A private helipad is soon to be the latest feature of the 26-storey Cape Dara Resort on the beachfront at Pattaya, on Thailand’s eastern seaboard.

The striking contemporary resort, named for the nearby beach, is one of Thailand’s most eye-catching new luxury properties, set in an exclusive residential part of north Pattaya and surrounded by 0.75 hectares of landscaped gardens and private beach, with views to the islands offshore.

All 264 guest rooms, suites and villa compounds have panoramic sea views in both directions along the coastline as well as inland. There are 11 room types, from the 6000 THB ($250) lead-in deluxe rooms to the five-bedroom private pool residence, which sleeps up to 10 guests and costs 320,000 THB ($10,000) per night, including meals and private butler service.

In Thai, dara means ‘star’, and among the Cape Dara facilities is Luminous, a luxury spa offering relaxing rituals and therapeutic treatments. Other amenities include Dara Club accommodation-level privileges such as use of the club lounge for sunset cocktails, a fully equipped fitness centre, two swimming pools (one at ground level and beach front), and a Kids’ Club offering a full program of guided activities.

For food and drink there’s all-day seaside dining at Radius Restaurant, fine-dining Cantonese cuisine at Ming Xing Restaurant, a bakery and café, two beach and poolside bars, and a chic sky lounge.

The resort’s owners are a Thai family with local roots tracing back to well before Pattaya became a major tourist destination, and who ensure the resort embodies traditional Thai hospitality combined with an awareness of the needs of today’s guests.