The International Big Kahuna Of Spas

I'm deviating from my normal routine of weekly posting today, because there is important breaking news to report. I've decided to issue the first official award given by my blog, the International Big Kahuna of Spas.

Simply put, the Big Kahuna Award is the bar by which all other spas in the world should be judged. It is comprised of three "E's" or elements:

Environment - the atmosphere of the spa including cleanliness, unique atmosphere, philosophy and overall aesthetic appeal of the spa

Experience - the quality of the treatment including the therapist, massage oils, music, table, lotions, etc.

End Result - how well the treatment does the job, i,e: do you feel better afterwards etc.

The Mandarin Oriental Dheva Spa in Chiang Mai, Thailand (http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/555000004.asp) scored a "10" on a scale of 1-10 in Carolyn's and my books on all 3 attributes. I've been to a lot of spas, and my 80 minute facial which was part massage/part facial has to be among the best ever experienced. Mandarin also gives each guest an individual spa treatment room for the ultimate in service and comfort. The Dhava Spa is not only about getting pampered, it has a whole being philosophy. As the website says, "Thailand’s first world-class destination spa is unique in both concept and design; created under the auspices of two health specialists and inspired by an ancient Mandalay Palace. The seven tiered roof is representative of the journey we hope you will begin with us, that is the seven steps to nirvana and the attainment of spiritual and physical perfection."

It was a real contrast from my first Asian spa experience of the trip at the TCM MedSpa in Hong Kong, where the cable TV installers seem to have taken up permanent residence in the reception area, and the fish in the fish tank look like they are going to implode.

Naturally, independent experts and auditors are going to have to validate this award. And, Sharon and I still have to produce the Spa Treatment Rating Scale (STRS) which will be used to prove out the future candidates and their worthiness.

P.S. We are in Bangkok now, and saw this great rainbow tonight: