RAYA HERITAGE,
THAILAND’S FIRST ARTISANAL RESORT,
OPENS IN CHIANG MAI
August 6, 2018, Chiang Mai, Thailand--Raya Heritage introduces an all-new approach to
resort design with its recent opening in the northern Thai capital of Chiang Mai. Nestled in
a lush green garden on the banks of the Ping River, Raya Heritage is just a 20-minute drive
from the town centre, yet a world away in ambience.
INSPIRATION
Inspired by the artistry and craftmanship of Lanna, a kingdom that once encompassed
northern Thailand as well as northern Laos, Myanmar’s Shan State and Yunnan, China,
Raya Heritage blends the simple charm and character of Lanna’s past with discreet,
personalised service and state-of-the-art guest comfort.
Thirty-eight spacious suites set in lush gardens overlook the tranquil Ping River in
low-impact, three-storey buildings. Terracotta tiles, hipped roof gables, vintage hard
wood columns and beams, and mulberry-paper screens evoke traditional northern
Thai design while high ceilings and a colour palette of whites and creams give the
interiors a light contemporary twist. The suites’ generous outdoor verandas facing
the river hark back to a time when villagers gathered on their front porches in the
evening, chatting together and sharing the day’s stories.
Designer Vichada Sitakalin decorated the resort with beautifully curated, one-of-a-kind
furniture pieces, artefacts and accessories, sourced from and often created by local
craftspeople using traditional techniques. “Sustainability is very important to me,” says
Vichada about her design philosophy. “I appreciate culture. I appreciate craftsmanship.
I appreciate the old ways of doing things and the way people in the past approached
artistic endeavours as a part of everyday life. In the past, people were much better at
sustainability than we are today. ‘Organic’ wasn’t a novel concept back then, it was a way
of life. This is only being rediscovered now as we start to realize how far we have gotten
away from balanced living.”
ARTISANSHIP
Raya Heritage’s design team worked closely with local weavers, potters, woodcarvers and
other artisans in small towns and village communities around the north of Thailand for
two years prior to opening, and their work is showcased throughout the resort.
Hand-carved teak-frame mirrors, locally-crafted ceramic tiles, handwoven, hand-dyed
textiles and handmade lacquerware underscore a style of luxury based on simple, natural
beauty and northern Thailand’s unique cultural heritage.
Natural fabrics such as cotton, hemp and linen hail from weaving cooperatives in villages
that are among the last anywhere in Thailand to employ age-old methods of spinning
and weaving. Only rich, natural dyes – such as authentic indigo sourced from the leaves
of local Indigofera tinctorial – are used to colour the cloth.
DINING
At Khu Khao, Raya Heritage’s signature restaurant, Chef Somyot, the resort’s Executive
Chef, has created a unique crossroads concept, offering a menu of delicious, healthy
and original recipes drawing influence from the greater Lanna region, including northern
Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Yunnan, China. Signature dishes such as Khao Raem
Fuen SSaaii GGaaiiYYuunnnnaann (Yunnanese rice-curd salad with spicy grilled chicken bean
sprouts) and Jin-Loong (Shan-style minced-pork meatballs seasoned with ginger,
garlic, shallot and coriander served with rice vermicelli noodles tossed in coconut and
spicy peanut sauce) are examples of the delicious variety on offer. Virtually all ingredients
are sourced from local, sustainable farms. Guests may choose between the elegantly
rustic indoor dining room or outdoor table settings on the terrace and garden, on the
banks of the Ping River.
Laan Cha Tea Terrace offers a cosy outdoor roofed terrace to relax, lounge and enjoy
afternoon tea, herbal teas and fresh juices while watching the river flow by. Meanwhile,
Baan Ta Lounge and Lawn is the perfect spot for pre-dinner cocktails or light evening
meals, served riverside.
AI WAAN SPA
The serene spa focuses on regional healing techniques applied in private treatment
rooms. Signature treatments include Bamboo Massage, in which therapists massage
tired muscles with lightly heated sections of bamboo to great effect, and Au-Mann Thai
Burmese Massage, a classic, oil-free northern Thai traditional massage which originated
in Myanmar. A northern Thai wet steam room uses a mix of rare local herbs blended
by a master herbalist from adjacent Pa Ruak village. A variety of carefully curated
facials and body scrubs using natural, local products, are also available.
BALANCE
The concept behind Raya Heritage stems from Lanna culture’s simple, elegant approach
to life and art, and the social value placed on living in balance with nature and the
surrounding community.
“We’re going back to a better future right now,” says Naphat Nutsati, Raya Heritage’s
General Manager who moves from her role as General Manager of Tamarind Village
(www.tamarindvillage.com), Raya Heritage’s boutique sister hotel located at the centre
of Chiang Mai’s historic town centre, to oversee the resort’s opening. “People in the old
days, whether in design or architecture, paid attention to the details. And so are we.”
Raya Heritage is the latest addition to the Premier Group of Resorts & Hotels’
portfolio, which also include Leading Hotels of the World property, Rayavadee, Krabi,
(www.rayavadee.com), Tamarind Village Chiang Mai (www.tamarindvillage.com) and
The Botanical House (www.thebotanicalhousebangkok.com).
