Hong Kong, 9 September 2008 - Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai is delighted to announce an innovative collection of monthly Wellness Retreats, designed to provide discerning guests the opportunity to rejuvenate and reconnect with one’s self in the natural tropical setting of one of Thailand’s most acclaimed resorts.

Running from October 2008 through March 2009, these six-night/seven-day Wellness Retreats have been designed by the resort’s Director of Wellness, Jennifer Simms.  In line with the Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre's holistic approach to wellness, they incorporate group workshops, one-on-one sessions, specialised treatments, healthy spa cuisine, local cultural events and daily wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, mantra chanting and spiritual exercises.

The Wellness Retreats>/a> are facilitated by internationally recognised experts in their respective health and well-being fields and cover a range of topics. The schedule will be as follows:

2-8 October 2008:  Ashtanga Yoga and Meditation – Retreat to Nature  with Clayton Horton
1-7 November 2008: Mindful Eating and Healthy Weight Management with Dr Rick Kausman
5-11 December 2008: Creating Sacred Ritual – Taking the Spa Experience Home with Judith Wendell
23-29 January 2009:  Healing Sleep and Dreams with Dr Rubin Naiman
6-12 February 2009: Vibrational Healing with Raym and Chicchan Richards
6-12 March 2009:   Yoga and the Chakras with Kirsten Chong

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Commenting on the introduction of the Wellness Retreats, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi’s general manager, Mark Bradford, said: “We recognise how important and difficult it is in today’s fast-paced world to set aside some valuable time for yourself. These inspirational monthly retreats, led by expert holistic facilitators, are sure to prove a wise choice on our guests’ path to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.”

In addition to specialised health and well-being activities related to specific themes, each Wellness Retreat includes:
• Six nights accommodation in a Colonial Suite(single occupancy)
• Round-trip airport transfer
• One welcome reception
• Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• One health/lifestyle consultation
• Daily yoga and meditation sessions
• One, two or three spa treatments (depending on chosen retreat)

The Wellness Retreats are priced from THB117,250 plus 10% service charge and 7% government tax.  To book these Wellness Retreat packages, please contact the hotel directly by telephone on +66 53 888 929, via email at mocnx-reservations@mohg.com or contact the hotel through Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s on-line reservation service at www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai. For more information on all upcoming retreats, please ring +66 (53) 888 983 or email jennifers@mohg.com.

About the Dheva Spa
The soul of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai is the Dheva Spa – Thailand's first world-class destination  spa inspired by an ancient Mandalay Palace.  Unique in both concept and design, Dheva Spa’s seven-tiered roof represents the journey guests will undertake and

alludes to the seven steps to nirvana and the attainment of spiritual and physical perfection.  Staffs are trained at an on-site academy to the highest levels of professionalism. Dheva Spa offers an extensive range of holistic therapies including healing, prescribed residential wellness programmes in addition to a world-renowned Ayurvedic Centre.  Beyond prescribed therapies the spa features spiritual and physical guidance through yoga, Pilates and exercise regimes.