Heavily inspired by sugar palm trees, Pattaya Marriott Resort And Spa recently opened on Na Jomtien Beach.
Although it may appear newly built, it’s actually the impressive result of a renovation and extension of an existing property. Sigma Resort Pattaya got a Marriott makeover and has become the (posher) Pattaya Marriott Resort And Spa.
Pattaya Marriott Resort And Spa takes the “Sugar Palm Trees Paradise” concept seriously, as the local plant serve as the muse for the resort’s interior design while acknowledging the area’s coastal locality.
Before entering the lobby, guests can’t miss an outdoor sculpture inspired by a young palm fruit in the sun-lit garden while a slightly squished dome comprising many wooden discs greets them in front of the main doors.
Once they’re inside the spacious lobby, they’ll be under a canopy as each big pillar is crafted in an artistic rendition of sugar palm trees from their crisscross trunks to pinnate leaves.
While the lamps hanging from above look like glowing sugar palm fruits. The welcome drink even blends sugar palm with pineapple, coconut and lime to refresh guests with tropical sips.
The sugar palm theme is extended into the resort’s 289 rooms and suites, which range from 33m² deluxe rooms to 57m² family rooms with bunk beds and spacious premium suites with up to 88m² of modern, light-filled space.
A Premiere Deluxe room doesn’t feel cramped despite its 33m² size, thanks to its studio layout with an open closet and a living area next to the sliding balcony doors. Its private and roofed balcony is sizable enough for a sofa and a coffee table in case you want to take in the view.
I would recommend Garden Suite for those who want a home-like feel and are foliage fans. They are hidden among hedge shrubs and trees, and each unit, around 75m², is located behind private gates. A two-seater swing chair welcomes you on a brief walkway before you reach the door. The sizeable bathroom comes with a huge round bathtub, and it can be closed off or opened with corner sliding doors. Its patio, which connects to a garden, boasts another big tub, an outdoor daybed and a pair of rattan armchairs. The hedge could have been taller to prevent prying eyes.
Pattaya Marriott Resort And Spa boasts two beautifully mosaic main swimming pools – Family Pool and Adults Pool – and several water slides to boot.
Although the beach is just across the street, the resort brings the beach closer with plenty of sun loungers and daybeds set on an area of sand in front of the Family Pool on the ground floor. Adjacent to it is the children’s pool equipped with water guns and a slide.
The Adult Pool on the third floor serves as a chill spot for those who wish to catch the sunset from in-pool seats with cocktails from the adjacent Sunbird Bar.
There are several sliders to enjoy starting with the wide water slide on the fourth floor. From there, you can descend to the ground level with a few more rides on water slides. Then repeat the process with the help of an elevator (under construction when I stayed there) if you want more splashy fun. Combining all these rides and water features, it feels like a mini water park.
Guests are quite spoilt for choice when it comes to on-site F and B options as the resort offers six restaurants and bars. All-day-dining Goji Kitchen Grill and Bar stands out with live kitchens serving Thai, pan-Asian and international cuisine with buffet and à la carte options. Goji at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is known as one of Bangkok’s best buffet options and it’s clear Pattaya Goji tries to live up to that.
You can easily notice that Goji goes beyond the usual suspects of hotel breakfast. The made-to-order kuay tiew station has more variety on noodles, meats, veggies and condiments (you know how much Thais love to season their kuay tiew without tasting first). The fresh fruit counter has four condiments, including Nam plan wan with a generous amount of dried shrimp.
Goji’s dinner buffet also offers many highlights, but a few that caught my eye include addictive Southern crab curry with wild betel leaves (which you can help yourself to), a sushi/sashimi selection with Wagyu nigiri and Unagi nigiri and succulent slices of lamb and beef. Heck, you can even get cooked noodle and salmon sashimi from their respective stations and ask the som tam station to make you Tam sen lek with pla ra and salmon. Don’t forget to save room for churros, DIY nam khaeng sai and cakes.
The other F and B outlets include La Familiare, which is helmed by chef Chef Marcello Piacentini, for authentic flavours of Italy with handmade pasta and classic regional specialties. Siam Bakery for coffee, juices and freshly baked pastries. Next to the Family Pool is The Siam Pool Bar and Lounge which serves drinks, light bites and kid-friendly treats while Sunbird Bar next to the Adult Pool offers crafted cocktails as the sun sets. The resort is also preparing to open a teppanyaki place on its top floor.
While you can hit the resort’s well-equipped gym anytime of day or night (it opens 24/7), to stave off vacay calories, you can also borrow a Sup board to brave the waves or join a Pétanque game on the beach.
For some peace and quiet, you can escape to Quan Spa, which has six treatment rooms, including two couple’s rooms.
In its next phase, the resort is planning to expand with more facilities for Mice in addition to the existing four flexible meeting rooms and the rooftop space on the forth floor, which could host a laid-back party or a morning pilates session.
The “Family Beach Break” package offers a 24-hour getaway, including daily buffet breakfast at Goji, complimentary meals for little ones, one kids’ club activity per day and ice cream treats. Available until Oct 31.