A Healing Journey Through Thai Herbs and Spices at Wara Cheewa Spa at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Steeped in the rich culture and wellbeing wisdom of the Lanna people, Chiang Mai - fondly known as the "rose of the north" - is renowned for its spiritual energy that promotes holistic balance. As monk chants resonate within ancient temple walls, life carries on at a measured pace outside - whether it is at the markets or the local restaurants and stores. "While this healing energy of Chiang Mai is palpable, one cannot deny the influence of traditional remedies and Eastern healing practices that have been passed down through generations," shares Saowapa Thumapun, Director of Spa at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai.

Wara Cheewa Spa: A Path to Balance and Wellbeing

Translating to "a celebration of the gift of life," Wara Cheewa Spa takes the best of this Northern Thai healing philosophy and translates it into the sacred pillars of wellbeing - physical rejuvenation, mental equilibrium, spiritual illumination, and social harmony - through a combination of holistic experiences. "Our in-house experts will help you curate a journey that lays the foundation for a life in balance, allowing your body, mind and soul to work in tandem," she adds.

Healing Herbs and Spices in Every Ritual

At the spa, Saowapa and her team are dedicated to incorporating a variety of local herbs and products into treatments, offering guests a truly authentic experience. "One of our signature treatments is the Rice and Spice Scrub, which blends traditional ingredients for a soothing and revitalising effect," Saowapa shares. Inspired by a family skincare ritual, the Rice and Spice Scrub was introduced to Wara Cheewa Spa three decades ago by one of the resort's senior spa therapists who was born and raised in Fang, the early capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Located in the north of Chiang Mai province, Fang shares its border with Chiang Rai province and Myanmar - a native hilly terrain. "Fang is renowned for its jasmine rice (Khao Hom Mali) cultivation, known as the 'Queen of Rice,'" she explains.

Formulated using natural ingredients, the Rice and Spice Scrub contains this specially grown jasmine rice along with various other warming spices (dried and powdered) such as turmeric, cloves, ginger, and Plai. "This sensuous combination of earthy herbs and spices - blended by hand in our spa kitchen - exfoliates skin, warms muscles, and boosts circulation to leave you glowing," smiles Saowapa.

The Story Behind the Rice and Spice Scrub

Jasmine rice is extremely rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and moisturising proteins, essential to life. Combating multiple signs of ageing and achieving a youthful, healthy glow, jasmine rice germ is a natural scrub that deeply cleanses and invigorates skin by removing dead cells and pollutants. "Harnessing centuries-old wisdom, farmers in Thailand have used jasmine rice as a natural beauty secret to revitalise, heal, and nurture the skin," she shares.

Turmeric, also known as the "golden spice," has been a staple ingredient in traditional medicine for thousands of years, renowned for its prominent levels of curcumin, the active compound responsible for its therapeutic properties. "One area where turmeric has shown great promise is skin health," observes Saowapa. "For centuries, this golden spice has been prized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties."

A Floral Tribute to the Rose of the North

Another signature therapy utilising the power of rice is the Kularb Lanna Ritual, which features jasmine rice, honey, and sugar. In addition to these locally sourced ingredients the spa team is proud to include a rose-scented scrub enriched with dried rose petals. "The Chulalongkorn rose has been grown exclusively for our resort and is an ode to not just the Lanna heritage but also the destination itself," shares the spa director.

Guests walking into Wara Cheewa Spa feel relaxed immediately as the spa engages all the senses simultaneously. From the tea served on arrival to the herb-infused oils used during the spa therapy, every touchpoint is elevated with a purpose - to heal from within.

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