Seasonedto perfection

Many great minds possess the simplest logic and the humblest spirit. The same can be said of Isadore Sharp, the founder, chairman and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The modest 70-year-old has been called many things – a visionary, a man for all seasons, a genius – all because of establishing the biggest and most lucrative hotel brand from a small motor hotel in downtown Toronto.

Sharp attributes the company’s success to the Golden Rule principle: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is ingrained in every hotel employee, with devotion to service as the trademark of the world’s top lodging company.

The Four Seasons experience is unlike any other. The recent Lifestyle Asia Spa Tour organized by the new Lifestyle Asia Annual Traveler gave select VIP media a chance to partake of Sharp’s commitment to quality service. As part of a series of annual travels to luxury destinations in Asia, the group went to two Four Seasons-managed resorts, the Regent Chiang Mai and the Regent Bangkok to feel how it is to be pampered and pleased.

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Exotic Delights At The Regent Chiang Mai Resort & Spa

The Regent in Chiang Mai is an idyllic paradise with an amazing view of the enchanting ricefields, majestic mountains, green valleys and lazy rivers. This first-class resort located in the second largest city in Thailand takes guests back to the ancient Lanna kingdom. "Lanna" means "The Land of a Million Rice Fields," and working rice paddies become the focal point of the resort’s lush landscaping. The Lanna style is reflected in all aspects of the resort including architecture, design, paintings, fabrics, uniforms, cuisine and even spa treatments.

The exquisite rooms are a marvel in themselves. Golden teakwood furniture, ceilings and floors are filled with decorative objects such as woodcarvings, celadon and lacquer ware as plants and flowers add life-giving energy to the space. Cushions, covers and rugs come in soft colors while comfy pillows of Thai silk give off a happy mood with its vibrant hues.

An unforgettable experience is a lesson in Thai cooking at the Lanna Cooking School. Chef Pitak Srichan taught guests how to prepare a selection of spicy salads and other Thai dishes. The cooking school helps guests unravel the many secrets of exotic Asian cuisine and is a well-equipped, beautifully-designed stand-alone facility built in the Lanna style. It comes complete with its own herb garden and an outdoor dining venue that showcases views of tree-lined mountains. Gourmets and novices alike can enjoy the six-day program which covers various subjects – Spicy Salads, Traditional Soups and Noodles, Savoury Rice and Sweet Desserts, Thai Appetizers and Tasty Vegetarian. Guests also have the option of going on a morning tour of the colorful local market!

The Lanna Spa, housed in a magnificent three-storey building designed like a Northern Thai temple, was where guests felt most at home. This luxurious spa features the perfect balance of natural surroundings and comfortable interiors, seamlessly blended with rejuvenating techniques to calm the body, mind and soul. An Oriental massage using nutmeg oil was such a soothing end to a very enjoyable day.

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Union Of The Modern And The Ancient At The Regent Bangkok

Nothing could be more fascinating than a contemporary, bustling city set around ancient temples. Bangkok exudes a charming diversity of peoples, culture, history and cuisine. The Regent Bangkok has the same appeal, combining both modern appointments and ethnic Thai furnishings.

The Regent Bangkok has reaped many international awards and has 356 opulent rooms, five enticing restaurants, a health club and spa, shops which beautifully merge eastern and western influences.

The elegant rooms are among the largest hotel accommodations in Bangkok. The allure of Jim Thompson silks in light pastels showers the rooms with warmth and radiance. Exclusively designed teak furniture, hand-blown glass, handcrafted northern-Thai style antique lacquer lamps and delicate silk murals speak comfort in style.

Dining at the Regent Bangkok is a delight for foodies. An abundance of Thai cuisine as well as food from around the world are always an exciting venture with their many dining outlets. First is the Shintaro, a contemporary and innovative neighborhood sushi bar with a casual feel. Almost the entire length of the restaurant is covered with a long sushi counter that has traditional and new styles of sushi, sashimi, noodle and tempura dishes with contemporary, colorful and artistic presentation. Another special spot is "one of the best Thai restaurants in the world," The Spice Market. Decorated to reflect an old Thai spice shop, it is a must-see for locals, tourists and expats.

Biscotti is one of 60 exciting international restaurants identified in Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot Tables List in 2000. It is an energized, hip and very Italian restaurant featuring delicious home-cooked food. For those who want to dine al fresco, The Terrace serves exotic fruits, juices, cocktails and Italian cuisine.

An open-air courtyard ideal for spending afternoon and evening rendezvous is Aqua. Care for draught beers and the best martinis? Aqua is it! Another popular restaurant at the Regent Bangkok is the Madison, the only dining establishment in Thailand to be named in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2002 Hot Tables List. According to the magazine, "This modern new steak house is a world away from the usual Bangkok dining experience. Its clublike warmth, elegant (and surprising) fireplace, open-flame kitchen and crustacean bar are in stark contrast to its hot and humid home."

The Regent Bangkok underwent a $4.8 million refurbishment program two years ago, employing the city’s most talented artists, craftsmen and carpenters to restore the hotel to its old grandeur. Part of the Four Seasons’ commitment to satisfying guests is the pursuit of perfection, whether it be in terms of lavish appointments or the much-praised quality of service. Staying in the Regent has proven that Isadore Sharp’s simplistic "Golden Rule policy" in accommodating guests works to give guests the experience of a lifetime.