Who wouldn't want to enjoy a drink or two here?

Another press release, Another rooftop bar. Meh.

But then I took a look at the images.

Chiang Mai is one place that I have not yet visited and I have added Meliá Chiang Mai’s 360-degree rooftop bar to my list of has "must dos" next time I am in Thailand.

The highest bar in Chiang Mai, named Mai the Sky Bar, is perched on the hotel’s 22nd floor, with views of the Ping River to the city’s east and Doi Suthep Temple on the mountain top to the west.

Drawing on the Meliá hotel group's Spanish roots, it has a new menu showcasing a variety of tapas and pinchos, grazing boards and desserts under sections dubbed “Para Picar”, “Tableros” and “Postres” respectively.

The menu features dishes underpinned by local sustainable and organic farming.

Crafted by Jartisann’s Original Thai Cheese, from locally sourced raw cow’s milk from Chiang Mai, the new menu’s artisan cheese board options include ‘Forest Tail’, ‘Palazzo di Palma’, ‘Ricotta Affumicata’, ‘Saltara Machima’ and ‘San Paquanburie’ paired with coated nuts, dried fruit, grapes and other morsels.

Dishes such as the seasonal fruit platter, and ingredients including the tomato and basil used for the platter are sourced from nearby gourmet organic farm SEED as part of the hotel’s ‘360° Cuisine’ program.

 


In addition to cold cuts, the menu also features mixed grill skewers, croquetas, fresh summer rolls with vegetables in fresh spring roll wrap and sweet tamarind dip, and salmon tiradito with mango/passionfruit dressing, avocado mousse and pickled onion.

The dishes are designed to be accompanied by the bar’s spirits, cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers, coffees, signature teas, smoothies and shakes, fresh juices, and soft drinks.

“Mai the Sky Bar may be one of the loftiest venues in town, but we have a ground up approach when it comes to working with sustainable farmers, cheeseries, honey makers and more in Chiang Mai to ultimately support sustainable agriculture and healthier eating,” said the hotel’s general manager Marc Selinger.

As part of its “Sunset Chill and DJ Live Sessions” held every Thursday to Sunday until December 31, the bar will host a live music band from 6-8pm and a resident DJ from 8-11pm.

Call +66 52 090 600 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

Meet a pool bar with a difference

Sometimes an image catches your eye as somewhere you'd like to spend some time.

This one did if for me. It is a new poolside bar at Meliá Chiang Mai Hotel.

The Tien Pool Bar has a design that pays tribute to some of Chiang Mai’s most famous landmarks including Tha Phae Gate.

Situated on the second floor of the hotel, on the Charoen Prathet Road by the River Ping and night bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai city, Tien Pool bar is open daily from 10am-7pm.

With a 28-seat capacity, the bar’s stools, outdoor sofas and sunbeds with textile patterns the locals call “teen jok”. Similar patterns are also evident on the exterior façade of the hotel visible from the bar.

Arch-shaped mirrors behind the bar’s counter are nods to 700-year-old Buddhist temple Wat Umong.

As well as western-style dishes, the pool bar also serves fresh juices, smoothies and shakes, soft drinks, beers, mocktails, cocktails, and wines including organic and vegan wines.

I've never been to Chiang Mai so I have added this one to my "to do" list.

For more details see www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm

Taking a Chiang Mai stay to a new level

I have visited Thailand on many occasions but have never made it to the northern city of Chiang Mai.

That's a pity as I keep hearing great things about the city.

One spot that will be on the "to do" list when I finally make it will be a new 'hotel within a hotel' called The Level in the Meliá Chiang Mai.

The Level has 43 rooms and suites as well as a private lounge (above) and bespoke privileges.

Housed on the upper floors of the 22-storey urban hotel, the selection of rooms offer some of the most spectacular views of the city.

Guests staying in The Level have exclusive access to 21st-floor executive lounge The Level Lounge, which offers all-day snacks and beverages accompanied by vistas of the city and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountain to the west.

Tucked under the hotel’s 22nd floor rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar - the highest bar in Chiang Mai -The Level Lounge has large installations of illuminated umbrella ribs - which have regional significance - clinging to the ceiling.

Various artworks of umbrella canopies hang on the walls, such as those made from antique Chiang Mai textiles.

The Lounge offers private breakfast service from 7-10.30am, afternoon tea from 2.30-4pm, and cocktails and canapes from 5.30pm until 7.30pm.

Guests get private check-in and check-out and dedicated concierge service.

Business guests also enjoy complimentary use of The Level’s meeting room for two hours per stay and a 10% discount at YHI Spa.

Meliá Chiang Mai is located on Charoen Prathet Road by the River Ping and Night Bazaar.

To contact Meliá Chiang Mai’s The Level or to make a booking, call +66 5209 0699 or see https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm