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With the current hype surrounding the health benefits of cannabis, the Mandarin Oriental’s Cannabis Relax & Restore Treatment quickly became the hotel’s most popular spa offer
[This story first appeared in Koktail Magazine Issue 3.]
When you step through the glass doors of the Mandarin Oriental, the cacophonous racket of the Bangkok metropolis is quickly silenced and the old world charm of the heritage hotel embraces you. It is this attenuation of the hustle and bustle that aptly couples the hotel’s world-class spa experiences.
A witness to the mighty Chao Praya, sitting upon its banks for 146 years, the Mandarin Oriental is the perfect place to enjoy a little respite in Bangkok. The air flows freely on the river, unimpeded by the concrete blocks that suffocate most of the city.
It is necessary to cross the river by boat from the hotel’s main property to access its award-winning Oriental Spa. I disembark and am invited to take part in a one-on-one light workout at the gym in the wellness complex with a staff PT. Blood flowing and a light sweat starting to appear, I was then led around the corner to the Spa where Thai herbs, oils, and poultices are on display, housed by rich, traditional Thai decor.
As I waited at the spa reception area, I noted a British chap booking sessions with Khun Phontip, my assigned therapist, for every single day of his remaining stay at the hotel. Apparently, she is highly coveted by Mandarin Oriental VIPs.
The serene water-lily pond of The Oriental Spa
The Oriental Spa offers a variety of wellness packages, but I’m here to sample their new Cannabis Relax & Restore Treatment designed for muscle fatigue relief and overall relaxation. Apparently, one may just be so relaxed that one would be better off staying overnight at the hotel. My arm was gently twisted, and I did just that.
A questionnaire is provided and you’re able to convey which spots or problem areas you’d like the therapist to pay attention to. Known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil extract is used during the two-hour treatment along with Thai herbal poultices.
Your therapist will relieve muscle tension as they detect it. There is nothing standard about the massage—tight, achy muscles are no match for the skills of Khun Phontip. The cannabis aroma steam therapy further contributed to my deep state of relaxation. I certainly dosed off during the two-hour session, though to my chagrin acutely aware that this bliss was finite.
CBD oil and Thai herbs aid in relaxation
Feeling invigorated and supple after the session nevertheless, I thanked my talented therapist and at a leisurely pace made my way back to the newly renovated Author’s Wing—the Wilber Smith suite, my accommodation for the night. The suite features all the lavishness one might desire, from the deep tub in the well-appointed bathroom to the complete works of Wilber Smith on the shelves.
As a vegan, I had made the hotel aware of my dietary requirements in advance, and though not listed on any of the menus, the creative chefs at the Mandarin Oriental delivered a dizzying array of plant-based delicacies to my room, all cannabis-themed to match with my earlier experience. The chefs’ ability to create such a menu while not specialising in vegan cuisine is a testament to their talent and inquisitive culinary drive.
After a day of light fitness followed by a relaxing spa and personalised in-room dining, the large balcony was the perfect spot to kick back, feel the breeze, and further unwind as the curiosities of the river unfold below.
Reading nook in the Wilber Smith suite
The Cannabis Relax & Restore Massage is priced 6,500++ baht per person, with the optional cannabis-inspired in-room meal for staying guests an additional 2,200++ baht per person. For bookings, contact 02-659-9000 or MOBKK-spa@mohg.com.
