So, you think you’ve experienced some truly relaxing, invigorating spa treatments while in Chiangmai. And you’re quite sure about where you want to take friends and family when they drop in for a few days visit, when they just happen to mention that they need to “wind down” and be pampered for a couple of hours.

The search is over. I have the distinct pleasure of sharing my very recent experience at none other than RarinJinda Wellness Center (RarinJinda means “the stream of gems”), a new and welcomed change to the typical, mundane massage/spa treatment you may be used to.

RarinJinda in named in honor of Dr. Jinda Singhanetr, former owner of the stylish 140-year-old teakwood house from which RarinJinda draws its inspiration, character, inner peace and beauty.

Now, for my personal experience: I was met in the parking lot by a smiling, accommodating parking attendant, who opened my car door for me (I didn’t think people did that anymore) and escorted me to the Wellness Center entrance, and with a smile said, please have a good day (I was thinking, I must remember to tip this guy).

Stepping inside, I was greeted by two ladies who escorted me to a seating area and followed up by serving me a cup of pandanus tea, a cool, soothing drink made from leaves of the pandanus leaf tree or scrub, grown exclusively in tropical regions. It was a great pleasure to meet the well informed Spa Manager, Mariegold Reyes, who kindly educated me on the Spa subject.

Next, I was shown a list of nine personalized spa packages from which I would make my selection. (My thoughts were on how much time I could afford so I could experience each and every one of those packages during my one day stay.) Okay, so there isn’t that much time in a day.

Having made my selection, the Elements of Life (one of RarinJinda’s signature treatments), I was taken via elevator to my ‘hideaway’ to undress and don a soft, cotton, fluffy white robe. I experienced for the very first time, the Elements of Life package starting with a Sensuous Herbal Foot soak followed by a Guava Foot Polisher. This treatment takes approximately 15 minutes. My feet and legs were bathed in a warm, soothing, aromatic solution, which was accompanied by a very light granular substance used to gently scrub away dead skin cells. An ever-so-light essential emollient used to soften and rejuvenate the skin followed this. (At this point in time, the word “bliss” took on a whole new meaning.)

Now comes the good part (if goodness has not already been bestowed). My massage therapist took me back to my private room, to start the Warm Sand bed therapy wherein a specially designed bed filled with heated sand is used to relax the body. While lying on the warm sand bed, the therapist will perform Tibetan Sound therapy in which brass made bowls were tapped to create a vibrating sound that helped to relax the mind and balance the energy field and nervous system. This therapy is done in complete silence.

The session continued with an Anti-Stress Back Massage to ease body tensions and to regulate blood circulation. This package was concluded by spraying a specially formulated Icy Rose body toner to refresh the body. This package was named as Elements of Life since every treatment included in this package corresponds to the Four Elements of Life; Earth represented by the bed; Fire represented by the warmth of the bed; Wind represented by the Tibetan Sound therapy, and, finally, Water represented by the Icy cold rose body toner.

My next visit to RarinJinda will include the use of the rooftop luxurious villa and the joy of a sensuous outdoor whirlpool bath overlooking the River Ping. The whirlpool offers Chromotherapy or what is also refered to as Color Therapy. This therapy helps to balance the energy whatever our bodies are lacking, be it physical, spiritual, emotional or mental. There are seven revolving colors provided in this therapy. The colors correspond to the seven chakras which are believed to be specific spiritual energy centers of the body.

RarinJinda is quite easy to find, and every cab driver is familiar with its location. You will find this ‘heaven on earth’ opposite the Riverside Restaurant, literally overlooking the River Ping, and only a 10-minute walk from the Night Bazaar. The address is: 14 Chareonraj Rd., next to Chiangmai First Church. For additional information, please call 053-247000.

Your Therapists will gladly take you on a tour of this remarkable wellness center. Enjoy, my friends, and just remember to tip that guy in the parking lot, because that’s where your spa treatment really begins.