First-time in Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai

The golden streaks of the sun setting was our backdrop as we rode towards our accommodation in Chiang Mai — the breathtaking Dhara Dhevi. From a morning flight from Bangkok as finalists of the Medical Tourism Blog Contest, we spent the whole day going to a dentist, eating a sumptuous lunch at a château, and visiting several temples around the city center. After a packed day, it was but fitting to find ourselves pampered in one of the most luxurious hotels in the area.

When we entered the gates of The Dhara Dhevi Hotel Chiang Mai*, which was Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi when this trip in 2010 was taken, we were amazed by the view of the resort’s facade. The tiered roofs with towers and the white elevated driveway resembled a Thai palace. It was plain breathtaking! The hotel was something I have never seen before.

As we got into the open air reception area, I settled in one of the sofas and stared at the intricate wood carvings, the colorful pillows, the fresh orchids and flowers, and every detail that my eyes could absorb. Before I could even absorb everything into memory, we were beckoned to a golf cart that would take us to our respective suites.

And the suite was truly outstanding. From the door, there was a small hall with a restroom for guests. The receiving area was complete with a couch, television set and office desk. The room leads towards a terrace that has a serene view of the hotel grounds and the small lake. The bedroom was cozy with its queen-size bed and modern entertainment set. I opened the sliding doors that revealed a large bathroom with a make-up table, a walk-in closet, and a jacuzzi. At the right side of the jacuzzi was a small shower room and the left side made way for the toilet room. My suite was so huge I could even hold a party there. And, take note of this, I had my own butler.

At over 3,000 square meters and 123 luxurious colonial suites, villas and residences, Dhara Dhevi boasts of its Lanna architecture, extensive antique collections, hotel facilities, and its rice paddies that make one’s stay extra unique and special. Taking a golf cart, we toured the hotel grounds. We saw beautiful residences and private villas that resembled a posh village or subdivision. When we got to the south rice field, with the sun setting at the horizon, we were taken aback by the simple beauty of the place. The green rice paddies swaying to the cool breeze of the wind was a relaxing sight. It was a different feeling when we visited the north rice field early the next day with farmers planting in the paddies. Excitement and hope pumped through my veins as I walked the wooden plank that crisscrossed the field that was surrounded by villas. The blue pool at the far end of the walkway looked enticing.

Food in Dhara Dhevi was also exceptional. The welcome sweets and fruits they leave in my suite was something I looked forward every time I go back to the hotel. I was like a princess when they brought me breakfast of sausage and eggs, which I consumed in my colonial suite. I also enjoyed the buffet breakfast at Akaligo, the Mediterranean Restaurant. The restaurant has a terrace that provides a view of the lush gardens and our colonial suites building. Le Grand Lanna, the Thai restaurant in the hotel property that is located near the entrance, has delectable food that included some Lanna cuisine. I specially enjoyed the pomelo salad and the salmon I ordered. On top of that, we enjoyed the traditional dances performed under the starry night with glowing candles and torches enveloping Le Grand Lanna.

The expansive grounds, the comfortable suite, the delectable food — you’d think I’ve had enough of it. Wait till you read this. We were treated to a relaxing afternoon at the sought-after Dheva Spa inside the hotel resort. The spa in itself also spoke of so much grandeur. The good thing was that there was a consultation prior to the spa treatment that made me realize how I should be taking care of the state of my body, heart and mind. I was treated by no less than the visiting consultant Mr. Paul Emery, who won in the 2010 Asia Spa Awards for ‘Best Holistic Treatment’ for his Quantum Emotional & Physical Release (QEPR) method.

The staff members were all accommodating and friendly. I could live there at Dhara Dhevi if they will not charge me a single cent, or when I finally become a billionaire. How lucky I was to enjoy all these luxury for three days and two nights courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Contact details:
51/4 Moo 1, Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road,
T. Tasala, A. Muang, Chiang Mai
50000 Thailand
Telephone +66 (53) 888 888
Facsimile +66 (53) 888 999
Email: [email protected]

http://www.dharadhevi.com/

*Update 2015: When I went back here for a sponsored dinner by TCEB in 2014, Dhara Dhevi is no longer part of the Mandarin Oriental group but already locally owned.