Not many visitors to Thailand’s resort town Hua Hin realize they’re following in the footsteps of royalty.
The Prince of Bisnulok, Chakrabongse Bhuvanath was the son of King Rama V (the legendary King Chulalongkorn) and one of the latter’s favorite sons. After arranging a hunting trip for the Grand Duke of Russia, the Prince discovered a pristine beach in front of a sleepy fishing village called Hua Hin.
Prince Chakrabongse fell in love with the place, and so did the rest of the Royal Family. Beginning with the Klai Kangwon villa (completed in 1933), the royal family established a presence in this coastal town, paving the way for the rest of Thailand and its visitors.
You too can recapitulate Prince Chakrabongse’s falling in love with Hua Hin – without the massive trouble of building your own villa afterward. At AVANI Hua Hin Resort & Villas, you can get the tropical escape you’ve been looking for, along a beach favored by generations of Thailand’s kings.
Royal patronage may have spared Hua Hin from the downsides of Phuket and other touristy Thailand destinations. You’ll find little in the way of bar hops, cheap drinks and ill-mannered gangs of tourists here; just long stretches of golden-sand beaches, punctuated with night markets and resorts.
The AVANI Hua Hin Resort and Villas makes itself at home in Hua Hin’s serene setting – beginning with interior design that takes natural tropical elements and fuses them with contemporary touches.
Guest rooms. Choose from one of 196 guestrooms, suites and villas, placed in the midst of by lush gardens and facing a large lagoon pool. As you ascend in room class, you ascend, too, in luxury.
Superior and Deluxe Guest Rooms all have a private balcony, while Villas and Suites have either a plunge pool or Jacuzzi and gazebo.
The eleven One-Bedroom and two Two-Bedroom Lagoon Pool Villas have direct access to the main pool, and are ideal for a group of friends or a large family wanting to be part of the resort action, but also having a private space to enjoy each other’s company.
Select suites offer outdoor rainforest showers, all the better for guests to stay in touch with nature.
Wellness. The AVANI’s well-regarded wellness brand AVANISPA makes its presence felt in Hua Hin; here, trained therapists administer indulgent modern treatments to restore body, mind and spirit.
The spa features nine treatment rooms, including two couple’s treatment rooms; and an authentic Hammam where guests can enjoy a hot steam bath followed by a massage.
For a more strenuous approach to wellness, the AVANIFIT gym offers the latest cardio and weight-training machines; the resort has mapped out a jogging and cycling track around the property, so guests can keep up with their exercise routines should they want to while on holiday.
Finally, if you like your fitness regime out on the water, the resort’s watersports will oblige: kite surfing, sailing and stand up paddle board yoga can be arranged.
Local experiences. A visit to AVANI and Hua Hin counts for little unless you get in touch with the local culture. Right on site, you can take in authentic Thai dishes from all-day dining restaurant Staas.
Beyond the resort grounds, you can enjoy a series of activities and excursions in the local area, from foodie market tours to painting classes and Street Art tours.
Exploring Hua Hin (and retreating to the AVANI Hua Hin Resort & Villas afterward), you’ll realize what magic the Thai princes discovered in the area, and take some joy in making the same discovery for yourself.
This villa looks like my kind of place:) with Phuket being so crowded now, I have Hua Hin is the next best thing and Phuket 20 years ago. I’m sure it will get as busy soon so I better head there before it does. I absolutely love that photo of the monk on the beach:)