Amidst the contemporary facade of Meliá Chiang Mai, a remarkable fusion of modernity and the rich heritage of Northern Thailand awaits. Intriguing elements of the region’s vibrant history and culture are artfully embedded throughout the hotel, inviting guests to embark on a sensory journey unlike any other. As you step into the hotel’s inviting lobby, your eyes are drawn to a captivating sculpture inspired by the Dhong, a traditional cylindrical drum often found in Thai temples. This remarkable centerpiece sets the tone for the captivating cultural experience that lies ahead.
The journey starts at Laan Na Kitchen, Meliá Chiang Mai’s all-day dining restaurant. Named after Lanna, the illustrious kingdom that once flourished in Northern Thailand, Laan Na pays homage to the region’s rich heritage, often referred to as the “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields.” However, Meliá Chiang Mai’s tribute to the rich history of Northern Thailand extends far beyond its name. The restaurant goes above and beyond, immersing guests in an artfully designed space adorned with symbols and icons that pay homage to the region’s cherished traditions and cultural heritage. Every corner reveals a thoughtful reflection of the essential tools found in farms, including the delicate bamboo baskets adorning the walls and the whimsical chicken coops suspended from the ceiling. Even the chairs themselves, meticulously handwoven by talented local artisans, showcase the intricate craftsmanship rooted in the community.
This commitment transcends the confines of the first floor. It reaches new heights with The Level, an exclusive sanctuary situated on the upper floors. Elevate your stay to a whole new level — quite literally — by indulging in the exceptional privileges of The Level. Simply reserve a The Level room or suite, which are rooms on the 18th to 20th floors. Not only does it offer a vantage point that overlooks the breathtaking cityscape of Chiang Mai, it is a keycard to a world of privacy and exclusivity, with unlimited access to private areas. Begin your experience with a private reception area where you can check-in while savouring a cup of coffee or a refreshing cocktail, all while gazing upon the magnificent Chiang Mai skyline.
Elevated comfort and breathtaking views
Retreating to your room, you’ll discover the epitome of elegance and comfort. The Level Room is tastefully designed, providing essential amenities for a luxurious and relaxing stay. Our favourite part of the room was the window nook, where we could simply sit back and enjoying the breathtaking views of the city. The same view can be enjoyed from the spacious shower area, designed with a rain shower, through the floor-to-ceiling glass. But for those who prefer some privacy, you can simply pull the blinds down inside the shower area.
Meliá’s culinary savoir flair and Spanish roots
While cultural elements add an intriguing allure to your stay, it is the hotel’s exceptional facilities that truly shine. Starting with its rooftop sky bar, the highest in the city at 22 floors. It offers a magnificent view of the River Ping and the famous Doi Suthep Temple, and is best visited at sundown, when the skies are dyed a gentle orange. Here, you can enjoy 12 different cocktails, paired with canapés. We recommend the Totas Platter with the Chicken Tagine and Pulled Pork, and the Chocolate Mug Cake. It is worth noting that while Meliá Chiang Mai exudes a strong sense of Northern Thai culture, the hotel celebrates its Spanish roots through its culinary offerings.
Descend back to The Level Lounge, which shares the same space with Mai Restaurant and Bar. Here, the menu blends contemporary Northern Thai dishes with Mediterranean influences, resulting in a gastronomic fusion that tantalises the taste buds.
For a taste of everything, we started the meal with Mai’s Samplers, which includes pomelo and fluffy fish salad in betel leaf, Vietnamese pork sausage in edible flowers salad roll, grilled green chili relish on crispy salmon skin, Northern Thai-style pork sausage, and nam prik oong tortilla. These bite-sized appetisers takes you on a gastronomical journey, first piquing your appetite with a tart and spicy salad. Surprisingly strong flavours for a first bite, but the spice quickly relishes, leaving you with a salivating mouth and a desire for more. The second item, the salad roll that is beautifully adorned with edible flowers, provides a mellower bite, with different tones of freshness and grassy notes. This is when the flavours start peaking, with a savoury and crispy salmon skin, topped with a salty and spicy green chili relish, before heading to an intensely-flavoured Thai-style pork sausage. As the final bite, sweetness is introduced in the tomato sauce of the nam prik oon tortilla, which resembled a lasagna.
Mai Restaurant and Bar’s signature dish — Hung Ley Kradook Moo — featured two chunky pork rib, slow-cooked in Hung ley-style curry. The curry was lightly sweet and creamy, and was fully infused in every nook and cranny of the pork ribs. While biting in a big chunk of bone was satisfying, the Pla Salmon Nham Prik Oung faired better. The salmon was perfectly cooked. Nice sear, flaky flesh. But the star of the dish was actually the San Pathong rice, which was fluffy and fragrant with pandan.
For dessert, you have a choice between taste or aesthetics. The Kluay Ping Ice Cream Krathi, though seemingly simple, wins in terms of taste. The grilled banana was soft and aromatic. Meanwhile, the puffed rice crumbles, soaked in salted caramel sauce and custard, almost resembled a french toast. Meanwhile, the Klong Khanom Thai was presented in a red treasure box featuring three kinds of desserts.
While reservations are not necessary, we recommend making one if you’d like the window seat, as there are only two of them available in the restaurant. For a more private meal, you can also reserve the private rooms that fit up to eight pax.
Underwater cave
Beyond its impressive stature as the tallest building in the city, Meliá Chiang Mai extends its captivating allure to the depths of the sea. Just steps away from the lobby, an entrance to an “underwater cave” leads to the sanctuary of YHI Spa. As you enter, the ambient noises fade away, immersing you in a world of tranquility and sensory indulgence. An exotic sanctuary of relaxation and wellbeing, YHI Spa combines Asian healing wisdom with modern techniques in all their treatments, ranging from massages and scrubs to facials and wraps. Every treatment is designed to help you relax. If you can’t decide on which treatment to get, the most luxurious one available is usually the right choice. The 360° Spa Signature Treatment not only includes yoga, meditation, steam and an aromatic massage, but it also includes a set menu, ensuring that your mind, body and even palate is well taken care of.
For couples who are travelling with their children, you can also drop them off at Kidsdom, an indoors play space in the hotel, with all sorts of board games, video games, and even guided workshops. Ranging from arts and crafts to sports, their workshops refreshes every few months.
Find out more or book a stay at Meliá Chiang Mai.
Follow us for more content!
Related posts:
