The interview: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai’s Sean Mosher on crafting authentic experiences in Northern Thailand

With its terraced rice fields and forested mountains as a backdrop, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai offers a tranquil retreat in the Mae Rim Valley, just 30 minutes from the city centre. Opened in 1995 and brought under the Four Seasons flag in 2003, the property is designed in Lanna-inspired style, with curved teak ceilings, arched windows, and gold-leaf detailing on traditional shutters and doors. The 98-key resort is spread across pavilions, villas, and private residences, creating a sense of seclusion while still being deeply connected to its natural surroundings.

Guests can explore the flavours of northern Thailand at Khao by Four Seasons, or discover seasonal ingredients with a global twist at North by Four Seasons, the resort’s signature dining concept. Wellness is at the heart of the experience, with the Wara Cheewa Spa offering treatments that blend traditional Thai techniques with modern therapies, alongside yoga and fitness programmes. The resort’s design and setting make it a countryside alternative to Thailand’s beachside destinations, while remaining close to the cultural vibrancy of Chiang Mai.

General manager Sean Mosher shares what sets the resort apart, highlighting Chiang Mai’s cultural richness, natural surroundings, and deep-rooted traditions that shape the guest experience. He also reflects on how the property has evolved with the times, adapting to shifting expectations in luxury travel, and the demand for experiences that balance comfort with authenticity.

Left: The Four Seasons Resorts Chiang Mai features hospitality and residential villas. Right: General manager Sean Mosher.

Boulevard: Chiang Mai is so interestingly positioned against the usual beach resorts in Thailand—what is special about the area?

Sean Mosher: Chiang Mai is often called the Rose of the North, where nature, heritage, and creativity come together in harmony. Its beauty lies in the landscapes of rice paddies, forested hills, and blooming gardens, as well as in traditions deeply rooted in everyday life.

It’s a city of artisans, where craftsmanship is celebrated through textiles, ceramics, and woodwork. The food culture is equally vibrant, with bold Northern Thai flavours that reflect the region’s identity.

At Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, guests can immerse in the countryside, connect with the local creative community, and embrace a pace of life that is both grounding and inspiring.

Blvd: How does Four Seasons bring out the unique atmosphere and experience of Chiang Mai?

Mosher: Our resort is deliberately designed to blend into this landscape, from the working rice paddies that surround us to the architecture inspired by Lanna heritage. It’s also about the people who breathe life into this place. Many of our team members come from nearby villages, carrying forward values of humility, kindness, and artistry. Their knowledge of local crafts, cuisine, and customs allow us to create experiences that go beyond luxury, offering genuine cultural immersion.

We believe luxury is not just about elegance; it’s about feeling connected to your surroundings. When guests wake to mist over the mountains, walk through gardens of native flowers, or meet an artisan who shares their craft, they connect with the qualities that make Chiang Mai unique—its warmth, history and living traditions.

Here, guests can pause, reflect and absorb the layered beauty of the region. They can also immerse themselves in everyday Thai traditions with our Chaan Baan cultural centre, where they can try rice planting, buffalo care or learn about Lanna crafts.

Dining options include Khao by Four Seasons.

Blvd: Where do your guests typically coming from, and what are they usually looking for?

Mosher: Our guests come from all over the world, especially from the United States, Europe and East Asia. They are often looking for something far beyond traditional luxury. They come here for connection: to each other, to the culture, to nature and to themselves.

We also see many families choosing our resort as a place to bond and spend time together—whether it’s exploring the rice paddies with their children, participating in Thai cooking sessions, or enjoying outdoor play and creative activities inspired by local traditions.

At the same time, many guests come in search of balance and personal renewal, through yoga, quiet reflection, or simply walking barefoot on the land.

Blvd: How have guest expectations changed over the last five years?

Mosher: Over the past five years, we’ve seen a clear shift in what luxury travellers want. They’re seeking experiences that are personal and transformative—less about amenities or itineraries, and more about emotional connection, a sense of belonging, and lasting impact.

Facilities include the Wara Cheewa Spa, fitness centre, tennis courts and swimming pools.

Blvd: Do you see different preferences or expectations among your residential and hospitality guests?

Mosher: Hospitality guests often come for immersive experiences that introduce them to the region’s culture and heritage. They want to explore local traditions and engage actively with the environment around them.

Residential guests value privacy and personalised service that fits their lifestyle. They appreciate seamless access to nature and tranquillity, living in comfort while staying closely connected to the serene surroundings.

Blvd: How strong is the demand for larger-format stays, such as residences, and what trends are you noticing in this space?

Mosher: We’ve seen growing demand for residence rentals, especially from families, multi-generational groups and long-stay guests. What they want is space—room to be together, mark special moments, or simply enjoy slow days surrounded by nature. The residences give them that sense of home while letting them move at their own pace.

Blvd: What are some of your most memorable and favourite moments at the resort?

Mosher: Having spent many years in Chiang Mai, I’ve come to cherish the rhythms of this place through the seasons. When the rains arrive, the gardens and rice paddies transform, becoming lush and full of life. Then, in the cooler months, the weather is ideal—refreshingly cool but never harsh—inviting guests to embrace the outdoors and the peaceful surroundings.

Beyond the natural beauty, what stays with me most are the moments I see our guests finding joy and connection here—families bonding, couples finding stillness, or individuals rediscovering themselves.

Blvd: What are you still learning about luxury hospitality and Chiang Mai?

Mosher: Luxury hospitality is an ever-evolving journey, and even after many years, I continue to learn how deeply personal and unique each guest’s experience must be. True luxury today isn’t just about opulence. It’s about creating moments that resonate emotionally, fostering genuine connections and anticipating needs sometimes before they are expressed.

In Chiang Mai, the city continues to reveal new layers—its cultural traditions, the warmth of its people, and the way nature and heritage intertwine. For me, luxury here is about honouring that balance: offering modern comfort and service while staying rooted in the authenticity and spirit of Northern Thailand.

Go further with the Residences at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai.

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