Sunthorn Phu, probably the most famous Thai royal poet you’ve never heard of, once wrote, “Observing the gentle undulation of ocean waves and countless seashells of different shapes and colours adorning the shore, it would bring great joy to have your presence amidst this scene.”
Phu’s words are inscribed onto the entryway mirror of my room at Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, and duly sets the mood for Robb Report Hong Kong’s visit to the newly opened hotel. Many other poems penned by the prolific writer, active during the reign of kings Rama II and Rama III in the 18th and 19th centuries, are memorialised across the 204-key oceanfront property. It is but a small, deliberate detail to infuse the resort with a local touch, yet it allows for a moment of reflection upon the poet’s words, and the infused sentiment: appreciation of beautiful things—and experiences—are best enjoyed together.
After an extended period of pandemic isolation, families are looking for bonding opportunities and destinations that can provide the right accommodations to guests big and small. “We are thrilled to see the growing interest in multi-generational travel as families seek togetherness and to create cherished memories,” says Ranjeet Rajebhosale, general manager of the hotel. “A great vacation should be accessible to everyone, and we take pride in our ability to accommodate all types of travellers, regardless of their age or travel style.”
Enter Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, new to the sandy coastline and opened just this past January, but the name is a misnomer—the 6.4-hectare property, replete with lush lawnscapes and direct ocean access, sits on Tawanron Beach, also nicknamed “Sunset Beach” (you can probably imagine the picturesque reason why). Andaz is not only a breath of fresh air to the Greater Pattaya area, but also to the country itself—it’s the debut of the boutique luxury brand in Thailand, adding to the region’s growing portfolio of hotels.
Entering a new market for the first time means making a good initial impression is a must, and Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach puts its best foot forward; the nature-drenched resort is plentiful in space, entertainment, dining and drinking outlets, and overnight options. It is, as Rajebhosale suggests, designed with multi-generational travellers in mind, but don’t get it twisted—it’s not just families who come to stay, nor is it designed to be a replacement for Disneyland, though there are facilities that young guests will enjoy more than others. Couples, solo travellers, and the like are equally welcome and catered to in this secluded space, a comfortable 30-minute drive from the madding crowds of Pattaya City.
Upon arrival, mushroom-shaped lamps on the ground guide our cohort along a zigzagging stone path, wending its way through the greens. We congregate in the open-air Raintree Court—“the heart and soul of the resort where travellers can meet, unwind, and socialise,” as per the official literature—bookended by the immense, wide-canopied plant that gives the lobby its name, while the waters of a reflecting pool shimmer in the sunlight. Looking up, the beam ceiling creates a cavernous, awe-inspiring effect. Iced welcome drinks are quickly ushered to the table, along with cool, aromatic towels (much needed in 39 degrees Celsius heat). Consider the first impression made—and consider it memorable.
Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is split into multiple zones, of which the Water Court, Raintree Court, Lagoon Court, and Tonsai Court make up the 204 rooms, suites, and villas. Book yourself in for the ground-floor Lagoon Access room—it’s the most direct way into the blissfully quiet Water Court pool and the lagoon that encircles it, perfect for lazy laps. Each room comes with its own outdoor daybed and private patio, from which you can wade into the burbling waters.
For an even more private experience, look to the Beachfront pool villa or Ocean View pool villa, while multi-generational groups on vacation will find little to fault in the two-storey, one- to three-bedroom Ocean View Heritage House villas (all with their own pools, of course). Honeymooners will prefer the seclusion of the Water Court, while families with kids in tow can make use of the Lagoon Court and its adjacent Sanuk Sanuk kids’ club and pool, where slides, swings, a jungle gym, and storytelling sessions will keep little ones busy.
Room interiors are tastefully appointed; think bathrooms of marble surfaces and freestanding tubs, glossy teakwood floors, muted greys and earth tones, powerful pops of red and black, and textiles and artwork inspired by local patterns. Of the various accommodation options, the multi-bedroom Heritage House in particular gives shape to a modern interpretation of traditional Thai wooden houses, courtesy of architecture firm A49 and interior company Pia.
Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is designed for those who travel to eschew the frenetic activity of urban life—a beachside getaway for slow weekends and long brunches, if you will. Activities and amenities can be found within walking distance without straying off property. No tropical holiday escape is complete without a pampering session, and Andaz Pattaya has just the thing: Pañpuri, a home-grown wellness brand, is blessedly near at hand.
We dip into the Pañpuri Wellness Harbour—a spa beautifully done up in natural wood tones and rich blues, with a no-walls, no-doors post-treatment relaxation lounge—for a much-needed reset after a day out in the sweltering heat, and cool down with a signature aromatherapy massage. Instantly, we are lulled to that transcendent, liminal plane only encountered during a particularly restorative spa treatment, until we come to the assisted stretch, which takes us from soothing kneading to deep, cross-body folds. (Ready your limbs to be pulled in opposing directions, all for the sake of wellness—you’ll feel better for it.)
If more movement is what your body calls for, the 24-hour fitness centre has your name on it. Each day offers a different exercise class, be it walking meditation or yoga, or the more active wai kru muay Thai and Thai boxing. Activities also come as crafts workshops, such as the making of hand garlands and weaving of coconut-leaf baskets, with guided sessions set outdoors, if you wish, in the wooden pavilion bordering a babbling rivulet. For even more excitement, adventurous types can go off-property to join a cruise at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club, or take in nearby cultural attractions and spiritual sites.
Dining is centred around the Village Square—the “community” theme is strong. Between the Village Butcher steakhouse, La Cucina Mediterranean restaurant, and the local and regional Asian menus served at Wok Wok, we are well set up for a different gastronomic experience every night and day. Teak Lounge is for sundowners; the seafood-centric Fish Club by the beach is for sunset-watching and a moreish serving of goong ob woonsen, stir-fried glass noodles and prawns tossed in a savoury sauce. Ruen Thai, shaded by banyan trees, is a heritage teakwood teahouse inspired by traditional architecture and décor.
Dinner at Village Butcher had us eating our way through lobster cocktail, French onion soup, charcoal-grilled Australian Black Angus rib-eye, and rum baba; La Cucina was a feast of mushroom and truffle soup, spaghetti vongole, a spread of handmade pizzas, and an irresistible tiramisu; while Wok Wok presented a menu of familiar local favourites, prepared by head chef Siriluck Lekkwan.
Lekkwan—lovingly referred to as “Chef Mum”—is a sexagenarian who has worked with the Hyatt brand for 30 years, honing her skills at Grand Hyatt hotels across three different cities in Asia. It did not take much convincing to tease the experienced chef out of retirement to open Wok Wok at the new Andaz; she practically leapt at the opportunity, and deftly puts her experienced touch on the menu. Her tom kha gai, a healthful soup of chicken, oyster mushrooms, coconut milk, lime, and chilli, is as revitalising for the soul as any wellness treatment, the warmth and richness of flavour unmatched. We’ll have two more, please.
As an all-encompassing resort, the charms of the coastal Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach lie in its inclusive approach. Regardless of the type of traveller, here, one destination has it all—warm and personalised hospitality, privacy, wellness and relaxation, more restaurants than you can reasonably book yourself in for during a multi-night stay, cultural discovery, activities for big and small, and oodles of nature, of the sandy, watery, and leafy kind. Plus, of course, the pools—any resort that offers room-to-lagoon access is a clear winner in our books.
And to heed Sunthorn Phu’s poetic sensibilities from all those centuries ago, the enjoyment of wonderful experiences are infinitely amplified when shared. Where better to share them than at a resort that embodies that selfsame philosophy?
All images courtesy of Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach.
