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Northern Thailand north of Chiang Rai is a beautiful mountainous area. I included three nights at Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa in my Thailand itinerary to explore the nature, tea plantations and the Golden Triangle. Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa is nestled on a hill top of these green mountains and from where the area, including Chiang Rai, is easily explored. I had a great time with my family at the Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa resort and my experience I will share in this hotel review. First, I invite you to watch a short video impression I made during my stay.
The hotel
Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa is a 5-star luxury resort located on a mountain top 30-40 minutes by car north of Chiang Rai. The resort has only suites which are in villas across the resort’s garden. Each suite has views over the valleys surrounding the mountain. The last 2 kilometers up the hill are over a small road and my kids got more excited where we would end up. I told them we would be staying at a rural mountain village which was something they really didn’t want. When I parked the car in front of Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa’s lobby and the staff immediately helped us settle in they knew we would be staying in luxury.
THAILAND – An amazing Thailand itinerary guide for 2 or 3 weeks (by car)
Check-in was very quick, and we were driven to our villa. The kids loved the golf carts that transported us between lobby and suite. Secretly, I love those too! The resort is large, set in a garden setting on the hill side; that’s why the golf carts. Small paths connect the villas, swimming pool and the lobby with just green trees and plants everywhere. All areas of the hotel are inspired by local crafts and art which help contribute to a local luxury atmosphere.
Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa really did a good job integrating in the lush mountain forests of northern Thailand. A peaceful place that really made me unwind.
The rooms at Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa
As I already mentioned all rooms are suites and they are in villas. Each suite covers a full floor of a villa and there are 2 or 3 per villa. The suites are divided in a large balcony a living/bedroom and a huge bathroom. In the evening the balcony is a great place to relax with a glass of Thai wine. Yes, Thai wine and it’s good wine too. In my opinion the villas facing sunrise are the best as sunrise is the most beautiful view. Unfortunate I’m not a morning person so I didn’t get up, but my wife did, and I trust her opinion it’s good.
The bathroom is huge and has a rainforest shower and a large bath. Tiles are blue with Thai motives. We had one small problem with a toilet that didn’t flush but that was fixed in no time. These things happen and don’t bother me at all. The quick fix just shows that Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa cares for its guests. All the amenities are, as one can expect from a luxury resort, of high quality and plentiful.
THAILAND – An amazing Thailand itinerary guide for 2 or 3 weeks (by car)
The large bedroom doubles as living room. The area facing the balcony has a large couch and chairs to sit for at least 4 people. This was great as we were with a family of 4 or, if someone wanted privacy, use two rooms. Teak wood is the main color in the room including the beautiful hardwood floor. Each room is further decorated with locally inspired art and other items. I’m quite tall and beds in Asia sometimes tend to be small which isn’t the case at Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa. I had long nights of sleep in the comfortable bed.
Facilities at Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa
Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa has various facilities of which the pool was the most important, especially for the kids. The pool has two areas with a pool bar in between. One area is a cascaded bubble pool to sit and relax and forget about daily life. I spend most of the time with my kids at the larger pool with a cocktail in my hand. As it was low seasons, very low season, the pool bar wasn’t open all day, but orders could be made by telephone. Green palm trees and other lush jungle plants surround the pool. I planned 3 day trips from Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa which included all major sights in north Thailand of my 3 week itinerary. The pool was great to relax at and to cool down after those long day trips.
Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa has various other facilities which include a professional spa. The treatment rooms all have amazing views over the surrounding jungle. It’s so relaxing to have a treatment there. There is also a business center, gym, and a library. I travelled my 3 weeks in Thailand by car, so I didn’t use their excursion desk. Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa does, however, offer various day trips to mountain villages, tea plantations and the Golden Triangle. So, if you don’t have your own car ask them to arrange the day trips. Northern Thailand has amazing scenery!
Dining & Drinking at Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa
Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa has two bars, one at the pool and one at the lobby. I enjoyed their cocktails at the pool! The restaurant is located downstairs from the lobby with amazing views over the jungle. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served there. Breakfast is normally a buffet but in low season it can happen they serve a la carte which I think is great to not waste a full buffet for just a few guests. I didn’t take lunch at the resort as I was away on day trips all the time. I planned to much day trips in my 3 weeks in Thailand. Dinner is delicious, and I especially liked the traditional northern Thai dishes.
If you’re looking for places in Chiang Rai to have lunch (or dinner) check my restaurant guide for Chiang Rai. I however suggest to just dine at Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa as they serve delicious affordable food!
Conclusion
Northern Thailand should be included in any Thailand itinerary and Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa is the place to stay. It’s located north of Chiang Rai on a hill top surrounded by jungle and has amazing views from all its suites. Great facilities including an awesome pool and professional spa will make sure you will be pampered. The restaurant serves delicious food including signature dishes from northern Thailand. It’s an all-suite luxury resort and their suites are large. A large balcony, huge living/bedroom, and a spacious bathroom. I had a great stay with my family and I’m sure you’ll enjoy this luxury resort too!
If you would like to know what you can do in and around Chiang Rai then see one of these options: Chiang Rai travel inspiration or check out my full 3.5 week in Thailand itinerary. I will add more destination information over time.
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Gallery of Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa
** All opinions are based on a genuine stay, flight or experience. I’m not affiliated with the hotel, airline or tour operator but I might be (partially) sponsored – or paid. **
