A stay at Nature Haven Four Seasons Tented Camp in Thailand takes guests on an enlightening and adventurous journey back to nature. The elephant rehabilitation reserve basks in the exuberant beauty of the bamboo jungles and river bank scenery, and is surrounded by the natural wonders of Northern Thailand. Guests are seamlessly welcomed into local culture as traditional mahout outfits are provided for the whole experience, and bamboo crafting is a leisurely pastime with Uncle Bamboo, a fondly-loved local.
Luxury Tented Accommodation
The interiors of each tented camp are endearingly authentic, carefully dotted with motifs of the gentle giants that make visits so memorable. Guests will notice the intricate imprints of elephants in their hand-hammered luxurious two-person copper tubs, and beautiful elephant soft furnishings that embellish the ornate king-size beds. Each of the fifteen tents has an open plan bathroom and an outdoor rain shower, which is in keeping with the outdoor luxe feel of the resort. Superior tents feature elephant tusk-style door handles, and a quaint walkway to each tent, which adds to the exclusivity of the boutique camp.
The Elephant Experience
Since the resort’s inception in 2006, the philanthropic nature haven Four Seasons Tented Camp has been committed to rescuing mistreated elephants from the streets of Thailand and providing a refuge for them. As the founding member of The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, the Camp ensures better lives for the elephants, as well as a truly unforgettable experience for guests. While enjoying a selection of fresh fruit for breakfast, guests can feed the elephants and interact with them before an adventure-filled day. The elephant trek itself is an enchanting experience; guests become mahouts for the day, bathing the elephants in the river, and learning how to instruct them to move backwards, forwards and stop.
Cosmopolitan Cuisine at Nature Haven Four Seasons Tented Camp
Nong Yao restaurant is a haven for gourmands, specialising in Thai, Laotian, Burmese and Western cuisine. Fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables are picked from the camp’s organic garden, so dishes such as the signature Thai beef salad comprise only the most natural and wholesome ingredients. The space inside Nong Yao is atmospheric, with a double-sided fireplace and hurricane lamps outside to add to the rustic feel of the camp. In keeping with the authentic nature of the retreat, the area is decorated with local hill-tribe artefacts.
The relaxed Burma Bar is an open-air thatched-roof lounge, a perfect location for guests to immerse themselves in the captivating sunset vistas. The bar’s mixologist endeavours to create aperitifs for all tastes; the lemongrass mintjito is a particularly tempting cocktail. Befitting to the camp’s emphasis on Thai culture, the bar is adorned with charming ornaments, such as books, maps and navigation equipment. The Wine Cellar hosts daily wine and cheese tasting sessions, and houses a notable collection of both Thai wines and international wines.
Curative Relaxation at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Spa
Following from an exerting elephant trek, the spa offers a mahout recovery treatment to relax and rejuvenate sore muscles. Nestled among the verdant and tropical jungle, the spa is situated in the heart of the wilderness for some much-needed pampering, commanding majestic views with refreshing light breezes. Local warming spices are utilized in the ninety minute treatment, and large poultices filled with camphor, lime and lemongrass are placed under the legs to relieve lactic acid and comfort inflexible muscles. Skilled masseuses gently knead and restore the body with a curative traditional massage, leaving guests physically and mentally alleviated of stress. Treatments are bespoke according to the guests’ liking, and there is a choice of body oils to complement the massage: ‘Energising’, ‘Sensual’, or ‘Relaxing’.
