Creativity is the Key in Chiang Mai | akyra Manor

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The popularity of visiting Thailand has sky rocketed in the last 5-10 years and continues to attract a plethora of different people at varying stages in their lives. This beautiful country has so much to offer, be it to back pack through the lush rainforests, sample delicious Thai street food, bathe in the sun at the picture perfect beaches or to soak in the inspiring culture; it has everything you would want from a holiday destination. Culture is at the heart of Thailand and it wouldn’t be right to visit this magnificent country without taking in the sights of the Buddhist temples, ancient architecture and meeting the friendly locals. Sitting north of Bangkok nestled amongst the mountains sits Chiang Mai, one of the most culturally significant cities in Northern Thailand and a must visit destination for lover’s of art or history. With festivals galore, galleries featuring exhibits of contemporary Thai art to the talented graffiti found in the neighbourhood streets as well as over 300 Buddhist temples, Chiang Mai is a culture lover’s dream. Nowhere has embraced the creative vibe of the city more than the akyra.

The new akyra MANOR Chiang Mai from AKARYN Hotel Group has announced the first series of art installations as a ‘living gallery’. Designed as a celebration of artistic talent and a living showcase of new art, the akyra MANOR will be an active patron of the arts and a hub for creative minds with a rotating exhibition of local and international artists with the opportunity for guests to hone their own talents through interactive art classes and extended art retreats.

Set in the art district on Soi 9 Nimmanhaemin, the uniquely designed akyra allows guests to truly connect with the culture of the city. Guests will enjoy a forever changing collection of different art pieces in both the public spaces and each suite, with the upcoming exhibition schedule:

  • October – December 2015: Guests will enjoy a collection of limited edition pieces with Andy Gotts, London and New York based photographer, famed for his black and white portraits of Hollywood actors and singers.
  • January – March 2016: Local students from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Mai University will have the opportunity to showcase their creative work throughout the hotel in a demonstration of tomorrow’s talent, celebrating the old and new Chiang Mai.
  • March – June 2016: The work of respected local artist and alumni of Chiang Mai University, Supachet Bhumakarn will be displayed. With pieces inspired by the Asian elephant, a symbol of Thailand, each captures the warmth of the country it represents.
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akyra MANOR Chiang Mai is the epitome of excellence when it comes to an ‘art hotel’ and creative couples are almost certainly going to be inspired by the art around them. With this in mind, the hotel offers private art classes led by some of the best local artists to help channel your inner visionary. Specialising in either acrylics, charcoal or pastels, the three hour sessions will provide practical guidance and encouragement to spark creativity. Three to five day art retreats are also available for a more intensive programme of personal artistic development, with the opportunity to enjoy daily art lessons and visits to a respected local studio to share in artistic understanding and interpretation.

Anchalika Kijkanakorn, visionary managing director and founder of the boutique AKARYN Hotel Group said: “With the akyra MANOR at the heart of Chiang Mai’s buzzing art district, the hotel was always designed to be a celebration of the talent that can be found around every corner. By acting as a living gallery of creative works, guests will be surrounded by the very best of local art in an inspiring series of exhibitions. More than this, lessons with experienced arts will encourage them to discover and express their own creativity.”

Here at Hero & Leander we have been blown away by the creative possibilities and the artistic draw that Chiang Mai presents. If you are looking to explore a different side to Thailand and venture a little further afield than Bangkok then you will not be disappointed with Chiang Mai, a city steeped in history and bursting at the seam with creativity. With all of that in mind, it is important to stay in a hotel that embodies all of the elements that make Chiang Mai great, so a stay at akyra MANOR is surely a must?!

(Source: Hero & Leander)