One of the most coveted features of any holiday – especially for couples – is privacy, and Shangri-La’s new Spa Cottage provides that with all the bells and whistles.
The Mercedes limousine picks you up and takes you to the hotel, providing scented fresh towels, light traditional Thai sweet bites and mineral water as you cruise your way through the city. On arrival at the hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai, guests are whisked away in a tuk tuk straight to the resort’s signature, Chi, The Spa which sits in a lush green tropical garden within the hotel’s property.
A warm welcome at the thatched-covered spa reception of fresh scented cold towels and a refreshing organic herbal drink is followed by a brief introduction to your personal butler for your stay, who then takes you past lotus ponds and down shady paths to your exclusive Spa Cottage.
Open the gate and walk into your walled sanctuary, where a shallow dipping pool – with sun-lounges – and even more tropical foliage beckons. Slip off your shoes and into slippers, and step into the cool and aromatic ambiance of the cottage, as the subtle scents of freshly cut flowers and herbs soothes and entices.
With mood lighting, rich hard wood paneling, floors and high ceilings with exposed beams decorated with curated objet d’arts showcasing Lanna style craftsmanship, the cottage is designed to invite you to luxuriate in private pampering.
This is no small little cottage, it provides multiple spaces for various activities, starting with the dressing room a deux which comes with amenities which anticipate all your needs, from quality bathrobes to toiletry products from Zents, eye masks to lipbalms…and lots and lots of fluffy white towels.
A private steam room wafting aromatic plumes is a great place to kick off your stay and the butler can be called upon to set it up for you any time of the day…or night. Once your pores are unblocked, your lungs cleansed, your joints unstiffened, your circulation invigorated and your stress melted away, simply step out of the steam and into the adjacent sandstone rain shower room, allowing the cool water to cascade down your body, as you wash away the last pressures of stress.
All freshly wrapped up in a bath robe, wander to the day bed seating area in your large bedroom, lean back against some cushions and take some juicy bites of fresh tropical fruits, or if you are feeling indulgent, some of the complimentary petit fours which delectably beckons as you peruse the spa menu.
For each day’s stay, guests will receive a complimentary 90 minute Chi body massage for two people. Your butler will come knocking on your door at the appointed time and take you to the cottage next door where massage therapists will make your body feel refreshed and rejuvenated, returning you to your cottage where you will be served some hot herbal tea, to prolong the spa experience.
You may wonder where the day has gone, because soon enough it will be happy hour. Stay secluded and order a happy hour with a choice of canapés, cocktail and wines set to be delivered either to the private spa sala, located in Chi, The Spa, mere steps away from the cottage, or get romantic in the twilight at the pool Cabana gardens, overlooking the resort grounds. If you are feeling social, meander through the hotel’s gardens, past its large freeform swimming pool, to enjoy a generous happy – few – hours at the Horizon Club Lounge, located on the 11th floor of the resort where wines, spirits, soft drinks as well as sweet and savoury bites are served while you take in the breathtaking views of the lush canopies of the raintrees in the park adjacent to the hotel. Guests of the Spa Cottage also enjoy all the privilege benefits afforded Horizon Club Lounge members.
There are endless choices for your evening activities. You can ask your butler to recommend you a night out in the city, as the hotel is centrally located within easy access to the Night Bazaar, Walking Streets, the Ping River and other attractions, or choose to stay on property and truly indulge yourselves. There is Thai food served at Kad Café, award-winning Szechuan cuisine served at China Kitchen, cocktails and snacks served at the Lobby Lounge, and if you are lucky you may be there during one of the frequent pop-up events when the hotel invites some of the world’s most renowned Michelin starred chefs to create a truly special dining experience at Dhala Restaurant.
Alternately, simply stay in your bathrobes, kick off your slippers and order in from a large menu covering numerous world cuisines; that way you can enjoy the two bottles of complimentary wine which comes with the Spa Cottage.
And on a good night – which is most nights of the year – why not ask your butler to run the outdoor bathtub for two? As salts, scented aromas and rose petals are added to the hot tub, you can bring your bottle of wine and a couple of glasses out into the garden, so when you are left to your privacy, all you have to do is slip into the tub with your special someone, gaze up at the stars and listen to the sounds of the forest from the park next door.
To be honest, why leave the cottage at all, as everything you need is at your fingertips or on call; Netflix and cable television, an iPhone for your use during your stay with a direct line to your butler, and all the comforts and luxuries you expect from the Shangri-La.
Breakfast for two is also served in your cottage (or if you prefer, at the Horizon Club Lounge or by the pool at the Cabana) with a great selection of Thai and international favourites available, and you have your own coffee machine (and free minibar) so you can keep yourself refreshed all day long.
If you are feeling a little more active, the Spa Cottage experience also offers free yoga and fitness classes, simply ask your personal butler for details.
There is nothing like the Shangri-La’s Spa Cottage in Chiang Mai city. A private and total pampering experience which allows you and your loved one to indulge in your own sanctuary of serenity while being afforded personalised service from a butler who, like a genie, appears and disappears on command.
As an opening rate, there is a special and limited offer of only 15,000+++ baht per couple per night.
Terms and conditions:
• Minimum 2 nights stay is required
• Prior reservation is required, and the offer is subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Rate is subject to taxes and service charges, which totals 18.7%.
• Full payment is required at the time of booking. No refund will be given for cancellations or any adjustments.
• Maximum 2 adults.
