A while back I visited Thailand for a short team building event. I last visited Thailand about 7 years ago and it felt good to be back in the land of smiles! I was looking forward to eating local authentic Thai food even if I am here for our team building event.

Day 1: Central Salaya

The first activity that was planned for us after arriving to Thailand was to visit a shopping mall call – Central Salaya before we check in to RXV Wellness Resort. According to google map the journey from Suvarnabhumi Airport to RXV wellness resort should not take more than 1.5 hours if the traffic conditions is smooth. However, Bangkok traffic congestion can be notorious and it took us over 2.5 hours to reach the shopping mall.

Given that the travelling time was longer than anticipate and I was getting uncomfortable on my seat. From the direction we are coming from we could see the shopping mall situated at the opposite side. However, there was no exit lane for the bus captain to exit. He has to make a number of detour via smaller roads which took at least 20 minutes before we can reached the mall. Thereafter, another 20 minutes from the mall to detour back to the same route we were travelling from initially.

According to the itinerary, we were supposed to have 2.5 hours of free time but due to traffic congestion we were given 1.5 hours. Therefore, we had to strategized what we want to do so that we have sufficient time for a proper meal and maybe have time to do a bit of shopping.

Leading up to our trip my friend has looked up the Central Salaya directory to check on the available dining options and MK steamboat was the top contender. As soon as we reached the mall, we headed straight to MK steamboat restaurant.

This was my first time trying MK steamboat and remembered once upon a time, MK Steamboat has outlets in Singapore. During that time, I did not have the opportunity to tried it. I was told that their roasted duck is delicious and I was looking forward to trying it.

I was waiting in anticipation for the roasted duck. Visually it might not look appealing but taste wise I do enjoyed it very much! I am not sure what is the aromatic brown gravy that was poured over the duck (different from how roasted duck is serve in Singapore) but tasted delicious. The duck meat was tender and there was no gamey smell. Service from this MK Steamboat outlet was efficient, we finished our lunch within an hour and managed to grab some snacks and makeups before dashing to the coach.

RXV Wellness Village

When it was announce that we will be staying at RXV Wellness Village, we google to find out more about the resort. Though our research we form our own impression. The first thought that appears to our mind was “Ooh it was located at some ulu (outskirts) location”, “From the resort to possible eateries was kind of far” and etc..

As the coach captain drives us towards the lobby, I note that the resort was in fact surrounded amongst lush greenery and it is situated along the Tha Chin river. From google Tha Chin River is a distributary of the Chao Phraya river and it stretches for around 765 km. From afar I saw a Chinese heritage building situated around the pond area and there were paddle boats. I was hoping that I would have time to explore the resort ground during our free time.

RXV Wellness Village staff looks very youthful (likely university graduate students) and they are all very enthusiastic in extending their assistance to their guests. For example while we are doing our check-in at the restaurants our luggage were placed at the hotel lobby. As soon as we received our room keys staff members were standing around our luggage ready to send it up to our respective rooms. Once we identified our luggage, 2 – 3 of the staff members would reached forward to collect the identified luggage and place it on luggage trolley.

Corporate Colours

Throughout our short stay, I conclude that RXV Wellness Village corporate colours seem to be purple, pink and green. Their staff were in rotation amongst these colours. There are so many interpretations when it comes to corporate colours. Here are some interpretation which I think reflect well on the resort. Purple – Luxury, Pink – Creativity and youthfulness and Green – Nature. Since pink represent youthfulness, maybe that explain why their staff were all so young!

Rooms

The first impression I had for our room was bright with the ascent pop of colours. It overlooks the swimming pool and Tha Chin River. The sunset view was really gorgeous and day 2 one was just so magical. In the midst of pouring rain it kind of cleared the clouds and the sun emerges from clouds illuminating the sky with it golden hues. From the other side of the building we saw double rainbows! WOW ~ what a sight!

Meals

RXV Wellness Village is a wellness resort and our welcome dinner was rather healthy. In fact, I was hoping that our welcome dinner would be Thai buffet style where it both spicy and sourish. Instead we were presented with a four course meal which tasted really good (No hate). But the sentiment among me and my other co-workers we agreed that it was too healthy!

After we return to our rooms, we started looking at the room service menu and even Grab delivery despite being very full! No luck on the room service as they closed early, so we decided to order Grab food. I could not be happier as I got to satisfy my craving!

Apart from our welcome dinner, which was a 4 course meals, the rest of our meals were buffet style. While leaning towards the healthier path, I must say buffet style was better than 4 course meal as we got to pick and choose what we like best.

Day 2: Teambuilding

RXV Wellness Village has their own inhouse teambuilding team. The activities which they organized were simple, refreshing and culturally based. Our morning teambuilding was split to 2 parts conducted by the RXV inhouse teambuilding team and our co-workers respectively. While the activities conducted were simple and slightly physical, it was able to grab everyone attention. Our laughter filled the function room as we cheer our co-workers during the activities.

The afternoon teambuilding activities was more culturally based. We got to experience making traditional wind chimes from bamboo leaves and tree branches, walking on coconut shell, coconut throw relay, sling shot, concocting a Thai herby paste for massage purposes and lastly art mural using seeds, flowers, leaves, etc. The only activity which I could recall that was slightly challenging was going down to the paddy field to experience rice planting.

Comparing with last year teambuilding, which was physically demanding, this year was rather chill and relaxing. Teambuilding which I had attended in the past typically revolves around – amazing race, personality test and physical team activities. Which I could not comprehend how it was consider as team building. Yes, we buddy with other co-workers during teambuilding activities but after the event we would not have opportunity to work with the other co-workers.

Personally, I feel teambuilding need not be physically challenging. It could be light-hearted or even meaningful. For instance, helping people in need, team cooking challenges or even organizing a day activities for the elderly/less fortunate children. It would be even more impactful if team mates within the same team could bond over hand on activities, a good meal or even having deep conversation to built the closest of the team.

Weekend Market

There is a permanent weekend market within the compound of RXV Wellness Village. This market sells a varieties of local organic produce, foods, drinks, aromatherapy, clothes and bags. Most importantly, I got to taste local foods. While it was slightly unhealthy it was rather satisfying to be able to eat Pad Thai (Stir fried noodles), BBQ pork skewer and chive dumplings in between our buffet lunch/dinner!

Surrounding area

After our teambuilding activities, we spend some time exploring the resort grounds and I managed to capture some beautiful sights. A number of the buildings were in disrepair which was kind of a pity. If it was restored I think guests would enjoyed siting outdoor to admire the view along Tha Chin River and the greenery surrounding the resort grounds. In fact I found it rather peaceful watching the crane perching on the reeds and flowing down the river.

Day 3: Time to depart

After breakfast, we left RXV Wellness Village with wonderful memories. while it was a short 3 days 2 night trip, it was an enjoyable retreat where I can let my mind go free and not think about work. I will not forget the beautiful sunset and the kindness that the staff has shown to us. Perhaps, if there is an opportunity in the near future I might consider visiting RXV Wellness Village just to chill and relax.

Till then see you in the next one.

XOXO