Story :  Voralak Suwanvanichkij   
Images : courtesy of Malibu Kao Tao
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For many Bangkok residents, Hua Hin evokes memories of quiet, unencumbered days, simple living, and family fun.  Once a sleepy seaside town favoured by affluent locals, Hua Hin bustles with activity, attracting visitors from near and far.  Shops, restaurants, and resorts line its main thoroughfare, coexisting with vintage colonial-inspired buildings and traditional fishing villages.

Yet away from the immediate vicinity of Hua Hin town, aspects of the old days remain.

About 10 minutes drive from the centre of town, the pace slows in Kao Tao.  Cows graze under wind-blown palm trees.  Local fishermen haul their daily catch to shore.  And beyond the fine white sands of the secluded beach, views of Lion and Turtle Isles break on the horizon between water and sky.

This is the view from Malibu Kao Tao, the latest project by developer Maneeya Realty.  Inspired by personal memories, Sirikarn Saktidej Bhanubandh, Executive Director of Maneeya, says, “The project grew from a love of Hua Hin since childhood.  I often came to Hua Hin with my family, and I later brought my own children here for holiday.”

Given the rampant development surrounding the main stretch of beach, Sirikarn continues, “You used to be able to walk freely on the beach and feel at peace with your surroundings.  Now Hua Hin beach is so crowded “

Weekend Retreat

Aiming to revive Hua Hin’s nostalgic charm Sirikarn and several friends decided to develop a retreat where life is reduced to rest and relaxation, far from the stress of everyday life.  The personal nature of the venture was not daunting, however, given Sirikarn’s extensive experience in property development.

In addition to constructing and managing Maneeya Center, an office building in the Ploenchit area of Bangkok, Maneeya Realty is developing the high-rise Renaissance Marriott, a business hotel and luxury condominium complex located behind Maneeya Center.  The company also developed The Esplanade, a 16-floor, 60-unit condo in the centre of Hua Hin township.

Sirikarn is also a retail maven, having successfully opened and managed sales outlets for well-established fashion brands such as Kipling and Shanghai Tang.  She reflects, “Doing business is not easy nor enjoyable all the time. But working on Malibu Kao Tao is different.  It’s hard work, but we relish the collaboration and the camaraderie with our friends.”

Project marketing reflects the shared vision of its shareholders.  The name Malibu was chosen because of its affinity with private beachfront properties and an easygoing lifestyle.  Sales marketing has largely been through word-of-mouth, targeting buyers interested in an exclusive, restful second home not far from Bangkok.

Sirikarn says, “Kao Tao is a great weekend escape as it’s about 250 kilometres away, or an easy 2.5 hour commute.  If you don’t want to drive, there are daily flights to and from Bangkok.”

Plenty of Room

On 15-rai of land, Malibu Kao Tao features three distinct types of freehold properties, including four Malibu Villas and low-rise single and duplex condominiums.  The latter are housed in Malibu Island, low-rise structures with 72 two and three bedroom units, and Malibu Mansion, two mid-rise buildings with 78 units.  Average prices range from 70,000 to 80,000 THB per square metre.

Starting at 31 million THB, Malibu Villa sizes range from 300 to 400 square metres.  Each beachfront home overlooks the calm waters of a secluded bay.  The 3-bedroom Villas also boast spacious living areas, private swimming pools, and an outdoor deck surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Malibu Island units range from 140 to 308 square metres.  Each of its eight 3-storey buildings feature one of four distinct facades.  Single floor or duplex units include either two or three bedrooms, high ceilings throughout, and roomy verandas.

Situated at the entrance of the development, Malibu Mansion features single and duplex units of 97 to 295 square metres.  Penthouse units feature private rooftop terraces with lush gardens and unobstructed panoramic ocean views.

With a designated budget of 1 billion THB, construction is currently in the first phase.  The entire project is expected to be complete in late 2009.

Old World Charm in a Relaxed Setting

“We wanted the look of vintage Hua Hin, including colonial-inspired wood architecture, blended with simple, timeless Asian décor,” says Sirikarn.  Building exteriors boast bay windows, French blinds, and subtle fretwork.  Wood and rattan furnishings adorn airy common seating and lounging areas, complementing Malibu Kao Tao’s easy, relaxed atmosphere.

Sirikarn continues, “We didn’t want formal square buildings.  All structures resemble a house.  Also, every building is configured so that each condominium has ocean views.”

The buildings also frame a large frangipani-flanked lagoon in the centre of the property.  Open-air wooden decks off ground floor units provide direct access to the water.  With deadpan humour, Sirikarn says, “You can relax out here, soaking in the sun.  You can also dip your feet in the lagoon if you want…but hopefully they’re clean!”

While units are unfurnished, Maneeya Realty can arrange for interior design services from project’s design team at Taak Interior and Architect, the firm behind other exclusive Hua Hin ventures such as Palm Hills Homes at the Palm Hills Golf Resort and Country Club.

Savills handles sales for Malibu Kao Tao.  Other administrative arrangements, including property management, have yet to be decided upon by the shareholders.

Relax and Recreate

Appealing to individuals and families alike, amenities include a common swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, library, and recreation hall.  Malibu Kao Tao’s private white sand beach also allows for swimming, snorkelling, and light boating in tranquil waters.
 
World-class golfing facilities and expansive national parks are within short driving distances, and for those yearning for the conveniences of urban living, cafés, shops, and day spas are minutes away. Thai and international restaurants abound and Hua Hin’s active fishing trade guarantees the freshest seafood.

After a hectic workweek or a day on the town, retreat and rejuvenate at Malibu Kao Tao.  Lie on the deck, listen to the surf, and let your worries dissipate.  Or take an old Hua Hin-inspired beach walk in unspoilt natural surroundings as gentle waves break on shore.

For more information:
Maneeya Realty Co., Ltd.
Tel: +66(0)2 252 2882, +66(0)81 828 0066
E-mail: info@malibutaktao.com    www.malibukaotao.com

For sales: Savills (Thailand) Limited
28/F Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama 4 Road, Bangkok
Tel: +66(0)2 636 0300