Our arrival into a new country/culture is always a bit of a shock for this American girl. Chiang Mai was no different. It took me a couple days to get my travel legs. I am a nature lover who also loves a bit of luxury. At first Shewe Wana didn't strike me as a total win. It IS very quaint and peaceful. As other reviews note: as you drive up to this resort, it's hard to believe they are able to accomplish the serenity that they do! But they do. The rooms are nice, but dark -- and while that probably helps to combat the heat, more lighting would be helpful for the closet areas. However, with that said: the ridiculously amazing staff has you falling in love with the hotel minute-by-minute until you are absolutely in love with the place. May I say that Pink (that is her name) was like our beautiful guardian angel. --Everyone there was just amazing. --And to be honest, as we traveled around the area, I never once saw what I would consider to be other "luxury" hotels. I'm sure they exist? Either way, it didn't matter. We loved the Shewe Wana and its staff and wouldn't change a thing. (except maybe our trip to the temple on the mountain. We'd do a hike on the neighboring mountain instead.) Thai Farm cooking school exceeded our expectations.