For me, a great spa experience is built on two fundamentals -- the therapist's dexterity and the results.
Spa-goers don't endorse a spa just because it has a multi-million-baht facility or offers elaborate treatments, but they do so because it caters to what it promises whether it be stress relief, muscle comfort, mind rejuvenation, a firmer body or healthier skin.
The Oriental Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is one of the city's most-celebrated spas for 5-star professionalism. I knew upon checking in a few days ago to sample its newly-launched treatment there would be satisfaction. Still, never did I expect the experience to be this delightful and on the mark.
A timely introduction to herbal wellness following the Public Health Ministry's announcement of the legal use of medical cannabis and hemp, the Cannabis Relax and Restore Massage was developed by the spa in partnership with Sawasdee Clinic, Thailand's premier medical cannabis institute.
The two-hour holistic session incorporates oil massage with the art of traditional Thai massage and poultice techniques complemented by the use of cannabis oil extract as well as fresh and dry cannabis leaves.
Exclusively for the cannabis treatment, the spa's aromatherapy massage oil is mixed with a clinical blend of cannabis oil, from the plant leaves of which only cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive chemical compound, can be found.
Medically proven for its anti-inflammatory properties, the healing power of CBD is not a myth with extensive international scientific research to confirm it. It helps relieve muscle fatigue, promotes calmness and provides a deep state of relaxation.
Guests booking the Cannabis Relax and Restore Massage are treated to a warm cannabis tea before being presented with a cannabis-infused herbal inhalation.
The massage is done with a focus on your specific muscle tension areas. With the guests' preferred level of massage pressure (I went for deep), the skilful hands of the therapist together with the ambrosial massage oil (a whiff of citrus, ylang-ylang and mint) worked their magic by sending me to cloud nine.
The 120 minutes, during which my highly proficient therapist never withdrew her hand from me, came to a comfortable end with a hot body compress. Various Thai herbs and cannabis are heated and applied to your back to give warm comfort and release stiffness.
The treatment is ideal for people with sports injuries or muscle pain and those with jetlag and insomnia. One of the overall relaxations the treatment promotes is the restoration of a long deep sleep. And, let me tell you, it does deliver its promise.
During the launch stage, from now until June 30, the Cannabis Relax and Restore Massage is offered at a special price of 4,500 baht per person. Regular pricing of 6,500 baht will be applied from July 1 onwards.
Should you wish to unwind in ultimate de-stress luxury, an overnight stay in one of the hotel's suites is a brilliant idea. And while doing so, I recommend you order the magnificent and scrumptious cannabis-themed light meal, available only via room service.
The well-crafted selection of healthy bite-sized snacks and beverages (2,200 baht per person) features the likes of mieng kham bai krathom on rice crispy; golden-fried prawn cake with cannabis; vegan khao mao mee puff rice with hemp seed popcorn and kaffir lime zest; hemp seed truffles with prune in edible soil; plant-based meat with avocado, chilli gel and fresh cannabis leaf; cannabis brownie; and house-brewed cannabis-pineapple kombucha.
The Oriental Spa is located at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. For an appointment or more information, call 02-659-9000 or email MOBKK-spa@mohg.com.
