Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Thailand

The hotel itself is characterised by a sleek, chic design, combining the feel of a resort hotel with a contemporary interpretation of traditional Thai materials. Immediately striking are the vertical timber screens which cover the street facing exterior of this four storey building. Inside the resort, rooms all face inwards to a large courtyard, which also contains the swimming pool and Spa area.

Each room is accessed through a small private courtyard, designed to be reminiscent of traditional Asian living. Rooms themselves feature dark timber floors, handmade red wall tiles, terrazzo plinths along with teak and rattan furniture. The combination of dark wood, black surfaces and touches of red give the rooms an air of contemporary Asian chic. Guests can choose between Deluxe rooms or Kasara Suites, the latter being twice the size of the Deluxe Room, featuring an additional seating and dining area. Suite rooms have a stunning bathroom with free standing bathtub and sliding doors to offer views of the river. All rooms have an outdoor balcony, plasma screen televisions and Bose home entertainment systems.

The restaurant offers a choice of indoor dining – guests can either dine in the old Consulate building at 1921 restaurant - a contemporary steakhouse; or on the Bodhu Terrace, specialising in northern Thai cuisine. Those who prefer al fresco dining can sit on the veranda which overlooks the river. Upstairs in the colonial house, the relaxed and chic Terrace Bar offers casual day bed seating and great views.

The Spa is a real highlight – ten treatment rooms feature heated mats on the massage beds, terrazzo bathtubs, private steam rooms all in a serene setting. There is also a fitness room as well as a small boutique. Complimentary wi-fi is fitted throughout the hotel and is even accessible by the hotel’s stylish riverside swimming pool. Please note – The swimming pool is for adults and children over 12 years of age. Children under 12 can use the rooftop pool at the Anantara Serviced Suites directly across the street.