Google ‘Hua Hin’ and you’ll most likely find made-for-Instagram picturesque beaches and night markets. It has all the potential towards becoming Thailand’s top beach destination. While it is still not as popular as Pattaya, Phuket or Koh Samui, the Thais love for this city has been enormous, thanks to the Thai royal family. I recently visited the city to say hello to the brand new Holiday Inn Vana Nava and came home feeling ecstatic. Read on and you’ll understand why.
Reaching Holiday Inn Hua Hin Vana Nava
The beachside town is reachable by plane, car and trains. I have to say that going here by car is the most efficient, if not the cheapest option out there. Hotels arrange pick ups from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports of Bangkok. The trip lasts for about two and a half hour, that’s an ample time for you to get some sleep before days of outing in Hua Hin. If you can’t sleep, expect views of Bangkok suburbs and a sweeping view of trees, hills and greens when approaching Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
The Hotel
You would not miss the hotel from afar as the building is the new landmark of this seaside town, standing 27 stories above ground making it the tallest hotel in Hua Hin. Guests are welcome by the inviting Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle, which makes the hotel Asia’s first Holiday Inn water park resort. The waterpark has some 20 slides surrounded by 200,000 trees. As the car approached the lobby, a giant blue whale statue offers another welcoming sight to the seaside fisherman-inspired design of the hotel. Across the lobby, guests enjoy their own private entrance to the waterpark through hotel. This comes unlimited throughout the stay. This alone is another reason why a stay in Holiday Inn Hua Hin is a must, especially if you bring kids and the family along.
Facade of Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin (credit: the hotel)
Works of Hua Hin Artist Village on the walls at Lobby Level
Views are part of the perks here at Holiday Inn. I stayed in the Ocean View Room (39 sqm) with sweeping views of Hua Hin beach stretch, the town and Takiap hills. The other side of the building would have views of the mountains. Bringing the kids around? Then go for one of the KidSuites, with secret room that comes with kids amenities they will talk about them for months. The room appeals are suitable for a beach getaway but still has the staples of a Holiday Inn in city location. I loved our retreat at the balcony for some tea sipping and books, with occasional choo-choo sounds from the trains passing the railway down below.
Ocean View Room (credit: Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin)
Pad Kra Pao (Minced Pork with Thai Basil on Rice) to the rescue when hunger strikes.
View from the room, a combination of Takiap beach, Hua Hin beach stretch, railway and parts of town.
Eat Well, Relax Well
Food enthusiasts will be pleased with the many choices offered at breakfast at Plamong. With amazing floor to ceiling views, balcony area and plenty of space, the restaurant is perfect for that energizing breakfast and hearty dishes. What truly sets Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin apart from the others is the Vana Nava Sky Bar on 27th floor. This Ashley Sutton-designed bar cum observation deck offers the city’s highest point which means guests get spectacular views across the Gulf of Thailand. The bar shares design vantage point with famous establishments such as Maggie Choo’s and Iron Fairies in Bangkok and Ophelia in Hong Kong. When you visit this venue, don’t miss out on cocktails such as Thyme is Sunny (gin, chrysanthemum, saffron, homemade basil and thyme syrup, lime). Yum!
Almost sunset view from Sky Bar on the 27th floor
Cheers, Hua Hin!
Observation Deck from the tallest hotel in Hua Hin
Wellness is taken to a new height here at Holiday Inn. For some downtime and much needed massage, guests will be happy to experience some at theTea Tree Spa. Staying fit would not be an issue as the gym opens 24 hour, perfect to burn off those street snacks at the Night Market. My favorite part of the hotel would be the Infinity Pool on the 26th floor. It’s dramatic but not intimidating. The hotel has 300 rooms but it always feels like the pool has the space for pretty much everything. Come late afternoon for a Happy Hour and you’ll start the evening just right. And, oh, bring your camera please.
Treatment Room at Tea Tree Spa
The Infinity Pool
The Verdict
One of the best in Hua Hin to date, but it surely is the best choice for the family getaway vacation. All those VIP access to the waterpark, kids-inspired amenities, observation deck/bar, plus the complimentary shuttle to Bluport Mall and the downtown/beachside InterContinental Hua Hin make this resort a must when you visit Hua Hin.
For more information, please visit the hotel website.
