Previous Page  22 / 29 Next Page
Information
Show Menu
Previous Page 22 / 29 Next Page
Page Background

RESORT PROFILE

ANANTARA VACATION CLUB

CHIANG MAI

The beach or the big city. For decades,

timesharing in Thailand has been focused

on those extreme ends of the destination

spectrum. Indeed, Phuket andBangkok are

internationally renowned, so it’s no wonder

vacationers have traditionally flocked to

either the country’s golden seashore or the

heart of its bustling urban capital.

BY J.B. BISSELL

An Alternative to

Beach or Bangkok

IN THAILAND

Some 426 miles (686 kilometers) north of Bangkok, however, set deep in the moun-

tainous interior, the ancient Lanna Kingdom of Chiang Mai has quietly built a reputation

as an idyllic vacation spot for travelers seeking a peaceful reprieve from the commotion of

Thailand’s most celebrated locales.

“While Chiang Mai doesn’t have the sea views offered at beach resorts, it does bring

guests much closer to the nature and culture of Thailand,” says Maurizio Bisicky, chief

operating officer at Anantara Vacation Club Chiang Mai. “Our property affords unparal-

leled access to Thailand’s charming northern capital. Visitors can trek through the jungles,

visit glistening golden temples perched on mountaintops, and experience the culture and

beauty of the country they are visiting.”

Conveniently, Anantara Vacation Club Chiang Mai is centrally located in the lively

municipality of Chiang Mai. “Its location gives guests the best of two worlds,” Bisicky con-

tinues. “It allows for them to easily access the excitement and conveniences of the city, as

well as the entire area’s most popular tourist destinations.”

And like the Chiang Mai region itself, the resort serves as a sanctuary of tranquility.

“Upon entering the property, the soothing ambiance takes guests away from the noise

of the downtown area, offering the perfect urban escape in which to unwind and relax,”

adds Bisicky.

Spacious Suites and Subtle Design

The effects of the soothing environment are immediate. The design team’s goal was to

blend the provincial charm of Chiang Mai with contemporary features and comfortable

amenities — and that begins with the grounds and public areas.

“Each space has been carefully crafted to create a refined setting for our guests,”

Bisicky says. “The landscape was designed to enhance the overall architecture. It’s simple

and elegant, and makes use of native plants to provide natural privacy and augment the

surroundings. The interiors reflect a modern Thai look with traditional influences, including

carved wooden ornaments, classic metal work, and silk.”

While subtle design elements complement the resort’s all-around welcoming atmo-

sphere, spacious accommodations ensure that guests are comfortable throughout their stay.

Shared ownership units at Anantara Vacation Club Chiang Mai are available in

three configurations: One-bedroom suites span 710 square feet (66 square meters),

two-bedrooms are 936 square feet (87 square meters), and the vast three-bedroom

quarters are spread out over 1,614 square feet (150 square meters).

“All of the suites are furnished with the same modern amenities you would have in the

comfort of your own home,” says Bisicky. “From full-size refrigerators, microwaves, and

stovetop cookers to TVs, a washer and dryer, and much more. The rooms also feature

luxurious rain showers and full-size bathtubs.”

Special Places

Unlike being at home, however, Anantara Vacation Club Chiang Mai offers an array of

amenities that are meant to both pamper and enlighten owners and guests. The most

striking of which is the rooftop infinity pool.

40