According to western history books, northern Thailand’s glory years transpired during 19^th century colonialism, when European explorers surmounted the dense jungles and vast rice fields to plant foreign roots of opulence, architecture, and ideology. Yet, according to the indigenous Tai Yuan people, northern Thailand’s summit of grandeur dates back much earlier - to decades of prosperity and peace during the height of the Lanna Dynasty circa mid 13^th century. Both arguments notwithstanding, the ubiquitous and unwavering spirit of generosity, altruism, and Buddhist tranquility that once defined the Kingdom of Lanna has stood the test of time and history. Nevertheless, recent phenomena of tourism, economic development, and globalization have threatened to erase the few remaining links to the Golden Triangle’s splendid yet tumultuous past.

 

At the dawn of the millennium, historians, designers, and entrepreneurs collaborated on an elaborate and ambitious plan to safeguard the region’s cultural heritage – a bold, unprecedented step of cultural preservation in Thailand. Therein, the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi was born – an authentic living museum, reinstating regional periods of Lanna dynasty brilliance and dignity and immortalizing popular traditions from the 13^th to the 19^th centuries.

 

The 60-acre Lanna inspired village took incredible determination, primary research, and foresight (and a decade of preparation). The result plays out like a living storybook fantasy, a curious “Once Upon A Time” transporting its readers to a sensual juxtaposition of an age of bygone and marvelous modernity. Passed the horse drawn carriages, towering temples double as common areas, infinity pools spill onto rice fields, and expert Thai artisans pass their knowledge onto curious visitors. Traditional wooden rice barns absorb the afternoon shade relayed from the spires of a resurrected replica of the ancient Royal Palace of Mandalay, now doubling as a 33,000 square foot spa.  High-gabled Thai style homes constructed of polished teak wood line clandestine village passageways. Meticulously appointed colonial mansions reflect later centuries of “East meets West,” honoring a time of discovery and the marriage of two worlds.

 

Contemplative travelers experience a journey of self and explorative enlightenment.  Every spire, every façade, every locally handcrafted structure of the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi tells a profound story. The rattling bridge at the resort’s entrance replicates a 13^th century design to warn of intruders.  The filled water barrels and wooden spoons positioned by the double-storied teakwood Villas were once typical of the region, selfless offerings of hydration and nourishment for traveling rice workers. Spa therapists offer traditional Thai massage augmented by indigenous techniques involving soothing tamarind bark instruments.

 

Luxury travelers revel in the haute minutia, privacy, and serenity of the resort. Teak carvings, lavish Thai silks, and hill tribe textiles accent technologically savvy accommodations and mesmerizing design interiors. A full fitness facility, private plunge pools, tennis courts, and a half dozen restaurants blend into the Lanna landscape, gracing the perimeters of surrounding rice fields and lush tropical gardens. The resorts most famed restaurant, “Grand Lanna,” serves divine upscale northern Thai specialties while elaborately costumed dancers chronicle Thai history and traditions.

 

The resort spectacular spans the entire constructed village of Dhara Dhevi, a labyrinthine of Asian wonder and living history that overwhelms and ambushes the psyche. At every given chance, the Dhara Dhevi team showers patrons with revered Thai service, so innate and genuine, studied and exalted the world over. A quiet respite from the outside world but just miles from the bustle of modern Chiang Mai, this indulgent Lanna dynasty time machine combines history, culture, fantasy, and luxury for an experience of a lifetime.

 

www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai