Chiang Mai, often hailed as the “Rose of the North,” transforms into a festive paradise during the holiday season. Adorned in Lanna-style finery, the city’s heritage sites shimmer with a unique vibrancy that invites families for an enchanting Christmas and New Year’s escape. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, with more than two decades of deep-rooted connections to this mystical place, offers an unparalleled blend of culture, heritage, nature, and serenity. “Our resort epitomizes the best Chiang Mai has to offer, ensuring a soul-enriching experience where festive cuisine and activities merge delightfully,” says Sean Mosher, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Tented Camp Golden Triangle. Guests can look forward to a holiday season filled with unforgettable moments in a setting that’s truly magical.
Dine Together
Dining as a family is central to the celebration, and live folk music and performers bring the fervour of the Chiang Mai streets to the occasion, providing a carnival like ambience for a fabulous Lanna Market Dinner (December 10, 2024). In contrast, Executive Chef Alvin Dela Cruz brings his own flair as North by Four Seasons is ablaze with a BBQ Buffet Dinner (December 20, 2024). “The flavours will be rustic and robust, as chargrilled meats and seafood sizzle all the way to your plate,” he shares. Accompanied by a selection of imported oysters, exquisite charcuterie, and an assortment of decadent desserts, this is a throwback dining experience that must not be missed.
Christmas remains the central theme this time of year, and the excitement reaches a crescendo during Christmas Eve Dinner at Rim Tai Kitchen (December 24, 2024). Live jazz renditions of Christmas tunes are served up with some tempting food for an unforgettable Christmas with the family. “The feasting only gets better with a dazzling Christmas Day Brunch at Rim Tai Kitchen, as our chefs put together a family style buffet bonanza,” suggests the chef. “Save space for dinner, as the merriment continues with a classic Christmas BBQ Platter dinner at North by Four Seasons.”
Taking guests on a journey through around the Kingdom of Thailand, the Taste of Siam (December 27, 2024) is a splendid exposition of royal recipes from around the country as Sous Chef Naruchit Taingtrong sets the table with exotic Northern Thai classics and hand-tossed street-food favourites. “We want the flavours of the season to resonate through every dish, and bring a sense of celebration to the occasion,” says Alvin.
New Beginnings for the New Year
Out on the Cocktail Lawn, the New Year’s Eve celebration (December 31, 2024) is an extravagant affair with a series of traditional folk performances to showcase the cultural richness of Thailand. “A Thai Renaissance themed entertainment program for the evening kicks off with a Chalong Chai Thai drum show to drive out the inauspicious,” shares Anthony Tschudin, Resort Manager. “Representing various fascinating aspects of Thai heritage, a series of spectacular dance and puppetry performances will follow including a Thai Suvarnabhumi Dance troupe and a fantastic musical interpretation of the mythological Himmaphan forest, adding to the sense of enchantment during this night.”
Soulful Awakening
Connecting with the self and prioritizing wellness are two important year-end mantras for many, as the opportunity for a new beginning arises. “In this verdant natural environment, healing has a way of reaching out to you,” says Saowapa Thumapun, Director of Spa. “The Resort champions a holistic approach to wellbeing that encourages guests to find lasting balance and restoration. From a range of inspired therapies at the award-winning Wara Cheewa Spa to yoga and mindfulness sessions, there is a ground-up approach to healing,” she adds. Guests are encouraged to invest in sound sleep with the Soulful Awakening program that caters to every facet of well-being. “A little indulgence this time of year is certainly not uncalled for,” smiles Saowapa. “The Kularb Lanna Ritual (Rose of the North) with a rose petal scrub and soothing scented-candle massage is one way to experience some pure pampering!” The spa also features an exclusive range of 111SKIN products and treatment sessions that have immediately tangible anti-ageing impact.
Cultural Immersion
Many centuries of history converge here in this northern heartland of Chiang Mai – from earthy pursuits such as buffalo bathing and rice-planting, to more ornamental ones such as pottery, tie and dye, Saa paper art, and soy-wax candle making, there are infinite ways to connect with this fascinating destination while at the Resort. For those looking to venture beyond into the countryside, the guided bicycle tour of the Mae Rim Valley is a wonderful way to take in the many sights including many of Chiang Mai’s famous temples and monuments. Families with young children will find that the La-On Kids Club, Chaan Baan and the Kids For All Seasons program have all the boxes ticked when it comes to organizing fun and engaging activities for the young ‘uns. Activities such as t-shirt and umbrella painting, clay moulding, and even Lanna dress-up, showcase Thai culture and offer the chance to make keepsakes for the children.
“Our Resort’s commitment to family-oriented experiences is enhanced by the enriching approach to hospitality,” says Anthony. “We pride ourselves in delivering a wholesome experience of the destination for our guests – and over the festive season, every facet of this experience is exponentially grander. The majesty of this cultural capital of Thailand will be on display in a month-long celebration of food, entertainment and hospitality, and we welcome families and friends to come be a part of it.”
.jpg){kind=tracking}
