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Embassy Suites Hotel - Mandalay Beach Resort - Oxnard

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16303 Waterman Drive
Van Nuys, CA 91406
877.863.5952

Thailand; The Land of Smiles
By Dru Jensen-Jones

Thailand is known as the "land of smiles" and no truer sentiment can be made about such a beautiful country and its largest city, Bangkok. A true gem in the crown of the largest renowned hotels groups is the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, living up to it's reputation as a center of expected luxury with an unbelievably accommodating staff of service experts to boot.

The magnificence of this hotel is strikingly rich as guests are graciously welcomed into the gleaming lobby featuring a large staircase in the center of one of Bangkok's most beautiful Thai murals, painted in bright colors of blues, gold, pinks, and yellows. The hotel is a haven of luxury that will not disappoint even the most discerning traveler.

The Deluxe rooms are furnished with traditional Thai décor in dark woods, lovely silk bed coverings, and beautiful window treatments. The room's large marble bathroom featured luxury bath amenities from L'Occitaine, and the maxi-bar was stocked with fifths of liquor, quality beers and wines, and gourmet snacks. Taking advantage of the hotel's Executive Club is a must-do, as the comfortable space provides complimentary international newspapers, a fantastic morning breakfast buffet, afternoon cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and internet access.

The hotel features several dining establishments to choose from. The Spice Market, famously headed by Executive Chef, Supanut Khanarak, is a Bangkok institution of twenty-five years serving exquisite Thai cuisine. Dining at The Spice Market is a special experience and every item on the menu reflects the very best in Thai cuisine excellence. Chef joined the famed restaurant three years ago, and her influence has won accolades throughout the city's dining community. The classic thom kai ghai, spicy prawn dishes, and a nice selection from the good wine list are welcoming after a long day of travel. Guests of the hotel may also dine at the Western Steakhouse, Madison, offering hand cut steaks, and Shintaro, which is a beautiful Japanese sushi bar and restaurant. The courtyard offers Aqua, which is a cool cocktail spot for well-heeled guests and cosmopolitan locals.

The Four Season's signature spa is M Spa and is a member of a larger group of spas of the same name that figure prominently in luxury hotels around the world. The spa's featured treatment is the dual-hands massage, and it is spectacular! Two therapists provide the treatment in tandem, each mimicking the other's movements to ensure the body is sufficiently and expertly massaged from head to toe. The spa offers an array of luxurious treatments to include facials, mani and pedi's, and specialty Thai scrubs and massages using natural Thai products.

Daytrips throughout Bangkok are a must-do and heeding the capable hotel concierge staff's suggestions, a trip to a coconut plantation and the floating market via small boat is a unique way to explore Thailand's beauty and hospitality. Departing early-morning with a snack box packed by the hotel, the journey to the famous floating market is a short 45 minutes where travelers are first taken by boat through winding tropical canals and lush banks adorned with Hindu shrines and statues. Upon arrival at the busy market, visitors can shop for local trinkets and souvenirs, taste traditional treats such as coconut pancakes and pan fried noodles cooked on a passing boat, or simply take in the bustling market scene of locals and tourists while enjoying fresh-made coconut ice cream. The hotel's concierge staff will also coordinate day tours to the Elephant Rescue Sanctuary and a Tiger Plantation where visitors may actually pet tamed Bengal tigers; a rare treat that many Westerners may never have the opportunity to do so in their lifetime.

The journey to Thailand is an extensive, and sometimes expensive one, from the Western United States, however if the opportunity permits, it is a journey of a lifetime that will never be forgotten.

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