In the secluded, landscaped grounds of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai is nestled a hedonist’s haven. The Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre is Thailand’s first world-class Destination Spa, unique both in concept and its stunning architecture.

The spa is a palatial 3,100 square metre sanctuary embellished with ornate mouldings and sculptures depicting sacred animals and symbolic Buddhist motifs, loyally recreated by 150 Chiang Mai artisans from the original Burmese template in Mandalay, Myanmar. The entire complex took them over three and a half years to complete.

The Dheva Spa’s spectacular exterior is equally matched by the sumptuous interiors, where guests can enjoy impeccable service and a range of treatments drawn from three continents, their origins spanning 4,000 years. At the same time, the spa draws on time-honoured rites which were very much part of the ancient Lanna kingdom, of which Chiang Mai was the royal capital.

The tranquil treatment rooms feature an inspirational décor of Thai silk, polished teakwood and marble tiles, punctuated with authentic Asian antiques. The 18 rooms and suites are designed to offer both individuals and couples a soothing refuge from urban stress and angst, where the journey to wellbeing can begin.

The Treatments

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

Among the many unique features are the Watsu Pool, soothing Vichy showers, elegant Hammams and giant rain showers beautifully appointed among the spa’s dark wood panel 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 the property. 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 northern 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 and taps rhythmically along the muscles. This even, repetitive 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. It uses Thai kaffir lime together with the natural Burmese cosmetic thanaka as a gentle body scrub.

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

The spa’s 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.

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

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Devi, Chiang Mai
51/4 Sankampaeng Road Moo 1
T. Tasala A. Muang
Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
T: +66 (53) 888 888 Ext 8983
E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website

Images: George Apostolidis. Property of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group