The Peri Hua Hin: A Coastal Hideaway with Hemingway-Inspired Charm. A refined yet laid-back bolthole where rustic charm meets contemporary design.
HUA HIN – A SEASIDE SANCTUARY WITH CHARACTER
Hua Hin has long been the choice of in-the-know travellers seeking a quieter, more refined escape from Bangkok’s frenetic pace. A town steeped in history and frequented for generations by Thailand’s elite, it retains an old-world charm that’s hard to replicate. The Peri Hua Hin taps into this heritage with an aesthetic that’s equal parts coastal nostalgia and modern simplicity—think whitewashed walls, deep marine blues, and a pared-back elegance inspired by The Old Man and The Sea.
Unlike the sprawling resorts that line part of the beachfront, The Peri is a more intimate affair. It feels personal; a place where guests are treated more like houseguests than hotel patrons. The architecture takes cues from traditional Thai beach homes but with a contemporary refresh—clean lines, rattan accents, and a design language that whispers understated luxury rather than shouts about it.
LOCATION: THE THAI RIVIERA’S BEST-KEPT SECRET
Situated along the main thoroughfare of Hua Hin, The Peri is ideally positioned for those who want the best of both worlds—beachfront proximity without the isolation of a remote resort. The Bluport Shopping Mall sits directly opposite, meaning an espresso, a last-minute outfit, or a quick browse for local finds is all within walking distance. The famous Hua Hin Beach is just a two-minute stroll away, ideal for early morning swims before the crowds arrive.
For those looking to explore, the hotel’s location offers easy access to Hua Hin’s lively weekend markets — Cicada for contemporary crafts and live music, Tamarind for casual al fresco dining. And while The Peri doesn’t have an on-site spa, the Let’s Relax Spa across the street offers a solid lineup of treatments to keep you suitably refreshed.
THE DESIGN: SUBDUED ELEGANCE WITH A NAUTICAL EDGE
The Peri isn’t flashy, and that’s precisely the appeal. Its blue-and-white colour palette nods to Thailand’s maritime past, while rustic wooden accents and clean, airy spaces evoke the ease of a beachside retreat. Rooms are stylish but unfussy—light woods, woven textures, crisp linens. They’re designed for lingering—mornings spent reading on the terrace, afternoons where time slows with a cold drink in hand.
The lack of excess feels intentional. There’s no gym or grandiose spa complex, but then again, when the beach is two minutes away and the sea breeze filters through your balcony, who needs a treadmill?
CHOW MONG: WHERE THE LOCALS COME TO EAT
Named after the Thai word for fisherman, Chow Mong is The Peri’s culinary gem—a modern seafood mess hall where locals and travellers alike come for wholesome, unpretentious cooking.
On a recommendation, we ordered the Seafood Steamboat, a bubbling hotpot of ocean-fresh shrimp, squid, sea bass, mussels, and clams cooked in a fragrant Tom Yum broth. Paired with perfectly fluffy fried rice, it was one of those meals that lingers in memory long after the plates are cleared.
The grilled seafood selection is equally compelling, particularly when paired with house-made dipping sauces that perfectly strike a balance between fiery heat and citrus sharpness. It’s Thai comfort food at its best—simple, fresh and deeply satisfying.
Mornings at Chow Mong take on a different pace. The breakfast menu leans international but doesn’t forget its Thai roots. Alongside flaky pastries and made-to-order eggs, you’ll find a soup station serving delicate broths, fragrant congee, and stir-fried Thai classics that make for a surprisingly indulgent start to the day.
MALO BAR: WHERE TIKI MEETS TACTILE CHARM
A well-executed hotel bar is often a litmus test of a property’s personality. Malo Bar—which means “hello” in Samoan—doesn’t disappoint. It’s an intimate, tropical-inspired space with the feel of a modern tiki den, but with just enough restraint to keep it chic rather than kitsch.
The cocktail list leans into Thai flavors with a clever use of herbs, spices, and tropical fruits. We started with the Peritini — a crisp, clean martini with a local twist, served ice-cold and expertly balanced. But the real standout was the Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, a robust yet refreshing mix of Grant’s Scotch, ginger, honey, elderflower, and lime—smooth, subtly smoky and dangerously easy to drink.
For those who prefer something sans alcohol, the house-made mocktails make just as much of an impression blending fresh ingredients with the same level of care as their boozy counterparts.
THE EXPERIENCE: LOW-KEY LUXURY DONE RIGHT
The Peri isn’t about excess—it’s about thoughtful hospitality, strong design, and a sense of place that feels refreshingly personal. It’s the kind of hotel where mornings start slow with a coffee on the terrace, afternoons drift into evenings over cocktails at Malo, and dinners at Chow Mong extend long past sunset, fueled by seafood, good company, and the hum of Hua Hin’s coastal breeze.
For travellers who appreciate intimacy over opulence and character over corporate polish, The Peri delivers in spades.
GETTING THERE
Hua Hin is easily accessible from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport with a three-hour drive via private taxi (approximately £60 with Hua Hin Cab Company). The town is also connected via rail and VIP bus services, though private transfers remain the most comfortable option.
For a twin-destination stay, consider pairing a few nights at The Peri Hua Hin with a boutique city escape in Bangkok, before heading back to the capital’s international airport for onward travel.
CHECK IT OUT IF:
You prefer boutique-style hotels with personality over large-scale resorts.
You appreciate thoughtful design, good cocktails, and a strong sense of place.
You want to be close to the action but still have a retreat to return to.
BOOK IT IF:
You’re after a stylish yet laid-back coastal escape with excellent seafood and a solid bar program.
You value a good location without sacrificing charm.
You believe that luxury is in the details, not the grand gestures.
PAIR IT WITH:
A weekend at a boutique Bangkok hideaway for a city-meets-seaside itinerary.
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