Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? It’s just a short tuk tuk ride from Chiang Mai’s Old Town to this gorgeous urban resort that’s hidden behind a bamboo wall. The surrounding mid-rises and city bustle melt away as soon as you enter the complex, which is made up of a series of low-slug modern buildings and green spaces that are bordered by the Mae Ping River. Thanks to the clean, uncluttered style and lush, spacious grounds, the vibe is one of a country retreat dropped into the center of a city. What's the backstory? Originally opened in the early 2000s as The Chedi, Chiang Mai, the resort is now part of the luxury Anantara brand, which is based in Thailand and has hotels all over the world. The complex was designed by the late Australian architect Kerry Hill, who specialized in creating visually striking hotels in tropical destinations. Here, Hill has seamlessly married contemporary chic with reminders of the Thai Old World; the most notable example of the latter is the century-old heritage house—the former British Consulate—that now serves as the signature The Service 1921 Restaurant. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Whether your room looks out at the gardens or the river, and is a deluxe option or a suite, you’ll enjoy a seamless flow between the indoors and nature here, as all accommodations have super-sized terraces furnished with cushy daybeds. It’s easy to make yourself at home amid all the polished wood and sharp lines, thanks to touches like Lanna Kingdom–style artwork, yoga mats, freestanding bathtubs, and rain showers stocked with Anantara Spa products. Tech is limited to flatscreens, Bose sound systems and coffee machines—plus stocked wine fridges. At night, look out for turndown gifts like locally sourced sweets or trinkets. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is fast and complimentary throughout the resort. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Set in what was once the British Consulate of Chiang Mai, the resort’s sole dining outlet is The Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar, which serves Northern Thai, Vietnamese, and Sichuan fare. (Don’t miss signatures like the Love at First Zip cocktail and the deep-fried soft-shell crab appetizer, served with tamarind sauce.) As a nod to the building's history, there's a secret intelligence theme, with a "wall of spies" in the bar and a private dining room hidden behind a bookcase. The British connection is also celebrated in the famous Afternoon Tea, which stuffs you with things like savory pies, scones with clotted cream, and a tower of treats designed by Belgian pâtissier Roger Van Damme. And the service? One of Thailand’s female national Muy Thai champions is on hand to introduce you to the fitness regimes (or help up your game) in a private class, while a dedicated Street Wise Guru can lead you on insider tours of lesser-known markets and temples, traditional coffee houses, street food stalls, and more. What type of travelers will you find here? The chic design and Anantara name draw everyone from Thai celebrities and American honeymooners to food lovers attracted by the unique restaurant and decadent afternoon tea. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Walk along historic Changklan Street to the old French Library, which is stocked with rare and vintage books, or to sites like the old Governor’s Residence and the Chai Mongkol temple; at the latter you can release a fish into the river and receive a Buddhist blessing. Also nearby are several of the bustling markets that the city is known for, from the Saturday and Sunday Markets to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Is there anything you'd change? I only wish I could have stayed longer. (And maybe that there was one other dining outlet—though you can get room service, too.) Any other hotel features worth noting? After a day exploring temples and hectic markets, nothing beats a swim in the 112-foot infinity pool, which is surrounded by lily ponds and loungers, and overlooks the river. More relaxation can be found in the spa, which offers a mix of Lanna-inspired rituals and Western treatments, and via the “slumber guru,” who can help optimize your room for a good night’s sleep. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? A stylish respite from the tourist trail, but still close to the action." - Sandra Ramani
