Mantras And Mosquitos

I’ve always avoided the yoga crowd. For one they seem to travel in packs, rolled up yoga mats protruding from chic bags containing all the necessary accoutrements.

But if you ever have the opportunity to stand on the yoga platform overlooking the rice paddy at the Four Seasons in Chaing Mai, you might just be convinced to pick up a mat, assume the position and consider your mantra.

Early in the morning and still relatively cool, the emerald tips of the new rice crop seem to catch the slight breeze and sway for a moment or two. Above, the doves call loudly and another day begins.

Hold that thought: when the dentist hovers over you to start prodding away, the landscape over the rice paddy is the picture to burn in the mind as that happy place you need to temporarily transfer to.

And bless Elizabeth Gilbert’s heart for her writings in Eat, Pray, Love (that day I was with her at the Ashram in India) the ambiance here is breathtaking and ripe for meditation, even if the mosquitoes find me tasty.

Up the hill at the main hotel complex, the outlook is just as idyllic.

An infinity pool surrounded by comfortable seating and a cabana decorated in brilliant blues, taupes and grey is an incredibly inviting place to sit and reflect on the day’s activities, be it temple hopping or elephant trekking.

The Italian restaurant overlooks and shares the rice paddy view with the Thai restaurant – my favourite place with its solid teak furniture and vibrant orange parasols.

Charcoal fires burn in subtly placed clay pots to ward off the chill of early morning at breakfast or dusk when Ginger Sky and Lemongrass infused vodka is served before dinner – food prepared with organic fruits, vegetables and grains from the nearby farms.

The staff were ever smiling and attentive, the ultimate service - a young man offering to clean smeared sunglasses as you glowed by the pool - that is until the next iced towel or frozen lychee snack is served.

Not quite what Liz experienced at the Ashram, but I’ll take it while I ponder on her mantra and the perfection of the surrounding tranquility.