“If I died, right here, now, I would be happy.” This is the thought I had while lying in the “recovery” room in the 19,000-square-foot luxury Peninsula Spa.
This post is about taking advantage of all things luxury at The Peninsula Bangkok. The spa is a stand-alone building designed in a Thai colonial-style was the best spa experience I have had, well ever. As Travel + Leisure puts it, “Hushed and undeniably luxurious.”
After being served tea and given a tour you are welcome to spend time in the many rooms available. I chose to do a few rounds in the sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, and hot tub a la Japanese bathing ritual.
I was taken to the waiting area of the spa house that was beautifully designed to instantly make you feel calm. There was trickling water around the perimeters, perfect lighting and hints of traditional Thai design.
Each treatment room is very spacious and has its own bath and shower. You can book a private suite that overlooks the infinity pool and has a view of the Chayo Phraya River. My massage was very relaxing and the masseuse listened to my needs and adjusted the treatment as necessary. Just when I thought it was over I was taken to another room with teas, drinks and fruits to choose from and then lead to a recliner decked out with speakers pumping out soothing ambient music and told I could stay “as long as I like.”
After making myself get up from the recovery room and getting my fill of treats from the buffet it was time to consider dinner. Walking back on the lighted walkway I mentally noted the gorgeous pool and pictured myself lounging there in the morning.
Due to timing, logistics and unexpected sickness, we needed to stay at the hotel so opted for al fresco dining on the Chayo Phraya river at Thiptara. The menu consisted of home-style Thai cooking with an undeniably romantic setting. Candles flickered while a woman played a khim and river boats zipped back and forth with the occasional party boat passing by (see first picture above.) The weather cooled off and there is a nice breeze, I am very happy.
So happy and relaxed that I didn’t take the time to take note of our dinner choices so am unable to tell them to you. What I can report is the food was surprisingly good (I had heard the luxury hotels dumb down their menu for foreign palates) and not lacking in spice or flavor. The rice was cooked perfectly as well.
The next morning it was a bright and early start at the River Cafe for breakfast. Pretty much anything you want is available, fruit, breads, sweets, eggs cooked any way, meat, dim sum and about 6 different fresh squeezed juices. Strong coffee and the best mango I have ever had. I finished off a whole plate myself; I swear it melted in my mouth.
My tour of The Peninsula would not be complete without visiting the pool.
We were the first one out and had the place to ourselves for at least an hour. Although it was early the sun was hot and the ice water refills from the pool attendants were much appreciated. The pool is divided into three sections and very spacious at almost 300 feet in length. If you prefer the shade there are several Thai-style poolside pavilions beds you can lounge in.
A sudden refreshing rain shower was the perfect way to end our stay in Bangkok.
Off to our room to pack and catch our flight to Phuket. The famous Bangkok traffic caught us and we were late for our flight. The patent Peninsula customer service kicked in as our driver kindly called ahead and had someone waiting at the curb to take our luggage. He also called the gate of to alert them of our delay. When we got to the counter the bags and check-in was handled swiftly and seats saved for us. Whew!
Next stop, paradise…
Alicia Tastes Life 
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