The view from our east-facing balcony is inviting to anyone who is attracted to things aquatic. The pool below is what’s known in the trade as ‘Free Form’, meaning it’s built for fun rather than for serious training or laps. In fact it’d be sort of hard to do laps unless you’re willing to dodge the three islands, pool bar and kiddies’ pool.

The pool is large enough for sunbathers to relax in peace and quiet at the eastern (pool bar) end while youngsters splish splash around at the opposite, kids’ pool end – and everyone gets to have fun with the option of sun or no sun. All day long, the sound of running water from several fountains provides a constant and soothing background – not only that but it successfully eliminates traffic noise from outside.

The hotel’s seafood outlet, Catch & Grill is located street-side and faces Patong Beach. It’s a trendy affair with underbar lighting, eye-catching lamp designs and a definite post-modern almost Japanese feel to it. Three very talented musicians play French, Spanish, Italian, English and Thai classics and if you are lucky enough to catch (but hopefully not grill) them performing, ask the chap playing the bongos to do a magic turn for you. He’s hot. Complimentary buffet breakfast is served at the Coffee Shop, adjacent to the pool. The restaurant is L-shaped and air-conditioned although some guests prefer to eat outside and enjoy the early morning sun over their coffee and croissants, or whatever catches their eye at the well-equipped buffet.

To sum up Patong Paragon: The most outstanding feature of this four-star hotel is its undeniable and welcome sense of freshness. A constant marigold colour theme (set off by white and dark brown) works – even staff members are dressed in light and dark-brown silk. Rooms are spacious and allow complete relaxation. The ambience is quiet, staff gracious (an extra bed cover arrived within two minutes of requesting it) and the location allows for a good range of activities – whether by day or by night.