It takes just three hours to get from Bangkok to Hua Hin, the amount of time many of us spend daily in our cars trying to get to and from work.

You can make a lazy morning of the journey too, taking along a picnic box and stopping off on the route that leads to the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort in the heart of Hua Hin, a popular weekend destination for Bangkokians. The resort is a stone’s throw away from fancy shopping malls and markets packed with delicious local street food, fine restaurants and boutique coffee shops.

Stepping into the elegant and peaceful lobby is a world away from the bustling and vibrant streets of Hua Hin. A refreshing welcome drink and fragrant jasmine garland quickly melt away the tiredness from the road.

The hotel recently launched its new extension, known as the BluPort Wing, which is easily reached by a convenient bridge from the main property and is home to 40 new rooms and suites, furnished in contemporary Thai design, and with its own swimming pool, all-day dining restaurant, Le Colonial, and its own bar, the Saraan Lounge.

My Club InterContinental Room is in the Beach Wing but no matter what part of the hotel I am staying, I am more than welcome to enjoy the best each wing has to offer: eight restaurants and bars, spa, swimming pools, fitness centre plus shuttle service access to Vana Nava water park and True Arena Hua Hin.

The Beach Wing, a charming colonial-style beachfront resort inspired by royal Thai heritage, houses 158 rooms including suites and villas and La Residence Hua Hin, the private two-storey Thai-Victorian mansion overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

The central lawn leading to the huge pool next to the beach is stunning. I ponder heading for a dip in the tempting azure pool but a few minutes in the blazing afternoon sun sends me quickly back to my spacious air-conditioned room. Equipped with LCD TV with international satellite channels, CD/DVD player, Bose entertainment system with iPod docking station, tea and coffee maker and a fully stocked minibar, my Club InterContinental Room also includes access to the beachfront Club InterContinental lounge and personalised butler service.

The private balcony with an oversized daybed looks like a nice place to enjoy the sea breeze in the late afternoon and I look forward to enjoying a lazy evening with a good book.

That’s not to be as my mobile phone buzzes with a pop-up note “cocktail at Azure bar” reminding me that I already have other plans. Bidding farewell to the inviting daybed, I walk into the marble bathroom for a quick shower, look longingly at the invitingly large tub – a long soak will have to wait until tonight – and five minutes later I’m dressed and ready for cocktails.

Watching the sun goes down and waiting for the moon to rise, we enjoy the sea breeze, cocktails and a good laugh at the outdoor bar.

A good time indeed but every time the laughter subsides, my mind wanders back to the shiny bathtub and the huge comfortable bed. “Soon,” I tell myself, “soon”.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Spacious and well-equipped rooms with a beautiful landscape. The resort is within an easy reach of malls, restaurants and markets.

Low point: None

Pay for it: Visit the hotel’s website for the best deal

Find it: 33/33 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

Call it: +66 (0) 32 616999

Browse it: HuaHin.intercontinental.com.

One of the first premier five-star hotels to open in the top holiday destination of Ao Nang in Krabi, Rayavadee Resort stands at the very heart of the Phranang peninsula surrounded by lush tropical jungle and overlooking the clear waters of the Andaman Sea.

Bordered by three public beaches – the secluded and muddy Nammao, the bustling Railay and the picturesque Phranang – all just a few minutes walk away, Rayavadee Resort offers maximum comfort, thoughtful amenities and friendly service.

Boasting 98 enchanting two-storey pavilions and four luxurious private villas spread over 26 acres of coconut groves and tropical gardens, the award-winning architecture blends with the natural surroundings to create a unique atmosphere reminiscent of an idyllic southern Thai village.

There are 11 room types, starting with the “modest” Deluxe Pavilion at 90 square meters to the Phranang Villa that spreads over 417 square metres. The pavilions are quite far apart from each other, and extra space is given to the majestic, two-storey Southern Thai pavilion.

Downstairs is a spacious living area with comfy sofa and armchair. The spiral wooden staircase leads to a sizeable bedroom with small working desk, wooden closet and spacious bathroom. The villas have from two to three bedrooms with extra facilities such as sauna, sun deck, private pool, Jacuzzi and kitchenette also on offer.

Most of the staff have been with the resort for a long time, some more than 20 years, and they are all efficient and extra friendly, as if they’re welcoming guests into their own home. Attentive but not hovering, they know how to give fast and warm service without being invasive or overly pampering.

The resort has four food and beverage outlets in different parts of the property serving Thai and international delights. Not to be missed is The Grotto, an al fresco caf้ nestled under an ancient limestone cliff where you can sink your toes in the sand while enjoying a cup of coffee in the afternoon or a drink at sunset. Railay’s Walking Street with bar shacks and local snacks is a few minutes’ walk away if you’re feeling adventurous.

Among the three beaches, the one that is most beautiful and suitable for sunbathing and swimming is Phranang. Though it is right next to the resort, do be aware that it’s a public beach and frequented by tourists from other resorts all afternoon. Efforts are made though to protect the beach and keep it clear of litter and it’s a great place to stroll when the sun is going down.

Perfect for couples, families and anyone looking for peace and quiet, Rayavadee is an ideal resort to just relax and unwind. Forming a barrier with the world outside, the limestone mountains and lush trees cut the resort off from the bustling Railay Beach, rendering unique scenery that soothes the senses. Thanks to the clever layout, the resort doesn’t feel crowded even with high occupancy so you can expect a peaceful, private stay all your round. However, because the beach access is limited to a fraction of the property, there are only a few villas that get to enjoy the panoramic view of the ocean.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Ample, spacious and luxurious, the all-pavilion resort offers tranquillity as well as comfort.

Low point: Beach access is limited, and it is often packed with tourists all afternoon. Only a few villas have sea view.

Pay for it: Visit the resort’s website for the best deal

Find it: Ao Nang, Krabi

Call it: (075) 620 630

Browse it: www.Rayavadee.com