Already visited Phuket, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai? Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand’s east coast, just two hours drive from Bangkok, has long been a hot spot for sun, sea and sand. Fans of excellent design (and equally excellent swimming pools) will want to know about the best boutique hotels in Pattaya for dream vacations. But first, a little intro on the area itself.

The region’s sleepy fishing villages and idyllic beaches became known as an R&R location for US and Allied soldiers engaged in the Vietnam war. And it’s popularity as an international beach destination, particularly popular with European visitors, began in the 1970s.

Pattaya remains an international favourite with big brand hotels, glitzy shopping malls, a variety of entertainment options, including theme parks, excellent golf courses, and those beaches and related water sports. Previously all the action happened around central Pattaya and the crescent-shaped 3.5km-long Pattaya Beach.

When people now refer to Pattaya, they often include the four neighbouring beach destinations immediately south of Pattaya City. These are Pratamnak, Jomtien, Na Jomtien and the most southerly at 21km from Pattaya City, Bang Saray. Much of Pattaya’s newer tourism infrastructure can be found in these four southern regions. Take a look at some of our favourites below.

Discover the best boutique hotels in Pattaya, Thailand

1. Cross Pattaya Oceanphere

X2 Pattaya Oceanphere
Cross Pattaya Oceanphere

With accolades in several national design awards, Cross Pattaya Oceanphere (formerly X2 Pattaya Oceanphere) is in the southern Pattaya region of Bang Saray and less than a kilometre from the nearest beach.

Cross Oceanphere comprises 59 one-, two-, and four-bedroom private pool villas, each uniquely designed to catch the prevailing ocean breeze. The sleek design-led resort is great for couples, friends or families who want a weekend escape or extended break in one of Pattaya’s authentic and less-developed regions.

Each villa has spacious living areas, bathrooms, a kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor sala, a terrace, and a private pool. Villa configurations ensure privacy and create a safe environment for children to run around and play. Lazing in your villa plunge pool is compelling at any time of day.

The onsite spa with tailored massage and beauty treatments is a must. A functional fitness centre is also available. Head to Ocean Bistro for the free-flow Champagne breakfast and all-day dining. Third floor of the reception building hosts the resort’s infinity pool for those perfect sunset and district views. Chili Blue, the pool bar, serves refreshing daytime drinks and stunning sunset cocktails, overseen by resident mixologists.

Bang Saray Beach and village is renowned for its seafood shacks, with the catch coming straight from the central pier. At Cross Pattaya Oceanphere you have luxury and local character joining to create a uniquely desirable destination.

Learn more about Cross Pattaya Oceanphere

2. The Monttra Pattaya

Escape to a clifftop retreat complete with a private sandy beach at The Monttra Pattaya. Guests will experience the world-renowned Thai hospitality coupled with sleek guestrooms and suites with all the mod cons.

Take it easy amid the verdant surrounding nature and take a dip in your private plunge pool before sampling an array of Thai-style dishes at KIIN restaurant. At Jungle Gazebo Spa, you can enjoy treatments with local ingredients in an open-air setting for maximum relaxation.

Discover more about The Monttra Pattaya

3. MASON

Mason hotel Pattaya
MASON

MASON’s ultra-modern luxury pool villas are set on 150 metres of beachfront, blessed with a panoramic view of Jomtien Bay. Designed by award-winning Thai architect Vasu Virajsilp, the villas offer a stylish and comfortable stay with utmost privacy for couples wanting to enjoy the ultimate romantic escape. This area has long been home to a community of local stone-masons and artisans, and the resort’s name acknowledges these carvers of stone.

A total of 35 pool villas in five different configurations atop a rock hill offer panoramic ocean views, romantic sunsets, and private sundecks, ten of which are beachfront with dreamy sea views. Interiors are all sleek lines, minimalist yet warm and comfortable décor, light-filled from an abundant use of glass blending indoor to outdoor living.

Three venues: Zila Street Bistro, Krok-A-Cafe Espresso Bar, and the Beachside Bar meet your dining and refreshments needs. A Fitness Studio and the onsite Mason Spa look to fulfil your health and wellbeing requirements.

Can you hear ‘couple time’ calling?

Learn more about MASON

4. U Pattaya

U Pattaya beachfront pool villa
U Pattaya

U Pattaya resort is located between Na Jomtien and Bang Saray Beaches, with absolute beachfront access. Great for leisure travellers seeking serenity and privacy. Consisting of 19 villas and 25 rooms ranging from 32-90 sq-m, some villas have a private pool and come in one or two-bedroom options. The resort’s overall design theme is of a fisherman’s village, using rustic wood and bamboo as prominent design elements.

U Hotels have several unique service concepts, including ’24-hour rooms’, allowing guests to enjoy their room for 24 hours from arrival. There is also breakfast whenever and wherever during your stay, international and local calls at cost, pre-selection of amenities such as pillows, tea, music and soap from an online U Choose programme and more.

All accommodation features free Wi-Fi, in-room luxury amenities and other U’s unique touches. Onsite facilities include Papillon Beachfront Restaurant, La Vela Rooftop Bar, U Spa, infinity swimming pool, gym, and library.

Learn more about U Pattaya

5. Rabbit Resort Pattaya

Rabbit Resort Pattaya exterior
Rabbit Resort Pattaya

Located on the northern end of Jomtien Beach, in an area often called Dongtan Beach, Rabbit Resort’s 49 rooms and villas are built in a Thai Village style on four acres of oceanfront land. This family-owned and operated resort is all about nature: reclaimed wood, large trees, tropical flowers, and colourful birds.

All rooms are tastefully furnished, reflecting a classical style infused with contemporary Thai elegance. The two-story villas feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a smaller twin bedroom. Couples travelling together or a larger family group will relish the space. Rabbit Resort is proudly pet friendly.

Resort facilities include mature gardens, an inviting central resort pool, and the breezy and casual beachside Ganj Café. Popular with Rabbit Resort guests, beachgoers and locals, it operates from breakfast to evening and is ideal for that dreamy sunset cocktail. Oh, and don’t forget Dongtan Beach at your door step.

Rabbit Resort could be the last of its kind in Pattaya on the ocean.

Learn more about Rabbit Resort Pattaya

6. Wave, Pattaya

Wave, Pattaya swimming pool
Wave, Pattaya

Located in the middle of Pattaya City’s Beach Road and beside the fab Central Festival shopping and entertainment mall, the Art Deco 18-room Wave hotel is ideally situated for all the central action. Designed with playful intent, the four-storey building oozes 1930s Miami Beach glamour with its ice-cream colour pastels by day and vibrant neon by night.

From the breezy lobby through to the restaurant, out to the pool terrace and rooms, all public and private spaces are outfitted with captivating design and seaside comfort. They even have a hot pink 1940s Cadillac parked out front for those insta moments. Their Sunset guest rooms burst with seaside freshness under a palette of Tiffany blue combined with black and white upholstery and touches of Art Deco flair. Twilight Rooms with king-size four-poster canopy beds, ocean views, extra-large open-plan black mosaic and white marble bathrooms are the ultimate romantic escape.

In keeping with the hotel’s South Beach theme, the ground floor Cadillac Café & Bar, with its exuberant décor, features American comfort foods, select European fare, Latin delights and Asian favourites, all with a gourmet twist.

The unabashedly flashy, fabulous, flirty and hard-to-miss Wave hotel is owned and operated by the Sukosol family, who also run the highly acclaimed The Siam in Bangkok.

Learn more about Wave, Pattaya

7. Ana Anan Resort & Villas

Nestled between tropical gardens and Na Jomtien Beach, Ana Anan Resort & Villas is the place to stay if you’re looking for stylish seclusion. Home to 263 rooms and villas, the design here lets the seaside location of the property do the talking, with a minimal aesthetic but all the creature comforts you could need.

Five different restaurants bars serve up everything from traditional Thai dishes to extravagant international buffets, while those staying in the villas will also have access to the luxe Sora Lounge.

A well-equipped gym, shopping boutique, and kids’ club are all available, plus Dhyana Spa offers a selection of healing treatments and experiences.

Find out more about Ana Anan Resort & Villas

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