzzing with activity. The difficult part is to take in the sights while enjoying the scrumptious international and Thai buffet. My personal favorite was the snow fish, masterly prepared with a white wine and cream sauce, elevating my tastebuds to culinary heaven.
The Horizon Club: Little extras count
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To make the most of a stay at this fine hotel, the Horizon Club with its spacious rooms and suites on the 23rd, 24th and 25th floors of the Shangri-La Wing offers the kind of exclusivity and privileges that meet the needs of the most discerning leisure or business traveler - for just a little extra. From access to the Horizon Club Lounge with a breakfast buffet in the morning, soft drinks throughout the day, canap-s and drinks late afternoon, to an around-the-clock concierge, meeting rooms, late check-out (18:00), and an express check-in and check-out service. Did I mention the exquisite garland of flowers presented to me on arrival? And that the fax sent to me and voice message left by a colleague was waiting in my room when I got there (sealed in an envelope)?
The Horizon Club suite was more than a hotel room; it was an experience - albeit, and regrettably, a very short one. Guest relations staff take service levels a notch higher than the already impeccable standards maintained throughout the hotel, which can overall be described as unobtrusive, swift, attentive, pleasant, helpful and sincere. Everyone seems to love what they do. Perhaps the massive investment made in staff training at the Shangri-La Group has something to do with it. And the fact that there are currently 240-odd employees more than the total number of guest rooms.
A league of its own
These are the kind of standards that put the Shangri-La Hotel in a league of its own. It lives up to its reputation as a landmark hotel in Bangkok, and the characters of the book would have approved, undoubtedly. With one final glance through my suite before I reluctantly closed the door behind me, I wished my stay wasn't over so quickly.
Heaven is a place on earth
The moment you enter through the doors of CHI - The Spa at Shangri-La, you enter a different world. The spacious 1,000 square meter spa, inspired by the architectural and design principles of a Tibetan temple, is a sanctuary of tranquility that indulges all the senses. Dramatic, subdued lighting accentuates feature walls finished in split-face stone and exquisite artworks and antiques sourced from the Himalayan region. The smell of fragrant incense and aromatic oils wafts through the air. Colours are rich and finishes are understated and simple. The ambiance is one of sacred indulgence.
I slipped into the CHI signature bathrobe in excited anticipation of the blissful, three-hour Himalayan water treatment and healing stone massage I was about to experience. The warm luxury of the robe, specially designed for CHI and made of 100% chenille micro fiber, imitates the feel of cashmere. I was in seventh heaven already, and my treatment hadn't even started. I' wasn't surprised to hear that the bathrobe is a best-seller amongst the exclusive range of spa lifestyle accessories, bath and massage oils available at CHI's mini boutique. The gorgeous jade teacup and silver stand is for sale too, and the specially crafted healing stones, Tibetan singing bowl and copper oil diffuser.
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The CHI Spa experience is based on the ancient healing traditions and philosophies of China and the Himalayas. 'Chi' represents the universal life force that governs well-being and vitality. To maintain good health, it is believed that chi must flow freely within the body. All the spa treatments (currently there are more than 35 to choose from) and the exclusive product range have been designed on the Chinese philosophy of the five elements, in which metal, water, wood, fire and earth are in balance with the positive yang and negative yin energy within the body.
Touched by an angel
Each spa experience takes place in one of nine, spacious private suites, featuring a spa-within-a-spa concept, complete with an infinity bath, herbal steam and shower, relaxation lounge and changing, toilet and vanity areas. The Garden Suite, the largest in Bangkok, features a garden with an infinity bath set in a lotus pond. All treatment rooms have sweeping river views too, and the lighting changes as part of the therapy sequence.
I surrendered myself into the gentle, healing hands of my Thai therapist, who made me feel at ease, relaxed and pampered. Despite the intimacy of touch and physical closeness, she somehow never invaded my private space. She was present all the time, but then again, she also weren't. The sensation of weightlessness in the infinity bath with lotus flowers floating around me was one of pure bliss. I could almost feel the tension and stress released from my body and vitality restored as the stones heated in oils and herbs touched my skin with the massage that followed, using an ancient technique.
Prior to and after the massage, Tibetan singing bowls are used to balance one's energy aurally. The bowls are made to 'sing' when struck or rubbed around the outside of the rim using a wooden stick which, at various speeds and force, create a sustained ringing sound. The harmonics of Tibetan singing bowls, bells and symbols have been used for centuries to assist with meditation and healing.
CHI Spa is possibly one of the finest spas in Bangkok, and has done proud to the legacy of Shangri-La. My therapist and I didn't speak much during the session, but I left feeling that I have a new best friend; that I have finally encountered a real-life angel here in the City of Angels. But whether I walked or floated out, that much I'm not quite sure about.
As I savoured the sensational tastes and passing visual feast of gleaming temples and skyline littered with twinkling lights along the river banks, I am reminded that Bangkok is not referred to as a magical city without reason. I looked around and noticed the same contentment on the faces of other tourists and Thai guests on board. The booze ban, imposed by the government because voters were going to the polls the next day, didn't seem to faze anyone. I made a note to also experience The Horizon's lunch cruise for a daytime impression of life along the river, and the cruise to the ancient Siamese capital of Ayuthaya.
Reviewed by: Francois Oosthuizen
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