The scene at the Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort, one of the most expensive in the area, is elegant, pampering, and serene. This resort is for romantics and nature lovers looking for a relaxed city escape. Many guests stick to their spacious rooms or villas (villas have pools or hot tubs), while some find their way to the lobby, which offers plenty of terrace seating with spectacular views of the mountains, or the adjoining Panorama Restaurant. Other guests hang out at the somewhat hidden swimming pool, or wander the lush grounds that surround the spa, almost a world unto itself. The grounds are tranquil, and the large steep distances between the various areas ensure a pretty chill experience (private buggies are on call to whisk guests wherever they want to go around the property).

The Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort sits nestled in a lovely valley tucked into the mountains, about an hour's drive from Chiang Mai, up mountainous Samoeng Road. For nature lovers and those looking for an escape, the area couldn't be more lovely. The resort lies off the highway and up a steep drive. Guests can park down below, and little buggies are on call to whisk guests up and around the 12-acre property. The resort offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains from its lobby, restaurant, and some of the rooms, and the grounds feature spacious paths and gardens, ponds, and exquisite architecture. 

All 43 rooms and villas at the Panviman Chiang Mai are large and well-furnished, with dark polished teak wood floors, writing desks, large cabinets, and comfortable terraces with sofas and chairs to laze on. Some of the rooms, mostly in the Mountain Deluxe and Villa categories, have mountain views. Valley Deluxe Rooms are not that much smaller than the higher-end Mountain Deluxe Rooms, except they have less living-area space. All rooms come with large flat-screen TVs, minibars, DVD/CD players, umbrellas, scales, large bathtubs (as well as separate rain showers), toiletries, free Wi-Fi, and a sumptuous buffet breakfast. Villas are larger, and have either private plunge pools, hot tubs, or outdoor steam rooms.

The Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort offers plenty of extras, including an award-winning teak-filled spa surrounded by ponds and gardens. The spa's theme is "treatments in the treetops," and the treatment rooms are set above the garden. 

The Panorama Restaurant sits above the valley and overlooks the mountains and scenery below. The menu is mostly Thai with some international dishes mixed in. The restaurant has two sides, one for lunch and dinner, and the other for sumptuous inclusive breakfasts. There are also some private corners for intimate dining, along with an overhanging sala (cushioned sitting area) that adjoins the lobby (one couple per night can book the area for a private dinner). 

Other facilities at the resort include a two-tiered cascading swimming pool with a small hot tub, and an outdoor game area that includes archery, ping-pong, darts, pool tables, a giant chess set, a golf putting section, a boxing punching bag, and petanque court. There is also a small kids' club, and an organic garden, whose produce and spices are used in the restaurant's cooking. Cooking classes are available on request, and mountain bikes are available to rent.