A couple of weeks into our exploration of Myanmar we decided to end the trip on a high note: With some days of beach relaxation. This is something that we rarely do, but in Southeast Asia we were seriously tempted. And the Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa seemed like the perfect place to do so!
The infinity pool overlooks the ocean – it doesn’t get more serene than that.
“Ngapali is like Thailand, just 20 years ago.” This was the sentence, that tempted us to go to Ngapali beach.
Appalled by photos we saw of some of Thailand’s overly crowded beaches and already equipped with a Myanmar visa we decided to give Ngapali a try – and loved everything about it (read here why Ngapali is special and what you can do there).
At the end of October it’s still low season in Myanmar as the rain season is coming to an end.
Now when it comes to deciding for a hotel in Ngapali there are a few things to consider. Location, style & architecture and services offered. Ngapali has a couple of 4 and 5 star hotels with some differences. We decided to stay at the Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa for one main reason: The incredible “Ocean View King Villa with private pool”. We had never stayed in a villa with private pool, so this was a very good reason in our eyes 🙂
The private pool villa was the main selling point of the Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa for us.
Pros and cons
What you have to know before booking a room here is that the Hilton Ngapali doesn’t really have a beach. The high tide covers the strip of sand in front of the hotel and leaves guests with “only” the infinity pool. We didn’t mind so much as we spent most of the time at the pool anyways, but this obviously could be a downside if you’re looking for a proper beach vacation.
The ocean is only accessible during low tide at this part of Ngapali beach.
Other than that my (very personal) only other complaint would be, that the Spa didn’t offer pedicures (after over 3 weeks traveling around Myanmar my toe nails were in desperate need of a new coat of nail polish 😉 ).
The Spa at the Hilton Ngapali isn’t focusing on beauty treatments, but rather on massages.
The list of pros weighs out these complaints by afar though. The whole resort opens up from the wooden pathway that leads to the infinity pool. From here on you walk along the pathways in between ponds and water fountains and the rooms are spread out over multiple two story buildings. At the very oceanfront the villas are lined up, each equipped with their own private pool, hammock and lounge chairs. It’s a sweet little paradise!
The grounds at the Hilton Ngapali are vast and beautiful.
From the library to the restaurant – the architecture is modern and focuses on letting in the light.
The rooms at Hilton Ngapali
During our visit we got to test all 3 different room types at the Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa. The “King Deluxe Room” turned out to be incredibly spacious (73 square meters), but rather dark – as it was located in the ground floor. We appreciated the upgrade to the “King Lagoon Suite” with it’s free standing tub, outdoor shower and huge balcony overlooking the lagoon.
A look inside the King Lagoon Suite with the huge free standing bath tub.
But if you can – definitely go for the “Ocean View King Villa”. Not only does it come with the private pool, but the villa will be your sanctuary for the whole stay. It’s 187 square meters are spread out among two separate “villas”, connected by a private open hallway with a small pond. From an indoor to an outdoor shower, a free standing bath tub, a huge walk-in closet, a king-sized bed and a large couch – it’s all there. Sunset views of the ocean included.
The Ocean View King Villa was our favourite room type – mostly because of the private pool!
The villa overlooks the private pool and the ocean.
Food & drinks
During a beach vacation the culinary offering is nearly as important as the beach itself. Nothing is worse than wanting to relax and do nothing, but being tortured with bad food. You can be relieved, the food is really good at Hilton Ngapali.
We are vegetarians, so our menu options are always limited, but the chef even created some specials just for us. From Pizza at the pool to a traditional Burmese dinner – we got it all. And the bar is well equipped too – so daily happy hours at sunset are a must!
Sunset happy hour at the bar puts a perfect end to a day at the beach.
The perfect traveller type for Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa
As always – no hotel review is complete without our suggestion for the perfect traveller type 😉 The Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa is an ideal getaway for people who appreciate privacy and seclusion, modern design and relaxation. There is no animation or activity program here (not even sunrise yoga or anything similar), so you’ll have to be ok with doing nothing for a while (or leaving the hotel to do so).
The infinity pool is where you’ll spend most of your days at Hilton Ngapali.
The hotel guests included families with small kids, couples and even a group of bachelorettes on a party getaway – so the hotel caters to many different needs. As long as you’re ok with just staying at the (vast) grounds and enjoying the pool, spa, bar and restaurant you’ll be fine!
