Royal boughs by the beach

Simple Spanish styling. Photo/Pabphim

Unlike the gleaming hotels and resorts mushrooming around it in Pattaya, the Mom Chailai Pattaya Retreat nestles modestly in a jungle setting by Dong Tan beach at the south end of town.

This sanctuary served as a beach house for the late prince Bhanubhandu Yugala and his wife Mom Chailai, before she opened the Spanishstyle house to the public, giving everyone a chance to enjoy its beauty. There are just seven rooms here - one suite, four seaview rooms and two garden rooms.

The place reflects Mom Chailai's lifelong passion for natural materials, both in the mature trees that tower over the house and the antiques that stand within. The tables, chairs and doors are grand and elegant, all made with hardwoods. The rooms are less spacious than you might expect for a royal retreat but comfortable enough with airconditioning, a television, fridge and ensuite bathrooms. The best reward for visitors comes when they reach the retreat's back door: The beautiful Dong Tan beach stretches out in front of you, free of the crowds that can choke popular Jomtien. But there's also the cosy outdoor courtyard beneath the trees - a great place for both dining and relaxing.

Prices run from Bt1,000 to Bt5,000 a night inclusive of breakfast. Call (083) 778 8389 or visit www.MomChailai.com.

Xtra

Staying in nature

Mom Chailai also offers a peaceful forest retreat in Kanchanaburi as well as a sanctuary by the Tha Chin River in Nakhon Pathom, where you can choose between staying in a boathouse or a traditional Thai house on the bank.

by Pabphim

Daily Xpress