Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) Tourist Guide


	S.P. Publishing Group Co., Ltd. 11/1 Soi 3 Bamrungburi Rd., T. Prasingh, A. Muang., Chiang Mai 50200 Tel. 053 - 814 455-6 Fax. 053 - 814 457 E-mail: guidelin@loxinfo.co.th

LIVING IT UP:
Ayatana Hamlet & Spa -
"More than just a hotel"

Text: Finley B. Luge
Images: Courtesy of Ayatana Hamlet & Spa

Stretch!

There is a word used to describe hotels, guesthouses, resorts and other similar such accommodations around Chiang Mai that to my mind is simply inaccurate and misleading. Sadly, this once relatively exotic adjective has become commonplace in the description of almost every form of lodging in Northern Thailand's diminutive capital. So, it is with a certain sense of authority that I proclaim this month's recommended hotel, truly, without question or debate, to be Boutique.

Set in the ancient grounds of what was once the location of Wat Padaeng, Ayatana Hamlet & Spa is a two-year-old contemporary Lanna-style hotel nestled in the foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain; far enough away from the noise and other distractions of the city to be considered a peaceful sanctuary retreat, yet the heart of the city, local attractions and other beauty spots are just a few minutes drive away.

Thirty-six guestrooms are split into four categories of Deluxe (5), Superior (26), Junior Suite (3) and Royal Suite (2), all classically finished in teak wood and decorated with Lanna art with beautiful en suite bathrooms. Every room has the typical amenities you'd expect of a luxurious hotel: flat screen color TV, DVD player with stereo system, wireless internet, mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities, but also includes a Lanna outdoor traditional shower room situated behind the large indoor rain shower, where guests can experience a unique form of bathing.

Thirty-eight deluxe rooms are those at the end of the corridors of the two-storey buildings which form a crescent around the stunning saltwater swimming pool at the heart of the compound, and are slightly bigger than the superiors, having additional windows. The Junior Ayatana suites have a private living room and bathroom on the ground floor and the bedroom on a mezzanine level upstairs. Lovely floral print wallpaper and wood-flooring distinguishes this type of accommodation from the others, yet each of the 36 rooms is unique, with a different wall painting depicting a story of Lanna culture and history. The hand-painted artwork applied directly onto the walls is apparent throughout the hotel, and was commissioned by local artists, and fine-art students from Chiang Mai University. The technique used results in the paintings having an aged look which adds to the portrayal of the authentic ancient way of life in the North. Two Royal Ayatana suites are perfect for families of four, as they include a twin bedroom on the upper mezzanine level and a large single bedroom and living room on the ground floor. Decorated in a similar fashion to the Junior suite, here there are two bathrooms, with the en suite having a large Jacuzzi big enough for two people, and a separate shower room.

Complimentary breakfast is served in the upstairs restaurant which overlooks the swimming pool and from which the old temple can be seen sitting peacefully behind the outer walls. Open all day, here guests can enjoy a rich assortment of traditional Thai dishes and a collection of fusion creations using seasonal produce and special Northern spices; health and weight watcher menus are also available upon request.

An attraction in its own right, the Ayatana Spa is run by the highly professional Chiang Mai-based company Sabun Nga, so you can be sure that both treatments and therapists are of the highest quality. Those in search of the ultimate spa experience will receive personalized therapeutic treatments designed to provide deep relaxation and a sense of utter contentment.

An originally ancient Thai traditional therapy is the Lanna Thai Herbal Heat Compress, which uses fresh and dried herbs and spices from Northern Lanna, meticulously made into a steamed Thai herbal bolus and applied on the body's pressure points to relieve sore and fatigued muscles and stimulate blood circulation. This and a host of other traditional Thai and aromatherapy treatments are given in one of the five rooms (two single, three double), which come with a steam room, shower room and Jacuzzi, all decorated with Lanna lifestyle paintings. The Royal Sapan Nga is the Spa's signature treatment using a specially blended oil of Vitamin E, a rare Lanna flower, sweet almond oil and pure gold. A highly skilled masseuse trained in the arts of Northern Thai massage uses a unique technique to apply pressure to certain areas of the body using the thumb and palm of the hand. Your choice of incense fills the room with a subtle floral scent and the soft instrumental local music adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Guests are awoken from their treatment with the sound of the kangsadan, an ancient Lanna instrument akin to a small gong, and the treatment is completed with a hot herbal tea infused with nine different herbs designed to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Yoga and Tai Chi lessons, a compact gymnasium, Thai cookery courses, culture & trekking tours and cycling are other recreational highlights of the hotel, all of which are designed to keep guests in a healthy, balanced state. Given the facilities, level of service and location of Ayatana it is clear that the hotel's priority is to ensure guests leave here with an enhanced level of spiritual and physical well being.