The Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort is a secluded paradise in the pristine mountains of Thailand’s mist-shrouded Mae Rim Valley.
This lush green oasis is perched nine hundred meters above sea level in the north-west of Chiang Mai on a back-drop of tropical forests surrounded by wild flowers and orchard gardens offering a glimpse of Thailand’s farming communities and hill tribe villagers. The Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort seems to be a world of its own protected from the hustle and bustle of modern city life.
The resort offers convenient proximity to various Elephant Sanctuaries where one can gain an insight into the behaviour of these majestic animals in an environment where they are respected and not forced to carry out harmful activities like riding or performing. The Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is also worth visiting and only 10km east of the hotel.
The resort enjoys a cooler climate than down-town Chiang Mai and is never crowded offering a relaxing atmosphere and an excellent base from which to explore the Chiang Mai province and its capital. It’s located 33 km from the north gate of Chiang Mai’s old town (Chiang Puerk Gate) and guests can arrange to be picked up at Chiang Mai’s international airport at an additional cost.
“Panviman” is a Thai word meaning “Paradise Alike”, where “Pan” means “Alike” and “Viman” means “Paradise”. In fact, it the brand has become a well-known name in Thailand, with a spectacular sister property in Koh Phangan, and the service is excellent. Upon arrival, guests are swiftly transported to the lobby on a golf buggy and treated to a gift token which one can exchange for one of the locally sourced souvenirs on offer in the hotel’s boutique shop. Each visitor is accompanied to his or her room by a member of staff who will kindly offer all the necessary details for one to enjoy the stay: be it available activities or instructions on where each of the resort’s facilities is located. Each room includes a smartphone with complimentary internet access, free calls and a speed-dial to reception who will be happy to arrange transport within the estate as well as to down-town Chiang Mai at a quasi-symbolic price of 250 Thai baht.
The luxurious rooms include high quality bedding and wooden furniture with beautiful views of a landscape filled with evergreen and teak trees. All have large private balconies with daybeds and there is an option to stay in a villa with a private pool.
There is a two-tiered waterfall swimming pool which offers breath-taking views of the rain-forest in which the hotel is set with its majestic blend of Ayuttaya and classic Thai Lanna architecture. The full-service outdoor spa also offers great views and an extensive variety of rejuvenating therapies and treatments including Thai Lanna healings, eastern meditation and modern remedies.
The resort’s main Panorama Restaurant has spectacular views of the horse-shoe shaped valley and serves excellent authentic Thai cuisine with quite a few Chinese influences as well as international food at a very attractive price. Dinners are enriched by local musicians playing traditional live music – creating the perfect romantic setting for couples. Guests can choose to sit in the open-air terrace or in a brighter air-conditioned interior room.
The pool area is also well catered by a snack bar and the complimentary buffet breakfast goes a step further by including a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables that are grown organically on the estate as well as exotic home-made jams and juices.
The hotel’s calm setting is the perfect place for couples or families seeking an exotic luxurious retreat and the hotel facilities offer a range of activities including an open-air gym, table tennis, table football, a pool table, darts, putting range, archery, giant chess set, petanque and a small library.
