Evason Hua Hin

Set amid a sprawling landscape of tropical gardens, the Evason Hua Hin is a secluded resort with an emphasis on relaxation. The grounds are nicely landscaped, and the property has the feel of a small village. The low-rise buildings are modern and add to the lost-in-the-jungle vibe with their low profile, while interiors are tricked out with fresh white decor and pops of bright colors. While most travelers think of the beach when they imagine the Hua Hin region, it's important to note that this property doesn't actually sit on one, despite its location right along the Gulf of Thailand. Instead, you'll have to take a shuttle to get to the sand. Even so, most travelers are content with what's found on-site. Day beds and bean bags in the bar area are great to kick back on, and the large pool area enjoys uninterrupted views of the ocean. The spa is a gorgeous Thai hideaway, with palm-thatched open treatment rooms surrounded by pretty lotus ponds and outdoor baths. There are plenty of activities on offer, but doing very little is a real draw here. Guests are largely couples, but the children's facilities mean it's a great place for families to unwind too. 

The Evason Hua Hin is set right on the Gulf of Thailand (but not the beach) in the quiet district of Pranburi. Luxury hotels line the shoreline and there's not a lot to do locally. It's a five-minute walk to the seafront, though there's little sand to spread out on -- the hotel runs a shuttle to a large beach that's a 10-minute drive from the property. The popular Pranburi Night Market is a 30-minute drive inland to the old town, and scenic walks through the protected mangroves at Pranburi Forest Park are a 20-minute drive away. Shopping and dining in Hua Hin is a 40-minute drive away, and it's around the same to the bus and train stations for transfers to Bangkok. 

Rooms at The Evason are light and airy, with white and pale wood accents plus romantic (and practical) details like bamboo-hung mosquito nets. All feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, electric kettles, minibars, robes, and pool bags. Entry-level rooms and Studios have small balconies with views of the tropical grounds, while Deluxe Studios offer larger terraces with four-poster daybeds. Some of these have sea views. Those looking for more space should opt for the One or Two-Bedroom Suites, which feature separate living rooms with entertainment systems, pantries, and extra bathrooms. High-end Pool Villas are pretty special -- adding private gardens with plunge pools, sala sitting areas, and outdoor bathtubs plus indoor extras like coffeemakers. Studios, Deluxe Studios and Pool Villas can house additional twin bunks for families. Bathrooms are modern, with stylish decorative touches like hammered tin basins and carved towel pegs. All feature rainfall showers and hairdryers, with Deluxe Studios and Suites adding bathtubs.

There's plenty to do at The Evason for a wide range of guests, though do not come here expecting short walks to a wide, sandy beach. Unfortunately, you'll need to hop on the hotel's shuttle for the 10-minute trip to reach the sand. With that in mind, the principle draw is the beautiful palm-fringed pool with sea views, sun loungers, and a pool bar. Light meals are offered here by day and live music and a la carte dishes by night. There's a separate kids' pool with a water slide and shaded toddler area within the kids' club -- which is free, though there are small charges for some activities -- and a nice chill-out playroom with toys and bean bags. Restaurants cover all food tastes, including Mediterranean and Thai, a Noodle Bar, and a restaurant serving an international buffet breakfast. There are tennis courts, archery, beach volleyball, kite-surfing, Thai boxing and a stack of bikes for hire, plus a program of classes onsite including yoga, cookery and crafts, and a variety of local excursions. A decent-sized gym features modern cardio and weight machines, while the pretty spa is surrounded by lotus ponds. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.