Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai sits beneath Doi Suthep, between the forest and the old city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. It holds a Michelin Key and belongs to Leading Hotels of the World, and its design brings traditional Thai elements together with modern comfort in golden teak and natural hues. The setting suits you if you want a calm, contemplative stay, though families are welcomed. The airport is about twenty five minutes away, and the concierge can arrange a private transfer to match your arrival.

The retreat has around 44 rooms and suites, including one and two bedroom pool residences and a four bedroom golden teak villa. The Deluxe Balcony Room measures 45 sqm, with a private balcony overlooking the pool and gardens, and the Club Balcony Room adds garden views with all day refreshments, afternoon tea and evening aperitifs. The One Bedroom Pool Residence brings a private plunge pool and a separate living room, and the Two Bedroom Pool Residence adds a second bedroom. The 300 sqm Four Bedroom Golden Teak Villa is built from restored teak more than a century old, with period furnishings, a private pool and Club benefits.

Days here follow the rhythm of the mountain. You can join Hatha yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, breathwork and mindfulness sessions, walk jungle trails, take a wellness cooking class or exercise in the water. Wider experiences include meditation at a temple or monastery and giving alms to monks. Vipassana retreats led by renowned masters add depth if you want a longer programme. The hotel publishes no sports facilities or evening entertainment beyond these wellness activities.

A reflection pool sits at the heart of the property, and the one and two bedroom pool residences and the four bedroom villa each have a private pool of their own. Wellbeing is led by AYURAH Wellness, guided by the Five Companions of Health, with retreats of three, five or seven nights. Programmes include Yoga and Mindfulness, Nature's Cleanse and two Vipassana meditation options, while treatments range from Ayurvedic bodywork and Lanna Massage to Thai Yoga Massage, facials, body scrubs and Tibetan sound healing.

Two venues shape the dining. The Garden occupies the original golden teak structure and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, mixing wellness cuisine, Northern Thai Lanna dishes and Western plates with a local twist, all made with ingredients from Thai farmers and producers. Upstairs in the golden teak house, the 1892 Bar overlooks the garden and blessing grounds, with cocktails, Thai spirits and bar snacks in Thai Izakaya style, a century old piano and a covered balcony.

Chiang Mai's old city lies close by, with temples lining its streets, and Doi Suthep rises to the west. The city was the heart of the Lanna Kingdom, with eight centuries of tradition, and is known as the Rose of the North. The airport is about twenty five minutes away. The retreat also hosts weddings and honeymoons, so a special occasion can become part of your stay.