Villa Albizia, Chiang Mai

We thought we had already seen some really beautiful resorts on our trip through Cambodia and Thailand. But Jim's "Villa Albizia" exceeded any expectations you might have as a guest! Close your eyes and imagine paradise. A huge garden with small paths, countless corners and plants to discover, a pond, a beautiful pool surrounded by blooming flowers and a magnificent view of rice fields and the hills in the distance. A large, extremely tastefully furnished house with invitingly wide open doors and quiet piano music. It smells lightly and pleasantly of flowers. Jim is the best host you could imagine. He takes care of every detail, conjures up a great breakfast, surprised us with a little refreshment from time to time and does everything he does with passion. When we were his guests during the Loy Krathong festival, he even provided krathongs and sky lanterns for all the guests, took us to the Doi Saket Lakes and we were able to celebrate this festival with him. He made our stay very special and simply unforgettable! Yes, the villa is a little out of the way for exploring Chiang Mai. But it's worth every extra minute in the cab and if Jim is available, he will take you to the main road. From here, a songthaew (public bus) leaves every 10-15 minutes for 20 THB p.p. to the city. The only downside is that you don't really want to leave the idyllic grounds to explore the area because it's just too beautiful. And we didn't really get to read either, because we were constantly busy admiring and enjoying the beauty of the garden and the views, the at least 15 different species of butterfly and the many birds.

Everything was Perfect! Jim is the best Host who prepares you the best breakfast’

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I like everything about the place. The villa is a private house and run by the owner, Jim. It has only 3 rooms and we’re the only guests when we’re there. It’s perfect if you’re looking for tranquility, privacy, and nature. The villa is rated 3 stars but the experience was 5 stars to me. The room overlooked a beautiful garden with a pond. It is thoughtfully decorated and practical too with many custom-made pieces of furniture. You can tell they only selected good quality items. The wooden furniture and decorations made the room cool enough without the need for the AC (they have it too though). Other facility were top notch too. We had the swimming pool to ourselves because there’s no other guests. The pool was surrounded by different types of plants and faced rice fields and mountains. I enjoyed being surrounded by nature in the garden and tasteful design of the villa. It might be quite far for someone who’s looking to mainly hangout in Chiangmai downtown but so worth it. Cannot recommend enough.

We loved the beautiful garden and the comfortable rooms with lots of attention to detail. The view from the room is stunning and the large swimming pool was a treat. If this was a name brand hotel you'd be paying triple the price for the same experience. Breakfast is substantial too, and the host is very attentive and friendly, and can provide great recommendations of nearby places to eat and visit. I would recommend coming with a car as it's a little too far to walk most places, but the host can also arrange some transport if needed. If you're looking for some peace and relaxation in a quiet natural spot in the Doi Saket area you can't do better. We can't wait to stay again.

Nothing. I have no complaints.

In the past three decades, I've spent at least a third (and more recently half) of my time as a hotel guest. As a business traveller I get to tick places off my ever changing bucket list and constantly learn what I want as a personal traveller. Distinctive superior service is or at least should be given amongst the luxury brands just as rainfall shower heads and comfy pillows - after all I’m paying for this! But when personally travel it is the memorable moments and the experience, over the tangible product and opulent formality that I crave. At Villa Albizia I found it. This Lanna style villa is in the sleepy side of ChiangMai, and sat on the terrace surrounded by literally acres of gardens bursting to life with fragrant blooms flowering in the hot sunshine and my wife trying to spot birds and their songs from the comfort of our just enough of a recumbent chair to have a cool beer in hand, is the best place to learn to let your eyes explore and the body to rest. Our host, Jim, gave himself wholeheartedly to ensuring that we had an experience worth paying more for.

Villa is B&B. But with some thought Jim could facilitate food delivery service so we don’t have to go out for dinner and just stay and enjoy more of the wonderful villa.

Villa Albizia is a stunning and welcoming house. Jim, the owner and designer has impeccable 5 star taste in furniture and style with many custom designed pieces. This is Jim's home and has 3 beautiful rooms for guests. The house is plenty big enough for you to feel you very much have your own space and at the same time if you need anything Jim is around. Each room has a delightful balcony overlooking gardens, rice fields and mountain in the distance. The garden is like a botanic garden with orchids and many wonderful trees and plants. The swimming pool clean, relaxing and surrounded by plants. I can honestly say this is the best place i have ever stayed. From the first minute I felt at home and inspired by the creativity, art, and style of the property. Jim goes way beyond to ensure your safety and comfort. His breakfast is bespoke to your needs and simply delicious. The property is around a 20 minute taxi to Chiang Mai so ideal for anyone who wants a bit of space from the intensity of the city and yet still within easy access, and hungry for a taste of nature. There are places to eat locally and bikes you can borrow.

Nothing at all ......

Villa Albizia is a beautiful, small place with 3 rooms for rent. It is run by a charming host who provides a delicious, healthy breakfast. This villa set amongst the rice paddies has stunning flowers and plants everywhere and a great pool. It's THE place to relax for a few days, although you will need a car or take taxis to go to eat out as breakfast is the only meal served. The rooms are elegantly appointed, with great care and attention paid to the small details. I really, really recommend this place for a place to relax and unwind. I'd definitely stay here again.

There's nothing not to like, but of course having to eat (except for the awesome breakfast) out means travelling out in a car or taking a taxi