A Star Phulare Valley Resort Chiang Rai

A Star Phulare Valley Resort Chiang Rai is a good place for nature lovers and those who don't want to be in the city. One has to drive up a dead end road to see the resort, which has an entry that resembles the exterior of a traditional northern Thai rice barn. A covered walkway leads into the lobby, which has big glass windows, bright wood paneling, and an array of rattan furniture, with the usual northern Thai Lanna decor. There is a lone computer in an adjoining room and a few other sitting areas, but mostly open space. It doesn't make a strong first impression for a place that is one of Chiang Rai's more expensive hotels, but perhaps this is because all of the architecture and interiors are overshadowed by the farmland and mountains all around. An organic strawberry farm, rambutan plantation, and orange grove are all owned by the resort, and the mountains raise up just behind them. With plenty of outdoor space here, it's no wonder this resort is popular with Thais looking to escape the city. It's a great spot for families, as little kids can pet the sheep on the farm, the older ones can ride on ATVs, and mom and dad can participate in the rice planting. In season, staff puts out plates of organic strawberries for guests to sample at the front desk. 

A Star Phulare Valley Resort Chiang Rai is located in the countryside outside of Chiang Rai. The resort is about a 30-minute drive from the city center, and 15 minutes from the airport. It isn't far off the busy main highway running from Chiang Rai up to the border town of Mae Sai, but it lies off the highway up a dead end road, so it's private and quiet. The resort sits at the base of the mountains and is surrounded by fruit orchards and plantations, including orange trees, rambutan trees, and organic strawberry patches. It's a tranquil spot, and those who have their own wheels will appreciate it, but it is not convenient for those who don't -- there are no other facilities within walking distance around the resort. Other local sights include Wat Rhun Kung, the area's famous White Temple, which is around 40 minutes south by car, and Golden Triangle Park -- where Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet on the Mekong River -- which is an hour away to the north.

There are 131 rooms at A Star Phulare Valley Resort Chiang Rai, and they come in a wide range of categories. Despite this fact, everything is pretty simple and bland when it comes to decor -- the look is generically contemporary and even a bit worn. They are all spacious, with entry-level Phuwing rooms having 47 square meters of space (506 square feet). These rooms are located a good distance from the lobby, restaurant, and swimming pool area, although there is an on-call buggy to drive guests around. Decor includes laminate wood floors, IKEA-style furniture in wood tones, and bare white walls. There are small flat-screen TVs, plus free Wi-Fi and water in the mini-fridges, as well as unfurnished balconies looking out over green rambutan plantations. Bathrooms are modern as well, with vessel sinks and rainfall showerheads in the walk-in showers.

Moving up a notch, the Chalets and Premier Chalets come with safes and free minibars plus snacks. They have tiled bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers. The only difference between them is that the Premier Chalets have views of the mountains, and the Chalets don't have views. A bit of colorful bedding helps add personality, but again, these rooms are bland and spartan. When it comes to views, the smaller Phuwing are actually a better deal, as they are far cheaper.

The Pool Villas are the best option. These are spacious private villas that have their own small swimming pool in a garden, plus sun loungers set out front. The villas have both a bedroom and separate living space, which are open to each other but can be separated by a sliding panel. Each bedroom has a flat-screen TV and another 48-inch flat-screen TV in the living room. There are a large sofa and a desk. The enormous bathrooms have bright lighting and lots of glass windows, and feature a giant bathtub in addition to the separate rain-shower, plus double vanity sinks in these villas. There are also a few four-bedroom Pool Villas, which are suitable for families and large groups. They feature four villas which surround one private swimming pool in the middle of the complex. 

This resort has a few features that set it apart from the local competition, but certain things are lacking that are generally standard in higher category resorts -- notably a fitness center or a spa. However, it does have a sheep farm on the premises, and the animals can be pet -- a plus for the many families that stay here. There's also an organic strawberry farm as well as rice planting, another seasonal activity. A selection of bicycles and ATVs can be rented to explore the expansive property and nearby hills. 

More traditionally, the resort has an infinity pool with sun loungers set up on just one side of it -- there is also a pool bar adjoining it for regular happy hours. The Ping Doi restaurant and Ping Dao bar are also right by the pool; the restaurant is housed in a long open-air building and serves a breakfast buffet, along with mostly Thai favorites for lunch and dinner. The restaurant places an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Ping Dao bar looks like a temple and is accessed by a wooden bridge. Glass doors look out to the surrounding mountains. 

The resort also has a large ballroom for group functions and events and Wi-Fi si free throughout the property. There's ample parking in a large guarded parking area, from where a buggy picks guests up for the short drive over to the lobby area. Valet parking is also free.