Escape to Paradise: Your Unforgettable Bali Rice Paddy Retreat
Escape to Paradise: Your Unforgettable Bali Rice Paddy Retreat
Escape to Paradise: My Messy, Magnificent Bali Rice Paddy Retreat Review (and Why You NEED to Book!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This ain't your typical, sterile hotel review. This is the REAL DEAL, warts and all, about Escape to Paradise, the Bali rice paddy retreat that promised an "unforgettable" experience. Did it deliver? Well, let’s just say my phone's camera roll exploded. And my soul? Let's see…
The Gist: Is it Paradise? (Spoiler: Mostly, Yeah!)
Think lush green rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see. Think gentle breezes whispering through your hair. Think… well, you get the picture. This place is beautiful. It's the kind of beauty that punches you in the gut and leaves you speechless. But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Remember, real life is messy.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Navigating Paradise - Literally!)
Getting there was a bit of an adventure. Now, I'm normally a "roll with it" kind of gal, but the roads… let's just say your car will be earning its keep! Access? They've got that pretty well covered overall. Lifts and ramps were readily available, but some of those pathways around the property? Yeah, those rice paddies? Gorgeous, but maybe a little tricky for the less agile amongst us (especially after a few Bintangs!). They're aiming for inclusivity, though, and I applaud the effort.
Rooms & Comfort (My Sanctuary, My Mess)
My room! Ah, the room. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah and Praise the Gods!) So, yes, you KNOW that was the first thing I checked. And it actually worked, unlike some other places I’ve stayed. And the air conditioning? Bliss. Seriously, Bali humidity is NO JOKE. The room was a good size, with a comfy king-sized bed (perfect for sprawling after a day of exploring), and a private balcony. It looked beautiful in photos, and it was beautiful in reality. Except… well, even with daily housekeeping, I’m fairly certain a tiny, rogue gecko took up residence in my room. I named him Kevin. He became part of the experience, a charming imperfection. And the bathrobes were SO comfy, I kinda just lived in them.
Let Me Talk About Those Views, though…
Seriously, the rice paddy views are EVERYTHING. Waking up to that every morning, and sipping complimentary coffee/tea? Chef's kiss. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for a good night's sleep (or a lazy afternoon nap, no judgement). Trust me, you'll be spending a LOT of time on your balcony, just… breathtaking.
The Food & Drink (Fueling My Bali Adventure!)
Okay, let's get real. As a food-obsessed human, the food situation is crucial. Escape to Paradise had a few options:
- Restaurants: The main restaurant offered a mix of Asian cuisine and International cuisine. The breakfast buffet was decent, with the usual suspects (eggs, toast, fruit). I am not a buffet girl, but I did love that you could order hot coffee. The coffee shop was handy for a quick caffeine fix - or a longer linger.
- Bar: The poolside bar was where all the magic happened. And if you don't try a cocktail during happy hour, are you even in Bali? The poolside bar was great fun!
- Room Service (24-hour): Pizza at 2 AM? Yes, please! (My inner gremlin loved this. The service was super-efficient.)
**The Spa & Relaxation: My Soul Found!
Now, this is where Escape to Paradise really shines. So, my first day, I was all, "I need to relax." And boy did I. I booked a package, which was, if I remember rightly, an AMAZING deal. I went for the works: a body scrub, a massage (OMG, the massage!), and some time in the steamroom.
Seriously, the massage was SO good, that I think I might have actually left planet earth for a bit. I have never felt so relaxed in my life. It was like all the stress got massaged out of my body; a spiritual experience through touch. I honestly think the masseuse could have gotten me to do nearly anything. It was THAT good. I am serious when I say, You NEED to book a body scrub, body wrap, and massage. And if you don’t? You are missing out.
Activities & Things to Do (More Than Just Lounging!)
Okay, so I'm not a huge fitness person, truth be told. But they did actually have a fitness centre. And the swimming pool with a view? AMAZING. So Instagramable. I also tried the foot bath one afternoon, which was a pleasant way to spend an hour.
Beyond that, the area is ripe for exploring. They can arrange all sorts of things, from cooking classes to temple visits. I spent one glorious afternoon cycling through the rice paddies, which was an experience I'll never forget.
Cleanliness & Safety (Peace of Mind in Paradise)
This is a big one in the current climate. Escape to Paradise takes safety seriously. They have hand sanitizer everywhere, anti-viral cleaning products, and staff that were SUPER diligent. They also had individually-wrapped food options, and were doing regular disinfecting. It felt safe. It felt well-managed.
Services & Conveniences (Making Life Easy)
From the Daily housekeeping to the Laundry service, they made my life easy. The concierge was brilliant, helping me with everything from arranging transportation to recommending restaurants. Cash withdrawal, a gift shop, and a convenience store were all super convenient, but the car park [free of charge] was a huge plus. No stress about parking – huge tick!
For the Kids (It's Family-Friendly!)
Yes, this is family-friendly. Babysitting service available, and they had kids' facilities, and, I think, a kids' meal.
The Imperfections (Because, Life!)
Here’s where the realness comes in.
- Internet: The internet was sometimes flaky. Thank goodness that the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was available to help.
- Getting Around: Getting around can be tricky. Prepare yourself for some bumpy rides.
- The Shrine: This place has a shrine. Very nice.
My Verdict: Book It! (Seriously!)
Look, Escape to Paradise isn't perfect. But it's beautiful, relaxing, and the staff are lovely. The rice paddies are breathtaking. The spa is divine. The sense of peace is palpable.
Do I recommend it? YES! Without a shadow of a doubt. If you're looking for a Bali escape that offers beauty, relaxation, and a touch of adventure, then this is your place. Pack your bags, embrace the humidity, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
And now, for the sales pitch (because, why not?):
Want to escape the ordinary and dive into pure bliss? Escape to Paradise: Your Unforgettable Bali Rice Paddy Retreat, offers you the chance to unwind, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself. Imagine waking up to stunning rice paddy views, indulging in luxurious spa treatments, and savoring delicious food. We offer a sanctuary where you can truly disconnect and rediscover your inner peace.
Book your stay at Escape to Paradise today and receive:
- A complimentary welcome cocktail at our stunning poolside bar.
- A special discount on our signature spa package.
- Free breakfast for the first two days of your stay.
Don't just dream about paradise – live it. Book your unforgettable Bali retreat now!
Escape to Paradise: Eljie Hotel Gorontalo Awaits!
Alright, strap yourselves in, buttercups, because this isn't your average, Instagram-filtered Bali escape. This is my Bali retreat, a messy, beautiful tapestry woven with rice paddies, questionable street food, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of almost getting my zen on. Prepare for the real deal.
Bali Retreat: The Unfiltered Version
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Panic
- 10:00 AM: Landed in Denpasar. Sun blazing, air thick, immediate sweat. My luggage? Still in Dubai, apparently. Fantastic. Already questioning all life choices.
- 11:00 AM: Found a driver (Ketut, bless his soul) waiting with a sign that almost spelled my name right. He's blasting some truly banger Balinese pop, which is somehow both soothing and deeply confusing.
- 1:00 PM: Checked into the retreat. It's… stunning. Like, seriously, Instagram-worthy. The little villa, perched on a cliff overlooking the rice paddies, actually made me gasp. Okay, maybe Bali isn't so bad after all. But where the heck is my luggage?!
- 2:00 PM: Panic level rising. Began my hunt for a decent, budget-friendly store to acquire some clothes.
- 3:00 PM: Stumbled into a small, local shop. One guy at the counter was clearly judging my haggling skills. In the end, I bought a cheap bright red maxi dress that I'm pretty sure is three sizes too big, but hey, at least I have clothes.
- 4:00 PM: Rice Paddies. Wandered to the rice fields. I'm now officially the cliche of a woman on a retreat. Sat on the edge and stared. For a good hour. The only thing I felt was mild boredom. And a growing concern about the mosquitos.
- 5:00 PM: The welcome drink. Finally some tea. The first moment of peace. I swear this is a sign.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Delicious. Some sort of spicy, coconutty curry. Ate way too much. Now regretting it.
- 8:30 PM: Attempted meditation. Failed spectacularly. My brain just wouldn't shut up. Kept thinking about lost luggage, questionable dresses and the next day's breakfast.
Day 2: Yoga, Regrets & The Quest For Perfect Avocado Toast
- 7:00 AM: Yoga. Ouch. My body is screaming in protest. The instructor, a serene woman named Wayan, keeps saying things like, "Embrace the discomfort." Lady, I'm pretty sure I'm about to spontaneously combust.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Fruit platter. Delicious. Except there were a few pieces that were slightly off and sour, I'm still unsure if the sourness was just the fruits themselves or if I should have taken a break.
- 10:00 AM: The real yoga begins. Hiked with a small group through the rice terraces. The views are incredible, but the humidity! I'm pretty sure I sweat out a whole liter of water. Wayan kept chirping about "connecting with nature." I was connecting with the sheer annoyance of mosquitos.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. I ordered a shrimp salad. The shrimp was suspiciously rubbery. Regret.
- 1:00 PM: Massage time. Yes! Finally, a moment of pure bliss. The Balinese masseuse was incredible. I think I actually drifted off to sleep. Bliss.
- 3:00 PM: Found a local shop. The shopkeeper was staring at me, waiting to be asked more questions. Decided I was too tired to ask, and just smiled.
- 4:00 PM: The Quest. Today's purpose was to find the perfect avocado toast. Walked to a nearby café with high reviews. The toast was okay. Still searching.
- 5:00 PM: Rice Paddies again. I still felt nothing. Decided to try and take a photo for instagram. Failed big time.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Ate too much again. Starting to suspect this whole retreat thing is just an excuse to overeat.
Day 3: Temples, Tempeh & the Power of Letting Go (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: Another yoga session. My body is definitely used to the pain by now.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Finally, perfect avocado toast! Hooray. Maybe I'm starting to get the hang of this.
- 10:00 AM: Guided tour of a local temple. It was beautiful and ancient, but I just felt like I was intruding. So many rituals and traditions I didn't understand. Took a deep breath and tried anyway.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Decided to be brave and try tempeh. Okay, it's actually really good. I could get used to this.
- 1:00 PM: Cooking class. Learned how to make a Balinese curry. It was messy and fun. The chef kept laughing at my attempts. I think this may be my new favorite thing.
- 3:00 PM: Free time! I opted to sit and read.
- 4:00 PM: Rice Paddies. Okay, I admit it. I started to appreciate the peace. The endless green, the gentle breeze, the rhythmic rustling of the rice. I've decided to stop trying and just enjoy it.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Food was amazing. Decided to bring some food back to the room, in my sneaky way.
- 8:00 PM: Meditated. I can feel my brain slowly calming.
- 9:00 PM: Journal thoughts. I'm starting to get this retreat. I think.
Day 4: The Monsoon, The Truth & Goodbye (For Now)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up to the crashing sound of rain. Monsoon season has arrived.
- 8:00 AM: Yoga in the rain. It was the most glorious, freeing experience. So much gratitude.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The rain felt so relaxing that I decided to not eat anything and just relax in the room.
- 10:00 AM: A sudden mood swing. Started to think about all the things I wanted to do.
- 12:00 PM: Farewell Lunch. Delicious.
- 1:00 PM: Started packing to leave.
- 1:30 PM: Realized I don't want to leave.
- 2:00 PM: The luggage has arrived. I think.
- 3:00 PM: Leaving.
- 4:00 PM: Landed.
Final Thoughts:
Bali, you magnificent, chaotic, beautiful beast. You humbled me, challenged me, and somehow, managed to charm me, even with the lost luggage and the questionable shrimp. I'm still not sure if I'm "zen," but I'm definitely going back. And next time, I'm bringing more bug spray.
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1. So, what *is* this "Escape to Paradise" thing, anyway? Is it just...rice paddies?
Okay, picture this: you’re stressed, fried, probably haven't seen sunshine in weeks (thanks, fluorescent lights!). Now, imagine waking up to the sound of... well, *nothing* except maybe a distant rooster and the rustle of rice paddies. That’s the *vibe*, man. Escape to Paradise isn't just a retreat, it's a full-blown *recalibration*. It's about getting lost in the green, eating food that's actually GOOD for you (and tastes even BETTER), and maybe, just *maybe*, finding some inner peace that you swear you left back in your chaotic city life. Yes, there are rice paddies. Loads of them. But it's also yoga, meditation, cooking classes, massages, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of *being* present. It’s… it’s hard to describe. It's a feeling, you know? Like being wrapped in a warm hug from Mother Earth herself. (Okay, that's enough of the flowery stuff… I'm getting carried away.)
2. Is it REALLY as relaxing as it sounds? Because let's be honest, I'm a disaster when I try to relax.
Look, I'm right there with you. I'm the kind of person who brings *work* to a massage. (Don't judge me! The deadlines never stop!). But... yeah, it's pretty darn relaxing. *Eventually*. The first day? I was a twitchy mess. Couldn't sit still, kept checking my phone (even though there's limited service!). But the second day? Magic. I actually managed to quiet my brain, even just for a little while. And by day three? I was practically a Buddha statue. Okay, maybe not *that* good. But I was definitely chill. And the food? Forget about it. That stuff alone is practically a tranquilizer. Warning: may cause extreme feelings of contentment and a desire to stay forever. Seriously, I almost missed my flight home. And that was a near-disaster, let me tell you! Had to bribe a tuk-tuk driver to drive me like I was in a scene from a Fast and the Furious movie. Nearly lost my luggage, and it was all my fault for not wanting to leave!
3. Okay, the yoga part... I'm not flexible. At all. Will I be judged? Because, you know, social anxiety is a thing.
Oh, honey, no judgment. Seriously. The yoga instructors are amazing. They're all about meeting you where you are. If you can touch your toes, great! If you can barely bend over to pick up a sock, no problem! They offer modifications for everything. And the classes aren't all about super-advanced poses. There's a real appreciation for the fact that everyone comes at different levels. The first time I tried, I was practically face-planting on the mat. But the instructor just smiled, helped me modify, and told me to "listen to my body." Which, by the way, is excellent advice. It's less about "perfecting" the pose and more about feeling good. Honestly, the hardest part wasn't the poses; it was the *humility* of realizing how inflexible I was! (And, okay, dealing with the one super-bendy lady in the front row who could practically tie herself in a pretzel. But that's her problem, not mine!).
4. The food. Tell me about the food. I'm a foodie, and I'm easily disappointed.
OH. MY. GOD. The food. Okay, breathe. The food is... well, let's just say I'm still dreaming about the nasi goreng. It’s incredible. Seriously. Fresh, local ingredients. Flavors that explode in your mouth. And they cater to dietary restrictions! I swear, I ate more delicious vegan meals there than I have in my *entire life*. They even have a cooking class where you can learn to make some of the magic yourself. Be warned: you will come home and attempt to recreate these dishes. You will probably fail. But you will *enjoy the attempt*. And you’ll definitely gain some weight, but you'll be happier. Worth it. EVERY. SINGLE. CALORIE.
5. Is it all just zen and rainbows? Because, you know, reality is a thing…
Absolutely not! Listen, Bali is beautiful, but it's also real. There's some bumpy bits on the road (literally, the roads are not always pristine!), some mosquitos (bring repellent, seriously!), and the occasional power outage. Your perfectly curated Instagram feed will, at times, clash with reality. One morning, a monkey stole my shampoo (true story!). Another time, I totally face-planted in a yoga class. And there’s that time I set off the smoke alarm while trying to toast bread in my villa. (Don’t ask.) But that’s part of the fun, right? Embrace the messiness. Laugh at the imperfections. Because, ultimately, that’s what makes the perfect memory. And the staff are amazing. I mean, the kind of people who would have probably replaced my stolen shampoo or fixed every silly mistake I did. Thank goodness it's all part of the experience...
6. Okay, you've piqued my interest. What are the accommodations *really* like? Is it luxury or… glamping?
It’s a lovely blend of both. The villas are gorgeous, honestly. Think open-air designs, private plunge pools, and the sound of the river gently flowing in the background. You'll have your own little oasis. It's not stuffy luxury, though. It’s comfortable luxury. No need for heels or fancy dresses. Bring your comfy clothes, your yoga pants, and maybe some books (or your Kindle!). The bed was outrageously comfy. The plunge pool? Bliss. Waking up in the morning and stepping right into your own personal paradise? Priceless.
7. I'm traveling solo. Will I feel… lonely?
Not at all! Seriously, even if you're an introvert like me. Escape to Paradise fosters a sense of community. The staff are super friendly and welcoming, and there’s always the opportunity to chat with other guests during mealtimes, yoga sessions, or even just lounging by the pool. You can be as social or as private as you want. You can completely disconnect, or you can make friends, and even if you're a clumsy dork like me, you'll find your comfort zone. I met some incredible people who I'm still in contact with today. But also, let's be real: sometimes, being alone in paradise is exactly what you need. And if you're feeling social, there's always a group dinner or a guided excursion to join. The choice is yours!
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