Ban Sabai Village Resort & Spa

So many resorts and hotels in this part of Thailand offer their own take on traditional Thai style with varying degrees of success. Ban Sabai does well for itself, as most of the hotel's public (and private) areas are a sharp and convincing display authentic northern Thai style and decor -- the lush green setting only adds to the effect. A brick stone wall topped with a pair of stone statues of mythical dragon-like creatures marks the entrance to Ban Sabai Spa Village. Behind this, the tiled triangular roofed main building welcomes guests with a blue-and-white tiled floor, leading into the open-air lobby. The lobby features a large elephant statue backed by an exquisitely hand-carved wood panel, with an array of teak chairs and sofas with embroidered cushions set all around. Lanna art pieces, such as wood engravings and carvings, add even more local flair. The back of the lobby looks out to the pool and garden, and sets the tone for what is a tranquil city escape -- after all, "ban sabai" translates to "comfortable home" in Thai. 

Ban Sabai Spa Village is located north of Chiang Mai, near the Ping River's east bank. While it isn't that far as the crow flies into town, the heavy traffic in Chiang Mai makes it a good 20- to 30-minute drive into the old city, so it's not convenient for sightseeing. The resort does run a free shuttle bus to the night market, but it only runs once in the evening and guests have to take a taxi back (plus the night market isn't in the old town). The resort has bicycles for guests to freely use, but the main river road has a lot of traffic, so it really is best if one has their own transport. For those looking for quiet, this is a great location: it's quiet, rural, and there are a few local food stalls, coffee places, and some convenience stores within a few miles of the hotel. It's about a 30-minute drive to the Chiang Mai Airport from here. Parking at the property is free. 

There are just 20 rooms at Ban Sabai Spa Village, though the intimate resort offers a wide array of individual room types. The standard rooms are the Lanna Rooms, which have dated bright blue-and-white tiled floors that have seen better days, yellow walls, hardwood furnishings, and loud red cushions on the beds.  The Lanna Rooms are divided into first floor options that have a furnished patio to sit on, while the Lanna Rooms upstairs have no balcony or terrace, but do feature open-air bathtubs (with a wire mosquito net above them). The upstairs rooms have more space, but the downstairs rooms come with an extra bed, making them suitable for families or larger parties. One of the nicest features of the Lanna Rooms are the bathroom doors, which are made of handcrafted engraved wood carvings.

The next category Blue Diamond Jacuzzi Junior Suites are more modern, with polished wood floors, large bay windows, and immense whirlpool tubs in the stone floor bathrooms, which also have double vanity glass designer sinks. These rooms also feature fine teak and rattan chairs and tables, plus there are heaters for the cooler winter nights.

At the top of the list are the Lanna Spa Villas, which are traditional Thai teak wood houses, with the living quarters upstairs. These Villas have elegant dark interiors, mirrors with painted wooden frames, and cloth lanterns. A large open-air bathroom is covered by wire mosquito mesh. Downstairs, there's an open-air sitting area with private massage tables, a dining room table, and even private sauna and steam rooms. 

All rooms include minibars, electric hot water kettles, DVD players (with a large selection of movies available at the front desk), bathrobe and slipper sets, plus free Wi-Fi. However, TVs are tube-style. All rooms have both fans and air-conditioners -- Lanna Rooms have floor fans, while the higher category rooms come with large ceiling fans.

Ban Sabai Spa Village offers a variety of upmarket facilities. It's noted for its spa treatments, which range from hot stone massages to detox programs to aromatherapy to yoga retreats. The resort also does long-stay packages that combine many different treatments. Massages take place either in small indoor treatment rooms or lovely outdoor pavilions. The resort has a small fitness center, though the equipment is old and sometimes rusty, as well as free bikes for guests to borrow. A garden swimming pool sits in the middle of the resort, with loungers around it, and a small lily pond just behind it. There are a few tables and umbrellas which constitute the pool bar, and drinks and snacks can be had here throughout the day.

The Wild Orchid restaurant is housed upstairs in a traditional Thai teak wood home. Fine wooden tables and chairs are surrounded by handcrafted antique cabinets, hanging lanterns, and Lanna northern Thai paintings. Windows look out to the swimming pool and gardens below. It's a romantic spot, especially in the evening, when the lights are dimmed. The menu here features authentic Thai cuisine, and there are cocktails made with original Chiang Mai boutique gin or Chalong Bay rum from Phuket. The restaurant also serves free breakfast buffets for guests -- offerings are a mix of Western and Thai dishes. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.