Head south past Hua Hin and discover a host of boutique retreats. By Top Koaysomboon

While Hua Hin remains the number one weekend destination for Bangkokians, those prepared to travel a little bit further are finding that the pristine beaches and laidback resorts of Prachuab Khirikhan offer a more serene escape.

Foresta Resort

Because it’s a little off the beach, rates start at a mere B2,300. Finished with a raw cement exterior, all nine rooms and villas surrounding the main pool feature modern tropical interiors. 
We like: The food at Lay Café in front of the resort.
We don’t like: Away from the beach the concrete design is a little cold rather than cool.
Rates: From B2,300.
Where: Pranburi Beach.

•169/5 Moo 3, Paknampran, Pranburi, Prachuab Khirikhan, 032-630-678. www.forestaresort.com

Villa Maroc

Owned by Oishi green tea tycoon, Tan Passakornatee, the Moroccan-style six two-story blocks located around courtyard pools and the nine individual pool villas combine plain white and yellow walls and vividly colored décor items.
We like: The fantastic location, the super luxury finish and the Moroccan theme.
We don’t like: It’s not going to be fully up and running until June so we’ll have to hold judgment for now.
Rates: From B20,000 for the all inclusive package.
Where: Pranburi Beach.

•65/3 Moo 3, Paknampran, Pranburi, Prachuab Khirikhan, 032-630-771. www.villamarocresort.com

Le Bayburi de Pran

There are only four two-level villas each with two bedrooms, three toilets, a living room, a study, an open-air kitchen and a private pool. The overall design is contemporary but each villa is finished with a different theme, from Nordic to African.
We like: Its private, the large pool and the glass wall bathroom in the master bedroom.
We don’t like: No food outlet, which explains the fully-equipped kitchen.
Rates: From B25,200.
Where: Pranburi Beach.

•306-9 Paknampran, Pranburi, Prachuab Khirikhan, 02-696-8233.
www.lebayburi.com

la a natu

Owned by the son of a big writer, Sujit Vongtate, la a natu (a play on the concepts of art and nature [l’art et nature]) is inspired by the surrounding rice paddies and utilizes traditional materials in striking natural forms. The place has already made a name for itself as the set for famous TV soap opera “Jai Rao.” There are 10 villas, six on the beach and four amid the paddy fields.
We like: The romantic villas right on the beachfront and the owner’s home-made sweet coconut cake (B100), made fresh daily.
We don’t like: It’s pretty hard to find and the entrance is a little too narrow for our high-so Alphard van.
Rates: From B4,388.
Where: Sam Roi Yod Beach.
•237 Moo 2, Samroiyod, Prachuab Khirikhan, 081-731-8688/9.
www.laanatu.com

X2 Kui Buri

Designed by leading Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag, the resort utilizes natural materials and sharp, clean lines to create 23 private villas and nine contemporary but spartan cave-like dwellings.
We like: Most villas face the sea and are connected by a series of intricate walkways while the large private pools make it possible to retain a sense of privacy. The food also lives up to the stylish surroundings.
We don’t like: The shade-free entrance can get super hot when you’re checking in and the villas are just a little too rustic and a little bit small to truly be called luxurious.
Rates: From B4,000.
Where: Kui Buri Beach.

•52 Moo 13, Ao Noi, Muang, Prachuab Khirikhan, 032-601-412.
www.x2resorts.com

NishaVille

NishaVille is like a small seaside village somewhere on the American East coast. Think Martha’s Vineyard. All 36 villas are painted in different candy colors and located right on Wannakorn beach. In-house Thai restaurant serves international food.
We like: The privacy and comfort offered up by the individual villas make it a real home away from home. The location right on the peaceful beach makes it easy to hop between your villa pool and the sea.
We don’t like: It’s so new it feels like something out of The Truman Show. i.e. a little fake. It’s also a little bit too close to the neighboring Buddhist temple and cremation house.
Rates: Packages start from B12,000.
Where: Wannakorn Beach.

•333 Moo 7, Baan Huay yang, Tubsakae, Prachuab Khirikhan, 032-616-333. www.nishaville.com

Baangrood Arcadia

The 15-rai beachfront resort is home to TK Thai houses and TK rooms located in the main four storey building.
We like: Everything is spacious. The two-story, three bedroom family villa is positively huge.
We don’t like: The beach is very nice, but you do have to cross a road to get to it from the resort.
Rates: From B1,200.
Where: Baan Grood Beach.

•333/2 Moo 3, Thongchai, Bangsaphan, Prachuabkirikhan, 032-695-095. www.baangroodarcadia.com

Koh Talu Island Resort

Stay in one of TK traditional wooden villas with sea-blue roofs nestled among lush vegetation and overlooking the crystal clear sea. The resort’s owner runs the resort as environmentally as possible. He even organizes green activities, such as coral planting, every year.
We like: The beautiful clear waters that make it a great spot for some scuba diving or snorkeling.
We don’t like: You come here for the natural surroundings so don’t expect five-star service.
Rates: From B3,400 per person for the all inclusive package.
Where: Koh Talu Island.

•111/1 Moo 10, Bangsaphan, Prachuab Khirikhan, 089-918-3715, 081-452-6341. www.taluisland.com