Located on a secluded beach, Hansar Pranburi is one of those places that you want to visit quickly before they get too popular.
By Maia Kara
Alocal legend says that once upon a time, giant Mong Li and his wife lived on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand, and they had a beautiful daughter. The father promised his daughter’s hand in marriage to the emperor of China, while his wife betrothed her to Chao Lai. On the day of the wedding ceremony, both men arrived to Mong Li’s house. The giant was furious and, in rage, cut his daughter into two halves. One of the beautiful daughter’s halves turned into legendary Nom Sao island. And, deeply in sorrow, Chao Lai turned himself into a hill facing Sam Roi Yot beach.
The newest addition to Hansar Hotels & Resorts collection, Hansar Pranburi (Sam Roi Yot sub-district, Ban Sam Roi Yot, Prachuap, Khiri Khan, 02 209 1234, www.hansarpranburi.com), is nestled against 300 peaks of the Sam Roi Yot National Park, facing a 900-meter stretch of private beach, protected at the back by verdant mountain. Originally built as a vacation house by a British gentlemen, the property was recently acquired by Hansar and transformed into a 17-room boutique resort. After a three-hour drive—which can conveniently be arranged by Hansar in a minivan—from bustling Bangkok, you can be in this secluded piece of paradise that has not yet been invaded by tourists.
Out of the resort’s 17 rooms, nine are beachfront villas and, eight are two-story bungalows, each type with something different. While the villa’s top-floor houses the Honeymoon Suite, which features an outdoor Jacuzzi and open views of the sea, the upper-story bungalows all have private sky terraces. White dominates the interior and exterior architecture of the building, with walls molded to resemble the waves of the sea, or traces left by the wind on the sand. Hence, the building seems to be a natural continuation of the beach. Hansar Pranburi embraced the Hansar philosophy of “offering genuine, personalized, unpretentious service in the tradition of Thai hospitality, tailored to each guest’s needs.” The hotel offers additional perks such as free Wi-Fi, in-suite mini bar and snacks replenished daily, fresh fruits, bottled water, and full service breakfast at no cost to guests.
After a day out exploring the wonders of the Sam Roi Yot National Park, it is nice to unwind at the 25-meter infinity edge salted swimming pool that offers beautiful vistas of the beach. Or indulge in one of the signature treatments from LUXSA Spa, which are available in-room or at the beach.
Due to its secluded location, Hansar Pranburi is perfect for a romantic getaway. Or dream bigger: rent the whole resort for a perfect wedding at the beach. Whatever activity (or food craving) you have in mind, the hotel’s staff will arrange it for you.
The hotel offers a boat ride around the legendary islands of Sam Roi Yot National Park, which is highly recommended. And a visit to Phraya Nakhon Cave—where you’ll be able to walk the paths that kings Rama V, Rama VII and Rama IX also took—is a must. Kayaking to the nearest islands followed by a short trek to explore the surroundings will amuse some, while others looking forward to rekindle romance would most likely opt for a romantic walk by the beach at sunset, followed by a luxury picnic dinner.
The menu of Hansar Pranburi’s Bay restaurant offers Thai and international classics, with a choice of various local seafood dishes. The menu was designed by Hansar Group’s Executive Chef, Charles Christaens, and the Monkey Bar features Hansar’s most popular cocktails with a twist.
Hansar Pranburi, the newest property in the area, opened its doors to its first guests right before Songkran. It stands out due to its exquisite design, prime beach location, and attentive service. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday in a natural paradise, hurry up and check out this property by taking advantage of its opening promotional prices. As for me, I look forward to going back soon.
