If you’d rather tuck your toes into some golden Thai sand than an electric blanket this winter then maybe you should consider Thailand for a welcome break from the festive madness.
A celeb favourite that is situated on the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand and just south of the famous Thai Royal city, the bright and breezy Aleenta Hua Hin offers a boutique beach life retreat for those looking to get away from it all. A 30 minute drive south of the built up heritage of Hua Hin, the Aleenta hotel is secluded just south of the local Thai village, Pak Nam Pran and despite a few hotels and villas dotted along the beach, it is far more rural than the grandeur of Hua Hin city where locals live alongside friendly expats.
Founded by globetrotting financier turned Thai boutique hotel visionary, Anchalika Kijkanakorn who serves as Chairman of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH); Aleenta Hua Hin is the first property within the Aleenta Group (there’s another in Phuket). A blend of 25 laissez-faire style ‘residences’; the layout of this small hotel mirrors a coastal hamlet. Dotted with petite private pools, each residence is different from the next with views stretching over Pak Nam Pran Bay. Rooms are effortlessly laid back and allow ocean views to set the stage whilst soft white bed sheets are accessorised with adorable Thai pyjamas (of which some guests like to wear beyond the confines of their residence).
When you think of Thailand pizza doesn’t come to mind, however, Aleenta Hua Hin’s express pizza delivery will leave you wanting more crispy base Italian goodness than you thought possible amongst these exotic surroundings: this was best enjoyed accompanied in a hammock with an iced watermelon smoothie in hand. In other areas the hotel’s only restaurant above the in-house bakery serves breezy breakfasts, laid back lunches and candle lit dinners to a collection of hotel guests and visitors. As the day goes on the menus remodel themselves accordingly – at breakfast we woke up to freshly prepared cakes and pastries from the bakery downstairs, whilst lunch presented a mix of European and Thai favourites. As darkness swoops in each night at 6pm, dishes on the fancier dinner menu include salmon sashimi and fresh spring rolls, a rich and nutty massaman curry or a European meets Thai calzone. Whether an intimate, romantic meal or larger family affair, tables can be set up overlooking the infinity pool, palm trees and open ocean beyond.
Nature, culture and wellness is the over-ruling ethos here and Aleenta Hua Hin promises to ‘nourish your mind, body and soul’ with their collection of wellness experiences. The Ayurah spa menu involves a concept of ‘Eat Well, Live Well, Be Well, Look Good’ and is great if you are looking to dabble in some meditation, yoga or tai-chi. Alternatively, if you’re looking to break more of a sweat there is a state-of-the-art gym with exercise programs.
Residences vary hugely and are tailored to the number of people. For the four of us we were placed in the two bedroom Beach House. Set over two floors with a private roof top deck and outdoor shower up above and private plunge pool and hammock down below, it was just the beach (and odd pizza delivery) to keep us company. Other residences include the Ocean View Residence and Resort Penthouse or the Frangipani Residences found further down the road.
If you’re a sucker for all things organic then you’ll be all over Aleenta’s very own organic farm. Applying their home-grown ingredients such as ginger, lemongrass, mint and ylang ylang into their spa products; unique treatments include a farm-to-facial treatment.
Aleenta Hua Hin: 183 Moo 4, Pak Nam Pran, Pran Buri District, 77220, Thailand, www.aleenta.com/huahin
