The Hidden Charm of the East: Meet Matthew Horvat, General Manager of Tawaravadee Resort

Q: Hi Matthew, a warm welcome to WorldHotels Distinctive!?We’re honored that Tawaravadee Resort has joined the collection! Can you tell us more about the hotel; are you more leisure, or business?

We are both! We have the luxury of being on a 28-acre estate. We can have a 700-person conference in one area of the hotel, however with the large, lush green environment a leisure guest can feel completely relaxed away from the hustle and bustle of the conference. The conference guest also takes on a new relaxed persona on entering the lobby, frequently we see them escaping for a dip in the pool, a selfie on the rice field, or just hitting a few golf balls.

Our business is word of mouth that leads to repeat business – if you have stayed with us once, our guests always come back for leisure or business.

Q: And how about the history of the hotel?

The owners had a vision for the surrounding area to create an international hotel that would become the hub of the community. In 1995 Tawaravadee Hotel was opened! The design was inspired from the great history of the Dvaravati period. Design features are derived from the harmony of this ancient time, surrounded by lush trees, taking into effect the afternoon breezes mixed with the elegance of the ripples from the lake providing a feeling of freshness and joy to visitors of the Dvaravati Kingdom.

The hotel logo is derived from symbols from silver coins in the Dvaravati Period – This period dates to the eleventh century – just amazing history in the area.

Elephant motifs abound throughout the hotel being an area of Thailand with many elephants dating back to the days of Thailand’s Rama 5th King.

The vision came to life with the hotel being the gateway for all the guests and the community, together with a local population of 150,000 people the hotel is the centerpiece for all its citizens.

Tawaravadee Resort is an inspired choice for all traveler’s and the community.

Q: How has the hotel developed since then??And how integrated is the hotel into the city of Prachinburi?

We are the heart and soul of the community on our estate, because we have such an sports-active area; we have lots of local company employees coming to use our gym; play tennis; and use the golf driving range.?Schools use us for excursions and seminars – and we give back as good as we get, we support the local government, host them, and host other hotels for HR support too.

We feel it’s better to be the leader in a community than a follower, and as we have such a large property, we can cater to so many things for so many people. ?

Q: So, is it fair to assume you are not simply a ‘hotel’?

Yes absolutely! We’re not just a hotel, we are a full conference and events destination with 7 conference rooms including the Grand Ballroom.?However, we are not limited to just these rooms – we do events over the lake, on the golf driving range, the pool deck, and our unique rice field deck – the are no limits to exceeding our guests’ expectations. Additionally, we have a cutting-edge recreation facility including the gym, futsal court, tennis, and a golf driving range.

Hotel rooms are beautifully decorated and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Food is crafted using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, menus are carefully curated to offer a local and international flavor.

Q: What would you define as truly unique about Tawaravadee Resort?

The hotel offers lush greenery and tranquil Lotus ponds.?The architecture is inspired by ancient Dvaravati culture. The meaning behind the word Dvaravati is “A gateway “, I like to consider the sense of arrival as you enter the driveway, “A gateway to an oasis “- you are welcomed by elephants that represent strength, loyalty and longevity – a feeling of belonging and a very warm welcome home.

The property represents the essence and culture of Thailand, it’s my Home! I like to welcome all guests into the sanctuary of our home! Our Lobby is Thai-inspired; you are greeted in a traditional manner; you have a feeling that you have arrived at the very heart of Thai Culture. The design of the lobby carpet holds significant cultural details.

The carpet incorporates elements that reflect Thai culture, traditional motifs, patterns, and symbols. It serves as a visual representation of the Dvaravati heritage, showcasing Thai artistry, history, and natural beauty. The carpet design was chosen to enhance the overall aesthetic of the hotel lobby. It complements the interior design scheme, color palette, and architectural style of the property. Its lush feeling creates a traditional sense of welcome home!

?Q: WorldHotels is a collection that celebrates unique hotels and experiences, is this why you joined WorldHotels Distinctive?

We had previously joined BWH Hotels in 2018, the owner wanted a partnership that would grow and enhance the business, BWH Hotels being a global brand, it was an easy decision to entrust the property to BWH. BWH Hotels comes with energy, systems, global reward’s programs, core values and a mission for all team members. During the COVID period, the property remained open and provided an opportunity to enhance all grounds, guest areas, swimming pool and the amazing 700 seat ballroom. The property was then fully enhanced and looking for further opportunities for a niche market that the hotel truly offers.

Together with the owner, we reviewed the WorldHotels brands - WorldHotels Distinctive resonated?with the property entirely from its uniqueness and oasis feeling, it was a simple choice to want to be part of this brand and family.

Rebranding the hotel into a WorldHotels property increases the property’s’ platform with the visibility of a global brand. WorldHotels has a strong reputation for offering unique, upscale experiences. The hotel will leverage this reputation and benefit from increased brand recognition. WorldHotels has a vast network of distribution channels, including online travel agencies, corporate travel agents, and other travel providers. The property will tap into these channels, reaching wider audiences of potential guests. WorldHotels has fast paced support with sales and marketing teams specializing in advertising, public relations, and social media – All key factors in this digital age.

Q:?WorldHotels has a deep commitment to EPC; Earth, People & Community, how does this reflect your own values at Tawaravadee Resort?

Earth, people, and community are our key focuses on the property. Our lake that is featured provides water for all our meticulously groomed gardens, the lake provides life & attracts wildlife, birds chirp, fish jump, it’s a constant source of inspired energy. Guests are attracted to this water source; it can be viewed from the rooms – providing that end-of-day tranquility and the first thing you see when you wake.?Guests constantly walk or jog the path of the lake, be it morning or evening. The swimming pool provides that infinity style feeling as you look over the lake. The feeling of escape.

Further to the earth - together with the owners, we are committed to moving to clean solar energy, we currently have in hand a major project that will provide direct injected power to run all our electrical, air conditioners, pool pumps etc – this will see our use of energy from the power grid cut by half – we will be a leader in being a major hotel that is sustained by solar power – very exciting times.

As we are in a gateway city, we have a strong sense of community; the hotel is always involved with local schools, and trainees from across Thailand join us for vocational training. Local festivals are held at the property, we are showcased by Tourism of Thailand. Loy Krathong?is a?festival?celebrated by the Thai people on the full moon night of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar. Loy Krathong Festival?is known as the Thai?Festival?of Lights -. Our rice field is the connection of life with our lake, school children come and help plant and harvest – it adds to the sense of wow on the guests’ arrival. Being the major hotel in the area, we are passionate about being involved in all areas of the community – We are one family at our hotel, and we welcome everyone to be a part of our family.

Q: Tawaravadee Resort is known as the ‘The Hidden Charm of the East’, how is this brought to life for the guest?

We are one of the most peaceful, tranquil places in the country.?Our vegetation, the tranquility of our rice field, it’s lovely to watch the water over the lake, you can swim to the edge of the pool and gaze across the lake, or up at the stars at night.?This is a country horizon, with clarity and pureness.?If you want to - you can be energetic and work out at the gym or go running around the lake – it gives the guest the opportunity to be at peace and soak up the tranquility, The guest can choose their own pace.

Q: Do you have any special features you are particularly proud of? Do you have a unique space or product?

What is particularly special is the sense of arrival. Our unique space is our lobby it’s Thai-inspired and a beautiful sight as you walk out into the pavilion room, you can lift your gaze over the rice fields, taking that special, relaxing view that brings peace, that’s a truly a special feature.?I personally love looking over the rice field in the early evening, you can see life around but feel sheer tranquility.,

The hotel itself was built 28 years ago, the lobby is original and has aged wonderfully with its parquet floors and exposed timber roof line in keeping with Thai traditional style. It is meticulously maintained, it’s the spectacular entry point that provides a relaxing and uplifting sense of arrival. Guests are in awe, taking constant selfies, it feels like your home. Guests feel like they are leaving their home away from home on their departure. The lobby is always featured as our hero shot!

Our Spirit House is also a special feature. In Thailand, a spirit house, known as "san phra phum" or "prasat mueang phi," is a small structure that is found in a garden setting as you enter the Property. It serves as a place of worship for the spirits believed to inhabit the land. Thai people have a deep belief in the spiritual world, and they believe that spirits, both benevolent and malevolent, reside in the environment around them.

The spirit house is considered the home of the guardian spirit, or "phi," who protects the land and brings good fortune to those who pay respect. The house is equipped with various offerings such as flowers, incense, candles, food, and drinks. These offerings are made regularly by the owner of the property and the team to show respect to the spirits.

Guests join the team on all spiritual days of the year to celebrate, pray and bring good fortune for themselves and for our hotel. We have a weekly routine where each department makes a daily offering to bring good fortune to the business – it’s a most moving and spiritual occasion and I invite everyone to join. The spirit house is seen as a vital link between the human and spiritual realms, and it is believed that neglecting or disrespecting the spirit house may bring misfortune or bad luck.

?Q: Do you have any special events in your calendar?

We hold all the traditional events however Loy Krathon is the main Thai-inspired event that we do, it’s the most spiritual and elegant event we offer to the local community and our guests, dinner is held in the early evening around the rice field followed by local offering for everyone to float into the lake – a most beautiful occasion.

Q: What do guests love about Tawaravadee Resort? How do they connect emotionally to the brand?

Guests love our staff culture, nothing is impossible. Our team makes you feel at home, a hotel is a hotel, but can be more than just a facility- our team makes the experience. A cocktail & ice cream on the pool deck, dinner for 2 on the lake, or the guest may want a certain room type, with a certain view, lunch at a certain time, these are experiences we are remembered for. As such we have a guest who stays 52 nights a year for the past 4 years; they never hesitate to compliment the teams, it’s wonderful feedback.

Guests love our Pavilion conference room, it’s a mini version of the lobby that has breathtaking views over the rice field, Pool deck and lake; stunning. It is frequented by major companies for high level business lunches, strategic planning days or an end of quarter celebration. Our cuisine is specifically crafted for these occasions – our chefs source the best produce locally – local river prawns being a dish of choice for many together with local coconuts being deliciously direct from the owner’s farm.

Q: What is your personal favourite place within the hotel itself??And why?

I encourage my team to treat the property as our home, I love it with a passion! My favourite place is hard to be exact about, the rice field at night with soft lighting under the stars – provides a great grounding for me to appreciate the elegance, style, and tranquility of the hotel.

Q: If you were to travel to Prachinburi for the first time, what you absolutely recommend doing?

Our hotel is located two hours outside of Bangkok in a key gateway area, steeped in rich Thai culture. There is an abundance of history to discover with my favourite places:

Si Mahosot Ancient town is a district in Prachin Buri. It is a 1 200-year-old Dvaravati ancient city that was once an important port and the centre of civilization in terms of arts, culture, tradition, and Buddhism. In the present, many pieces of evidence of Si Mahosot Ancient Town can be seen in both the interior and exterior of the city.

Kaeo Phichit Temple is situated on the right side of Bang Pakong River. It is an ancient temple of the city and was constructed in 1879 by Pramul Phoka, a millionaire of Prachin Buri and a wife of Nobleman Pramulphakdi.

Yoo Suk Suwan Museum is embraced by nature with a variety of plants and animals such as fish, turtles & colorful birds. The interior of the museum exhibits antiques, especially the lanterns. There are more than 10 000 lanterns produced from many different countries all over the world such as England, USA, Sweden, Hong Kong, China, Australia, and Thailand. There are 4 exhibition buildings, namely, Rajawadee Building, Leelawadee Building, Chuan Chom Building, and Bhayu Building. Apart from displaying lanterns, each building exhibits Buddhist talisman, old photographs of Prachin Buri, several antiques including silverware, gold ornaments, old-style iron, potteries, & ancient tableware.

Q: How have you invested in the growth of Tawaravadee resort, and will continue to grow?

With the onset of COVID over the past few years, we made good use of this time, we were able to take areas of the property offline and give them a complete refurbishment.

Our Signature pool was totally retiled, lights added, along with new furniture providing an oasis within our oasis.

The Gym was remastered with the athlete in mind, tripling in size with the addition of the latest equipment, spin bikes, and the first outdoor functional fitness area of its kind in the local area – truly an area of vitality and health.

The Grand ballroom was taken back to its original shell, the walls were redone with a new sound system, for greater clarity for speeches and grand production, mood lighting added to set the tone for a variety of day conferencing or Grand events. New energy efficient air-conditioning. It’s not every day you get to buy 1,000 new chairs – however we did do just that! A variety of styles and fabrics were reviewed together with the overall weight of the chair for our staff to relocate them, most importantly the comfort was the major focus. The carpet design has its own unique story combining the elements of our lake, the stars, raindrops, the activity of birdlife bring the outside in on our Grand Ballroom. It’s a pleasure to work with an owner to continuously improve the facility,

Q: And finally - what is your personal vision and purpose for Tawaravadee Resort??

My vision is to enhance our property in the Thai culture that will provide a unique and memorable experience for the seasoned traveler to Thailand, using our local produce to craft unique food experiences, with a team that exudes excellence in guest service.

As we enter the world of WorldHotels , it’s an exciting new phase for the hotel, the team, our owners, and our guests. There is strong guest service USPs in place, being part of a brand that espouses us, to a rewards data base with exposure to 50 million plus new customers who want to experience the heart of Thailand, a fantastic opportunity.

My team and I look forward to welcoming you to our home.

Interview conducted by Jo Becker-Birck , Communications Director EMEA, WorldHotels

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About WorldHotels?

WorldHotels? is a privately held hotel soft brand within the BWH? Hotels global enterprise. Founded by independent hoteliers dedicated to the art of hospitality, WorldHotels?offers one of?the finest portfolios of independent hotels and resorts around the globe, expertly curated to inspire unique, life enriching experiences that connect people and places. WorldHotels is comprised of four unique collections, each with its own personality and style to appeal to the needs of today’s traveler.?The collections include: WorldHotels Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Crafted and WorldHotels Distinctive.?For more information visit WorldHotels.com.