Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Thai Beach Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: My (Unfiltered) Take on the Dream Thai Beach Resort!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average travel brochure review. I just got back from "Escape to Paradise," and while the name is… optimistic, the experience was, well, a mixed bag. Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, from pure bliss to mild annoyance, all laid bare.
(Meta-Data Snippet: This review covers Accessibility, On-site Dining & Drinking, Relaxation & Wellness, Cleanliness & Safety, Dining, Services & Conveniences, Things to Do, Room Features, Getting Around. Keywords: Thai Beach Resort, Accessible Resort, Spa, Pool, Beach, Dining, Wi-Fi, Reviews, Vacation, Thailand.)
The Good, The Bad, and the Extra-Spicy Pad Thai…
First off, let's address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. They say they're accessible, with "facilities for disabled guests." Okay, cool. But reality? A bit wobbly. The lobby was fine, elevator worked (thank the heavens!), but getting to the beach? Forget it. The pathways weren't exactly smooth sailing for wheelchairs. My companion had a hard time getting around, which was a real bummer as the view from the private terrace off our non-smoking room was simply breathtaking and we wished we could have shared it together. It was a good start, and a terrible ending. I wouldn't say fully accessible, but they made an effort, and I did see staff assisting guests, which is appreciated.
Dining and Drinking - A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Delicious)
Okay, food! This is where "Escape to Paradise" mostly delivers. The restaurants are plentiful. We started with the Asian breakfast each day in the restaurant and it was, hands down, my favorite part of the experience. They had something for everyone and you could even get it in your room if you felt like being incredibly lazy. (Spoiler alert: I felt like it a lot.) I'm a sucker for Asian cuisine, so the options were heaven -- so many little pastries and savory dishes. They offered everything from your basic buffet in the restaurant to a more refined a la carte in the restaurant. The poolside bar was clutch, though. And I mean clutch. I'm talking refreshing cocktails to cool you off from the hot Thai sun just steps away from the pool. They had happy hour… I may have participated more than once. The desserts were also a dream, a creamy, decadent dream. I gained five pounds, and I regret nothing. But the vegetarian restaurant? I found this one to be bland and in need of flavor -- but the rest of the restaurants had options.
We had room service 24/7 for some late night snacks and the bottle of water was a lifesaver. They also provided essential condiments, which was delightful. Overall the dining was a win, although the salad in restaurant left a bit to be desired.
Relaxation & Wellness - From Bliss to… "Meh"…
The spa was a major draw. I was so excited! They have a sauna, a steamroom, and a gorgeous pool with a view. They even have a foot bath and body scrub! I was ready for a full-body pampering session. The massage was incredible, one of the best I’ve ever had. But the facilities? The gym/fitness was… basic. They did have a fitness center, but it was small and the equipment looked like it had seen better days, to be honest. The body wrap? Overpriced and underwhelming. It felt more like being wrapped in damp seaweed than a luxurious treatment. Ultimately, the spa had its moments, but it wasn't consistently stellar. I'm giving it a solid "B+" overall.
Cleanliness & Safety - They Were Trying!
They were definitely trying with the whole COVID thing. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wore masks, and the daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable. They did have individually-wrapped food options and the safe dining setup was great, which made me feel safe. There was even a doctor/nurse on call, which is a welcome thought. They had rooms sanitized between stays. The room sanitization opt-out available was also great. They had a first aid kit, which is appreciated. They had professional-grade sanitizing services and all staff were trained in safety protocol. I'm glad I stayed and felt safe!
Services & Conveniences - A Mixed Bag of Awesome and… "Huh?"
The concierge was phenomenal. Seriously, the best I've ever encountered. They sorted out everything from booking excursions to getting us extra pillows at 2 AM. The laundry service was speedy and efficient. The daily housekeeping was meticulous, and the staff was friendly. They even had a convenience store! But then there were things that didn't quite hit the mark. The Wi-Fi for special events was a bit weak, and the business facilities were basic. The elevator was nice to have. They offered, a gift/souvenir shop with some nice things. They also had luggage storage.
I really loved the air conditioning in the public area. Not all hotels do that, which is insane.
Things to Do - Beyond the Beach (Kinda)
The real draw here is, of course, the swimming pool [outdoor]. It's massive and stunning. There's a swimming pool, too, but it pales in comparison to the main pool. They also offered some excursions through the concierge. They didn't offer a ton of things to do beyond the pool, beach, and spa.
The Room - Your Personal Paradise (Mostly)
Our non-smoking rooms was, well, pretty amazing. The air conditioning blasted (thank god!), the in-room safe box was handy, and the complimentary tea was a nice touch. The coffee/tea maker was also highly appreciated. The bathrobes were fluffy and luxurious. The blackout curtains meant I could sleep until noon if I wanted to (and I often did). The desk was functional, and the mirror was strategically placed for selfie opportunities. The refrigerator was stocked with goodies. The seating area was a nice touch. The separate shower/bathtub was perfect. The visual alarm was great. The soundproofing was impressive. And the wi-fi [free] was definitely a perk, and you could open the window that opens.
However
There was a minor hiccup: the extra-long bed was too long. Meaning, one of us had to crawl over the other person to get out of bed. We didn't exactly use the interconnecting room(s) available. The safe box was a bit difficult to use. I also thought the TV’s satellite/cable channels could be improved. And the slippers felt cheap.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy (Mostly)
They had airport transfer which was great. They had a car park [free of charge]. Car park [on-site] was convenient. They also had a taxi service. I felt that the valet parking was great.
Overall Verdict:
"Escape to Paradise" has its flaws, but the good outweighs the bad. The location is stunning, the food is generally excellent, and the staff is fantastic. Just don't go expecting absolute perfection. It's a place where you can unwind, recharge, and eat your weight in pad thai. I'd go back? Absolutely. Would I be slightly more prepared for the imperfections? You betcha. I’m giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars! It's a place to be, just be prepared for the messiness and embrace it!
Escape to Paradise: Red Lion Inn & Suites Goodyear Awaits!Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is reality, Thailand edition, and we're about to get delightfully messy at My Beach Resort. Consider this your survival guide, seasoned with a healthy dose of chaos and, yes, probably some serious sunburn.
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Blunders (aka, "How I Nearly Died of Happiness")
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Or, technically, drag myself out of bed. The pre-travel excitement? Gone. Replaced with the groggy realization that I packed way too much stuff, and the airport shuttle is probably already late. (Spoiler: it was).
- 9:00 AM: After what felt like a three-hour flight over the ocean I arrived at the resort. The moment I saw the turquoise water and the swaying palm trees, I'm convinced I momentarily stopped breathing. Seriously, this place is straight-up stunning. Took a deep breath and I was starting to smile.
- 10:00 AM: Check In: After some confusion about my room (apparently, "ocean view" means "slightly less obstructed view of the ocean"), I unpack. The air conditioning is a godsend. Immediately try on my swimsuit and take a selfie. It's blurry. Whatever, the beach awaits!
- 11:00 AM: Beach Exploration: This is where the blunders begin. I slathered on sunscreen…I thought. Apparently, I only hit the front of my body because now, after lounging on the beach for a glorious fifteen minutes, my back is screaming in pain. Lesson learned: Sunscreen is a life investment, people. Also, the sand is hot. Like, walk-on-hot-coals hot.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Resort Restaurant: Pad Thai. The best Pad Thai of my life. Truly. I swear, the noodles were whispering sweet nothings to my taste buds. Ate way too much. Regret it now, with my fiery back.
- 2:00 PM: Attempt at Leisurely Beach Reading: Nope. That back sunburn is a fiery dragon, so I retreat to my slightly-less-obstructed-view-of-the-ocean room and binge-watch cat videos. Don't judge.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset Cocktails: Find a bar, order a Mai Tai that tastes like pure sunshine (and rum, lots of rum). Watch the sunset, which is predictably, breathtaking. This is why I came here, right? For moments like this.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at the Resort: More food! More Pad Thai at a different table. Seriously, guys, the Pad Thai here is the definition of perfection. Discussed with my travel companion what to do next.
Day 2: Island Hopping & Seafood Shenanigans (aka, "Trading Sunburn for Seasickness")
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, feeling a little fragile. My back still burns, and the Mai Tai is making itself known. Breakfast is a buffet of questionable fruits and an alarming amount of sugary pastries. But hey, gotta fuel up for island hopping!
- 9:00 AM: Island hopping tour: board the boat. The anticipation felt like the boat was going to flip over. Take more pictures, try to hide the throbbing pain of the sunburn.
- 10:00 AM: Snorkeling at a coral reef: The water is crystal clear, the fish are vibrant, and I'm convinced I saw a mermaid. Or maybe it was the hangover. Swallowed way too much seawater. Regret, but the fish were worth it.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on a deserted beach: Grilled seafood. It's amazing. Fresh fish, perfectly grilled, and I'm starting to think the sunburn is actually a badge of honor. Found a tiny, perfect starfish. Kept it, until common sense and a fear of customs officers kicked in.
- 2:00 PM: More Snorkeling. Feeling a little queasy now, but the sun is relentless. I think I'm seasick
- 4:00 PM: Arrived back on the island. Now I can actually enjoy the rest of the trip
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the restaurant. Another plate of pad thai.
Day 3: Thai Massage & the Temple of Chill (aka, "Finding Inner Peace (and Maybe a Few Muscle Knots)")
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in, baby! Finally, a reasonable amount of sleep after a long vacation.
- 10:00 AM: Thai Massage: This is the closest I'll ever get to being a pretzel. The masseuse is strong. I mean, she's practically walking on my back. But my goodness, it hurts so good! I emerge feeling like a new person, and slightly bruised.
- 12:00 PM: Visit a nearby temple. It's golden, serene, and the perfect antidote to all the chaos. Take off my shoes (respect, people!), wander around, and feel a wave of calm wash over me. This is what I needed!
- 2:00 PM: Back to the resort for a few hours of reading.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at the restaurant.
Day 4: Shopping & Farewell Festivities (aka, "Goodbye, Paradise, Hello, Reality (and Maybe One More Pad Thai)")
- 9:00 AM: Pack (or, at least, attempt to pack). Realize I’ve acquired far too many souvenirs, including a ridiculously oversized inflatable elephant that I'm not sure how I'll get on the plane.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Bargain hard! Get ripped off anyway! Buy another sarong, because, why not?
- 12:00 PM: One last lunch! You guessed it… Pad Thai. A final, lingering embrace of those perfect noodles.
- 2:00 PM: Relax by the pool. Drink water, even though the margaritas that I've been drinking all week feel a little better.
- 6:00 PM: Packed up.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell Drinks and Dinner: A bittersweet goodbye. To the stunning sunsets, the friendly faces, and (of course) the Pad Thai.
- 8:00 PM: Pack up and get ready for the rest of the trip.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a glorious mess. Sunburns, seashells (that I didn't bring home), seasickness, and the delicious reality of Pad Thai. Yes, it was chaotic, unplanned, and sometimes downright painful. But it was also beautiful, exhilarating, and full of moments that will stick with me forever. Would I do it again? Absolutely. And next time, I'm bringing way more sunscreen. Oh and yeah, one more thing… I miss that Pad Thai already. Farewell, Thailand, you absolute legend.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Air Sanih Beach Villa in Indonesia Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Thai Beach Resort Awaits! - (Or Does It? Ask Me Anything!)
Okay, Seriously, is "Escape to Paradise" actually paradise? Because everything online is so *perfect*.
Alright, let's be real. Paradise? The word gets thrown around like a beach ball on a windy day. "Escape to Paradise" is beautiful, don't get me wrong. The pictures? Yeah, they're pretty much spot-on. White sand, turquoise water, the whole shebang. But...
Here's the thing: Paradise, actual, unfiltered paradise, comes with a side of… well, LIFE. Think less "perfect Instagram filter" and more "slightly sunburnt, slightly sandy, but breathtakingly gorgeous." I mean, I went expecting pure bliss and got it... mostly. Remember hearing about how gorgeous the sunrise would be? Yeah, on my first attempt, I actually slept through it. Jet lag, folks, it's a real enemy.
So, paradise-adjacent? Absolutely. Pure, unadulterated, untouched-by-reality paradise? Maybe not quite. But still... pretty darn close. Just pack some comfy sandals (you'll wear them more than you think) and embrace the slightly imperfect perfection.
Tell me about the food! I'm a foodie and terrified of disappointing pad thai.
Oh, the food. Listen, I’m not even a *huge* foodie, but even I was obsessed. And the Pad Thai? Okay, hold on. Breathe. It’s AMAZING. I'll tell you what, I spent a solid week purely on a Pad Thai diet, alternating red and green curries for some "healthy" variety. (Don’t judge me, I was on vacation!)
The key, from what I gathered (and trust me, I did some *extensive* research...aka, ate everything), is it's all fresh. The herbs burst with... you know… flavour. The spicy is ACTUALLY spicy. And the pineapple fried rice? Oh. My. God. Go. Now. Order it. Seriously. We had a little street food stand just off the resort and I'm pretty sure they'd seen me at least four times one day. There was even a language barrier issue where I was basically pointing at the Pad Thai, smiling wildly, and grunting. It worked! The only thing lacking was possibly enough room in my stomach.
And don’t even get me started on the mango sticky rice. I have dreams about that dessert, it's a full-blown love affair.
Are the rooms as luxurious as they look? Should I spring for the villa?
Okay, let's talk rooms. The standard rooms? Nice. Clean, comfortable, and with a balcony that *almost* makes you feel like you're in a movie scene. The villas? They are… next level. I didn't *stay* in one (sob!), BUT, I saw one, and I'm here to tell you, if you can swing it, DO IT.
Think plunge pool, private beach access (practically!), outdoor shower designed to make you feel like you're bathing in a tropical waterfall. It's the kind of place where you can imagine yourself relaxing on the deck and sipping cocktails all day long. And the sunsets? They'd probably be even *more* spectacular from a villa (I say, through gritted teeth!). My view? The distant villas. Jealousy is an emotion, especially when your room is perfectly habitable, but not a villa. Still, wouldn't hurt to save up, right?
So basically, if it doesn't dramatically impact your financial future, spring for the villa. If it does, the regular rooms are still wonderful. And hey, maybe you can sneak into someone else's villa pool in the dead of night. Just kidding… mostly.
What activities are available at the resort? Is there stuff to do besides lie on the beach? (I can only handle so much sunbathing!)
Oh, sweet relief, someone who doesn't want to turn into a crispy critter! YES, there's stuff to do. Thank. Goodness. I actually got a *little* bored of the beach at one point (blasphemy, I know!).
They have everything: snorkeling, scuba diving (I chickened out, but looked AMAZING in pictures!), kayaking through mangroves, cooking classes (which are *seriously* worth it – learn how to make your own Pad Thai!), and even Thai massage (sign up immediately, you'll thank me later). Plus, they organize boat trips to nearby islands. I went on one and saw monkeys! Actual, real-life monkeys! They stole my banana (rude), but, still, monkeys!
The resort isn't for people who only like to lounge. It's for people who might *enjoy* lounging, but also get restless enough to go explore. So relax, take a deep breath, and then go explore. Or don't, your choice. I'm not your mother.
How are the cocktails? Because a bad cocktail can ruin an entire trip.
Okay, this is *serious* business. I take my cocktails very seriously. And the cocktails at "Escape to Paradise"? They are… good. Really good. Not the *best* cocktails I've ever had (I'm a picky drinker), but consistently well-made, refreshing, and dangerously easy to drink. I mean, dangerously. I may have accidentally had a few… many… Mai Tais one afternoon. The bartender, bless his heart, knew my order by the third day. He'd just start pouring the rum and start smiling as I approached the bar.
They have all the classics, plus a few inventive concoctions using tropical fruits. They're also reasonably priced, which is a HUGE win. So, yes, the cocktails are a key feature, not a bug, and can be integral to your trip planning.
My advice? Start with the classic, then try something new. And pace yourself. Or, you know, don't. I'm not judging…
What’s the best time of year to visit "Escape to Paradise?" Less the tourist and humidity!
Oh, the eternal question! This is the most important question, not just for planning a trip, but for life. Let's break it down.
The "best" time depends on your tolerances. *Technically*, the dry season (November to April) is the most popular and the least rainy. That also means... the most crowded. Lots of tourists, a bit more expensive. Look, the weather is nice, but you're not exactly alone on that beach. I recommend the shoulders of the seasons, like maybe May or September.
The humidity? Well, welcome to Thailand. It's humid. Embrace it. The humidity will make you feel like you're walking through a rainforest, but you're also laying by a spectacular ocean. But seriously, May or September or early October, if you want a lower amountLuxury Redefined: Uncover Viswa Residency's Indian Paradise
