As the sun shone through the deep mangrove jungle canopy, I walked down a long wooden bridge between Best Western Premier Bayphere Pattaya and the pristine Na Jomtien beach and enjoyed the gentle breeze. Looking around, other vacationers were showing off their surfing talent and small eateries enticed families with fresh seafood options.
Tucked away in a tranquil residential neighbourhood of Sattahip district, this brand-new beachfront hotel is billing itself as a year-round weekend retreat for couples and families looking to take in a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Thailand.
It's a 20-minute drive from downtown Pattaya, and it's surrounded by several famous tourist destinations for families to enjoy leisure activities during the day, including Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya Floating Market, Legend Siam, and Ocean Marina Yacht Club.
Its location and soothing atmosphere make it a home away from home where guests can unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. This is the latest addition to Habitat Hospitality's portfolio of classy residential-style pool villas, resorts, and hotel developments in Pattaya geared towards young travellers, honeymooners and urban families.
Design and Facility
With stunning views of Thailand's Eastern seaboard, the hotel offers 174 cosy rooms in Superior, Deluxe, and Executive categories, ranging in size from 30m² to 33m². In terms of functionality and arrangement, the compact-size rooms are designed in a trendy modern style to create a feeling of a homely condominium.
It was named "Best Condo Low-Rise Condo Architectural Design (Resort)" in the Asia Pacific Property Awards' categories of Best Condo Interior Design and Best Condo Landscape Architectural Design.
Like sitting in a garden, guests can rest and relax on luxurious rattan sofas and stools in the airy lobby set among verdant landscaping which serves as a social gathering spot. There is also a fully functional executive centre with a computer and other facilities that can be turned into a conference room for business travellers.
Embraced with the verdant mangrove forest, the all-day-dining Rock restaurant serves a basic breakfast buffet and fresh seafood while the adjacent Rock cafe caters to those with a sweet tooth with a selection of freshly baked pastries and afternoon tea set, which includes a chocolate cupcake, sandwich, scones, croissants, and other Thai-style bites, as well as iced Thai milk tea or a pot of hot tea.
From 7am to 8pm, those who want to burn calories can visit a fully equipped gym and then don their bikinis and ascend to the rooftop where you can take in astonishing views of the blue ocean, sunset beyond Pattaya's horizon and a sea of sparkling stars while soaking in a sleek infinity pool.
When the sky darkens, the poolside Luna Bar is a romantic vantage point for couples and a group of friends to enjoy a wide range of customised beverages and some appetisers while basking in the glow of candlelight.
My Room
I spent one night in a 33m² Executive Ocean View room with modern yet homey decor. At first glance, its layout and design reminded me of living in a small condo, but I felt more relaxed when I could wake up to a stunning view of the white beach from a comfy king-size bed.
A plush couch at the foot of the bed was ideal for unwinding and watching the sunset, while a large flat-screen television with satellite channels allows you to connect with entertainment applications on your smartphone.
It feels like a multipurpose living space with a chocolate cake and fresh fruits offered in the work corner, which has USB hubs and outlets for guests to charge their batteries or connect to the internet.
A work desk shares space with the sink counter with a collection of shampoo and shower gel, while a compact closet has a minibar corner and tea and coffee-making facilities. There's a separate toilet and shower in the bathroom, which is accessible from both the living area and the bed. A big balcony overlooking the beach and ocean is another great spot for couples to sip wine and enjoy a romantic ambience under the moonlight.
Dining
From 7am to 10am, the Luna Restaurant serves a variety of Executive Breakfast options, designed for customers staying in the executive room. The buffet line has a selection of bread, Danish and croissant with seasonal fruits, milk and yoghurt.
I sampled special delights such as quinoa and chicken salad, Vietnamese pancake with lobster and roe and truffle omelette. There's also egg Benedict with our own favourite toppings like spinach and mushroom, smoked salmon and roe, yellow curry crab meat and avocado, or Parma ham and asparagus.
This restaurant also delights customers with a fusion of Thai and Western dishes in the evening. Miang kham pla (96-hour pickled hamachi sashimi with wild betel jelly, salmon roe, lemon caviar, and miang kham sauce-inspired ice cream), jang lon (Indo-Pacific king mackerels served in a cone with fresh cream and caviar), and hot chicken soup with sliced truffle were the first courses of dinner.
Then there was kaeng kaew ta (sous-vide chicken breast with Japanese sweet potato, pickled shallot, powdered peanut, and creamy massaman curry) and coconut ice cream with sliced mango and chewy mochi inspired by mango with sticky rice to wash it all down.
Verdict
Best Western Premier Bayphere Pattaya is a great option for those seeking peace and quiet while being connected to modern life. It's a little outside of downtown Pattaya, yet it allows vacationers to indulge in the beauty of nature.
Throughout the month, the hotel is offering a summercation package starting from 2,999 baht to 4,799 baht, inclusive of breakfast and two dishes for lunch or dinner.
Best Western Premier Bayphere Pattaya is at 159, Na Jomtien Road 18, Sattahip, Chon Buri 20250. Call 033-073-900 or visit bwpbayphere.com.
