Escape to paradise within arm’s reach
Aresort with pool villas and a private beach area in Pattaya, was the idea that Nitipat Patchimnan had in mind eight years ago when he initially envisioned Pattaya Sea Sand Sun Resort and Spa. He wanted to give Bangkok-bound tourists an attractive alternative to Phuket and Koh Samui. Eight years ago Pattaya did not have an ocean-front pool villa. Vacationers were forced to travel the long distances to the islands.
With an enormous land area earmarked for a plantation and with an existing hotel the transformation to the Pattaya Sea Sand Sun Resort and Spa of today was a gradual process. This was the first such undertaking for Nitipat, who now is Managing Director of the thriving resort and spa. He had the vision, the drive and the knowledge to pursue his dream.
Nitipat earned a degree in hotel management from one of the world’s leading hospitality management institutes in Switzerland, where he trained in service, kitchen, and human resources. He received combined education and professional skills in a rigorous controlled class.
Upon his return to Thailand, he had a significant head start in the respected Royal Cliff management training program, where he monitored overall operations. He later was sales coordinator of Le Meridien Bangkok and Le Meridien Siem Reap.
Then came Pattaya
The turning point for Nitipat was when he was named sales executive at Sheraton Pattaya Resort, enabling him to make the leap into hotel management.
On an ideal piece of property on the Gulf of Thailand, they razed an existing hotel to pave way for the construction of 60 new villas and a swimming pool. The theme would be contemporary Thai. Upon checking, guests would get a ‘wow’ experience in a lobby filled with vibrant Jim Thompson products and a spectacular view of the adjacent sea. Accommodations would include Two-Bedroom Villas for families, and a Garden Suite with Jacuzzi or Pool Villa Suite for honeymooners seeking intimate privacy.
Conquering struggles
The biggest test was yet to come. With established hotels around the resort city, Pattaya Sea Sand Sun Resort and Spa had established itself in the Pattaya market. With only 60 available rooms to offer, they focused on the premium-end of the market. They had to differentiate their product and make the resort stand out from others with its unique features. Location wise, the resort caters to clients yearning for a private area but also not far from the city entertainment. While there were other ocean-front hotels, none offered a cleaner, more tranquil beach.
Views varied from the mountains and village areas to the city and the sea, not to mention a realm of activities and nearby attractions like Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Silverlake, among others.
Having their target market set, the resort tries to attract the biggest potential client, the European market. Pattaya’s reputation in Europe was not so good at the beginning but over the years, the continuous efforts of Pattaya City Hall and Tourism Authority of Thailand have somehow managed to elevate Pattaya’s image to a more family friendly environment. What followed was the influx of global hotel brands. However, this created a new challenge for Pattaya Sea Sand and Sun–competing with the major chains.
With last year’s flood crisis, Bangkok being completely submerged under water, it has left an impact in Pattaya where people temporarily relocated to the resort city. Instead of taking advantage of their plight, Nitipat Patchimnan offered discounts to loyal customers escaping the devastation.
This year, marketing efforts are focused on attracting visitors from Turkey, Japan and Taiwan, in addition to their usual efforts in Russia, Germany, Korea and China. The resort is also a pristine area to shoot local television shows and movies. During low season, they have special offers that would either give their client complimentary spa or private dining or a lower-rate room. He relies on the feedback of his customers and adapts to them.
One of the priorities of the Managing Director is hospitality and doing sales himself, he makes sure that he lives up to the expectations of what he sells. Having experienced the work in all aspects of hotel operations, he makes it a point to take care of his 125 employees. Whether or not the business is doing well, his employees have their own families relying on them and that is why he provides as much benefits as he can to them.
Eco-friendly Resort
Giving back what nature has bestowed, right at the beginning of the construction, Pattaya Sea Sand Sun made it a point that they are on track with keeping their area environment friendly. They focused on water waste management where waste water will be collected and treated and be used for gardens. Also, the Resort generates hot water by using waste heat from air conditioner and therefore reducing energy costs. The Resort’s swimming pool uses salt water chlorination that uses dissolved salt for the chlorination system, which benefits not only the environment but also their clients. The Resort’s commitment to the environment includes maintaining its beach twice a day and using recycled paper products whenever possible.
Future plans
This month, they will re-launch their website that will let visitors make a virtual tour through high quality 360-degree interactive images of rooms. Also lined up is the new setup of Horizon Sea View Restaurant and a major upgrade of the swimming pool.
Pattaya Sea Sand Sun Resort is located at Sukhumvit Km 163 Na Jomtien, Sattahip, approximately 15 kilometers south of Pattaya and 163 kilometers from Bangkok. For more information visit their website at www.seasandsunpty.com.
Pattaya today newspaper
