Indonesian Paradise Found: Your Dream Villa Awaits at Vimala Hills!
Indonesian Paradise Found: Vimala Hills – My Honest-to-Goodness, Possibly Over-The-Top Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – the delicious, iced, perfectly-mixed-with-passionfruit-and-a-hint-of-ginger tea they serve at Vimala Hills. Seriously, that alone almost made me book a second trip. This isn't your sanitized, corporate hotel review. This is me, after a week practically living at Vimala Hills, sharing the good, the slightly-less-good, and the absolutely-mind-blowing. Let's get messy, shall we? (And let's be honest, my brain is still half on vacation! )
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First Impressions: The Drive In… and The "Oh. My. God." Moment
Getting to Vimala Hills is, well, an adventure. Not a death-defying one, mind you, but a scenic one. The drive is long, I will be real with you, and is not a particularly enjoyable one. But then, as you wind up the hills, the air gets crisper, and the green starts to…explode. Seriously. It’s like someone turned up the saturation dial on the world. And then the villas. The sheer scale of them almost made me lose my mind when I saw my villa from the outside, and the inside? A whole new level of “Whoa.” I'm talking chandeliers the size of small cars, and not just one. It was a bit much, sure, but not in a bad way.
Accessibility & The All-Important Wheelchair Factor:
This is important, so listen up. Accessibility in Indonesia can be… a challenge. But Vimala Hills actually does a pretty decent job. They have facilities for disabled guests. I saw elevators, ramped access to many areas, and the staff were incredibly helpful. Getting around the vast property is also easy, but be sure to request a villa that's close to facilities ahead of time. However, the grounds are vast and there are hills, so be sure to communicate your needs clearly.
Cleanliness & Safety: Did I Catch COVID? Nope! (Phew!)
Okay, let’s get the elephant out of the room. COVID. I was a little anxious (I am always a little anxious in the first place). But Vimala Hills takes it seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff that seemed to genuinely care. Their dedication to cleaning was actually comforting. I saw anti-viral cleaning products being used, and the staff were constantly keeping things tidy. I took a deep breath, and let it out slowly -- phew. But do be prepared for the fact that they are offering a room sanitization opt-out available, which is nice to know. It's great to see a hotel taking this so seriously!
Rooms: My Personal Paradise… With Some Hiccups
Okay, the villas are something else. Available in all rooms, as listed, there is air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens. My villa had the most stunning view. But… and there’s always a but, isn't there? The wifi was a little spotty sometimes. (I'm talking about the Internet access – wireless, here.) But they have internet access – LAN too, so if you're working, use it. Also, my "extra long bed" was not quite extra long, which if you're tall like me is a minor frustration, but hey, first world problems. Don't get me wrong, it was still a luxurious experience.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food Glorious Food! (Mostly…)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The food. Oh, the food. I love food. And Vimala Hills mostly delivered. The Asian breakfast was, quite frankly, legendary. The buffet in restaurant, which you can find in the restaurant itself, which serves Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant, was expansive, fresh, and incredibly flavorful. The coffee/tea in restaurant was delicious, but sometimes the service was painfully slow. (I waited almost 20 minutes for a refill once. My inner caffeine addict was screaming.) The poolside bar was a lifesaver (especially after a massage… more on that in a sec). And the snack bar saved the day a few times. However, the variety of food at the buffet in restaurant was quite good! The a la carte in restaurant was also a great idea, but I did not particularly like the food. There's also a vegetarian restaurant, for those of you who like to eat healthily!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Saved My Soul!
Alright, the heart of my Vimala Hills experience: relaxation! The Spa is the stuff of dreams. I got a massage that literally melted my stress away. I mean, I can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed. The pool with view was stunning, the sauna was heavenly, the steamroom was invigorating, and the foot bath was… well, my feet haven’t felt this happy in years. I really, really loved all of this part: you can also enjoy some body scrub and body wrap too. The fitness center made me feel guilty for not hitting it more. They have an outdoor swimming pool and a swimming pool which is good!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, But…
They have babysitting service and are family/child friendly! There are kids facilities and kids meal, so it’s ideal for families, but… I don't have kids, so I can't speak with authority on how kid-friendly Vimala Hills truly is. I saw some cute little ones running around, though, and they looked pretty happy.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Okay, and The Needed
They offer a lot of services: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Getting around, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. I did not get to use the car power charging station, but if you are planning to book the hotel, be sure to use it. The Daily housekeeping should be more of a touchup cleaning service, that cleans the villa every so often. I had to call housekeeping to properly clean.
Getting Around: The Wheels on the Bus (Or The Buggy)
Getting around the massive property can be a bit
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Anjali Classic International, India
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is real. This is…me, attempting to plan a luxurious escape, because, let's face it, I need one. And I'm taking you along for the ride. Buckle up, because, as usual, things are bound to get a little… messy.
The Grand (and Probably Slightly Disastrous) Plan: Luxurious Modern Villa at Vimala Hills, Indonesia
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the Perfect Sunset (and My Sanity)
Morning (ish) (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The Great Departure. Except, hold on. Finding my passport. The panic! The frantic rummaging through drawers. The eventual triumphant discovery under a stack of yoga pants and a rogue sock. You know, the usual. The flight is… well, it is what it is. Long. Loud. Filled with overly enthusiastic children and the faint, persistent smell of airplane coffee. I'm already fantasizing about a cocktail. Several.
Mid-Day (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Arrival in Jakarta (so, so crowded!), the mad dash through immigration (thank god for visa-on-arrival!). The chaotic but surprisingly efficient taxi ride. (Pro tip: learn a few basic Indonesian phrases. Makes you feel marginally less helpless.) The journey to Vimala Hills. The countryside is beautiful, but my inner monologue is screaming, "Are we there yet?"
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): FINALLY! Check-in at the villa. Oh. My. God. This place. The pictures don't do it justice. Modern, sleek, infinity pool beckoning. I actually gasp. This is it. This is the escape I've been dreaming of. I fling myself onto the plush sofa, feeling a wave of pure, unadulterated bliss wash over me. Then… I realize I forgot to pack the sunscreen. Facepalm.
Late Afternoon/Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): The Sunset Hunt. This. Is. Crucial. I'm determined to witness a sunset worthy of Instagram (and, more importantly, my soul). Poolside drinks, naturally. And I mean drinks. We're talking something with tiny umbrellas, and an attitude of "I deserve this." The sunset itself? Glorious. The sky explodes with colors. I feel a tiny tear well up. It's just so… beautiful. Dinner (probably something exotic and delicious, and I'll totally try to take a picture, even if the lighting ruins it). Then, early to bed. I'm a creature of habit. (That also means I will be exhausted by 9:30 pm)
Day 2: Jungle Adventures and Culinary Catastrophes (Maybe)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Hiking! Yes. I signed up for a "gentle" hike through the local jungle. Famous last words. I'm not exactly an outdoorsy type. More of a "lounge with a book by a pool" type. But the scenery is amazing. I'm sweating like a pig within ten minutes. Bugs. So many bugs. I'm convinced something is crawling on my leg. I scream (internally, mostly). But then…. the views! Absolutely worth it. I even manage to take a semi-decent photo without falling over a root. Victory!
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Back at the villa. A well-deserved lunch. Hoping for something relatively healthy, maybe a salad… unless I’m feeling rebellious, in which case: pasta. I'll play it by ear.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Cooking class! I somehow convinced myself I could learn to make Indonesian delicacies. I, who can barely boil an egg. Expect epic fails. Expect smoke alarms. Expect me to probably burn something. But hey, at least I'll try! I'm channeling my inner (and very untalented) Julia Child.
Late Afternoon / Evening (4:00 PM - …): Pool time (again!), and this time, with sunscreen! Relaxing by the pool! Getting a tan. A much needed spa therapy. Dinner (hopefully something I didn't set on fire). Maybe some local music/dance? Who knows? This is all about letting go and figuring it out as I go. Sleep. Repeat.
Day 3: Spa Day, Shopping (and Potential Meltdown)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Spa! Massage. Facial. Treatments. Bliss. The entire purpose of this trip, truly. I’m going to emerge a completely different person. Or at least, slightly more relaxed.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Light lunch at the villa. Maybe a fresh fruit platter? The simple things are the best.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Shopping! Visiting some local markets. Bargaining! (I'm terrible at this.) Buying things I don't need. Regretting things. It's a cycle, really. But at least I'll have souvenirs! (Or maybe just a mountain of debt.)
Late Afternoon / Evening (4:00 PM - …): Back to the villa for a final, glorious pool session. Drinks! Reflection. A deep breath. Does it get any better than this? Maybe. I don't know, I'm just appreciating this moment. Packing (a chaotic art form). Dinner. Possibly a quiet night in if I'm feeling my age, or maybe a final, slightly tipsy celebration of this incredible (and probably slightly chaotic) trip.
Day 4: Departure and the Return to Reality (The Most Brutal Part)
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Breakfast. One last lingering look at that view. Packing the rest of my stuff. Check out. The taxi/airport/plane/home journey. The sadness that inevitably washes over you when you realize you have to go back to the real world. Sigh.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - …): The long flight home. The post-vacation blues. The realization that I almost forgot to buy my aunt a souvenir (again!). Re-entry into real life. And, of course, the planning of the next escape. Because, let's be honest, I'm already dreaming of round two.
Important Considerations/Possible Disasters:
- Mosquitoes: They will be my enemy. I will bring enough bug spray to fill a small swimming pool.
- Food Poisoning: Praying it won't happen. Carrying stomach medicine.
- Language Barrier: Embrace the chaos. Laugh at myself. Hope for the best.
- My Emotions: They will run wild. Happiness, sadness, longing, exhaustion… all the feels, amplified by the beauty and the isolation.
- Budget: Ignoring it. This is a luxury escape, after all. (And if the credit card bill is too high, I will simply deny the charges and say my identity was stolen.)
So there you have it. The plan. The truth. The probable mess. Wish me luck. And maybe send me a care package of caffeine and chocolate. I'm going to need it.
P.S. I'm hoping to get better at writing this, hopefully some day!
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Indonesian Paradise Found: Vimala Hills FAQs (Because Let's Be Real!)
Okay, spill the tea – is Vimala Hills *really* paradise?
Ugh, the word "paradise" gets thrown around so much, right? Look, Vimala Hills... it's *close*. Picture this: I arrived completely exhausted after a flight that felt like it lasted a week. And then BAM! Lush green everywhere, the crisp mountain air... it genuinely took my breath away. I mean, seriously, I gasped. My jaw practically dropped. So, yeah, first impression? Pretty darn close to paradise. But... (and there's always a "but," isn't there?) the "paradise" label gets a little… stretched. I’ll get to that in a bit.
How do I even *get* to Vimala Hills? Is it a logistical nightmare?
Getting there from Jakarta is… an experience. It's not *terrible* (mostly), but it's not a walk in the park either. The website promises a smooth 1-2 hour drive. LIES. Okay, maybe not *lies*, but definitely optimistic. Traffic, my friends, the Jakarta traffic! We hit a jam that added a solid two hours to the journey. Thank goodness for my emergency stash of gummy bears. Seriously, pack snacks. And water. And maybe a stress ball. Then, at one point, my driver takes a wrong turn. Cue the internal screaming. Eventually, we made it, though. So, plan for longer than you think. And mentally prepare for the journey to be part of the adventure. Or, well, a *test* of your patience.
Are the villas actually *good*? I've seen some photoshopped masterpieces online...
Okay, the villas. Let's be honest, the photos are a *little* enhanced. Picture this: exposed beams, stunning views, and… well, some minor imperfections. My villa, for example, had a slight leak in the bathroom. Nothing huge, just a little drip, drip, drip. And the Wi-Fi? Let's just say it was occasionally… temperamental. I spent a significant amount of time wandering around the villa trying to find a signal strong enough to upload my Instagram stories. The struggle was real! But, and this is a big BUT, the overall feel? Magical. The space, the privacy, the feeling of being completely secluded… It's pretty darn wonderful. Don't expect perfection, but do expect a genuinely beautiful villa. (And maybe pack a book just in case the Wi-Fi decides to stage a walkout.)
What's the best time to visit Vimala Hills? Avoid the rain, please!
Rain, rain, go away… right? You want sunshine, I get it. The dry season (April to September) is your safest bet. I went in May and got some amazing sunshine, but also a few… *brief* showers. The mountains are known for their unpredictable weather. It's part of the charm, I guess? But if you're really, *really* desperate to avoid rain, check the weather forecast obsessively before you go. Consider it a weather-related anxiety-check.
Can I *actually* relax at Vimala Hills? Or is it all Instagram influencers taking selfies?
Okay, the influencer question. This is important. Yes, there *are* influencers. Loads of them. They're all over the place. Trying to get the perfect shot. The poolside poses. The carefully-curated breakfasts. It's a *lot*. But... yes, *you can* still relax. Trust me. I'm a pretty cynical person, but I found myself disconnecting pretty quickly. You can choose to ignore them (easy to do). You can join them (if you're that way inclined). But the sheer beauty of the place helps you forget, you can find solace, and focus into the moment. The villas are spread out enough that you can have real privacy. The peace. The quiet. It's definitely possible to find your own little slice of paradise, away from the selfie sticks.
Food, glorious food! What about the dining options? Are they any good?
Okay, food. This is another area where "paradise" needs a little… tweaking. There are several restaurants on the property. The food ranges from "pretty decent" to "meh". I'm not going to lie, I had a few meals that were… forgettable. The Indonesian food was generally better, especially something called Nasi Goreng (fried rice). They also had a stunning view of the rainforest around them, so be sure to pick a restaurant with such views. The service wasn’t always the quickest, and there were a few minor hiccups with orders here and there (wrong side dishes, a slightly cold coffee). I decided to order room service a few times, what a relief. The food was average and didn't take away too much of my time, there were so many different activities to do. I would recommend setting your expectations to "relaxed" and enjoy them.
What activities are there to do BESIDES posing for photos?
Finally, a question that’s not about filtered pictures! Okay, there are plenty of things to do besides working for Instagram. Hiking is a popular choice. The scenery is spectacular, and there are trails for different fitness levels. I tried one, it was… challenging. The humidity hit me like a wall! But the views at the top? Worth it. There's also a spa, which is a must-do. Massages were heavenly. You can explore the local village. or even just sit on your deck and read a book. There's a swimming pool (but beware, influencers), tennis courts, and cycling (if you're into that sort of thing). I mostly did relaxing… oh, and of course, eating. So many things to choose and so little time…
Worth it? Should I go to Vimala Hills, or is it just overhyped?
Okay, the million-dollar question. Was it worth it? Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. Despite the minor imperfections, the traffic nightmares, the occasionally "meh" food, and the influencer overload… yes. The feeling of being surrounded by nature, the beauty of the villas, the chance to truly disconnect… it's worth it. It's notBook Hotels Now
