Has anyone stayed at the Anantara Resort and Spa in Hua Hin? I read rave reviews of it in a spa magazine, but I'm not sure I trust the magazine. Any info you have about this resort would be much appreciated.

Hi Kathie... <BR>I've been to Anantara once and I think it is one of the best resort in Huahin. I'll be in Thailand again in April and I start do some research on the web and come accross www.passionasia.com they offer me Chiva-Som resort. Any comment about this resort and spa?

Sorry, Allie, I don't know the Chiva-Som resort. <BR> <BR>What did you like about the Anatara? Did you use the spa?

The Anantara is excellent, owned and operated by the same company that operates the Hua Hin Marriot Resort and Spa. Both excellent. Conder Naste votes the Chiva-Som as No. 1 ( not sure which categary but believe it is as world's best spa or something like that ). The Chiva Som is around B 10,000 (US$250) a night. B 10,000 is an incredible price in Thailand but then again, for US$250 you are getting one of the world's best. Believe, depending on time of year, the Anantara should be around US$90. Both have absolute beachfront locations. <BR>Sarah (BKK) <BR>Sorry I don't put in my email address since being 'flamed' some time ago.

Forgot to mention Anantara is about 3-5 mintes from airport, Chiva about 10 minutes. Don't worry about any aircraft noice as only prop-planes and they approach and depart to/from the opposite direction as not permitted to fly over Hua hin itself, so convenient (but quiet). Takes 30-35 minutes from Bangkok, or 2.5-3 hrs by limo.

Sarah, Thanks for the info. By the way, where can you find that price ($90)? On Asia-hotels.com I found published rates for the Anantara of $174-500, and internet rates of $129-350. At another site, I found rates at the Chiva-Som of $220 per night per person, double occupancy!!

Chiva for $220 is good. It's about B 45.7 to the USD at the moment so that's close to the 10,000 mark. You need to search out the on-line booking systems as the prices vary a great deal. I'll check and get back to you.

Sarah, Chiva was $220 per person ($440 a night double) which I thought was very high. (that did include some spa treatments, Anantara was about $220 a night for two people, including spa treatments. )I have checked quite a few websites, if you have one you like, do let me know. Thanks for your help on this!!