Top new resorts to chill during the Jazz Fest. By Top Koaysomboon, Nuttaporn Srisirirungsimakul and Nick Measures

YaiYa Boutique Resort

1390/19 Petchkasem Rd., Cha-am, Hua Hin, 032-406-111,
www.yaiyaresort.com
Designed and owned by the architect behind a number of the luxury Evason properties and a former marketing manager at Thai Airways, YaiYa is imbued with a similar understated but relaxed style. Random artwork by the owners’ American artist friend add a touch of surrealism to the intriguing architectural lines to be found in the 11 one and two-bedroom pool villas, the six suites and 23 deluxe rooms in the imposing main building. A winding garden path leads down to the sizeable beach via a top notch spa (with services created by the Anantara Chiang Mai), the beautifully warm infinity pool, glass topped pool bar and open air restaurant complete with wood-fired pizza oven.
Open: December 2008.
We like: The obvious attention for detail that’s been put into everything from the beach bags and slippers to the striking architectural features.
We don’t like: While they can’t be blamed for it, the wasteland on either side of the resort rather spoils the soothing effect, it’s also quite a walk from the beach to the main building.
Rates: From B9,000 for a deluxe room rising to B30,000 for a two-bedroom pool villa.

V Villas Hua Hin

63/39 Petchakasem Rd., Hua Hin, 032-616-039,
www.v-villashuahin.com

Belonging to the family behind Major Cineplex and VIE Hotel Bangkok, V Villas Hua Hin looks to offer people a private, sophisticated hideaway with a total of just 13 pool villas, ten two-bedrooms, two three-bedrooms and one beachfront three-bedroom to choose from. Elevated concrete walkways lead down to each of the geometric designed villas which feature retro touches, state-of-the-art audio visual equipment and a private 9 x 3.75-meter pools. These same walkways also lead to the public infinity pool, the adjacent Vilazzo Restaurant serving international fare and the obligatory spa.
Open: Soft opening in April 2008.
We like: The super privacy of the pool villas which, unlike some places, means you really don’t have to worry about peeping toms when you go for a skinny dip.
We don’t like: Even though the beachfront pool villa has a great view, the chance of booking it is pretty slim as the owner can’t get enough of the view. Plus it’s probably not the most economical place for a couple as even the smallest villa has two bedrooms—unless you get into a row that is.
Rates: From B26,100 per night for a two-bedroom pool villa.

Courtyard by Marriott

854/2 Burirom Rd., Cha-Am, Hua Hin, 032-708-300. www.marriott.com/hhqcy

First it was Golden Sand, then Novotel Thipviman and now this 22-story hotel on the outskirts of Hua Hin has been reborn once again into the Courtyard by Marriott. Even though the building itself is not new, the total renovation does give it a completely new look. All 243 guestrooms are decked out in a simple contemporary style and  come with a private terrace that overlooks the sea and/ or Hua Hin. Being a Marriott property you can also expect international standard amenities including a gym, spa, and a MoMo Café.
Open: The renovation was completed in August 2008.
We like: If you’re on higher floors, you’ll be impressed by the jaw-dropping view. We also love the huge free form pool which, along with Kids World, make this a great spot for families.
We don’t like: The skyscraper-esque building hardly blends seamlessly with the surroundings. Plus, this really is a place for families so don’t expect too much romance by the pool thanks to the gangs of screaming kids that roam the resort.
Rates: Promotional rates can start from as low as B2,125.

Green Gallery Hua Hin

3/1 Damrongrat Rd., Soi 51, Hua Hin, 032-530-487,
08-3791-0222. www.greenhuahin.com

This pale-green, traditional two-story Thai style beach villa was originally the home of royalty. Now, it has been converted into an intriguing and distinctly kitsch hotel that is handily situated just a few steps from the beach. Each of the eight guest rooms has its own over-the-top theme—from girly pink frills to nautical notes. There’s not much extra in the way of facilities except a nice garden for BBQs.
Open: April 2009.
We like: The setting and the location. And while the themed rooms might not be to everyone’s tastes, they do make a lively change from the normal obsession with concrete and clean lines without detracting from the charms of the almost-a-century-old house. The location is perhaps the highlight as you’re just a few steps from the beach and a short walk to the town’s main food district.
We don’t like: While it’s close to the beach you might not want to bother thanks to the waste water from all the nearby restaurants. Also be warned that the pink room is really, really pink.
Rates: During the Jazz Festival, promotional rates are from B2,890 including breakfast and shuttle service to the venue.

The Banyan Resort Hua Hin

68/35 Soi Hua Hin 120-122, Petchkasem Rd., Hua Hin, 032-538-888, www.banyanresorthuahin.com

Not to be confused with the global hotel chain, this destination is actually more of a small town than a resort and is part of a bigger development that includes a golf course and private housing estate. The resort section actually consists of 30 one- or two-bedroom private pool villas and 68 one- or two-bedroom villas with their own Jacuzzi area, though these are actually just part of the bigger free form pool that runs between all the villas. There is also a main pool, children’s club, spa and the Lemongrass restaurant and bar which serves Thai and international food but you’ll need to make use of a golf buggy to reach them. On the bright side, you can make the most of room service and have a massage and meal in your room.
Open: December 2008
What we like: The long freeform pools that wind through the resort are certainly different and the spacious 120-sq-meter high-ceilinged resort villas really do feel like home. Also, if you are a golf fan, then the course is impressively new and nicely challenging.
We don’t like: It does feel a little like you stepped into the set of the Stepford wives with row after row of identical villas. The resort is also a long way from the beach and a good ten minutes drive from Hua Hin. Plus, the vegetation is still very young so each villa is not particularly private at the moment.
Rate: B6,900 for a one-bedroom pool villa and B5,900 for a one bedroom pool with Jacuzzi.

The Haven

1449 Chala Samut Rd., Hua Hin, 032-523-023/-5, www.haven-huahin.com.

The contemporary, slightly boxy design is softened by the use of natural materials and muted tones throughout the resort. There are a total of 46 superior and deluxe guestrooms, seven private villas with outdoor rain showers and two 87-sq-meter suites which feature their own swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and romantic moon decks. There are also three additional swimming pools, a fitness center, a restaurant and alfresco bar to keep you entertained.
Open: May 2009
We like: The moon deck in the suite and the infinity edge pool down by the beach.
We don’t like: While it’s not unpleasant, we’ve definitely seen this cookie cutter style design a few too many times now.
Rates: During the low season, until Oct 31, rates are from B3,800 and B4,800 during a long weekend.

The Bihai Hua Hin

89 Moo 5 Baan Hua Don, Nhongkae, Hua Hin, 032-527-557/-60, www.thebihaihuahin.com.

Located further along the coast on the quieter and cleaner Khao Takiab, the wood-clad Bihai resort is a slightly more affordable option than many of its high-end neighbors. It’s certainly compact and cozy with just 16 rooms in total, five with direct access to the main pool and 11 offering views of the nearby mountains and beach. There’s also a small spa pool, the Pine Café restaurant and a roof top bar. All rooms are finished in a contemporary Asian style.
Open: May 2008
We like: The beach is a class above the one in Hua Hin and the views from the bar are pretty impressive.
We don’t like: It can feel a little cramped compared to other resorts and it’s not going to win any design awards; plus it’s quite a trek from town.
Rates: From B2,990 for a deluxe, B3,700 for a Pool Terrace room.

Franjipani

88/17 Takiab Beach, Soi Moo Baan Hua Don, T. Nongkae, Hua Hin, 032-616-800, www.franjipaniresort.com.

This newly opened resort, which also happens to be on Khao Takiab, clearly wants you to stay for a while. For starters, all of the 60 units are big: the smallest Jasmine rooms are 60 sq meters while the Lilawadee rooms are actually two bedroom duplexes covering 160 sq meters and 2.5 stories. All the rooms are finished in a contemporary pan-Asian style and come with a living room and small kitchen so you don’t have to rely on the onsite Lilawadee restaurant. This is a resort clearly aimed at families and kids, who will certainly love the massive 80-meter free form pool while grownups can make use of the gym.
Open: March 2009
We like: We love the big rooms, the kitchen and especially the sandwich maker in your room. The free bikes for hire and the
organic-only produce used in the restaurant are also nice eco-friendly touches.
We don’t like: Located at the foot of Takieb Hill, it’s a five-minute drive into town and also a good walk to the beach. We are not sure about the slightly kitsch Thunderbirds style exterior either.
Rates: From as little as B3,900 for a Jasmine room with the soft opening rates which last until November. Their special deal during the Jazz Festival sees rooms available from B7,600 net for three days/two nights including daily breakfast for two.

Chez Pipli

163 Moo 3, Puek Tian, Ta Yang, Petchaburi, 081-914-5484, 081-913-1877, www.chezpipli.com

Pipli is the old name of Petchaburi in the 17th-18th centuries. This new development arose from the owners’ dream of having their own private beach house. The only villa (actually it consists of two villas) that’s completed is so far Baan Song Nam which sits between a small canal and the sea. With their contemporary colonial architecture, and comfy interiors the two properties feature five bedrooms making them great for a laid back family holiday. So you don’t have to do it all yourself, ingredients for breakfast are provided.
Open: April 2009
We like: Staying in a home away from home that leaves you free to enjoy the beach and the peace and quiet without having to worry about when dinner is served or if the maid is coming to clean your room. And with five bedrooms this place is really big enough to host your whole family.
We don’t like: The location is a little remote from Hua Hin so stock up on supplies before you arrive.
Rates: The soft opening deal is B8,500. You also get 30% discount for the third night.

The Lapa Hotel

4/91 Soi Mooban Nongkae, Hua Hin, 032-513-222, www.thelapahotel.com

Another hotel with a boxy main building, straight lines everywhere and a contemporary Asian décor inside. It isn’t right on the beach but is set on the town’s main road, close to the big shopping mall, Hua Hin Market Village. There are three food outlets serving up international dishes and the Pier Spa, offering massages and other treatments. They also make up for the fact you’re not by the beach with a salt swimming pool. The accommodation is divided into 32 rooms ranging from the standard Island rooms to the Super Grand Island which comprises 2 Deluxe sized room on two floors.
Open: Soft opening February 2009
We like: Though the design is rather cold, there are plenty of inspired details like the soft wood floors, metal paneled walls that give is some individual flair.
We don’t like: Saying that, we’re really not sure about the pink rose chairs in the lobby. The location isn’t great either not near the beach and not really in the heart of Hua Hin.
Rates: Until August 31, rates are from B2,495—half price from rack rates.

Upcoming

It seems there is no end to the number of new resorts popping up in and around Hua Hin and there is another big name on the way.
The InterContinental Hua Hin (Soi Hua Hin 29, Nong Khae, Hua Hin) is looking to complete this October and, as you would expect from this global brand, they aren’t doing things small. The new hotel will feature 118 guest rooms and suites decked out in colonial-meets-Asian inspired style. Dining selections range from Italian to Indo-Chinese while therapists at the Spa InterContinental promises superb treatments.