Located 25 minutes from Hua Hin town and with a footprint
on Cha-Am beach coastline with direct beach access, this low-rise resort is
tucked away from the more obvious soaring high beach resorts in the region. Quiet
Cha-Am still holds it original fishing village charm and is ideal for a
relaxing getaway. Subsequently, the arrival experience can be impressive and
stylish, with artworks grabbing your attention left and right – a rabbit holding
a clock and then a black panther stood still and greet you on the incredibly
wide marble stairs leading you to the first sheltered area. You can definitely
make a grand entrance walking up these steps in an imposing manner, the first quaint impression impact what would
be next on the list to be discovered and encountered.
Once we got to the top of this short ascension, we were
actually at rooftop height level. A pool of reflecting water featuring the
resort brand stainless steel SO logo as well as a giant size bronze rhino and
crocodile art work that may possibly and immediately make you think that you
are entering into the “Jurassic World” instead. Eye-catching or eye soaring? For
a quirky taste that can’t be easily explained.
SO Sofitel’s brands are generally playful and somehow quirky
when it comes to their concept design. The lobby is with no exception, the
open-air concept is refreshing in comparing to the expected traditional aspects.
Chalk board wall with hand drawings of local attractions highlighted in a map form
juxtaposing the long piece of well polished wood used as the reception desk, displays
with a big bundle of fresh sea coconuts as a pure form of art element chosen. Industrial
up-cycled chairs, stools that are produced in different materials mixing with
tailor-made high back bamboo cushion lounge chairs concocting a design state of
mind to the entire open lobby area.
The 36°C heat and high humidity filled the air on our
mid-day arrival, stuffy and wet. Despite being picked up by the hotel pre-arranged
limousine, our arrival shall be expected and the check-in formality shall be prompt,
straight to the point and under control. Yet, staff were a little disorganized,
not only lacking of personalization and warmth that you won’t normally experience
in Thai hospitality but also not paying attention to offer a welcoming gesture
to prioritize and simplify the check-in procedure which in fact dampened our enthusiastic
expectations of this niche design-focused resort.
The check-in took more than 20 minutes to proceed before
we descended the other side of the lobby and headed down into the shade,
the staff pointed back to Mr. Rabbit – the art work display on the driveway
lawn that was holding the clock with actual local time indication and summoned
us to leave our time outside to Mr. Rabbit as we were about to begin a
journey that time isn’t needed here in order to enjoy every moment in this
“lost paradise”. Sweet and charming, we wished we could have left the reception
at once after the 20 minutes disarrangement and proceed to an air-conditioning
shelter or to our room with further completion of the check-in procedure.
However, do let the resort unfold before your eyes as the
there are many other design elements with hidden surprises. The gabions for
walls – large stones encased in wire cages, which frames the central section,
housing the spa, adults only swimming pool, gallery, restaurant and other
amenities – which have a cooling effect due to the height and the shade they
cast over the paths.
As we are in a very sunny climate, this is a quite smart design element. Secondly, you begin to realize that the resort is designed on straight lines, so the paths are all heading to the beach and you are provided with copious amounts of shade with beautifully mature trees and shrubs to soften the stone wall elements.
As we are in a very sunny climate, this is a quite smart design element. Secondly, you begin to realize that the resort is designed on straight lines, so the paths are all heading to the beach and you are provided with copious amounts of shade with beautifully mature trees and shrubs to soften the stone wall elements.
We were taken to the beachfront villa and introduced to our home for the next three nights, a two bedroom Pool Villa with two separate pavilions, one of the main bedroom comes with an ensuite bathroom, while the other houses the large living and dining area, plus a second bedroom and bathroom/guest toilet.
All accommodation in the resort has polished concrete floors and walls with high ceilings and softened with the addition of carpets, bold and vibrant fabrics for furniture and then stenciled artwork to reference art.
The bedrooms were recently revamped by local creative signature of fashion designer, Polpat Asavaprapha and finished with an aesthetically pleasing touch by the infamous fashion designer Monsieur Christian Lacroix after the recent success and exposure from the existing SO Sofitel Bangkok.
There are two designs throughout the resort: SO Arty –
inspired by chic contemporary design; and SO Nature – landscape photography
combined with simple organic elements and refined French luxury. Ours was in
the SO Arty category. While the design might sound busy, it is not, as they
have used subtlety to create the softening touches, plus the floor to ceiling
windows allow the room to be flooded with natural light, with the blackout
curtains to cool down the room. This is the ultimate expression of modern
architecture and interior design contrasting the industrial minimalist motif.
Simply SO Verve!
Our 260sqm SO Pool two bedroom villa comes with a private
pool, larger than the usual plunge pool than we expected. It is best to make
friends with the giant inflatable swan pool float for some water fun
in your own discreet privacy.
However, the bathroom is a design that is hit or miss. The
freedom of space is refreshing and the ceiling high rain shower is set in the
middle of the bathroom and splashes water everywhere not only to the flat
concrete surface yet the oversized bath tub next to it as well as the HIS and
HER bathroom vanities. The idea was superb yet not realistically well executed.
Puddles of water remains undrained and adds more hazards even just by using the
vanities to find a dry spot option to stand still. On the other hand, it also
adds further unnecessary jobs for housekeeping to clean.
Despite further wear and tear are found in this resort
mainly has to do with the damaged floorings in the room and adult swimming pool
area, air-con duct, creased and partly molded curtains and areas that need more
dusting and paying further attention to, there are many design elements in this
resort all over the compound that’ll capture your eyes.
The all-day-dining White Oven
hits the spot with authentic local Thai food for breakfast, lunch and dinner,
although for those less intrepid travelers who still crave western flavours,
White Oven has the usual spread for westerners, but we seriously urge you to go
for the local flavours as nothing will fail you in flavor and presentation.
A Mediterranean delight is another alternative option in Beach Society and also reknown for its monthly beach party.
SoSPA is worth visiting for a spa indulgence in a secluded cocoon of wellness.
A Mediterranean delight is another alternative option in Beach Society and also reknown for its monthly beach party.
SoSPA is worth visiting for a spa indulgence in a secluded cocoon of wellness.
Mirror your sense of style by wondering around the resort
and live with the iconic SO Sofitel Hua Hin energetic and hyperbole lifestyle. SO
Sofitel Hua Hin has a much-photographed allure and many eye-catching spots and
corners as though they are dedicated for the best instagrammed snap shots. The
design inspiration is drawn from classic contemporary chic with playful
spaces scattered throughout the resort for you to enjoy a spacious open plan
living in verve, daring and the breadth
of spirit.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 4.5/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Housekeeping: 2.5/5
Room Amenities: 3/5
Service: 2/5
Food & Beverages: 4/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Experience: 3/5
Highlights:
Design & Decor
115 Moo 7 Tambol Bangkao
Phetchaburi
Hua Hin, Thailand
Tel: +66 32 709 555
Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.
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