Let's Stay - Anantasila, Villa By The Sea

from HOT Magazine, Issue 7,8 Volume 6

by HOT Magazine

Crystal Beach Resort, Zambales, Philippines

Let’s Stay,

Anantasila By The Sea

Just a few Km’s south of Hua Hin, the picturesque provincial royal resort town favored by the

old and distinguished families of Thailand, you will find Anantasila Villas by the Sea. Here, situated on a very long, sandy tree lined beach, the resort just “oozes” holiday and relaxation. Being just a few kilometers away from the center of Hua Hin you are treated to a peaceful respite while still being able to enjoy convenient access to local shops, restaurants and attractions.

From the hotel you only have to walk a few hundred yards to enjoy the local flavor of the small fishing village where a variety of “fresh catch” is available daily.

The Anantasila is a familyrun, family-oriented hotel which provides a warm, friendly and intimate atmosphere. I say intimate because the hotel offers only 73 rooms compared to other Hua Hin beachfront hotels that have over 300. Amazingly though, within those 73 rooms they offer nine different room types so they can cater to the differing needs and preferences of their guests. Room types include garden rooms, pool view, pool side, junior suites, one-bedroom suites, large seafront apartments, bungalows, penthouse suites and private pool villas. Their private pool villas are their newest addition having been completed just a few months ago. Most units are decorated in Lanna style from Northern Thailand which blends smoothly with the general ambiance of the property.

The Anantasila is really a hidden gem of a hotel. It doesn’t have the name recognition like the large corporate hotels, Hilton, Sheraton etc. but it has a very strong return customer base. Many guests return year after year and have become like family. The same can be said of their staff, some of whom have been there for over twenty years.

The Anantasila’s sandy beach in front of the hotel has plenty of comfortable sun loungers where they will bring you food and drinks as you desire. The same is offered at their 25-meterlong swimming pool with ocean views whilst a beach bar and a sprawling terrace give you access to beautiful unobstructed views of the sea and Khao Takiab’s shoreline, making for a perfect holiday under the sun.

The hotel’s restaurant is one of the favorites for those of us lucky enough to live in Hua Hin and its open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For seating, you have your choice of a covered dining area for when the weather is a little wet, a tree-canopied outdoor dining deck with retractable roof or you can dine at their beach bar, all offering gorgeous ocean views. It’s a wonderful restaurant for a lazy lunch with a bottle of wine or a relaxed dinner with two bottles. Its menu continues to evolve with new delicious items that are priced surprisingly well and not at your typical beachfront hotel prices. Thai and regional specialties are served here along with a wide selection of European dishes. For those who enjoy a good Cesar Salad, here they do it “old style” by preparing it at your table.

Wine lovers are invited to visit their wine pantry which stocks a hand-picked selection of wines from both local vineyards and wineries across the globe. For those looking to enjoy a refreshing seaside cocktail or evening aperitif, their bar serves a menu of classics and signature drinks. A specially priced Happy Hour is offered everyday between 16:00 to 18:00 and live music can be found many evenings.

For water sports enthusiasts, the hotel can arrange everything from kite surfing and parasailing to jetskiing and banana boating. Golfers can choose from over a half dozen world-class courses, all less than thirty minutes’ drive away. Hua Hin’s only oceanfront golf course is the closest at less than 10 minutes by car. Besides those activities there is a small fitness center on-site.

The Anantasila is also the perfect location for an intimate wedding on one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Their Wedding Packages range from Thai traditional to romantic barefoot-in-the-sand ceremonies, with many inclusions to help you plan your special day, all at affordable and flexible rates.

When looking for a weekend getaway from Bangkok, a longer beach holiday or just a chilled place for food and drinks, the Anantasila clicks all the boxes and is definitely a place to check out if you have never been.