Good Memories Often Begin with ”Surprise”

The ”surprise” we experienced upon our initial arrival went through three stages. First, upon entering the resort park entrance, we had to pass through a long, dense forest path. As the car slowed down, the welcome lights on the roadside flickered among the trees, greeting the guests. At this moment, a sense of excitement arose, anticipating the opening of a wonderful show. 

Suddenly, a clearing surrounded by lush green trees appeared before my eyes. Under two large banyan trees stood the entrance to the hotel lobby. Several greeting staffs were already waiting in front, folding their hands together in Thai etiquette to show respect. They then placed garlands made of frangipani on each guest‘s head, served fragrant wheat tea in wooden bowls accompanied by essential oilinfused small towels with orchids, and then knelt down to handle the checkin procedures for the guests. This coherent and skillful set of scenes, procedures, actions, and the natural and sincere smiles throughout, instantly delivered a ”surprise” to the guests‘ hearts. 

The hotel lobby is yet another pleasant surprise. The architect has created a grand and spacious welcome space using the inexhaustible teak wood from northern Thailand. With multilevel sloping roofs and a transparent front and back, the traditional Thai wooden building is superbly enlarged, offering a panoramic view of the lush green forest and blue sky outside. However, the dark parts of the indoor roof beams and columns are adorned with local lighting, creating a strong contrast between light and dark spaces that quickly stimulates people‘s retina and creates a visual impact for guests who just walked into the lobby. 

Meanwhile, the rich details continue to captivate the eye. The exquisite handmade silver chandeliers are crafted by local intangible cultural heritage inheritors. The furniture and fabrics scattered throughout are all typical products of Chiang Mai, featuring traditional styles, classic patterns, and exquisite craftsmanship. They not only provide guests with a comfortable resting place but also offer a delightful visual experience. 

The lobby serves as the transportation hub of the hotel, where guests who have checked in often pass by, and even after departing, they still find themselves lingering, reluctant to leave. 

”Surprise”, will turn into sincere affection.

The Cultural Charm of the Rooms

The planning and architectural design of the Four Seasons Resort in Chiang Mai are sourced from local architectural firm and individual with long term residence in Thailand Bill Bensley, a renowned American landscape design master. They adapted to local conditions and used local materials to features 98 uniquely designed Thaistyle guest rooms and villas, among which 22 are Thaistyle houses with dual Thai Sala （private pavilion）, each boasting an indoor area of 70 square meters.

Outside the bedroom door of the guest room is a weatherresistant wooden corridor leading directly to the pavilion. Each pavilion is equipped with comforts, such as the large swing, sofa, tables and chairs, where one can lazily recline, facing the beautiful rice fields and peaceful pond. One can see water buffaloes grazing in the fields, farmers walking, and kingfishers flying by...

For the guest rooms at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, the pavilion serves as a companion, making it possible to enjoy the intimate scenery, which is main value of the room.

The interior design of the guest rooms is exquisite, reflecting the style of the 13thcentury Lanna Kingdom, a significant period in Thai history, with Chiang Mai being the capital of the kingdom. The delicate ancient paintings, handwoven wall decorations, spacious wooden beds and chairs, all carefully showcase the local historical ambiance, leaving a vivid cultural impression for the guests and presenting the unique cultural charm of the rooms.

The Aesthetics of the Restaurant KHAO

The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai boasts three restaurants and a lounge, including Rim Tai Kitchen, KHAO Thai, and fire grill by North. The KHAO undoubtedly impressive, which features a large terrace. In Thai, the word ”KHAO” means ”rice”. 

The KHAO restaurant enjoys 120 seats and offers a sumptuous breakfast, afternoon tea, and exquisite dinner. Skilled chefs use ingredients sourced from northern Thailand to craft a variety of creative and delicious dishes. 

Famous designer Bill Bensley cleverly utilized the terrain difference, placing the restaurant within the resort beneath the viewing platform outside the lobby, facing the expansive rice field scenery. There are openair dining tables arranged horizontally. At sunset, as the sun slowly disappears behind the magnificent mountains in the distance, the place is bathed in gold, making it the most exciting moment for guests. 

KHAO Restaurant also boasts an indoor dining area with floortoceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of lush green rice fields and dense tropical rainforest scenery. Additionally, the terrace dining area, shaded by rows of sun umbrellas, provides a delightful and comfortable atmosphere. This idyllic scene has become a popular spot for influencers from all over the world to check in. 

The aesthetics of the KHAO restaurant stem from both the cuisine and the scenery. 

The architectural excellence, cultural heritage, and natural beauty of the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai have all translated into substantial brand value and enduring vitality. Nearly 30 years of meticulous maintenance and successful management have nurtured a steady stream of loyal guests, establishing it as one of the most popular upscale resort hotels in Chiang Mai.