ATTAYA regains its groove as an all-embracing family destination with the new-look and gussied up Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. A far cry from the cookie-cutter cinderblock city stereotype, this top Thailand beach resort is more of an experience than a hotel. For starters, the sweeping twin wings of this five-star – linked by three walkways, facing a 230m beach, represent Thailand’s first — and leading — themed hotel. Welcome to the ‘Lost World’. This wedding getaway aims to be one of the more enticing Thailand family resorts and will certainly feature among the best Pattaya beach resorts, not least because of its unique architectural stamp.

The Lost World theme percolates down to the large water park including swimming pools, a lazy river, water slides for the kids, atmospheric sculpted waterfalls and a monsoon island. Don’t miss out on the smorgasbord of sports including volleyball, rock climbing, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing — more activities than you can shake a stick at. This is a place for fun.

A painstakingly child-friendly resort, there are services and facilities to cater for all ages. Take advantage of the kids' club and daily activity programme for children of all ages including Camp Safari and E-Zone. With the kids happily distracted, this leaves you free for a spot of hedonistic escape and wellness pampering at the SPA Cenvaree, tennis, fitness workouts, or culinary treats at one of the six restaurants and bars (including Italian), before a nightcap. Enjoy the Zulu Family Club Lounge or the quieter Club Mirage Lounge.

All the 555 rooms and suites command unobstructed ocean views. Expect contemporary décor with flat-screen TV, fast Wi-Fi, mini-bar, and big-blow hairdryer for untangling those sun-drenched locks. The private terraces and balconies serve up open vistas and resorty furnishings. For the more discerning there’s the redone Club Mirage. The grand ballroom can host 1,000 for a cocktail and several meeting and MICE spaces are on tap for corporate meetings or more. A quick 55-minute drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, this is a top Pattaya conference hotel.