The Jewel of Pattaya

While planning a family holiday with my dad and sister, we are very much particular in choosing the right hotel because there is nothing like a bad hotel suite room to put you off on your holiday! After all the hectic activities/travels through the day, one yearns for a good night’s sleep in a good, comfortable bed. While booking accommodation, we look for the best deals and also value for money. To this end, it is our experience that the traveller reviews featured at online spaces

help us decide, though a word of caution here, one should not look at just a couple of reviews and decide because most of the places will have both positive as well as negative reviews. The trick is to find the one that has more positive reviews and keeping this in consideration for my recent 9 nights 10 days holiday, we chose The Intercontinental Pattaya Resort, and it didn’t turn out to be any short of expectations rather it has much more to offer then what was actually anticipated.

Set on a green, forested headland overlooking Koh Larn (Coral Island) and the Gulf of Thailand, InterContinental Pattaya Resort offers elegantly-designed accommodation with views of lush tropical gardens or the deep blue sea. We were booked into the Club Intercontinental Tropical Terrace Suite by the efficient Bobby the Club Intercontinental Butler in a capable way. To make our stay even more pleasant, despite being on a leave, Miss Rungtiwa Boontam the Club Intercontinental Manager had the room prepared just as per my request. The suite is just comfortable and large with modern decor, but what it really lacked, in my opinion, is the availability of a separate attached dining and sitting room that suites are actually famous for, although this feature was missed by us throughout our stay because for Halal reasons, we had brought in our own Muslim Food Range and dining in the room without a dining table was a bit uncomfortable but the bolstering came in as this Club Tropical Terrace Suite had a private sala, overlooking the garden, and one of the resort’s swimming lagoon. The suite also featured an oversized bathroom with dual washbasins, and a large floor covering bath. Thanks to Ms. Panutchakron Lapapan and Mr. Suphachit Uthaisa (Got) the very hardworking and diligent housekeepers, we had a made-up room and fresh bathroom daily, though we decide to have the bed sheets changed every third day instead of them being changed on daily basis.

We arrived on a rainy day to a warm welcome. At the check-in, we were offered traditional orchid garlands and a very refreshing herbal cold tea (I wish I could get the recipe for this delicious delight) and we were driven in a buggy to our room with a note that we can avail buggy service whenever we wish to arrive at the reception or go anywhere else within the hotel but, we felt that it would be a slur to not walk at this more like a private country club than a typical holiday resort with luxuriant green gardens full of tranquil peace.

Even though there are plenty of sparkling beaches available in Pattaya, we still appreciate a convenient pool to take a dip in at the end of the day or a nice relaxing hot tub to soak our muscles. This resort proudly boasts three beautiful, lagoon-style pools, each surrounded by lush greenery, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with plenty of sunbeds for relaxation

and cooling drinks always within easy reach. The shallow Splash Lagoon is suitable for young ones or those interested in learning how to swim. Then there is a serenity pool which has a warm design including a trifling water swirl. And the one that was in front of my room is the Spirituality Lagoon which is perfect for doing lengths, but, if you want an extra dive then there is a private white sand beach, where one can relax, play beach games and work on the suntan or simply swim in the calming waves of the Gulf of Thailand, and if this is still not enough then for the water and beach-loving guests,

Intercontinental Pattaya offers a tour of the stunning islands of the Gulf of Thailand aboard the Princess Yacht, complete with the trained crew or a ride to the island on a speedboat directly from the resort beach, or explore the underwater world around the island from a glass-bottom boat. The guests are also encouraged to embark on taking a trip to Coral Island (Koh Larn) and spend the day swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.

Pattaya has something for everyone. Shoppers will love the sunsets, downtown Pattaya and Walking Street coming alive. From booming bazaars to quietly sophisticated shopping malls, it all could be reached thanks to the complimentary shuttle service to and from Central Festival shopping centre and the resort. Just do not forget to call the reception half an hour early to book your space in the shuttle to avoid inconvenience and disappointment. The concierge team is very friendly. Mr. Thanawut Kadkrathok (Toni) will handle any inquiry personally. He assisted us with planning holiday activities and booked us a couple of tours that my sister and I really enjoyed. If Toni is not available then look around for Jotupol, the bell boy. He sure will try his best to assist you.

Maintaining your health and fitness routine while on a vacation helps make travelling more holistic. The 24 hours open fitness centre has all the equipment that is needed for a regular workout. You may also enjoy a body, facial, and beauty treatments in a tropical garden with entrancing water sorts, and with a décor of natural woods and fabrics at the Amburaya Spa, or you may indulge in buying

some award-winning Harnn brand body, and skincare products that date back centuries and are exclusively available to guests of Intercontinental Resort at the Harnn shop within the resort next to the Elements Restaurant. However, I felt missing a proper shopping arcade within the property, which I think the management should consider having.

The buffet breakfast, served at the Elements restaurant was the best way to start our day. From freshly baked croissants to made-to-order eggs, to a view of a calm ocean and tropical greenery from the terrace that would help you ease into a new day. Tae (Santi), Kim and Nui the elements team are really great people who added to our overall experience. They were guided just once about the type of tea we preferred and during our entire stay, we never had to repeat, and tea was served just the way we relished, what else may we expect and say for them apart from that they are the sincere and dedicated staff. The omelette team Sunisa and Narin, had our day started with their smiles and greetings! Waitekon

the bartender is great at skills and he definitely refreshed us throughout at the club intercontinental with his special mocktails. This property boasts two great restaurants, each with indoor and outdoor seating options; however, what this resort lacks is an availability of a Halal Food exclusive restaurant. Staying at a resort is usually meant an all-inclusive deal, but the non-availability of this feature was the only dark complaint that we could rise up with.

The Resort Manager Mr. Hiru Daryanani and the Front Office Assistant Manager Miss Maneenuch Sanghaphasak are two meticulous, attentive and conscientious people who are an asset to this resort. They are personally available with all the warmth of traditional Thai hospitality to make your trip goings-on memorable and to ensure you get the most out of your holiday and enjoy the full Intercontinental Pattaya Resort experience. For us, they really made our stay at this haven truly memorable. We are definitely going to return to this luxury heavenly sanctuary for another spectacular holiday, hopefully very soon!