Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort
Heaven on earth
Sridhar Salian
Writes about the most ecstatic destination, which imbibes all the charm of Chaing Mai
Chiang Mai is the Northern capital of Thailand and an ideal place to retreat yourself after visiting the busy places like Bangkok. The word Panviman in Thai means ‘Paradise Alike’ and we truly we felt the same when we arrived here. More than a resort, the Panviman Chiang Mai is a unique place which offers an adventurous experience in the natural beauty of Northern Thailand’s capital. After spending our time exploring Bangkok, we couldn’t wait for our stay at what seemed like a peaceful hidden fairyland at Chiang Mai.
Panviman is an absolute heaven on earth. No expense has been spared on the traditional Lanna Thai architecture, contemporary natural interior decor and the luscious landscape gardening in the resort. It was clear to us that the owner was a culture, nature, art, and design enthusiast with high standards and impeccable taste.
First Impression :
Arriving at the resort, we were greeted and treated like celebs by the courteous staff. Mr. Charles Sittichai, a very cordial person, and the General Manager welcomed us. He would be known to everyone who has been here as he often greets his guests personally. He made us feel more at home and we enjoyed his company all the time we were with him.
The check-in area is relaxing and beautiful – which was definitely the theme of our whole stay. On arrival, guests are presented with a delicious Blue Bean drink, refreshing towels and a token for the sovereign shop. The token can be swapped for a keyring, soap or a pencil, which is a lovely way to be welcomed.
After a refreshing tea, we embark on a golf buggy escort to our stunning Jacuzzi Villa.
Location – A great nature-lovers’ escape!
After a 45 minute drive from Chiang Mai Airport in the most scenic route through Mae Rim Valley, we arrived at the Panviman. The Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort sits nestled in a lovely valley tucked into the mountains. For nature lovers and those looking for an escape, the area couldn’t be more lovely. The resort lies off the highway and up a steep drive. Guests can park their vehicles down below, and little buggies are on call to whisk guests up and around the 12-acre property.
As it’s separate from city life and is extremely peaceful and relaxing. But for those who still want a slice of city buzz, the Panviman actually offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from town. So make sure you check with the hotel for availability (try to set up in advance). This allows visitors the chance to experience the lively market scene of the city without having to worry about paying extra for transportation. It definitely adds to the piece-of-mind aspect of staying at this property.
The locational advantage gives you convenient access to some of the major cultural sites and attractive entertainment spots.
Nearby Attractions:
This luxury resort is located in Mae Rim (Pong Yaeng), where area attractions include –
Monjam High Mountain viewpoint – 10 km
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden – 6.5 km
Mae Sa Elephant Camp – 8 km
Tong Luang Long-necked Karen Village – 9 km
Mae Sa Waterfalls – 10.5 km
Tiger Kingdom – 19 km
Wat Pa Daraphirom Temple, Mae Rim – 20 km
Our Room – Villa Jacuzzi – Waking up in the Land of bliss
The room is very spacious and is designed with a traditional Thai architecture mixed with a contemporary natural interior decor. The main entrance leads you into the upper area of the villa and master suite, with an en-suite shower room. Outside, there is a huge terrace with its own large Jacuzzi and relaxation area, overlooking panoramic views of the mountains or surrounding valleys.
At the dawn, the sunlight emerges to wake us up with a spectacular view of the valley. Our room was surrounded by a luxuriant nature, with sublime palm trees everywhere and exotic singing of birds. The Panviman Chiang M
All 43 rooms and villas at the Panviman Chiang Mai are large and well-furnished, with dark polished teak wood floors, writing desks, large cabinets, safety lockers, large flat-screen TVs, easily accessible centralized power control, minibars, DVD/CD players, umbrellas, scales, large bathtubs (as well as separate rain showers), toiletries, free Wi-Fi and comfortable terraces with sofas and chairs to laze on..
Resort amenities:
Panviman Chiang Mai holds a stunning meditation cave, a peaceful yoga studio, relaxing spa, a gym overlooking the incredible 2-story pool, mini-golf course, a romantic restaurant overlooking the valley, an organic vegetable farm and garden area, and a great outdoor game area.
Other facilities at the resort include a two-tiered cascading swimming pool with a small hot tub. There are actually three mesmerizing infinity pools: one for children, one with Jacuzzi jets, and a deeper one with an amazing elephant statue. The pool area provides an amazing overview of the main building. The outdoor game area includes archery, ping-pong, darts, pool tables, a giant chess set, a golf section, a boxing and punching bag, and petanque court. There is also a kids’ club. The organic garden is well maintained, whose produce and spices are used in the restaurant’s cooking. Cooking classes are available on request.
Mountain bikes are available for rent here. Exploring Chiang Mai on a bike is the best way to experience the charm of it. There are two daily shuttle services from the resort to Chiang Mai town which also makes it the ideal base to explore Chiang Mai. Personally, once arrived in this piece of paradise, there was no way we wanted to go back to the city. We found our perfect balance at the Panviman, between serenity and beauty of the lush nature.
Food Exchange – Panorama restaurant overlooking the valley
Every morning was a feast, with a buffet breakfast with pretty much anything one could dream of, in a restaurant providing a panoramic view. The menu is mostly Thai with some international cuisines mixed in. The restaurant has two sides, one for lunch and dinner. We highly recommend dining at the restaurant as the food was sensational. Besides the healthy organic food (veggies grown from the Panviman kitchen gardens).
The Spa – Time to treat yourself!
Panviman Chiang Mai spa is an award-winning spa surrounded by ponds and gardens. The spa’s theme is “Treatment in the Treetops” and the treatment rooms are set above the garden.
The spa offers a lot of different treatments from facials to massages (for a full list of treatments please see here: panviman.com/chiangmai/spa)
We were treated to a 90-minute aromatherapy massage and it was incredible!! First, we were given a choice of different aromatic oils to choose from. Our preference of choice regarding soft, medium or hard massage treatment was available. They took perfect care regarding which parts of the body needed more massage or which parts to be avoided. We were then lead around the serene pond to the massage room.
The massage was one of the best we’ve ever had!
Conclusion:
“Panviman lives up to its name…heavenly!”. This resort is world class, luxurious and just superb in all aspects, would highly recommend this for a honeymoon destination as it’s setting and atmosphere makes it quite romantic. Great SPA as well with amazing views over the property. Loved our stay and cannot wait to return.
We must give special thanks to the staff for their hospitality during our stay. Being surrounded by your smiles and kind hearts enhanced my experience at the resort 10 fold. Everybody who has been in Thailand before knows how hospitable Thai people are. The reputation as “the land of smiles” is particularly well earned here at the Panviman.
Great value for money and a unique experience of Thailand Thai hospitality.
To find out more & book directly on their website: PanvimanChiangMaiSpaResort Or find them on Agoda and Tripadvisor.
And make sure to follow them on Facebook.
(P.S. to keep up with our own adventures, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter too)
Disclaimer: Interlude Journey were invited as guests of Panviman Spa Resort, but as always all opinions are our own. We absolutely loved it here and hope you do too!
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looks absolute HEAVEN!!!!
Thank you Meena:)
I really enjoyed Chiang Mai, however I stayed with a Thai couchsurfing couple who showed me their local view of the city. Two different approaches to set a base for exploring. And you seem to have hit the jackpot with this one – nice!
Thank you Christina 🙂 You would have had a great and beautiful experience too.
This looks amazing! I would love to stay here, although it looks like it might be out of my price range. With all of those amenities I don’t think I would be able to leave! A spa, meditation space AND beautiful rooms? I can only imagine how nice it was.
Thank you Suz 🙂 It is definitely not expensive. Check for the prices on their website or Agoda. This experience is quite worthy for its price.
working as a travel consultant i have sent some people to chiang mai and it seems to be a peaceful place away from the hustle bustle of Bangkok.
Thank you 🙂 You must fix this place for your next guest. We are sure that they will be surprised to an extent of choosing it again.
I was recently in Bangkok. After reading up about Chiang Mai, I wish I had read this as we were planning our travel to Thailand. I would’ve loved to visit Chiang Mai!
Thank you Abigail. Thailand is an amazing destination filled with lot of surprises. You can add Chaing Mai to your next itinerary to Thailand 🙂
Would not mind staying there at all. What a beautiful location and the hotel itself looks wonderful too. I love the fact that they have their own organic farm. I have not heard about other hotels having it. I have been to Thailand but not to Chiang Mai. I really hope to go back and then I will keep this spot in mind.
Thanks Agnes 🙂 It was so beautiful that we would stay there forever. Of course, organic farm is their USP and they use the produce in their kitchen.
How beautiful!! This is a complete guide. Hopefully, it will come in handy one day for me. I love how vibrant everything is 🙂
Thank you Kate 🙂
WOW! I have never taken a hotel holiday, but I would do it in there!! It looks absolutely stunning and to have the owner/gm? greeting it’s customers makes it feel the more special. And those infinity pools? I would never leave!
Thank you Kreete 🙂 We are sure that you would love it when you take this hotel holiday.
That resort is truly fantastic. You just gave me something to research about. I can picture myself there already, basking in the luxury and experiencing bliss.
Thank you Punita 🙂 This place is truly a fantasy. Do experience it 🙂
Chiang Mai has been on our list for a while but the thai trip keeps getting postponed 🙂 The resort however looks fantastic. Will look it up when we finally get there 🙂
Niiice!! Will be in Chiang Mai in a few months and will probably look into staying here!
Thanks for the great review!
WOW! This resort sounds fabulous! I’m curious what the price is, but I’ll have to do a little research later. I can’t believe it’s 12 acres! Thanks for sharing 🙂
This looks and sounds incredible! I have been wanting to go to Chiang Mai for quite a while and will definitely keep this in mind!
While I was reading your review, I was imagining it. I was imagining sitting in your room, relaxing in the spa room, too. I wish I could go there and relax for awhile after traveling around the city.
Oh wow this place looks amazing! I would so love to visit sometime. Your pictures are gorgeous and pull me into the atmosphere of the resort. I definitely agree it looks “heavenly”.
The resort is beautiful. I dont think I’ve seen one as nice as this before and it’s conveniently located to the cultural sights. It’s great there is a shuttle service to the town as it would be worth checking out the town as well.
The site is very beautiful and the resort looks great! Can imagine what a great time you had there.
Amazing stuff. This looks like a retreat for a much needed leisurely vacation for sure. Will definitely look it up when we’re headed that way. Thanks for sharing!