A boutique hotel outside of the city walls of Chiang Mai, Rimping Village offers peace and quiet within easy walking distance of all of the action that Chiang Mai offers. Alongside classically furnished rooms with tiled floors, quality white bed linen and dark wood there is a pool where you can cool off after a long hard day of sightseeing and a cosy bar-restaurant where local specialities can be sampled at lunchtime or on nights you do not fancy heading out. A rack of step through pushbikes are also available for guests to use at their leisure allowing you to really get to see the old town.
The thing that sets this boutique hotel aside from others in the area is the level of service. Put simply it is exceptional, even by Thai standards of friendliness. Recommendations of activities, places to eat, free events, places that are more off the beaten track are all part of the service and a friendly greeting is offered by all members of the staff team, A complimentary airport shuttle is also available for guests.
If you would like to enjoy Chiang Mai on foot (or by bike) but don’t want to be in one of the louder more touristy areas this place comes highly recommended. Great for families too with the advantage of having a pool, garden, bikes and loungers.
From US$130+ per night
– Great staff
– Small hotel ( 24 rooms at time of writing although plans to add more being mooted)
– Airport shuttle
– Peaceful location.
– Room decor very adequate but not lavish / quirky
– Bathrooms a bit small.
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It’s like stepping into the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous as you step off the private boat and into the luxury of Jumby Bay’s exclusive 300 acres of tropical paradise.
Don’t be fooled by the variety of accommodation choices available – space is limited, maintaining the exclusivity of the property and Jumby’s personalized service. Spend time in the spa, beach or in the infinity pool – it is easy to find your deluxe piece of paradise.
Looking for that next step in exclusivity? Privately owned villas are available on the island. I stayed in Allananda and can safely say, this is luxury taken to the next level. I felt like a princess in my open air concept villa, the Caribbean breeze gently caressing my skin as romantic sheers billowed in the breeze; my own private beach by the sea and a 24 hour concierge service for that super star feeling – you have stepped into a different world!
The luxurious yet relaxed vibe is enhanced by the simplicity of life on the island. There is a distinct lack of automobiles here – the resort provides bicycles and golf carts to get around or you can simply walk the trails that meander through the tropical landscapes and gardens.
From US350+ per night
– Amazing dining options
– Water sports
– Staff who know you by name
– Close to the airport, planes can be heard over head throughout the day
Anita MacKinnon
Review Team
While Bangkok offers the hustle of city life, and thousands flock to the beaches to relax, the mountainous region of Chiang Mai is not to be missed on any trip to Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for an amazing luxury boutique hotel, from the moment you are greeted with chilled drinks in a funky, round-bottom glass, it’s hard to beat the dusit D2.
While Dusit International has hotels worldwide, the “D2” designation stands for their second generation of hotels, which combined Thai tradition but for a new modern generation.
The basic standard room is excellent, but for those looking for more space, upgrade to the Club Deluxe (32 square meters) or Studio Suite (64 square meters). The room had a desk area with power outlets compatible with both Asia and US plugs. There was also a relaxing couch area with lots of pillows to chill out for reading on those days the monsoon rains came in. The bathroom wasn’t huge, but it was clean and modern.
Those with an active lifestyle will appreciate the gym, which is large, modern, and offers a panoramic view. For those squeezing in some work, the WiFi was free, consistent, and strong, and the business lounge offers TVs, newspapers, and even a happy hour.
From US140+ per night
– Location
– Food
– Service
– Tiny television
– Bathroom modern but could be larger
Jim Hopkinson
Review Team
Two black rhinos ambled over, joining us for a drink. We were up on the deck, sipping gin and tonic; they drank from the waterhole, and didn’t even notice us. After drinking their fill, one waddled over to the salt lick. I could hear the scrape of his tongue with each taste.
This is Ongava Lodge, just outside Etosha National Park. You’ll be distracted from your delicious meals, snacks and drinks, all taken on the lodge’s deck overlooking the waterhole, by the arrival of eland, oryx, lion, and rhino (both white and black). You’ll learn the true nature of your travelling companions as you discuss who you favour in the circle of life — predators or prey.
If you can pull yourself away from the waterhole, a guide (armed, just in case) will take you on safari through the privately-owned Ongava Reserve. You’ll see Hartmann’s mountain zebra, blue wildebeest, giraffe, black-faced impala and other antelopes. The white rhinos are as large as tanks, the back ones smaller but in a fouler mood. The lions like to lie on the sandy road — the males nap while the females keep a watchful eye on the tourists, wondering if anyone is stupid enough to put their foot out of the 4×4 and become dinner.
The lodge has just twelve chalets, each with a large bedroom, large bathroom, plenty of closet space and a deck with an outdoor shower (in case you were bored with the indoor shower). Some have views of the waterhole, best from July to October when there are fewer leaves on the trees. There’s also a swimming pool (from which dassies like to drink, perhaps thinking they’re too small to brave the waterhole with the other animals).
Ongava bills itself as “probably the most exclusive destination in Namibia“. With their beautiful lodge and chalets, delicious meals, attentive staff and stunning location, flora and fauna, I think they’re right.
From US440+ per night
– Lemonade, roiboos tea and cake upon arrival
– Knowledgeable staff always ready to help you see and learn about the Namibian wildlife
– Not heeding the warning of the porter: “If a lion roars and it just feels like everything in your room is vibrating, no need to worry. If you actually see things in your room vibrate, he is probably at the waterhole. Do not run out of you room!”
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor