Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) Tourist Guide


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LIVING IT UP:
Rawee Waree Resort & Spa -
Escape to a Luxury Retreat this Hot Season

Text: Finley B. Luge
mages: Karin Mongkolphan

Northern Thailand has much to offer tourists in terms of accommodation and attractions and this month we are keen to prove the point with a look at somewhere slightly further afield than the norm. Forty-five kilometers from Chiang Mai city in a green valley by the Mae Taeng River in Mae Taman, lies a tranquil boutique Lanna resort with five star facilities and warm hospitality waiting to be discovered. Rawee Waree Resort and Spa offers premium accommodation aimed at holidaymakers that prefer a private destination with nature all round. Nestled discreetly amidst tropical gardens where you can have a relaxing holiday or enjoy a romantic break, the luxuriously spacious villas are adapted to preserve the integrity of the environmental sensitivity and local communities that surrounded the resort.

Only 19 spacious secluded rooms have been built in the vast grounds, including Superior Villas (53m2), Deluxe Villas (63 m2) and Executive Villas (83 m2), each situated around the stunning 120 meter long swimming pool that meanders through the resort. All villas feature spacious bedrooms and oversized bathrooms, whilst in-room amenities include aromatherapy toiletries, hot & cold shower with bathtub, air-conditioning, mini bar, coffee & tea-making facilities, Wi-Fi internet and cable TV.

The perfect blend of luxury and functionality is one of the primary attractions of Rawee Waree, reflected by the combination of Lanna and modern architecture. Guests here can comfortably spend their days at the resort given the quality activities available or can plan a day at one of the many local attractions that are dotted around the area. After a leisurely breakfast, work up a sweat at the gym before enjoying soft drinks by the pool bar, or a cup of coffee with the Mae Taeng River in your sights at Pont Cafe. Here you will be treated a unique setting where the style of a traditional wooden Lanna house has been blended with luxury, comfort and a subtle French influence: the Hermes serving glasses and the name Pont, French for bridge, referring to the wooden bridge that crosses the Mae Taeng River with the mountain as a backdrop are also treats. A library, free internet wireless access, cookies and handmade cakes ensure that high tea can also be a highlight of your stay here.

Alternatively, take a walk around the resort's organic vegetable patch before lunching at La Trompe Cuisine. A chance to truly spoil oneself, the restaurant offers an outstanding daily menu made up of mouth-watering Thai, Chinese and western delicacies, many of which are prepared from ancient recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. The setting complements the food beautifully, as the lush green surrounds of the resort and spa offers additional pleasure to the senses.

Afterwards, ride the elephants in the wood, go rafting or cycling around the resort area, or indulge yourself at Pang Spa, where Thai traditional herbs are applied. With all top class resorts comes top class Spas and Rawee Waree is no exception. Their Pang Spa is billed as a temple of peace and a sanctuary of tranquility, which boasts an array of sensational, exotic spa treatments given by highly trained therapists. The Aromatherapy Massage, Thai herbal hot compress, and Head, Back & Shoulder Massage is just a selection of the relaxing spa and massage treatments guests can choose from.

Those looking for a top class location for a business event will be more than impressed with the seminar room that comfortably holds between 30 and 40 people, and the conference room that boasts top class equipment, facilities and internet access. A wonderfully natural ambience is assured here too so that those attending seminars can return to their working lives reinvigorated.

As well as boasting plenty of activities at the resort, guests that want to spend some time discovering the locality will find plenty to do. Attractions worth considering include Zipline Chiang Mai, just five minutes from the resort. This is a great outdoor experience and an amazing opportunity to enjoy the nearby mountains whilst riding the ziplines that are up to 400 meters in length. Jitnalee ATV is another local company that offers ATV rides through the countryside and is the perfect way to let off steam. The Mae Taman and Mae Tang Elephant Camps, bamboo rafting, hill tribe villages, waterfalls and forests are a selection of other attractions that can be enjoyed by traveling just a short distance from the resort.

Rawee Waree is now offering a special Songkran package from 13th to 15th April, including a buy-two-nights, get-one-night free; and stay two nights and get a free upgrade to the Deluxe Villa. Whether you make the most of this promotion or come another time you will be provided with an opportunity to get back in touch with nature, enjoying top class facilities and service whilst experiencing a local way of life.