Skip to main content

Meliá Chiang Mai Decks the Halls with Handicrafts from Northern Thailand’s Hill Tribes

 Meliá Chiang Mai is showcasing a broad spectrum of charming decorations, made from natural and recycled materials, this festive season to support the livelihoods and cultural traditions of Northern Thailand’s vibrant hill tribes.







For generations hill tribes including the Akha, Hmong, Karen, Lahu, Lawa, Lisu, and Mien practiced slash-and-burn agriculture as part of a semi-nomadic lifestyle. However, ecological concerns and government restrictions on land clearing and tree felling have rendered their way of life unsustainable. With limited agricultural opportunities, these communities have turned to handicrafts as a means of supporting their families – and preserving cultural traditions.

From handwoven textiles to intricately carved ornaments, a diverse selection of handicrafts crafted from eco-friendly materials are available to purchase at the hotel, making for thoughtful gifts and directly supporting the artisans who have crafted them.

“This collaboration is more than just a celebration of Christmas—it is dedication to our community, sustainability, and cultural preservation as we celebrate the spirit of giving this festive season,” said the hotel’s general manager Marc Selinger.  “Each ornament tells a story of craftsmanship and perseverance, providing guests with an opportunity to connect with the vibrant traditions of Northern Thailand and contribute to a greater cause.”


The hotel has partnered with local fair-trade organisations to help ensure artisans receive equitable compensation for their work, supporting their families financially and fostering a sense of pride and purpose within the community.


Holiday décor throughout the hotel this Christmas is made by the hill tribes.


On a permanent basis, Meliá Chiang Mai is home to a social enterprise that promotes talented Thai designers, artists and craftsmen to ultimately help communities in need and preserve Thai culture.


Underpinned by the concept of “Giving Art, Art of Giving”, The GALLERY, situated in the hotel’s lobby, sells an exquisite array of accessories such as handbags, wallets, silks, children’s toys, and home décor items including ceramic bowls and cups made by Thai designers and artists.


All profits from the sale of the handmade items contribute to further artistic endeavors in disadvantaged communities and help preserve and promote local culture, particularly the skills indigenous to over 40 communities across Thailand. The communities surround properties owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), which established The GALLERY.


To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to purchase a handicraft, email reservation.chiangmai@melia.com, call +66 52 090 699 or visit https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Unveiling the Horizon Watches Latest Collection

 Horizon, a watch brand founded by Ukrainian designer Fred Bekher and Singaporean entrepreneur Sugiharto Kusumadi, is thrilled to introduce its latest collection, "Nemo". Continuing the tradition of its predecessors, this collection draws inspiration from the captivating universe of Jules Verne, particularly the iconic character Captain Nemo, who appears in two of the renowned French novelist's works: *Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea* (1870) and *The Mysterious Island* (1875). The Nemo collection features a smaller and slimmer design. Key elements of the brand's DNA include a two-part case construction, an Integrated Date Display (IDD), and tall markers designed in a unique proprietary font style.  The Horizon Watches Nemo collection includes seven models and is now exclusively available at Red Army Watches stores in Pavilion KL and 1Utama Shopping Centre, priced at RM 5,565. In addition to the latest "Nemo" collection this year, there are also two pre...
Post a Comment
Read more

IJM Land Explores Smart, Sustainable Living with Samsung Malaysia across Selected Existing and Upcoming Developments

  IJM Land, one of Malaysia’s leading property developers, is working with Samsung Malaysia Electronics (“Samsung”) to explore smart and sustainable living solutions across its move-in ready homes, and homes to be completed soon. This initiative reflects IJM Land’s continued commitment to sustainability-driven development by incorporating Samsung’s advanced smart home technologies to reimagine the future of modern living in Malaysia.   The initiative was unveiled today at an event held at IJM Land Centre of Excellence I.C.E. Gallery @ Pantai Sentral Park, officiated by senior leaders from both organisations, Datuk Tony Ling, CEO of IJM Land, and Mr. Charles Kim, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics.   Guided by its sustainability pillars – Marketplace, Environment, Workplace, and Community, IJM Land continues to develop townships & integrated developments that are future-ready, environmentally responsible, and built to enhance community well-being. Sustainability...
Post a Comment
Read more

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Welcomes New Artist in Residence

  Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has welcomed a new artist in residence ahead of the launch of a new exhibition of artworks, as the iconic 93-year-old luxury hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia continues to spotlight talented Khmer creatives. Teang Borin, popularly known as ‘DinArt’, is an audacious, self-taught artist whose work captures and exalts the essence of Cambodia’s rich religious and societal heritage. His latest exhibition, inspired by the majesty of Khmer royalty and the distinguished colour palette of the Raffles Royal Doorman, features vivid, brilliant hues often set against a stark backdrop. “The central concept revives the historical tradition of Khmer royalty, specifically focussing on the Royal Guards’ pantaloons. Historically, the colour of a king’s attire would change to correspond with the day of the week—a vibrant, visual reminder of the calendar and its spiritual significance,” said curator Nat Di Maggio of the local Tribe Art Gallery. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor wil...
Post a Comment
Read more