It may be the title of an Agatha Christie novel too, but that’s certainly how the dusitD2 baraquda, Pattaya, creates an illusion of space, says Punam Mohandas.
On entering the lobby of the dusitD2 baraquda, Pattaya, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped on to a ship’s deck instead, which is exactly the impression the hotel’s owner, Serm Phenjati, wants to impart.
The interiors incorporate the elements of the ocean, with chic, clean lines, teak flooring, and aqua colour overtones, where a check-in bar – rather than a formal reception counter – greet the visitor.
At night, the lobby lights are dimmed, to allow focus on an interesting play of lights from the barracuda–shaped swimming pool.
The D2 duplex suite is wholly contemporary and romantic to boot. Again, there’s an aqua colour scheme, with a fawn-and-cream coloured mollusc-shaped rug, and, instead of stereotyped wall paintings, you have an elongated oil painted blue panel, to resemble a wave.
The contours of the ceiling, where the air conditioners are cleverly concealed, are the impressions the waves leave on the sand; indeed, sharp corners have been banished completely in the design of the hotel, leaving gentle curves in its stead.
There is Thai teak flooring throughout; says Paulo Randone, guru (general manager), dusitD2 baraquda, Pattaya: “The Asian way of life is to take footwear off inside a home. Marble flooring would be too cold, and carpets are passé, hence, we went for traditional flooring.”
A wooden staircase, much as one would find on a ship, leads to the floor above, where the rounded double bed has a semicircle-shaped back, meant to resemble the curve of the coastline, and which also houses the button console.
Aqua and white pillows add a dash of elan; there is a clever use of glass and mirrors, to create the visual of more space than there actually is.
However, the focal point would surely be the inviting jacuzzi in the centre of the room – now here’s a (bed)room with a view.
