A review of Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai: tranquillity awaits in the north of Thailand
For whatever wellness means to you.
Most visitors to Thailand rightfully begin their trip in the capital of Bangkok and end up on one of the country’s many exquisite tropical islands like Phuket. But savvier travellers know it’s worth making the trip up to Chiang Mai. The northern Thai city features a compelling blend of pristine nature, charming cafes, a culture steeped in history and tradition, and plenty of beautiful boutique hotels. We checked into Aleena Retreat Chiang Mai, a recent addition to the city’s hotel scene, to discover a tranquil wellness retreat.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Review of Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai
The ethos
Opened in April 2024, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai is a quiet, calm wellness resort situated on the fringes of the city centre, amid the city’s verdant foothills. The resort’s raison d’être is to give guests the chance to embark on a journey of self-discovery, work on their wellbeing, and achieve some personal growth. Everything at the property is designed to deliver exactly that, though guests can choose the experience that best works for them.
The heart of the resort is the architecturally-forward swimming pool, fringed by shaded sunloungers. Around it are the four-bedroom guest residences – inspired by traditional Chiang Mai architecture – the original teak wood house that’s now the resort’s restaurant and bar, the welcoming spa, and the wellness building.
Focus on wellbeing
After a swift check-in – accompanied by a refreshing juice and local snack – I took some time to wander around the intimate resort and get my bearings. I discovered a small but well-appointed gym (hello squat rack!) that’s perfect for weighted workouts, a hidden pathway decked out with all manner of foliage, and – a personal favourite – a charming, wood-filled library that’s the perfect spot for curling up with a good book.
It turns out that these were just the beginning of my wellness adventures. While it’s entirely possible to enjoy Aleenta Chiang Mai simply as a hotel, you’d be doing the property a disservice. Aleenta thrives in the wellness space and offers a full range of good-for-you activities that are well worth taking advantage of. For a complete wellness immersion, guests can book a personalised Ayurah Retreat that includes a full range of activities and spa treatments designed to meet specific goals, from recovery to stress management.
But, even those not on an Ayurah Retreat can enjoy Aleenta’s wellness offerings. There’s a packed schedule of daily activities, ranging from yoga and pranayama (breathwork) to sound therapy and Qi Gong. I tried several of these and was pleased to find knowledgeable instructors leading classes – suited to all levels and abilities – that left me truly relaxed and restored. For those looking for something a little more hands-on, there are classes offering introductions to self-massage and Thai herbal compresses.
For a little more R’n’R, the Ayurah Spa is a true sanctuary boasting a menu of state-of-the-art holistic spa rituals using pampering products and advanced techniques. The Senses of Ayurah signature massage uses slow palm and thumb strokes on pressure points to relieve tension, leaving the body calm and rejuvenated, while the Brightening Treatment Facial – designed to diminish dark spots and discoloration – left my skin soft, smooth, and glowing.
A calming oasis
A tranquil, intimate property, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai boasts 44 rooms, including several duplex pool villas. For groups, though, the ultimate option is the charming four-bedroom golden teak wood residence that features Thai-style period furnishings, its own private pool, plenty of living space, and even a dining room and kitchen area.
My Deluxe Balcony room was a comfortable, contemporary sanctuary that offers a relaxing atmosphere in line with Aleenta’s wellness focus. The room is rendered in a neutral colour palette of white, brown, grey, and cream with pops of orange and red – along with woven carpets and textured walls – for interest.
Taking centre stage are plush twin beds – bookended by red lacquered nightstands – with a Thai-inspired day bed at the foot. One wall features sliding glass doors that give onto a sizeable balcony overlooking the resort’s pool, and in one corner, there’s an expansive floating desk.
The spacious bathroom features a double vanity and rain-shower, as well as a minibar stocked with some healthy homemade snacks. The open wardrobe has two pairs of pyjama-like outfits – made from the softest white cotton – that most guests wear around the resort and to the onsite wellness classes.
Nutritious feasts
There’s one onsite restaurant at Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai, an al-fresco – yet sheltered – spot called The Garden that’s housed in the site’s original golden teak wood house.
Menus here offer a wide range of delicious meal options, ranging from Popular Western classics to decadent Thai classics and traditional Northern Thai Lanna cuisine – the Khao Soi, a local speciality, is a must-try in my opinion, as is the Pineapple Fried Rice – to nutritious, wholesome wellness cuisine that doesn’t skimp on flavours.
At breakfast, a semi-buffet setup offers a wealth of smoothies, juices, healthy snacks and pastries, and made-to-order hot plates like Aleenta French Toast, Eggs Benedict, and Phad See Eiw. The Garden operates on a farm-to-table concept that sources many of its ingredients from local farmers and producers.
Above the restaurant, 1892 Bar is a sumptuous space dressed in bright, polished teak wood – my favourite part is the old-school piano that sits in one corner. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a sundowner overlooking the pool – there’s a delicious range of cocktails and mocktails on offer. The Lemongrass Caipirinha is a perfectly balanced mix of Thai rum, lemongrass, lime juice, and brown sugar. This is also the spot to enjoy lunch or dinner in air-conditioned comfort when the Thai sun gets a little too intense.
Final thoughts
These days, many resorts that brand themselves wellness destinations can be overwhelming to all but the most die-heart wellbeing junkies, what with integrated medical centres, strict meal plans, and packed schedules of activities. Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai takes a far more laissez-faire approach, allowing guests to create exactly the wellbeing experience they want. Die-hards may opt for a full day of wellness activities paired with nutritious meals, while those who just want to dabble can take a morning wellness class then tuck into a plate of indulgent Pad Thai. Either way, all of Aleenta’s offerings are paired with that famously welcoming Thai hospitality that makes staying here a delight.
Read more about Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai or Book through Booking.com
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