THE BARAI: LUXURIOUS SPA AND WELLNESS IN HUA HIN, THAILAND
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. For luxurious spa days and wellness we recommend a stay at The Barai.
If you are looking for luxury spa treatments and undivided, individual service then a suite at The Barai will take some beating. Picked up by our butlers in a golf buggy at reception and transported to our suite we are on a 2-day journey of inner tranquility.
High walls that surround The Barai give it the feel of a private sanctuary. There are only eight spa suites off the main grounds of the Hyatt Regency but it covers over 4.5 acres of beachfront land.
Through a holistic approach to wellness the suites are designed as sanctuaries to rejuvenate and rest. The Spa offers customised authentic therapies and signature massages that are inspired by the traditions of ancient Thai health rituals, combined with the best of Western therapies and through healthy dining, and balancing lifestyle options such as yoga and tai chi.
The all inclusive accommodation features daily massage treatments, In-suite aromatherapy steam, In-suite milk bath, healthy detox breakfast options, pre-dinner drinks & cocktails and delicious snacks at its private dining area; McFarland House.
With a host of top accolades and awards The Barai is one of the premier luxury residential spas in Thailand. Our ground floor suite features a lush-green garden verandah with a private plunge pool and sun loungers. There is an oversized luxuriously comfy bed and a large (and we mean large) soaking tub for milk bathing. You can choose to have your traditional Thai massage in your suite overlooking the private gardens but we opt for the spa.
The individual walk-in closets and vanity area mean you don’t have to share a thing with your companion. The suites are easily the size of a generous apartment and are filled with everything you could possibly need. Our walk-in shower combines a steam room – we’re in spa heaven.
McFarland House is the Barai’s private dining area serving food throughout the day. The restored two-storey 19th century pavilion has been transformed into an airy beachfront restaurant and bar overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Panoramic views, lounge-style seating and chill-out music combine to create the perfect ambiance to accompany delectable Thai and Western dishes served Tapas style.
Our butlers, Amy & K, have an inherent ability to be at exactly the right place at the right time. Like the time my sun lounger had gone in the shade: there was Amy to make sure I was back in the sun with fresh water and towels. Or the time I was due to go for a massage and had no idea how to get to the spa and Amy took me on a tour. Or when we had dinner and went for a walk deciding it would be lovely to come back to a milk bath and K made sure it was ready for us.
The resorts’ holistic approach to wellness results in a range of authentic therapies that are inspired by the traditions of ancient Thai health rituals along with the best of western therapies combine to focus on the balancing of the elements of water (Relax the body, sooth the mind, calm the spirit), earth (Cleanse the body, fortify the mind and replenish the spirit), air (Tone the body, clarify the mind, rejuvenate the spirit) and fire (Strengthen the body, revitalize the mind, brighten the spirit).
Each element comes with a range of wonderful therapies. Over the two days we have a 60 minute aromatherapy massage, a traditional thai massage and a trippy herbal compress experience. The spa itself is a high red walled haven for ultimate relaxation. Available for the entire resort (not just the suites) it has been built with every corner, turn, use of water, colour and material thought through with minute detail to give its visitors an otherworldly experience.
It would be impossible to not feel like the most relaxed you have ever felt after a visit to The Barai. so much so we almost cried when it came to leaving. Next time it will be for much longer than 2 nights.
What to see when you are there:
The Beach: The Barai is set on a nice part of a long-stretch of beach so is ideal for walking.
Cicada Market: A unique art market Cicada is next door to the resort and at weekends is filled with food vendors, art sellers and entertainment (from puppet shows to break dancing).
BOOKING & Information
To book a suite at The Barai visit the site here.
Suites at The Barai are booked on a minimum 3 night stay and cost approximately £1,400 (for 3 nights) for 2 people during low season (April – November).
The Barai
91 Hua Hin – Khao Takiap Road,
Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan,
77110
Thailand
