The next big decision after deciding where to go on a holiday is where to stay. There is much deliberation in our home before we decide where to stay. Our expectations from where we choose to stay vary from city to city. While we decided to go on a short break to Chiang Mai a lovely city that used to be the capital of the Lanna Kingdom we were pretty clear that even though it was a small town, we wanted to be in the Old City and centre of action. Luckily for us we stumbled on an Oasis in the middle of all the chaos. We found Rachamanka which is a boutique hotel in Chiang Mai after due research. The fact that it was part of the Relais & Chateaux network and affordable got our blind vote.
A convenient 10 minute drive from the airport, the hotel is within walking distance of most of the monuments and not too far away from public transport options. When the hotel itself is not the experience, we prefer staying at the city centre or close to places we like to visit, so that we can walk to them or commute easily and Rachamanka ticked off those very pragmatic boxes. However, that was not the best part about the property
Without resorting to cliches, you do enter an oasis of serenity when you enter the hotel. Brainchild of Architect Ong-ard Satrabandhu the property has courtyards around which the rooms are built. A sequence of courtyards and nooks and corners with artefacts placed generously around the property exude a very vintage charm. You will also read signs across not to sit on old chests or lean on tables because they are actually delicate artefacts.
The room that we stayed in, was one of their more basic ones and was pretty luxurious too. It opened out into a central courtyard. The room itself was very spacious and had some beautiful vintage furniture that always makes me very happy. I’m a Vintage teak over modern straight lines kind of person anyday.
While there is a lot to do in Chiang Mai, (https://swathirishi.wordpress.com/2019/03/10/things-to-do-in-chiang-mai/ )it is equally fulfilling to snuggle into a corner at the Rachamanka Library, with lemonade. The Library is breathtakingly beautiful and one can spend hours there escaping from the mundane life of job lists and Whatsapp Pings. There are days that I whimsically think of spending time with a book in this library, instead of curled up in my sofa. There is something special to be said about reading a book in a charming setting like this one.
Always Always Always we make time for the pool in any property. Even if that means waking up early, or coming back to the hotel for a little downtime before we head out for the night. Rachamanka has a glorious pool. Nestled beneath trees and frangipanis, the pool is great for your daily swim, or just to lounge with a drink. Lazy vibes beckon at the pool especially with the spa being right opposite. A lazy vibe makes for a better holiday always
I have to confess I loved the crockery at the restaurant, I may have ordered coffee in the room simply because they filled me with a lot of glee. They were achingly pretty. We only managed breakfast at the restaurant, as we were out most of the time, but I guess the next time we go, I would definitely want to try the food there
The hotel has great staff, who somehow manage to make you feel at home without being in your face at all. The open layout of the hotel has a very welcoming vibe, an old world charm with all modern comforts. It is tough to find a combination like this in my experience in the heart of the city. Rachamanka was a unique experience for us, and one which we will definitely repeat if we were to return to Chiang Mai again.
SWATHI RISHI 