Wara Cheewa Spa Introduces the Practice of “Soulful Awakening” at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Cradled in lush paddies with the misty peak of Doi Suthep as the backdrop, healing and wellbeing come naturally at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. In this calming countryside setting, guests can immerse themselves in comprehensive rituals designed to address all aspects of their wellbeing – physical, mental as well as spiritual. With a diverse background that includes physiotherapy, sports medicine and nutritional science, Director of Spa Saowapa Thumapun has developed a robust wellness program along with her team at the spa - one that allows guests to make simple choices to guide them towards a balanced life. “This program is intuitive and can be curated to best suit each guest’s personal health requirements,” she comments, referring to the newly launched "Soulful Awakening" experience.  

Taking on the common themes of stressful daily routines and a lack of restful sleep, the Resort team has put together a half-day itinerary that encourages both body and mind to embrace a slower pace and engage with the healing powers within. “Human bodies, when aligned with the natural ‘circadian rhythm,’ function at the optimum capacity and are empowered to heal and restore themselves,” says Thumapun.

Nourish the Soul

This rhythm is ignited with what the body receives as nourishment and fuel before a good night’s rest. In keeping with this natural sequence, the Soulful Awakening program begins with a specially-curated wellness dinner from the Resort's Balanced Cuisine menu. Designed to engage positively with the body’s metabolism, this nutritious and appetizing vegan-friendly meal is the perfect conduit for a restful night’s sleep. Featuring whole grains, fruits, low-fat dairy and vegetables, the focus is on the freshest, seasonal produce to deliver a wholesome punch. “The Superfood Kale Salad is a winner,” says Resort Manager Anthony Tschudin. “With fresh kale from chef’s own garden, it's rounded off with vine tomatoes, avocado, dried cranberries and apple cider vinegar dressing.”

Decoding Rest

Sound sleep is the next essential aspect in the journey towards wellbeing as it allows for the reset and recovery of all our bodily functions. Thumapun explains, “When we go against the circadian rhythm that governs the human body, even the best exercise plans or supplementation becomes meaningless.” A wholesome pre-bedtime ritual with a focus on self-care practice is the perfect way to generate a blissful and deep sleep.

Sustainable Partnerships

To enhance the process of rest and rejuvenation, guests may induce a peaceful night’s sleep through the natural goodness of eco-friendly cleansing products and cosmetics by Bangkok Soap Opera. This range of beauty care soaps and lotions is 100 percent vegan, chemical-free, and enhanced with a bouquet of locally sourced botanicals that nourish the skin and delicately engage the senses. Provided in-villa at turndown on the night of arrival, the range includes bath salts and scrubs, aromatic candles and even a Thai silk-eye pillow to allow guests to attain deep and restful sleep at bedtime. Especially effective in inducing sleep, the bergamot scent from the green tea and bergamot candle has a calming almost sedative property that slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Similarly, the saffron and rose scrub provided with the bath essentials has an exfoliating effect with a light perfume from naturally extracted rose oil, which works as a sleep-inducer.

Spa Pampering

Water is known to have soothing properties and a calming impact on the mind and body. “By incorporating this in a special spa ritual, the Vichy Shower is a unique way to cleanse the body while inducing a state of relaxation,” says Thumapun. “The alternating jets of low- and high-pressure streams in combination with cool and warm temperatures of water help boost circulation and allow the nervous system to relax.” For maximum benefit to the soul, she recommends the Vichy Shower in concert with the 60-minute Sleep Well therapy, which incorporates timeless techniques of traditional oil-massage from the scalp all the way down to the feet. “You can feel the calming influence almost instantly with this treatment as our expert therapists deliver the right pressure in perfectly soothing rhythm,” she explains. Finding balance through the physical being extends to restorative yoga, led by our in-house health and wellness manager Dheeraj Singh Patwal. “Our aim is for guests to find sustainable ways to continue these wellness practices long after they have left the Resort,” he smiles.

Spiritual Connection

“We have developed a strong bond with the monks from the 100-year-old royal temple Wat Pa Dara Phirom to help complete our Soulful Awakening program,” shares Thumapun. Here, guests can unearth their spiritual journey through a casual conversation as they engage with the Buddhist monks in a private session on simple topics or more impactful Buddhist philosophies including "life lived in balance."

“Meditation is core aspect of Buddhist practice, and guests may request the monk to teach them some simple chanting and breathing techniques to help achieve lasting wellbeing,” she adds. Alternatively, guests can immerse in the mindfulness experiences through Pottery or Tie & Dye at the Chaan Baan, and may be availed upon request. Our in-house practitioners will lead these sessions, and channel the experience for greater impact and benefit.     

“By vacationing with us, we would like our guests to be able to experience a unique aspect of a balanced lifestyle that the Thai people are renowned for,” smiles Sean Mosher, General Manager. “It's an art that has been perfected over years of mindful practice that is best explained by our very own team of wellness experts.”  

Soulful Awakening will be available to resident guests from October 1, 2023 and information regarding the program may be accessed through the Spa Menu or the Wellness Experience Menu. To reserve, guests can email spa.chiangmai@fourseasons.com or chat with the team in real-time via the FS Chat App.