#528
50 SHADES OF BLU
24 Aug 2017 By David Fuhrmann-Lim
Radisson Blu Resort Hua Hin is an architectural marvel of brutish lines and grids – an ideal and idyllic retreat from the bombast of the city. Also, there’s a winery just an hour’s drive away…
Hua Hin is accessible from Bangkok only by car or train. The three-hour ride takes you from the buzz of the city to the beatnik vibe of the beach. The serene town is known for being the summer retreat of the royal family, and also for jazz (the late king was a big fan of the art form) – there’s an annual Hua Hin Jazz Festival, obviously. There’s also a Monsoon Winery producing the country’s largest haul of wines (more of that later).
But first, we had to check into Radisson Blu Resort Hua Hin, a new 118-room resort overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The signature cocktail is, naturally, the Blu Aloha.
This architectural wonder is a marvel of brutish lines and grids. Two blocks of rooms are separated by three swimming pools.
There’s of course a hero suite which looks out to the sea.
There’s an infinity pool which faces the sea.
After the Lounge lobby bar (obvs), my next favourite hang is the middle section where some of the suites are. The rooms here open to a deck and a long pool. It’s more private, but you’re sharing it with neighbouring guests, who can all access it – even the ones upstairs. But hey, share a Singha or two and there are no more strangers.
Ah, yes, the gulf. On a clear day you can see across to Pattaya. The beach is an endless berth of sand and sea, unbroken and unspoilt – it goes on for miles and is great for jogs (or slow walks, if that’s what it says on your Tinder profile). Arrange to have a Phuket Beer from The Ivy (where this photo was taken) and settle in for the sunset.
Gotta love the view. (The Ivy is to the left, look left.)
Or birds, if that’s more your thing…
There are actually a few other attractions in Hua Hin. There’s golf if you’re into that sort of thing, there’s a cool alpaca stable/restaurant to visit, the Monsoon Winery is only an hour away, and on the weekends there’s a great arts and craft market of handmade stuff.
But we’d rather just stay in with a cocktail and a book.
Parched stayed at Radisson Blu Resort Hua Hin and flew Thai Airways for our review trip. Thanks to the team!
Like this? This is the best craft beer bar in Bangkok
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