I just returned from the Four Seasons Chiang Mai. Although it is showing its age just a bit, this is still a very beautiful resort. The landscaping is indeed spectacular. We stayed at one of the residences and it is well worth the extra cost. It is HUGE and decorated with wonderful traditional Thai accents, furniture and antiques. Each residence has a live in butler. I was at first very hesitant about having someone with us to wait on us hand and foot. However, Tommy was one of the most charming, friendly, competent and capable staff members I have ever met. Her bedroom is in the rear corner by the kitchen. Like I said, I am not used to having someone cater to my every need, but I actually came to enjoy it. Tommy was unobtrusive but always around. It was quite a treat but nonetheless takes some getting used to.

The service is typical of Four Seasons and the Thai people in general.. absolutely fantastic! The food was excellent as well. The pools are nice and provide pleasant views. It is a working rice plantation and every day at 5PM a drum would beat to signal the end of the day. The field employees marched in single file to exit the resort. The rooms looked nice but the buildings looked a tad worn on the outside. Perhaps this is what a traditional Thai village is supposed to resemble. The main pools for the residences were nice and the plunge pool at the individual private residences were wonderful. The pools and bathrooms are a little dated. Everything is well maintained but in need of a “soft” update. It just suffers a bit by comparison since we had just stayed at the Four Seasons Golden Triangle Tented Camp before our arrival here and at FS Langkawi last year. Our residence was next to a busy road, so that detracted from the otherwise tranquil setting. I think this is indicative of what is happening to Chiang Mai in general. It is becoming suburbia at its worst! Still, Chiang Mai is a good bet. Splurge and stay at a residence. You will not regret it. A word of caution is needed. Be careful walking on the paths. The uneven cobblestone covered with grass can be slick and treacherous!