Master bedroom in a two-bedroom serviced suite.
With 28 one-, two- and three-bedroom units that start from 60 sqm, the boutique-serviced suites are designed with the family travellers and large groups in mind who enjoy the luxury of personal space.
Last October, Anantara Chiang Mai extended its offerings with a Serviced Suites just across the existing resort in the traditional old city.
With 28 one-, two- and three-bedroom units that start from 60 sqm, the boutique-serviced suites are designed with the family travellers and large groups in mind who enjoy the luxury of personal space.
The two-bedder I stayed in spans across 90 sqm, which comfortably accommodates four adults or two adults and two children. On check-in, we were pleasantly surprised with sparkling wine and a Tiffin carrier, which unveiled a trio of local treats including Thai-infused chocolates, macarons and banana candy.
Tastefully decorated in neutral hues accentuated with natural elements, the modern living room adjoins a dining space and kitchenette – equipped with an induction stove, sink and refrigerator – allowing the option of eating in on lazy days.
There is also a sizeable writing desk if you need to squeeze in some time for work.
My favourite space was the master bedroom, which flows seamlessly into the bathroom, and features thoughtful touches like The Essence amenities from its spa collection and a separate dressing table.
Hard as it may seem to step out of the comforts of your urban retreat, you won’t want to miss out on the resort’s offerings, which are also extended to Serviced Suite guests and accessible via an overhead link bridge.
This includes the popular Anantara Spa, health club facilities as well as food and beverage, which is arguably its strongest suit.
Breakfast was an enjoyable affair at The Restaurant, located on the banks of the Mae Ping River. Go early to score one of the coveted riverside decks and enjoy the cool morning breeze while enjoying a spread of eastern and western dishes, some of which are made to order; the seafood-fried rice was particularly toothsome.
For lunch and dinner, don’t be surprised to find an exotic mix of Indian and Peruvian dishes – in fact, the restaurant features Chiang Mai’s first and only Latin dining experience, according to general manager Syahreza Ishwara, who wanted to excite guests with a cuisine that “has not been available in the past five years”.
To ensure an authentic dining experience, Ishwara informed me that his Peruvian chef painstakingly handcarries ingredients back from his hometown whenever he makes a trip there.
But if you have time to explore only one culinary offering, The Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar is a must. Housed in a colonial house that once served as the British Consulate in the early-twenties, the dining establishment is themed around a British secret service intelligence unit.
“It’s timeless, it’s not boring and it fits in with the concept of the building. When people build a resort they try to build history, but we have the original history right there [for us to leverage on],” commented Ishwara.
Keeping in line with the fictitious espionage theme, restaurant interiors are decked in ‘Colonial Blue’ shades, and feature nooks and crannies such as the ‘Interrogation Room’ – complete with chains on the wall – and the ‘Secret Room’ – a cozy private dining space that seats up to 10 and is accessed through a secret bookshelf on the library wall.
Food is as polished as its interiors, as reflected by its superior ranking by travellers (ranked #7 on TripAdvisor among 1,837 restaurants in Chiang Mai). The menu is presented in the form of ‘Classified Files’ and features a spread of Thai, Chinese Szechuan and Vietnamese dishes.