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The resort is located 20km from Chiang Mai on the edge of the sleepy farming village of Huai Sai. We have three convenience stores in the village, one restaurant and a beautiful temple. We built the resort in the middle of the rice fields near the main entrance road to the village. We have two working rice fields in the middle of the resort and we are surrounded by beautiful nature. Locally we have many major tourist attractions, some within just a 5 minute cycle (or motorbike) ride on flat country roads. We have staff to assist us with various duties from looking after the extensive grounds to cooking and cleaning. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our customer focused attitudes.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, German, Thai
Location
274 Moo 3 Huai Sai Subdistrict, Mae Rim 50180 Thailand
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Pete and Ying provide the most wonderful support helping us maximise the potential of our stay. Ying's cooking was the best food we ate in Chiang Mai, a great chef. The location provided the best of both worlds, outside Chiang Mai in a lovely quiet country location and close enough to Chiang Mai to allow easy access. The bungalows are well equipped and clean. Great value.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Don't be shy in asking Pete and Ying for advice with regards organising trips. They were great in...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So many birds in the rice fields surrounding cottage no. 7. Pristine newish buildings crafted by the owner Pete, who moved here from Southern Thailand. So peaceful. Sleep to the hum of insects, frogs, creatures of the night. You can dine on the property, which is handy way out here. Be sure to try the local rice berry rice. At night, Pete opens up the outdoor bar, pours himself a beer over ice and chats with visitors. Gorgeous pool. Family’s large pet pig Jaidee roams about at night. She thinks she’s a human, says Pete.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Had a lovely stay away from hectic Bangkok. Clean bungalows, peaceful quiet location, great food, nice bar for chatting with owners Peter and Ying. Visit from the family pet, an enormous pot bellied pig called Jai Dee who wanders around enjoying herself. Only 30 mins from Chaing Mai airport but seems a world away. Loved it and will return.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We loved every minute at this beautiful resort. Very peaceful atmosphere. The room was clean and comfortable. The hosts - Ying and Peter were welcoming, informative and kind. Ying prepared delicious and healthy meals. Peter was an excellent bartender. This wonderful place was 30 minutes from Chiang Mai, but a world away. It was tranquil. We shall return!
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When my wife and I decided to try out a homestay experience for our retreat, we were not very sure what we would get into as this is our first time. We went in with an open mind for a nine-day retreat but things turned out to be most disappointing. This Country Retreat we went to is just too bare/boring to even call it a "retreat". There are practically no trees, plants etc. as what one would expect at a homestay. It is only surrounded with paddy fields and we could not find a cozy place outdoors to relax. The only place that felt comfortable was at the confined balcony at our rooms for us to relax. And the balcony is fuming hot in the day as there are no fans provided. As the heat has made us too sweaty and uncomfortable, we had to open up the balcony door so that the air from the air conditioner inside the room could help us cool down outside while we try to relax.
Things got worse when the owner of the "retreat" told us not to open the door to the balcony simply because he would get a higher electricity bill and he exclaimed that he would lose money. Shouldn't that be already accounted for in the price of the room?? There were no such rules stated any where in the room to inform us of such and neither were we being informed upon checking in. The only rules for the room is attached herewith for all to see. And because we had defied his "hidden" rules we were being asked to leave after our 3rd night stay (we were supposed to have a 9-day 8-night retreat). The owner just checked us out and did not care less whether we have any place to stay or not. Wow!! Can anyone imagine such harsh treatment we got from the owner?
On top of all this, they had failed to provide something as simple as a shower cap, before I proceeded to ask for one. The reply to my request for a shower cap was appalling as not only did they not give me one upon asking but they even tried to teach me how to shower without a shower cap. Absurd!
I would not want to face such rude and unfriendly hosts at what is supposed to be a retreat and with that, I will not recommend anyone to this "retreat", if it is the correct word to describe such a place.
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Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Pete M, Owner at Country Retreat
Responded 6 Sept 2017
It's a shame you couldn't afford to stay in a 6 star resort with a personal slave! I will never let anyone get away with belittling my wife or staff. 3 days of it and my wife asked me to get you to leave. If you start with a bad and aggressive attitude it's unlikely that you will get positive vibes in return! In three years we have never had guests like you hence us calling agoda to get your booking cancelled. You were generally rude, argumentative and condescending, we are a small family run business and we try our best to please our guests but nothing could please you two. At check-in you produced a list of extra things you required which was fine but we had never been asked in the past for a shower cap, you argued that we were lying. Obviously that day we bought a pack of shower caps (which aren't easy come by in rural Thailand but we managed to get some). One evening there was a light rain shower, my wife received a call on the "line" app asking for two umbrellas, she asked who was calling and it was you. My wife kindly brought the umbrellas to your villa only to be asked why, when we knew it was raining that we hadn't already brought you some umbrellas. You also demanded room service, we obliged even though this is not available. You demanded our maid clean your villa when you wanted rather than when she was available. When our maid cleaned you wouldn't move out of her way and were telling her what to do and trying to control her. There are plenty of trees plants and places to relax on the resort (yes with fans too, TV's, board games and magazines, we also have a large book collection), I must update the photos, we have a sala with two hammocks, lazy chairs, fans and TV. We have a bar area with plenty of cushions and day beds, TV and yes a fan. We have an outside area with several hammocks too. You baulked that you would have to pay for the gasoline you would use on top of the rental payment for a motorbike. You expected us to provide gasoline free. You repeatedly left the bi-fold doors wide open on the front of your villa while leaving the air conditioning running on full, this puts a huge load on the AC unit and is very bad for the motor. When we asked you not to we got a tirade of words thrown back at us. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that our margins are low and this would also have a large effect on our electric bill. We provide our guests with a map of the local area and some general information on it about the resort. This has a request about not leaving the AC on when the villa is empty or doors open. It's right below the WiFi code. You left your lights on 24x7. This is just a few of the things that come to mind, please don't come back.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wow wow wow.....this place was amazing. Situated over looking rice fields and beautiful countryside. Explored using bikes and mopeds..... No need to leave the resort as Ying our host was an amazing cook. Properties exceptional Salt water pool Bar area Hosts were brilliant A must place to go! We will be back
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Date of stay: August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Peter M, Owner at Country Retreat
Responded 27 Aug 2018
Many thanks - it would be a total pleasure to have you all return and stay with us again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
When I first arrived here at the Country Retreat, I was surprised that a property such as this was hiding just a short trip away from a busy area.
I'm about to conclude a full-month of staying here & have to say it's one of the most welcoming & cherished spots I've visited in my last 10 years of constant travelling. The hosts are extremely warm & gracious, making sure you feel at home each & every single day.
There are 2 dogs & 1 house pig that occupies the property & it's always fun to interact with them to ease into a day of sightseeing or relaxing. The food as prepared by the co-owner/chef, Ying, is top-notch having had the pleasure of eating here every single day. Pete, the bartender/co-owner is a nice chat at the bar when you have the time to just hang about & the pool is lovely, pristine & warm like a giant bath that you can swim in. The hammocks which dot the land are also worthing lying in just to have a few thoughts to yourself (that, or simply for taking a nap).
Wishing this couple the very best as they continue to expand & get further business. It's a must-see, must-stay, must-visit for those that haven't had the chance to be here.
Big hugs from afar ~
- Timmy B. Andersson.
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Date of stay: September 2017
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Outstanding!! This is such a beautiful and peaceful resort situated in the middle of rice fields and mountains on the horizon...wow! Excellent large bungalows an a lovely swimming pool. The restaurant is run by a great chef! She serves you delicious meals with fresh food from the nearby daily market. It truly is a dreamtime resort where you can relax, enjoy the quietness or rent one of their bikes to explore the surroundings. Most of all and what makes this outstanding place complete is the pure and sincere way the lovely couple who run this resort take pride in their personal care for you during your stay. They also provide you accurate and high standard service wether you need a pick up or drop-off at the airport, plan to visit Elephant Nature Camp or a short trip to Pai e.g., lovely and amazing! We highly recommend this beautiful resort and will definitely visit them again!!
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Date of stay: December 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
While we often remark we'll login to TripAdvisor to write a review of a good experience, tour, or stay, it's rare that some place truly compels us to do so. Country Retreat, however, was a wonderful place and we couldn't wait to write our first review!
Country Retreat is located in Mae Rim, the countryside north of Chiang Mai. We recently stayed for 2 nights in February; we're approximately 6 weeks in to a 9 month trip traveling around the world. This was our favorite accommodation stay of our trip to date. It was a perfect relaxed, low-key retreat in the northern Thailand countryside, a welcome escape from the hustle & bustle of nearby Chiang Mai (which we also very much enjoyed, just busier and more city-like), Bangkok, and other large city and/or touristy stops we've had along the way.
Started by husband and wife team Pete and Ing just over a year ago, Country Retreat has a handful of private bungalows, a lovely pool (complete with sun chairs and pool bar area), and covered outdoor restaurant, all with unobstructed westward views of adjacent rice fields and nearby mountains.
From arrival through to our departure, Englishman Peter and his lovely wife Ing (and they're small, friendly staff) made us feel completely at home. With a small property, they are able to interact on a one-on-one basis with each of their guests. This hospitality and service was second to none in all of our travels this trip so far. Ing is masterful in the kitchen, whipping up both delicious Thai and English food. We enjoyed complimentary breakfasts both mornings, with a choice between Thai, English, or American spreads. Our favorite meal was dinner, where Ing made what we considered to be our favorite meal of our 2 weeks total in Thailand. Her coconut milk soup and Thai spicy red curry were standouts!
Our room was wonderful. Spacious and decorated clean & simple with lovely touches, we had everything we needed. Air conditioning (with hot days this can be nice, but with super cool nights, it's not needed!), hot shower, towels, bottled water, basic toiletries, a safe, and daily housekeeping. Each standalone bungalow also has its own covered deck with table and chairs.
Peter and Ing consistent went above and beyond during our stay. Peter directly helped with transportation for the elephant rescue tour we took one day. Transport for most day tours originates out of Chiang Mai, and so staying at the Country Retreat ~45 minutes north of town could have posed a problem. Without missing a beat, Peter and Ing offered to drive us 15-20 minutes from the retreat to a meet-up point, and waited for us until the tour van arrived. They then picked us up at the same spot in the afternoon upon our return. We were so grateful, as their willingness to do so meant we were easily able to partake in the wonderful elephant rescue excursion! They also helped is arrange a taxi back to Chiang Mai town for a reasonable rate (500 THB). If you need help with any transport related questions, don't hesitate to ask!
Country Retreat has bicycles and motor bikes available for rent. We enjoyed the bicycles to visit to a local restaurant for dinner one night, as well explore around the quaint, local village area one morning. While we didn't partake, other services available: laundry (for a reasonable fee), on-site cooing classes, and massages.
Our favorite time of day was relaxing by the pool in the hot afternoons into the early evening hours -- enjoying the refreshing water, a few cold beers, and taking in the lovely sunsets. A must if you stay here!
If you're planning a trip to Chiang Mai, it's definitely worth the journey to get a bit outside of the main town area and experience the countryside. And Peter & Ing's truly is the perfect oasis retreat!
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Date of stay: February 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here with an eight month old infant for 3 nights. The owners, Pete and Ing were incredibly friendly and helpful. Our bungalow was everything we could have wished for, pristine, fresh, lovely wooden furniture, wide doors opening onto our own verandah, superb views and .... NO noise! The salt water pool was lovely and a superb BBQ was done for us on our last night. Eating down by the pool with soft background music, fantastic stars above .... could have stayed for much longer. Memories of Country Retreat will stay with us for a long time and hopefully we can return one day. Thank you Pete and Ing for such a special time!
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Date of stay: December 2015
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:All the bungalows would give you amazing views!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Mae Rim area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$54 - AU$68 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
ThailandChiang Mai ProvinceMae Rim
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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