I arrived in Bangkok ten hours before my appointment at the Imperial Mandara Spa at the Imperial Queen's Park Hotel in Bangkok. The trip to Bangkok from my home in Delaware took about 30 hours - a little longer than I expected. I was tired and sore from sitting so long. I rested at my husband's service apartment then took a taxi to the Imperial Queen's Park Hotel in the business district. 

I immediately noticed the rich, warm, citrusy aroma in the hotel lobby. It was strongest at the inviting spa display. I took the elevator up to the spa and was greeted with more of the same wonderful aroma. I checked in at the reception desk and asked what the aroma was. It was lemongrass. 

 

I was escorted to the large waiting area and served lemongrass tea. It is seems to be a most beneficial concoction - good for blood circulation, digestion, joints, bones, body aches, muscle pain, liver function, and cholesterol. It smelled wonderful and tasted mild. I could easily get used to drinking it regularly.

It was early. I was the only one there. After finishing my tea, I was escorted to my Imperial Suite. The large suite was self-contained - a closet for my clothes, a vanity area, bathroom, relaxation area, treatment tables, steam shower and a huge filled Jacuzzi with flowers floating on top. I noticed bowls of flowers under the heads of the massage tables - to give you something beautiful to look at when you are face down. I was instructed to change into a robe and relax. I was having the 50-minute Mandara Massage, the spa's signature treatment. It is performed by two therapists working in tandem to blend five different massage styles (Japanese Shiatsu, Thai, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Swedish and Balinese). My therapists, Ms. Arunee (Nee) and Ms. Pilawan (Li), had me climb onto the table and proceeded to give a perfectly choreographed massage. I tried to be "in the moment" and aware of every muscle being massaged. I don't know if it was sensory overload with so many parts of my body being massaged at once or fatigue, but I couldn't keep up. I let my mind go blank and just enjoyed the sensation. I didn't even fall asleep.

Massage is a great treatment for jet lag. I got into the time routine in Bangkok immediately. I am sure the Mandara Massage was the reason.

 

 

The Imperial Mandara Spa opened in February 2000. As with all the many Mandara Spas, the exquisite and exotic treatments have been adapted from the ancient health and beauty secrets of Thailand and Asia to restore harmony and well being, promote relaxation, and encourage rejuvenation. In the Imperial Mandara Spa, there are13 treatment rooms – two double Imperial Suites, two double couples rooms, and nine single rooms (one with a table for Thai massage and another with a mat for Thai massage). All treatment rooms are self-contained and include a private shower. The two Imperial Suites have their own steam room and Jacuzzi. The Spa also includes a boutique and full service hair and beauty salon 

Although not needed for the Spa, there are locker room facilities for club members and visitors using the fitness area, squash court, and outdoor swimming pool. The fitness center has state-of-the-art weight and exercise rooms and fully trained staff to provide fitness assessments, design personal fitness programs, and instruct how to use the most advanced computerized equipment. There are daily exercise classes, step workouts, body conditioning, and Tone Zone to concentrate on any specific trouble spots. The Hotel also has a direct access to a large public park for activities outdoors.

I don't normally discuss prices because they are subject to change. However, I thought it would be interesting to note the price of the Mandara Massage. At the time of my visit in June 2001, the exchange rate was $1 US = 44 Baht.

 

I've had similar treatments at spas in the US and Bahamas that cost about $150. In general, the cost of spa treatments in Thailand was an excellent value for travelers from the US.

Mandara Spa Treatments Face of Mandara "Nature's Own" Aromatic Facial Rejuvenating Facial Thai Herbal & Honey Facial  Beauty of Mandara Classic  Deep Cleansing Facial Alpha-Hydroxy Lightening Facial Body of Mandara Traditional Thai Massage Aromatherapy Massage Deep Tissue "Sports"  Massage Mandara Massage Foot Reflexology Tension Relief Massage Thai Herbal Back Treatment Thai Coffee Scrub Salt Radiance Javanese Lulur Salon Treatments Hair Services Manicure French Manicure Paraffin Mask Pedicure Waxing Decléor Treatments Nourishing & Hydrating Facial Anti-Aging Facial Anti-Cellulite Body Treatment Sculptural Firming Body Treatment Packages of Mandara (All packages can be for one guest or two guests sharing) Mandara Spa Samplers (2 hours) Energizing - Deep Tissue "Sports" Massage, Rejuvenating Facial Relaxing - Choice of Mandara Body Scrubs, Aromatherapy Massage Healing - Traditional Thai Massage, Thai Herbal & Honey Facial Half Day Package (3 hours) Perfect Spa Experience  - Salt Radiance, Aromatherapy Massage, "Nature's Own" Aromatic Facial Mandara Sunrise - Thai Coffee Scrub, Deep Tissue "Sports" Massage, Rejuvenating Facial Asian Discovery - Javanese Lulur, Foot Reflexology, Thai Herbal & Honey Facial   Couples Package (3.5 hours) Romantic Getaway - Steam, Salt Radiance, Aromatherapy Floral Bath, Aromatherapy Massage, "Nature's Own" Aromatic Facial Full Day Package (5.5 hours) Ultimate Indulgence - Steam, Aromatherapy Floral Bath, Choice of Mandara Body Scrubs or Purifying Mud Wrap, Aromatherapy Massage, Spa Cuisine Meal, "Nature's Own" Aromatic Facial, Choice of Manicure or Pedicure