Hyatt Hua Hin Introduces In-Car Internet

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Hotels & Resorts, Hua Hin & Cha Am | On 02-04-2012

 

Hyatt in-limo Internet

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin and DTAC have teamed to provide in-limo Internet.

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, in cooperation with Total Access Communication PLC (DTAC), has introduced free mobile Internet in the hotel’s Mercedes-Benz limousines.

The service is available between the seaside resort and Bangkok, including Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).

“In this day and age, Internet connectivity is absolutely necessary for people who are traveling, even when they are on holiday,” said Sammy Carolus, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin’s general manager.

“This on-board complimentary WiFi access will provide much convenience to our guests during the three-hour journey between Bangkok and Hua Hin, and is in line with our commitment to continuously provide authentic hospitality with innovative products and service.”

DTAC has 2,000 base stations of 3G network access covering 45 provinces nationwide. An additional 3,000 stations will be completed by the end of this year.

The wide 3G network coverage of DTAC ensures less disruptive WiFi connectivity. The WiFi router set in the limousine can be used for up to five devices at the same time.

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Why Harvest Season Rules at Hua Hin Hills

Posted by Hua Hin Hills' Hanna Oberauer | In Activities, Harvest Festival, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Wine, Wine Tasting | On 15-03-2012
Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

Maroo grapes, ripe for the picking.

If you’ve been reading this blog — and who hasn’t been! — then you undoubtedly know that harvest season is in full swing at Hua Hin Hills Vineyard.

And if you’re a wine enthusiast or even have a passing interest in wine, you know that harvest is a wonderful time of year.

Why? For starters, the vineyard looks absolutely radiant during harvest. As well, everyone’s curiosity about the new vintage is palpable.

But what I like most is seeing the grapes transform — watching how the Shiraz grapes, for instance, turn from their young, green color to a ripe, dark blue.

This is my third harvest at Hua Hin Hills Vineyard. With each harvest, I learn so much, especially from our amazing vineyard manager, Khun Chaorai. And this year, we’re lucky enough to have viticulture consultant Hans-Peter Hoehnen here as well. Hans-Peter is from Germany, but I’m not sure anyone knows more about tropical winemaking than him.

You like mangos? It’s mango season as well. We’re picking big yellow ones, while the farmers just outside our gates are harvesting their pineapples.

But I digress a bit. By now you’ve noticed the picture with this blog post. That shot was taken by yours truly in the late afternoon, the most wonderful and peaceful time at Hua Hin Hills Vineyard. Our hard-working harvesting team is picking Maroo grapes. These are our table grapes. Four months ago, they were tiny and almost lime green in color. Now look at them!

I love the taste of Maroo grapes, just as I love this time of year in Hua Hin. You travel to another wine region during harvest – such as any of those in my home country of Germany – and you’re likely to experience chilly nights.

But here it’s warm. The tropical evening breeze feels so good. And it’s even better when paired with a chilled glass of Thai wine. Ask for me when you visit and I’d be happy to serve you myself!

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Hua Hin Spa Offering ‘Shot’ at Dream Vacation

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Hotels & Resorts, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Photography, Spa | On 29-02-2012
Water court at The Barai

Signature Barai traits include the Salarai, a water court surrounded by columned walkways.

In celebration of its fifth anniversary, The Barai spa at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin is inviting shutterbugs of all skill levels to enter a photo contest for a chance to win a trip to Bali and cash.

From March 2-31, visitors who submit a snapshot of the spa through the contest’s official Facebook page will be eligible for the grand prize, including roundtrip airfare for two to Bali, three nights at Grand Hyatt Bali and THB 55,555 (about US $1,825) in spending money.

The competition is open to anyone with a passion for pictures and an appreciation for the resort lifestyle. “The Barai has been synonymous with discovery ever since it opened in 2007,” said Sammy Carolus, general manager of Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. “We can’t wait to see guests’ interpretation of that through their eyes.”

Facing one of the longest stretches of beach (250 metres) and housing the largest recreational facilities in Hua Hin, the 205-room Hyatt Regency Hua Hin attracts all types of travellers.

In addition to the architecturally striking spa treatment complex, The Barai features eight stand-alone spa suites and 4.5 acres of tranquil relaxation space.

The facility has won or been nominated for a range of awards, including “Spa Retreat of the Year” at the 2011 AsiaSpa Awards. In 2007, it made Travel + Leisure magazine’s “It List” and Conde Nast Traveler’s “Hot List.”

To enter the photo contest, or learn more about the rules and regulations, visit www.facebook.com/TheBarai.PhotoContest or call The Barai on +66 3251 1234.

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5 Foods You Must Try While in Hua Hin

Posted by Anantara's Naowarat Arunkong | In Activities, Food, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Hua Hin Night Market | On 27-02-2012
Pad Thai

There's something about the Pad Thai at the Hua Hin Night Market. (Photo: Al Moore)

“It’s in Hua Hin.” We here in Hua Hin have been saying that for years now.

Why? Because it’s true. You name it, “it’s” here. History? Check. Resorts as good as any in Thailand? You bet. World-class golf courses and international water sports competitions? Yes and yes. Amazing beaches? Without a doubt.

But in my humble opinion, I’m not sure anywhere compares to here when it comes to food. Hua Hin is somewhat renowned for its seafood. But you’re not relegated to fish. Oh no, we’ve got options. If you had a year to spend in this lovely region, you could probably go to a different restaurant every day and not hit a bad one.

But for those who don’t have that kind of time, don’t fret — I’ve got you covered. Here are the five foods you absolutely must try before heading home …

1) Pad Thai at Hua Hin Night Market. There are a number of stalls in the market that serve up this traditional Thai dish. You can’t go wrong at any of them. Something about the street-style atmosphere, I think. And the way they cook it up in those big woks. Delicious.

2) Seafood at Sang Thai. This place is along Naresdamri Road, on the stretch between World News Coffee — just outside the entrance to Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa — and the main pier. It’s heaven for anyone who likes big, juicy prawns, spicy squid and sweet blue crab. Sit toward the far end of the restaurant for the best views of the sea.

3) Chicken at Krua Kannikar. Over by the railway station, in Soi 88. If you like chicken, you’ll love it here. All they do is chicken, and they do it right. Their hours are a bit strange — 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. — and it gets crowded during normal lunch hours. So my advice is to go slightly before or just after. If you can stand a little heat, order the kanom jeen nam ya gai (chicken in red curry).

4) Pork leg boiled in Coca-Cola at Mon Mhai. This might sound strange to some, but it’s actually unbelievably good. The coke tenderizes the meat and adds a layer of sweetness to it, too.

5) Mango sticky rice at Pa Jue. This is also near the Hilton, and it’s a Hua Hin institution, having been around for almost half a century now. It’s no wonder: There’s just something about how they make this uniquely Thai masterpiece. Try it. You’ll like it.

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Hua Hin Hills Vineyard Uncorks Festival of Fun

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Food, Harvest Festival, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Wine, Wine Tasting | On 17-02-2012
Hua Hin Hills jazz band

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard has set the stage for live jazz and other activities through March 18.

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is honoring grape harvest season with a month-long celebration of the finer things in life.

Every weekend from now through March 17-18, the estate responsible for some of the world’s best ‘New Latitude’ wines — varietals produced between the 14th and 18th parallels — will roll out a special harvest-themed food menu; serve as a stage for live jazz performances by popular local musicians; and offer visitors the opportunity to book group grape picking and stomping experiences.

Among the gourmet items guests can expect to enjoy during the festival are Grape and Yellowfin Tuna Salad; Spicy Deep-Fried Prawn and Green Mango Salad; and Dark Chocolate Marquise.

The annual event culminates — for all intents and purposes — Saturday, March 17, when the vineyard and esteemed viticulture consultant Hans-Peter Höhnen host an exclusive, multi-course, already-sold-out dinner.

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is located two-and-a-half hours south of Bangkok by car, along a country road that winds through pineapple fields and quintessential Thai farming villages.

Set on a former elephant corral, the estate is owned by Siam Winery and renowned for its panoramic views of lush hillsides and a bistro whose wine menu features vintages such as Monsoon Valley Cuvée de Siam, a gold-medal winner at the 2010 AWC International Wine Challenge in Austria.

For more information about the harvest festival or Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, visit www.huahinhillsvineyard.com.

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5 ‘Best’ Lists Hua Hin Would Figure Into

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Beach, Elephant Polo, Film, Food, Golf, Hotels & Resorts, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Wine, Wine Tasting | On 10-02-2012
Several of the finest Thai spas are here in Hua Hin, including The Barai at Hyatt Regency.

Several of the finest Thai spas are here in Hua Hin, including The Barai at Hyatt Regency.

A blog post we recently stumbled upon about Thailand’s best beaches — a rather exclusive list that included Hua Hin — got us wondering: What else in Hua Hin is worthy of a ‘best’ label?

So we started brainstorming. And before long we had a rather substantial list of ‘best’ categories with candidates from Hua Hin. In fact, the list of categories was so long, we decided to cut it to 5, to make reading this entry a little more manageable.

But, if you’ve got suggestions for categories you don’t see below (but would like to), feel free to weigh in through the ‘Comments’ field. We’d love to see a conversation evolve from this fun exercise …

BEST SPAS: When it comes to spa, few countries hold a candle to Thailand. If you don’t believe it, just ask AsiaSpa, which in 2009 went so far as to call Thailand the spa capital of Asia, considered by at least one writer at CNN as “ground zero for spa.”

Several of the finest spas are right here in Hua Hin, including two of our very own ‘It’s in Hua Hin’ members — Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa and The Barai at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. The former has been hailed twice by readers of Conde Nast Traveller (UK), while the latter has made just about every prestigious list out there.

BEST GOLF COURSES: There’s a reason Thailand was named ‘Golf Destination of the Year’ for Asia & Australasia by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in November 2009 — there are a lot of courses (260 is the number thrown around most), and there are a lot of good ones.

Among them: ‘It’s in Hua Hin’ member Banyan Golf Club, which in 2009 was named ‘Best New Course in Asia-Pacific’ by readers of Asian Golf Monthly magazine. It hasn’t lost its luster, either; just a few months ago, European PGA Tour star Nicolas Colsaerts warmed up at Banyan GC ahead of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China.

BEST ROOFTOP RESTAURANTS: Certainly Bangkok’s got its share of high-end restos in a high rise. But how many of those offer aerial views of the Gulf of Thailand? To our knowledge, not a single one.

It’s a different story though in Hua Hin, where guests of White Lotus — on the top floor of the 17-story Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa — feast on some of the best Chinese food in the kingdom while savoring unimpeded panoramas of the sea.

BEST SPOTS TO SIP FINE WINE: When it comes to great vino, there probably isn’t a bad place to tip back a glass. But let’s be honest: Some locales are better than others. And the terrace at Hua Hin Hills Vineyard could very well be the best in Thailand.

Here’s why: Its views — of lush mountain ranges and rows and rows of grape vines — are reminiscent of any you’ll find in the more renowned winemaking regions of the world; and it’s just a few steps from the wine tasting counter, where experts stand at the ready to pour any of Siam Winery‘s award-winning vintages.

BEST CITIES FOR CELEBS: Last month’s Hua Hin Film Festival lured the likes of Hollywood actor Ryan Gosling. World No. 1 tennis player Caroline Wozniacki spent this past New Year’s here with her boyfriend, reigning U.S. Open golf champion Rory McIlroy. And ESPN funnyman Kenny Mayne paid a visit in September 2011 to film the Kings Cup for an episode of his online show ‘Wider World of Sports’.

But Hua Hin‘s appeal among popular public figures isn’t a recent phenomenon. Chiva-Som wellness resort has attracted dozens of A-listers over the years, including Jude Law, the Beckhams and Naomi Campbell. And the most revered man in Thailand — His Majesty the King — has called Hua Hin home for years.

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6 Questions with … Wine Wiz Kathrin Puff

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Uncategorized, Wine, Wine Tasting | On 07-02-2012
Kathrin Puff

Siam Winery vintner Kathrin Puff established a taste for wine in Germany.

When it comes to tropical wines of Asia, few folks — if any — know them better than Kathrin Puff. That’s because as vintner for Siam Winery — creators of the popular Monsoon Valley line — her job is to know vino. And she knows it because she’s been plying her trade for some time now, both in her native country and in her adopted one … and in others in between.

I recently had a chance to chat with the grape guru. Among the topics of conversation: Her road to Thailand, what comes out of the ground at Hua Hin Hills Vineyard and why early March is a big deal …

Q: Tell me a little about yourself.

A: Well, I’m 33 years old, and I’m from Germany, which is where I began studying wines for Siam Winery. I’ve also studied in Italy and New Zealand. In fact, before coming to Thailand, I was in Tuscany, crafting Chianti.

Q: How did Siam Winery start?

A: It started in 1986 with Spy Cooler, a fruity, wine-based, carbonated drink suited to the Asian palate. In 1999, the first wines were crafted out of local table grapes from a floating vineyard. Then, in 2004, Siam Winery built Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, where we crush about 300 tons of Shiraz, Colombard, Chenin Blanc and other varietals every year.

Q: Where are the wines produced and stored?

A: We produce Spy Cooler in Samut Sakhorn, about 60 kilometres west of Bangkok. The wine cellar is there as well. Hua Hin Hills Vineyard produces the grapes, which get transported in cooling trucks to the winery every day during harvest. Harvest season is right around the corner actually. It goes from late February through to mid March.

Q: What types of grapes do you grow at Hua Hin Hills?

A: Shiraz, Colombard and Chenin Blanc are our main varietals, but we also grow Tempranillo, Viognier, Muscat, Sangiovese and Dornfelder.

Q: Your wines have received some serious recognition, no?

A: Yes, nearly all of our premium wines have medaled at international wine competitions. The Blended Rose and Blended Red were ‘Commended’ at last year’s IWC in London. The Chenin Blanc Late Harvest and Colombard won the same distinction the previous year.

Q: And do you export your wines?

A: We do. The UK is our main export market, followed by Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, the US, Sweden, Singapore and others. Of course, our biggest market is Thailand, with resorts and restaurants buying up a lot of it. We also sell it and serve it at the vineyard, where people come daily to tour the plantation by elephant, lunch at The Sala Bistro overlooking the property and, of course, taste the wines.

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Why Hua Hin Deserves Place in TripAdvisor Story

Posted by Anantara's Naowarat Arunkong | In Activities, Beach, Film, Food, Hua Hin & Cha Am, Hua Hin Night Market, Wine | On 20-01-2012
Hua Hin Train Station Couple

"Hua Hin is a classic old town, where life is peaceful," says Anantara GM Naowarat Arunkong. (PHOTO: Aidan Dockery)

It’s been an eventful past few weeks for Hua Hin. First came the announcement that our storied seaside town would be hosting its first international film festival, starting Jan. 26. Then we learned TripAdvisor named Hua Hin one of the world’s ’15 Destinations on the Rise’ for 2012.

As someone who has lived in Hua Hin for four years now, I was surprised by the latter piece of news … in that it took so long for such recognition to come! In my opinion, Hua Hin has always been deserving of high praise. It’s a place I’ve loved from the moment I arrived.

Why? It’s a small, classic old town. The people are friendly, life is peaceful and you can always find good music. In fact, you can find just about everything in Hua Hin, from shopping centers and restaurants to an airport and hospital.

Speaking of restaurants, I think it’s time to squash the rumor that Hua Hin is all about seafood. You’re just as likely to taste some of the best Scandinavian, German, Indian and Mexican food you’ve ever had.

I also love that Hua Hin caters to a variety of moods. The town’s got the laid-back vibe of a beach resort and the hustle and bustle of a big city. And the recreational opportunities are endless. My favorites activities are the rides — horseback, elephant and ATV.

Last but not least there’s the physical diversity. Long stretches of beach. Mangrove forests. Beautiful waterfalls. Sunbathe one day; go up the mountain the next. On your way, stop and taste some wine at Hua Hin Hills Vineyard. At the end of the day, have a walk around town, exploring things like the Hua Hin Night Market. I never tire of that routine.

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Hua Hin Turns Spotlight on World Film in January

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Film, Hua Hin & Cha Am | On 23-12-2011
Hua Hin International Film Festival

Hua Hin's first film festival gets underway Jan. 26.

Almost a century after it served as a filming location for ‘Miss Suwanna of Siam’, one of Thailand’s first motion pictures, this storied seaside resort is getting set to draw the curtains back on the inaugural Hua Hin International Film Festival.

From Jan. 26-29, venues in Hua Hin will screen more than 50 movies from around the world as part of an event aimed at showcasing “the best of cinema and the best of Hua Hin,” said Dr. Sorajak Kasemsuvan, the festival’s director.

“Hua Hin has a great history and has always been a favorite spot of the Thai royal family,” added Suwat Liptapanlop, the festival’s chairman. “The town will offer all of our guests a taste of true Thai hospitality.”

Organized by the National Federation of Thai Film Associations (NFTFA), Hua Hin Municipality and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Hua Hin International Film Festival will bring together artists from all walks of the movie industry, including actors So Ji-sub and Han Hyo-joo of the critically acclaimed Korean melodrama ‘Always’.

Other films slated to show are:

* ’360′, starring Jude Law and Academy Award winners Anthony Hopkins and Rachel Weisz;
* ‘Magic to Win’, a fantasy adventure from veteran Hong Kong producer Raymond Wong;
* ‘Warriors of the Rainbow’, the most expensive film ever made in Taiwan;
* ‘The Lady’, a biopic of Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi;
* ‘Fool for Love’, a romantic comedy set in Vietnam; and
* ‘KL Gangster’, a box-office hit in Malaysia;

Like all international film festivals, Hua Hin‘s will spotlight more than movies. Seminars by leading academics and film industry professionals, nightly activities at Centennial Park, live music performances and a closing ceremony featuring an awards presentation are part of the festival mix, too.

Organizers also plan to display an exhibition of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej‘s photographs, which “capture the town of Hua Hin during his frequent stays, and celebrate not only his creativity, but his many contributions to the people of Hua Hin and Thailand,” said Kasemsuvan.

To preview some of the festival’s films, visit the event’s official Youtube channel.

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4 Questions with … Banyan GC’s Joe Morrissey

Posted by Mandarin Media's Scott Resch | In Activities, Beach, Golf, Hua Hin & Cha Am | On 22-12-2011
Banyan GC's Joe Morrissey

SWEET SWING: Banyan GC's Joe Morrissey sends another drive sailing down the fairway.

For the latest installment of ’4 Questions with …’, I sat down with Banyan Golf Club‘s director of golf, Joe Morrissey.

Actually, we didn’t sit. We were on our feet, playing a round of golf on the track Asian Golf Monthly readers voted the ‘Best New Course in Asia-Pacific’ in 2009.

During our time together, I learned the affable Brit of Thai descent first came to Hua Hin five years ago to help his parents get a restaurant off the ground, met his wife soon thereafter and has spent all but four days in the area since first setting foot in Hua Hin.

“I went back to the UK for a visit once,” he said, “but I cut the trip short because I realized it wasn’t for me anymore.”

I also found out the lad is a plus-3 handicap(!), knows how to both punish and finesse a golf ball, and has more than a few opinions on the place he now calls home …

Q: There are more than a few good holes here at Banyan Golf Club. In fact, I like them all — and it’s rare that I say that about a golf course. But the par-3 15th is probably the most talked about and photographed. Is it the best?

A: It’s definitely a stunner. The tees are elevated, so you’re looking down at the green with the sea and Koh Sai in the background to the left. But personally, I think the holes just before that — Nos. 13 and 14 — are best. Both are short par 4s. Both make you think. I like that.

Q: It’s warm out here and an ice cold beer at the turn sounds good. Singha?

A: It’s my preference. A lot of people prefer Chang or Leo. But I stick with Singha. No rhyme or reason really. Just personal preference.

Q: Aside from the Mulligan’s Bar terrace (Banyan’s “19th hole”), where do you like to kick back with a Singha?

A: Anywhere really. With a bowl of noodles on a street corner is tough to beat. But I also like having a drink once in a while at Putahracsa resort, on one of their outdoor sofas, right there on the beach. That’s a fantastic spot for a beer. So is Retro Bar, near the railroad tracks and just across the street from Hua Hin Night Market. Great place to people watch, too. And it’s just a couple doors down from Margaritas, which serves up the best Mexican food in Hua Hin. One of the guys there is Mexican, so you know the food is legit.

Q: Sounds good. What about to get away from the crowd? Where would you go?

A: Sai Noi Beach, just past Pak Nam Pran. It’s the best beach by far. The beach is only about 100 yards long, but there are no tourists, and it’s in this secluded little cove, with rocks on one end and jungle on the other. I like to climb up on the rocks. No one can see you up there, and the view is spectacular.

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