We loved staying at Shewe Wana- everything about it was just fantastic. Staff are so friendly and go above and beyond to assist you even when not asked. Our room was lovely- traditional Thai influence, very clean and the handmade organic shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and hand soap was such a brilliant bonus. Breakfast was delicious- the banana pancakes...YUM! Location is a little out of the way but you can be at the night bazaar in about 5 minutes and the old city 20 minutes by foot, otherwise taking a taxi or tuk tuk is easy. Stayed for our honeymoon and would go back to stay in the future. Just loved it!

For our year end holidays, my husband chose Chiangmai for two reasons. One to relive his experiences 20 years since his last visit and secondly weather and to experience zipline. I was left with planning the accommodation. I was attracted to the Shewe Wana for it's setting, rooms and boutique setting. I did not want the 5 star high rise commercial hotel!

To my delight I was not disappointed. From airport transfer by a clean comfortable mini van, to the reception and a wonderful room with 4 poster bed to a comfortable king size bed that fitted my husband and 7 year old sun with room to spare! My husband remarked what a great sleep he had and we learnt later that it was a Sleepmate mattress! The elegance of furnishing can be savored not only in the bed but also spa like natural soap, bath gel, shampoo n conditioner - bamboo charcoal - that made my hair soft shiny and smooth.

The breakfast spread is great! With cooked items made as you order! I loved the decor of using old Singer pedal sewing machines as tables. The service was great too with Joy, the owner mingling with guests to ensure all is well. My son n I tried both pools. The water is clean and ample pool towels!

Love the garden that envelops the place! Though small it is enough to give you a wonderful ambience. The room came with dinner and the food was great! There is free shuttle to the night market where we took most of our dinners.

The location is not far from the buzz of the city. Just 30Bhat per person gets you there.

All in all I would return back to Shewe Wana on our next trip to Chiangmai!

Our stay for 5 nights at Shewe Wana exceeded our expectations in every respect.
Staying over the Christmas period we wanted a quite boutique style retreat and Shewe Wana delivered.
Our deluxe suite was spacious, very clean and exhibited the traditional wooden furnishings blended to the enviroment and atmosphere being created. A cold beer on the private balcony was specially memorable
Loved the lush trees and gardens beautifilly groomed and which enhanced the jungle ambience of the property. .The staff friendly and very willing to please but, as we see often in Thailand, their grasp of even basic English, remains a frustration at times.
The food was a stand out, particulary breakfast which had variety and taste appeal.With the added touch of the owner, Kay meeting and chatting to guests from time to time, we always felt special and this gives us lasting memories of our stay at Shewe Wana.
Their coffe shop next door was a special escape for a delicious fruit smoothie.
The spa was on hand for the obligitory massage or treatments but is not the main focus of the resort. Easy and cheap tuk tuk ride to the main city shopping areas.
Two small pools but too chilly to sample.
If you are looking for the contempary style boutique hotel resort with flashy glass and modern architecture then Shewe Wana is not the choice but in our mind the perfect retreat in Chiang Mia for those who seek relaxation, luxury and value for money.

Chris

we arrived Chiang Mai and checked in early at Shewe wana on 23rd Dec 2011 at around 9am. It was a relief as we were quite sleepy and tired having to catch the flight early from Kuala Lumpur. We asked for a one-bedroom suite but unfortunately it was fully booked and had to settle with a deluxe room. No complaints though as the room was clean and nice. The resort was really beautiful and clean with good and friendly staff especially the owner, Joy. We also enjoyed the Spa, quite pricy but after 40% discount...no complaints! Best of all, free wi-fi in the room!!!
Location wise, the resort was not far from the city (walking distance) but we recommend taking the red taxi or tuk-tuk to go around.
However one thing that disturbed our stay was the noise from the people above our room (i guess it was after a Christmas party). Furthermore, there were noises from the parking lot or the main road since our room was at the end of the block ..
Other than that, we had such a wonderful stay in Chiang Mai and hope to return again soon!!