Inside La Miniera Pool Villas: Crafting Memories with Chanisorn Mongkollapkij
Raised in Bangkok and residing in Seoul, South Korea, for the past decade, Chanisorn Mongkollapkij, owner of La Miniera Pool Villas Pattaya, initially embraced her calling for the performing arts and wellness industry.
The idea of diving into the world of hospitality was never in the cards; she had zero passion for this particular field.
Her path to fulfilment shifted drastically after discovering the joy of creating a positive impact on her surroundings.
Masala had the opportunity to hear the story from the woman herself, an exceptional curator of unforgettable and meaningful moments.
“When a friend of a friend tells me they reconnected with their parents during a stay at La Miniera, or when strangers write reviews saying it was the best time of their lives, I realise we’re creating everlasting, precious memories,” expresses Chanisorn.
“That feeling is addictive! Running a business that contributes to people’s happiness has become my most tremendous honour. Knowing that my daily decisions impact the environment, people around me, and society as a whole, I feel obligated to think critically and act responsibly.”
What inspired you to create the concept of the property, and what sets it apart from others in the region? Could you please explain how unique the experience is?
La Miniera was inspired by the beauty of the prism and light—how each angle reveals a different gem.
I wanted to create a place where every visit feels like uncovering something precious: a memory, a bond, or a personal discovery.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful hideaway, a family holiday, or time with friends, La Miniera is designed to be a “home away from home.”
What makes us unique is not just our architecture and design, but also the devotion of our team.
Every villa features its own heated, chemical-free ozone pool, and every detail is crafted for comfort and inclusivity.
Beyond that, our mission is to be more than just a resort—we are your guide to #PassionAlive experiences that stay with you long after check-out.
What were the early challenges to bringing this project from vision to reality?
The construction was very challenging.
The operation (we opened during the peak of Covid) has been very demanding since day one.
We went through a painstakingly long experimental phase before this property came to life.
From day one of operation, we had to keep adapting, coping, and surviving.
We introduced innovative concepts, such as Thailand’s one-and-only heated indoor ozone pools, where the cooler you turn the AC, the warmer the water becomes.
There are truly eco-friendly solar cells installed. But more importantly, we stayed true to our values.
Sustainability, inclusivity, and staff well-being were never marketing slogans for us—they were survival principles.
Supporting the community and ensuring every guest felt a sense of belonging kept us going through the toughest days.
Pattaya is generally perceived as a “lively city”. How do you position the hotel as a more intimate getaway?
La Miniera sits quietly on the outskirts. Looking at our address, Pattaya is not even in it.
Growing up in Bangkok, our families often visited Pattaya as an easy escape, and I always saw it as a place to recharge and spend time together.
In the eyes of locals, Pattaya is very family-friendly, which is something the majority of residents would like to argue.
We’re breaking the stereotype of Pattaya. Our vibes are on the opposite side of the spectrum of what most people see of Pattaya on TikTok.
It’s time we end all the single-sided stories of Pattaya. We’re proof that Pattaya is not a one-dimensional story.
Gen Z, in particular, is curious about exploring places for themselves rather than relying on old narratives.
Aside from the heated ozone pools, we’re the only Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) member in Chonburi, and also a luxury pet-friendly resort.
We are the only independent resort brand in the world to ever collaborate with Disney Thailand to open a Kids’ Club.
Our focus is privacy, personalisation, and positive vibes—no request is ever considered strange.
This authenticity is what kept us open through COVID without a single closure.
The Indian diaspora loves luxury travel and family-friendly spaces in the region. How does the hotel cater to this particular type of guest?
Indian families are a perfect match for La Miniera because we were built around the idea of togetherness.
Versatility is the heart of our design. Multi-generational travel is central to Indian culture, and our villas — with private heated pools, space for grandparents, parents, and children — make that possible in comfort and privacy.
We adapt with ease to vegetarian and cultural preferences, while our Disney-inspired Kids’ Club and accessibility features ensure every family member feels included.
More than a resort, La Miniera is a stage where Indian families create lasting legacies, which is why diplomats, business leaders, and even cinema designers from India describe it as a sanctuary where culture and luxury converge.
How do you see the future for luxury travel in Thailand for Indian visitors?
India’s young luxury travellers are the fastest-growing segment.
For Thailand, the future lies in becoming as internationalised as destinations like the UAE—able to serve both mass markets and niche travellers with equal finesse.
Diversification is key. We must not rely on one or two nationalities, but instead open new routes while infusing authentic Thai storytelling into every experience.
That balance—global outlook with Thai heart—is what will make Thailand an enduring favourite for Indian visitors.
Thai-ness will never become a “fad”. If something is a fashionable trend, there is something wrong, meaning I believe Thai-ness can be a longstanding USP of the industry to eternally attract Indian travellers.
As the owner, what does La Miniera represent to you personally?
La Miniera is my heart outside my body. It represents my conviction that hospitality should always be about people and purpose, rather than pure profit.
Outwardly, the design is elegant, the philosophy is minimal, but once you step inside, it’s full of hidden treasures—just like the gemstones that inspired its name.
I care about our family (team members of every department) as much as our guests.
I believe hospitality workers are unsung heroes. They create joy and comfort for others while often sacrificing weekends, holidays, and even family time.
At La Miniera, I see them not just as staff, but as the heartbeat of every experience we deliver.
Are there any plans to expand the hotel and its signature feature to other cities?
No. There will always be only one La Miniera.
Instead of replicating, we want to keep evolving, especially in wellness, where we’re developing programs that address burnout and midlife recovery.
The positive energy, team spirit, and drama-free community we’ve built here are too extraordinary and rare, impossible to duplicate in the next two or three years.
Expansion for us means transformation within, not replication elsewhere.
What role do you think La Miniera plays in the broader story of Pattaya’s hospitality scene?
Our role is to expand the story of Pattaya into something richer and more multifaceted—something that speaks to every generation of traveller.
Guests often say La Miniera is the more accessible version of Khao Yai.
How do you want guests to feel when they leave the property?
Loved and beloved.
Next year, guests will feel this sentiment on a soulful and cellular level.
Please stay tuned for our wellness transformation!