S'mor Spa Village Hua Hin

My wife and I stayed at Hua Hin in December 2002. Our accommodation was Kaban Tamor, a lovely small resort in Khao Takiab on the outskirts of Hua Hin. Because it was peak season and very busy, we actually stayed in S`mor Spa Village, its sister hotel in the same grounds for the first few nights and then moved to the rooms at Kaban Tamor for the rest of our stay. Both were gorgeous.

Our room at S'mor had a small plunge pool which we were meant to share with 3 other rooms. However, we always had the pool to ourselves which was a treat. Some of the rooms had a jacuzzi instead of pool. There was also an incredibly comfortable lounging chair just outside our room - very relaxing! The rooms at both resorts were similar in style - cute little round bungalows - and we would recommend both and would return without hesitation. Both were spotlessly clean and very romantic - they sprinkled petals on your bed every morning which we thought was lovely. The only difference apart from the plunge pool or jacuzzi was that you don't get bathrobes at Kaban Tamor and the towels weren't quite as large, soft and luxurious as they were at S'Mor. Both resorts share the same swimming pool and restaurant.

The restaurant was good - we had lunch there several times but only ate there a couple of times at night as we preferred to go into Hua Hin centre. It was quite romantic at night, as you can sit at candlelit tables very close to the sea. The food was authentic and spicy, and the staff were friendly. Breakfast was fine, perfectly adequate but nothing special, as is the norm in most Thai hotels. We had very good massages at S'Mor in a lovely setting, listening to the lapping waves. The pool is quite small but very refreshing to swim in and was rarely too busy when we were there - it could be hard to get a sun lounger round the pool though. The hotel is right on the beach, although we were a bit disappointed with the beach and spent more time by the pool which is unusual for us. It may have been the time of year, but we spotted several jellyfish and I saw a fisherman jump out of the sea in agony after having been stung - swimming in the sea just didn't appeal after that! The garden and restaurant area offers wonderful views of the Khao Takiab Golden Buddha

We were slightly concerned on arrival about the location, but it did not prove to be a problem. The area round the hotel was very pleasant during the day and you could easily get a tuk-tuk outside the hotel for 100B which took less than 10 minutes to get to the centre of Hua Hin. There are also shared songthaews going back and forth between Khao Takiab and Hua Hin centre for just 10B each, but you have to time it right. The hotel also provided free transport a couple of times a day. There's not much in the town of Khao Takiab, except for the Gold Buddha at the end of the beach. You can climb the steps up to the temple.

The perfect place for some relaxation!! As it only has maybe 6 bungalows it is very quiet and there is plenty of space for all the guests! The bungalows itself are very comfy and equipped with everything you need for relaxing.

S'mor Spa also offers every guest a free massage as a welcome gift, which is very nice!

Hua Hin city is about 15 mins taxi drive away and taxis/buses are easily available on the main road. It is good that the hotel is not cramped together with all the other hotels and thus offers a bit more serene surroundings.