The Dheva Spa And Wellness Centre At Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi

In the secluded grounds of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi lies a hedonists haven: Thailand’s first world-class Destination Spa, unique both in concept and architecture.

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi’s Spa and Wellness Centre is a palatial 3,100 square metre sanctuary embellished with ornate mouldings and sculptures depicting sacred animals or symbolic Buddhist motifs, loyally recreated by 150 Chiang Mai artisans from the original Burmese template in Mandalay, Myanmar. The whole structure took them over three and a half years to complete.

The spectacular exterior is just as equally matched by the sumptuous interiors where guests can enjoy impeccable service and a range of treatments drawn from three continents, with their origins spanning over 4000 years. At the same time, The Dheva Spa also draws on time-honoured rites that are very much part of the ancient Lanna kingdom, of which Chiang Mai was the royal capital.

The tranquil treatment rooms; with Thai silks, polished teak wood and marble tiles are punctuated with authentic Asian antiques. The 18 treatment rooms and suites have been designed for both individuals and couples, as a soothing refuge from urban stress and angst, where the journey to well being can begin.

The Treatments

The Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi proudly offers a broad variety of European, Asian and North African relaxation therapies as well Indian holistic treatments based on Ayurveda, from the Sanskrit meaning ‘science of life’.

Among its numerous unique features there are Watsu Pool, soothing Vichy showers, elegant hammams and giant rain showers beautifully appointed among the spa’s dark wood panelled chambers.

Popular Thai, Swedish and ancient Indian massage techniques are available, as well as a blissful range of aromatherapy therapies.

Some of these rituals are unique to Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, many have their roots in Lanna culture and have been revived by a team of spa specialists and historians. The Tok Sen, or Lanna Massage, is just one example. Once popular in North Thailand, this stimulating massage technique is rarely practised today.

Tok Sen involves applying warm herbal oil to the whole body and gently massaging the tissue along pressure points, the therapist then takes a light gavel made of tamarind wood to tap rhythmically along the muscles. This even, repetitive tapping motion promotes a hypnotic effect on the mind, thus easing muscle tension and promoting relaxation.

Similarly, The Mandalay Experience, lasting three hours and twenty minutes, is unique to Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, it uses the Thai kaffir lime together with the natural Burmese cosmetic thanaka as a gentle body scrub.

Not all treatments are of Asian origin, the Rhassoul is derived from an ancient Arabic cleansing ritual where the guest lies in a steam room wrapped in mineral-rich river mud that slowly draws toxins from within. As the mud dries, the lights dim and a gentle herbal mist sprinkles tiny droplets of water from the ceiling. The mist helps keep the rejuvenated skin hydrated while the herbs help boost the respiratory system. The ritual ends as the mud is gently washed away by a warm rain shower.

Following in the footsteps of the world-class Oriental Spa in Bangkok, the therapies at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi reflect the same levels of excellence, at the same time, they loyally incorporate northern Thailand’s own unique cultural identity, its graceful charms and gentle pace.

Our health specialist team will customize treatments to meet individual dosha, or body type, needs. The purposely built Ayurvedic suite is dedicated to providing a wide range of time-tested Ayurvedic treatments and therapies.

Other featured facilities include:

• Herbal garden featuring organic herbs that can be used in treatments or as fresh ingredients in meals.
• Yoga and Tai Chi areas.
• Outdoor exercise areas.
• Ayurvedic meals prepared especially to meet the needs of your dosha, or body type.

Mandarin Oriental’s holistic approach encompasses spirit, mind and body, and takes into account the whole of one’s life: career, family, social activities, environment, nutrition, exercise, mental frame, spiritual life and astrology. Specialists provide personalized care and attention, through effective, natural therapies explaining the “how” and “why” of issues relating to health.

Treatments are custom-made and may include and combine the use of natural herbs, spices, therapeutic massage and techniques, aromatherapy, color therapy, music, meditation and others.

Guests are taken through a thorough consultation using the latest in diagnostic technology. Diagnosis focuses on healing root-causes of illness, prevention of disease and longevity.

A concise and personalized health plan can also be developed covering diet, exercise, rest, relaxation and lifestyle.
Guests are also able to participate in extended stay programmes spanning from 1 to 21 days, and retreats of up to 6 weeks. All are designed to meet individual needs.

Spa Philosophy

The Ayurvedic Health Specialist of The Dheva Spa, Dr Sunita Shakhar Mahamuni, has much experience of working in alternative medicine and holistic therapies in Thailand and India. She sees Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi as providing services that go far beyond those of a conventional spa centre.

“In our philosophy, and the philosophy of holistic therapists and naturopaths all over the world, it is the overall well being of our guests that is imperative. Our responsibility is to help them help themselves. Ultimately it is a personal journey they take alone, but we do believe it should be an enjoyable one, and one in which we can assist them all along the way.

“Here in Chiang Mai, we have the unique advantage over other spas in that we have a facility that can provide extensive holistic treatments aimed at long-term rebalance, as well as wonderfully indulgent spa experiences that boost the self-esteem and make our guests feel - and look - years younger! Our holistic centre complements the spa, and the Ayurvedic Health Specialist team offers authentic Indian herbal oil treatments with plants that have been grown in our own soil - one of the basic principles of Ayurveda.

“Of course apart from our unmatched treatments it is the service at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi that makes it so memorable, it is all about honouring and respecting the guest, after all, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi is modelled on an ancient Lanna palace, we want our guests to feel like royalty”.