Page 57 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL6

It’s true that construction and hotel businesses are quite different, but to make the software work you need good hardware to begin with, and this is something I’m very good atWoraphot and Varee Srimahachota, elites of Haven Resort at Hua Hin and Paro.Haven Resort Bhutan, the first resort by a Thai hotelier to offer homey, heartfelt and thoughtful service in a luxurious, five-star property. It sits at the foot of the Himalayas in Paro, the second largest city in the country after the capital, Thimphu.Haven Resort Bhutan is the second property under Haven Thailand, which also operates Haven Resort Hua Hin. Opened two years ago, Haven Resort Bhutan sets itself apart from competitors with spacious facilities, excellent service and authentic Thai cuisine. Located on a small hill overlooking the cityscape and the majestic Himalayas, the luxury boutique hotel boasts three- storey buildings that blend in with the natural garden and apple orchard surroundings. Past the traditional Bhutanese façade, travellers are treated to five-star accommodation, with king-size bed and cotton linen,hot shower, bathtub with a view and high-speed Wi-Fi. Haven Spa offers Bhutanese hot stone baths and Thai traditional massage to soothe body and mind.The resort offers five-day, four- night all-inclusive packages at 62,000 baht per person during the low season (December to February and June to August) and 68,000 baht per person during the high season. The package includes visa fee, return flights from Bangkok, meals and sightseeing programmes that include highlights such as Punakha Dzong, the famous Paro Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest Monas- tery) and a day trip to Thimphu.Over two years Haven Paro has welcomed globetrotters from all over the world as well as local social elites and political figures, including Dasho Dzongda, the governor of Paro.“I enjoy the Thai food here very much, and whenever I think ofThai food, I think of Haven,” Dasho Dzongda told Elite+ during our stay. “The quality is there, which is very important. Haven is one of the best resorts in Paro and the people around here are benefiting.”Such praise is welcome to Woraphot Srimahachota, the hotel owner, whose background lies more in construction than in hospitality.“It’s true that construction and hotel businesses are quite different, but to make the software work you need good hardware to begin with, and this is something I’m very good at. How do you convince a guest that you have the best service when you have a low-quality facility to offer? For a hotel to work, the simplest things have to work and that means small details like water heater, stairs, functionality of the room and such. I like hospitality because I have a service mind. I like to take care ofElite+ 55