Situated on the banks of the Ping River in the heart of Chiang Mai is a place that not only will envelop you in luxury but an establishment that makes you feel like a King or Queen.
X2 (Pronounced cross two) Riverside Resort on Chiang Mai is part of a luxury resort chain that has the finest attention to detail coupled with modern design and impeccable service. With Ewan Taylor appointed the head manager and Executive Chef Alexandre Demard serving up delectable dishes this boutique hotel is a gem to explore in northern Thailands Chiang Mai.
Getting to the hotel was fairly easy. Just a short half hour cab ride from the main airport of Chiang Mai this boutique hotel is really central. Making excursions really easy and allowing access to all Chiang Mai has to offer.
The rooms are spacious and overlook the restaurant and the Ping River. With a large balcony and a full set up mini bar with coffee, I was in heaven and simply had to have an ice cold drink in the balmy weather on the balcony. The beds are king sized beds and each room is uniquely decorated with koi fish on the walls. The design element is modern and welcoming. The bathroom is large and with white fluffy bathrobes, you will soon feel like a million dollars.
If the room doesn't make you feel that way then the Spa surely will! A five start spa offering traditional, as well as aromatherapy massage, is on the property. A mere few feet away from your luxury bedroom. After your relaxing massage you can make your way to the beautiful rooftop for sunset and sip on an ice-cold cocktail and take a dip in the pool. My favourite thing about the pool was the fact that it was designed to look like a galaxy and is speckled with mosaic tiles and lights that come on after the sun has dipped below the horizon!
The food in the resort is spectacular and well thought out by executive chef Alex Dermard. The tasting menu is something I would highly recommend and the flavours were spot on. He is a true artist displaying each bite with flair and passion. We spoke about wandering into the local markets and losing ourselves in the amazing fresh produce that Thailand has to offer. I must admit a dream for me to cook with!
Breakfast is fresh and simple and the poached eggs made to perfection. A gooey yolk and perfectly cooked white is a thing of glory. Breathing in and taking a moment at breakfast whilst over looking the river made me think about slowing down and how I don't do it often enough.
The staff are the heart and soul of this botique hotel. They were friendly and beyond helpful - which is also a Thai thing. Nothing was too much effort to arrange for us. A special part to me was that everybody just worked so well behind the scenes. Your room was cleaned and the hotel spotless yet no cleaning staff were in sight. It was as if fairies were on duty!
As a five star establishment they are on the more pricey, however, if you are not looking to backpack but rather have a holiday where you do not want to lift a finger, then this hotel is for you! The spa offers an array of treatments and losing yourself in a full body massage is defiantly something I would recommend. After all, what is visiting Thailand without a Thai massage?
I hope to soon return to this magical spot in the cultural heart of Thailand, Chiang Mai. A city that has so much to offer. Very much like X2 Riverside Resort.
-Melissa