Banyan The Resort, Hua Hin

Feeling very much like a country club in the Thai countryside -- but only a few minutes' drive from Hua Hin -- the Banyan is spread over spacious grounds with lovely landscaping and an exclusive feel. The hotel entrance and lobby keeps things simple but elegant. The lobby area is small, entered by crossing over a set of pools flanked by two golden vases that spout water. A circular swing seat, complete with padded cushions, hangs from the ceiling. Other than the swing, there's some rattan furniture, a few stylish seats, and artistic hanging lamps, which are covered with bird cage frames, a common motif in the south of Thailand. An abstract watercolor painting and a magazine and brochure rack complete the open-air area, along with the reception desk. This is a quiet and peaceful property, away from the hustle and bustle in town. The resort sees a mix of golfers and those looking for a private villa escape, most of whom are families.

Banyan, The Resort, is located just outside of Hua Hin, on its southern edge. The resort is off the main road headed south toward Pranburi, which is often full of traffic. However, the hotel sits behind a security gate well off the road and all of the villas are quite far away from the road, accessed by a a free buggy, so noise and crowds aren't an issue. There's nothing much to do within an easy walk of the hotel, and it's not on the beach. While Banyan is outside of Hua Hin, it's only 10 minutes by car into the city center, although this figure can double or triple on weekends when the masses come down from Bangkok and cause traffic jams. The closest beach is a five-minute drive from the hotel, near Khao Takiab, a famous hilltop temple with great area views and a lively troop of monkeys (it's also known as Chopsticks Hill, or Monkey Mountain). The resort does provide a free shuttle service to the night market and other attractions, though it does help to have one's own transport for seeing the sights. There's no airport in Hua Hin, and the closest is all the way back in Bangkok, a three-hour drive in ideal conditions (which is rarely the case in Thailand).

There are 72 large villas to choose from at Banyan, The Resort. The look in each of the Thai-style villas is identical regardless of category and they have up to two bedrooms. The villas are nicely furnished with contemporary Thai artwork, a dining area, armchairs, and a sofa. The look is modern, but simple, with tile floors and dark wood furniture. A few gilded sculptural objects add a bit of personality, but otherwise decor is spartan. Every villa is spacious, with at least 120 square meters of space (1,292 square feet). All villas have kitchens with microwave ovens, toasters, and stovetop ranges, plus full refrigerators. Modern amenities like huge flat-screen TVs (one in the living room and one in the bedroom), DVD players, safes, and free Wi-Fi are included. Bathrooms are not quite as sharp, and they have regular showers and long vanities with a single sink. Toiletries and a hairdryer are provided.

The main difference among the villas are what they offer outdoors. The Jacuzzi Villas have access to a long freeform swimming pool that winds through each zone (there are about 10 villas per zone), with a personal hot tub for each villa set in the pool. Additionally, these villas have sun loungers and umbrellas on the back terrace that look out at the pool. They're inviting, although they are not completely private. The Pool Villas, on the other hand, have their own private plunge pool set in a completely private patio with sun beds, umbrellas, and deck furniture. Both have their charms and it is hard to pick which one is better, although the Jacuzzi Villa zones do look a bit more attractive, with all the beautiful water flowing through them. 

Banyan, The Resort is all about relaxing. There isn't a fitness center, and the spa is small, but it does provide couple's massages and nail treatments. The swimming pools here keep most guests busy all day. The Splash Kids' Pool -- a large children's pool with flamingo statues and giant soccer ball beanbag cushions set in a large lawn space -- also has a set of adult pools flowing all around it. The Splash Pool Bar can also be found here, an inviting spot to sit under umbrellas and enjoy drinks or snacks. For even better dining, the resort has the Coral restaurant and bar, a stylish dining space with both indoor and outdoor sections. The bar side of the restaurant looks like a Mediterranean lounge, with cool blue decor and attractive lighting, while the other side has a black slate wall. This is where the free breakfast buffet is served -- it includes Western and Thai options. There's also a dining room with tables and chairs on the veranda, where there's a pool table and some sofas with colorful cushions on which to lounge. Additionally, the resort has opened a cafe/deli/gift shop which has a top-notch barista who whips up mochas and lattes. The resort also owns its own 18 hole golf course, located not far from the resort, and they provide free shuttles for guests who are heading out to play. The shuttle also runs to the night market. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.