Pattaya will at last get an upmarket Sauna (Babylon-style) and Guesthouse. It is called "Sansuk" and the construction is well under way. Sticky Rice Webmag has interviewed Punya Ratana, the owner of well known Howards Guesthouse in Soi VC Pattaya (
www.howardspattaya.com or
www.howards-pattaya.net) who is also the owner and driving force behind Sansuk Sauna and Guesthouse
What is the idea of Sansuk Sauna and Guesthouse?
Well, I have a lot of Thai friends who are regular visitors to Howards bar, most of them have been in stable relationships with their Farangs for a long time and the 'I'm in a monogamous relationship' no longer applies, by mutual concent.
Howards has many Farang guests whom the Thai young men really like on their 'boys nights out' and their partners fancy a lot of the freelance Thai young men who frequent Howards, so it's a happy combination. There is no take out fee for the boys, which means I am not responsible for them, but of course if I have a complaint from one of the punters about a particular boy, obviously I investigate, there are always two sides to every story.
Most of my Thai friends slope off to visit one of the many saunas in Bangkok on a regular basis and I thought it was about time Pattaya fielded a bit of competition.
After months of searching I found what I hope is the perfect site. The old le Colonial in Soi 11 Thappraya road mid-way between Pattaya and Jomtien was the final choice.
Just far enough off the main road to be both secluded and easily assessable. It was a wonderful period piece, 'living in a bygone era' was the logo, a very accurate description, a rambling wooden guest house and a bizarre 'complete sauna experience' in the garden' all Disney World material.
I originally thought I could upgrade the existing facilities, but the termite infested guesthouse and impractical layout of the rooms knocked that idea on the head, and having decided to start afresh on the accommodation it seemed logical to start afresh on the sauna and garden area.
So work is well underway with the three storied sauna complex and gardens with outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and steam room, with an interregnal steam room, sauna, gymnasium and recreational areas.
The guesthouse is also to be a modern three storied building with open courtyard, and the intention is to pamper the guests with superior accommodation and service at reasonable prices, but I know that will take time to implement and there are going to be many headaches to start.
I hope to make them all mine and not the clients!
What does Sansuk mean?
Roughly translated 'make you feel good' which is the whole aim of the new project.
Since size matters, how big is the sauna?
Well, we have the ground floor with lockers, Steamroom, Gym, Sauna, Showers and Toilets with a large recreation area with bar where snacks will be available, opening onto the garden where the pool, Jacuzzi, Sitting area and Outdoor Steamroom with Showers and Toilets will be. On the 2nd floor we will have a darkroom, 10 'rest rooms' two massage rooms, showers and toilets with an open air balcony to relax on.
The 3rd floor will have open air 'restrooms' a more private relaxing area with bar showers and toilets.
I think I have everyone's tastes well catered for. HOPEFULLY!
When will it open?
The sauna should be ready to open by the beginning of October.
How would you describe the Guesthouse?
The rooms will be comfortably large, with everything necessary to make it pleasant to stay in Sansuk. Fridge, TV, CD Player, ADSL, Air con, Tea and Coffee making facility, separate Bathroom with Shower, Sitting area which on the ground floor will be set round an open air Courtyard with Fountain and Shrubs where Breakfast will be available, with Bar and Sitting Areas.
The 2nd and 3rd floors will also have an outside sitting area overlooking the central courtyard making the rooms light and airy.
How many rooms will there be?
We will have 19 rooms all together.
How much is the night?
Introductory offer will be 2.500 Baht per night which will include breakfast and free use of the sauna and garden area, but obviously once things have settled down I will have to review the pricing.
How much will the entrance to the sauna complex be?
It will be 250 Baht.
When will it open?
We expect the soft opening of the Guest House to take place in the middle of February 2007.