A salute to Chiang Mai’s traditional Lanna heritage whilst celebrating the best of modern luxury, new resort X2 [CrossTo] Chiang Mai Riverside Resort has elevated comfort, style and service in Thailand’s cultural capital. Distinctively blending the old with the new, the 30-room hotel stands out from its peers with a prime waterfront location, spacious, stylish accommodation, a stunning rooftop pool and constantly evolving menus of world-class, Michelin cuisine.
Drawing upon Chiang Mai’s iconic Wat Umong as inspiration: a forest temple known for its unique tunnels and meditation spaces, while also referencing Chiang Mai’s ancient walled city; guests have a choice of chic and well-appointed rooms and suites each boasting subtle Thai décor touches and red brick walls to reflect the Lanna architectural influence.
“The property was built on the site of an old rice winery and we actually unearthed some antique remnants during construction,” says Ewan Taylor, General manager, X2 [CrossTo] Chiang Mai Riverside Resort, who has opened some of Asia’s most renowned boutique hotels in destinations such as Sri Lanka and Malaysia. “Great effort went into preserving the natural features of the estate, which included a dramatic row of 120-year-old tamarind trees, all of which remain standing as part of the hotel’s unique character.”
All the accommodation options come with an impressive range of facilities and amenities, with comfort spring beds, 42-inch 4K Ultra HD LED Smart TVs, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, coffee machines and electron charging stations. Those staying in a coveted Pool Suite River View also enjoy a complimentary mini bar, oversized bathtub for two, and a secluded garden seating area facing the northern Thai city’s charming waterway.
After relaxing on their furnished balcony, guests can stroll along a peaceful riverside path that is located in front of the resort, go kayaking along the river or head up to the resort’s rooftop which offers a fully equipped gym, generous lap pool complete with sunken loungers and a kid’s pool overlooking the property’s grand tamarind trees and river frontage. Open exclusively to resort guests, the intimate yet spacious rooftop space also has a bar and provides the perfect place for a cocktail while watching the sun sink behind the iconic Doi Suthep mountain range.
“Chiang Mai’s history, its emphasis on the arts, laidback way of life and eclectic cuisine continues to lure travellers from around the world,” adds Ewan Taylor. “We are confident that X2 [CrossTo] Chiang Mai Riverside Resort will raise the city’s profile even higher by adding a real sense of international style and sophistication to the riverside.”
The resort’s Oxygen Dining Room is the first restaurant in Chiang Mai to boast consultation from a Michelin-starred chef. Nestled beneath the leafy tamarind trees and facing the Mae Ping River, the contemporary glass-house restaurant offers a completely fresh concept for in-house guests and outside diners. French-born chef Nicolas Isnard’s creative interpretations of Thai and International dishes lean heavily on fresh local, seasonal ingredients with dishes created to meet the highest French culinary standards. Known for his Michelin-starred restaurant L’Auberge de la Charme in Dijon, France; Chef Nicolas’ inventive menu is expertly prepared and exquisitely plated by the restaurant’s Executive Chef Alexandre Demard and his team.
X2 [CrossTo] Chiang Mai Riverside Resort is conveniently located within easy access of all that Chiang Mai has to offer. Just a 20-minute drive from Chiang Mai International Airport, the resort is 10 minutes from the centre of the Old City, known for its small winding lanes, myriad temples and Sunday Night Walking Street, and only nine minutes to the famous Night Bazaar.
EXPERIENCE: To mark the opening of the resort, X2 [CrossTo] Chiang Mai Riverside is offering two special Romance by River packages with champagne breakfast x2resorts.com/offers/romance-by-river**
