Ever since the early 1920s Thai royalty seem to have favoured the vicinity of Hua Hin for their summer residences. In 1923 King Rama VI built the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace practically on the beach and in 1929 King Rama VII started on the Klaikangwon Palace, which continues to be the summer residence of the present monarch. It is no surprise considering that both properties have access to stretches of perfect white sandy beaches, warm oceans and blue skies – the perfect combination for lazy days.
Maruekhathaiyawan is a beautiful palace designed by an Italian architect and made completely out of wood. The entire palace is built on one thousand wooden pillars and is a light and airy structure comprising of a series of halls and open pavilions linked by verandahs with delicate lattice work on the walls, and covered board walks. The woodwork is painted in subtle pastel shades of blue and beige that is set off by the red of the roofs. The cool simplicity of the structure even now strikes a chord with visitors.
The first building is the Samoson Sawakamat Hall, which was the reception hall, hung with chandeliers and circled by a balcony. It was used as a theatre and a ballroom. The set of rooms to the north were used by the royal attendants. The king had used the centre suite of rooms with the best sea views and with access to dining areas and the promenades. The living quarters comprised of a bathroom, the royal bed chamber and a study. The southernmost wing of the building was assigned to the queen and the concubines. The side of the building facing the sea has two long covered board walks ending in a pavilion on the beach that had been used for changing into bathing costumes. The most astonishing feature of the palace is the floors made out of golden teak. Visitors are required to walk barefoot through the entire building to protect these floors. This complex is a fine example of traditional Thai building design. The whole complex is set in an extensive garden that slopes towards the beach. Musicians sometimes play traditional Thai music in the rooms and the sound wafts through the building creating a lovely ambience.
Located on a beach front and surrounded by a lush tropical environment designed by famed landscape designer Bill Bensley, Anantara Hua Hin, Thailand offers luxurious and comfortable accommodation, stylish interiors, superior amenities and facilities to make a stay in the resort a memorable experience. With every aspect of leisure and more vigorous activity catered for in the form of luxurious spa facilities, a cookery school, on site tennis courts and swimming pools and access to other outdoor activities, this Hua Hin beach resort is serious about the holistic experience it can offer its discerning clientele. All this combined with the traditional Thai experience makes it one of the most prominent and popular Hua Hin resorts.
