SINGAPORE — A GHM property overlooking the scenic Mae Ping River in Northern Thailand is Asia's top resort, according to the latest worldwide survey by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.
The Chedi Chiang Mai emerged as the new favourite among thousands of Asian resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers' Choice Awards 2013, announced Oct. 15 in New York.
“That the readers of Condé Nast Traveler have recognised our property as the top resort in all Asia is immensely gratifying,” said Andy Kunz, general manager of The Chedi Chiang Mai. “In the coming year, as we refine a remarkable, new culinary concept, we believe we’ll be cultivating grounds for a whole new layer of appeal.”
The work of renowned architect Kerry Hill, the 84-room resort nestles along the tranquil banks of the Mae Ping River, encompassing the original site and structure of the British Consulate during the 1920s.
Participants in the 26th annual Readers' Choice Awards gave the No. 1 ranked property in Asia a ranking of 97.4, with perfect scores in the criteria of dining and rooms. The Chedi Chiang Mai earned the 18th spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the top 100 hotels around the globe.
Aside from The Chedi Chiang Mai, voters singled out another GHM property for recognition as one of the 10 best resorts on the continent: The Nam Hai in Hoi An rose from 14th place among Asia’s top resorts in 2012 to the 10th spot in the same category this year.
Hotels operated by Singapore-based management group GHM also earned high marks from voters across the Atlantic in the Readers' Travel Awards 2013, published in this month’s issue of Condé Nast Traveller.
Readers of the UK edition ranked The Nam Hai as one of the world’s top three overseas spa hotels, while The Chedi Muscat claimed the 11th spot in the Best Overseas Hotels category for the Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean region.
Some 79,268 participants cast 1.3 million votes for 16,000 properties nominated in this year's Readers' Choice Awards.
The survey was first launched in 1988 by Condé Nast, one of the world's most prestigious magazine publishers.
This year’s voting was conducted through a secure website, with responses tabulated by Equation Research. Readers evaluated candidates on a set of criteria using a standard five-point scale. Properties must receive a required minimum number of responses to be eligible for an award.
