A Tale of Two Thai Cities

Chic designs and stunning shores…

I’ve visited Jomtien countless times, and with a beach this stunning, I’ve always wondered why it doesn’t attract more Europeans. This beach rivals any I’ve seen worldwide! But more on that later.

When I arrived at Bayphere Hotel Pattaya, I was taken aback. With 175 rooms, I expected a monolith. Instead, I found a boutique-style haven—stylish, airy and effortlessly chic, like an uber trendy city hotel combined with a laid-back beach vibe. Natural colours and materials blend into a design that nails both style and comfort. However, what struck me most was how the resort blends so seamlessly with the landscape, practically disappearing into the surroundings.

Sea breezes and tiki vibes…

Before checking in, Ann from the sales team took us to kaBARna, the beach bar, for a refreshing drink—a brilliant move. We strolled through the light-filled lobby, past The Rocks, the ground-floor restaurant and coffee shop, water features and greenery to the bridge which connects the resort to the beach.

The beach bar is fantastic. Right on the sand, a fab tiki-style setup with drinks served straight to your bean bag, deck chair or table. It was clearly the hotspot for guests, with a great buzz about the place. I could happily spend all day here thanks to the sea breeze keeping me from turning into a human torch. Finally, I was cool without needing air con. The ice-cold beers also helped. Ann was a delight and the bar staff were top-notch—engaging, efficient and entertaining. Exactly what you want from a beach bar!

Small spaces, grand designs…

After a glorious sunset over the gulf, we finally checked in and headed up to our rooms. We were on the 7th floor in Deluxe Rooms. At just 35-sqm, they might seem compact, but don’t be fooled—they’re brilliantly designed with every detail taken care of. Way more than adequate. Stylish, functional, superbly equipped and super comfy. As a self-proclaimed klutz, I was thrilled not to bump a knee or stub a toe—the acid test of any room’s design!

The room inventory is pretty straightforward: Deluxe Rooms; Grand Deluxe Rooms, a step up only in location/view; Executive Garden View Rooms; and Executive Ocean View Rooms, which are larger with a hot tub on the balcony. Simple and perfect.

Pad Thai and Parmesan wheels…

Now let’s talk food and drink… We kicked off our culinary adventure at The Rocks on the ground floor. Bright and airy, with a great menu of International and Thai food, from pizzas and burgers to Thai green curry and pad Thai. Breakfast is also served here with hot and cold Western and Asian options, including some of the best sausages I’ve had in ages. The beach bar also serves food from The Rocks. And there’s nothing better than a pizza, cold beer or tropical fruit juice right on the glorious beach.

We had the pleasure of hanging out with Peter Lucas, the CEO of Habitat Group, the mastermind behind Bayphere and Bluephere in Jomtien, and the Wyndham and Ramada in Pattaya. A typical (I mean that kindly) Australian with a keen mind (not typical Australian!) and pride and enthusiasm in the wonderful product that he and his team are building. Over dinner with Peter and his son Sebastian at Lunar, the top-floor Italian/Mediterranean restaurant, we chatted about everything under the sun. Lunar’s vibe is subtle Hollywood with retro 50s and 60s Americana tunes. The food? Absolutely fabulous!

Peter was a bit anxious about my take on their Italian fare, given my own heritage. But his fears were unfounded. The theatrical Parmesan Wheel, set ablaze with a blowtorch before rolling in the linguine, was as fun as it was delicious. With stunning food, a fantastic atmosphere and almost 360-degree bay views,  Lunar is a must-visit for foodies. And let’s not forget the bar—stylish with knowledgeable bartenders and an outdoor section overlooking the pool and bay. We found it hard to leave!

Jomtien’s chic new retreat…

Chris and I never pass up the chance to check out new potential partners when we travel. So, when Habitat Group, the developers behind Bayphere and other cool projects, invited us for lunch at the Cross Oceanphere Pool Villas in Jomtien, we were all in. We’d previously thought that this lovely property might not appeal to the UK market. How wrong we were…

Cross Oceanphere is simply fabulous—modern pool villas nestled in pristine gardens with excellent F&B. It’s a no-brainer. Stay tuned, as this Red Elephant will soon be on the charge to promote this property!

Pattaya – revamped and risqué…

Now, let’s address the (red) elephant in the room: Pattaya. While Bayphere in Jomtien is an oasis of calm, its rather colourful big brother, Pattaya, 15 minutes way, has a wild reputation that attracts a certain type of clientele. But the Pattaya of today is a far cry from the past. Over the last 20 years, it’s undergone a major transformation. Yes, Pattaya still parties hard and is rather risqué in places, but it’s also evolved with new hotels, a revamped beachfront and Walking Street. Picture Blackpool at its peak, and you’ve got the vibe. However, step away from the ‘soi district’ and Walking Street, and you’ll find fantastic restaurants, world-class shopping malls and a beautiful long sandy beach, all just an hour and a half from Bangkok’s airport. As transformations go, this one has been spectacular.

And so, our odyssey comes to the perfect end. Bayphere in Jomtien has been a revelation, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and fun to cap off a holiday—or in my case, a long business trip.

The End.