If someone was to ask me who is Hua Hin’s biggest booster, after living in Hua Hin for 13 years, my answer would be quick and easy. Hua Hin’s biggest booster would have to be the Liptapanlop family and their company Proud Real Estate.
Proud’s first foray into Hua Hin was with the opening of their InterContinental Hua Hin Resort where they flew in International singing star Paul Anka to perform at the grand opening party.
Since that time almost all big events and happenings in Hua Hin have either been put on by Proud and the InterContinental or they have been a major sponsor of it.
The InterContinental World Tennis Thailand Championship is a perfect example. Every year they bring in the top tennis players in the world to compete at their end of year tournament. 2017 saw WTA World #1 ranked Simona Halep along with 3 other WTA players with top 10 rankings come to Hua Hin and play for an exuberant crowd. Serena and her sister Venus have been here as has Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki, amongst many other big name players. They also put on the yearly Princess Pa Asian Beach Polo Championship. The only Polo played on the beach in Asia, this year it takes place on April 21st.
After opening the InterContinental, Proud has gone on to enhance the stature of Hua Hin by building the 1 billion baht waterpark Vana Nava, the 500 million baht sports facility True Arena, an addition to their InterContinental Resort called the BluPort Wing, partnered with the Mall Group in the 5 billion baht BluPort shopping mall and on the 24th of February they held a glittering grand opening ceremony for their Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava Hua Hin, Asia’s first Holiday Inn® water park resort.
More than 400 guests, including many celebrities, business moguls, politicians and other VIPs, attended the event along with the Liptapanlop family and senior executives from the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), owners of the Holiday Inn Brand.
Guests were treated to an action-packed evening of live entertainment, including a show from popular Thai actress Jenny Tienposuwan, and an exclusive concert by iconic Thai pop star Tata Young. These performances were followed by an extravagant, extended firework display that lit up the night sky, watched from the resort’s towering Sky Deck and roof top bar Vana Nava Sky.
The highest hotel in Hua Hin, Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin is expected to become an iconic destination. With 360 degree views from the rooftop, guests can watch stunning sunrises over the Gulf of Thailand in the east, and enjoy golden sunsets over the hills in the west.
Ms. Proudputh Liptapanlop, Executive Director of Proud Real Estate gave one of several opening night speeches saying ““Hua Hin has long been a beloved destination among the Thai aristocrats and high society since the 1920s when it was hand-picked to be the first resort town of Thailand by H.M. King Rama VI. Because of its sandy white beaches along with stunning mountainscape, its long history and its charms and heritage as a seaside fishing village, Hua Hin over the years has attracted many tourists both Thai and International. Now with the addition of a truly integrated resort-entertainment like Vana Nava Hua Hin, we are confident that Hua Hin will be able to attract even more visitors and establish its credentials as a leading resort destination worldwide.”
Designed by Bangkok-based consultant Ashley Sutton, the mastermind behind some of Asia’s most famous bars, including Maggie Choo’s and Iron Fairies in Bangkok and Ophelia in Hong Kong, this dazzling destination also features a dramatic glass-bottomed deck 110 metres above ground and is set to become a “must-visit” destination for visitors to Hua Hin.
According to Franck Rodriguez, the resort’s General Manager, “We are proud to set a new quality benchmark with a fully-integrated hospitality offering. It is a truly impressive resort with extensive facilities, cutting-edge technology and breath-taking views over the Gulf of Thailand. It also breaks new ground in Asia, becoming the first Holiday Inn property attached to a water park. So, it is fitting that we launch this incredible property with such a magical and memorable party.”
The hotel features 300 rooms and suites, including a series of inter-connecting rooms and KidSuites®, with special ‘secret’ rooms decked out with bunk beds and play areas. Children aged 12 and under can stay and eat for free, and all guests are offered free Wi-Fi.
All 300 rooms will be sold inclusive of unlimited waterpark access for all guests and customers will be given an RFID wristband upon arrival, which not only provides them entry into the waterpark, but also unlocks their hotel room and pays for all their food and other purchases. The wristband can either be post- or pre-paid so parents can top them up for their kids and control how much they can spend.
Vana Nava first opened its doors in 2014 and has become one of the biggest names in waterparks in Thailand. The “Water Jungle” features 20 world class slides plus many attractions and has been an overwhelming success welcoming close to a million visitors so far.
When they are not playing in the Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle, guests can unwind in the resort’s own extensive facilities, including a dramatic 26th floor infinity pool, the Tea Tree Spa, a 24-hour fitness centre, kids’ club and children’s pool.
Dining and entertainment options include the all-day Plamong Restaurant, casual Pool Bar, and the stylish Vana Nava Sky Bar, Restaurant & Observation Deck, which offers spectacular views across the Gulf.
Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava Hua Hin is also an attractive new option for event planners. With five function rooms and one of Hua Hin’s largest ballrooms, the resort is likely to become an important destination for the Thailand’s MICE industry. The grand opening party for Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin marks the arrival of a new landmark on Thailand’s Gulf coast, and a new era of hospitality in Hua Hin.
Rounding out the Vana Nava development will be premium residences in the form of high rise condominium towers which are expected to launch later this year.