Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai – MGallery By Sofitel

This luxury hotel draws primarily couples -- though a good deal of families, too -- with its upmarket rooms, variety of facilities, and gorgeous hillside setting overlooking rice and tea terraces. Most common areas and many rooms take advantage of the scenery, with lots of panoramic windows and decks facing the landscape. Its setting away from Chiang Mai lends a peaceful, intimate feel. The design is a mix of swish modern elements and traditional accents. Low-slung buildings made of timber and polished concrete are integrated into the verdant valley landscape, and lots of water features connect to the nature vibe. Chic, woven wood elements, oversized hanging lanterns, and pops of red are found throughout. This is a stellar pick for travelers who don't mind being removed from the attractions of town, instead preferring a retreat-like stay.

Poised on the edge of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, the Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai - MGallery By Sofitel occupies a valley setting that's lush and scenic, and removed from town. It's about a 30-minute drive from Chiang Mai's center and 20 minutes to Chiang Mai International Airport. A 15-minutes drive takes travelers to the Chiang Mai Night Safari (which promises a unique after-dark look at nocturnal animals), the gorgeous botanical gardens of Royal Park Rajapruek, or the towering hilltop Buddha at Wat Phra That Doi Kham. The city's famous Night Bazaar is 30 minutes. On the upside, the resort does provide free scheduled shuttle service a few times per day.

• 12-minute drive to the Chiang Mai Night Safari
• 13-minute drive to Royal Park Rajapruek
• 15-minute drive to Wat Phra That Doi Kham
• 22-minute drive to Chiang Mai International Airport
• 26-minute drive to Wat Phra Singh
• 28-minute drive to Phae Gate or the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
• 29-minute drive to Wat Chiang Man or the Chiang Mai Zoo
• 32-minute drive to Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Place 
• 57-minute drive to Bhubing Palace
• 58-minute drive to Maerim Elephant Sanctuary
• 62-minute drive to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep 

Rooms are modern and elegant, done in a largely neutral-tone palette with pops of red or blue in fabrics or wall accents. Actual decor varies but expect clean-lined furniture, wood or tile floors, and locally inspired aspects such as artwork, lanterns, or throw pillows. All units are spacious and have furnished balconies or terraces -- with views varying between poor and stellar. Swish bathrooms have rainfall showers and separate bathtubs in all but Comfy Studios, plus bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and an array of free toiletries are provided. Individually controlled air-conditioning, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, safes, flat-screen satellite TVs with DVD players, and free Wi-Fi come standard. Beds are comfy. Upgraded perks might include sunken hot tubs, private plunge pools, or open-plan living and dining areas with full kitchens.

Features at the Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai are extensive and allow guests to never leave the property if they so wish. The highlight here is undoubtedly the gorgeous infinity-edge pool, which is large and has a shallow area for kids. It overlooks the lush surrounding hills. Unfortunately, many past guests have complained that there aren't enough loungers. For even more relaxing, a full-service spa is on-site, offering treatment rooms with their own tubs, two massage beds, and steam rooms, plus lots of windows for stellar vistas. Signature treatments, such as the lemongrass exfoliating scrub, make use of local ingredients. Children can have their own fun at the kids' club, which has various activities and games. A windowed gym is well-equipped, and open-air yoga classes are sometimes offered.

For dining, the resort has two valley-view restaurants with both indoor and outdoor seating. The Higher Room's menu focuses mainly on European fare, and it's open from morning until about 7 p.m. Rabiang Cha, meanwhile, puts a contemporary spin on classic Lanna Thai cuisine, and it's open from late afternoon until about 11 p.m. Curious epicures can learn to recreate some of the dishes themselves through cooking classes (fee) given in main pavilion. Other activities there (garland- and basket-making among them) similarly showcase local culture.

Other facilities include assorted event spaces for business or social functions, a lobby bar, and combination library/gift shop. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.