ALEENTA: TRANQUILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN HUA HIN
Nestled in the Malay peninsula Hua Hin is the formal residence of the King of Thailand and is the getaway beach resort for Bangkokians. Just a 2.5hr drive away from the capital it is an ideal location for a Thai trip if the thought of another flight isn’t your idea of fun. Here’s our top choices of visiting the location with three distinct venues, resorts and experiences.
For food, tranquility and sustainability: Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa
While sustainability and locally sourced might be the buzz words of the moment, at Aleenta they are ingrained in to the very bricks and ethos of the resort. The resorts’ footprint stretches a mere 30km from the farm produce used for all meals to the bathroom products used to bathe in – it is all within a strict radius.
This concept is down to former manager James Noble, a 2 Michelin star chef in another life, who was with Aleenta for over 14 years working to change attitudes in the hospitality industry. Food is grown in their own farm and the chef plans the menu three months in advance so they know what to grow. The development garden allows the team to see what can be grown in the sometimes tricky landscape meaning there is no wastage and an emphasis of ‘reaping what you sow.’
Organic and homegrown, rustic and applying the principles of Feng Shui you won’t find a TV in your room but a fully loaded iPod of tranquil sounds. Take a notebook for that novel you’ve always wanted to write or start that painting you need inspiration for; this is the perfect location to empty your mind of the daily trappings of life and get creative.
Set within the sleepy Pranburi district each of the 22 unique residence has a stunning sea view. The resort is boutique in the truest sense of the word with individual style in abundance. Our room has curved walls, dark wooden furniture, a beautiful sunken bath filled with Frangipani petals and large windows that open to a beautiful view. Rooms have either a mix of hammocks, pools or sun loungers and if you choose right you’ll get all three.
Each suite is located within steps of the beach and offers commanding views of the stunning sunset sea view of the Gulf of Thailand. Situated on the pristine and golden sand stretch of Pak Nam Pran Bay, or the Hamptons of Bangkok as we’re reliably informed, where lush houses pepper the coastline and motorised water sports are not allowed.
Take a bike from the resort and explore the flat and quiet roads along the coast for street food, bars, and coconut sellers. It is relatively easy looking terrain but if you’ve got the right footwear the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park has steeper peaks to explore. We’re told wild elephants roam near by along with Macaque monkeys but we weren’t fortunate to spot any on our trip.
The team at Aleenta have plenty of activities to keep guests busy. Thai foot reflexology courses are available as well as fruit and soap carving. A weekly trip to busier Hua Hin town or join Chef in his daily market adventures by getting up early and absorb the atmosphere of a bustling working market.
A silent movie night sees films projected on to the outside cinema offers the chance to step back in time and watch slapstick comedy or classic romance from days gone by or take a trip to Hua hin vineyard and sample the locally produced wines. Go along to feed the elephants with fruit and vegetables from the gardens or take a treatment at the beachfront Ayurah Spa.
Cuisine at Aleenta is nutritious and wholesome. Carefully crafted the team use healing herbs to prepare delicious Thai food bursting with exotic spices. Thai and European style dishes are served up with passion and flair and are 100% organic.
What to see when you are there:
Take a walk or bike ride in to the small suburb and check out the beautiful scenery of Pak Nam Pran Bay.
BOOKING & Information
To book a room at Aleenta visit the website here.
Rooms cost from around £80 per night.
Travel from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport takes approximately 2.5hrs. The resort can arrange transfers to and from the airport or you can get the train from Bangkok to Hua Hin station.
ALEENTA HUA HIN RESORT AND SPA
183 Moo 4, Paknampran, Pranburi Hua Hin, 77220 Thailand
