Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi

This Mandarin Oriental is rather intriguing, and very different to their normal city locations—a resort-like hotel on the edge of Chiang Mai. The 60-acre property includes local paddy fields and plantations, with guests and staff traveling around by bicycle and golf cart. Buildings are traditionally Thai, decorated with an impressive collection of antiques and typical Mandarin attention to detail. The villas are a bit more spacious than the suites, but most impressive is the Grand Deluxe Villa with pool—two floors, pool, massage area and plenty of outside space where one of the hotel chef's can whip up a tasty barbeque. As ever, Mandarin give you excellent opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture, with cooking classes at the Oriental Culinary Academy, lessons in the arts of rice pounding and weaving, or private performances of Lanna music and dance. Kids will love it as well, the Lanna Kids Club has all sorts of awesome activities that'll keep them out of trouble while you relax. As well as the usual treatments, the Dheva Spa offers special programs such as Weight or Stress Management, Rejuvenation, the Auyervedic Center and monthly Wellness Retreats. To refuel, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, whether you're looking for authentic Thai at La Grand Lanna, French at Frang Sei, or Mediterranean at Akaligo.

Room rates from $345.