Devasom Hua Hin celebrates 15 years of timeless Thai hospitality, offering a boutique beach escape that’s as family-friendly as it is luxurious — as Stephanie Zheng discovered on a recent stay along Thailand’s royal coast.
There’s something instantly calming about stepping into Devasom Hua Hin. Tucked along a quiet stretch of coastline once beloved by Siamese royalty, the resort is a quick getaway from Bangkok, around a three-hour drive away.
Devasom Hua Hin is a boutique beachside resort with heritage charm, a graceful seaside mansion plucked from another time. The Victorian gingerbread façades, the heart-shaped tree standing tall by the beach, and the 23 keys (charming rooms and villas across six categories with varying sea views) — all make it like a private holiday home rather than a hotel. For families, this sense of scale is a blessing. It’s big enough to keep everyone entertained, yet cosy enough to feel right at home.
Days by the sea
Mornings began with the rhythm of the waves, breakfasting at Pribpri while the tides go out. Unlike larger resorts, where breakfast can feel like a race for buffet space, here it was a slow and thoughtful affair: local specialties, pastries, tropical fruits, and really great desserts, all presented with quiet elegance.
Breakfast at Pribpri is a gentle way to wake up (Photo: Devasom Hua Hin)
Afterwards, I wandered down to the beach to walk on endless sandbars seashells, where the soft sand stretched invitingly. The calm shallows meant that locals and visitors alike can be seen combing the sand for shells and little catches, a glimpse into the rhythms of everyday life here. Occasionally, horses plowed along the shoreline, their riders cutting gracefully across the beach, and for a small fee, guests can take a short ride themselves, a magical way for kids and adults alike to experience the coast from a different perspective.
Horse ride by the beach (Photo: Devasom Hua Hin)
A retreat that feels like home
Beachfront Villa (Photo: Devasom Hua Hin)
I stayed in the Beach Villa with Partial Sea View, one of six thoughtfully designed room categories at the resort. From the villa’s vantage point, I get a glimpse of the wide open ocean. But I only need to take a very short walk to reach the beach. For those staying at the Beachfront Villa, the beach lay mere steps away, its gentle sway visible through the wide, open windows.
Despite being so close to the shoreline, the sound of the waves at night was never intrusive — a blessing for light sleepers — instead it became a soothing lullaby that set the tone for restful evenings.
The villa itself felt spacious and welcoming, with separate lounging areas and thoughtful touches that made it easy to settle in as a family. Mornings could begin with coffee on the terrace, watching the sunrise over the Gulf of Thailand, while the kids darted barefoot across the soft sand outside. It balances proximity to nature with the comfort and privacy families appreciate, allowing everyone to relax without feeling on top of one another.
Sunset by the pool and ocean (Photo: Devasom Hua Hin)
What struck me most was how easy it was to slip into your own rhythm. I spent quiet afternoons by the sea, shaded by palm trees, took slow walks and had a leisurely lunch in the room. There are complimentary shuttle into Hua Hin town for a quick change of pace, like ice creams or a spot of massage or shopping at the night market. Returning always felt like exhaling; Devasom has that effect.
Come evening, I observed a family of parents and grandparents sipping on cocktails, while the children toast with non-alcoholic versions. We watched the sky melt into shades of pink and gold over the heart-shaped tree while lingering over dinner.
Food that connects you to place
Local delights at Pribpri (Photo: Devasom Hua Hin)
Speaking of dinner, Devasom’s culinary offering has taken on a fresh identity with the rebranding of its signature restaurant, now called Pribpri. Here, Phetchaburi heritage shines with selicate curries scented with palm sugar from local plantations; grilled river prawns with tangy tamarind, and rice varieties grown nearby. I discovered how vibrant regional Thai cuisine can be when given centre stage.
A celebration of soul and togetherness
My visit coincided with Devasom’s 15th anniversary — marked by the Luna Circle Festival. Over the course of a weekend, the resort became a stage for experiences that spoke to both young and old. There was sunrise yoga by the sea, a mindful Japanese tea ceremony, and therapy in the form of sand mandalas took shape before our eyes. At dusk, laughter and swing dancing filled the air, with the resort’s iconic tree glowing softly in the background. It was a reminder of what travel should be about: connection, joy, and moments that become family lore.
Wellness for every generation
Sunset Yoga (Photo: Devasom Hua Hin)
One of the biggest takeaways from the anniversary is that many of these experiences are here to stay. Devasom now offers a year-round programme of mindful wellbeing: beachfront yoga on Sundays, sound bath healing on Saturdays, and even private sessions like starlit meditation or sand mandala workshops. While some activities are best suited for adults, there’s plenty for children to observe, learn, or simply absorb.
Sound Bath (Photo: Devasom Hua Hin)
Why Devasom Hua Hin is worth the trip
The famous heart-shaped tree at Devasom Hua Hin (Photo: Devasom Hua Hin)
In a world of mega-resorts, Devasom Hua Hin stands out by staying small, soulful, and anchored in its heritage. It offers families the rare gift of space,both physical and emotional. You can explore, rest, and reconnect without ever feeling lost in the crowd. From the thoughtful touches in the rooms to the stories behind every dish at Pribpri, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and savour.
Whether you come for the history, the food, or the promise of barefoot days by the sea, Devasom Hua Hin makes every moment feel like it belongs to your family story.
Bonus: Devasom Khao Lak
Main Pool (Photo: Devasom Khao Lak)
While my time in Hua Hin felt like stepping into a living postcard, I couldn’t help but think about Devasom’s sister property further south in Khao Lak, another gem that families should know about. Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort has earned a reputation as a true haven for parents travelling with kids, with sprawling two-bedroom beachfront pool villas that open directly onto the sand — the kind of space where little ones can nap peacefully while older siblings cannonball into a private infinity pool.
What really caught my eye was their “Crafting Your Kids’ Vacation Experience” programme, which goes beyond the usual kids’ club. Imagine your children learning to cook pizzas and whip up mocktails, heading out for safe surf lessons, exploring tide pools and mangroves with naturalists, even digging for “dinosaur fossils” on the beach. Evenings end with marshmallows by the fire under the stars — simple, wholesome fun that anchors the holiday in memory. With dedicated pools, a calm beach, and an ethos that blends play with discovery, it’s no wonder Devasom Khao Lak has become a favourite for families who want luxury without losing that carefree sense of adventure.
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