Location
Royal Cliff commands one of Pattaya’s most enviable addresses from its Phra Tamnak Hill location, about three kilometres from the city centre where the walking street, bars and shopping malls are found, thus offering a tranquil beachfront stay with easy access to the city’s key landmarks. From Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, it’s about a 75-minute drive to the resort.
Room
Stepping into my Ocean Deluxe Room, I was blown away by the stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand. The horizon was formed by an azure sky meeting the turquoise sea, punctuated with speedboats and their white water trails; while a trio of crystal blue pools sparkled in the foreground.
As part of the resort transformation led by renowned Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag, Ocean Deluxe rooms – together with the Mini Suites – were transformed with new bathroom features installed. The ensuing result is an expansive 36m2 interior featuring a pleasing white-and-lightwood palette accented with Thai decorative touches.
I stayed at the 474-key Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, which together with the 88-key Royal Cliff Beach Terrace, 373-key Royal Cliff Grand Hotel and 85-key Royal Wing Suites & Spa, make up the Royal Cliffs Hotel Group.
Facilities
A destination unto itself, the sprawling 26ha beachfront estate is home to myriad amenities. Architect Bunnag once again oversaw the construction and design of the property’s new features.
Fitness and sports fans should head to the Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness, which was transformed to sport an Amazon vibe in addition to fun slides. The upgraded Funtasea kids club and variety of pools promise hours of fun for families. As well, the infinity pool as well as private beaches are definitely popular in-resort lounging spots, especially during sunsets.
Other recreation facilities include seven tennis courts, the Nah Pah Thai Cooking School, a cigar lounge and luxury spas, among others.
Already a dominant player in Pattaya’s MICE space with its PEACH convention centre on-site, Royal Cliff is now pushing into the lifestyle and sporting segments with the creation of its own events – e.g. a one-night show by UK comedian Bill Bailey – making it an even more attractive destination for families and leisure groups alike.
F&B
The vast hotel complex boasts 11 restaurants and six bars, offering options from Asian to European fusion. Notable dining outlets include Chamu for Japanese, Maharani for Indian, Huang Chao for Cantonese, and Rossini for Italian flavours.
Overlooking the pools and sea, all-day-dining Panorama is where international buffet breakfasts are served. In the lobby, which has also undergoing a redesign, stands a new lobby bar and bakery.
Service
Service was pleasant and efficient – and delivered with smiles.
Verdict
A grand dame that has stood the test of time, its recent makeover has given it greater shine as a sanctuary for relaxation.
No. of rooms 474
Rates From 4,000 baht (US$126) for rooms with ABF
Contact details
Tel (62 38) 250 421
Email success@royalcliff.com
China Eastern launches two flights to Myanmar
Air New Zealand plans to launch five-times-weekly seasonal flights between Christchurch and Singapore this winter to appeal to the strong travel demand from South and South-east Asia.
Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines currently offer a 10-times-weekly service between Christchurch and Singapore. The seasonal flights will bring the frequency of the service to 15 times weekly in the December 1, 2019 to February 15, 2020 period.
The airline is also deploying the larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the route, which would increase capacity including in the premium economy category.
Cam Wallace, chief revenue officer, Air New Zealand, said: “We have seen strong demand for travel to New Zealand in the South and South-east Asia market, and we expect (the additional flights to) appeal to travellers in this region.
Singapore is likely to continue serving as Air New Zealand’s South-east Asia hub. On the airline’s strategy in growing outbound markets Indonesia and Malaysia, where it does not fly to directly, Wallace said: “Both are key growth markets for Air New Zealand in South-east Asia as we continue to see strong demand from travellers in the region. At this stage, both markets are being well served through our recently renewed alliance with Singapore Airlines, providing connectivity through Changi Airport.
“Capitalising on its strategic geographical location, excellent air connectivity and world-class infrastructure, we are seeing plenty of opportunities to grow our presence in the region through our operations in Singapore. We will continue to assess opportunities across markets and leverage our well-established partner network in the region to capture demand.”
Meanwhile, Christchurch is expected to grow in appeal, benefitting from new destination offerings and intensified sales and marketing efforts.
“Christchurch is building new experiences at a phenomenal rate, with new bars, restaurants and artworks going up quicker than anywhere else in New Zealand. This new seasonal Singapore-Christchurch service complements the MoU signed between the airline and Christchurch city agencies in September 2018 committing to exploring joint marketing, enhanced freight and passenger capacity, and signature events.”
“These changes reinforce Christchurch and the South Island as a priority market for Air New Zealand, as we seek to leverage the strength of both airlines to deliver increased connections into the domestic New Zealand network,” Wallace said.
The airline is also running a tactical campaign with Christchurch Airport to promote South Island.
The campaign will span offline and online media buys to increase the awareness of New Zealand and Air New Zealand to consumers in Singapore, targeting the family market and professionals, managers, executives and businessmen.
“We are also working with key agents to develop new itineraries for the South Island,” he said.