Virtuoso Best of the Best 2009 - (Page 64) the SukhothAI bAnGkok Bangkok, Thailand The colonnades, reflection ponds and bronze and teakwood accents of The Sukhothai all reflect a bygone era, when the Kingdom of Sukhothai prospered under King Ramkhamhaeng. Today’s guests have the luxury of experiencing one of the country’s finest hotels. Your guestroom is a vision in rich Thai fabrics and traditional furnishings, juxtaposed with stateof-the-art entertainment equipment – choose from eight spacious room types. Be sure to visit Celadon, the city’s most renowned Thai restaurant. Tables in air-conditioned salas are surrounded by a serene lotus pond. dIStAnCe FroM bAnGkok AIrPort (bkk): vIrtuoSo AMenIty Guaranteed room upgrade when staying two nights or longer. In the know Upon arrival, all guests receive a brightly colored, Thai silk elephant, believed to bring good luck. 23 mi/37 km 64 AS I A & PACIF IC Four SeASonS reSort ChIAnG MAI Chiang Mai, Thailand Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is an oasis of terraced rice fields and misty mountains in the lovely Mae Rim Valley. There is plenty here to introduce you to the culture and beauty of the region, from a Thai cooking school to a balloon ride over the Ping River Valley and the temples of Chiang Mai. Guests stay in one of 64 elegant pavilions, each furnished like a traditional Thai home and outfitted with the latest modern conveniences. The spa offers outdoor showers, private herbal steam rooms, outdoor soaking tubs and rainshower massage tables. Treatments emphasize ancient Thai rituals and native herbs, spices and oils. dIStAnCe FroM ChIAnG MAI AIrPort (CnX): vIrtuoSo AMenIty $50 spa credit, once per stay. In the know Be a farmer for a day: walk with water buffalo, plant rice in paddy fields around the resort, then play drums and gongs with the locals. 13 mi/21 km MAndArIn orIentAL, dhArA dhevI, ChIAnG MAI Chiang Mai, Thailand At the Mandarin Oriental, Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, you’re invited to branch out and take in the beauty and peacefulness of 60 private acres of paddy fields and plantations. Designed to incorporate the heritage of the Lanna kingdom, the resort offers guests their choice of living style: two-floor villas, colonial-style suites or spacious residences (each features a private plunge pool). The soul of the resort is the Dheva Spa, named after the goddess of spiritual enlightenment, where you’ll find personal illumination through holistic and Ayurvedic treatments, yoga and wellness programs. Be sure to visit Le Grand Lanna for authentic Thai food. dIStAnCe FroM ChIAnG MAI AIrPort (CnX): vIrtuoSo AMenIty Buffet breakfast for two daily and $100 spa credit. In the know At the on-site Buddhist temple, you can join the locals for prayers, offerings and meditation; a visit just before sunset is magical. 7 mi/11 km
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