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.
|
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. |
