The Standard, Hua Hin: A Coastal Retreat Where Design, Art and Gastronomy Converge. A retro-futurist enclave redefining the art of the beachside escape.
HUA HIN – A DESIGN-LED HIDEAWAY WITH A TROPICAL TWIST
Tucked along a golden stretch of the Gulf of Thailand, The Standard, Hua Hin is a masterclass in effortless cool. A fusion of Miami modernism and tropical minimalism, the resort stands apart from Hua Hin’s more traditional five-star offerings. Here, you’ll find sculptural white villas that recall mid-century futurism, lemon-yellow umbrellas dotting the Lido pool, and an artsy, creative crowd that makes this beachfront sanctuary feel more like a scene from a fashion editorial than just another Thai retreat.
Days unfold at a languid pace – lounging by the pool, wandering through lush gardens where bougainvillaea and yellow bells perfume the air, or indulging in long, lazy meals where good food, bold flavours, and even better cocktails take centre stage.
ART, ARCHITECTURE & AMBIENCE
Designed by Shelly Kwok Design, Studio Freehand, and Onion Architects, The Standard Hua Hin draws inspiration from its Miami sibling, but with its own distinct personality. The open-air lobby, framed by towering palms, makes a striking first impression. Inside, clean lines and muted tones are punctuated by The Standard’s signature sunshine-yellow aesthetic—balcony chairs, soft furnishings, and umbrellas all carry the cheerful hue.
For those seeking seclusion, private pool villas are the ultimate escape -think oversized daybeds, deep-soaking bathtubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the line between indoors and out.
Art is integral to the resort’s identity. A specially commissioned saffron-yellow textile sculpture by LA artist Douglas Little greets guests in the lobby, while Rostarr’s hand-painted totemic mural transforms the pool deck into a striking canvas. Strolling the grounds reveals unexpected artistic moments – an interplay between modern design and the organic beauty of the resort’s hundred-year-old trees.
LIDO: HUA HIN’S ITALIAN ALL-DAY DINING SPOT
Lido serves up la dolce vita from morning until late, seamlessly shifting from a laid-back breakfast venue to an intimate dining space in the evenings. As the sun sets, the open-air restaurant becomes a candlelit affair, attracting Thailand’s most discerning diners.
Our evening at Lido was a showcase of bold flavours and precise execution. We started with Burrata (V) – a delicate, creamy orb of locally sourced burrata, served with rocket salad, pickled cherry tomatoes and a vibrant, tangy tomato sorbet. Accompanying it was house-made focaccia sourdough, slathered in black garlic dressing and basil pesto, with a scattering of sundried tomatoes adding depth.
For mains, the Whole Baked Fish was a standout (both of the meal and the trip) – cooked to perfection and served with tomatoes, creamy spinach, and grilled lemon. The Linguine Gorgonzola was pure indulgence, each forkful coated in a velvety Gorgonzola cream sauce, elevated further by grilled Australian Wagyu beef, sautéed forest mushrooms, and confit onions.
To end, Tiramisu (V) – a classic with a Thai twist. Made with locally roasted espresso, mascarpone, and a cloud of whipped cream, it was impossibly light yet deeply satisfying.
Pair it all with a cocktail (or two) from the extensive drinks list, or opt for a bottle from the restaurant’s expertly curated wine selection and you’ve got yourself a meal to remember – and surely one of the best served up in the area.
PRAÇA: HUA HIN’S #1 THAI IZAKAYA BY THE SEA
A stone’s throw from the ocean, Praça is where street-food favourites meet inventive cocktails, all set against the backdrop of The Standard’s elegant Heritage House. Rooted in the spirit of communal dining, this Thai Izakaya-style restaurant is a gathering place for those who appreciate good food, great company and unbeatable views.
Cocktail in hand, we settled in for a feast. The drink of choice? The Holy Basil! – a refreshing yet complex mix of Roku Gin, pineapple, holy basil, galangal and lime. A cocktail that’s equal parts herbal and citrusy, it perfectly complemented the bold flavours of the Thai Izakaya Discovery Set, a carefully curated selection of small plates that showcased the best of Praça’s menu.
We started with the Esan Tuna – a take on spicy larb, this tuna tartare arrived with black rice crackers that added the perfect crunch. The Rak Bua Tod (VG), crispy fried lotus roots paired with a rich nam prik ong dip, was the kind of dish you wish came in an endless supply.
The Krapao Taco Moo was an unexpected highlight – minced pork in a crispy shell, bursting with the aroma of holy basil. Then came the Pad Thai Hoi Tod Bo Larn, a clever reinterpretation of Thailand’s beloved noodle dish, topped with a crispy Thai oyster and just the right amount of tamarind sauce.
For a heartier bite, the Nuea Yang Yum A-ngoon delivered—spicy grilled Australian Wagyu beef salad with pickled and fresh grapes, a combination that was both surprising and addictive. We wrapped up with Moo Ping Bo Larn, coconut-brushed pork skewers with a tangy Praça chili sauce that had us reaching for another Holy Basil! cocktail.
The best part? Praça is ranked #1 on TripAdvisor out of 512 restaurants in Hua Hin. And rightly so.
THE STANDARD EXPERIENCE
At The Standard Hua Hin, days melt seamlessly into nights. Mornings begin with sunrise walks along the beach or a dip in the Lido pool, where fashion shoots often unfold in the background. Afternoons are spent lounging with a cocktail in hand, or exploring the nearby markets and beachside cafés. Evenings call for indulgent meals at Lido or Praça, followed by live music and low-lit conversations at the bar.
The beauty of this resort lies in its rhythm—its ability to be both lively and laid-back, social yet serene. There’s an ease to life here, a sense that everything is exactly as it should be.
GETTING THERE
The Standard Hua Hin is a three-hour drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Private transfers via the Hua Hin Cab Company cost approximately £60.
For a full city-meets-seaside experience, pair your stay with a few nights at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon – a sleek urban counterpoint to this beachfront retreat.
CHECK IT OUT IF:
You appreciate sleek design and a social-but-relaxed atmosphere.
You enjoy well-crafted cocktails, indulgent Italian fare, and modern takes on Thai cuisine.
You want a destination that’s as much about art, food and culture as it is about sunbathing.
BOOK IT IF:
You’re looking for a stylish escape that balances indulgence with laid-back beachside living.
You want to experience Thailand through a fresh, contemporary lens.
PAIR IT WITH:
A few nights at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon for an urban contrast to your beach retreat.
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