Vana Varin Resort

Vana Varin makes an impression with its lush, green surroundings and scenic small lake. The extensive grounds can often make it seem like the resort is empty. The entrance is reached via a long driveway that comes in off the main road. The entrance to the tiny lobby is quite simple, with a pair of traditional bicycle rickshaws fronting a small sign almost hidden in the foliage. Past this, a traditional Thai building houses the lobby, an inviting space all done up in wood, with wooden floors, wall paneling, and a front desk that features an intricately carved backdrop. A few teak and rattan chairs provide seating, while various figures and statuettes, as well as some art on the walls, enhance the rustic ambience. The hotel's restaurant is similarly clad in wood, with spare and simple furnishings and decor. Walls of windows framed by white curtains fill the space with natural light and offer charming views over the lily pad-dotted lake. Overall, interiors are simple and a bit rustic, but in a charming, inviting way that offers a retreat from city life amid pretty grounds teeming with greenery. Most guests come here with precisely that "unplugging" mentality, and appreciate the homey, away-from-it-all vibe. Expect to see an even split of families and couples.

Vana Varin is located about a 20-minute drive outside of Hua Hin, in a quiet setting in the countryside that feels remote. There are no restaurants or shops nearby, and guests will need transport to get around -- though the hotel does offer a free daily shuttle into town, plus bikes are available for free. While the main road outside the resort does see a fair amount of daytime traffic, the property itself has to be accessed via a long driveway, so it is well insulated from noise and private. It's a 20-minute drive to the weekend Cicada Market, with wares by local artisans, and a 25-minute drive to Khao Takiab -- also known as Chopsticks Hill, or Monkey Mountain. The closest beach is also about 20 minutes away. There is no local airport, and it will take up to three hours to reach the airports back in Bangkok, depending on traffic.

The resort offers three types of lodgings: standard Jungle Suites, clay houses set on the lake, and wooden villas. Suites are clean and pleasant, with spare, simple decor that includes white walls, hardwood floors, wooden furniture, and colorful throws on the beds. A few pieces of Thai art -- modern and traditional -- hang on the walls. Rooms open onto large furnished balconies that overlook the grounds. Bathrooms are a bit small, but modern, with glass-enclosed rainfall showers.The charming Clay Craft Houses are thatched-roof adobe dwellings. Circular raised platforms hold the mosquito net-enclosed beds, while curved walls create a cozy, inviting atmosphere and are dotted with reliefs of large flowers. Lovely balconies sit right on the lake, with tables and cushioned benches to take in the fabulous views. The resort also offers one- and two-bedroom traditional Thai villas. These are two-story structures, with an option available to rent just the downstairs if only one bedroom is needed. Interiors feature hardwood floors, large TVs in each bedroom, and spacious and bright bathrooms. There are kitchen areas outside, with a microwave oven and sink, as well as an outdoor dining table. The backyards include hammocks, swings, and private swimming pools in some. Amenities in all rooms include flat-screen televisions with cable channels (but almost none in English), safes, mini-fridges stocked with a few cans of soda, electric kettles for tea and coffee, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. 

The resort doesn't offer too many facilities, but its beautiful green grounds do have a garden swimming pool, which has a kids' section at one end and a jetted area. The pool is skirted in grassy lawns and greenery and has a lovely sundeck lined with a couple of umbrella-shaded loungers, but there's not much in the way of seating. A simple playground is a handy addition for the families that pass through. There is a small on-site restaurant where the free breakfast is served. It sits right on the edge of the lake and has a charming outdoor terrace over the water that offers beautiful views. Free kayaks are available to float around the lake and other waterways that dot the resort grounds, and there are also some bicycles available for free use. Fat tire ATV vehicles can be rented for a fee. The resort also provides a free daily shuttle to Hua Hin. Wi-Fi is free throughout.