The Regent's main dining room Sala Mae Rim highlights locally commissioned
paintings depicting daily life in the Lanna period of the 16th to 18th centuries.

The dominating feature of Sala Mae Rim is the high gabled ceiling with exposed beams and the traditional use of woven matting made from local reeds. This gives the room a less formal and more casual atmosphere in which traditional colonial caned back dining chairs produce the comfort needed for leisurely dining. The focal point is the large antique Lanna glass-fronted display cabinet full of celadon ceramics and other Sukhothai period porcelain. The predominant use of rich teak wood, a natural upholstery, has been contrasted by deep celadon green window blinds that pick up the green hues of the ceramics and place mats. Adjacent to the Sala Mae Rim is the Elephant Bar lounge area named because it features the renowned symbol of Chiang Mai.

The area is dominated by a large triangular carved wood gable from an ancient temple depicting standing elephants and other Lanna-style figures. This, together, with two large hand- carved teak elephants featured behind the bar creates the theme for the lounge.

The terrace extension of Sala Mae Rim overlooks the rice paddies and man-made water lily pools scattered around the resort.

Complementing the Lanna style theme are the delightful uniforms for the resort staff created by the renowned Thai designer, Nagara. The uniforms show the direct influence of the culture and fabrics common to the Chiang Mai region of northern Thailand. They feature an unmistakable northern Thai native look with a distinctive, though elegant and understated hill tribe influence in the cut and use of natural fabric coloring. All materials feature the basic beige-flecked cotton fabrics giving a rustic look, set off by strong colors of burnt oranges and reds with matching sashes. The use of silverware in the accessories, especially buttons, also reflects the traditions of northern Thai design.

Words by Arun Kraves
Photos courtesy of Regent Resort Chiang Mai