VERSO Hua Hin
Thereās a breezy, light-hearted feel to the newly opened VERSO Hua Hin thatās impossible to resist. Some of that is down to the location: right by the sandy beach at Khao Takiab, with a temple-topped mountain at the end of it to complete the scene. Then thereās the modern, airy architecture, whose clever use of curves and diagonals could have been inspired by some glossy superyacht. And thereās the interior design which takes its cue from the ocean, with a cool palette of white, blue and natural wood. It all helps to give this contemporary boutique hotel a trendy beach-bar vibe thatās a novelty for Hua Hin.
Casual is the order of the day at the open-sided main restaurant, with wooden tables and benches to eat at and a perfectly pitched all-day menu of unfussy Thai and Mediterranean-style dishes. By the main pool, thereās also a sleek but still informal beach bar, an inviting spot for ice cream during the day and tapas and cocktails later on. There are actually four swimming pools in total, which are all superbly designed, and equipped with all the loungers, cabanas and sunbeds you could hope for - definitely one of the highlights of the resort. If thatās not relaxing enough, thereās also a fragrant spa where guests can experience a mix of traditional and modern therapies, from an authentic Japanese onsen thermal bath to a hot-stone massage. Finally, to keep the children amused while their parents have some me-time, thereās a small kidsā club offering games and activities.
The maritime theme - mainly white with turquoise touches and driftwood art - continues in the 38 light-filled rooms, all of which benefit from picture windows. The Deluxe Rooms have an up-to-the-minute shower room plus a standalone bathtub on the balcony. Those with children will appreciate the Family Deluxe Rooms, which feature a cosy alcove with bunk beds that feels like a private den, but doesnāt have a balcony. Ocean Front Rooms live up to their name with beach vistas, and a free-standing bathtub by the large windows from which to enjoy them.