Dune Hua-Hin

You know how these things go. The hip destination of the moment is the one with the right blend of natural appeal, geographic accessibility, and exclusivity — the place that’s edgier than the established destinations (read in this case Bangkok or Phuket) but that draws enough traffic to support some kind of infrastructure (meaning not, say, Antarctica, or the island from Lost). As of right now, Thailand’s destination of the moment is Hua Hin — and a good look at a hotel like Dune should go a long way towards explaining why.

Even calling it a hotel feels like a bit of a stretch. It’s just four rooms and one suite, a little compound by the beach. All the hotel necessities are here, just in miniature: a little rooftop pool, lined with loungers, with a view of the sea; an exquisitely furnished rooftop bar and restaurant; and if not a sprawling spa complex, then spa services at least, available in the privacy of your room.

Which will be a stylish one, no matter which one you pick. Furnishings are sleek and modern, and more than a little luxurious — each comes with a daybed, some on private balconies. They’re fully equipped with everything from iPod docks to LCD televisions, and the bathrooms, with massaging shower heads and top-shelf bath products, are the kind you feel like you need a spa appointment to use. It’s pretty much the antithesis of the overcooked Phuket resort experience, for example — if you want to see how Thailand’s staying at the top of the tourism game, look no further.