Thomas Spears

Chiang Mai is a city I’ve spent a lot of time in and one of my favorite cities in Thailand. Far away from the beaches and party scene in the south, Chiang Mai is the capital of Northern Thailand, which used to be the kingdom of Lanna. Their unique food, culture, architecture and art all reflect the complex past of the region, having been ruled by Kingdoms in China, Burma and Ayutthaya, back and forth before uniting with the Kingdom of Siam (which became modern day Thailand).

This is one of my favorite properties in the city and is a perfect retreat from downtown. Chiang Mai is only a 90-minute flight from Bangkok, so it makes for an easy weekend getaway as well, if you're already planning a Thailand trip and want a change of scenery. You’ll stay in elegant antique homes turned into luxury villas, among a maze of plants, art and sculptures.

I grew up in Boston, and despite our rivalry with NYC, it was always a quick train ride away, so we used to go all the time growing up. I even worked in Bryant Park (near Times Square) and would commute a couple times a month. But Times Square never felt like NYC to me, with its towering billboards, chain restaurants, throngs of tourists, skyscrapers and bright lights. My New York is quiet corner restaurants where celebrities and locals mix without any commotion, dimly lit jazz bars with hand-painted murals, walks in the park or a museum and storied hotels that host royalty and discerning travelers alike. This weekend's itinerary is a map of my New York, a New York that is understated, quiet and full of old world glamor.