After years of anticipation and several delays (what's new?), Hyatt raises the bar as the new Jewel in the Crown of Bangkok luxury accomodation swings open its doors to welcome the most discerning travelers from around the world this week.

As I initially wrote over 5 years ago, Park Hyatt Bangkok is part of the USD340 Million dollar Central Embassy project on the corner of Wireless and Ploenchit Roads, with 222 guestrooms and 32 suites, all of them booked out for at least the opening weekend. But don't worry, I'll be spending the opening weekend there and will report as much as I can for the folks that can't wait to see what this sure to be outstanding property has to offer. It is a tough job I know, but I am nothing if not committed.

If you love luxury hotels, make sure to watch my Twitter Feed this weekend or just check NewThaiHotels.com for exclusive videos, photos and reviews of the biggest hotel opening in Thailand in 2017. Also check your email inbox next week, I will send a dedicated newsletter.

Check rates at the Park Hyatt Bangkok now!

This latest chic offering started taking bookings from the 1st April, 2017. Ananda Hua Hin Resort & Spa sits amidst numerous other luxury properties lining the shores of the once fishing village made over into a tourist hot spot. This is where Thai traditions blend with kite surfing heroes, where culinary exploration is not just in funky restaurants but in wooden seafood shacks lining the beachside and where designer draped "farangs" mingle in the night venues. 

Its sublime guest rooms range from superior rooms to the ultimate self-indulgent and skinny dipping plunge pool privacy of the private pool villas or whirlpool tubs on terraces, Ananda Hua Hin Resort & Spa is the ultimate beachside retreat for romantics, friendly groups or family troops with most rooms being interconnected if desired. 

You can dip your toes in the aqua waters of the Gulf of Siam, leisurely stroll the stunning tropical grounds, plunge into the refreshing swimming pool or lazily recline on a daybed with a good book in hand.  This is where the sand on your feet or the pummelling of a masseuse's hands on your body, will remind you that you are in beachside heaven.

Cutting-edge architectural flair will have you believe that you are in a bubble of the ocean, albeit sitting in the central hub of the international beach playground of Pattaya, only 2 hours from Thailand's capital of Bangkok. 

From the funky designed reception area to the in-your-face central floor to ceiling aquarium in the Atlantis Restaurant complete with colorful Nemo lookalikes swimming around plus its free form central swimming pool with a big kids' water slide and sun drenched recliners, you may not need to put a single foot in the sand on the stunning fringe of the Gulf of Thailand.

The rooms are contemporary with a minimalist decor happening in soothing muted colors with stunning views either over the central swimming pool or the city's lights. The guest rooms are hot wired with "Smart" functions so everything is at the touch of your fingertips.  Designed for singles, couples and families or groups of friends who like to share, you can take your pick of a Superior, Deluxe or family Deluxe to play in.  With only 96 guest rooms on offer, the atmosphere is intimate and cozy with a definite beachy wet feet feel.

There will never be any lost in translation moments, as the resort's staff speak English, Hebrew, Swedish and Thai. 

If you are craving a break of decadent beachfront bliss, the stunning new offering by Radisson Blu resting on the golden shores of the Gulf of Thailand is the ultimate for indulgent time out.

Sophistication blended with an eye candy of dazzle, the resort oozes decadence in its stylish and contemporary 118 boutique guest rooms of which there are only 22 where you can slip out from your dreamy bed into the cooling water of a swimming pool for a refreshing swim before a foodie's dream breakfast.

The striking design and rich accents imbue a sense of laid-back serenity in a setting that will leave you relaxed and languid.  The sophistication and plush furnishings of the guests' rooms will have you cocooned in your own sanctuary of time-out, whilst the complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi will have the most avid digital addict smiling.

There is no need to leave the resort when you crave a sublime meal or a sunset cocktail, as you can choose from beachfront dining to the sumptuous lounge area to satisfy your cravings.  You can leave footprints in the ocean's sandy apron as you take a leisurely stroll, get the adrenalin rushing indulging in a water sport, play a round of golf, visit a winery or say a few prayers at one of the local historical temples. 

The 2017 New Thai Hotels and Resorts Master List is out now! This is the 5th annual Master List and fast becoming the Go-To list for people both inside the industry and those who simply love luxury hotels and resorts.

With over 30 projects in various stages in the production pipeline and scheduled opening dates going all the way to 2019, it is a must read. As always I will be adding to the list and updating it throughout the year as new information comes in.