The exquisite riverside pool area. Photo: Chris Ashton

When Maureen and Tony Wheeler created the firstWhen Maureen and Tony Wheeler created the firstLonely Planet guide back in the 1970’s, theyLonely Planet guide back in the 1970’s, theyprobably didn't realise the revolution they wouldprobably didn't realise the revolution they wouldstart. Years later, their iconic publication is stillstart. Years later, their iconic publication is stillinspiring travellers all around the world. For me,inspiring travellers all around the world. For me,the guides only added to my desire to seethe guides only added to my desire to seeThailand - specifically the city of Chiang Mai.Thailand - specifically the city of Chiang Mai.

There are so many places that deserve a visit in Thailand, but being acultural buff, Chiang Mai has always been at the top of my wish list.Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai was once the seat of the great LannaKingdom. Home to more than 300 Buddhist temples, the historic cityreceives some 2 million foreign visitors each year.

Chris AshtonMarch 11, 2015, 3:10 pm

Hotel Review: Anantara Chiang MaiResort & Spa

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Image – Anantara_attorot.jpg Phra Chao Attarot (Eighteen-cubit Buddha)at Wat Chedi Luang. Photo: Chris Ashton

When it came to choosing the perfect hotel, it was a no brainer.Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa, a gorgeous five star hotel locatedon the riverfront, was always going to be the one. A fusion of Thaiand colonial architecture, it’s the complete package. Ranked the #2hotel in Chiang Mai on TripAdvisor, it appears others would agree.

Set on the banks of the Mae Ping River, Anantara Chiang Mai is anoasis from the chaos that fills the city streets around it. The hotelentrance is located on a rather busy intersection, but as soon as youwalk through the door you can’t hear a thing. It’s so peaceful youcould easily believe you’ve just entered a sound proof room.

Beautiful gardens within the hotel. Photo: Chris Ashton

The hotel was known as The Chedi Chiang Mai in a former life, andglimmers of the old brand still remain; yet Anantara has definitelymade its mark on the property. Local experiences which take guestsinto the community are a signature of the Anantara brand, and theSpice Spoon cooking class is just one of new additions.

Our Deluxe Room – 219 – is stunning. Dark floorboards contrast thepale timber of the wardrobes and bi-fold doors separating thebathroom from the bedroom, high ceilings add to the feeling ofspaciousness. The earthy colour scheme and tactile furnishings,both signatures of the Anantara brand, are beautiful. The bathroomfeatures a rain shower and deep terrazzo bathtub, with an opaqueglass wall on one side to allow light in from outside. Décor is verymodern, yet retains a Thai flair.

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Our tranquil Deluxe Room. Photo: Chris Ashton

From the balcony we look out to a courtyard style garden; a centralspecimen tree dominates the space, a sea of greenery radiating outbeneath it. The hotel’s timber clad walls envelope the courtyard, yet itdoesn’t feel closed in. If anything, the ochre timber of the balconiesonly adds to the natural aesthetic of the hotel.

To our left is a minimalist white building, ivy clings to its crisprendered walls like vines in a tree. That building is the hotel’s dayspa. Inside it’s a Zen sanctuary, the scent of lemongrass fills the air.Treatment rooms line the rear of the building, while the aftertreatment rest area looks out to the pool area – itself a sight tobehold.

Service is impeccable. It’s a hotel where everyone from the pool staffto the check-in team are highly engaging, and know when toapproach and when to give you space.

On the far side of the hotel is the former British consulate building, a100 year old Colonial building which has been lovingly restored andnow houses a bar and cigar lounge. High Tea is served on theveranda of the consulate building each afternoon, and judging by thenumber of guests enjoying it, it's a pretty popular option.

A Buddhist spirit house within the hotel grounds. Photo: Chris Ashton

Of course, having come all this way, we weren’t going to spend all ofour time at the hotel. Once we’d explored our home for the next fewdays, we set off to explore the surrounding area. Just 100m up theroad we found the local night bazaar, a handy place to stock up onsouvenirs or experience a cheap traditional Thai massage, but we

soon discovered nothing in the city is ever too far to reach. Tuk tuksare cheap, fast, and very common - they appear almost out of thin airwhen you need them.

Chiang Mai is a city that begs to be explored on foot. The pace islaid-back, the people are warm and friendly, and pretty much everystreet you turn down will reveal something interesting to see. WatPhrathat Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phra Khew are a fewof the star attractions. Bo Sang Umbrella Village, where you can seebeautiful hand painted umbrellas being made, is also worth a look.

The tantalising Warorot open-air market. Photo: Chris Ashton

Anantara Chiang Mai is an incredible resort. I looked carefully to findflaws in the hotel, something to add a little more reality to my review,but there were honestly none. It’s head and shoulders above manyhotels I’ve stayed at previously. A word of warning, you may becomeaddicted to lemongrass scented cold towels and crave them for therest of your trip. If I were to stay again I’d opt for a Club Suite, whichprovides extra perks such as pre-dinner cocktails and nibbles inKasara Lounge.

Learn more about Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa

TipsTips

- If you want to try the local cuisine, head to Warorot night market.This busy street market is heaving with people, and the delicioussmells that hit you as soon as you arrive with have you salivating.Most of the stall signage isn’t in English, but you can generally workout what the dish is. If in doubt, live a little and try it anyway.

- Many tuk tuk drivers aren’t familiar with the name Anantara, somake sure you take a business card with the address whenever yougo out. It’s easier to give them the card and ask how much the ridewill cost. We explored a lot of the city and the most we paid was 150baht (AUD$5.90), most trips were 100 baht (AUD$3.90).

Getting ThereGetting There

Anantara Chiang Mai is 15 minutes from Chiang Mai Airport. Taxisare frequent, but the hotel offers a private Mercedes Benz if you wantto step it up in the luxury stakes. The price is THB 1,000 one way forup to 3 guests and luggage.

Air Asia offers frequent daily flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

The writer stayed as a guest of Anantara Hotels & Resorts.

To see more blogs from the Hipadvisor, To see more blogs from the Hipadvisor, click here.click here.

About Chris Ashton

Chris Ashton is a curious traveller always on the lookout for the new,bizarre and unusual. A fan of exploring ancient ruins, diving withsharks and getting lost in city streets, he believes travel expandsyour horizons and helps shape the person you want to become.

Website: Repeat TravellerTwitter: @chrisjashtonInstagram: @chrisjashtonGoogle Plus: Google

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