Best Design Hotels in Chiang Mai Province

137 Pillars House Chiang Mai is an award-winning boutique hotel nestled in a lush residential area near Chiang Mai’s historic Wat Gate Temple and the Ping River. The hotel’s rich colonial heritage is rooted in the original teak homestead from the late 1800s, painstakingly preserved by architectural historians and conservationists. The hotel offers 30 luxurious suites, each featuring high ceilings, spacious walk-in wardrobes, exquisite bathrooms with Victorian bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and four-poster beds. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including personal butler service, pillow menus, Bluetooth sound systems, and an indulgent in-room trolley stocked with premium brand spirits and Nespresso coffee machine. Dining options include The Dining Room for breakfast, Palette for gourmet evening meals, and Jack Bain’s Bar for the best-handcrafted cocktails in Chiang Mai. The hotel also offers a serene spa, fitness centre, and a stunning 25m swimming pool positioned alongside a jaw-dropping vertical plant wall. 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai offers a blend of classic colonial charm and modern luxury in a historical setting that is ideal for exploring the city.

Once the home of the British Consulate, the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort enjoys a riverfront position, onto which the pool backs and on which the hotel’s own boat carries sightseeing guests. Much of the interior design here takes its cue from the building’s past life, with a contemporary twist. So too does the restaurant, The Service 1921, a decorative homage to its heritage, serving contemporary Asian cuisine and cocktails. Wellness is a focus at the property; there’s a spa, holistic classes, Lanna Rituals and Shirodhara massages on offer. In addition to its open-plan tropical themed bedrooms, guests can opt to stay in a serviced suite.

The Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai is a new property designed to offer an intimate and premium experience, featuring 44 rooms and suites, including 35 spacious hotel rooms, one-and-two-bedroom villas, and a distinct four-bed villa with a private swimming pool. Each accommodation unit blends traditional Thai design with modern, tech-savvy facilities, emphasising sustainable design through the use of recovered teak wood. The four-bedroom “Owner’s Villa” stands out for its construction from antique golden teak, combining traditional Thai living with contemporary comforts. Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai commits to holistic wellness, having received medical licensing to offer wellness retreats with tailored programs aimed at achieving guests’ individual health goals. With an in-house medical team, the retreat focuses on diet, nutrition, mental well-being, physical fitness, and medical guidance, all set within a serene environment. The retreat’s gastronomic offering features a health-conscious F&B programme that includes a menu of creatively designed Thai dishes with a focus on nutritious, plant-based, low sugar/carb options utilising local ingredients. Nutritionists will be available for guests attending health retreats to provide customised diet plans tailored to their health objectives. Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool with a lounge area and bar, an all-day-dining restaurant, a library bar for evening drinks, the Ayurah Wellness Centre with a full-service spa, and event spaces suitable for gatherings and workshops for up to 40 people, promoting an atmosphere of tranquillity and wellness.