Since opening its doors in December 2021 and being acquired by Hyatt in 2024, The Standard, Hua Hin, is doing some freshening up with an emphasis on wellness that combines fun and self-care.
The property has become even more lush compared to my first visit, as foliage and trees seem to be thriving. The beachside retro-vibe property has also gained a reputation for being a resort for couples, families, pet parents and retirees. Under the concept of “Playful Wellness”, the beachfront retreat tries to give guests the best of both worlds: vibrant party vibe and clarity and calmness. A playground/sanctuary, if you will.
As the sun rises over Hua Hin Beach, guests can begin the day with mindful movements through sunrise yoga by the sea or go full throttle with a 5km beach run. A Muay Thai class may sound intimidating, but in my experience, it's usually challenging and fun, and guests can execute uppercuts and kicks at the lawn next to the hotel's swimming pool.
At Italian restaurant Lido, the breakfast buffet features a wide selection of dishes, including health-conscious options and international favourites, satisfying both those who count and don't count their calorie intakes. I give Lido a special point for a tower of cold black coffee that I can help myself to without having to ask the waiting staff for one. Lido also serves authentic Italian cuisine from lunch through dinner, with classic pastas, pizzas and a range of traditional Italian specialities. They serve a mean angel hair pasta with crab meat and chilli.
After physical feats, get your well-earned recovery and rejuvenation at The Standard Spa, where the signature “Be Cool” programme begins with an invigorating ice bath to awaken the nervous system, followed by a muscle-soothing sauna session and concludes with a return to the cold plunge to stimulate circulation. You can do up to three baths with two short sauna sessions at intervals.
The signature mud lounge is a DIY session where you shower, apply the mud of your choice on your skin, let the nourishing properties seep in and rinse. Personalised treatments such as the Intuition Massage offer targeted, deep relaxation tailored to individual needs.
Fitness enthusiasts have access to The Gym, open 24 hours, as well as The Canopy Gym, a tucked-away outdoor training space set beneath the trees, designed to test strength and endurance in nature. A lineup of activities, including Run Club, Sunrise Yoga, Beach Barre, Circuit Training, Muay Thai and HIIT, caters to different lifestyles and fitness levels.
As evening falls, Praça, the hotel’s beachfront restaurant with traditional Thai architecture as its backdrop, serves bold Thai izakaya-style dishes, street food favourites and curated drinks. A live DJ set with a saxophonist adds liveliness to the delicious dinner.
