Divine Design

Taking its name from the ancient Sanskrit and Pali word for a heavenly or divine being, the aptly-named Dheva Spa & Wellness Centre offers a sublime sanctuary fit for royalty.

Located at The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Resort in northern Thailand, the sumptuous spa and overall resort design draw inspiration from the ancient Lanna kingdom that, at the height of its power, encompassed parts of northern Thailand, southern China, Myanmar and Laos. The spa itself is designed after the Buddhist Shwenandaw Monastery in Mandalay, Myanmar with each and every detail painstakingly crafted to create a stunning work of art and architectural feat.

Spanning 3,100 square metres, the palatial wellness centre took more than three and half years to complete with 150 specialised local artisans and woodworkers meticulously hand carving the elaborate embellishments and sculptures.     

Arriving at the spa, the spectacular seven-tiered teak wood roof immediately catches the eye, rising royally above the grounds. As one moves closer, the level of intricate detail becomes even more apparent with seemingly every inch of the spa’s impressive entrance and roof opulently decorated in detailed carvings.  

Once inside the spa complex’s elaborate threshold, its sheer size continues to impress. Eleven private treatment suites envelop guests in complete tranquillity featuring Asian design details such as sumptuous Thai silks, polished teak and marble tiles, and authentic antiques and artefacts. Each with their own sizeable bathtubs, steam showers, heated marble scrub table, changing rooms and treatment areas, the spacious rooms offer a comprehensive refuge in themselves. The sprawling spa centre also boasts a sparkling, golden-tiled Watsu pool, soothing Vichy showers and elegant hammams situated in beautifully appointed wood-panelled chambers.

To fully appreciate The Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre’s detailed design and architecture, it’s best to book a treatment package including several different therapies and experiences throughout the spa to spend more time in this one-of-a-kind sanctuary that must be seen to be believed.

For more: dharadhevi.com

Premium Pampering

The Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre’s exquisite treatments match the spa’s impeccable design. Highly experienced spa practitioners deliver centuries-old healing and Ayurvedic therapies coming from three different continents and tailored to suit guest’s specific needs, even including personal dosha analysis from the spa’s resident Ayurvedic specialist. Taking a holistic approach to wellbeing, the spa focuses on offering comprehensive programmes and individual spa rituals to treat the mind, body and soul that are rooted in age-old traditions as well as cutting-edge therapies.

One such signature offering is the unique 2-hour Thermal Himalayan Salt treatment which is designed using knowledge of local herbs and the five fundamental elements to naturally balance or harmonise the body, mind and spirit. The ritual includes a nourishing oil massage combined with a hot Himalayan salt pot compress to release water retention while also clearing muscular obstructions and energetic blockages along the body’s meridian lines. The treatment ultimately increases blood circulation in the body while relaxing and uplifting the mind.

Thermal Himalayan Salt treatment priced at 5,500 THB