I am an experienced traveller having lived and worked in many countries. And I have stayed in some bad places as well as good ones. In contrast to most of them, I have just had a magical week in beautiful surroundings with many and varied facilities. It is so good that I am already planning a month here as soon as possible. Let me explain.
A comfortable minibus collected me from my accommodation in Chiang Mai. The friendly driver gave me water, a cool towel and a garland. He transported me less than 20 kilometres to the Vivo Bene Village in a forest area with paddy fields and water buffalos. Arrival at the reception was welcoming in magnificent surroundings, typical of Swiss buildings and management. An electric car whisks visitors to their rooms or villas that are comfortable, quiet and spotlessly clean.
Exploring the site exposed a central lake with fountains and aquatic flowers. There was a swimming pool with a sloping entry for any with walking difficulties. The delightful colourful gardens, wheel-chair friendly, were meticulously tended. There were bamboo huts overlooking the lake and a centre with rooms for beauty care, massage, therapy and a gymnasium.
Food (mainly from their organic garden) and drinks could be sent to your room or enjoyed in a fine restaurant with a vast choice of menu and wines (and even a happy hour that I utilised!). There is a bakery offering a tempting array of goodies. Nursing and caring facilities are generously available as well as optional daily activities. I chose to start each day with a meditation session followed by exercises, led by a physiotherapist, that ended with Frisbee, petanque or ball games. Other activities are available: massage, trips into town or visits to many sites of interest in the rich countryside around.
Outstanding are the staff members. They are so supportive without being intrusive; they are matchless in my experience. The management philosophy became clear. Every member of a community can have a fine experience here. If you want to be pandered from head to foot if you need long-term support, if you wish to have a quiet reclusive time in retirement, a short period to recover from hospitalisation or you want to come with a group for meeting facilities, this is the place to be.
I was returned to my home in the same gentle way that I had been taken. I cannot wait to come back.