In an isolated spot at Pranburi about 30 km south of Hua Hin town and 230 km from Bangkok, this resort-spa faces the Gulf of Thailand and sprawls across 20 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens of lotus ponds and waterways. Since the Evason opened here, the Pranburi coastline has been steadily attractive other fine resorts and is increasingly viewed as an upmarket alternative to Hua Hin, especially for those seeking solitude.
Though the resort doesn't match the quality of the Chiva-Som, this property nonetheless offers high quality holistic treatments that hold the promise of well-being. Coconut trees line the driveway, and the sunken parking lot is hidden by surrounding tropical gardens.
Guests are set in the proper mood by the walk from the entrance gate to the lobby through the gardens. The simple open-air lobby, which has a marble floor, shows a high wood ceiling that blends Balinese and Thai styles. Staffers, dressed in white flowing uniforms, greet guests warmly.
A long, marble-lined hallway leads to The Restaurant, housed in a wooden building with open sides, which serves a breakfast buffet and a la carte Thai and Western cuisine. Seated at a stylish kitchen counter, guests can sip exotic cocktails, ice-cold beer or boutique wines while they watch the chefs cook and construct creative appetizers from the well thought out menu.
The creatively named Other Restaurant keeps other Asian dishes on the menu for pleasant
outdoor evening meals by the lily ponds. Past two nearby ponds, a two-story, open-sided bar serves snacks and drinks and hosts live bands nightly. A sundeck and new kitchen surrounds the swimming pool that overlooks the beachfront. The Bar is the place to sip old-time favorites and signature cocktails or make a selection from the impressive cellar of over 180 wines.
The award-winning Earth Spa is one of the most visually striking in Thailand and the unique ambience imparted by the unusual structures enhances the experience of any treatment here.
The whole idea of the Earth Spa has revolved around creating a spa that, from conception to completion, has minimal environmental impact. Construction of the buildings were carried out using a mixture of clay, rice husks and straw, a technique that has been used in some villages in northern Thailand.
The structures house four private treatment suites with an outdoor whirlpool, two steam rooms, a meditation cave and a room set aside for quiet contemplation and enjoying a drink after a treatment. Each suite is equipped for individuals or couples.
The kids' club provides games and activities. Active guests enjoy the hotel's fitness center, eight tennis courts, and six nearby golf courses. Diversions include watersports, elephant riding, biking, sailing, archery, fishing, and Thai cooking lessons.
Businesspeople are served by function rooms that seat up to 250 delegates, in addition to a small library, business center, and two computer terminals with free Internet access.
Pool villas and guest rooms are connected by a series of wooden walkways that meander between lush greenery. Thickets of bamboo create seclusion while expansive lotus ponds add to the sense of stillness and peace at the resort. Eight detached squat buildings house the guest quarters, which are classified as Studios, Romantic Beachfront Studios and Pool Villas.
Rooms show a design inspired by natural materials and earth colors; they are built from palm wood and have teak floors, papier-mache trimmings, and stationery made from mulberry bark. All rooms feature a spacious, furnished, and canopied terrace with cushioned daybeds for snoozing. Standard amenities include king or twin beds wrapped in mosquito netting, minibars, electronic safes, IDD phones, complimentary wireless Internet access, satellite TVs, hair dryers, coffeemakers and desks.
Some of the rooms and exteriors are looking a little tired and are in need of refurbishment. Evason Studio rooms have a large sheltered terrace. Here, guests can enjoy private dining. A special barbecue can be prepared and served by your personal chef. Champagne breakfasts are also available. The large terrace comes complete with a bed with mosquito net, allowing for a romantic night sleeping beneath the stars.
Pool Villas have created a sophisticated ambience perfect for couples. Large windows and sliding doors allow the room to be bathed in light while cotton blinds unfold to ensure privacy. A walled garden encloses a sizeable pool and an outdoor bath.
The Villas and Beachfront Studios also supply a CD and DVD player and collection of movies. The Villas have their own pools, kitchens and perimeter enclosures. Their open-style baths are fitted with separate tubs and showers and abundant toiletries, but one's modesty may be tested by the design.
Room service is a constant operation, but pets are not permitted. The hotel can arrange tours, including a visit to a national park. Transportation to the airport or to sites within Bangkok is available, and a shuttle bus runs Hua Hin town for a fee. Medical and shoeshining services are available round the clock.
Getting around the resort can be troublesome for those with mobility issues, but the youthful crowd that stays here normally has no problem. No mobile phones are allowed in the restaurants, and no nude or topless bathing is permitted. The clientele is mostly Thai weekenders or European couples on vacation.
For a similar ambience but closer to all that Hua Hin has to offer, try the Anantara Resort Hua Hin.
