Royal Cliff: An escape from reality to a tropical paradise

The Royal Cliff group of hotels in the south of Pattaya is under a 2 hour drive from Suvarnabhumi international airport. Safe from the adult themed Las Vegas style town centre, this is a hotel complex with everything you need for your stay in paradise.

The Royal Cliff is not a chain of hotels, so it is one of a kind. Or rather, four of a kind. The resort comprises four 5 star hotels, across 64 acres of lush gardens, each building with its own ambiance and character. It’s a tropical getaway overlooking the turquoise ocean from the cliff tops with its very own private beach.

I was shown around the complex by Maria who has worked at the hotel for more than three years. With the enthusiasm she imbues, you can tell this is a fun place to work.

The rooms

A stay in one of the standard rooms guarantees plenty of space with fantastic views of the ocean. But if you’re looking for opulence and absolute luxury, make sure you splash out on one of the Honeymoon Deluxe or Theme Suites. They range in design, from cool, modern chic to traditional Thai style. Without doubt, these elegant suites are larger than any apartment in Bangkok. They exude a tropical ambience with offering separate lounge and office areas, and a beachfront balcony that runs along the length of the suite. For families, the Family Suite in Royal Cliff Beach Terrace and the 2-bedroom Theme Suite in Royal Cliff Beach Hotel are well laid out and very comfortable.

An impressive range of facilities

The Royal Cliff Hotels Group has seven swimming pools throughout its expansive property. On the beachside edge of the complex is the popular infinity pool. As you lower yourself slowly into the blue waters, the water rises up to merge with turquoise seas and skies. Lazy holidaymakers idle the hours away in a dreamy state while sipping on cocktails.

For the fitness buffs, the sports facilities at the Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness are equally impressive, featuring two health spas, a fitness centre with aerobic and weights equipment to rival any private gym, a yoga/stretch room with classes, seven tennis courts and two squash courts. Onsite coaches and trainers are available for hire to put you through your paces.

The hotel provides a free WiFi service throughout the complex which was ample for leisure surfing and even a pre buffered Netflix session.

For the kids: Funtasea – Kids World

Billed as an edutainment centre, the 200 sqm indoor play area features an incredible maze, slides, soft toys and ball pit for kids to get lost in. The front door can only be opened by one of the four staff on duty, meaning you can venture off for the day knowing your little ones are in a safe place. Creative arts and crafts classes are held in the adjoining, well equipped kitchen, including cooking, origami, balloon modelling, pottery and storytelling. Activities in this children arena are designed to stimulate creativity and imagination.

The Verge – Games, Pool, Karaoke

This room is a place for teens and grownup kids to while away the hours playing physical and virtual games. They have it all: an Xbox 360, Kinect, Playstation 4 and Nintendo Wii. The pool table is brand new and well kept. Meanwhile, the impressive karaoke lounge is private enough to protect everyone on the outside from hearing the most enthusiastic of wailers.

Breezeo – Be Yourself Dining

Lastly, the Royal Cliff’s popular restaurant set above the resort’s private beach, overlooking the ocean and enjoying the coastal breeze. Breezeo offers international tapas selections, a kids’ menu, a range of beachside BBQ packages and award winning cocktails. We found that the kids’ menu was very thoughtfully put together. It comes in various animal-themed designs with wordsearch activities and puzzles that will distract them from their ipads.

Exhibitions and grand ceremonies

The three ballrooms, 53 meeting rooms, convention/exhibition centre provide world class facilities for international business. However, there’s nothing in the world like an Indian wedding. The extravagant, colourful ceremonies can last for up to a week. Indian weddings are known for their grandeur and lavish pomp and ceremony. Thailand and the Royal Cliff Hotels offer an idyllic setting that ensures your romantic occasion will last a lifetime.