LET’S GO ON A “PLAYCATION”
Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava Hua Hin offers a new family destination filled with stunning views and waterpark fun
The latest in a long line of hotels and resorts from Holiday Inn has arrived in Hua Hin, having opened its doors on Dec 6 last year. Known for being the tallest building in the district, as well as being Asia’s first waterpark resort, Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava Hua Hin is a destination that is filled with relaxation, swimming activities and of course, astonishing views — a definite highlight. A two- or three-hour drive from Bangkok is what it takes to reach this fun-filled resort.
A big whale fountain between the entrance of the resort and the Vana Nava Water Jungle amusement park (the resort is next door) is what visitors will see the moment they arrive. A theme you will notice throughout the resort is the fish decor and paintings lined around the interior walls at every turn. Staff will greet you at the drop-off point and lead you up the elevator towards the lobby, on the 8th floor. The lobby offers a stunning view of the Hua Hin landscape, offering a sneak peek of all the great vistas that is to come. Once checked in, you will receive a key card and be required to wear a wristband. The wristband is used to scan and gain access to the rooms and resort facilities — even gain free access to the waterpark. That’s right, consider it as an all-access key without the hassle and fear of losing the key card.
I checked into a Standard Room, which included an ensuite bathroom and a balcony that, depending on which side your room is, looks out to either to Hua Hin’s beach or the mountains and waterpark. Modernly designed, the room included a king-sized bed (or twin beds depending on preference), with a painting of a fish above the bed on the blue-colored walls. The painting/decoration is different in each room so props go to the effort at personalising each room.
A TV hangs on the wall across the bed, while a large sofa with a small table (complete with a welcoming bowl of fruit) is placed next to it. A circular table with a lounge chair is placed in the corner of the room, which is great for those with a laptop who would like to access the Internet through the free Wi-Fi.
The ensuite bathroom has two sliding wooden panel doors, one of which enables residents a view through the balcony. Housekeeping staff clean the rooms on a daily basis, making them look just like when you checkedin.
I also had a peek into other rooms and suites. An Ocean Suite offers views of mountains and oceans, along with a private dining area and a bathtub. Families can also opt to book the Kids Suite, which gives children a colourful and cute submarine-like room with bunk beds and a king-sized bedroom for the parents.
What visitors are going to love about the resort are the facilities. You can sip on cocktails at Thalay Bar in the lobby or have a nice meal at Plamong Restaurant on the 7th floor, whether it’d be breakfast, lunch or dinner. Catch some exercise on the 6th floor in the Fitness Center, complete with treadmills, elliptical machines and weights all while enjoying the views. Saunas are also located within changing rooms.
If you’d rather relax, you could book an appointment at the Tea Tree Spa, which is next to the Fitness Center. Treatments range from therapy baths and tanning beds to massages and manicures.
Children can have fun at the Bryde’s Kids Club on the 5th floor. They can watch television, draw and colour pictures, or have a go at the indoor playground with the ballpool and slide.
The resort also offers a large event space, including five meeting rooms and a large ballroom, which accommodates those who are planning business meetings or wedding ceremonies.
Holiday Inn Vana Nava is also home to an infinity pool on the 26th floor. Do a lap or two in the pool, which seamlessly merges with the surrounding landscape and offers a picturesque view of Hua Hin. A pool bar makes sure you’re hydrated between swims and taking photos and selfies.
Heading upstairs from the pool, you will be at the highest vantage point in Hua Hin, which is the Vana Nava Sky Bar, Restaurant and Observation Deck. Designed by Ashley Sutton, this rooftop offers a glass-bottomed deck, which is 110m above ground, giving visitors the best eye-catching views of Hua Hin bay. I suggest going up there just as the sun is setting, you won’t see anything more beautiful than this in Hua Hin.
For those looking to spend time outside the resort, a free shuttle service takes visitors to the beach, a mere 10-minutes away. Or perhaps you can spend a nightly stroll through the Cicada Market. The Vana Nava Water Jungle also offers countless hours of fun for residents as they swim and go on rides and attractions throughout the water park. A Tesco Lotus is also within walking distance, which is most convenient by taking the exit from the waterpark.
From panoramic views of the area to the various facilities offered, Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava Hua Hin is definitely the go-to destination for your next vacation. With a Kids’ Club within the resort and access to the Vana Nava Water Jungle, families who are looking for a memorable holiday should look no further. Best of all, by chilling out at the resort’s infinity pool and observation sky deck, visitors are sure to have their breath taken away by the spectacular views.