Cape Nidhra Hotel

Cape Nidhra is a luxury boutique resort spread out across sleek contemporary grounds that mix light-wood detailing and stone floors and pathways. The lobby is a lovely, expansive space dominated by light-wood walls featuring lots of carving and lattice work and crowned by a big, round, multi-tiered chandelier made of mother-of-pearl coins. There's a seating area off to one side with wooden benches and sofas topped with large off-white cushions. Potted flowers add life to the space. The resort gets a lot of Thai and German travelers, many of whom stay for up to three weeks, and most of the guests who stay here are couples (there's a lack of kid-friendly amenities).

Cape Nidhra is located in Hua Hin, a seaside resort town about three hours southwest of Bangkok. It's right on the beach near the Hua Hin city center, right across from the Grand Night Market and a 10-minute walk to shopping at the Hua Hin Market Village. Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle is a six-minute drive from the resort. The Sam Phan Nam Floating Market takes 12 minutes to reach by car. Wat Huay Mongkol, a temple dedicated to a locally revered Thai monk, takes just under a half-hour to reach by car. Pa La-U Waterfall is an hour and 16 minutes away by road. It's a 15-minute drive to the Hua Hin Airport.

Cape Nidhra offers six types of suites, ranging in size from 80 to 300 square meters (861 to 3229 square feet). All come with private pools (although some are tiny) with furnished decks and have high-end tech amenities including iPod docks and flat-screen TVs with DVD players, plus coffee- and tea-making facilities and free Wi-Fi. Decor is contemporary and business-like, but chic, with lots of medium-wood paneling, wood floors, and off-white and beige bedding and upholstery. Sleek bathrooms feature walk-in rainfall showers, deep soaking tubs, and large vanities. Toiletries, robes, slippers, and flip flops are provided. Note that a number of past guests have complained that the pools don't get enough sunlight and are thus too cold to enjoy. There have also been numerous complaints of street noise due to the hotel's busy location.

The resort offers a ton of facilities aimed at adult tourists, though there's not much for kids. The Cape Spa features traditional Thai massages and other treatments in an elegant, sleek space, and there's a steam room and sauna for guests to use whether or not they are getting treatments. While all of the rooms have their own small plunge pools, those wanting to swim laps can take advantage of the main saltwater pool, a huge beach-facing expanse flanked by lounge chairs, cabanas, and greenery. Staff passes free treats like macarons and cold towels. The space is particularly pretty at night, when the bottom of the pool is lit up to create a magical effect.

Other wellness amenities include a fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment, and the hotel offers free daily yoga classes and private Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) classes for a fee. Additional classes and activities include Thai massage, Thai cooking, and fruit carving. Cape Nidhra also has a reading room equipped with a guest computer and lots of books, magazines, and comfy chairs and sofas. The gift shop sells high-end home decor items and fashion accessories.

Dining options include Rocks Restaurant, which offers Thai and international food. Room service and beachfront dinners are available. Note that breakfast isn't included in the rates, which is unusual for a luxury hotel in Thailand. There's also an outdoor bar -- On the Rocks -- with Gulf of Thailand views. The hotel's conference room can seat up to 132 people theater style, and weddings and catering services are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort and there's plenty of free on-site parking.