Achieve wellness and fitness goals while enjoying a beach holiday at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin with healthy options and activities.
HUA HIN, THAILAND – For many, a holiday is a chance to indulge, relax, and escape everyday stress. However, for those seeking personal wellness — both mental and physical — while staying active and shedding a few pounds, the beautiful low rise resort that is the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin is the ideal destination. With a magnificent long beach front, fresh sea air, multiple pools, healthy food options, and ample exercise opportunities, it’s easy to focus on fitness without sacrificing the fun and enjoyment of a break from city or work life.
I’ve often been asked about my recent transformation, as friends and colleagues noticed my healthier, fitter appearance through social media. My secret? No magic pills or shortcuts—just effort, exercise, and a balanced diet. Here’s how I achieved my goals and how you can too.
A New Beginning
My fitness journey began after a long-awaited vacation in the UK, my first trip home in five years. While it was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends and family, it was also filled with emotional challenges. My beloved aunt, the last of my close relatives apart from my siblings, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and a few months later passed away very recently after my visit to say goodbye. It hit me harder than I thought.
During this time, I wasn’t focused on healthy eating. There were countless meals with loved ones, accompanied by drinks and indulgent treats. By the time I returned to Thailand, I had gained 6 kg and knew I needed to make some changes—especially with a beach holiday on the horizon.
The Countdown to My Beach Vacation
I had three months to prepare for my September beach holiday at the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. At the time, my weight was 81 kg, and my goal was to reach 75 kg. I started by reducing my calorie intake and increasing my activity, particularly through walking. However, the last few kilograms are always the hardest to shed.
When I arrived at the resort, I was still at 79 kg. My height is 5ft 10.5 inches, giving me a BMI of 24.4, but I wasn’t where I wanted to be just yet. My strategy? Stick to 1,500-1,600 calories per day and burn around 750 calories daily through exercise.
A Fitness-Focused Routine
One of the best aspects of a beach holiday is the natural rhythm it provides—early to rise, early to bed. I took this opportunity to establish a routine that helped me achieve my fitness goals while still enjoying my holiday.
Each morning, I went for a 3-4 km walk before breakfast, followed by a swim in the pool. For breakfast, instead of indulging in fried eggs and bacon, I opted for healthier choices like smoked tuna carpaccio, rich in omega-3 and packed with vitamins and amino acids. No dressing, just a squeeze of lime and a dash of Tabasco. Pair that with fresh fruit, and I was set for the day.
The Hyatt Regency Hua Hin is more than just a beautiful beach destination; it’s a fantastic environment for anyone looking to improve their health and fitness /photo AJWood
Throughout the day, I kept active. The resort offered plenty of activities, and I found myself swimming, walking, and participating in daily water aerobics classes, which burned around 258 calories per hour. By skipping lunch or having a small snack like a banana, I was able to maintain a calorie deficit, which helped me steadily lose weight.
Evening Relaxation and Balance
By evening, after walking another few kilometres on the beach, I was ready for a well-earned meal. I made sure to stick to healthier choices, avoiding fatty foods and beer that could undo my hard work. Instead of beer, I enjoyed white wine spritzers, which were refreshing and lower in calories. My dinners consisted of vegetarian options or lean proteins, with the fat trimmed off where possible.
Reaching My Goal
In total, during my 13-day stay at the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, I walked over 119 kilometres, swam daily, and kept up with upper-body weight training in the gym. With this regimen, I burned more calories than I consumed, and the weight started to drop.
As I write this, I’m thrilled to share that I’m currently at 75.9 kg, just shy of my 75 kg goal, with three days left to go. I feel healthier, fitter, and more energised than ever before.
The Takeaway
The Hyatt Regency Hua Hin is more than just a beautiful beach destination; it’s a fantastic environment for anyone looking to improve their health and fitness. With its abundance of fresh air, healthy food options, and activities, it’s easy to stay on track and even make progress on your fitness journey. If you’re looking for a holiday that helps you relax, eat well, and get fit, this could be the perfect destination for you too.
Andrew J Wood was born in Yorkshire England, he is a former hotelier, Skalleague and travel writer. Andrew has 48 years of hospitality and travel experience. Educated at Batley Grammar School and a hotel graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh. Andrew started his career in London, working with various hotels. His first posting overseas was with Hilton International, in Paris, and he later arrived in Asia in 1991 on Bangkok with his appointment as Director of Marketing at the Shangri-La Hotel and has remained in Thailand ever since. Andrew has also worked with the Royal Garden Resort Group now Anantara (Vice President) and the Landmark Group of Hotels (Vice President of Sales and Marketing). Latterly he has been the General Manager at the Royal Cliff Group of Hotels in Pattaya and the Chaophya Park Hotel Bangkok & Resorts.
A past board member and Director of Skål International (SI), a former National President with SI Thailand and a two time past President of the Bangkok Club. Andrew is the former President of Skål Asia. In 2019, Andrew was awarded SKÅL’s highest award the distinction of Membre D’Honneur.
He is a regular guest lecturer at various Universities in Asia.
