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It’s always with a sense of anticipated pleasure that I return to the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. Conveniently located, it’s close enough to the town and night market – including the popular weekend Cicada and Tamarind markets – and far enough from the madding crowd to allow for respite and relaxation. Set on a 250-metre stretch of beachfront, the 205-key hotel boasts 12.5 acres that comprise low-rise Thai pavilions amid verdant gardens and a myriad swimming areas coupled with lotus ponds.

The lobby is warmly welcoming: an open-air space where the first glimpse upon entering the hotel is the magnificent four-headed elephant fountain. A cold towel and complimentary drink are offered on arrival; new touches I noticed are the provision of sanitiser and tissues placed on every Reception desk, an iced water station off to the side, and, what’s more fun, while guests wait to check in, they can enjoy a game of pool or browse through books and magazines. Plenty of scattered seating spaces are offset by old-style ceiling fans rotating lazily while vases of tall bamboo reeds and ferns complete the minimalistic picture. The traditional Thai touch is enhanced by large paper lanterns for lighting, instead of ornate chandeliers that would be totally out of place in a setting of swaying palm trees and the gently rippling, jade green sea.

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Tranquillity Court

Accommodation is categorised as: Hyatt Guestroom (38sqm); Deluxe/Deluxe Pool View (46sqm); Regency Club (38sqm); Club Access Deluxe (45sqm); Regency Suite (67sqm); Regency Executive Suite (85sqm); Premier Suite/Premier Ocean View (138sqm) and Presidential Suite (227sqm).

The Hyatt guestrooms have been newly renovated and are spacious, bright, and airy, with the usual fitments of a mini bar, electronic safe, LCD TV, coffee/tea maker, dressing gown, slippers, iron and ironing board, umbrella, and thoughtfully placed mosquito repellent. The make-over includes a space-saving cabinet near the washbasin, with multiple drawers on either side, as well as the mini fridge. The hotel uses the Eartherapy brand of toiletries – commendable to see they’re paper rather than plastic wrapped. I was quick to note the thoughtful addition of multiple plug points, plus clothes hooks and a clothes rack. (I wish they’d also include some sort of bag or basket to toss necessities into for the pool/beach.)

Housekeeping service is almost faultlessly attentive, and amenities are replenished daily. Pest control has vastly improved since I was here last. Engineering Dept should perhaps check its nuts and bolts (pun intended) as the air conditioning behaves rather oddly at night.

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Premier View Suite

The upper-floor rooms have outdoor balconies with ceiling fans, while the ground-floor rooms have private patios, including some with direct access to one of the water bodies snaking through the property.

The hotel strives to maintain a discreet air of exclusivity for its patrons; therefore, Regency Club guests have a separate Club Lounge that serves breakfast, finger food, and cocktails at various times and has its own private swimming pool; guests from the standard hotel wing may not access this area.

F&B options include Figs (170-covers), where the buffet breakfast is held and which then serves Italian and Thai cuisines the rest of the day; You and Mee (96-covers) by the pool which offers Asian noodle specialities as also features a poolside bar; McFarland House by the sea offers grilled meats, and then the Fountain Bar (new; 96-covers), an open air lounge overlooking the sea that serves Thai afternoon tea and cocktails. The Regency Club Lounge (for Club guests only) serves a continental breakfast every morning, with complimentary drinks and finger-food platters throughout the day.

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Figs Breakfast

I must mention that the breakfast array at Figs is quite impressive, with a good introduction to Thai dishes as well as a superb range in western/continental fare. (In my opinion, though, the cheese board could be bettered.)

Compared to my last visit, when I had occasion to point out a shortcoming, I was really impressed by the F&B staff this time. They’re courteous, efficient and unflustered; moreover, they try to personalise their interactions, which leaves guests with a smile on their faces. The poolside team also deserves a special mention here for attentive, yet non-intrusive, service.

Conference venues include Regency I, II and III that can accommodate 40 pax, as well as a small Boardroom, and then the Grand Ballroom that can take up to 400 pax. Outdoor events (including weddings) for up to 500 guests can be arranged on the hotel’s premises.

The Hyatt Regency offers so much to do within its premises that I doubt anyone ever leaves the resort to head out! As mentioned earlier, there are several water bodies (I would be remiss to term these as just ‘swimming pools’, although it IS a free-form one, designed like a meandering river) that wend their way through the property, so that one comes across the bends in the most delightful spots possible, sometimes discreetly tucked away between shrubs. To be honest, it’s easy to get lost around all the narrow paths, but that’s hardly a negative, because half the adventure lies in getting lost and discovering some hidden, charming hide-away at the resort.

THE BARAI Spa Courtyard

Apart from this, there’s a well-equipped gym with a steam room, a tennis court, a mini putting range, and organised activities such as yoga and aqua aerobics. Something else that’s an improvement is the addition of more sun loungers (I famously remember a spat between guests some years ago, who ran down around 6 AM to reserve loungers!), especially in the area directly in front of the beach, along with a more conveniently placed towel and chilled water station.

Children, in particular, have it real good, with a separate garden play area (this is new); a couple of kiddy pools (including one with a giant toadstool, putting me in mind of Thumbelina); a sand play area where they can be as messy as they please while parents relax on sun loungers overlooking it; a dragon slide that I’m certain awakens the hidden child in every adult, as well as Camp Hyatt, where they’re taught Thai kick-boxing, mask painting, even, archery!

If you thought it’s all about adults and children only, there’s more to come: it’s also about pets! That’s right: the Hyatt is now a pet-friendly hotel; however, strict policies apply, so dogs are only allowed on certain paths (on leashes), there are separate bins for dog waste, and there’s even a fenced-in space where they can romp and play! (Attention: pets are not allowed in the restaurants.)

Main Swimming Pool

The justly well-known Barai Spa is now part of the new Barai Hotel, managed by the Hyatt under its ‘Unbound Collection’ portfolio. (Do note that there are eight uber-luxurious suites at the spa as well.) Access to the spa has now been cordoned off from within the hotel; guests need to book an appointment at Reception, and then a buggy takes them there.

The Barai Spa evokes a complete sensory experience, right from the Salarai to the sandy Tranquillity Court. Conceptualised around the four elements – water, fire, air and earth – the journey begins as you enter through the tall Thai teak wood doors, into a vast open-air area where stained glass panes cast off filtered sunlight. The music, oils, and aromas can be individually tailored to create moods and emotional impacts, while the treatments are designed around the basic qualities of the elements. There are 18 treatment rooms (three of which are couple rooms), each with an outdoor private soaking pool, rain shower and day-bed that can be used for Thai treatments.

There are many transportation options for getting to Hua Hin: you could take the train and arrive at the charming Hua Hin station, a landmark in its own right. Keep in mind the journey takes almost six hours, and you may need to buy tickets in advance. The minivan from Ekkamai bus station costs THB220 per person and takes four hours, while the bus from Sai Tai Mai Terminal is approximately the same. A taxi will cost between THB2500 and THB3000. Additionally, Hua Hin has its own airport, and the flight time from Bangkok is about 30 minutes.