Discover thrilling adventures in the prehistoric Lost World of the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.
By Krishna Mawani
The beaches and its calming waves of Pattaya called out to me. Exploring the picturesque city topped my to-do list for the weekend. And so I took a quick two-hour drive from bustling Bangkok to the popular tourist destination. The weather was perfect, with just the right amount of sunshine and clear skies. I checked in to one of the resorts that had taken my fancy ever since a number of Thai-Indian weddings had taken place there. I entered the Lost World, located in the captivating Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.
A dome-like roof formed the entrance to the resort, with wooden furniture and earthy décor used to replicate the essence of the Lost World of the Amazon basin in South America. A resort bellboy promptly helped me with my luggage as I entered the resort. After a fast and easy check-in, I proceeded to the bar at the main lobby, Vistas, for my complimentary welcome drink. The bar features impressive wooden tusk-like structures, along with a panoramic view of the entire property. I gazed at an adventurous-looking water park, the vast sea and the beautifully landscaped gardens as I drank my refreshing drink — a zesty combination of sugar, lemon juice and mint leaves.
Soon after, I headed up to the 10th floor to my Deluxe Ocean Facing Room. The entire 42-square metres were exquisitely designed in a Lost World theme. The room was luxurious, with a king-sized bed and reclining chair suitably placed in front of the LCD TV screen. Wooden accents in the furniture, warm shades of green and a large textured wall that reminded me of the beach gave the room a natural feel. Overall, the room was a place of calmness, with the furnished balcony overseeing the beach and landscaped water park. All of the rooms, with either a furnished balcony or terrace, face the ocean, proving to be an ideal family retreat. I would recommend the Deluxe Ocean Facing Family Residence for larger-sized families. This residence comprises a total of 78-square metres, and has its own separate children’s area with bunk beds and a master bedroom with a large king-sized bed.
From my room’s balcony, I could see a massive statue of a pelican, tiger and elephant that stood prominently in the middle of the garden. It was almost as if the statue was challenging me to come down and confront it. The statue stood erect in a fort. Swaying rope bridges and two gigantic cliffs blocked my way. But I crossed that hurdle and came eye to eye with the statue. The view behind it made me realise why the fierce protection was necessary. Waterfalls, pristine waters and towering green trees lay beyond. Both children and adults were engrossed in all the fun that the water park provided. A meandering lazy river at the water park pulled everyone in with its alluring promise of an exciting adventure. Single and double water tubes, available for free of charge next to the poolside, became my main mode of transportation on the river. I sat tight as we passed by scenic rest stops, powerful waterfalls, dark tunnels and thrilling water slides.
The park also has a dedicated area for children. Monsoon Island is a water play area where children can enjoy water gun fights and rain dances. There is also a separate children’s pool in addition to a large turquoise-coloured lap pool where you can jump off a small cliff into the water, order refreshing mocktails and cocktails at the pool bar and play pool basketball. A few steps away from the water park lies a 230-metre-long private white sand beach for hotel guests where a range of water sport activities like windsurfing, kayaking and sailing are available.
The resort also has a fully equipped fitness centre with daily classes, tennis courts and other recreational activities, such as yoga, pilates, volleyball, table tennis, snooker and rock climbing. Leave your younger ones at the professionally supervised Kids’ Club that features a Camp Safari for those aged four to nine, or at the E-Zone, equipped with a snooker table and a video games lounge for teenagers. A complimentary shuttle service can also take you to the nearby Central Festival Shopping and Lifestyle Complex.
The resort’s SPA Cenvaree is a must after an activity-filled day. The spa is set in its own oceanfront village next to the water park. An air of serenity surrounds the spa village as a stream of water passes in front of the treatment suites. Indulge in a healing spa journey with specially designed programmes for individuals and couples, with treatment rooms dedicated to Thai massage, a separate venue featuring a Vichy rain shower, a herbal steam room and sauna, and cold and hot plunge pool as well as a yoga and meditation pavilion. Enjoy your post-treatment glow at a relaxation lounge, with complimentary servings of herbal tea, fruit juices and healthy snacks.
For more culinary treats, eat at any of the resort’s five spectacular restaurants. I had a hearty lunch at the all-day dining restaurant, Oasis, which had a variety of cuisines available. I browsed through the varied menu as friendly waiters informed me of recommended items. The menu selection ranged from sandwiches and salads to grilled meats, Indian food and authentic Thai delights. The restaurant was able to make a vegetarian version for all of the dishes I ordered. Ginger & Lime also offers a multitude of Asian cuisines, including Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese. Acqua is recommended for those who are in the mood for a contemporary Italian dinner. Refined interiors add a classic vibe to the restaurant. Flames, on the other hand, is a barbecue and grill restaurant that serves premium meat and fish dishes. Coast Beach Bar and Grill is adjacent to the beach in the water park. Guests there can enjoy freshly served seafood and tropical cocktails as they take in ocean breezes while watching the soothing waves. My trip ended on a high note, as I checked out of the resort with a satisfied appetite and mind. The resort had been the perfect choice — I didn’t even need to venture out of the property to enjoy myself. There’s no doubt that I’ll definitely be back again.
Popular Choice for a Perfect Wedding
Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya is a popular choice for Indian weddings. The resort is located less than two hours away from Bangkok and less than an hour away from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The property is only 10 minutes away from the heart of Pattaya, tucked in the picturesque Wong Amat Bay in the Gulf of Thailand.
The resort hosted 15 lavish Indian weddings last year. The property has a dedicated Meeting Village featuring a number of versatile venues with several break-out rooms available that can hold 70-90 persons, two interconnected Utopia Suites and the Mirage Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,200 persons seated theatre style. The resort also holds events in its Ballroom Garden Terrace, beachside garden, roof garden and at the poolside.
Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya
277 Moo 5, Naklua, Banglamung, Pattaya 20150, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 3830 1234
centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cmbr/
