Away from the hustle and bustle of big cities , Chiang Mai offers the serenity of nature, with unique art and culture. What better way to experience Chiang Mai other that in the lap of luxury, writes Harmeet Sehgal

When planning a trip to Thailand, travellers generally aim to start their Thai escapades with the buzzing metros, like Bangkok and Phuket. We planned it a different way, which was to start with experiencing the serenity of the rolling hills of Chiang Mai. What was more exciting was that we were to lap it up in one of the most recent hotel openings in Chiang Mai – the luxurious Melia, Chiang Mai.

Melia, Chiang Mai is located next to river Ping and walking distance from the bustling local markets. It’s a short 15-minute cab ride from Chaing Mai that welcomes a myriad of flights from all over Thailand bringing guests to this land of the Elephants.

First Impressions

Melia, Chiang Mai opened its doors in 2022. First impressions are strong, thanks to the intimate atrium that tastefully embodies a designer look with carved wood panelling and personalised check-in counters. Symbolic to the Chiang Mai region, carvings on the wood panels intricately portrays the modern contemporary art of the local tribes.

Further the craftsmanship of the Lanna tribe is tastefully woven throughout the hotel with reference to weaving and silversmithing. Oversized artifacts and installations bring a sense of spaciousness and abundance.

The Rooms

Rooms at Melia Chiang Mai encapsulate everything 5-star and are a heaven for relaxation. With 260 rooms, the hotel offers a variety of accommodation options for guests. The very lavish 581 sq.ft, The Level Premium Corner Room is as elegant as is sophisticated.

The spacious bedroom can be configured with king-size bed or twin beds, and there is a sitting area with sofas.

The bathroom has a shower and facilities include a flat-screen TV with Chromecast technology, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, bathrobes, and slippers. This suite comes with all the perks of The Level premium service. Fresh fruit and tasty delights are delivered to the room as a gesture of welcome and care.

The Level Lounge

The Level Lounge on the 21^st floor is where true personalised service and guest care is delivered to perfection.

With a dedicated reception and lounge facilities including complimentary food and beverages, secretarial services, The Level Lounge elevates the experience at the hotel.

With coffee available all day long and access to the reserved, private lounge and late check-out, The Level is designed to ensure that all desires of guests are met with total satisfaction.

Mai The Sky Bar

For sensational views of the sunsets over the hills of Chiang Mai, head to the rooftop at Mai The Sky Bar.

Located on the 22nd floor, the rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the city and the river Ping. Enjoy personalised service as trained bar tenders create tasty cocktails and choose from sumptuous snacks on the menu with a Spanish touch. With two bars connected with a glass walkway, this arguably is the best place to relax and take amazing photos of the sunsets.

YHI Spa

A rejuvenating spa package at the hotel’s YHI Spa is a must-do. Trained professional therapists use ancient holistic healing techniques for a wide range of treatments.

From scrubs to wraps and facials, YHI Spa is sure to leave you feeling revitalised and refreshed.

YHI Spa features seven specialised treatment rooms incorporating Thai blended steam and exotic sauna and is one of the most modern spa and therapy locations is town.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple

Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples in Chiang Mai.

The monastery was established in 1383 by King Keu Naone to enshrine a piece of bone said to be from the shoulder of the historical Buddha. The bone shard was brought to Lanna by a wandering monk from Sukhothai and it broke into two pieces at the base of the mountain, with one piece being enshrined at Wat Suan Dok.

The terrace at the top of the steps is dotted with breadfruit trees, small shrines, rock gardens and monuments, including a statue of the white elephant that carried the Buddha relic to its current resting place.

The Verdict

Melia Chiang Mai is a modern and charismatic hotel and a welcome choice to the cosmopolitan scene of Chiang Mai.

Melia Chiang Mai’s location is within walking distance to the markets at the centre of the city’s art precinct, makes it a stay and experience the best that Chiang Mai has to offer.

Also read: Raffles Grand Hotel, Siam Reap