Baan Souy Resort

Baan Souy Resort is an adults-only base in Pattaya South, suited to divers travelling as a couple or to anyone who would rather have room to breathe than squeeze into a standard hotel room. The atmosphere is practical and easy-going: an outdoor pool, terraces, a garden, a restaurant and places to sit with a drink when your legs have had enough of the day.

Your room comes with air conditioning, a private bathroom and either a terrace or balcony. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort, and soundproofing is part of the room specification. That matters when you want a proper night rather than a soundtrack of Pattaya traffic.

The adults-only policy keeps the setting aimed at grown-up travellers. Add a kitchenette, a seating area and a choice of larger apartments, and this is a useful address for a longer diving stay rather than just somewhere to drop a suitcase.

You are in Pattaya South, Thailand, close enough to reach the coast by car without being placed directly on the sand. Jomtien Beach is about 1 mile away, with Pratumnak Beach and Dongtan Beach also within roughly 1 mile. Paradise Beach and Cosy Beach are around 1 mile away as well, so a beach outing is straightforward but not a barefoot stroll from your room.

The resort is around 15 minutes by car from Pattaya Beach and Central Shopping Mall. Nearby, you have cafés and restaurants within walking distance, including All Cafe, Chilling Home and 7 Spa Masha. Pattaya Viewpoint and Pattaya Hill are each around 1 mile away for a change of scenery, while Pattaya Park Tower is about 1 mile from the property.

That location gives you several ways to spend an afternoon without turning every trip into a major expedition. You can stay by the pool, head for Jomtien, or take a short ride into the busier parts of Pattaya when you want more noise and neon.

The room choice is where this resort earns its keep. For two people who want a straightforward base, the Studio with Balcony or a pool-view studio keeps everything close at hand, with a super-king or king-size bed, a kitchenette, a seating area and outdoor space. The balcony gives you somewhere to sit with a coffee while the wet kit is no longer your immediate concern.

If you value separation and elbow room, move up to an apartment. The One-Bedroom Apartment gives a couple a proper living arrangement, while the Two-Bedroom Apartment is the sensible choice for a small group travelling together. The Penthouse Apartment adds a rooftop garden, which changes the end of the day from sitting indoors to watching Pattaya and Jomtien from above.

Every room has air conditioning, a refrigerator, microwave, kettle and kitchenware. There is also a sofa or seating area, a desk, a television with cable and satellite channels, and a private shower room. A fan is available as well. Daily housekeeping, a wardrobe, a laptop safe and a hairdryer cover the unglamorous details that become rather important when you are tired, sandy and looking for your phone.

Baang’s Café handles breakfast, lunch and dinner, blending international favourites with Thai specialities. It is the sort of menu that works when one of you wants something familiar and the other wants to stay in Thailand for dinner. Breakfast is included and starts at 8am, with continental, Full English or Irish, Asian and American options.

There are two drinking spots. The Pool Bar covers cocktails and drinks close to the water, while the Roof Garden gives you an outdoor perch above the resort. The Penthouse Roof Garden is set up for an early-evening cocktail with views towards Pattaya or Jomtien beach. A sensible place to watch the light change before deciding whether dinner needs to happen immediately.

Room service is available when the day's exertion has beaten your enthusiasm for getting dressed again. There is also a minibar and tea- and coffee-making equipment in the room, which is exactly the sort of small convenience that earns its place after a long day outside.

The outdoor pool is the obvious post-dive option, with sun loungers and pool or beach towels available. The sun terrace, garden, patio and outdoor dining area give you several places to settle without having to make an event of relaxing. Some days, a chair and a cold drink are quite enough achievement.

For something more active, there is a fitness centre and a hot tub. Golf courses are within 3 km, giving you an alternative land-based outing if you still have energy left after diving. The tour desk can arrange outings, and the resort offers excursions such as snorkelling and sunset sails.

You can also use the location as your entertainment plan. Pattaya Viewpoint is around 1 mile away, Pattaya Park Tower is about 1 mile away, and Underwater World Pattaya is roughly 2 miles from the resort. The beach, cafés and town are close enough to build a day around without needing to stay inside the property.

U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport is about 21 miles away by road, with a drive of roughly 35 minutes. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is around an hour and a half away by car. An airport shuttle is available on request, and car rental can be arranged for exploring beyond the immediate area.

Check-in starts at 2pm and check-out runs until noon. You need photo identification and a credit card at check-in, and the resort asks you to share your expected arrival time. The front desk operates around the clock, with express and private check-in and check-out, luggage storage, concierge assistance and a tour desk.

Private parking is available on site, with a reservation required. Free Wi-Fi covers the property, and laundry, dry-cleaning and ironing services are available. The resort is adults-only: children are not allowed, and the minimum check-in age is 18. Non-smoking rooms are available, and pets are not allowed.