Rarin Villas

The staff at Rarin Villas were hospitable and provided good service, and I appreciated that they arranged airport pickup when I left after some initial coordination problems with transportation. I spent two nights here on a short solo break after a conference in Chiangmai. The villas are somewhat worn, but spacious enough for a family of four or a group of friends. It’s a self-contained place for a mini break from city life, with an onsen pool, a half-length pool, dining facilities, and plenty of room to lounge in the chilly Chiangmai weather with a beer. The fridge and snack bar were well stocked and replenished daily. I also really enjoyed the handmade ice creams left in the freezer for guests, a nice treat after swimming. Restaurants and decent massage areas are within walking distance. Since the villas are on the ground floor surrounded by nature, insects and mosquitoes can get inside if you leave the door open. One night I even found myself sharing the bed with a rather cute, furry garden caterpillar. If insects bother you, keep the villa doors closed. The bed sheets felt damp throughout my stay. I thought the local humidity might be the reason and tried airing the sheets and blankets, but it didn’t help. I also slept poorly because the pillows were so soft and shapeless. That’s personal preference, as I’m used to a more structured ergonomic pillow. I ordered room service from the cafe on the property. The food wasn’t remarkable, and the salmon salad wasn’t fresh. The staff responded promptly and replaced it at no charge. I appreciated that. I’m grateful for the staff’s hospitality, but keep your expectations in check. To me, Rarin Villas feels more like an intimate Airbnb hosted by a host than a premium 5-star resort.

Our boys had a birthday during our stay, and the staff baked a cake for us for free and helped arrange balloons. They did everything they could to make the visit pleasant. The facilities are great, the rooms are amazing, and the pool, jacuzzi, and living room are lovely. Everything is beautiful. Best hotel ever!

The place is very, very beautiful, and I’ll keep recommending it to anyone visiting Thailand. It was an amazing stay. One thing to know is that staff may come into your villa without you knowing, perhaps to restock snacks or clean. Since we’re Muslim, I recommend asking the service team to knock first and requesting a girl. Even with that, it was very amazing.

The villas are beautiful and spacious, with lavish decor and striking waterfalls in the garden and pool /onsen area. The ground-floor toilet has a high-tech bidet, and the rain shower was the best I’ve seen. Staff regularly tidy the dining area, clear fallen foliage from the onsen area, and mop up rainwater from the floors. I’d definitely stay again when I visit Chiang Mai.