From Beachfront Bliss to Gourmet Delights: The V Villas Hua Hin Experience

Our early evening indulgence began with a visit to the Akoya | Beach Lounge, the newest jewel at V Villas Hua Hin – MGallery Collection. Perched above the resort’s pristine white-sand coastline, this stylish venue offers an unrivaled experience with sweeping 180-degree views of the expansive beach. With its sleek, modern design, Akoya  | Beach Lounge is the ultimate destination for unwinding or catching up with friends in style.

The menu is a feast for the senses, starting with irresistible appetizers like the crispy, golden Croquettes filled with velvety potato, the rich and savory 28-day-aged Jamón Ibérico, and the bite-sized Tuna Tartare Tacos, artfully paired with guacamole, betel leaves, crisp lettuce & a tomato puree. Each dish is a masterful blend of flavors and textures, crafted to delight the palate.

Complementing the culinary offerings is an impressive selection of signature cocktails, meticulously created by Akoya | Beach Lounge’s skilled mixologists. The Khao Takiab cocktail is a showstopper—a sophisticated mix of mezcal, vermouth, Benedictine, and orange bitters, served with an orange juice ice sphere that mirrors the setting sun over the ocean. For a tropical escape, the Rising Sun cocktail combines plantation pineapple rum, coconut liqueur, and fresh pineapple juice, delivering a sip of paradise. Meanwhile, the Hua Hin Pine Toast cocktail, a creamy concoction of vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, coconut water, and milk, offers a refreshing finish with a touch of indulgence.

Whether you’re seeking a serene moment of solitude or sharing laughter with friends, Akoya | Beach Lounge is the perfect spot to soak in the beauty of the Gulf of Thailand while savoring exquisite flavors and impeccable ambiance.

Now it was time to indulge in the culinary wonders of Villazzo | Ocean House. From the moment you step inside, the restaurant’s beauty captivates you. The newly remodeled dining room boasts stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that frame lush, tropical gardens, drawing your gaze outward. Inside, diffused ambient lighting casts a warm glow, while the gentle sounds of soft jazz fill the air, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

The first starter was the Villazzo | Ocean House Som Tum. This mouthwatering dish is crafted differently from most som tums. The papaya is paired with prawns, while the addition of dried shrimp intensifies the notes of umami. The salad is further elevated by the sweetness of young coconut. Juicy cherry tomatoes provide a colorful pop of acidity. The zesty lime-based dressing elevates this dish to a pinnacle of tropical dining.

Next up was the Porcini Mushroom Soup, a delight that captivates the palate from the first spoonful. Rich and earthy, the porcini mushrooms are complemented by a delicate mixture of herbs. The luxurious texture and its aromatic profile make it an ideal choice for mushroom lovers. Served alongside a warm waffle slice to dip into the soup, a delightful crunch is added that beautifully contrasts with the silky soup.

Our last starter was the Crispy Toast and Avocado Salad, a vibrant, delightful dish that showcases the fresh flavors of its ingredients, all locally sourced. The creamy, perfectly charred avocado pairs wonderfully with the cherry tomatoes and tangy feta cheese. Hardboiled eggs contribute a burst of protein. Chia seeds add a nutritious crunch. Served with homemade whole-grain toast, this makes for a hearty, healthy dish that is also visually appealing.

Our first main was Australia Roasted Lamb. What a remarkable dining experience with the free-range rack of lamb. The dish showcases perfectly cooked lamb, tender and succulent. The flavor profile speaks to the quality of the meat. Other elements accompanying the lamb are sweet corn ribs and caramelized carrots. The palate is well treated with this harmonious blend of flavors. The rosemary adds an aromatic touch without overpowering the dish’s richness.  Villazzo | Ocean House commitment to excellence makes this a must-try for lamb lovers.

Next, we tasted from the sea: Pla Hi Ma Sam Rod (Crispy Snow Fish). This is a standout dish that showcases a perfectly prepared snow fish fillet, cooked Thai style. The texture is beautifully complemented by a spicy, sweet, and sour sauce, creating a harmonious balance between heat and sweetness. Each bite produces a vibrant burst of flavor. Paired with fresh herbs and vegetables, this dish is also visually appealing. Overall, this dish exemplifies Villazzo | Ocean House’s commitment to authentic Thai cuisine, making it a memorable dining experience.

Staying with seafood, our last main was Gaeng Cha Ploo Poo (Soft Shell Crab Curry). This curry dish is an exceptional culinary experience, featuring soft shell crab delicately simmered in a rich yellow curry. The aromatic blend of spices takes the crab to new heights, while fresh betel leaves add a refreshing and subtle earthiness. To elevate flavor even more, a touch of shrimp paste is added, offering a savory depth of flavor. This truly is an intriguing dish that once again shows Villazzo | Ocean House commitment to Thai cuisine.

Dessert time. The first dessert, Sweet Mango Sticky Rice, is a delightful tropical treat that beautifully marries flavors and textures. The sticky rice is perfectly cooked and generously infused with coconut milk. The ripe, locally sourced mango slices add an exquisite burst of sweetness. Complementing this combination, the homemade Hua Hin coconut ice cream offers a creamy yet refreshing element to this truly outstanding dish. The balance between the warmth of sticky rice and the coolness of the ice cream makes it a must-try authentic Thai indulgence.

The next dessert, Panna Cotta, brought a smile to my face with its visually pleasing appearance. The taste transported me to a nirvana of delight. The panna cotta is devilishly creamy and balances nicely with the fresh strawberries and strawberry sauce. The strawberries and sauce add vibrance with a pleasing burst of flavor. Each bite is a showcase of rich dairy and fruity notes. This dessert once again showcases Villazzo’s culinary finesse that invites diners back again.

And the last dessert: Lemon Tart. The lemon tart is a refreshing, delightful experience. Sweetness and tanginess are delicately balanced, as each bite provides a satisfying crunch of the crust, while the lemon filling is both refreshing and zesty. The lemon tart is a must-try at Villazzo.

The evening was drawing to a close.

What began as a visit to V Villa Hua Hin’s beachfront bar Akoya l Beach Lounge, with its delightful journey through signature cocktails and exquisite light bites, was now ending after a sumptuous dining experience at Villazzo | Ocean House. The combination of the two will be bringing me back soon to this exquisite venue. Kudos to the mixologist’s, wait staff, and chef for this wonderful experience.

By Andrew Klukowski