Words by Mariam Ahmed
Thailand has always been considered the playground of the Far East; with so much to offer, it has something for everyone from the party seekers to those wanting a cultural immersion in Eastern flavours. However, it’s also fast becoming a place for those seeking calm and sanctuary, and Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is a destination that offers one of the more tranquil experiences of Thai life.
Hotel
The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai has been in situ for 29 years, but has been under the ownership of the brand since 2003. The property operates like a small village of its own, set across 32 acres of landscaped rice fields, lakes, ponds and waterfalls, located in the lush Mae Rim Valley.
There are 98 rooms on-site – a mix of pavilions and villas all based around a central, lush green rice field with a huge lake hosting lily pads and brightly coloured fish. Look up and you can see the misty Doi Suthep Mountains towering above you in the distance; the feeling is one of complete remoteness and tranquillity.
At 5pm every evening, the farmers who tend to this vast land take part in a farmers’ parade; walking the route round the lake and singing as they sign off for the day; a ritual we watched with our little girl who watched and waved in awe.
Our favourite offering as a family was Chaan Baan; a dedicated arts centre sitting on the banks of the water offering everything from rice planting, pottery and tie dying to bathing the resident water buffalos – all set within the property’s herb and vegetable garden – the property offers a genuine garden to plate journey.
There is also a yoga barn, two pools, a spa, cycle track, complimentary bicycle hire, tennis courts and a kids’ club.
Room
The room we stayed in; a Rice Terrace Pavilion; was just that; an almost ornamental building with plenty of vantage points to enjoy the surrounding views. We watched the water buffalo bath in the lake from our beds through the huge central window and relaxed in the Thai sala (a private but open-air living room which had a swinging daybed we used for reading and naps).
The rooms are modern in design, featuring local artisanal pieces and heavy on the wood and teak features in line with the surroundings. The huge bathroom suite includes a generous changing area, double sinks and a bath that looks out into a secluded mini walled garden.
Food and drink
There are two restaurants on-site; Khao is a Thai restaurant serving classics in a traditional setting. Breakfast is served here too and offers a vast range of cuisines to suit all palates; there is a continental section with pastries, homemade jams, yoghurts and fresh pressed juices; a Western section with the classic British and American breakfast fare, a Thai section with local delicacies; all in addition to an a la carte menu featuring healthy options such as egg white omelettes with asparagus, kale and tomato.
The second location is North by Four Seasons: a fully outdoor robata restaurant concept overlooking the rice fields, open for lunch or dinner. The menu features a mix of Western classics; think burrata and tomato salads, steak tartare, grilled scallops and robata grilled steaks and fish. The smokiness of the robata really adds something extra to the traditional dishes and our Wagyu steak was probably one of the best we have ever tried anywhere.
Spa and wellness
Wara Cheewa spa is based in one of the converted residences. It has a huge open lounge and relaxation area with seven treatment rooms housed in converted bedrooms. Our treatment was in what used to be the penthouse and the views out onto the private gardens and fountain put us at immediate ease. We enjoyed the Rose of the North treatment; a full body scrub using dried rose petals, locally grown jasmine rice, honey and sugar followed by a 60-minute massage.
To do
If the activities don’t keep you occupied enough (did we mention that there is a cooking studio where you can learn to cook in groups with charismatic chef Suwattana?), then our recommendation is to visit one of the remote temple complexes within 30 minutes of the resort. Our favourites were Wat Pratat and Jomkiti and Wat Palat for their lack of tourists – do take a tour guide though as they are off the beaten track.
Factbox
Address: 502 Moo 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Chiang Mai, 50180, Thailand
Phone: +66 220 78900
Website: fourseasons.com/chiangmai
Photography courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai.
