A few days in paradise...........

Staying at The Four Seasons Resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand was like taking a trip to paradise........well what I think paradise must be like!  

Exquisite flowers, some tropical, some country garden.  Orchids growing from tree trunks, banks of pink cleome, bougainvillea gracing our outdoor sala.

Monumental trees such as coconut and traveler palms, even a pretty tree resembling Chinese hats!

Stately and often whimsical statuary at every twist and turn along each winding pathway. 

Join me here for a saunter through the gardens of the resort................I think you'll agree they are truly lovely.

This was our first morning and we had a little rain shower........I believe it was to wash everything to make it sparkly for our visit.  Of course we had do a little  shopping until it stopped!  Our suite and outdoor sala is in the background to the right of me.

Our sala - the outdoor room where we were served breakfast each morning - overlooking the rice fields and lake.

The breathtaking 'elephant walls'(see them between the umbrellas above) around the resort entrance.  Each small opening in the bricks contained a brass bell.

The lamplighter filling the oil lamps ready for beautiful evenings.

Evening view across the fields from our suite toward the restaurants and pools.

Perhaps the most awesome occurrence at The Four Seasons was when the landscapers and rice field farmers - it is a working farm of sorts - finished their long day of weeding, pruning, tending to Nature.......and, during our stay, building the large bamboo floating platform to hold a giant Christmas tree for the holiday season.

Just before sunset, tinkling bells and muted drumbeats could be heard, gently, pleasantly disturbing the silence and peacefulness which pervades the gardens and fields.......  

......and the procession, clothed in their traditional work attire in hues of deep ink, brilliant cobalt, and faded blues, crossed the watery fields on their way home to simple music so sweet to the ear.

Such a special and lovely way to complete the day of hard work........in paradise no less.

Meanwhile, Paula and I enjoyed an aperitif at the pool bar, quietly conversing with the only other person around, the young Thai bartender. He has worked there a few years, is a local from Chiang Mai, and doesn't want to move on. Who would? Can't imagine living and working anywhere more perfect.....................

...........than paradise.

What was I wearing in paradise that wet morning?

• Grey linen rolled jeans - Marks & Spencer, UK
• J.Jill old and comfy grey tee
• J.Jill linen blend pullover
• Baggellini handy across-the-body bag
• Puma extra lightweight running shoes - altho' I don't run - these are the most amazing non-clunky looking travel/walking shoes, and so comfy. You should get a pair and soon!
• Brighton bead necklace - perfect travel jewelry