Like night and day, the Anantara hotel Chiang Mai and the Anantara Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai have personalities all their own. It felt like I had left the lush, green jungle and stepped into the pages on a glossy magazine; into a beautifully polished postcard of a city, at Anantara Chiang Mai.
Reflections bounce of the beautifully clean surfaces at Anantara Hotel Chiang Mai Thailand. Image © Pat Bailey
Luxury and Elegance at the Anantara Hotel Chiang Mai
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From the moment you step out of your car and onto the vast marble floor of the open-air lobby you are transported to another world. If you look up you can see beyond the lobby, through a large rectangular space that frames the property in a way that only Architectural Digest could rival, you have arrived at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and into the exquisite luxury of this incredible property.
The property’s welcome is gentle and loving, you are treated to a welcome drink, a cold aromatic towel and a gentle shoulder massage in the lobby while you wait for your room. The luxe here is palpable, and it permeates your senses making you feel luxe too.
Clean, sleek, modern lines and forever vantage points are a perfect metaphor for what is possible during your visit. The marble and teak throughout are softened by textures in earthy colours on shallow and generous day beds which flank the lobby and have views of the reflection pool and property just beyond. It is impossible to be in the space without being affected by it, carried away by it, inspired by it, moved by it.
Related: What to Do in Chiang Rai Thailand
Warm wood, water and sleek surfaces marry together effortlessly at the Anantara hotel Chiang Mai. Image © Pat Bailey
This 52 rooms and 32 suites property is situated on the Mae Ping River in the heart of Chiang Mai with access to the city in all directions. My suite was spacious and generous with plenty of room to work and play. Every amenity and modern luxury was provided including a complimentary handy smartphone which I could use during my stay. Each room on the main property has a garden or river view, and intimate outdoor space for in-room dining and relaxing.
There are two incredibly beautiful things that happen each evening and afternoon which you can see from the lobby and you shouldn’t miss while you stay at Anantara. Live music is played on the veranda just outside of The Colonial House by a musician playing a traditional Thai instrument, and the floating candles are lit at dusk in the reflection pools just beyond the lobby by hand and wading in the pool. When the dusk light bathes these parts of the property it is magic, be sure to have your camera handy.
Dining at the Anantara Chiang Mai
The dining at Anantara hotel Chiang Mai is just as lavish, with a handful of unique and authentic experiences to choose from. The Restaurant serves signature Peruvian and Indian dishes and is located on the far side of the property with riverside tables, this is also where you will find the morning buffet which is so abundant that you will have a hard time choosing between stations of made to order crepe and waffles and heaps and heaps of traditional breakfast dishes from around the world.
My favourite dinner at Anantara took place at The Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar. Imagine the mystique of a speakeasy mixed with the top-secret feel of a Bond movie. The spy theme is carried throughout this experience with secret mission menus and bespoke cocktails. The menu is spectacular, filled with both traditional Asian comforts and innovative Thai-inspired dishes. It was incredibly easy for me to find plenty of things to eat here as a vegetarian and my dinner was absolutely delicious.
If a light snack, happy hour aperitif or mid-day pick-me-up is on your list while you visit Anantara you can have each of these in The Lobby Lounge or Kasara Lounge; each is an opportunity to pause with all five senses.
Related: 10 Things You Must Do in Chiang Mai Thailand
Pat reclines by one of the two pools at the Anantara Chiang Mai. Image © Pat Bailey
Generous terracotta day beds tempt guests at Anantara Chiang Mai. Image © Pat Bailey
Relax on the Rooftop or by the River
There are two pools on property, one is adults only and located on the rooftop with a city view and the other has a river view just beyond the lotus and coy ponds that are incorporated in the modern and sleek lap pool design. The riverside pool was my favourite place for breakfast before anyone woke up, the 34 metre pool was all mine save one guest who was swimming her morning laps. The fitness centre is open 24-hours a day with attendants available from 7am until 10pm, so you can do your workout on your own or tap into the expertise of the personal trainer on staff.
Yoga and Tai chi happen on the property by the river and poolside or you can indulge in a Master Muay Thai boxing class taught on property.
Related: How to Find an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand
The perfect spot for a relaxed breakfast at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. Image © Pat Bailey
Walkways frame the sleek architectural design at the Anantara hotel Chiang Mai. Image © Pat Bailey
Anantara Hotel Chiang Mai
The Fit Traveller was a guest of the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort for this stay. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.
Pat Russo is a Mystic, Muse, and Spiritual Teacher guiding women into their hearts with a journey of softening. She is a published poet, a lover of hearts, and a forever student.
Feeling the impossibility of choosing between her two favorite cities, she considers San Francisco and Paris home.