Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Luxurious 2BR Villa in Pentingsari! (Full Board Included)
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Pentingsari Villa - My (Completely Unfiltered) Take
Alright, listen up, fellow travelers! I just got back from a stay at the Luxurious 2BR Villa in Pentingsari (Full Board Included), and I'm still trying to process it all. Forget your sterile hotel reviews; this is the real deal, a messy, honest, and slightly chaotic account of my experience. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is going to be a wild ride.
First Impressions (and Accessibility Shenanigans)
Getting there was…an adventure. Accessibility, officially listed as "facilities for disabled guests," well, let's just say it’s there. They definitely try, but navigating the charmingly uneven pathways of Pentingsari village with a wheelchair might require a sherpa. The villa itself seemed pretty decent in terms of space and layout, which is a huge plus. But the journey there? Let's just say I built some serious arm muscles maneuvering over those cobblestones.
Speaking of getting around, the airport transfer was a godsend. Absolutely crucial, especially after that rollercoaster flight. Plus, they had car parking [free of charge] which is always a win in this crazy island.
The Villa Itself: Paradise (with a Side of Maybe a Slight Smell)
Okay, okay, let's get to the good stuff. The villa? Freaking gorgeous. The pictures don't even do it justice. Think sprawling spaces, a pool with a view (seriously, the sunsets!), and a feeling of complete and utter privacy. The rooms are sanitized between stays which I highly appreciate and the anti-viral cleaning products were a nice touch.
However… (and there's always a however, isn't there?), there was this faint aroma. Not bad, mind you, but something of a…musty quality. Like your grandma's attic meets a tropical rainforest. But hey, who am I to complain when I'm swimming in my own private pool?
The Amenities: A Buffet of Bliss (and a Few Hiccups)
Now, let's dive into the ridiculously long list of amenities. Full board included meant I could park my butt and have every single need catered to. And let me tell you, the food was mostly DELICIOUS. Breakfast in room was a highlight, especially after my jetlag naps. And speaking of breakfast, the Asian breakfast options were a delightful change from your typical continental fare. I indulged in some traditional dishes that made my tastebuds sing!
The spa? Oh. My. Goodness. I went for a massage, a body scrub, and a foot bath (because self-care is essential, people). The massage therapist was a miracle worker! The Spa/sauna and steamroom were also great! The spa, thankfully, was a clean oasis of calm. Then again, one time the music was a slightly off-key rendition of "Hotel California" that I had to ask to be changed.
They also boast a fitness center - a slightly smaller affair than I expected, but hey, it had the basics, and the pool was heavenly, but I didn’t see the gym/fitness mentioned in the title.
The restaurants were a true highlight, especially the Asian cuisine in the restaurant. But, a la carte was the option more than buffet, so, don’t get too excited about the buffet as they offer a.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Near-Disaster with the Spicy Sambal)
The dining experience was a real highlight. Restaurants, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant – choices galore! They even offered alternative meal arrangements if you had dietary restrictions (which, thankfully, I did not). I was particularly fond of the salad in restaurant but it wasn’t too varied. The desserts in restaurant were a work of art.
I also found the bottle of water extremely helpful. And they have a coffee shop, which is good.
Now, for a minor crisis. The sambal. Oh, the sambal! I'm a spice fiend, I love a good chili kick. But this stuff? They had a warning sign (which I, in my arrogance, ignored). Let's just say, I experienced a near-death chili encounter. I swear I saw my life flash before my eyes. The coffee/tea in restaurant was great for soothing the burn!
The "Things to Do" (and How I Relaxed…A Lot)
Okay, the "things to do" list is long but let me tell you, I did a lot of relaxing. The pool with a view was my default mode. I spent hours there, lost in thought, staring at the surrounding rice paddies. Pure bliss.
I didn't make use of the babysitting service (thank god, I was traveling alone!), and the kids facilities were not needed but still, nice to know they exist!
Cleanliness & Safety (and the Sanitizing Symphony)
Big props to the villa on this front. They take hygiene VERY seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services – it felt genuinely safe. I appreciated the room sanitization opt-out available, but truthfully, with my messy travel habits, I was happy for all the extra cleaning.
They had first aid kit and a doctor/nurse on call, which, thankfully, I didn't need.
The Services & Conveniences (and the Internet Saga)
The concierge was incredibly helpful, arranging everything from transport to local tours.
Internet access was a bit of a mixed bag. They have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet and Internet [LAN]. However, there were a few times when the signal was about as reliable as my ability to wake up before noon. But hey, who needs the internet when you're in paradise, right? (Kidding! I needed to do some work, and the laptop workspace came in handy.)
The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after those long days of spa-ing and relaxing.
I'd like to note, they have a convenience store.
The Quirkier Details (and the Occasional Rambles)
The front desk [24-hour] was a boon, the room decorations were a nice touch. The smoke alarms, and fire extinguisher are important things. The Shrine, also, was cool.
The staff were lovely, if sometimes slightly bewildered by my chaotic energy. They offered air conditioning in the public area. I felt safe in there, with the security [24-hour] and the CCTV in common areas.
Final Verdict: Run, Don't Walk (But Maybe Pack Some Sturdy Shoes)
Would I recommend the Luxurious 2BR Villa in Pentingsari (Full Board Included)? Absolutely! Despite the minor hiccups, the breathtaking beauty, the unparalleled privacy, the food coma-inducing cuisine, and the sheer feeling of escape, makes this villa a winner.
A Few Imperfections:
- Accessibility: Needs significant improvement.
- Internet: Can be temperamental.
- Slight musty smell.
- The Sambal: Approach with extreme caution!
The Offer! Book Now and Get…(drumroll, please!)
- A complimentary Balinese massage for two!
- A free curated tour of local artisan villages (because you deserve to see the real Yogyakarta!).
- Guaranteed room upgrade (if available) - because who wouldn't want a little extra space?
Why You Absolutely MUST Book:
This isn’t just a stay; it's an experience. It's a chance to disconnect, recharge, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Yogyakarta. The full board means no mealtime stress. The privacy means no noise. The spa means pure, unadulterated bliss. Basically, you get to be a pampered, slightly-spice-burned, happy human.
So, what are you waiting for? Book now, and prepare to have your socks knocked off (or at least, your flip-flops). This is the escape you deserve. Trust me. You won't regret it.
L.A. HOTEL Shenzhen: The Most Luxurious Stay You'll Ever Experience
Alright, deep breaths, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Desa Wisata Pentingsari 2BR House 19 Fullboard in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Forget the polished brochures; this is real life, people. Get ready for some serious (and probably slightly chaotic) travel planning.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great House Hunt (and Why I Almost Lost My Mind)
- Morning (or, as it turned out, Mid-Afternoon): Okay, so the flight was delayed. Because, of course, it was. I swear, I'm starting to believe there's a cosmic conspiracy against on-time arrivals. Landed in Yogyakarta, feeling vaguely like a crumpled piece of paper after a long journey. The humidity hit me like a wall, and I immediately regretted my insistence on wearing a "stylish" (read: impractical) linen shirt.
- Afternoon: The transfer from the airport went… well, it went. Finding our driver was a slight adventure, involving frantic waving and a lot of squinting at name signs. Finally, we were off, and the scenery was breathtaking. Lush green rice paddies rolled past, and I actually felt my shoulders starting to relax. Then we found the house. And I freaked out. Not in a bad way, in a "holy crap this is amazing" kind of way. The 2BR house was even better than the pictures. That wooden porch was calling my name. The little details, the handmade furniture, the smell of incense… it was all just… perfect.
- Afternoon/Evening: Pentingsari Immersion (And My First Brush with Chaos): We're talking Fullboard, so lunch was prepared for us! Delicious Indonesian food, I think I ate 3 plates, with a wide veranda to spend the afternoon. The rest are spent in the house, starting the new life and resting up the body.
Day 2: Borobudur Sunrise & The Great Temple Tango (of Regret)
- Dawn (ish): Sunrise at Borobudur. The reason I came. I woke up at a stupid hour, my sleep still messed up from the time change. Coffee (thank heavens for coffee). We bundled into a jeep, drove to the temple. The anticipation was KILLING me. I envisioned myself meditating peacefully, bathed in golden light. Reality? A crush of tourists, selfie sticks everywhere, and a distinct chill in the air. The sun was spectacular, though. Truly magnificent. But the experience? A little… frantic. I did however took a few moments to really soak it in. I'm glad I went, seriously.
- Morning: After Borobudur, the world has shifted a little, and we went back to the village for a lunch.
- Afternoon: Back at the village, we went to a rice field. It was magical. The smell of the earth, the green, the silence (mostly), it was truly therapeutic. They offered me a rice hat, I actually look like a farmer. Also, the food was incredible (again). I swear, I'm going to gain 10 pounds just from the deliciousness.
Day 3: Exploring The Village, The Hidden Gems, and Cultural Immersion… or, The Day I Became a Batik Artist (Sort Of)
- Morning: Took advantage of the beautiful house and the great surrounding. I decided to take a walk in the village. I walked and walked, and ended up finding a small shop, with a very cool woman who does batik. She taught us a little. It was harder than it looks. I'd like to tell you that I created a masterpiece, but my batik is more "abstract expressionist" than "beautiful." I may hang it ironically back home.
- Afternoon: The house arranged a traditional Javanese cooking class. We attempted to make some of the dishes we had been eating. Spoiler alert: mine wasn't as good as the ones the house had been preparing. But It was fun!
- Evening: Sunset on the porch, reading a book, and sipping local tea. Pure bliss.
Day 4: Merapi Volcano & Volcano's Story (The Day I almost died, not literally)
- Morning: Today, we decided to go hiking on Mt. Merapi. The Jeep ride was bumpy, dust everywhere. We went up to the volcano. It was very high, and I was very tired. I did not manage to go to the top, but it was still a fun journey.
- Afternoon: After a relaxing lunch, we went for a spa. I'm not gonna lie, it was heavenly. Getting a massage after that hike was the best. I could feel my body relaxing, as she massaged my body…
Day 5: Departure, Regrets & Sweet (and Sour) Memories
- Morning: Breakfast. More delicious food. Packing. Saying goodbye to the staff. Feeling slightly melancholic.
- Afternoon: The drive back to the airport. Reflecting on the trip. Did I see and do everything? No, of course not. Did I learn something new? Absolutely. Did I eat enough food to feed a small army? Probably.
- Evening: On the plane, I'm already dreaming of going back. Yogyakarta, you've stolen a piece of my heart (and probably my stomach).
The Messy Bits:
- Language Barrier: My Indonesian is about as good as my batik skills. I felt very silly at times, trying to communicate through hand gestures and miming.
- Unexpected Delights: Random street food stalls that smelled amazing. And the kindness of the local people.
- Regrets: Not learning more Indonesian. Not staying longer.
- Quirky Observations: The way the motorbikes weave through traffic is mesmerizing (and terrifying). The sheer variety of fruit. The fact that everyone seems to be smiling, even in the heat.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Seriously, the highs were high, and the lows were… few, but they were there.
- The Verdict: GO. Just freaking go. And don't worry about being perfect. Embrace the chaos. That, my friends, is where the magic happens.
Okay, so, "luxurious" how luxurious, exactly? I'm picturing gold-plated toilet seats…
What about the "full board"? I'm a picky eater. Will I starve? (Panic intensifies)
Pentingsari… where even *is* that? Is it in the middle of nowhere?
What's the vibe? Is it romantic? Familial? Instagrammable? (Important questions!)
And what did you *actually do* there? Besides eat… and take pictures...
Alright, let's get real: What was the *worst* part? Spill the tea!
Would you go back? And would you recommend it?
Okay, you mentioned excursions. What kind?
One more time... what was the food REALLY like?! Because I have high standards.
