Panviman Spa Resort, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Where:

Panviman Spa Resort, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Located about 45 minutes north of the city, it sits high in the hills surrounded by tropical forests. Chiang Mai is a popular destination for travelers and expats alike in northern Thailand. The city itself houses hundreds of beautiful temples and opportunities for adventure in the surrounding areas.

What:

This newest of three Panviman (which means “like heaven”) properties is among the finest resorts in this area of Thailand. It has won several awards, including the Thai Tourism Award for two years.

What’s great about it, in my opinion, is that although it’s a luxurious property in a beautiful setting, the packages they offer are actually quite affordable, making it accessible to many travelers who wouldn’t normally be able to stay in a place similar to this in other parts of the world.

It offers several different styles of rooms and villas: I stayed in a Jacuzzi Villa, of which there are 7, that had its own private jacuzzi tub on the back balcony overlooking the tree canopy. There are also 7 Steam Villas with private steam rooms, 4 Pool Villas with a private pool on the balcony, a two-bedroom Family Villa, which also has a jacuzzi and steam room, and then there are 24 rooms, each with their own balconies, in a more traditional hotel-type setting which are all part of the same building.

With different price packages for all of these, there is something for every budget: 3 day/2 night packages (with some meals and goodies included) for two people start under $450.

Activities available:

If you are adventurous enough to get out of your private jacuzzi, pool, or steam room, there are plenty of things you can do right on the resort property as well as in the surrounding area. There is a delicious and very affordable restaurant on site, so you never even have to leave the resort if you don’t want to.

Best time of year to go:

This is a year round destination! Because of its location high in the hills, it sees more rain than its neighboring Chiang Mai and is quite a bit cooler than the city. January is an ideal time to explore the western beaches and islands of Thailand, and it would be a good trip combo to travel to Chiang Mai and experience Panviman at that time as well.

Recommended for the best adventure:

The rooms are one of the best parts so I would recommend getting at least a jacuzzi villa or the pool villa for the best experience. The pool villa has the best view, but the jacuzzi villas seem to have the most privacy. Since this hotel has great promotions and rates, going for a higher package will be well worth the value.

Length of trip:

You will want at least three days here, and I would recommend more if possible. There are so many activities, it is important to give yourself enough time to experience them AND do as much relaxing as you will want to do. I think five days here would be much more realistic to get the full experience.

My experience and personal thoughts:

I came to Panviman stressed out, dirty from traveling, and very much in need of decompression. I was in for a treat. I went straight to the restaurant for a coffee and this:

My jacuzzi villa in the canopy of the trees was a beautiful, quiet place to completely let go and embrace relaxation. I had plans to run on the treadmill overlooking the pool and even throw a few swings at the boxing bag after having recently had a Muay Thai lesson, but it was hard to get out of my jacuzzi:

After two nights at Panviman with my private jacuzzi, a 90-minute aromatherapy massage in their incredible spa, delicious Thai food in the restaurant that overlooks the valley, singing birds off my back balcony, sunshine, and just the right amount of solitude, I truly felt refreshed. My only complaint is that they wouldn’t let me move in.

Thanks to Panviman Spa Resort for hosting me during this stay. As always, all opinions are my own.