Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort is one of our favourite stay-and-play options in northern Thailand, particularly for golfers who want to escape the busier city hotels and wake up surrounded by mountains, woodland and championship golf. Set in the foothills east of Chiang Mai, the resort has a wonderfully peaceful feel while still being around 30 minutes from Chiang Mai International Airport.

Accommodation is deliberately small and relaxed, with just 19 private resort villas positioned amongst the trees and alongside the creek that runs through the property. This gives Chiang Mai Highlands a much more personal atmosphere than a large resort hotel and makes it especially appealing for couples and golf groups who want the course to be the focus of their stay.

There is a choice of Superior Resort Villas, larger Deluxe Resort Villas and Family Villas. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning, seating areas, minibars and private balconies overlooking the lake, woodland or river. We particularly like the bathrooms, which feature deep bathtubs alongside private outdoor rain showers – a very welcome way to cool down and relax after 18 holes in the Thai sunshine.

Golf is naturally the biggest attraction. Chiang Mai Highlands has 27 championship holes spread across the Valley, Highlands and Mountain courses, giving you plenty of variety if you want to play more than once during your stay. The courses were designed by Schmidt-Curley Golf Design and flow through the foothills, with dramatic bunkering, water, elevation changes and mountain views creating one of the most attractive golf settings around Chiang Mai.

Having the course just a short walk from your villa makes everything incredibly easy. There is also a 300-yard grass driving range, three practice putting greens and a dedicated short-game area if you want to sharpen up before your round.

Away from golf, guests can relax beside the outdoor swimming pool, use the fitness room or book some downtime at the spa. The clubhouse restaurant is another highlight, with open-air seating overlooking the golf course and 18th green as well as an air-conditioned dining area. It is exactly where we would head after golf for a cold drink and something to eat.

Although you could comfortably spend your whole stay at the resort, Chiang Mai is close enough for evenings exploring the city's temples, markets and restaurants.

For golfers wanting peaceful on-course accommodation, excellent practice facilities and 27 holes right outside the door, Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort is an easy recommendation. Speak to our Golf Travel Experts at Hashtag Golf Travel and we can include it within a tailor-made Chiang Mai golf holiday alongside the other leading courses across northern Thailand.