Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bali Bungalow Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bali Bungalow Awaits! - A Messy, Honest Review (and Why You NEED to Book Now)
Alright, fellow wanderlusters and escapists! I've just clawed my way back from a whirlwind stay at what Escape to Paradise boldly proclaims as "Your Dream Bali Bungalow." And, yeah… it’s a dream alright. But dreams, like life, are never perfect, are they? Let's untangle this Balinese beauty, warts and all, shall we?
First Impressions (and the Journey There): Accessibility… Hmm…
Let’s get the nitty-gritty stuff out of the way. Accessibility. Okay, look. Bali, in general, isn’t exactly a wheelchair-user’s paradise. While the hotel boasts Facilities for disabled guests, I’m going to be brutally honest: navigating around the island itself can be a challenge. The bungalows? They’re beautiful, nestled in lush greenery, but I'm not sure how truly accessible they are. Elevators, there are… well, there are some in the main areas, but the bungalows themselves are, well, they’re bungalows. So, accessibility might not be perfect, but with a bit of planning and asking the staff, they can accommodate your needs. The staff is more than happy to lend a helping hand.The car park is free of charge which is helpful,
Getting Online (Because, Let's Be Real, We NEED It!): My Wi-Fi Woes (and Triumphs!)
Okay, this is important. Internet access is crucial, right? For those Insta-worthy photos, for planning your next adventure, for, you know, actually working if you’re a digital nomad like me. The good news? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The BAD news? It’s sometimes… patchy. I mean, it's Bali. I wouldn't expect it to be perfect., so Internet access – wireless, is available. I had a few moments of panic when my Zoom call for work buffered like crazy. But, honestly, it gives you an excuse to actually unplug sometimes and just soak in the atmosphere. The main areas? The Wi-Fi in public areas was generally good. So, if you need a solid connection, head to the lobby or the restaurant. Internet [LAN] is also an option, but who carries a LAN cable these days?! I didn't. But it is an option.
Cleanliness and Peace of Mind: Sanitization Station
Listen to me! Cleanliness and safety are paramount these days, and Escape to Paradise understands. Big thumbs up for the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the Rooms sanitized between stays. They've also got Hand sanitizer everywhere, which is a godsend. I felt very safe and well looked after.. They really take it seriously. Daily housekeeping is also a plus for your stay. I think the fact that they are taking care of things is great, not only in terms of safety but also for my peace of mind. Safe dining setup with the tables spaced out and Staff trained in safety protocol also helped. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are a plus!
Rooms: Bungalow Bliss, with a Few… Quirks
So, let's talk bungalows. Your little slice of paradise! They’re gorgeous, don't get me wrong. Think: Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area (essential in Bali!), Blackout curtains (heavenly!), Complimentary tea (yes, please!), a Coffee/tea maker that I may or may not have overused, and Free bottled water. There's a Mini bar (always), a Refrigerator (yesssss!), a Seating area, and a Separate shower/bathtub. The Bed? Comfortable AF. I did however sleep in the Extra long bed, that was amazing. The Linens were crisp and clean. It's like they're making a statement, "come in and relax". It was also nice to have a Bathroom phone, just in case . The Coffee/tea maker was helpful. Mirror .I was so happy to drink my morning coffee and watch the sunrise. I could spend hours in bed, maybe even a day. I also appreciated my Slippers. The Soundproofing ensured peaceful nights, despite the late-night gecko serenades (which, I admit, I actually grew to love).
The only minor complaint: Some of the decor felt a little dated. But hey, that’s part of the charm, right? It's Bali, not a sterile, minimalist hotel chain. Non-smoking rooms, which is great. But do expect the occasional bit of moisture from the jungle climate - it is Bali after all. But they have Smoke detectors though! Additional toilet? Yes, to make sure that you are comfortable.
What's Missing? I did not see any.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, the food situation. Chef's kiss! The Restaurants are plentiful! This is where this place truly shines. First of all, every morning they serve Breakfast [buffet], with Asian breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], and Western breakfast, The Buffet in restaurant is a feast. A la carte in restaurant is amazing. Coffee/tea in restaurant is also available. And I'll make it clear, Desserts in restaurant is amazing! Then there are the Bottle of water and the Salad in restaurant. Asian cuisine in restaurant is great and so as the International cuisine in restaurant. They have Soup in restaurant is a plus. I had the Vegetarian restaurant several times during my stay. They have a Poolside bar and you can indulge in your Happy hour there. Room service [24-hour] is available. Alternative meal arrangement is available. You can ask for what is available. The Snack bar is also an option.
Oh, and they had a few other things that were quite helpful:
- Cashless payment service: Super convenient!
- Invoice provided: For expense reports, etc.
- Door man
- Dry cleaning
The Spa and Activities: Pamper Yourself, Already!
Now, this is where things get really good. Remember that stress you were carrying? Yeah, it’s about to evaporate. The Spa is a sanctuary. I recommend you try it. They have Body scrub and Body wrap. I personally recommend the Foot bath, Massage, and Sauna. There is also a Pool with view. Swimming pool [outdoor] is also available. The thought of just being in the Swimming pool is making me calm. They have a Fitness center, and the Gym/fitness. Spa/sauna is also available. Steamroom is an option.
Anecdote Time – My Massage-Induced Bliss:
Okay, I have to tell you about the massage. I booked a Balinese massage at the spa (and I’m not usually the spa-going type). But my therapist just knew where all the knots were hidden! Seriously, muscle groups I didn’t even know I had were saying, "Thank you! Finally!" I was so relaxed, I nearly floated away. The world just faded away.
Things to Do (and NOT Do!): Beyond the Bungalow
So, what's there to do? Well, besides blissful relaxation? They have Bicycle parking, You can head out for Car park [free of charge] and take a Airport transfer. If you are tired, take a Taxi service. Things to do might include things such as Meeting/banquet facilities, Seminars, and Meetings.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
Babysitting service is available. They have Family/child friendly and Kids facilities. I didn’t have any kids with me but I did see the Kids meal
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- The Concierge was super helpful with arranging tours and giving tips.
- Currency exchange on-site.
- Laundry service (thank GOODNESS!)
- A small Convenience store for those forgotten essentials.
- Gift/souvenir shop (because, duh).
The Verdict: Book It. Seriously. (But Be Prepared…)
Escape to Paradise isn't flawless. It's Balinese. It's a little rough around the edges, in a charming way. The internet might be spotty at times. But the staff is wonderful, the food is incredible, and the spa? That spa is pure magic.
Here’s the Big Sell (Because You Know You Want To):
Stop Dreaming, Start Living!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bali Bungalow Awaits! is more than just a hotel; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to truly disconnect, unwind, and reconnect with yourself (and maybe your
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Havana Villas Await in Albany, Australia
Alright, alright, alright… Bali. Bali, baby! Remember that movie? Anyway, here's my (probably gonna fail spectacularly) attempt at a Bali itinerary. Get ready for the mess. Because, let's be honest, that's what travel is, right? A beautiful, chaotic, sunburnt mess.
BALI: A Messy, Wonderful Adventure (Or At Least, That's The Plan)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh My God, It's Humid!" Moment
- Morning (or, let's be real, Mid-afternoon): Land at Denpasar Airport (DPS). The air hits you like a wet blanket. Seriously, the humidity! First thought? "Is my hair gonna look like a brillo pad the entire time?" Passport control, visa…all the usual airport fun. I'm already calculating how many Bintangs I can buy to deal with the flight from Amsterdam.
- Sometime Later: Taxi to our bungalow in Ubud. Bungalow! Sounds fancy, right? Expecting breezy, chic, maybe even a plunge pool. Reality? Probably a mosquito net situation and questionable plumbing. But hey! Adventure! The drive is a blur of scooters, temples, and that smell. The incense. Delicious, like a thousand tiny spice racks exploded.
- Evening: Settle in. Unpack (eventually). Scramble to find something vaguely presentable to wear in this heat. Wander around Ubud, get hopelessly lost immediately, and stumble upon a warung (local restaurant). Order nasi goreng and a Bintang. Stare at the stars, realize I’m actually here. The food? Amazing. The beer? Cold. The mosquito bites? Already starting.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer volume of scooters. They're like swarms of metallic bees buzzing everywhere. I feel like I'll be run over by one within the hour.
- Emotional Reaction: A mix of pure, unadulterated joy and a faint, but persistent, anxiety. I’m here! Surrounded by beauty! Oh god, did I pack enough sunscreen?
Day 2: Monkey Business (Literally) and Rice Terrace Reverie
- Morning: Wake up and find a family of little gekkos on the ceiling, the heat is already beating down through the open windows. Breakfast! Some mysteriously delicious fruit that I can't name. Then, The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – Ubud! Prepare for chaos. And monkeys, obviously.
- Mid-morning: Monkey Forest. Holy. Crap. Monkeys are EVERYWHERE. They're cute, they're cheeky, they're trying to steal your sunglasses and your water bottle. I got way too close. Lost my hat. Learned the hard way not to make direct eye contact. It's like a fluffy, furry crime scene. I actually screamed when one tried to grab my camera. (Don't worry, I'm fine… mostly).
- Lunch: Find a quiet cafe, recover from the monkey madness with a plate of gado-gado and a long, cold coffee. Reflect on my near-death experience by a mischievous primate and begin wondering if I will go crazy living here.
- Afternoon: Tegallalang Rice Terraces. This is the postcard stuff. Stunning. Green. Breathtaking. Took approximately 10,000 photos. Walked through the rice paddies – definitely not a graceful experience, mostly tripping over the muddy walkways. The heat is ridiculous, but the scenery is worth it. Feel like I'm in a movie. A very sweaty movie.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer variety of hats. People are wearing everything from straw fedoras to construction helmets. Fashion is a free-for-all here!
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed by beauty. And a bit terrified of monkeys. But mostly beauty.
Day 3: Yoga, Volcanoes, and a Near-Disaster (Again!)
- Morning: Yoga class! (I'm telling you, I am doing yoga. I'm not flexible, I can't touch my toes, but I'm doing it.) Hopefully, I won't fall over and embarrass myself in front of everyone. Feel like I need to loosen up my muscles as much as possible, if only to feel some comfort on my travel.
- Afternoon: Mount Batur sunrise trek. This is the big one. Wake up at 2 am. Hiking in the dark. I'm picturing epic views, Instagram-worthy photos, and a sense of accomplishment. Reality? Sweating buckets, struggling to breathe, questioning every life choice that lead me to this moment.
- Rambling Interjection: At one point, I swear I thought I was going to pass out. The altitude! The heat! The lack of sleep! But then… the sunrise. Holy. Freaking. Cow. The fiery oranges, the purples, the greens… Absolutely stunning. Worth the near-death experience.
- Post-Hike: Breakfast (scrambled eggs and toast, the usual travel fare) at a cafe overlooking the volcano. Feel amazing. The aches begin. The legs, oh the legs.
- Evening: Trying to rest but there's a gecko running around my room. Contemplate checking out a local club or restaurant.
- Quirky Observation: The Balinese drivers. They drive like they're in a video game. Somehow it works. Somehow everyone arrives.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhausted but happy. Also, oddly proud of myself for not keeling over and dying on the side of a volcano.
Day 4: Beach Day Blues and Beyond
- Morning: Head to a beach. Kuta Beach or Seminyak. Or maybe not. Hear it gets super crowded. Research for a beach that's a bit quieter. The choice is difficult, but I take my time for a chill morning and decide to go in that direction.
- Afternoon: Finally, the beach! Try to relax but there are always people. The ocean is warm and inviting, and then you realize how sore your body is. Enjoy a swim but have to pay attention to the waves, of course.
- Evening: Get a massage. Find a nice restaurant for a meal.
- Quirky Observation: Everyone is covered in body markings, tatoos.
- Emotional Reaction: All of a sudden, I feel like I have to go home. The travel has been great so far, but perhaps I have had enough.
Day 5-7: The "Bali Belly" and More Adventures! (or Just the Next Few Days of Whatever Happens)
- Rambling Interjection: Okay, so there's no super-specific plan here. The truth? I've heard about "Bali Belly". And I'm half expecting it. I have emergency meds! (Hopefully). The plan is to roll with it. Do whatever feels good. Maybe visit some temples. Maybe take a cooking class. Maybe just sit on a beach and drink Bintangs.
- Possible Activities (Subject to Change Based on My Stomach and General Mood):
- Explore more temples: Uluwatu is on the list, of course (for the sunset!).
- Surfing lessons: Though I might just end up face-planting in the waves.
- Shopping for souvenirs: Trying to find unique treasures, avoid the tourist traps.
- Cooking class: Learn the art of Balinese cuisine (and hopefully learn how to avoid food poisoning).
- Maybe a spa day: For a bit of pampering (and recovery from all the walking.)
- Remember, the MOST important part of the itinerary, so far:
- Stay hydrated (obvious, but crucial).
- Embrace the chaos.
- Be open to the unexpected.
- And laugh. A lot. Especially when you're about to fall over on a volcano.
Day 8: Goodbye, Bali!
- Morning: Last breakfast, last sun. Buy last-minute souvenirs. Attempt (and probably fail) to pack everything I've accumulated in my bag.
- Afternoon: Airport arrival. The long flight home.
- Emotional Reaction: Bittersweet. Sad to leave, but excited to go back home with memories. Already planning my next trip.
- Final Thoughts: Bali is incredible. It's beautiful, chaotic, exhausting, and utterly unforgettable. And even though I started with a somewhat structured plan, odds are I'll have completely ignored it, gotten lost, eaten something questionable, and had the time of my life. And isn't that what travel is all about?
So, what *exactly* are we talking about today?!
Okay… So, what *kind* of experiences will we explore?
But… Isn’t that a bit… disorganized?
What about *specific* things? Like, what's your biggest pet peeve?
Okay, okay, you hate open mouth chewing. What’s something you *love*?
Have you ever, like, completely messed something up?
Okay, but like, is there anything you’re *actually* good at?
Alright, last question. What's the *most* important thing in life?
