Hua Hin & Barai Spa

We're in Thailand right now and just returned from a lovely break at the beach. Many people have asked me about the various beach resorts in Thailand - firstly, they're all wonderful and beat the pants off any resort in the US (with the exception of a few in Hawaii). The most well-known resorts are in Phuket and Samui - both of which entail a flight from Bangkok. We've spent time down there, but our favorite resorts are within driving distance of Bangkok. Pattaya is also quite well-known and about 2 hours away from Bangkok but is not as much of a family-oriented resort as Hua Hin.

Getting to Hua Hin takes a little longer than Pattaya - around a 2 hr 45 min drive. It's a big resort for Thai families and traditionally was where the Royal family would take their breaks. The King has a large palace there.

We've been going to Hua Hin regularly for the past 7 years or so, and have always stayed at the Hyatt there. It's a nice resort where everyone recognizes us, and is great for the kids. We've met some Thai families there, other Asian families and a lot of Europeans (primarily German and Dutch on this trip). The only Americans we've ever seen there are expats who are based somewhere in Asia.

The Hyatt opened up a new spa last year - it's quite well-designed although is based on ancient Khmer architecture, as opposed to a more Thai look. Spa-going is big business in Thailand now, with fancy new spas springing up everywhere. The Barai had quite a lot of focus on the "spa experience" - using words like "journey", "serenity" and "sanctuary" throughout - I'm a sucker for good marketing so I was sold!

When you go to a nice spa in the US, you have a large locker room to change, which is usually attached to some nice communal facilities like a sauna, jacuzzi, area to relax etc. And you are led to a small treatment room nearby when it's time for your treatment. In Thailand, there are treatment suites - self-contained large suites with dressing areas, shower etc. It's much less of a communal experience. I'd highly recommend a Thai luxury spa stop for everyone I know. Not only does it seem even more indulgent than the usual experience, the service just seems more serene and graceful.

The treatment suites in the Barai were magnificent with a private outdoor bath area and an outdoor rain shower. I had a few treatments that were very nice. After the treatments, you're led through a maze of beautiful corridors to McFarland House - a large open building right on the edge of the ocean, where you can relax and have a drink.

I also took a nice outdoor yoga class in the Tranquillity Court one morning - trying (unsuccessfully, I might add) to balance the effects of my continuous eating on the trip!