A place like, a beach resort, a distance away from the city sounds like the perfect getaway for the everyday city survivor where the images of the soft swaying of the lanky coconut trees amidst the dazzling blue landscape of the sea backdrop and casting the dreamy silhouette is enough to snatch one's attention from the mundane tasks at hand.
Oh yes, a picture like this says a thousand words and with the many voices in your head screaming, "I wish I am there now" (Trust me, it's normal and you are fine in the head)
While beach resorts are common these days, right in our own backyard in Malaysia which is a tropical paradise herself, there are also many others all over the world and especially so, in our neighboring country, which is quickly rising to international fame for being one of the top tourist destinations - for the island/beach getaway locations set within the borders of her land. I am speaking of none other but Thailand, the rice bowl capital of Asia, and one of the high-ranking countries for tourism known for the great hospitality and the colorful local culture which is just an indefinite crowd magnet of all times.
Thailand may be known to many for the notorious traffic conditions in Bangkok, and the long sprawling streets of the food and clothing in the rising metropolis as many international flights swoop into the hectic yet impressively designed airport, but the capital city shares her limelight with the other attractive locations in the country in vying for tourists' attention, and Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, are all fast rising to international tourism star destinations in the industry today.
Two hours away from Bangkok, is this quaint little town of Hua Hin, in the province of Cha Am, which is also rising to internationally acclaimed fame for its idyllic beach backdrops, making it perfect for a romantic getaway and also for total relaxation in escaping the hustle bustle of the big cities.
I was there last year, though not for the main purpose of relaxation (unfortunately so!), for a business conference, and like many others, I landed in the international airport of Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, before being escorted by a private chartered van on a two-hour long drive out of Bangkok to this county.
It does sound like a luxury treat; with the private transportation and the wonderful idea of spending the next few nights in a beach resort, if not for the business purpose I was there for originally.
Of course, I didn't mope for long when I caught the glimpse of my supposed residence for the trip, largely displayed as my van turned into the resort's premises.
Veranda Resort and Spa, a 5-star award winning luxury resort, was indeed the sight of a getaway and it quickly set my mood to that of a vacation mode and an instant transition (or determination) to relax while I was at work here.
(Perhaps that was the intention of the management, thank you, for the treat and hard work we have gone through. Whatever the reason, I am definitely not complaining).
Like all beach resorts, the design emphasized on the open concept with heavy emphasis on wood, glass, brass and the flow of water through the place. Perhaps it was also in accordance with the laws of feng shui, to increase the qi in the area, or to promote the idea of tranquility through the simulation of natures under the roof. No matter the intended purpose, I think it did the trick for I already felt relaxed as I stepped onto the foyer of their reception area which sets the projection of a tranquil backdrop flanked by the borderless step pools leading to the ocean.
Located right in front, near to the lobby is the conference room where I will be spending most of the part of my days during my trip here.
I guess they intended for the rooms to be right at the front ; where the main entrance/exit are, to separate and distinguish from the functional (events and work purposes) to the fun under the sun. How thoughtful, and great thinking to be near the main exit for anyone strangulated from the boredom/stress to just run off in the direction (but make sure you have a map of where you are heading to, if you are a foreign tourist. You wouldn't want to lose your way and not make it home)
Check in process was swift (or at that time of my arrival), and we enjoyed a treat of chilled fruit punches while waiting for our turns.
The open alley leading to the guest rooms
A sneak peek into the room; a picture of peace and tranquility in my own privacy is just the perfect treat for me and I just could not wait to just unwind and relax, after my flight and long ride from the capital.
A well-made bed with pillows (lots of them!) just screams "Jump on me!"
The bed just looks so inviting, but I still have tons of things to work on first. Discipline and priority...bummer~
They teach you how it works without bedside tables...
The Bathroom
From the Mini Bar
The interior design of the room, at a glance may strike that pang of familiarity with many beach resorts or luxury resorts but a step outside the room through the sliding glass door to the balcony is what sets it apart; revealing a veranda, all to your private use and facing the flowing waters, is indeed an ideal setting of serenity and distinguishes the identity of the original name of this resort; Veranda.
(However, this is only for those residing in the rooms on the lower floor; but if you are on the upper floor, you still get to enjoy the view of the setting and with more privacy and security with the fenced wooden balcony)
There is also a comfy and wide couch out on the veranda for those enjoy basking in the sun in their own comforts, or just reading - maybe a little of people/scene watching and appreciation?
Drying area for the wet swimwear, towels, etc
I just love the lovely view from my own room; just perfect for lazing in the afternoon with a good book!
Much as I enjoyed the room, I did a little exploring on my own (out of my room) and wandered around the resort to check out the overall ambiance and offers from this award-winning luxury resort.
The design remained consistent throughout the entire location; with their conceptualization of tranquility through the strong emphasis of water, solid wood, marble and such, flanked by living things (fish) and the thick green bushes and trees sprawled over the place, in its own pride of upkeep.
Lush greenery decorated the resort; giving it the soft setting of a natural background.
This place is not known as a beach resort without reason; as the walk leads to the beckoning sounds of the ocean at the end of the walkway.
The soft movements of the trees by the touch of the flowing breeze just makes a dreamy and romantic backdrop and sets one in the mood to just run towards the beautiful and welcoming ocean with open arms.
Oh, such bliss and what a sight of a paradise!~
There is also a bar located near the beach; serving the surfers from both the beach and the swimming pool; another sparkling gem of gorgeous diamond blue waters right beside it.
The verandas of the guestrooms
The view of the main foyer building
If you think that it is pretty under the hot afternoon sun, the night scene is not at a losing end either as it is a picture of peace and quiet with the cool hues popping from the yellow light bulbs plopped sporadically across the premises just makes it all the more romantic.
A rather relaxing atmosphere to put one's mind at ease and retire to bed for a good night's rest~
Overall, this was a beautiful resort I have stayed in Hua Hin and though I have not much to share on touring around the quaint little town of Hua Hin (I hope to do so again someday), the resort promises much more within its walls for a good relaxing weekend in its paradise-like settings.
Price: On the Higher side (this is a luxury resort; 5-star)Ambiance: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
(This is not a sponsored post, and there is no affiliation/association with Veranda Resort and Spa)
