From US$105 per night (Deluxe room with breakfast); Jacuzzi room with breakfast from $250 per night
– The peace and quiet of the resort and having the pool almost to ourselves
– Most junior staff had little or no English which made things tricky at times
The award-winning Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort sits proudly atop a tree lined ridge allowing for fabulous views over the surrounding, verdant valley. With only 43 rooms the resort is small but spread out over the jungle-clad hillside, giving a feeling of tranquillity and privacy that is a respite from Thailand’s sometimes hectic tourist trail.
We stayed in a very spacious jacuzzi villa which was appointed in dark wood and had a high ceiling to add to the sense of space. A large, private decked balcony, with table and chairs and our very own jacuzzi, wrapped around the room. There are also pool rooms available with private infinity pools with stunning valley views. Some jacuzzi rooms have views, others face directly into the tall teak forest, so specify when you book if a view is important to you.
The multi-level pool area is beautiful, with water cascading down a rock face from the upper tier pools to the larger one below.
Panviman is about 40 km outside of Chiang Mai (there are twice daily free shuttles to/from town) but is ideally located for the many activities in the area and the resort also has its own activities. There is a small but adequate gym, free use of mountain bikes, giant chess, and a pool table and also excellent, free wifi throughout the resort.
The onsite spa is located downhill from the main part of the resort and is highly recommended. Feel yourself relax as your main treatment is preceded by a brief foot ritual overlooking the large pond stocked with koi carp. This wonderful oasis of calm has a wide range of treatments, including Tibetan stone massage, Thai Yoga massage and various Ayurveda treatments.
Panviman, meaning ‘heavenly’, is aptly-named and a perfect choice for a relaxing break during a holiday in Thailand.
