If you are looking to explore the culture of Thailand, forget about Bangkok and the beach destinations. Instead, come to Chiang Mai, one of the best cities in Asia, where the country's finest food, nature spots, and activities are. The former 19-century headquarters of the British Borneo Company was turned …

This 67-room resort, in thrall to courtyards, cloisters, and luxuriant gardens, has the vibe of an old Spanish colonial mansion, even though it was entirely constructed in recent years. It has a spacious spa with seven treatment rooms, a rooftop lounge, and tapas bar, and two swimming pools. The resort …