Once in a while comes an experience that take our breath away. Precious moments when you know things can’t get any better. But perhaps it’s no surprise that Thailand’s Four Seasons Chiang Mai (formerly The Regent), sculpted into terraced rice paddy fields in the mysterious Mae Rim valley, has left left us speechless over more years than we care to remember.
It’s a Four Seasons, so the bar is set high. But it is the environment, the way that the Lanna-style pavilions have been woven into the rural countryside that makes it so special. With three pavilion categories each with their own unique views and sense of privacy as well as a bountiful selection of pool villas, the Four Seasons is the standard bearer in the north of Thailand.
Any visit to the Four Seasons without a visit to the exceptional spa is a missed opportunity. Inspired by ancient rituals, the treatments are divided by the social system. Our favourite, Samunprai full body massage, comes from the farmers group as it provides nourishing and groundedness to the mind and body.
Doi Suthep temple was first built in 1383 and is one of the most sacred shrines in northern Thailand. Climb the 308 steps and you’ll be rewarded with breaktaking views.