O WHAT do the railways and a resort have in common? Plenty. Launched in 1923 as the Railway Hotel, the splendidly colonial Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is today arguably one of the best Thailand luxury resorts. It is certainly head and shoulders above the competition along this coast, offering a romantic getaway for discerning travellers as well as child friendly facilities for those with tots in tow. The starched white low-rise building covered with an endearing red-tile roof meanders elegantly through 16 hectares of eye-popping topiary featuring elaborate sculpted shrubs and trees shaped like elephants, birds and squirrels.

That this is among the best Thailand family resorts is evident in its arsenal of activities and services from badminton, volleyball, swimming, tennis, and the SPA Cenvaree, to fitness, the children’s playroom and a giant chess set-up that keeps everyone entertained. The tennis courts are floodlit and there are six golf courses close by.

This luxury Hua Hin resort serves up 207 tasteful rooms and suites with private balconies catching evening breezes overlooking the sea or landscaped gardens. Expect soothing vistas and lashings of nostalgia, far from the madding crowd. Hua Hin is, after all, where the Thai Royals holiday. Room furnishings are in polished hardwood with Thai silk. The resort also has 42 “New England Colonial Style” villas. Slow down and enjoy the feel of teakwood flooring underfoot while you watch the antique fans whir lazily above. Expect in-house movies and spoiling bath amenities. The Club Lounge is available exclusively for villa guests.

Just a two-hour drive from Bangkok, this is a good Hua Hin conference hotel choice with facilities for meetings, banquets and weddings for up to 250 persons (or 450 in a garden setting). Romantic dining options are endless. The Railway Restaurant serves up international fare while Salathai does Thai. Or pick from Japanese, Asian or Continental. Enjoy fusion cuisine at Palm Pavilion or simply cool down with a drink at the Elephant Bar.