THE STANDARD HUA HIN WHERE ART AND DESIGN MEETS THE BEACH
Stepping into The Standard Hua Hin feels like entering a scene straight out of the pages of Fused magazine. As we prepped our day beds for a spot of sunbathing in the 30 degree heat, we were greeted by a team with a fashion shoot unfolding by the Lido pool – a sight that seems to be the norm at this stylish resort. With its lush greenery, sunny yellow accents, and undeniable Miami Beach vibes, it’s no wonder that The Standard is quickly becoming the go-to spot for Instagram-worthy moments in Hua Hin.
As we soaked up the sun on our loungers, we couldn’t help but be entertained by daily life taking place along the beach which is alive with kite surfers and pony handlers who wait patiently for eager riders on the soft sands. All this against a backdrop of monkey mountain (or ‘Khao Takiap’ to give it the correct name) in the distance – home to the town’s playful macaque monkeys. It’s a scene straight out of a tropical paradise postcard, with small egrets hunting along the shoreline.
Each day heading down to breakfast we caught the stunning scent wafting through the resort’s lush gardens – a blend of fragrant bougainvillea and yellow bells that we wished we could bottle up and take home with us.
Design
The Standard Hua Hin seamlessly blends urban chic with natural beauty with the architecture of the resort paying homage to its Miami counterpart and making it a standout design to many of the other resorts in the city. From the striking white curved concrete structures to the open-air lobby, every corner of the hotel exudes style. Shelly Kwok Design, Studio Freehand and Onion Architects all contributed to the architecture and design of the beachfront landmark which opened in 2021.
The lido pool, surrounded by day beds and loungers nestled among the greenery, offers the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the tropical ambiance. While between the newly developed structures and the sandy beach lies the Heritage House, a period structure in the area’s traditional architectural style. The house was carefully restored and rejuvenated as a Thai izakaya restaurant called Praça, which means town square or gathering point in Portuguese.
Art
A specially commissioned piece by Los Angeles artist Douglas Little greets visitors on entering the open-air lobby. Entitled ‘Memory Rings’, the sculpture is made of hand-dyed, saffron-yellow fabric arranged in concentric rings.
“The concentric rings of a tree trunk tell the story of its environment and life cycle”, said Little. “This textile sculpture draws its patterns, color, and metaphorical symbolism from these rings. The labyrinth of repetitious circles and undulating lines intend to soften the gaze and allow the viewer to wander in the tapestry. The hand-dyed, saffron yellow color chosen for its connection to the sun and its alchemical effect on the mind, body and spirit.”
Deeper into the property, guests get to discover more art pieces integrated into the grounds as they wander through some 200 mature trees that were retained on site from the original property.
Once at the pool the deck is hand-painted in an abstract totemic pattern by Romon Kimin Yang (aka Rostarr), a Bali based multidisciplinary artist who has painted custom murals for The Standard both in New York and the Maldives.
“This will be my first swimming pool deck mural to date and couldn’t be paired better with the modern architecture of the newly built Standard location. From just the sheer scale of the mural and install logistics, it was quite intimidating at first, but as the zen vibes of the property and experiencing life in Hua Hin, I started to get into it more and more. I was taking in the serene pool vibes and longing for the ocean as an inspiration for the painting.”
At Lido’s centerpiece is another one of Douglas Little’s commissioned art pieces, entitled ‘Metal Tongue’.
“The sculpture draws inspiration from the Victorian practice of pressing seaweed,” explains Douglas Little. “In the 1870s, the fad of seaweed pressing had arrived on the California coastline and was a paradise for sea weeders. Hundreds of species were identified by amateur collectors during this time including a rare, fingered algae called grape tongue.”
Rooms
Our Superior King Room on the fifth floor provided views of the gardens below, complemented by the cheerful sunshine yellow accents throughout. With its plush king-size bed, cozy sitting area, and modern amenities like a rain shower and Bluetooth speaker, it was the perfect retreat for our four-night stay.
If you are looking for something a little bigger with more space and a private pool then if you can grab one of the super-sexy pool villas you probably are never going to want to leave.
Food and Drink
When it comes to dining, guests are spoiled for choice with options like the Lido restaurant and bar, serving up locally sourced seafood and craft cocktails, and Praça, offering authentic Thai cuisine in a stunning heritage house setting. And if you’re staying in one of the villas, don’t miss out on the complimentary cocktails served daily.
Breakfast at Lido is a busy affair – such is the growing popularity of the resort – and there are great options to choose from; including a make your own noodle soup station.
Location
Located in the heart of Hua Hin and in an enviable location, The Standard offers easy access to the town’s many attractions, including its renowned seafood restaurants, bustling markets, and picturesque walking beach. Plus, with accolades like being named the #1 resort in Southeast Asia by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Hot List, it’s clear that The Standard Hua Hin is something special. It is more than just a hotel – it’s a destination where style, luxury, and tropical charm come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or fun nights out, this contemporary retreat has something for everyone.
LOVE the look of this then take a look at the equally impressive The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon.
