When Air Asia started direct flights to Hua Hin in mid 2018, I knew I had to make a trip there. I enjoy Thailand and Hua Hin was definitely in my radar. However, my travel schedules were crazy last year and before I knew it, the year was out. Once 2019 dawned, I made my Hua Hin plans and finally got to this stylish coastal town last month. It’s a short flight from KLIA2, just under 2 hours and after a quick shut-eye onboard, it was time to land.
Clearing Immigration at Hua Hin Airport was a breeze and before long, I was whisked away heading to Avani+ Hua Hin Resort. It’s just a short drive – the resort is about 6km from the airport. In a matter of minutes, I arrived at the open lobby/reception of the resort and checking-in was done very quickly.
My stay was in a Lagoon Pool Villa which is located towards the beach end of the property. It’s a sprawling property, mind you but worry not, there are buggies to transport you to anywhere in the resort! Avani+ Hua Hin has 196 rooms, suites and villas.
My Lagoon Pool Villa is gorgeous – king bed overlooking the lagoon pool! A split level from the bed is a lounging space with a long cushioned seat, coffee-maker and dining table. Just open the sliding door, there’s a cool patio for sun-lazing and for a cool dip, just jump straight into the lagoon pool. Ahhh…that’s the life! Perfect for honeymooners or just about anyone who wants a cosy stay in a luxurious villa. I checked out the other rooms and they all have the same contemporary decor of elegant light woods and classy fit-outs (just different sizing of space!)
I wanted to just stay in my Lagoon Pool Villa all day! But then, need to eat, right? Guests at the villas have access to the Avani Club, just a few steps away from my villa. There’s buffet breakfast and sundown cocktails served here. I like the special breakfast dishes for order – their Prawn Omelette was so good that I had that every morning!
A whole leg of jamon ham for breakfast!
Sunset canapes at Avani Club
Guests can also opt to have breakfast at Staa’s, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant serving Thai and international fares. Personally, I prefer breakfast at the Avani Club as it’s more relaxed, exclusive and service was really attentive. But the breakfast spread at Staa’s was pretty phenomenal – in addition to the usual bacon, sausages, eggs, breads and pastries, there’s also a huge selection of Thai street-food like noodles, pork skewers, fried mini crullers and Thai desserts.
Breakfast at Staa’s
I got a taste of diversified dining at Avani+ Hua Hin. On the first night, I tried Indian cuisine at Staa’s. Thali Sets (both vegetarian and meat sets) are hugely popular – biryani rice with a good selection of Indian favourites. I must say the curries were really very appetizing and I ate more biryani rice than I should have.
Thali Sets for dinner at Staa’s
On another night, I had barbequed seafood and Thai dishes at Brezza, their beachfront restaurant. I chose to sit outside as the weather was fine – it was al fresco dining at its best with a cool sea breeze blowing in and the soft lull of ocean waves breaking on the shore.
BBQ Seafood at Brezza, ocean-front dining is the best!
With 2 swimming pools, a lagoon pool, a well-equipped gym (AvaniFit), kids’ centre (Avani Kids) and yoga classes, there’s no lack of activities at the resort. For me, my favourite is their Avani Spa of course, with its spa therapies and authentic hammam experience. Oh did I mention that there’s a jazz bar in the resort too? Blue Biscuit is the perfect spot to chillout in the evenings as the ocean view from the bar is really something!
Avanifit: well-equipped gym
Yoga, anyone?
AvaniKids – kids will definitely love it here!
AvaniSpa: my favourite corner!
Blue Biscuit – jazz bar
With its vast grounds and beautifully landscaped rolling gardens facing the ocean, Avani+ Hua Hin is great for hosting events as well. While I was there, the beachfront was beautifully set up for a corporate event – guests were thoroughly enjoying themselves dining under twinkling stars in elegantly laid out tables.
Lovely sea-facing grounds set-up for events
Besides the physical activities, guests at the resort can also sign-up for cooking classes to learn to cook some traditional Thai dishes.
Results of our cooking class – impressive?
Hua Hin is definitely a destination to head to, now with short direct flights there and Avani+ Hua Hin is suitable for all kinds of getaway – romantic stay for couples, fun vacation for the whole family or group event of any sort. Beach weddings and honeymoons … totally fit the bill here!
AVANI+ HUA HIN RESORT
1499 Petchkasem Road
Cha-am, Hua Hin
Phetchaburi 76120
Thailand
Tel: +66-32-898-989
email: [email protected]
Avani Reservations Team:
+66 2 365 9110 or
[email protected]
(English, Chinese, Thai only)