The five-star Visama Mae Chan, which will soft open on 1 November with 10 keys, is intending to add a further 12 opulent tents next year.
Purposeful project
The first high end lodge by Visama Hospitality Group (VHG) Asia will be a project with a purpose, run on not-for-profit principles to benefit the neighbouring Friends of Thai Daughters foundation, which seeks to prevent child trafficking by empowering girls from hill tribe communities.
VHG Asia’s co-founders Willem Niemeijer of Yaana Ventures and Christopher Stafford, who founded The Occident & Orient Company – the luxury boutique hotel management firm, detailed that Visama Mae Chan guests could choose two- to four-day ‘journeys’ at the lodge. Each journey will be created around themes such as farm to table dining, the local Lanna cultural appreciation, artistic engagement, outdoor adventure and sightseeing experiences.
Luxury facilities
The luxury tents, which have hill tribe names such as ‘Akha’, ‘Lahu’, ‘Yao’, and ‘Hmong’, range in size from 48 to 80 sq m, including a 12 or 20 sq m veranda. Standard amenities include air conditioning, phone, espresso machine, French press coffee pots, wifi, rain showers, safety deposit box, refrigerator, his and her bathrobes and slippers, bathtub and 24 hour concierge.
One highlight will be The Ambalama, a gathering place for storytelling and talks by guest speakers such as authors and historians. At the Reu Doo Gaan restaurant guests can sample the best of Lanna fare, local farm to table organic options and international favourites.
Exceptional activities
VHG’s Stafford said activity options at the lodge would set it apart from any competition: “We want to immerse guests in a fusion of luxury and Lanna culture set against the stunning backdrop of mythical mountains of the Golden Triangle.”
He added that event butlers will offer guests private picnics, foraging, personalised arts and craft sessions, dining by design, meditation tutorials,and archery. Visama Mae Chan will invite guest speakers to talk on subjects such as wellness, sustainability and community.
Looking beyond the inaugural Mae Chan project, fellow founder Niemeijer noted: “At Visama we aim to meticulously design our camps to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, providing guests refreshing opportunities to connect with nature while enjoying modern amenities and world-class service.”
