I travelled in April and stayed in the Deluxe Balcony Room, which starts from THB 6510 BB, the pool residence starts from THB 11445 BB and the Golden Teak Villa starts from THB 29688.80
Address
Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai
189 Suthep Alley
Tambon Su Thep
Muang, Chiang Mai 50200
Thailand
Contact
Phone: +66 52 090 333
Website: aleenta.com/chiang-mai
Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai overview
My welcome lychee drink with three of the fruits threaded onto a stick inside, served alongside northern Thai crunchy khao tan rice crackers set the tone for a memorable stay.
The outdoor pool takes centre stage in the retreat, where you can do lengths admiring the original Thai teak architecture of the resort and vibrant frangipani, logan and tamarind trees weaved in-between, sunlounges beckon you to relax with a creative cocktail using local ingredients in hand.
The spa has a diverse list of tempting treatments including traditional Thai specialities as well as interesting concepts such as studying your palm to decide which treatment would fit you best and soothing breathwork practice focussing on meditation and Tibetan sound healing.
You’ll welcome the soft white PJ’s which are supplied for guests to wear and feel comfortable throughout their stay.
Décor and vibe
Within the Thai teak buildings of the resort which add an authenticity and contextual atmosphere, the décor largely leans towards the tribes of northern Thailand, such as colourful tribal skirts as well as famous indigo Chiang Mai cotton encased in glass frames adorning the walls.
The Chinese cabinets are a nod to the heritage of the first King of the Lanna territory, as his parents were Chinese.
Guests are welcomed into Thai culture with soft rules such as shoe removal before entering the main restaurant and bar; a lovely touch as you feel you are entering a local home, albeit a luxurious one.
Showpieces such as a 140-year-old Swiss piano are found in the bar where live piano playing takes place. Do not miss the light ceremony around the pool every evening — a magical moment.
Services and facilities
- Room service
- Pool
- Laundry
- Fitness centre
Rooms (and suites)
The deluxe balcony room has a spacious balcony overlooking the retreat but with privacy behind an attractive wooden slatted divider and comfort as you lay back in the welcoming red upholstered, soft seat, with complimenting red Chinese table handily beside.
Bathrooms feature clean white tiles and contrasting black marble with accents of warm copper, including the basins, geometric mirrors are backlit creating a romantic atmosphere and amenities are made from natural ingredients including essential oils.
The beds are incredibly comfortable and feature Egyptian cotton, 400 thread count bedding with duck down duvets and pillows. Sustainability is taken into account with a no single use plastic policy throughout the resort, right down to the compostable coffee capsules.
There are villas too which offer more space and allow for families to stay together. Bedtime is a treat when you discover what snack and local ‘story’ has been left on your bed at turn down.
Food and drink
As well as Thai classic, you’ll find healthy western items on the menu from detox juices to a delicious avocado on multigrain toast with a perfectly poached egg for breakfast.
The extensive drinks menu ranges from mocktails to cocktails, all utilising locals ingredients and unusual locally made spirits such as the tropical Iron Balls Thai gin, fresh coconuts are also on offer.
The bar snacks are not to be missed, my favourite was the pulled wild boar taco featuring 26 hours sous-vide cooked wild pork belly, Chiang Mai avocado, spicy peanut and yogurt relish, butterhead lettuce, white onion and a squeeze of zingy lime.
The Garden restaurant offers a wellness menu for anyone staying for a health kick, with dishes such as Chiang Mai sturgeon ceviche, superfood bowls and tofu and lettuce miang kham wraps. The focus on seasonality and locality is impressive, not to mention, delicious.
More information
For more information and bookings, visit the hotel website: aleenta.com/chiang-mai.