Renaissance takes the plunge

THE FIRST thing that strikes me as I arrive at the Renaissance Pattaya Resort and Spa is how amazingly serene it is given it is a mere 15 minutes away from the bustling beachtown. 
The beachfront low-rise resort located in the tranquil district of Na Jomtien looks good too, with two distinctive large outdoor swimming pools. The uppermost infinity pool sits above the other, which in turn sits above the beach offering descending levels of blissful enjoyment. 

In business for about two years, the luxury hotel is operated by the Marriott chain. Luxuriously elegant both inside and out and offering the kind of service its five stars demand, it is also down-to-earth, making it an ideal place for all the family. There is a specially designed kid’s pool with slides and water that “jumps” and my two youngsters couldn’t get enough of it. For any traveller, nice pools are the simplest way to create a memorable experience and the Renaissance Pattaya certainly responds to that requirement. 
The low-rise buildings that make up the resort are just three steps away from the road and the beach on the other side. There are plenty of open areas and getting from one building to another makes for a pleasant stroll. 
Less than two hours’ drive from Bangkok, the resort offers comfortable, upscale accommodation suitable for all travellers, with deluxe rooms, family suites, pool access rooms and villas catering to every need. The Deluxe Balcony offers a partial sea view while the Deluxe Balcony Sea View is full on and boasts particularly attractive headboards adorned with backlit laser cut sea-fans and signature lamps. All rooms have separate bathtub and shower and amenities by the skincare brand Ren. The Family Suite is an ideal retreat with a separate bedroom for parents, a children’s room with bunk beds and a living area for family gatherings.

Recreational facilities include a well-equipped fitness centre and a lovely spa with six treatment rooms and a spacious relaxing area. The therapists are trained in techniques to relief stress and muscle tension and while mum and dad are having their troubles massaged away, the youngest guests can have fun at the Treasure Kids Club. 
All-day dining restaurant, 609 Kitchen offers Asian and International cuisine both buffet style and at cooking stations where the chefs prepare a la minute orders. A themed dinner buffet is available on Friday while on Saturday night, the focus is on seafood. 
Pebbles Bar and Grill has a distinct fishing theme and an open kitchen for guests to see the chefs in action. The restaurant uses locally grown seasonal ingredients, much of it organic, sustainable meat, fish, poultry, vegetables and grains. We particularly enjoyed the Pan-Fried Foie Gras with its delicious orange cream, candied zest, baby herb salad, vanilla and balsamic dressing. Equally as good was the Seared duck breast with pumpkin puree, pumpkin chips and a pumpkin samosa curry-infused dressing. And the kids loved the Strawberry Delight, especially as the pastry chefs came to the table to decorate the poached strawberries with strawberry jelly, strawberry parfait, strawberry mousse, balsamic, and vanilla caviar shortbread biscuit, arranging them piece by piece then finishing by topping it with chocolate. 

The cocktails are prepared by an expert mixologist and include the Lady Killer made from Bombay gin, peach schnapps, Southern Comfort, rose syrup, lime juice and egg white as well as the Shop Me, an interesting mix of Abelha Cachaca, a Brazilian spirit made from distilled sugar cane, Cointreau, mango juice, pandan syrup, and lime juice.
And, above all, the Renaissance Pattaya Resort and Spa lives up to its promise –a place where simple delights become memorable moments.
  

AT A GLANCE
High points: Lots of space and great swimming pools
Low points: Despite being a |low-rise, there are a lot of steps.|Pay for it: Check out the best rates at website.
Find it: 9/9 Moo 3, Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Chonburi 20250 
Call it: (038) 259 099 
Browse it: www.RenaissancePattaya.com