I recently had one of the most luxurious experiences, where I was pampered and traveled down a path of culinary perfection.

It was a taste of Chiva-Som Luxury Health Resort at ISIKA Day Spa at the Crown Metropol, Melbourne. Chiva-Som joined ISIKA only for a limited time, so that a piece of the resort could be experienced here in Australia.

Chiva-Som Resort brought their skills and their therapists from Thailand to Melbourne to treat and spoil visitors of the ISIKA Day Spa, with a collection of treatments – from heavenly massages to more intense physiotherapy. Although it’s not their entire range of treatments, it gave an insight into the skill these masters have.

But not only did they bring their therapists to indulge the guests, they brought the Chiva-Som Executive Chef, Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat – who created a mind blowing meal, not only unique and carefully designed, but extremely healthy by eliminating sugar, salt and oil.

So I think I should go back and tell you about my experience, right from the beginning.

I arrived at the Crown Metropol in Melbourne and greeted by the lovely concierge, directing me to the reception. “Mr. Erdedi, welcome to Crown Metropol, you are staying in the Health Retreat suite on level 26…”. It sounded very impressive. I gathered my luggage and made my way to the lift to go to the private section on level 26, which is not accessible to people staying in the normal rooms at the Metropol. Already, I was feeling a sense of exclusivity, but also seclusion.

I opened the door to my room and infront of me was a delicate room, with beautiful fixtures, neutrally toned calming colour scheme and floor to ceiling glass, with views over Melbourne CBD. I was in heaven. But in actual fact – heaven had not even begun.

I had time to drop my luggage, have a cup of herbal tea and get ready to go upstairs to level 27 for my treatments at ISIKA, by the Chiva-Som therapists.

Waiting in the retreat lounge, with a cup of aromatic herbal tea, it slowed down the heart rate, calmed my nerves and helped me tune out a little, so I could take in every little bit of my first treatment – a Deep Tissue Massage. My very kind Chiva-Som therapist guided me through to the treatment room, which smelt pleasant, lighting was dim and sounds of the forest in the background. I had stepped into my boudoir for the next couple of hours.

I got comfortable in privacy and comfort, and got ready to relax and be taken on a journey of experience, tradition and health rejuvenation. Using oils, my deep tissue massage began. And this is when I slowly drifted away… After some time, I woke up and turned over. It was time to do it all again, but on my front side. And again… I drifted away.

One hour later, I felt light. Refreshed. Somehow all of my tension diminished and I felt on top of the world.

The experience wasn’t over just yet.

Next up, another gracious therapist came into the room to give me my Chiva-Som Haven Body Polish. No Kenco chamois or sponges to be found. This is luxury. Chiva-Som body scrub was applied limb by limb and rubbed into my skin. Removing the impurities from my entire body. Smoothing the skin and stimulating cell growth. After a wash in my private shower, I was laying down again, having my body moisturised and nourished.

I can’t remember the last time my body felt immaculate.

After I had a nap, I went for a swim in the heated indoor infinity lap pool on level 27, a quick chill in the vitality pool and then 15 minutes in the steam room – all before I got ready for my superb Chiva-Som dinner.

Welcomed to the indulgent level 28 restaurant, ironically named ‘28′, a detox cocktail was handed to me and I was taken to my seat which the place setting was gleaming.

If there’s one thing the Crown Metropol has perfected, it’s quality and service.

Chiva-Som Executive Chef, Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat prepared a meal beyond culinary heights.

Courses served up from the Chiva-Som menu included Thai specialties such as seared scallop, quinoa tabbouleh, mushroom confit and beetroot vinaigrette, black cod baked in mustard with lentil dhal, tamarind and mango chutney. For dessert, a poached pear which was absolutely beautiful and lightly sweetened – without any sugar. Every one of Paisarn’s dishes he has created for the mind, body and soul. So no salt, oils or sugar is used in any of his dishes. He uses natural and healthy ingredients to use instead.

After some exceptional wines, great conversation and a short stroll to my suite, I retired for the night.

Waking up the next morning was hard. It was probably the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. I honestly slept in the same position all night, without one single bit of back pain. I normally wake up in the morning stiff and with my joints cracking, but these beds at the Crown Metropol are simply amazing!

It was back up to the restaurant for breakfast. Now I don’t quite know how to describe it. Maybe in three words? VARIETY. INCREDIBLE. ORGANIC? Or maybe FRESH. CHOICE. UNFORGETTABLE? I can’t choose the words to describe the buffet breakfast at the Metropol, but one thing I know is that it’s by far the best one I have ever had in Australia. I’ve been to many resorts nationally, B&B’s, hotels, Day Spa’s, retreats and lodges, but none of them can compare to that of the one at the Crown Metropol. MAGNIFICENT.

So you are probably wondering what this article is about? Is it about Chiva-Som? ISIKA Day Spa? Or is it about the Crown Metropol? Well let me wrap this up for you…

Chiva-Som is no longer available here in Australia for you to try, BUT the REAL Chiva-Som is only a short flight away in Thailand, where the experience will surpass anything you could every expect and experience in your life. There is definately a reason why the likes of Elle McPherson, Dannii Minogue, Megan Gale, Kylie Minogue and Madonna visit this place annually.

ISIKA Day Spa is one of the the most luxurious day spa’s in the country, with an extensive menu to make your choice tough and therapists who know exactly what they are doing and how to look after you and your body.

Crown Metropol is clearly the leading hotel in Melbourne, with incredible choice for the palate, exceptionally well designed with the guests senses as a priority and service which cannot be matched.

These are the 3 reasons why I wrote this article – and these are the 3 reasons why I would do it all over again – no matter how much it costs.

Chiva-Som: www.TravelTheWorld.com.au

Hotel: www.CrownMetropol.com.au

ISIKA: www.CrownMetropol.com.au/isika

For full information on Chiva-Som Thailand, please stay tuned tomorrow…