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Published on July 15, 2007

Getting to be a bride - dressed in a beautiful white gown in the arms of the perfect man - is a common fantasy for women. Some lucky reporters who have yet to enjoy the experience were whisked away for three days last week to be as pampered as a bride.

The cosmetics firm Olay was determined to ease the reporters' stress. We were chauffeured by limousine to the Putahracsa resort in Hua Hin, a smooth, three-hour ride through beautiful scenery, and learned upon our arrival that a hen party was waiting.

The bachelorette party was everything we might have wished for - male strippers, lots of sexy gadgets and drinking games - though for us it was much more low-key and sweet.

The party was held in a white room ringed with cushioned seats. Delicious snacks were served - oysters, shrimp on toast, salmon - along with drinks such as "Like a Virgin", "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Orgasm".

The emcee had a surprise for us: We had our choice among the male models who strolled in wearing long white tunics.

A draw was held to determine who would be first to pick a companion for the evening, but as it turned out the last man chosen was the life of the party. He was the one who broke the ice on the dance floor with some seriously sexy salsa moves.

The next day the brides had to exercise to get in shape, so we awoke at 8am for aerobic hydrotherapy in the swimming pool. There was some whining over the difficulty of moving around in the water, so the trainer called for "hoodles".

We thought he was ordering noodles for us, which would certainly have suited the hungry brides, but he meant foam pool noodles, and they proved to be a lot of fun.

Next up was the spa, absolutely essential for a bride's complexion. We could choose between a sand or a salt treatment. The former smoothes and moisturises the skin, while the salt application lifts out deep dirt and reduces cellulite. The brides absolutely loved it, with many falling asleep during their treatments.

Then it was time for the big day! The brides dressed in gorgeous white gowns and were given makeovers by expert makeup artists.

At the end of the evening there was a vote on who was the most beautiful bride, with a promise that the one chosen was sure to marry. Many of the reporters were relieved they weren't picked, though, because their man is still out there somewhere.

Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra

The Nation