The iconic The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai, situated on a peaceful
60-acre estate in Northern Thailand, offers a magical backdrop in which
children and adults alike can absorb Thai
culture with a fantastic range of experiences, guaranteeing lasting
memories for the whole family.
This fantastical resort, conceived as an ancient walled city,
offers a sense of place like few others and this is reflected in its carefully
curated activities, designed to immerse guests of all ages into local culture. Perfect for all the family, from little ones
to adults, the resort’s Art and Craft Village offers an array of creative craft
activities, from umbrella painting and paper making to bamboo weaving, which is
led by a group of local village women who will help guests create beautiful artefacts and
traditional toys from the plant’s leaves.
The building’s tiny resident petting ponies and llamas are
sure to make a great ice breaker for children who can then choose from a varied
range of activities to stretch and stimulate them mentally and physically,
whilst offering an insight into traditional Lanna (the ancient kingdom of
northern Thailand) and Thai culture.
Classes include Thai dancing and music and traditional Thai games and
toys – children can also benefit for Thailand’s rich culture of wellness with
mini Thai kick boxing classes and yoga for kids.
A must-try for visitors of all ages is the rice planting:
donning a traditional protective tunic, the instantly recognisable Non La hat
and waterproof socks, the session will teach budding rice farmers how the grain
is grown from seed to harvest and includes the opportunity for all to wade into
the squidgy warm mud and plant a few rows for themselves. Children will adore
riding the water buffalo, which will obligingly walk little ones through the
plantation.
Meanwhile adults can enjoy the Dhara Dhevi Cooking Academy,
which stages daily Thai
cooking classes, relax in the Jum Sri Hall Library, with one of its 5,000+
books, browse the 20 boutiques in Kad Dhara Shopping Village, or unwind and
reboot at the Health and Fitness Centre and legendary Dheva Spa where in depth
Ayurveda-based programmes are carried out in 11 spacious treatments suites.
Parents keen to make the most of the wide array of gourmet
eating and drinking options at the resort can book the baby-sitting service,
which is available on request. All
tastes and nationalities
are catered for with international cuisines of the highest calibre, from
Japanese dishes at the light and airy Ren; Chinese at Fujian, formal French at
Farang Ses and contemporary international cuisine at the Akaligo, which offers
views through wall to ceiling windows. There is even a Victorian Style tea
salon, the Dhara Dhevi Cake Shop which caters to the sweet toothed serving
decadent treats.
Fabulously chic watering holes include the louche Horn Bar, an
after dark cocktail bar, the al fresco Loy Kham Bar which overlooks the serene
infinity pool and the Colonial Pool Bar, which centers around the heart of the
resort, the spectacular and imposing blue and white tiled swimming pool.
Easily accessible via a 15-minute car transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport,
the Dhara Dhevi makes for an immersive cultural experience perfect for crafting
lasting family memories.
ABOUT THE
DHARA DHEVI:
The Dhara Dhevi is one of Asia’s foremost luxury hotels. More an experience than simply a hotel, this
iconic property represents extravagant Thai luxury at its finest. Nestling in 60 acres of beautifully landscaped
tropical grounds, enjoying a picturesque and secluded setting in the countryside
in the North, the resort has established itself as a classic ‘must visit’ for
high end travellers to Thailand. Its
location on the outskirts of historic Chiang Mai, a walled ancient city known
for its rich history of art and culture, is reflected throughout the
resort. The spectacular accommodation
was built in keeping with traditional Lanna and colonial style architecture,
set among lush paddy fields. 69
traditional Thai villas each boast a private swimming, or plunge pools, Jacuzzi
tubs and separate showers. 54 Colonial
Suites featuring separate living and bedroom areas with private terraces
overlook the pool, lake or stunning verdant gardens.