Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Canggu, Bali!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Canggu, Bali! And frankly, I’ve got some THOUGHTS. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-curated travel blog prose. This is real life, people. This is unfiltered me, ready to spill the beans, the Bintangs, and everything in between.
First, the basics. You know, the stuff you think you care about before you're knee-deep in Balinese bliss or, let's be honest, balinese humidity.
Accessibility (or Lack Thereof - Let's Be Blunt)
Look, I gotta say, Escape to Paradise isn't exactly paving the way for accessibility. The website mentions "Facilities for disabled guests," but the details? Murky. The elevator situation? Unclear. This is Bali, and Bali, in general, struggles with proper accessibility. So, if you have specific mobility needs, you absolutely need to contact them directly and get the nitty-gritty. Don’t assume. Don't be like me. Pre-planning is key.
The Techie Bits (Because, Hello, I Need My Instagram)
Internet? YES! FREAKING YES! They boast "Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms!" and "Internet access – wireless" and "Internet access – LAN." (For you old-schoolers! LOL). Good. Because I need to document my #BaliVibes. It's a deal breaker, really. Imagine trying to relax with the pool, but then you remember you can't upload the picture with your stunning views. Nightmare!
Accessibility to other things:
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: No direct mention of accessibility in the restaurant or lounges, and I see some stairs with no lifts. I would always suggest communication with the hotel to determine the specific issues.
- Wheelchair accessible: I would not count on, in general, unless you check with the hotel.
- Internet services: They include LAN, and Wireless.
Now, Let's Get to the FUN Stuff – The Pampering (and, Maybe, the Tears of Joy)
The Spa Shenanigans:
Okay, this is where Escape to Paradise really starts to get its groove on. We’re talking:
- Body scrub? Oh YES, please! After battling with the humid air, a gentle scrub is just what my skin needs.
- Body wrap? Sign me up! I need to be wrapped like a burrito of relaxation.
- Fitness center? I intend to use it. Let’s see how that goes after a few Bintangs.
- Foot bath? HEAVEN. Pure, unadulterated heaven.
- Gym/Fitness? See above.
- Massage? DUH. The quintessential Balinese experience. Expect me to burst into tears from utter bliss.
- Pool with view? Yes. I've got a serious thing for infinity pools. Sunset cocktails? Don't mind if I do.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Okay, so. The sauna and steamroom are a MUST for me.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Multiple pools?! That's the stuff of dreams.
Picture this: Me, sprawled on a massage table, the scent of frangipani wafting through the air, a skilled masseuse working the knots out of my stressed-out shoulders. That's the Escape to Paradise I'm looking for. And I am a sucker for a good massage.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, #COVID-Conscious)
Okay, let's get real. This is the world we live in. The good news is that Escape to Paradise seems to be taking things seriously:
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check!
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check!
- Hand sanitizer? Check! (Literally, I hope!)
- Hygiene certification? Unspecified, need additional info.
- Individually-wrapped food options? Okay, maybe a little overkill, but I get it.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? A good thing!
- Professional-grade sanitizing services? Good to know.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? A nice touch, allows people to choose
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Necessary.
- Safe dining setup? Good!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Always a must!
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Important.
- Sterilizing equipment? Good.
The Dining Dilemma (or, Where to Stick My Fork)
Food can make or break a trip, right? Here's what's on offer:
- A la carte in restaurant? Good.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant I hope the food is authentic
- Bar, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Snack bar I hope there is not only the pool bar!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service - The buffet is always the way to go.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop As a coffee lover, this is ESSENTIAL!
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant Sign me up!
- International cuisine in restaurant That's some cool options!
- Room service [24-hour] Yes!!!!
- Vegetarian restaurant This is a necessity.
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant I will probably not try it, but good for other people.
- Bottle of water Always good!
- Alternative meal arrangement? Always handy!
- Breakfast takeaway service? useful!
- Happy hour This is a MUST
The point is: food is important!
Services and Conveniences (The “Nice-to-Haves”)
This is where you figure out if the place really understands you. Escape to Paradise seems to have a decent handle on it:
- Air conditioning in public area? YES. Bali heat is no joke.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events? Good for events.
- Business facilities? (Fax, Xerox, business center) for the business travellers.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, 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 (wow, a lot!)
- Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store - all good things.
And Finally… The Rooms (Where the Magic Happens, or Doesn't!)
This is important. The rooms, the villas - are they as beautiful as the pictures promising?
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, 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, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, 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.
Okay, Listen Up! My Verdict (and a Killer Offer!)
Look, Escape to Paradise sounds promising. The emphasis on relaxation, spa treatments, and those glorious pools really gets me. The safety protocols are reassuring. Then, there's the beautiful decor and the room amenities.
BUT – and there’s always a but–
There's a lack of specifics on things like accessibility. And I really need to have certainty about those details.
So, here's my pitch. A few ideas and warnings:
What to expect and consider:
- Be Prepared to Plan : Always contact the hotel to determine accessibility.
- Do your research on the dining options: See what everyone is saying about the food and confirm what options are available
- Check Availability: Bali is a popular destination! Book in advance to secure your dream villa.
- Set Realistic Expectations Relax! Embrace Balinese time and let go of the need to rush. The beauty of Bali is best enjoyed at a slow pace.
In Conclusion I think this place could be amazing. But it is important to double check the accessibility
Emi Seaside Crete: Greece's Hidden Paradise Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned Bali itinerary. This is my Bali itinerary, and let me tell you, it's gonna be a beautiful mess. We’re starting at Lafayette House in Canggu. Ready? Let's get gloriously Bali-fied!
Bali Bliss… Or Bust: A Canggu Concoction (with a Heavy Dose of Me)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Scooter Debacle (aka "When I Almost Became Bali's Most Famous Road Rash Victim")
- Morning (9:00 AM): Touchdown Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Hallelujah, I made it! Okay, deep breaths. Bali. Sun. Rice paddies. Am I ready? Honestly, probably not. My flight was a red-eye, and I’m already running on fumes. Immigration… done. Baggage claim… done. Now, the chaos begins. This is when my over-enthusiasm kicks in. I’ve already booked a transfer to Lafayette House. Luxurious!
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Arrive at Lafayette House. Oh. My. God. This place is gorgeous. The photos didn't do it justice. Lush, verdant, all the bougainvillea a girl could ever want. Time to unpack and immediately regret packing my favorite pair of shoes (seriously, who needs heels in Bali?)
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at the hotel. I inhaled a Nasi Goreng like it was my last meal. Jet lag? What jet lag? Then, I decided to be adventurous. That's when the scooter came into the picture. Mistake number one: I'd never driven a scooter before. Mistake number two: Bali traffic. Pure mayhem. Let's just say, my first attempt at navigating Canggu's streets involved a lot of frantic honking, a near-death experience with a rogue dog, and a very close call with a local grandmother wielding a broom. I'm pretty sure that scooter wanted my soul!
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): A very necessary massage at the hotel spa. My muscles are crying from the scooter fiasco. Pure, blissful relaxation. I may have actually snored a little.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Sunset drinks at The Lawn Canggu. The photos don't lie: it's as dreamy as everyone says. Cocktails, the ocean, the vibe… perfection. I'm starting to think I might survive this trip. Had a slightly too-enthusiastic convo with a surf instructor (who, let’s be honest, was WAY too attractive…) Ended up promising I’d try surfing tomorrow. Oh, dear God.
- Night (9:00 PM): Dinner at a Warung near the hotel. Cheap, delicious Balinese food. I'm eating so much, I think my clothes are two sizes smaller? I'm going to come home a round ball. Slept like a log.
Day 2: Surfing, Surfing, And More Surfing… Or, The Day I Learned to Eat Water
- Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up feeling… surprisingly optimistic. I mean, I survived the scooter, right? Today’s the big one: SURFING. Oh God.
- Breakfast (8:00 AM): Fuel up with a banana pancake. And about a gallon of coffee. The surf instructor (again, very attractive) promised me a gentle intro. I'm skeptical, but also hoping he's extra patient with me.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Surfing lesson at Echo Beach. Okay, so "gentle intro" was… a lie. It was a brutal, cold, salty, wake-up call. I spent most of my time underwater, choking on seawater, and flailing my arms. The instructor yelled, "Paddle, paddle!" I paddled alright! Right into the next wave. I was the laughing stock of all the tourists, but I was smiling. I think. My face was probably contorted into a mask of fear and confusion.
- Midday (12:00 PM): Finally, FINALLY, managed to stand up for like… two seconds. Victory! Followed immediately by a nose-dive into the waves. I was pretty sure I swallowed half the ocean. The afterglow was amazing, but I can't feel my arms.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch at a beachside cafe. I devoured a plate of nasi goreng and a massive fresh juice, then spent the afternoon happily sunburned.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Relaxed near the pool, read a book and caught up on some well deserved relaxation.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner and drinks at a local spot. The beauty of Bali? Every single place is casual and welcoming. This time, no scooter adventures. We walked and enjoyed the night market with the local food and drinks.
- Night (9:00 PM): Head back to the hotel.
Day 3: Rice Paddies, Temples & Trying to Find My Zen (Spoiler: Still Searching)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. More coffee. More carbs. Must. Build. Energy. For the day.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Hire driver to take me to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. The scenery is breathtaking. Photos really can't capture the lush, vibrant greens. I felt like I was in a postcard. I get what all the hype is about! Walking through the rice paddies… okay, definitely picturesque. But also, hot. And muddy. And I nearly tripped over a chicken. But still, the views were enough to make me forget about the scooter and the surfing fiasco.
- Midday (12:00 PM): Lunch at a Warung overlooking the rice terraces. Fresh coconut water, local specialties. Bliss. The whole experience, frankly, gave me a profound sense of inner peace… for about ten minutes, and then I spilled coconut water all over myself.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Visit the Tirta Empul Temple. Beautiful temple. I participate in a traditional water cleansing ritual. It was invigorating, and I felt strangely… cleansed. And then I saw a monkey try to steal a banana from a little girl. Bali life.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Return to Lafayette House to relax by the pool. That pool is a lifesaver!
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a fancy restaurant. I had the fish and it was delicious.
- Night (9:00 PM): I might head to bed. Or perhaps just read in bed, and prepare for the next day.
Day 4: Beach Clubs, Sunsets & Second-Guessing My Life Choices (In a Good Way)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Sleep in. I DESERVE it.
- Breakfast (10:00 AM): Order something light from the hotel. Probably something with avocado. The smoothie was heavenly.
- Midday (12:00 PM): Spend the late morning chilling by the pool.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Spend the afternoon at a Beach Club. This is the life! A little too expensive, but worth it. Music, cocktails, the ocean. So glamorous. The cocktails made me feel great, and I ended up dancing on a table for a few minutes. At least, that's what the blurry video on my phone appears to show…
- Evening (7:00 PM): Sunset viewing. Because, Bali.
- Night (9:00 PM): Head back to Lafayette House and take it easy!
Day 5: Departure (Sniffle… and a Promise to Return)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Last breakfast at the hotel. I order ALL the pancakes. Soak it all in!
- Midday (11:00 AM): Pack. Sigh. The dreaded task.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Final moments at Lafayette House. Soak up the sun, the beauty, the peace.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Head to the airport. The last moments are a blur. It's over too soon!
- Evening (7:00 PM): Fly home with a heavy heart, a suitcase full of souvenirs, and a soul full of Bali, even if I don't know how to surf.
Things I Learned:
- Scooters are not my forte.
- Surfing is harder than it looks.
- I'm a sucker for a good sunset.
- Bali is magical, even when it's messy.
- I'm already planning my return.
So there you have it. My Bali trip in all its glorious, imperfect, slightly chaotic glory. Don't expect perfection. Expect adventure, laughter, maybe a few scraped knees (metaphorically, and possibly literally), and a whole lot of unforgettable memories. And remember: embrace the mess.
Escape to Paradise: Cudgegong Valley Motel Awaits!
Okay, spill: Is "Escape to Paradise" really paradise, or is it just some Instagram filter dream?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because I'm about to get *real*. "Escape to Paradise" in Canggu? Depends on your definition of paradise. It's definitely *not* a perfectly curated Instagram grid, thank God. Think more…raw, kinda chaotic, with moments of breathtaking beauty sliced right through the sweaty reality of Bali. Remember that time I spilled my Bintang on the pristine white linen of the outdoor lounge? Yeah, that happened. Paradise, if you ask me, includes the good, the bad, and the ridiculously messy. And "Escape to Paradise" absolutely delivers on that front.
Seriously though, what are the villas actually *like*? Are we talking cramped hotel room or sprawling mansion vibes?
Uh, neither? And both? It's complicated. The website photos are stunning, no lie. My villa, the "Sunset Sanctuary," (don't even get me started on the cheesy names, I was secretly loving it) was HUGE. Like, genuinely huge. Multiple bedrooms with those ridiculous, mosquito-net-draped beds. Private pool, of course. And the living area? Open air, so you're basically living *outside* without actually being outside. Which is amazing until a gecko decides to audition for your dinner. But *then* you remember you are in Canggu and this is part of the charm. But, and this is a big but, the upkeep... let's just say it's got its charms. The garden wasn't quite as manicured as the pictures. And one of the bedrooms had a slight…dampness. Charm, I tell you, pure Balinese charm.
What if I burn to a crisp? Is there sun protection available?
Okay, listen up, sun-worshippers. Bali's sun? It's no joke. Think, "will peel off in chunks" kind of sun. "Escape to Paradise" *does* provide… sort of… some form of protection. Like, your villa will probably have a balcony. And maybe some sort of cover from the sun. But honestly, the best advice I can give you? Pack ALL the sunscreen you own, plus a hat that looks like a fashionable lampshade. And don't underestimate the power of a good, shady beach umbrella. Seriously. I learned the hard way. My first day at Echo Beach? Crimson. Like, *lobster* crimson. Avoid that. Seriously!
Food: Am I going to starve, or is there a chef/kitchen situation?
Right, food. This is where things get *interesting*. "Escape to Paradise" usually offers both. Some villas have fully equipped kitchens – which is fantastic if you like grocery shopping in the sweaty Bali heat. Do keep in mind the locals here are very friendly with their cooking, and are happy to stop by and make you something for a nice little tip, but DO NOT expect all the usual kitchen amenities that you are used to. Other villas have a private chef option. I opted for the chef. Best. Decision. Ever. My chef, Made, was an absolute legend. He'd whip up the most incredible Nasi Goreng for breakfast, fresh seafood for lunch, and a feast fit for a king for dinner. He also made a mean mango smoothie. He even put up with my *terrible* attempts at Indonesian phrases. I miss Made. (sniffles). Seriously, if you can swing it, the chef is a win. Absolutely a win. Just be prepared to tip well - he's worth every penny.
Nightlife, brah? Is this place dead after dark, or am I gonna be surfing the waves of…partying?
Canggu? Dead? Honey, no. Canggu is alive and kicking, especially after the sun goes down. "Escape to Paradise" puts you smack-dab in the middle of the action. Echo Beach is buzzing, the bars are pumping, and the music thumps till the early hours. Consider yourself warned. Want a chilled-out vibe? Lots of beach clubs offer sunset cocktails. Want to dance until your feet hurt? You got it. Just... pace yourself. Remember the sunburnt lobster situation? Yeah. Avoid repeat performances. And, for heaven's sake, don't drink too much on an empty stomach. The scooter ride home could get...interesting. I might have some personal experience with that. Just sayin'.
What about getting around? Scooters, taxis, magic carpets?
Scooters are king in Canggu. Everyone zips around on them. And they are cheap, and available everywhere. Honestly, it's kind of a rite of passage to wobble around on one in Bali. However. However, I'm a klutz. I'm also accident-prone. The thought of me on a scooter was enough to make my travel insurance provider weep. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing apps (like Grab or Gojek) are your best friend. You can hire a driver for the day if you want to do some exploring. I'd highly recommend that! Less stress, more cocktails. Win-win! Just remember to haggle! You are in Bali, and haggling is an art.
Ok, let's talk about expectations vs. reality. What are the major differences?
Alright, here's the real tea. The pictures are stunning. The reality? Maybe not *quite* so airbrushed. The "pristine beaches" might have a bit of plastic on them. I saw a *lot* of stray dogs. The service? Friendly, but on "Bali time" – meaning, sometimes things move at the speed of a sleeping sloth. Now, that being said, that slow pace is part of the charm. You learn to relax. You learn to let go. You learn to say, "Ah, it's Bali," and embrace the chaos. But the villa? Expect imperfections. Expect the unexpected. Expect to fall in love with it anyway. The pool filters might not be as sparkling as they look, the internet might cut out at the worst moments, but you know what? You're in Bali. You're escaping the everyday grind. And that, my friends, is priceless. Even if the Wi-Fi is a bit spotty.
Tell me *one* thing that really, *really* went wrong. Don't hold back!
Oh, honey, there's a story for every day. But, if I must pick one… It was the flood. It wasn’t even a *major* flood, just a sudden, torrential downpour in the middle of the night. Because, you know, Bali. My particular villa's drainage system was… let's call it "challenged." I woke up to the sound of water lapping at the edge ofOcean View Inn
