Boasting a unique Siamese heritage-meets-modern luxury ambience, Sireeampan Chiang Mai indeed ticks all the right boxes as a truly boutique abode.
Text by Isabelle Pinto | Photography by Sireeampan Chiang Mai
There are actually quite a number of criteria which a hotel or resort needs to conform to in order to establish itself as a boutique variety. First and foremost, you need to consider the size of the hotel – a boutique accommodation is usually small and intimate in size so as to give it an air of exclusivity. Boutique hotels are also meant to be one-of-a-kind, offering a unique look and ambience.
Skimming through these criteria for a hotel to pass as a boutique establishment, I realised that the Sireeampan Boutique Resort & Spa in Chiang Mai, Thailand, definitely fits the bill. Tucked away in a secluded Thai manor, the entire property is a rather small one featuring only 11 accommodation units – all suites, giving it a luxurious and personal feel.
The resort also exudes a unique ambience blending the old charms of Siamese heritage with modern luxury. When I first arrived at the resort, I was instantly enthralled by its intricate architecture featuring traditional Thai buildings, and surrounding them were beautiful lush gardens. Set in the middle of the property was a homely courtyard, fish pond and lap pool which further beautified the space.
Location-wise, the resort is a few minutes’ drive from the city centre- guests who wish to venture into downtown Chiang Mai need not worry as a complimentary shuttle service is provided to the city. The resort is also conveniently located only 15 minutes away from Chiang Mai International Airport and within walking distance to Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3,4,5,6″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]The resort’s spacious lap pool PERSONAL INDULGENCE On the first night of my solo stay at Sireeampan, I was the only guest there other than a couple on their honeymoon. So, the whole resort practically belonged to just the three of us! The private and secluded environment was indeed perfect for the honeymooners.
On arriving at the resort, I was given a great warm welcome with sweets and drinks. I opted for the resort’s “S-Class Studio” – a spacious and comfortable room with a kingsized bed. The room was a mix of traditional elements such as the polished wooden floors, as well as modern luxury furnishings with 600-thread count bed linen covering its bed; and a state-of-the-art Apple TV and iPad entertainment system.
Even the bathroom experience was pure bliss with its high end L’Occitane bath amenities and Jacuzzi facility which I did not hesitate to make use of right before retiring to bed for the night. The complimentary snacks and drinks in the room – which were restocked everyday – also made my stay even merrier.
BESPOKE CULINARY EXPERIENCES
The next morning, breakfast was indeed a highlight as I could have it anytime, anywhere within the hotel grounds unlike the usual café buffet breakfast common in other hotels. The meal was even specially tailored to suit my personal taste and dietary preferences. I was able to choose from a lavish variety of options from the freshest bread, pastries and savoury delights, to the finest selection of teas and coffee. Not such a morning person, I naturally requested for a late breakfast in my own suite – definitely a great way to start the day when on vacation!
Before lunch, I joined the resort’s cooking class which was an absolutely splendid experience. It started off with an interesting trip to the local market and an organic shop where we were taught how to pick out suitable ingredients for the dishes we were about to prepare. We were then taken to the resort’s lively kitchen where we were thoroughly guided by the resort’s own Thai native chef in preparing three Thai delicacies which included one of my favourites, “som tam” or green papaya salad. At the end of the whole session, after proudly savouring my own Thai cooking, I even received a certificate and a recipe to take home with me.
The cooking class is one of three latest culinary programmes made available at the resort just recently in June. The other two are cocktail classes and a traditional Thai picnic experience called “Lanna Signature Pinto (Northern Thai Basket) Picnic” whereby guests get a chance to experience authentic Northern Thai cuisine in a modern and luxurious fashion – also available to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere within the resort!
“Not only will this add a new experiential amenity to our extensive list of culturally enriching activities, but the bespoke and customizable offerings speak of our continuous commitment to personalized luxury for each guest,” says Tatsanee Chaima, resort manager of Sireeampan.
Other dining options in the resort include Sayomporn Dining Room where guests can indulge in both regional and international cuisine either indoors or alfresco on its outdoor garden terraces. The resort’s Sip Piano Lounge and Wine Cellar, on the other hand, provides the perfect ambience for socializing over drinks. Besides relishing in its variety of culinary delights, I also didn’t miss the chance to swim at the resort’s spacious lap pool which comes complete with a sun lounge and Jacuzzi. Other leisure facilities include a gym, a spa and a karaoke suite.
Overall, my stay at Sireeampan Chiang Mai was indeed a memorable experience. The resort’s unique and personalised ambience, as well as the staff ’s exclusive pampering were indeed my greatest takeaway from the visit. It comprised the whole package of a genuine boutique accommodation– and that’s what made the entire experience a truly unique and special one.[/ihc-hide-content]
