Meliá Chiang Mai, Thailand review

The mystical charm of Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Northern Thailand, cannot be understated. While often overlooked in favour of Bangkok and the South’s bustling beach resorts, this ancient, moated city has much to discover – from ancient Buddhist temples and quintessential Lanna architecture to the mountainous jungle countryside whose silhouettesenclose Chiang Mai on every horizon. Revealing its histories at every turn, Chiang Mai is at the same time at the tip of the curve when it comes to embracing modern and contemporary art and design, as well as world class F&B and hospitality.

Image courtesy of Meliá Chiang Mai

Towering above Chiang Mai’s River Ping and the famous Night Bazaar, Meliá Chiang Mai is a haven of calm retreat. The perfect jumping off point to explore the city’s cultural riches and colourful hotspots, it is also well within reach of the unique and stunningly scenic nature-based activities of the surrounding province.

Stay

Meliá Chiang Mai’s design and curation is at its heart, but not in a flashy way. Focusing on calming neutral tones and local inspirations, it pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture with a contemporary flair. This intention is set as soon as you enter the bright and airy entrance lobby, which makes for a gateway to an array of the mountainous city’s cultural icons. The centrepiece is a strikingly intricate silverwork that resemblant of a layered bicone white-wrapped in Lanna-style flag ‘tung sai moo’ – also a nod to the nearby Wat Sri Suphan, the “silver temple” of Chiang Mai which is ornately decorated with metalwork sculpting and repoussé. Contemporary interpretations of traditional textile patterns are hand carved into majestic wood panels, and arches and tunnels coursing throughout the ground floor pay homage to another nearby temple, the 700-year-old Wat Umong, also known as the “tunnel temple.”  

And then throughout the hotel, artwork continues to celebrate the strong craft and architectural heritages of the region, from silk weaving and umbrellas to the distinctive red brickwork in the pool area, which references Chiang Mai’s venerable Tha Phae Gate, originally built in 1296 to protect Chiang Mai’s Old City from invaders.

Rooms and suites at Meliá Chiang Mai are equally considered, from the standard MeliáRoom to the luxurious Level suites. Bright, modern and elegant, all are cocoons of tranquility with all of the comforts of home. Cosy banquette seating in the window nooks are perfect for a cup of tea, a few chapters of your holiday read, or to enjoy the spectacular expansive view of the famous Doi Suthep mountain across the vibrant cityscape.

Level benefits include private check in and check out, as well as all the perks of the Level Lounge: all day snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, private breakfast dining, complimentary afternoon tea and complimentary cocktails and canapés every evening.

Image courtesy of Meliá Chiang Mai

Do

Meliá’s signature YHI Spa is an exotic sanctuary of relaxation and wellbeing where therapists use ancient Asian healing wisdom combined with modern wellness techniques in a full range of body treatments from massages and scrubs to wraps and facials. Hotel guests can also book in a slot in the tranquil Herbal Blended Steam and Exotic Sauna rooms, which are gender separated, for free.

A fully-equipped fitness centre is situated above the Tien Pool Bar overlooking the hotel’s picture-perfect swimming pool, again decorated with striking tiling that makes for a contemporary interpretation of traditional textile patterns. Many recreational activities can be arranged for guests at an extra charge including yoga, personal training, Thai boxing, stretching, Pilates, meditation, Reiki, Singing Bowl, and more.

For those travelling with children or teenagers, rest assured there are dedicated spaces, from the separate kids’ pool to the impressive “Kidsdom,” made up of various sections for different ages. These include a ‘gaming zone’ offering Chess, Monopoly, Uno, Jenga, Tic-tac-toe and table football, and a ‘teen club zone’ featuring a cinema space full of giant bean bags. In addition to a ‘mini club’ with Lego, rocking horses, indoor sliders, a ball house and wooden block puzzles, Kidsdom also features a library zone and nap studio.

Before you step out to explore the arts and crafts you will find all around Chiang Mai itself, be sure to check out The GALLERY at Meliá, where you can discover an exquisite array of accessories such as handbags, wallets, silks, children’s toys, and home décor items including ceramic bowls and cups made by Thai designers and artists. All profits from the sale of the handmade items contribute to further artistic endeavours in disadvantaged communities and help preserve and promote local culture, particularly the skills indigenous to over 40 communities across Thailand.

Image courtesy of Meliá Chiang Mai

Eat & Drink

Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish origins and celebrating Spain’s famed gastronomy, MeliáChiang Mai’s dining landscape features restaurants Mai Restaurant and Bar and Laan Na Kitchen, bars Mai The Sky Bar and Tien Pool Bar, and lounges Ruen Kaew and the 21st-floor executive Level Lounge with panoramic views of the city. 

Meliá Chiang Mai’s jewel in the crown is 360-degree rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar – the highest in the city – on the 22nd floor. Enjoy sweeping views of the River Ping to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west…all while sampling its imaginative cocktail and tapas menu. Favourites include their Spiced Ceviche Salmon and Yellowtail with mango and passion fruit dressing, Gambas al Ajillo and Khao Soi Croquettes.Surrounding glass balustrades and walkways give way to the spectacular views of Chiang Mai at sunset and by night, and in a nod to Chiang Mai’s rich culture, bamboo throughout the venue pays homage to the region’s hill tribes.  

Just below Mai The Sky Bar and enjoying a similar 360-degree view, MAI Restaurant & Bar is another visual marvel. In a salute to Chiang Mai's Bo Sang Umbrella Village, large lit installations of umbrella ribs cling to the ceiling, and various artworks of umbrella canopies hang on the walls, such as those made from antique Chiang Mai textiles. The menu is a fusion of Mediterranean and Thai, in the latter respect leaning heavily into the regional delicacies from the north, which are transformed for the fine dining experience. We were blown away by the ‘amuse bouche’ – a thrilling mouthful of traditional ‘Hang le’-style pork curry on a piece of the sweetest locally grown pineapple. Other highlights include the ‘Mai’s Samplers’ – citrus tuna roll, shrimp in egg net, rice cracker topped with spicy tomato relish, black tail chicken sausage and glutinous rice cake topped with caramelized turnip – and of course their Khao Soi soup, a delicate take on Chiang Mai’s world famous curried noodle dish. Finish off with the surprisingly light organic longan pudding, served with butterscotch sauce and coconut ice cream.

Breakfast at Laan Na Kitchen, Meliá Chiang Mai’s all-day dining restaurant, is a lively and bright marketplace serving international fare for all tastes – from the Full English to continental options, pastries, fresh fruit, dim sum and muesli as well as made to order egg and noodle stations.  The curving and flowing design of the restaurant’s cooking and serving stations, as well as seating areas, is inspired by northern Thailand’s spectacular terraced rice fields.

Image courtesy of Meliá Chiang Mai

Explore

When it comes to the art scene in Chiang Mai, you will find much of it hiding in grass roots environments and collective studio spaces rather than in a recognisable commercial westernized set up. However, you will be impressed by the incredible MAIIAM Museum of Contemporary Art, a short taxi ride from the centre of town (Grab, the Thai equivalent of Uber, is a very easy option for cheap travel throughout most Thai cities). Opened in 2016, MAIIAM is housed in a large, converted warehouse in the Sankampaeng district, just a short distance away from the famous Bo Sang Umbrella Making Centre (visit both in one day to experience just how traditional and contemporary artistic styles flourish side by side in Chiang Mai). The brainchild of the Bunnag-Beurdeley family, the museum was a way for Jean Michel Beurdeley and his late wife Patsri Bunnag, together with their son Eric BunnagBooth,  to share their impressive collection, amassed over three decades. Artwork in the collection includes work from the most prominent Thai artists, including Montien Boonma, Kamin Lertchaiprasert and Chatchai Puipi. As well as the permanent collection, MAIIAM has a world class exhibition programme. Earlier this year we enjoyed visiting The Bouquet and the Wreath, the first large-scale survey by Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, one of Thailand’s most internationally celebrated living artists. Bringing together artworks created over the past 45 years with ambitious new commissions, the playful and yet sombre exhibition invites us to dwell on immense philosophical questions: What is the purpose of art? What does it mean to be human?

Towards the Old City, be sure to seek out Luna Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery showcasing paintings and sculptures from artists from across Southeast Asia. Situated in a beautiful colonial house in one of the most artistic hubs of Chiang Mai, the gallery is surrounded by creatives in textiles, handicrafts and Lanna arts, so take a walk around the neighbourhood to discover independent artisans working in silk, weaving, carving and silver who will be happy to invite you in as they work.

Chiang Mai is full of extraordinary temples, and it’s worth picking out a few to spend some proper time exploring. Marvel at Wat Sri Suphan, Chiang Mai’s exquisite Silver Temple – and outside have a go at working with metal work yourself, in one of the many repoussé crafting workshops. In visual contrast, Wat Chedi Luang is a historic 14th-century Buddhist temple in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City, famous for its massive, partially ruined Lanna-style chedi. Once housing the world-famous Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok), the structure was damaged by a 16th-century earthquake. It remains a serene, iconic landmark for visitors to explore, featuring stunning, ornate architecture. Further into the jungle, Wat Umong is famous for its underground tunnels that run under the chedi, in a serene complex known for its quiet, wooded surroundings. Pair a visit here with one to Baan Kang Wat – a beautifully designed community arts village made up of locally owned cafes, workshops, craft stores, studios, and galleries.

Getting there

Meliá Chiang Mai is just 6km from Chiang Mai International Airport, around 20 minutes away in a taxi. Several flights run to and from Bangkok daily, with the journey time of about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Prices

Rates vary depending on availability and season. Meliá Room rates start from £120 including breakfast, while the Level Presidential Suite costs around £300 including breakfast.

Location

46, 48 Charoen Prathet Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.

For more information visit melia.com

Review by Tani Burns