Hotel Review: Thailand: The Chedi, Chiang Mai

There are hotels that you adore for design, hotels that are ideal for location, hotels that you're drawn to for the experience they impart. And then there's the teak-wrapped treasure called Chedi Chiang Mai – that weaves together the best of all three. In this masterpiece of elegant simplicity tucked along the quiet shores of the Ping River, every line makes a statement, and every turn spills a perfectly framed view: less becomes more and photos can't capture the full effect. A former British consulate – the elephants were once housed in what today is the lobby -- the hotel that's a few minutes walk from the Chiang Mai's famous night bazaar faces a main artery of three-wheeled tuk-tuks and the hawkers that are part of the nocturnal charm. Yet only a few steps inside the Chedi, that world disappears and one drifts into a calming beta-state drinking in the graceful splendor where minimalist décor and Thai trimmings have a maximal tranquilizing effect. Maybe it's the design or the deft service that greets you with cool towel, perhaps it's the artfully-arranged food or the lemon grass drinks, but the open-aired Chedi Chiang Mai induces a deep peace conducive to escape, romance and clear thinking needed for putting those finishing touches on major works -- and that soothing effect envelopes one immediately whether stopping in for a cocktail or dropping anchor for a week.

Every corner of the earth-toned suites boasts a new spot for stretching out among pillows – there's even a couch and dining table on the ample riverview terrace that affords outdoor dining – and the deep designer tub soaks away any lingering stress, as does the alluring on-site spa where the knot-kneading treatments (including the four-hands Chedi Massage that blends five massage styles) begin sweetly with a foot bath in rose petal water. Here most every craving is addressed, starting with the in-room espresso machine, DVD player and gift jars of M&Ms and cashews with keffir lime leaves: laundry and pressing is complimentary – as are the libations in the well-stocked in-suite bar – and wireless Internet is offered free throughout the hotel; should your computer be on the blink, borrow a laptop for your stay at no cost.

Sip on a kiwi martini in the breezy lobby or head upstairs to the airy, nook-filled bar, where you can indulge in the Chiang Mai's finest collection of wine (many served by the glass), while curled up on cushions, nibbling appetizers from a round brass tray, gazing out at the lazy waters drifting by and the stars overhead. Downstairs on the river-hugging terrace, feast on top-notch fare ranging from Indian and Italian to Thai; high teas done the proper British way lure the ladies for the afternoon, and jazz bands play during Sunday brunch.

Classy yet understated and deeply calming, the Chedi also promises stellar service that outshines that found anywhere else in the city. The secret truth is that the Chedi Chiang Mai is actually quite dangerous: this hideaway and the state of mind it creates are utterly addictive. And when you're in a Chedi Chiang Mai kind of mood, nothing else will do.