Dining/Drinking

Visiting a brand new resort – here Centara Maris Resort Jomtien – always offer an element of excitement, as one builds up a mixture of expectation (perhaps based on the pre-visit browsing) and pure curiosity, also of course in relation to the particular destination. The journey here goes to Jomtien, a few hours, on the east coast, south of Bangkok.

Getting to southern Jomtien has improved, as Pattaya and Chon Buri province have undergone major road constructions. The area is becoming increasingly crowded and seeing increasing tourism and business growth.

Once reaching the area it has something of a much more relaxed and beachside resort feel than in downtown Pattaya itself, while Jomtien is also seeing its fair share of development (condominiums, beachfront dining venues and even beach clubs). Basically, the further south one goes, the more relaxed and slow-paced things get. At the southern end of Jomtien’s beach road, one has pretty much escaped beach mongrels. The are also be some great beaches a bit further south of Bang Sare as a day excursion, as southern Jomtien does not really have a sandy beach stretch.

There are empty pieces of land here, and it’s not densely built – at least not yet. What the future has in store for Jomtien is unpredictable but it would benefit from keeping today’s relaxed vibe, rather than evolving into a second downtown Pattaya (which is first and foremost critically ill-managed in terms of its road infrastructure and volume of vehicles on the streets, while it certainly also offers many nice resorts and also upscale venues, aside its other infamous “nightlife” mix). The local Thais are more inclined to visit southern Jomtien, while westerners in this area traditionally prefer to stay a few kilometres further up north and close to and within Pratumnak hill. There are quite a few of the kind of traditional beach restaurants that the Thais prefer. Westerners, in particular Scandinavians, now have a good reason to rethink, though, with the addition of Centra by Centara Maris Resort Jomtien, which really has a design appeal that would appeal to them.

Local transportation from Pattaya ends in Southern Jomtien and here the main road, Sukhumvit, is less than one kilometre inland. One can be landed, but also stranded! The new centre of attention in southern Jomtien, and also in focus for this review, is the Centra by Centara Maris Resort Jomtien (brand new in 2016) resort. But it’s not in my eyesight! A phone call to the hotel and the writer is briskly picked up next to the mini mart and driven to the resort via a road that is going inland to then go backwards towards the beach again. This, it turns out is due to the resort being a bit hidden behind a high-rise condominium. Not that it matters too much, given the resort’s own pool zone and resort garden within its enclosed surroundings.

The in 2016 brand new resort’s seasoned Thai General Manager and his team will greet you with excellent signature Centara-Thai hospitality service, once you arrive. And the tastefully designed hotel, in particular the oversized rooms, definitely surpass expectations for the hotel brand – this is clearly a four+ star property! Meanwhile, it is a most suitable addition to Centara’s Centra portfolio. Especially the bright feel and large rooms and suites are a positive surprise, and, as indicated the room interiors have a strong touch of Scandinavian summer – or the French-Italian Riviera for that matter! As one enters and explores the premises after check-in it soon becomes clear that this resort breeds vacation atmosphere and seaside bliss.

Step right into the open-air lobby, on the ground floor of one of the resort’s seven buildings, arriving at the far back of the resort. The lobby’s lounge area really hands this hotel its resort feel, as does also the orange-hued Mix Bistro all-day restaurant.

The lobby is furnished with seating areas in tropical island style: made of natural materials (rope, wood, leaves) circle-formed, semi-enclosed and thatched-roofed. They seem to be hanging from elevations in the ceiling for each of them. Come evening this relaxing zone turns really cosy when lit with soft, warm light. This is an excellent waiting zone, while processing the check-in, or when awaiting transportation (the resort also provides complimentary shuttle service to downtown Pattaya).

Additional designed rattan seats are placed adjacent a reflecting pool that separates the lobby and the restaurant. Mix Bistro also has outdoor half-circle rattan sofas that are sliced (like lemon) and designed with yellow upholstering, paired with tasteful Windsor chairs!

But the most striking thing of the arrival must be: a Tree of Life! Placed to the right, outside the meeting facilities, which is right behind the lobby, nature-worshippers find a large tree that has been kep intact on the premises and now stands proud in its very own corner of the resort. Safely inside the enclosing white wall, it stands proud in view of all the outdoor tables and seats of the restaurant. This tree really gives character to the resort landscaping, and it also fits nicely with the nature-oriented modern design of this lovely resort.

Indeed it is designed as a destination in its own right (while guests looking for surroundings that have things on offer certainly have many choices of the sort that tourists seek), so for a weekend stay there will be little need to venture outside.

As for the 282 rooms, suites and residences – a remarkably high number since the resort does not really feel that large at all thanks to its layout – Centra by Centara Maris Resort Jomtien really delivers for anyone who has chosen this stay in particular for the accommodation that seems to have a really nice appeal. And on this front the resort really delivers – beyond one’s expectations actually!

The anticipated brightness and some tropical coloured interior details are there. And such large rooms and suites – up to 69 square metres with balcony and views over the gardens or pool. The accommodation is a range of different styles, all of which feature generous, living space and even the option of a family residence or intimate retreat with private garden and plunge pool. There are even units with bunk beds for children and separate living area.

After unpacking and having stepped out onto the private terrace to immediately feel the urge to celebrate that it’s vacation time with something sparkling, you’ll start noticing how the suite (or room) has been finessed with subtle details, such as the matching of the interior palette.

Here is also where small little details make all the differentiation, such as the lounge rattan sofas with upholstering and tables on the balconies, or the summerhouse style creamy-white veranda-style chairs.

The wood-looking floor tiles are bright sandy and the work desk is made of blonde wood. Similarly, some of the walls are made of sandy, cream-hued concrete featuring repetitive brushstrokes that forms a handmade pattern.

Rice paper lampshades have a web of threads, and pillows have similar patterns resembling vegetation and nature. And in some room types the pastel green corner sofa is paired with a very heavy log of wood that supports a glass table on top.

Turquoise blackout curtains, that have a pattern resembling fish or snakeskin, further accent the interior.

This colour theme is also found in the pattern of a frosted bathroom glass wall, and a mosaic wall, which has a more blue/brown colour mix.

As for the architecture this resort is designed in keeping with the characteristics of architecture in the area, where the terraces of units are tilted slightly towards the sea.

The buildings also get great character from the façade’s smart separation of each unit alternating between brown, white and grey, and giving a privacy shield from one’s neighbours.

The best vista is probably on one of the higher floors a bit back closer to the lobby, which will give a great review of the enclosed resort (buildings facing each other on two sides of the garden and pool), and some distance to the very active pool area.

Throughout the verdant garden there are some boat-resembling garden furniture, with a flavour of Thai culture.

The lagoon-shaped swimming pool can feel slightly crowded but comes with on-water beds and several crescent-shaped jacuzzi and a dedicated poolside Reflection Bar, where one can enjoy drinks and relaxation. The children’s pool with waterslides and water playground is connected to the main pool, while parents can hope to get some time for themselves once the children discovers Thailand’s first hobbit themed Kids’ Club, Camp Safari and E-Zone! Family-friendly, the resort also offers babysitting service.

At the far end of the resort the waterfall stands as a high, green monolith, forming a nice backdrop for the resort guests, and next to it the pool club-style restaurant Coco & Rum offers an eclectic selection of quality food and drinks, serving everything from fresh seafood and fish to chops and steaks, and burgers with modern twist. The top floor of Coco & Rum is the resort’s best spot, overlooking the pool, the garden and all the action at a distance: small children excitedly building castles in the sand by the pool, next to them a young man totally basking in the sun…

Breakfast is had at colourful Mix Bistro, by the lobby, that seats 250, and is open throughout the day also for lunch and dinner.

Window-walled Mix Bistro turns really cosy towards the evening both outdoors and indoors – where one lit orange-hued wall forms the backdrop for a sofa stretching along the wall, decorated with pillows for back support.

Its menu offers Asian flavours and international cuisine, with a wide, well presented selection of dishes with great taste (appetizers, salads, sandwiches and burgers, spaghetti, Thai cuisine etc.)

Other features not be overlooked are the gym and the spa.

Still, it is, upon this visit, early days for this resort. But Centra by Centara Maris Resort Jomtien is off to a good start; with early signs of high popularity among westerners and lots of corporate groups choosing it for meetings combined with rest and recreation.