Haven Resort

In a part of Thailand that's not exactly spoiled for choice when it comes to stylish resorts, the Haven offers a serene and contemporary escape by the sea. The impression starts from the outside, where a low-rise white building with a rather unassuming exterior emerges from the palm trees and landscaping. It's immediately clear that this is one of the more up-to-date resorts in the area, with sleek wood-slat inlays lining the facade. Inside, the the lobby is open-air, with a sitting area opposite the front desk that includes a four-poster sofa and rattan cocoon chairs. From teakwood rockers and sofas, guests have views of the long infinity pool that's the centerpiece of the resort, and the decor marries traditional Thai silhouettes with modern accents. The scene is stylish, and this getaway spot is popular with young Thais and couples seeking an intimate hideaway. Weekends, though, can get quite busy, with residents of Bangkok flooding the shores in and around Hua Hin.

Haven Resort is about a 10-minute drive from central Hua Hin, at the southern end of Cha-Am. There's not much around the hotel, making it feel quiet and secluded, but also meaning that there's nothing to do within an easy walk. It's best to have a car, although taxis are available, and the resort operates a free shuttle to Hua Hin twice a day. The resort sits right on the beach, and it's generally quiet, although lots of Thai groups come down from Bangkok on the weekends. Be aware that on weekends, given the increased traffic, the trip to Hua Hin can take up to 30 minutes. There is no working airport in the area. The closest are all the way back in Bangkok, which takes at least two-and-a-half hours to reach, though again, weekend traffic will make that number skyrocket.

Haven Resort has 53 rooms, most of which are Superior or Deluxe units that are in the main building overlooking the resort and the sea. All rooms are spacious, with wood laminate floors and contemporary Thai decor. With papier mache wastebaskets, bamboo lampshades, and other artsy touches, rooms have a nice bit of local personality. The on-trend color scheme of grays, deep blues, and purples -- plus the sleek dark wood veneer furniture -- helps give them fresh appeal. They all come with safes, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, DVD players, coffeemakers, and free minibars (sans alcohol). Bathrooms have ceramic vanity sinks, separate bathtubs, and rainfall showers with stone floors. Large balconies have teak furniture, and Deluxe Rooms face the sea. Villas and Suites, which have terraces, sit adjacent to the lead-in pool that runs from the lobby to the infinity pool by the beach, and some have access to their own private plunge pools, plus extra sitting rooms and additional TVs. Villas and Suites also come as Villa@Sea and Suite@Sea, which are right near the beach.

The Haven Resort has excellent facilities, especially when compared to many other resorts in the area. The beachside infinity saltwater swimming pool is a true highlight -- it's long enough for laps and is surrounded by a cascading waterfall, a small kids' area, and has a view of the beach and sea. While the resort's website says it has three swimming pools, it's more like one, with a small pool for children and the lead-in pool from the lobby, which is shallow and offers access only to guests in villas and certain suites. The beach is one of the nicer in the area, and there are lounge chairs set up on a raised area above the sand so that they stay dry during high tide. Additionally, the spa has both Thai massage mats and private treatment rooms plus a small, bright fitness room with a handful of modern equipment. The Haven restaurant and bar, which serves an array of Thai and fusion dishes all day, offers cozy indoor dining as well as alfresco seating overlooking the sea. The hotel's free breakfast is served as a buffet and there is a good array of hot and cold options. There's a meeting room for functions and business events, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. A free shuttle runs to and from Hua Hin twice a day.