Fodor's Expert Review Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa

The former grounds of the British Consulate now house this waterfront oasis whose rooms and suites have private terraces overlooking either the Mae Ping River or the verdant gardens. Just steps from the river and one of the city's busiest streets, the consulate building, gleaming again with polished teak, has been restored to its original 1920s appearance in parts, though you'll now find a smart bar and chic restaurant. The rooms' furnishings deftly meld traditional and contemporary styles. Lotus ponds border the 34-meter (112-foot) pool, giving the impression of bathing in a Thai jungle clearing.