Weekend Wanders Anantara Hua Hin Resort

We’re onto Weekend 15 of Thailand Staycations and we’re excited to be heading to Anantara Hua Hin beach resort. Won’t you take a wander with me and I’ll show you around?

HUA HIN THAILAND – FAR FROM WORRIES

Hua Hin beach at dawn

Hua Hin is a 2-3 hour drive from Bangkok. Although beware some days it can be a 4-5 hour drive depending on roadworks, bring on the proposed high-speed train link, I say! The long sandy beaches and warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand are a great weekend escape for Bangkokians and Thai Royalty alike. King Rama VII built a palace called Klaikangwon or “far from worries” which seems appropriate now.

Isn’t that we’re all after these days?

Thailand’s Emergency Decree implemented in March 2020 is still in force and we are only just able to leave Bangkok.  Each province has different rules regarding entry and whether a 14-day quarantine period is enforced for arrivals. Not all provinces have their beaches open at present.

See the latest on the updates from Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) here.

THE RECOVERY OF THAI DOMESTIC TOURISM

The Thailand tourism industry has been decimated by Covid-19. However, the early signs are encouraging for domestic tourism. There are some great deals to be had for Thai residents at the moment, sadly our international airports remain closed for International arrivals.

It seems we are not alone in our desire to leave Bangkok and head to the beach or be at one with nature. Hua Hin, Pattaya or Kanchanaburi have begun to open some hotels but occupancy is high. Those I tried were fully booked.

We were happy that Expat Holidays Thailand found us a last-minute cancellation room at the Anantara Hua Hin Resort.

The Anantara Hua Hin Staff

DID YOU HAVE A LOCKDOWN DREAM?

I had this lockdown dream to walk free on the beach in a bikini. I would be paddling in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand and I would re-emerge post-COVID, fitter, stronger and happier like a butterfly coming out of a chrysalis.

Oh my gosh, well things didn’t exactly go to plan on the fitness front and this little Wren ain’t exactly a spring chicken, but the bikini on the beach has to happen.

It will be quite a look! TAT has just issued recommendations that masks are to be worn on the beaches in Thailand. Don’t smirk.

ARRIVING AT THE ANANTARA HUA HIN

It’s been a long four months since our last stay in Hua Hin when we bounced into town for the WTA Thailand Open tennis tournament.

This time as we drive up the long elegant elephant drive, in desperate need of a beach escape, I can’t help but think what a difference a few months makes.

I mean what just happened? Going for long walks on the beach, eating in a restaurant, swimming in a swimming pool, meeting friends for drinks. Oh, how we are looking forward to the joys of such normal things.

We might be tired, but we are ecstatic for Hua Hin.

We arrived mask on, to have our temperature checked and to be greeted at reception by a wall of perspex. There are clear footsteps on the ground showing our socially distanced positions and where to stand. A box of sterilised pens on the right and a box for used pens on the left. The countertop is sanitised as the last guests are directed to their rooms.

THINGS THAT WE LOVED AT THE ANANTARA HUA HIN

THE ROOM

Our Junior Lagoon View Suite was stunning. We liked the privacy of the rooms tucked away close to the private lagoon swimming pool reserved for the exclusive use of the suite rooms.

I loved lying in the world’s most comfortable bed, the wooden fan gently swirling above, admiring the wood, the baskets and the interesting antiques, and trying to work out when I will have time to lie in the humungous bath. This room has everything there is even a huge candle and matches for my candlelit bath!

Junior Lagoon View Suite

You could choose whether, or not, to have a turndown service each evening. Of course, we always did, I mean it’s one of life’s great pleasures to return to your hotel room to find your slippers and bathrobe awaits, isn’t it?

Each evening we also select a fragrant soap from the soap menu. It was waiting for me on my pillow. It’s the little touches that always make the biggest impressions.

View across to our Junior Lagoon Suite

We felt very COVID-19 safe and protected.

We loved how much thought had gone into all the health measures for the safety of guests. There was a big emphasis on cleaning, housekeeping does a great job, there were masks for each guest in our room. 

In the dining area, you find giant footsteps gently reminding of the need for social distancing. Every time you leave an area someone discretely areas to wipe down the sun lounger.

There are fruit and snacks in the room, everything tightly wrapped in cling film.

For us, this is the first time in months that we have been in such close contact with other people and we are reassured by the measures taken.

Meet Nok and Nok who do a brilliant job housekeeping

The Hua Hin beach

We loved our early morning walks on the never-ending beach, paddling in the warm shallow waters of the Gulf of Thailand and watching the fishermen as they prepared their boats for the day.

The Tropical Resort

We loved the pretty frangipani blessed gardens and lagoons with pink lotus flowers, I practically skip along the gecko pavement to explore these peaceful and relaxing grounds.

I love the Thai’ness of every Anantara hotel here in Thailand. They are unique and special and ooze Thai charm

Lagoon privileges

Give us access to things that make my heart sing.

We loved to our own private swimming pool, all-day drinks (mocktails) at the Lagoon Bar and evening hors d’oeuvres and mocktails and sad but true, another highlight four pieces of laundry washed and ironed daily and turned around in a jiffy! Is it just me, but there is something so decadent about having laundry done at a hotel.

Lagoon swimming is a private, quiet place set amongst the pink lotus flowers

Anantara Spa

Our Hua Hin Family Special package includes a complimentary 30-minute foot massage. We loved the pampering perfection, It’s months since this Spa Queen of Asia has been inside a Spa and it was beyond excellent.

It says a lot when chatting to our therapists one has worked at the Anantara 5 years, the other 10 years. We are reminded of the human cost of COVID-19 in terms of staff and pleased to see the Anantara Hua Hin has been able to keep some of their most experienced employees.

The excellent Anantara Spa

Breakfasts and Dinners at Rim Nam Restaurant.

We loved all our meals sitting by the pool under the palm trees, whether it was a lazy breakfast or dinner our package comes with a Set Menu inspired by the regions of Thailand, whilst local children play traditional music. In return, they receive money for their schooling.

Seafood Buffet

THE STAFF

went above and beyond at every turn.

They quickly get to know what is important to the guests. We loved how they made us feel so special and welcomed. They even found a tennis pro for a hit!

Just look at the painting of me taken from my social media accounts painted by one of the gardeners on the wardrobe door. Gosh, some people are eyeing up the bathrobes to take home… If I could have taken the wardrobe door back with me, I would have!

The Swimming pool choices 

We loved the main swimming pool. Its freeform shape is interesting and it’s everyone’s favourite hang out spot. It is certainly loved by families and with a swim-up bar, it appeals to all.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT A HOTEL STAY?

This was our first weekend out of Bangkok since the relaxing of restrictions post Covid-19. It seems we were not alone with the idea of a beach escape. After weeks of being able to easily socially isolate in Bangkok hotels, it was a sharp contrast to find ourselves in a fully booked hotel.

The Anantara Hua Hin has put in place a series of protocols which made us feel COVID safe*. I can recommend this hotel as one who has put a lot of thought into the health and well being of guests.

However, the big unknown is how the other guests react when on holiday.

It seems as if Thailand is returning to the new normal very quickly. We witnessed, when people are on holiday they may arrive with masks on, hand sanitisers to the ready, but as they become confident of their new environment, they are happy to abandon and relax quickly.

If you want to completely socially distance then I would suggest a mid-week break or stay in Bangkok where the hotels are less busy. 

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I hope you have enjoyed this hotel review and insight into Thailand as it emerges post-Covid.

Are you able to get away where you are?

Happy Wanderings!