Northern Lights HOTEL: CHIANG MAI

HOTEL: CHIANG MAI
Northern Lights
By PHOOWADON DUANGMEETHE NATIONChiang Mai

Veranda Spa in Hangdong, Chiang Mai
Chilling out in Chiang Mai needn't break the bank. We look at some valueformoney options
People go to Chiang Mai for its natural beauty as well as to drink in its cultural heritage. But what do you do when you've seen enough of the temples and are able to identify every hilltribe at a glance? In that case, you head to the northern capital to kick back and relax in one of the many award-winning resorts and spas that cater to hedonists and lazy weekenders. In an effort to attract guests during the recession, several of these are offering holistic packages at cheaper rates. This week, we've handpicked six of the best, ranging from a converted hospital to a Tao-based health farm.
RATILANNA CHIANG MAI
Muang, Chiang Mai
(053) 999 333; www.RatilannaChiangMai.com
Ratilanna Chiang Mai is the latest reincarnation of Sofitel Chiang Mai. Nestled on the bank of the Ping River, this quiet resort and spa rolled out the red carpet for Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya during her visit to Chiang Mai during the last Songkran holiday. The 75 rooms, from Deluxe to Riverside Grand Suite, are tasteฌfully decorated with teak furniture and white linens, and come furnished with Chiang Mai's finest woodcarvings and paintings. A 15minute boat trip takes you to Wiang Kum Kam - Chiang Mai's original settlement.
OASIS SPA
Muang, Chiang Mai
(053) 815 000; www.ChiangMaiOasis.com
Touted as Chiang Mai's "Garden of Eden", Oasis offers an excellent combination of the Lanna-style spa experience and a genteel ambience. The treatment villas are surrounded by wooden bridges and walkways, small cascades, water lilly ponds and ancient, venerable trees. Thai herbs feature in all body scrubs, wraps, facial, foot and body massages and steam baths, which are applied using a blend of ancient and modern techniques. Once you've arrived at Oasis Spa, you'll never want to leave. Too bad, there isn't room for weary souls to stay - it's a day spa for treatments only.
TAO GARDEN
Doi Saket, Chiang Mai
(053) 495 5969; www.TaoGarden.com
You won't find posh bars or fusion food at Tao Garden but what it lacks in fashionable statements, it more than makes up with its peaceful garฌden and space for contemplation. Surrounded by rice paddies and lychee orchards, Tao Garden offers a healthy retreat with relaxing walks, exercise, a nourishing diet and plenty of deep sleep. "Even a blind masseur said our room is too dark," says the staff of Tao Garden, which offers a seven-day-and-night dark room meditation package. Some treatments like Testicle Massage might give you pause for thought, but this could improve your reproductive system and reduce your chances of getting testicular cancer.
VERANDA RESORT AND SPA
Hangdong, Chiang Mai
(053) 365 362; www.VerandaResortAndSpa.com
A 15minute drive off from downtown Chiang Mai and nestled amid the terraced rice paddies and tea garden, the stylish and modern Veranda Resort and Spa has just 69 rooms. The resort was designed with Zen in mind and offers plenty of peace and environmental compatibility. Along a small walking trail that crisscrosses the knolls and terraces are some lovely gardens. It all amounts to a lovely calling card for weary weekฌenders who want some pampering. There are spa treatments, of course, or you can simply pass the lazy afterฌnoon in an outdoor Jacuzzi with a glass of chilled Chardonnay.
PANVIMAN CHIANG MAI SPA RESORT
Mae Rim, Chiang Mai
(053) 879 5405; www.Panviman.com
High on the mountaintop is Panviman, which roughly translates as "like a heaven". And that's an apt description as the hotel offers panoramic views of the rolling hills, lots of fresh air and the rustic scents of the Chiang Mai countryside. There's a full set of spa treatments varying from Stress Release, timely in this recession, to Ayurvedic Body Treatment.
RARIN JINDA WELLNESS SPA RESORT
Muang, Chiang Mai
(053) 303 030; www.RarinJinda.com
Filling the gap between day spa and resort, Rarin Jinda is the best Chiang Mai spa resort. Housed in a 140yearold teak Lanna residence by the Ping River, this small spa resort is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including heated hydrotherapy pool, outdoor pool, hydrotherapy tub, Vichy shower, infrared and whirlpool with Chromo therapy. Guests can choose everything from Thai to Swedish massage and from ancient Ayurvedic to modern healing techniques.
All 35 boutique rooms are adorned with antique furnishing and exquisite amenities. And come evening, guests can kick back with cocktails and fine wine at Deck riverฌside restaurant.