Award-winning Thai design firm A49 conceptualises Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, the brand’s debut hotel in Thailand

Former private family estate transformed into a luxury lifestyle resort, woven amid mature gardens, native trees and restored heritage houses to highlight the true essence of the local community

Pattaya, Thailand, September 2022: Thailand’s first Andaz hotel will make its debut later this year, introducing Hyatt’s luxury and lifestyle concept to Pattaya, one of the kingdom’s most popular destinations. A far cry from the bright lights and nightlife of downtown Pattaya however, this stylish and sensitive retreat will transport guests into a world of Thai elegance and authenticity.
 
Nestled on a serene 6.4-hectare plot of land at Tawanron Beach, on the sunset coast between the holiday hub of Jomtien and the charming fishing village of Bang Saray, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach will introduce explorers to a new and unspoiled stretch of Thailand’s shoreline. This is not just another beach resort; true to the spirit of the Andaz brand and Hyatt’s Boundless Collection, Andaz Pattaya will tell the story of life and culture in this charming coastal community. The award-winning architecture firm A49 was enlisted to bring this vision of authentic “Thainess” to life.
 
Set on the site of a private family estate, the new hotel has retained the enchanting ambience that those growing up in the area must have felt in years gone by. The entire site is blessed with mature gardens and fully-grown trees, which soar up to 20 metres tall, immersing guests in a lush atmosphere and providing welcome shelter from the tropical heat. Three traditional Thai houses which have been on site for more than 70 years, have been retained and restored.
 
This idyllic landscape set the scene for Andaz Pattaya, but it also presented a challenge to A49. How could they integrate a contemporary five-star luxury and lifestyle resort into such well-established woodland without upsetting the balance of nature?

The solution was to create a series of separate zones that would weave seamlessly through the trees. Upon arrival, the guests are welcomed into the awe-inspiring Rain Tree Court, with a reflective pond underneath that symbolises the soul of the tree. The Village Square is a stylish social space where guests can unwind and mingle freely in the resort centre, lobby and Teak Lounge, or dine at three signature restaurants: Wok Wok, which specialises in Thai and Asian wok dishes, La Cucina, an authentic Italian trattoria, and Village Butcher, a steakhouse where premium meats are cooked on a Pira charcoal grill. For the ultimate chill-out zone, Fish Club is a casual seafood restaurant, beach bar and infinity pool which provides the perfect place to sit back and watch the sunset, or even host pool parties and festivals. Two further swimming pools offer diverse types of relaxation, including one quiet lap pool and a freeform pool next to the kids’ club.
 
A selection of creative event venues will inspire the imagination with their naturally-lit spaces, skylights, show kitchens, open decks and garden views, and the traditional teak house has been preserved and restored as a teahouse or a serene setting for intimate events.
 
Two other heritage houses have been transformed into the resort’s most highly prized accommodation: a duplex four-bedroom Manor House and a breath-taking six-bedroom Presidential Heritage House. With private pools, inner courtyards and ocean views, these exquisite villas let guests embark on an experiential journey and discover Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard not as a tourist, but through the eyes of locals who have lived here for generations.
 
All the hotel buildings have been sensitively positioned around the trees and native materials such as woven bamboo from the famous Panas Nikhom community and ang sila mortar have been incorporated throughout. Natural products were chosen for their simplicity, elegance and warmth, with unique architectural features and flourishes designed to reflect a Chonburi fishing village. Each guestroom has been adorned with handmade arts and crafts from local Thai villages.
 
Sustainability has also been woven into the design, with rainwater and grey water used for irrigation, motion sensor LED lighting, smart AC systems, a no single-use plastic policy, reusable amenity containers, and locally-sourced equipment and responsibly farmed produce, including MSC & ASC approved seafood in the restaurants. The resort will also have its own organic herb garden.
 
“Andaz Pattaya is not just another internationally-branded beachfront resort; it is like a time capsule that transports guests into a more graceful era. When we first saw this piece of land we were inspired by its natural beauty, and especially the mature trees protecting it. This shaped the layout and flow of the resort, from the breath-taking rain tree at the entrance through the heritage buildings and orchards that define the landscape. By embracing these elements and complementing them in a sensitive way, we believe that Andaz Pattaya reflects a sense of Thainess and the authentic personality of its destination,” commented Mr. Pichai Wongwaisayawan, Deputy Managing Director at A49.
 
Located just a short drive from Pattaya’s main tourism hotspots and only two hours’ drive from Bangkok, yet far enough away to retain a sense of deep tranquility, Andaz Pattaya will help travellers see a new side to this popular destination. Andaz Pattaya is already making waves in the industry; the property picked up the Asia Pacific Property Award for “Best New Hotel Construction & Design – Thailand”.
 
For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/thailand/andaz-pattaya-jomtien-beach/utpaz.