You may have noticed that we have been a bit quiet lately while we’ve been putting together our latest issue of Travel Dine Relax.
Since we launched the magazine in 2020, we’ve been overwhelmed by the feedback from our readers and we hope that our Spring issue doesn’t disappoint.
Jam packed full of ideas of where to visit, things to do and places to dine along with some inspiring interviews with two talented chefs, there’s something for everyone. So sit back and enjoy the journey.
Reviving Northern Thailand’s centuries-old massage and aromatherapy techniques, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort has introduced two rare therapeutic treatments, ‘Yam Khang’ and ‘Yajoo’, with long-standing historic roots connecting guests with the region’s rich Lanna heritage.
‘Yam Khang’ or Thai Fire Therapy is an ancient Lanna tradition, considered a sacred art where the therapist is required to have gained a high spiritual maturity. The treatment is done by using the feet only, which are first bathed into healing oil infused with mixed local herbs. The therapist then slips her foot onto an iron plough shear or ‘khang’ that has been heated over an open fire, then skillfully balanced, she massages the guest with one foot only.
With a strong tradition of rice cultivation, farming communities in northern Thailand have been using a cast-iron plough (khang) for centuries which is attributed with mythical properties whilst being an indispensable part of farming life.
The Yam Khang 60-minute treatment is priced at THB 4000. As the treatment uses an open fire, it is done outdoors next to Anantara Chiang Mai’s stunning pool on the banks of the Ping River.
The ‘Yajoo’ treatment utilises the local herb ‘plai’ healing powers to ease tension and deeply relax guests. The 90-minute treatment begins with heating a herbal poultice, giving off a fragrant aroma, which is then pressed along the body to ease pain and inflammation. A plai oil massage follows, ending with a light head massage and Tok Sen. Tok Sen involves a wooden hammer being tapped along your Sen energy line, relaxing the muscles, healing chronic pain, and improving the pathways of the nervous system.
Anantara Chiang Mai’s 90-minute Yajoo therapy starts at THB 3,500++ and includes:
• Relaxing foot soak
• Foot pressure therapy using tok sen wooden hammer
• Application of a plai poultice, heated over an iron plate, to areas of concern
• Full-body massage with plai oil using long, light strokes for deep penetration
• Light head massage and tok sen back massage using a wooden hammer.
Jade Mountain, St Lucia, has announced that is will be offering its first ever Singlemoon Package for single travellers looking to indulge, recuperate and de-stress in the most breathtaking of surroundings. Following lockdowns, many people are craving time to themselves, to rediscover who they are after a turbulent two years, and there’s no better place to do this than with the backdrop of one of nature’s most impressive wonders. Jade Mountain has created this package to highlight the importance of celebrating oneself; and by embarking on this journey, guests will nurture the soul, focus purely on themselves and lift their mind and spirit.
This incredible experience is completely tailored to the specific individual, with no Singlemoon experience alike. Guests will stay in one of the stunning open-walled Jade Mountain Star Sanctuaries, which will leave guests speechless; with views of the Pitons and the lush Caribbean Sea, the private deck, infinity pool and chromotherapy whirlpool tub will be a place of ultimate relaxation for all guests. The package includes wellness consultations with professionals prior to the guests’ stay, health check-ins throughout, and carefully curated meal plans specific to the guests’ dietary requirements. The vast number of activities at Jade Mountain also allow guests to do as much or as little as they like, from experiencing thrilling activities such as kayaking, to taking a more relaxed approach by soothing their body in the chromatherapy whirlpool tub. Whatever guests choose, the focus will always be on them.
The Singlemoon package is available as a 4- or 7-night experience and begins with a private airport transfer complete with Champagne on arrival from their very own Major-Domo, who will be on hand throughout the stay to ensure every need is catered for. From there, the activities on offer are endless: guests can indulge in a 90-minute bespoke full body massage and a manicure and pedicure to alleviate all the body’s stresses, or try their hand at mountain biking or scuba diving, soaking up the natural wonders of the island. Cooking classes are also available, where guests will be taught the main elements of traditional island cooking or hand craft their own chocolate at the Emerald Estate Laboratory. Whilst in such a breathtaking and tranquil location with no one else to distract them, guests are encouraged to use the time to calm the mind with Ayurvedic counselling, a traditional Indian system of medicine which aims to holistically balance the body; or guests can release their inner yogi with a private class.
As well as the new Singlemoon Package, Jade Mountain and its sister property, Anse Chastanet, have introduced new experiences such as the Creole Farm BBQ with Beer Tasting at their organic Emerald Farm. This experience celebrates the recently launched beer brewing onsite at Emerald Farm: a sustainable initiative that uses volcanic spring water to ensure the most organic brewed beer, using ingredients grown on site, such as tropical fruits, herbs and spices and the native bois bandé. Guests will be invited to an exclusive tasting on the farm, alongside a delicious traditional BBQ.
In addition, Jade Mountain has recently announced its new St Lucia’s Herbalist Experience. Located at the Emerald Estate. The healing herbal garden is a distinctive spiritual space that gives guests the opportunity to learn about indigenous traditions. The healing circle has been depicted as the “living tepee”, which has been made from the Moringa tree. Also known as the “tree of life”, this healing plant is medicinal and edible, and the Moringa tree creates a sheltered meditation space which, once the herbs and vines have flourished, will transform into a beautiful piece of art. This experience will teach guests how holistic treatments and indigenous herbal remedies can improve health issues.
Another new and indulgent experience is the Chocolate, Wine and Paradise tasting at Jade Mountain. Guests can embark on a spellbinding wine journey, where they will learn how to pair it with the Estate’s very own organic Emerald Chocolate. The cocoa beans have been fermented and sun dried to give them their outstanding quality, intenseness and flavour. The tasting will ultimately showcase the Nick Troubetzkoy Emerald Estate Chocolate brand in all its glory, combining it with the finest of wines for the most exotic and magnificent of experiences.
Singlemoon prices start from US$7,580 (£5,539) for a 4-night stay and $12,650 (£9,244) for a 7-night stay. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 10% VAT.
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