Checking Into Navana Nature Escape: An Oasis Outside Downtown Pattaya
Nestled on a beach cove near the Na Kluea fishing pier, Navana is much inspired by the sea.
Its name comes from “nava”, Thai for “boat”; and “nirvana”, the Buddhist term for the idyllic, transcendent state.
We had initially booked Navana Nature Escape for our 2022 trip to Thailand – the first trip we made in the post-pandemic era. Unfortunately, I caught the bug on my second day in Bangkok, and I was too exhausted to make the weekend trip even after recovering. Fast forward a year later, we finally made it to the resort in central Pattaya.
Rooms and Villas
With Navana’s modest driveway discreetly tucked away, it was a surprise to find they had 60 rooms and 11 villas in store. From sea-view rooms with outdoor tubs to semi-private and completely secluded pool villas, Navana has something for both romantic and family getaways.
We opted for the pool villa, with an enclosed deck out front and a private pool that felt like a secret hideaway. I’m not the biggest pool person, but it’s always nice to be able to swim and tan whenever the sun is out. Navana also kindly served a complimentary tea set we enjoyed while dipping our toes into the water. On hot days, the wooden deck and outdoor stone shower can get piping hot, so always have slippers around. And don’t forget your insect repellent, especially if you’re chilling outdoors in the evening.
The room itself was very spacious with the bedroom opening onto the deck. There’s an artisanal touch around, from the natural textures to the weighty doorknob hanger and a woven tote, perfect for stashing everything you need for the beach, with modern elements in the lamp fixtures and unexpected pops of colour around the rest of the room.
At the back is an again, spacious bathroom with a double sink and a separate shower space that opens out the back to an outdoor bathtub. One thing I love about central Thailand is it’s always warm enough to go for a dip, even at night. So run a hot bath, grab a glass of wine and settle down with a book for some me-time.
We also loved the Deluxe Seaview rooms with access to an exclusive pool – these come with a private veranda overlooking the main pool that isn’t quite visible from the ground floor, so you can easily slip out of bed and dip your feet into cool water in utter privacy.
Facilities
Swimming Pool and Fitness Rooms
Pattaya isn’t exactly known for having clean beaches, so while the beachfront gives off a lovely, relaxed ambience, the resort pool is a much better bet if you want to swim.
The main swimming pool is the resort’s focal point, around which lies the guest rooms, a verdant landscape and other facilities. The gentle curves and varying depths of the pool give it the illusion of a serene lagoon in an oasis. It’s a peaceful atmosphere that instantly calms the mind and uplifts the spirit, great for a splash or tanning session under the sun.
A separate kids pool is further off, with shallow wading zones and deeper areas. Those looking to sweat off extra calories will find a fully equipped gym and steam room in the lobby complex.
Sher Spa
Navana’s spa is home to four spacious treatment rooms, offering services from traditional Thai massages to fancier aromatherapies.
Shuttle Bus
While it’s incredibly easy to spend the entire day by the pool, Navana’s prime location means it’s a short ride away from Pattaya Beach, and it would be a waste not to check out the main tourist stretch for a taste of town.
One of our favourite things about the resort was that it offers shuttle services to and fro Terminal 21 Pattaya, located near the top end of Pattaya Beach. The shuttle bus operates hourly until 8pm, departing from the resort on the hour and returning at half-past. Be sure to give the hotel a heads-up if you’re counting on a ride to ensure the shuttle bus picks you up.
Dining
Meen Restaurant
Meaning Thai for “fish”, Meen Restaurant serves a range of Asian dishes on the sunny patio overlooking the swimming pool. It’s where we grabbed an ice-cold beer by the pool and also where the buffet spread for breakfast is served.
I’m usually a picky eater at buffets, but I was so impressed with the Massaman curry and tamarind prawns I had multiple servings. And who am I to say no to mango sticky rice at 8 AM, served with a light ocean breeze?
Sky Lobby Bar
The Sky Lobby Bar leads into the resort reception and is an airy, open space where guests can recline on rattan chairs and traditional Thai beanbags. At happy hour, it’s a great spot to sip on a cocktail and watch the sunset over the sea.
Thoughts
Navana is a pretty low-key resort where you don’t feel pressured to race around or do anything. I would usually go for the more pared-back, minimal look of Ana Anan and COCOON, but Navana’s almost-mismatched details make for a very homey, lived-in vibe. While it would be a stretch to stay within the premises for days, its location and quick shuttle bus ride are hard to beat for first-timers looking to explore Pattaya.
Its discreet entrance is far enough from the main road that it maintains the tranquillity of a retreat sans the noise (or sleaziness from Pattaya’s more dubious bars), yet convenient enough for a short ride to take you all the way to North Pattaya Road, where the downtown area begins. Additionally, The iconic Sanctuary of Truth museum, a top destination for many travellers, is fairly close and only a short ride away.
Navana is also the only Thai resort I’ve visited that readily serves mango sticky rice. I know it’s an overrated and touristy dish, but it’s one of those things that only taste authentic in Thailand, and I just cannot get enough of it every time I visit. We’re definitely keeping Navana on our list to check out the rest of its rooms.
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