Located in Northern Thailand, the Four Seasons Golden Triangle property is spread over 400 verdant acres on a hillside along the country’s and Myanmar’s borders. The Golden Triangle – whose region derives its name from the confluence of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and meeting point of the Ruak River and Mekong River. It is here that the all-inclusive tented escape invites travellers to experience a magical luxury camp.
Spread out in a lush tropical forest of three-story-high bamboo trees, the camp holds 15 tents – which are 1,000-square-foot plush jungle villas – with a maximum of 30 guests. From the camp’s outdoor terraces, guests can take in the vast countryside which overlooks Myanmar’s lush grass and trees and Laos’ mountain ranges in the distance.
Of the many amenities afforded to guests, the ability to interact, learn and connect with the surrounding elephants of the region is truly exceptional. Four Seasons Golden Triangle partnered with the Golden Triangle Elephant Foundation Rescue and Adoption Program which rescues elephants from mistreatment at Thailand’s logging camps or from the hot streets of Bangkok, to provide funds for the well-being of the mahout (elephant trainer) and his family as well as the animals.
Guests are able to interact with the gentle giants, learn a few basic commands and are then embark on a two-hour tour of the jungle atop their backs. At the Ruak River, the elephants wade into the water to bathe, which provides a moment that riders will never forget. It is here where the elephants spray water around to cleanse themselves and childly play around with each other and entertain the guests. The excursion is led by an experienced mahout who barks orders to each elephant to turn, stop and sit down.
credit: Lesley Murphy
After a long day exploring the Four Seasons Golden Triangle, the resort’s spa features only two cabanas and is designed with a large wooden tub and circular curtain, seating area, and treatment space. Located in a remote area of the property, the indoor/outdoor room with two walls open to take in the rich natural beauty of the jungle. All therapies begin with a foot-washing ritual with salt and rose petals, while one of their signature offerings includes the Mahout Recovery Treatment, which utilizes a fusion of Asian and European massage techniques melded together.
Indoors, the 19th-century inspired décor was created by designer Bill Bensley with each tent’s centrepiece being a turn-of-the-century hammered copper and yellow soaking tub. It boasts a vintage safari motif with period pieces, antique ceiling fans, local artifacts, hardwood floors and an outdoor shower.
The facilities include a restaurant, bar, spa and picturesque free-form pool overlooking the Ruak River. Guests can enjoy haute and inventive Thai, Laotian, Burmese and Western cuisine at Nong Yao restaurant, which is decorated with elephant artwork adorning the adobe fireplace as the warming fire crackles in the cool evening air. At the opposite end of the property, Burma Bar is designed with various period pieces, antique books, maps and a telescope pointed over the savanna.
For guests who want to fully take in the luscious green surroundings can walk along a brick and bamboo path nearby that leads to a wooden suspension bridge that connects the resort to the tropical forest. Guests can stroll the grounds here or jump in a vintage 1970s Land Rover Defender for a tour. Other off-site experiences such as visiting Chiang Rai and practicing mediation at the temple of Wat Phra can be scheduled with their knowledgeable concierge team.