Review: Leaving the World Behind at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

Perhaps it was my modest upbringing, coming from a small household and having even smaller room for privacy, staying in shoebox apartments or shacking up at capsule hotels used to be my comfort constant. But as time passes, I have come to appreciate one thing in particular: space. Having the space to do more than just stretch your legs is a luxury that no one really talks about. That’s what compelled me to Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.

Located by the Mae Ping River, this urban resort is a 1,000-square-metre cradle of calm, hidden behind its inconspicuous bamboo facade. The past and the present co-exist in harmony to deliver an experience unique to the land it stands on. The integration of teak wood, in particular, is noteworthy. It pays homage to the region’s rich history as a hub for timber trade. It’s the kind of ingenuity you have come to expect of Kerry Hill Architects.

Untangling the knots of the journey in the lobby’s sunken seating area, my eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for clues on what was to transpire in the next couple of days. The blue of a riverside pool glistened under the sun. These wandering thoughts, however, came to a halt when the staff returned with my key card. I downed what’s left of the summery Inthakin Bucha in my hand. The taste of candle-smoked jasmine lingered.

One of the allure of Anantara Chiang Mai Resort lies in the simple fact that it was designed with a low-density layout. With only 86 rooms and suites in place, those seeking peace of mind will find exactly that. I certainly had a couple of epiphanies while staying in the Lanna Garden View Suite. The 105sqm space is decked with deluxe creature comforts: Nespresso coffee machine, Dyson hair dryer, wine chiller—the whole shebang.

That said, the real treat is seeing how the room is structured; how it shifts from day to night. The dining and living areas, for instance, are separated from the bed by a swivelling 65-inch flat screen television. The open-plan bathroom, furnished with handmade red tiles and terrazzo flooring, fades behind an operable wall at dusk. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, an extensive terrace with plush daybeds looks out at the green courtyard.

Expectations went through the roof when I learned about The Service at 1921 House—they call it the city’s best steakhouse—and I’m happy to report that it met every single one of them. Settling down in the dimly lit establishment, which is nestled in a century-old British Consul’s residence building, I wasted no time before sinking my teeth into the Nguadoi Wagyu, Chiang Mai, TH. The tender F1 Tajima Wagyu paired with creamy Béarnaise sauce sent me to the clouds.

Another star of the evening was the generously portioned Phuket Lobster. The juxtaposition of the rich buttery lobster and the spiced nam jim seafood sauce resulted in a bold flavour profile that was equal parts luscious and lively. It stayed with me until the next day as I plopped down at Bodhi Terrace. With a scenic view of the river before me and the chirps of the birds above, I took a bite of the Caviar and Smoked Salmon Benedict and the fluffy Coconut Pancake.

No trip to Thailand is complete without an excursion to the massage parlour. So a visit to the spa at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is non-negotiable. Boasting nine luxurious indoor treatment rooms and couple suites, this wellness facility offers a number of programmes that promise to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. I had the chance to experience traditional customs and beliefs of the Lanna culture through the Lanna Ritual treatment.

Combining elements of traditional healing and spiritual cleansing, the session started off with a foot bath. The combination of soft soundscapes and subdued lighting eased me into the right state of mind. What came next was 90 minutes of pure relaxation. Lathered in healing plai oil, I surrendered myself to the masseuse’s expert fingers as she began manipulating my body’s soft tissues using ancient massage techniques. A fine conclusion to a fabulous getaway.

Address: 123-123/1 Charoen Prathet Road, Changklan, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100

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