When it comes to luxury resorts in Thailand, the newly opened Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is at the top of the list. Ideally located along the stunning coastline of Pattaya, the resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a memorable getaway.
It’s no secret my family loves the Hyatt brand, specifically the Andaz resorts. We’ve stayed at the Andaz in Maui, Scottsdale, Riviera Maya and Savannah. We’ve never had a bad experience and the Andaz Pattaya is no exception. From its beautiful kid-friendly pools, exceptional dining options and nearby attractions, we found this to be one of our favorite family trips.
From the moment we entered the property, we were immediately shocked by it’s gorgeous landscape. Upon check-in, we were offered a welcome drink and our daughter spent time playing in the lush gardens while we handled business. The staff, as with all Andaz properties, were warm, friendly and accommodating. They went above and beyond to ensure our family had a wonderful first impression as well as a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
A Prime Location in Pattaya
So first, where is Pattaya? I actually hadn’t heard of the area until we started our search for a Thailand resort. Pattaya, located about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, is a popular beach resort city. Pattaya is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture but reviews online sometimes show the area as less than kid-friendly or even unenjoyable. This was a particular concern of mine when booking the resort but I had faith in the Andaz brand. As promised, the Andaz is beautifully positioned along Jomtien Beach, outside of the hustle of Pattaya. Jomtein Beach is a quieter area, providing families with a peaceful retreat while still being close to local attractions. This makes it easy for families to explore the best of both worlds – a serene beachside escape and the lively spirit of Pattaya.
Getting There
Getting to the Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is straightforward, thanks to its proximity to major transport hubs. Families can fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and then make their way to the resort. International travelers can catch direct flights to Bangkok from various cities worldwide. Thai Airways operates a direct route from Frankfurt to Bangkok, which we took for our family holiday (a huge perk of living so close to Frankfurt!) Given our daughter was 18 month old at the time, we were concerned about adding additional connections to an already long day. Fortunately, the direct flight was fantastic and we were able to time our arrival to meet my mom (flying from the United States) immediately upon landing. Our daughter handled the 10+ hour flight fantastically and we were even able to use our Flyaway bed on the way there (we were asked to stop using it on the flight back unfortunately.) We absolutely love the Flyaway and have used it on many international flights. I just recommend checking with the airline or the flyaway website prior to booking your flight.
Upon arrival at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, families with small children or pregnant tourists can use a much shorter line to complete customs. If you don’t fall into these categories, you can pay a little extra for an express pass. Because we weren’t planning to leave the Pattaya area, we chose to have the resort arrange transportation, including a car seat, for the two-hour drive. Alternatively, you may rent a car and have the ability to roam freely with your arrival in Pattaya. We found using Bolt as a transportation service during our stay was relatively cheap and easily booked.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
The Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach offers a variety of accommodation options designed with families in mind. From spacious family suites to lavish private villas, each room provides a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration. The resort boasts spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities, including breathtaking views of the beach or garden. We chose a one-king bed with lagoon access to the lazy-river and overlooking the Kids Club. The room was beautifully designed and provided a perfect balance of comfort and luxury for our family. A crib was provided and there was a large curtain for us to easily separate the sleeping areas. It was perfect for our family of three but there are much larger options available that we would likely choose if we were to visit with our now family of four. Although the room could still easily accommodate two adults and two children – you could even travel with the slumberpod if you are specifically concerned with distractions for your little ones sharing a room.
Impressive Pool Complex with Lazy-River
One of the highlights of the Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is its stunning pool complex. Designed with families in mind, the pools cater to children and adults of all ages, making them the perfect spot for family fun and relaxation. There are three pools available but the two we used most frequently were the lagoon pool and the beachfront infinity pool. The lagoon pool with the lazy river was seriously so awesome for children – our daughter, even very little at the time, spent hours playing with the water park, slides and sprinklers. Poolside service is also available for drinks and snacks. The beachfront infinity pool offers direct access to the sandy shores of Jomtien Beach. Parents can keep an eye on their children as they swim and play in the ocean, creating beautiful memories together while also enjoying a fantastic snack at the Fish Club.
Dining Options for Every Palate
Speaking of the Fish Club, the dining at the Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach was fantastic. We basically ate every meal at our hotel as the overall intent of holiday was to disconnect and relax. The village square has three restaurants, all which offer different menus and atmospheres. The focus is on fresh, local ingredients and traditional Thai flavors, but there are also international options available. The Village Butcher was phenomenal and everyone was so kind to our daughter. The Fish Club is the beachside restaurant that had a fantastic happy hour, beautiful sunset views and live music. Several times, my husband and I visited the Teak Lounge for a morning coffee (i.e. our third cup after breakfast) or a late night cocktail. All drinks at the Teak Lounge were fantastic. We arrived during soft-opening of the hotel so the Traditional Thai teahouse was not open but it was readily apparent that it was going to be a unique gem for the resort. All restaurants provided child-friendly dish ware so I didn’t have to worry about accidental broken dishes during dinner.
Activities for the Whole Family
Aside from lounging by the pool or enjoying a delicious meal, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. From yoga classes to water sports, there is something for every member of the family. The Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach also has a Kid’s Club with daily activities and games to keep younger guests engaged and having fun. It should be noted a parent or babysitter must accompany children under 4. We particularly enjoyed the fitness area as well as the spa treatments. The on-site spa offers a variety of treatments and services to rejuvenate the mind and body. From traditional Thai massages to facials using organic products, there are plenty of options to choose from. The calming atmosphere, combined with skilled therapists, makes it the perfect escape for parents seeking a moment of tranquility during their family vacation. I actually visited the spa multiple times (taking advantage of my mom traveling with us!) I can assure you I left each time feeling totally relaxed and ready to conquer the day.
Local Attractions for Family Adventures
Cultural Experiences
Beyond the beach, Pattaya offers a range of cultural experiences that families can enjoy together. From visiting Buddhist temples to exploring local markets, there’s plenty to discover. The Sanctuary of Truth, a stunning wooden temple that showcases traditional Thai architecture, is a must-see for families seeking cultural enrichment. You can book a tour in various languages and I 100% recommend taking the time to visit.
Another must-see in my opinion is the Pattaya Floating Market. Families can enjoy a leisurely boat ride through the market’s canals, sampling local delicacies and shopping for souvenirs. It was extremely hot in February but we still had an excellent time.
Exciting Activities
For families looking for a bit of adventure, Pattaya has no shortage of exciting activities. Snorkeling tours, water sports, and even visits to nearby islands are all easily accessible. The Andaz’s concierge team is always on hand to help families book and plan their excursions, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. We booked a snorkeling tour on our own and had a fantastic experience visiting various islands and ending at the famous Monkey Island.
Cherished Memories
For families looking to create cherished memories in Thailand, the Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is the perfect luxury resort. With its beautiful pools, kid-friendly dining options, relaxing gardens and top-notch spa, it offers a wonderful blend of relaxation and adventure.
We only visited Pattaya during our trip to Thailand given we were limited on time. As mentioned, Pattaya is not the most family-friendly city upon first research of Thailand but I can assure you the Andaz was still an absolute treasure. Next time, I would absolutely consider extending our trip by visiting Bangkok, Phuket, or Koh Samui. Stay tuned and I will provide the ultimate top five luxury family-friend resorts in Thailand!