Hotels and accommodation

Far from the madding crowd

I stayed at the Siam Movenpick Jomtien last week and was pleased to see that my favourite hotel in the Chonburi province is still popular despite the endemic, the low season and lack of international guests. It has become a favourite with Thai visitors.

This 5 star Movenpick branded, Accor managed hotel has always been a favourite of mine, as I see it as “far from the madding crowd” of downtown Pattaya. Preferring peace and quiet as averse to late night entertainment it looks out to the islands in the Gulf and is a delightful family destination. The huge swimming pool leading to the ‘cleaned every day’ beach has a Waterpark which is always popular with the little ones and has a varied selection of water sports in a safely cordoned off area. It was, as ever, a pleasure to watch Thai parents entertaining their children and to see and hear their excitement unveiled.

Grande Asset Hotels and Property PCL has partnered with the Amatara Wellness Resort to establish a seaside estate atop a mountain that offers opulence with a holistic wellness experience. Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and the islands in Rayong province in the Eastern Economic Corridor area, the Amatara Residences Rayong is positioned as a new destination for world-class wellness-centric living that is friendly to the environment.

A new era of ethical living begins at a prime location of Thailand’s famous beach in Rayong as the Amatara Wellness Resort combines a right mix of wellness and luxury.

“The project responds to the growing trend of luxurious, healthy living that is strengthened by environmental awareness”, said Mr. Pheeraphon Nonthasoot, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing of Grande Asset Hotels and Property Public Company Limited, Thailand’s leading real estate developer.

Amatara Residences Rayong consists of 61 pool villas, 282 condominium units and 209 5-star resort-style quarters. The estate’s common facilities include, among others, the Infinity pool, exclusive restaurants and Ocean Sky Bar which complement the lifestyle and creating a superior experience for its selected residents.

The project’s latest progress sees the completion of the first nine luxury beachfront pool villas which have featured contemporary Thai style based on the traditional architecture. The villas and facilities are designed to create a seamless harmony with the nature, such as the use of natural light and organic materials with state-of-the-art technologies thrown in to enhance the quality of life of residents.

In addition, the initiative offers wellness benefit programs, top-notch workshops, and leisure activities which are geared towards promoting contacting with the nature among people of all ages, from children to seniors, so that they have had a variety of different life experiences. Its ultimate goal is to enable every resident to find their own way of being physically, mentally and spiritually healthy.

I had the opportunity to try the Chatrium Residences Sathon Bangkok this week and I was very impressed. I knew the name as they have another hotel on the riverside alongside Shrewsbury School but I had never had the opportunity of staying as a guest.

They have 560 rooms which range from one to three bedroom suites. My room was a one bedroom aparthotel with a kitchen, lounge, lovely bedroom and bathroom. Delightfully furnished and decorated with a great view across the city this classy hotel in the central business district would be perfect for anyone doing business in the city. To those seeking a leisure break, weekend staycation or even a long term stay for a business person this well appointed hotel is certainly a contender.

They have a Coffee Club from Minor Group in the reception, an all day dining concept at the swimming pool which is like an oasis in the middle of Bangkok, and a Spanish signature restaurant “Albricias” which is a fine dining and a tapas restaurant. All served by attentive staff eager to serve.

I can highly recommend a visit.

Have a great week

Earlier this week Expat Life was in Bangkok for official functions, a business dinner and a hospital visit and I stayed at the excellent Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit alongside Nana BTS.

The hotel is still relatively new at 4 years old but has rapidly established itself as a key destination hotel in the middle of Sukhumvit under the stewardship of Indonesian GM Sammy Carolus.

I arrived Sunday afternoon and on Sunday night the 30th floor night bar was throbbing to the beats of DJ’s and filled to the gunnels with 30 something Thai HiSo’s enjoying cocktails and the music of a Belgian private group called ….. that arrange one of the coolest parties in town every Sunday. Tickets are available at …..

Far too old for the likes of that Expat Life enjoyed some delightful views and perhaps one too many cocktails on the 29th floor but I slept like a baby whilst the youngsters upstairs partied the night away.

The following evening the top 3 floors were booked for a private wedding party. This is a GM that realising that room nights are down because international visitors are not yet coming to Thailand in any great numbers seems to maximise his hotels facilities.

I attended a private dinner the following night along with 3 top international businessmen from the famous Khao restaurant. All four of us were suitably impressed by the delicious food and the superb service provided by the hotels staff.

In my humble impression there is no other hotel in central Bangkok that rivals the Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit. I heartedly recommend it and know that you will be as impressed as I always am.

Asia – November 10th, 2021: Best Western® Hotels & Resorts will wow travel lovers once again this month with the launch of its 11.11 Sale, which offers 11 full days of fantastic discounts with up to 50% off at hotels and resorts in many exciting destinations all across Asia.

Available to book from 9 to 19 November 2021, for stays through 31 March 2022, this enticing promotion ensures the lowest available rates, starting from less than USD 30 per night! So, whether you’re craving a blissful beachfront break, a chic city staycation or an energizing out-of-town escape, Best Western Hotels & Resorts can provide the perfect deal for your next getaway.

Amazing rates of under USD 30 per night can be booked at a wide range of world-class midscale hotels in many highly desirable Asian locations, such as Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel in bustling Bangkok, Best Western Patong Beach in beautiful Phuket, and Best Western Kuta Villa in blissful Bali. Whichever property you choose, every booking will include complimentary Wi-Fi, creating seamless, stress-free escapes.

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sukhumvit 2 promises stylish stays in the heart of Bangkok, while SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western AC Luxe in Angeles City will keep you fully connected in the Philippines. These two contemporary hotels are both offering rates of under USD 50 per night in the 11.11 Sale, and offer personalized service, exceptional amenities and the warm welcome you expect from SureStay Plus®.

If you’re seeking a refined travel experience, Best Western Premier® invites you to enjoy “The Premier Life” in some of Asia’s most extraordinary destinations. Highlights include Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long, the brand-new waterfront hotel overlooking the stunning seascape of Ha Long Bay, Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa on Phuket’s golden coast, and Best Western Premier Panbil, a spectacular landmark in the heart of Batam.

Wherever you choose to travel, Best Western ensures the highest standards of health and hygiene with our “We Care CleanSM” program, which is based on expert advice from governmental agencies and independent bodies. This comprehensive program addresses every aspect of the in-stay experience, from guest room and common area cleanliness to contactless procedures and more, while maintaining our industry-leading guest service.

Be sure to check out the 11.11 Sale from Best Western Hotels & Resorts! This unmissable promotion is available for bookings made from 9 to 19 November 2021 only, for stays taken through 31 March 2022.

For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.BestWesternAsia.com.

Last weekend I went ‘walkabout’ as our Australian friends say. As a break from the Royal resort of Hua Hin I thought I would see how Pattaya is preparing itself before it’s official opening on November 1st.

I stayed at the excellent Holiday Inn on Beach Rd easily accessed from the expressway and in my impression ideally placed at the northern end of Beach Rd.

Check in was efficient and painless and the concierge delivered by luggage to my room on the 21st floor whilst his colleagues valet parked my car.

The room was impeccably clean. IHG have created a programme called IHG Clean Promise https://www.ihg.com/content/us/en/customer-care/clean-promise they are committed to high levels of cleanliness and are partnering with industry experts and have implemented stringent protocols and guidelines throughout the hotel.

Cleanliness has become possibly even more important than service! Its something that they get many enquires and positive comments on and is obviously top of mind for guests as they choose a place to stay.

The room was well appointed, had firm and soft pillows, a simple but functional luxury bathroom equipped with a power shower, plenty of charging points throughout the room for my multitude of electrical gadgets and a balcony looking out over the bay of Pattaya as I believe all rooms in the front building do.

That evening the hotel provided a seafood buffet with more choice than I have room to mention and as it was pouring with rain it was full, mainly of Thai family guests. I ate far too much then waddled back to my room.

The staff throughout the hotel were polite, efficient and you could tell had been well trained. From the cleaners, the chefs and restaurant staff, the concierge and security staff. They all seemed happy to serve and assist which shows that the management team are doing an excellent job.

The Holiday Inn Pattaya is ready for November 1st to welcome back guests - domestic or international, if the city of Pattaya still needs an awful lot done before it is ready to reopen.

IHG, which was the largest hospitality provider in the world, before all of the mergers and acquisitions. Holiday Inn’s owners, have 14 hotels in Thailand and hopefully will help lead Thailand’s recovery plan. The current government administration in Thailand should perhaps take more notice of how the commercial sector operate their businesses. They could learn a great deal.

Book now at www.holidayinn.com/pattaya or toll free 001-800-656-888 www.holidayinn.com

The last 16 months have been extremely tough on us all with Covid-19, loss of travel and interaction with those that we love, lockdowns lack of normality, economically…

For an old man like me that has a bad back, diabetes, war wounds too many to mention, and recently informed by the surgeon, an arthritic right hip that needs replacing, one of the many pleasures of living in Thailand is the access to quality massage, spas and wellness treatments.

Currently in Hua Hin I decided that I needed a little pampering and where better than Let’s Relax - the only publicly quoted spa massage centre in Thailand. They have two centres in Hua Hin - one at Market Village and the other at Soi 100 so I chose the latter. I have attached the menu and chose the body scrub and aroma therapy.

The facilities at Let’s Relax are first class. Safety and security uppermost in these difficult times. I was temperature tested and had access to sanitiser as I entered and everywhere inside. The entire building was impeccably clean, the staff wore uniforms and were caring, attentive and gentle. The menu was comprehensive and I chose the two hour body scrub and aroma massage therapy.

The room had been prepared and I was escorted it and left to shower. Clean towels, soft music and an aromatherapy steamer set the scene perfectly. The therapist dressed in a white trouser suit uniform was very pleasant and scrubbed my body with coffee, my choice from the 6 or so options. I was then left to cleanse my body and laid down for the massage. The bed was warmed electrically I guess, which was a lovely touch I thought, and the lady was a professional masseuse and eased my aching body. It was so good that I wished that I had opted for a two hour aroma therapy.

Looks like I shall have to come again.

https://letsrelaxspa.com