RELAXING IN HUA HIN

    My last post really set the tone for how we were feeling when we arrived in Hua Hin. We were tired, a little jaded, Lincoln was still on antibiotics and we were feeling a bit worn out.

    After an eight hour bus trip from Chumphon we arrived at the Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort and Spa (again about an hour late). But then we walked into paradise. If you’re keen to treat yourself and your family (and I suggest you do) then a trip to Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort and Spa as a destination or as a way of breaking up the trip from the islands is definitely the way to do it.

    The very first thing I noticed was the smell of mint which permeates the building and the generosity and opulence of the reception area. We were immediately made to feel welcome and at home (even though we arrived in the back of at tuk tuk). And then we saw our room.

     

    Marrakesh Hua Hin Bedroom

    The ocean front suite (yes, that’s a spa in the corner of the room)

     

    The bed is the centre piece and it’s huge then there was the spa in the corner. Which was a hit. The kids were straight in playing and laughing and as an added bonus – they came out cleaner than they had been in months.

     

    Oceanfront Bedroom

    Amazing bathroom…

     

    To get into the room we walked through the bathroom glistening with thousands of tiny blue tiles, double sinks, a huge rainwater shower, a walk in robe and, everyone’s’ favourite, a phone in the toilet (who actually uses that?).

     

    Oceanfron Suite View

    That view…

     

    As the name suggests, the ocean front suite faces the ocean but it also has the best view over the pool and is an amazing place to sit to watch the world go by. The kids quickly moved the chairs out-of-the-way, unpacked their toys and used the balcony as a playroom.

    WHAT TO DO?

    If you can drag yourself out of the hotel (go on, just try) we suggest you visit the Hua Hin night market. As far as markets go it is quite small, but very manageable and for the first time in Thailand we actually saw some different products on offer. Yes there is hundreds of mass-produced souvenirs but we also saw some more unique and handmade products. We ate dinner at the night market including roti canai (my favourite), satay sticks, dim sum and steam buns.

    It would be a wasted stay if you didn’t get in some pool time and even with an ear infection, Lincoln made the most of it, doggy paddling his way across the pool.

     

    Marrakesh Swimming Pool

     

    The pool is open 24 hours – so there really is no excuse for not squeezing in a night swim

    INDULGE AT THE SPA

    I am partial to a spa treatment. In fact, I really do love it. Perusing a spa menu to me is like a kid at Christmas. In fact, for one of my birthdays I received three three hour spa vouchers. So my friends and family either think I need all the treatments I can get, or everyone knows I love a spa.

    But, Russ is a bit different. He actually doesn’t really like anyone touching him (especially his feet) and on our honeymoon when we had a couples massage he spent most of the time giggling. But even he couldn’t laugh his way through the Hammam Spa treatment at Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort and Spa.

     

    Marrakesh Noora Spa

    The spa treatment room

     

    This was hours of pampering. After more than two weeks on the islands, I felt a bit grimy with caked on sunscreen and insect repellant, sand and mosquito bites. All that became a distant memory as I enjoyed a sauna, mud wrap and massage. I floated out of the treatment room feeling like a million bucks!

    EATING IN

    If you’re staying at the Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort and Spa, you really should consider eating in – at least for one meal. There are two on site restaurants with extensive cocktail lists (Desert Storm or Arabian Nights anyone?). The food is a mix of traditional and fusion – but it works. It really does.

     

    Crispy Crab PadThai

    Soft shelled crab

     

    We ate at both restaurants while we were at the Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort and Spa. The kids loved the High Tea and the chef prepared special kids meals that they devoured.

     

    Afternoon Tea

    High tea was a hit with the kids!

     

    The best was maybe saved till last though as we sat on huge bean bags on the grassy area near the beach and ate dinner. The rain threatened to dampen the evening but held off and we were treated to delicious food and beautiful beach views.

     

    Beachfron Dinner

    Beach side dining at Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort and Spa

     

    A Moroccan themed hotel in Thailand seems like an odd mix for a foreign traveller which is perhaps why it is so much more popular with Thai tourists. Foreign travellers are constantly looking for ‘authentic’ experiences’ and the concept of a Moroccan themed hotel does not seem very authentic for Thailand. But what you will receive at the Hua Hin is top-notch service, ridiculously high levels of comfort, magnificent sunsets and beach views and a really, really good time.

    PROS OF STAYING AT THE MARRAKESH HUA HIN RESORT AND SPA

    • The suites are ridiculously comfortable and luxurious. They all feature either a huge spa or a small plunge pool.
    • It smells divine, all the public areas are fragranced with mint essential oil.
    • There is a convenient shuttle to take you into the night market area.
    • Beach or pool? It’s your choice.
    • Buffet breakfast is generous and delicious – eggs are cooked to order.
    • 24 hour pool – a night swim is a must.
    • It’s different to any hotel I’ve ever stayed in and the theme really does work.
    • Fantastic on site restaurants and spa.
    • It’s an easy bus trip from Bangkok.

    CONS OF STAYING AT THE MARRAKESH HUA HIN RESORT AND SPA

    • It is a little way out of the main town (all the resorts along this beach strip are though)

    Our stay at the Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort and Spa was provided complimentary, but as always all opinions are my own.