Not far from Hua Hin, La a natu mingles art and nature
Away from the crowds of Hua Hin, La a natu, a small hotel in Sam Roi Yot district, can offer white sandy beach, rural tranquillity and secluded accommodation that can easily make as a special trip on the upcoming Valentines's Day.
This charming hotel has a marvellous setting not far from Sam Roi Yot National Park, surrounded by gorgeous scenery of 300 mountain peaks.
La a natu has 10 unique rooms, all by the sea and rice fields. Yes, it may sound unusual to hear about rice fields by the sea, but when it's part of the hotel's design concept, it becomes unique architecture.
The design includes a hay-stack-like high roof waiting for guests to discover while walking across a small bamboo bridge towards the lobby.
La a natu has three accommodation zones to choose among: Tropical Village, Tropical Cottage and Loft Suite. Their architecture and design are easily defined by their own unique themes.
The hotel has Loft Suites named after the spices cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Only Vanilla is categorised as a Pool Villa as it's equipped with a long rectangular pool on the ground floor.
However, the rest of the suite layout is identical to the other two.
They are all in modern design to make guests feel more like living in a spacious two-storey apartment by the sea.
A large living room is set downstairs with direct access to the sea, while the bedroom is equipped with top-of-therange mattress and set on the upper floor with a stunning sea view. Both ground and upper floors have their own bathrooms, LCD cable televisions and modern DVD and music players.
Its three Tropical Cottages are also facing toward the sea. There are smaller than the Loft Suite, with only one storey below its tile white roof and set in an equally great location facing the full view of the sea.
The front door can be fully opened to the sea while you sit in the living room, while the bathtub is hidden on the back veranda. They're named after Thai herbs - Ton Hom, Ta Khrai and Bai Ma Grood.
The last accommodation type is called Tropical Villages. There are four of them spread out in the paddy fields. Inspired by Lao Soung houses, they are all thatchedroof houses on stilts with bathtubs and daybed sets on the ground floor. Eaves and patios are found on the upper floor with the bedroom and bathroom.
They are named after different types of rice: Khaoniew, Khaofang, Khaotok and Khaomao, the one and only Tropical Village Family with two bedrooms
Clearly this is a hotel with a fresh idea, and the result is quite a success. Weekenders from Bangkok are willing to pay Bt5,000 a night to enjoy being surrounded by the stunning design, keeping this place booked up each weekend.
However, those who come on weekdays enjoy the lovely hotel and vast beach on their own. Whenever they go, guests can enjoy an addition of a romantic afternoon tea from 2 to 5pm with sumptuous treats home-baked by the owner himself, from carrot cake, panna cotta and chocolate cake to scones, brownies, tiramisu and cheesecake. It's part of the hotel concept of "bed and bakery".
Baked goodies are also served at breakfast for those who love it. The banana nut bread is fantastic, while you can also have other options including waffles, pancakes, meusli and yoghurt. Alternatively, American breakfast or Thai breakfast can be ordered as well.
The lobby area is versatile, turning into a restaurant that serves breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner. So guests can dine under the haystack while relishing the sea view at the same time. Stairs from the lobby lead up to a small rooftop "Chocolate Pool" with a view of the small hills behind the hotel.
A green lawn by the sea at La a natu is ideal for special events. So far this hotel has been a party venue for many small gatherings with a sizeable meeting room for 20 to 30 people next to the paddy fields.
It can also be a romantic place for a wedding. Lovely stairs lead from the lobby down to the lawn, a lovely setting for a reception, with the sea view as a backdrop. Perhaps those who visit the hotel this Valentine's Day will see how romantic this place can be.
AT A GLANCE
High points: La a natu has a distinguished design for those who love to see fresh ideas in every hotel they visit, ranging from stylish loft to sweet cottage and ethnic houses. The bakery is also a big draw and makes this place worthwhile just to stop by for afternoon tea.
Low point: It is awkward to find the lobby and restaurant in the same location, although it gives a great view at dining times.
Pay for it: The hotel has three-day, two-night promotion until the end of February, at Bt7,050 for a Tropical Village for two, Bt13,050 for a Tropical Village Family for four and Bt10,050 for a Tropical cottage for two. Two nights for two people in a Loft Suite costs Bt14,050, and Bt19,050 for a Vanilla Suite.
Find it: 234 Moo 2, Samroiyod, Prajuab Kirikhan, Thailand 77120
Book it: (081) 731 8688 or info@laanatu.com
Browse it: www.Laanatu.com
