Bamboo has long been considered a symbol of longevity and strength in Asian cultures. A sturdy, versatile plant used to make furniture, fibres and food, bamboo adds a burst of green brilliance to the countryside across the region. And now, the Spa at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is embracing the power and symbolism of bamboo by introducing the new Ruak Ritual, a full-body massage using a combination of specially-blended herbal oils, and smooth, natural bamboo sticks to target deep-seated muscle tension.

The treatment begins with a rejuvenating salt foot scrub using refreshing natural kaffir lime, grown on site at the Tented Camp. A full body massage follows, focusing on traditional Thai massage techniques and using natural Thai herbal oils that allow the bamboo sticks to glide smoothly over the skin, targeting deep-seated muscle tension and leaving the body feeling relaxed, soothed and re-energised.

The bamboo implements, all made from natural bamboo that grows wild at the Tented Camp, are hand-cut by Khun Uncle, the elderly gentleman who also makes the Camp’s bamboo cups, cutlery and drinking straws. He skillfully manipulates the bamboo by hand, creating smooth implements that are rolled over the body, treating muscle aches, pains, and tension. The bamboo is carved into different sizes and shapes, the longer sticks being used for gliding strokes over the main muscle groups, the smaller implements used for more detailed, targeted work.

City.Mobi

Also in Thailand today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Bangkok.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Bangkok.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.