Unfortunately, I am not the type of person who can sit by a pool reading for six days straight… especially not with a three-year-old constantly dragging me off in different directions. However, I really wanted to try this Hua Hin family holiday because it was a super deal from Luxury Escapes and I love going to Thailand. I feel like my heart is there because I was born there. As a family, we really needed a simple holiday that could be enjoyed by 3, 10 and 40+-year-olds. Our trip actually began in Bangkok and you can read more about it in Two Nights and Cool Cafes in Bangkok.
Infinity pool by the sea with lounges facing the ocean. The perfect place to sip our cocktails.
Bangkok to Hua Hin
We had already spent two nights in Bangkok before heading to the beach resort town of Hua Hin. Transfers were provided with our package so we didn’t have to worry about a thing. The only item that didn’t show up for us was the car seat we booked in advance. But this was forgiven as we got everywhere safely. Please note that this review was not paid for. We booked and paid for our holiday independently.
I’ll admit that I tend to pick holidays based on accommodation rather than location. Judge me if you must but it’s just the way I like to travel. It may seem silly and backpackers out for an adventure must be shocked by this statement… But I’m not out for adventure.
The beautiful pool that wrapped all the way around the resort with rooms opening up to it.
Hua Hin and the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
Our package gave us six nights at the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa (Sheraton is now owned by Marriott) including six hours of massage, four cocktails per day, breakfasts and dinner for two every evening. As I said, this was a deal that was too good to pass up. Gorgeous grounds, a pool that circled the entire resort and a room big enough for the four of us. We upgraded our package to a room that opened onto the pool itself so we could hop in any time. There was also a well-equipped kids club that had a sandpit, swings and indoors, a ball pit and paid activities. This resort was fantastic for our family!
The Shine Spa at the resort. I got to know them very well as I had six hours to spend there!
Food options
The meals were rather good, though by the last few evenings I got a bit sick of the three set meals we were allowed to choose from at their Mediterranean restaurant (set by the pool). Their Thai restaurant had six set options and was situated right next to the sea. It was a lovely place to sit with cool breezes blowing in while looking out onto the beach as the waves rolled in.
Thai Lard Na which is a delicious rice noodle in gravy. My favourite!
I also found the Thai options to be authentic, tasty and didn’t make me feel like I was missing out on Thai cuisine (even if it was a touch pricier than what we’d get on the streets). We would wash our lunches down with a fresh young coconut, still in the nut and chill out until it got too warm in the sun. This meant we would usually do dinners at the Mediteranean restaurant by the pool (which was why I got a bit sick of that venue).
A tangy and spicy seafood and pomelo salad was just the thing on a scorching hot day.
Breakfast dreams
Their breakfasts, also included in our package, were simply amazing and a highlight of my day. While many Western palates will find it strange, my favourite station was their noodle bar. Each morning there was a different noodle on offer and a selection of items to enjoy with it. Whether it was slices of beef or balls of pork, heaps of green vegetables or condiments like chilli, vinegar, or soy. This station was where I was at first thing every morning.
The noodle station, set up like they do on the streets of Bangkok.
For everyone else, there is everything else you could want. If you can’t find something there, you are simply too picky! From fresh fruit juices, eggs the way you like it, a big bakery and pastry section, pancakes or waffles made on the spot or the hot buffets with Western and Asian options. You’re just spoilt… That’s the word for it!
The freshly cut tropical fruit was always available every morning.
Two days and twitchy
Like I said in my Bangkok post, I get twitchy whenever I’m stuck in one location. I tried, I really did! But eventually, on day two, I convinced The Vegetarian that we needed to get out. My ulterior motive was to check out a couple places I spotted on Instagram. After finding that the pricing for a taxi to go to one place was about the same for renting a car for two days, we easily rented a car from Hertz.
This turned out to be a great idea because there is actually more to do in and around Hua Hin than sitting and relaxing. Hua Hin is, after all, the beach town of Thai Royalty, with one of the Royal residences being located there. It’s not far from Bangkok (some say three to four hours to drive but it only took us two and a half in our van). I would also say that it’s becoming a bit trendy and I was delighted to find a couple of great spots to hang out.
The view from the edge of the Sheraton’s Thai restaurant.
Hua Hin and more
We barely touched the surface of what Hua Hin offers and I promise to tell you more about it in my next post.
Remember when I said, I wasn’t out for an adventure? Well, if you are an adventurer, be sure and check back for what we got up to outside of the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa.
If you are a sit by the beach and relax type of holiday-er, then definitely visit the Sheraton Hua Hin. You don’t have to leave. I just wanted to, but not because it didn’t have what I needed.
More on that later!