After a four-year absence, the Marriott brand is back in the holiday town. And the newly-built Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa (032-904-666, goo.gl/9Mtkx6) is that rare thing: a “Hua Hin” resort that’s actually in Hua Hin.
 
Set right on the beachfront in town, the resort’s 322 rooms blend contemporary design with Thai touches referencing the holiday town's long history courtesy of A49 design firm. Notable throughout is the classic round shape of the Pikul flower, long used in royal court ceremonies with the belief that it brings good fortune. Rooms also keep things clean and contemporary with some vintage flourishes.
 
If you’re looking for romance, the huge lagoon-shaped swimming pool even features an adults-only zone while its Quan Spa also has massage rooms for two.
 
Meanwhile, restaurants roll out fresh-baked pastries (Siam Bakery), Thai and international classics (Amber Kitchen) and seafood and charcoal by the beach (Big Fish). There’s also a beachside Pool Bar offering sweeping ocean views. 
 
Opening rates range from B4,499 for superior rooms to B19,999 for the presidential suite, which comes with a private whirlpool. Packages that include a 60-minute massage at the on-site spa start at B5,299.