Page 31 - MASALA VOL 8 ISSUE 3 DECEMBER 2016 – JANUARY 2017

A beautiful view of the property from Vistas

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 Exterior view of the hotel
complimentary welcome drink. The bar features impressive wooden
tusk-like structures, along with a panoramic view of the entire property. From my room’s balcony, I could see a massive statue of a pelican,
I gazed at an adventurous-looking water park, the vast sea and the tiger and elephant that stood prominently in the middle of the
beautifully landscaped gardens as I drank my refreshing drink — a garden. It was almost as if the statue was challenging me to come
zesty combination of sugar, lemon juice and mint leaves. 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
Soon after, I headed up to the 10th floor to my Deluxe Ocean Facing hurdle and came eye to eye with the statue. The view behind it made
Room. The entire 42-square metres were exquisitely designed in me realise why the fierce protection was necessary. Waterfalls,
a Lost World theme. The room was luxurious, with a king-sized bed pristine waters and towering green trees lay beyond.
and reclining chair suitably placed in front of the LCD TV screen.
Wooden accents in the furniture, warm shades of green and a Both children and adults were engrossed in all the fun that the
large textured wall that reminded me of the beach gave the room water park provided. A meandering lazy river at the water park pulled
a natural feel. Overall, the room was a place of calmness, with the everyone in with its alluring promise of an exciting adventure. Single
furnished balcony overseeing the beach and landscaped water park. and double water tubes, available for free of charge next to the
All of the rooms, with either a furnished balcony or terrace, face the poolside, became my main mode of transportation on the river. I sat
ocean, proving to be an ideal family retreat. I would recommend the tight as we passed by scenic rest stops, powerful waterfalls, dark
Deluxe Ocean Facing Family Residence for larger-sized families. This tunnels and thrilling water slides. The park also has a dedicated area
residence comprises a total of 78-square metres, and has its own for children. Monsoon Island is a water play area where children
separate children’s area with bunk beds and a master bedroom with a can enjoy water gun fights and rain dances. There is also a separate
large king-sized bed. children’s pool in addition to a large turquoise-coloured lap pool

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