Escape to Paradise: Kuching's Chic Staycation Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Kuching's Chic Staycation Awaits! - A Review That’s Honestly Messy
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a staycation at Escape to Paradise: Kuching's Chic Staycation Awaits! And I’m here to give you the real deal. Forget those polished, cookie-cutter reviews that make everything sound perfect. This is my messy, imperfect, and totally biased take on the whole experience. Let's dive in, shall we? (And yes, I'm going to talk about accessibility, because it matters. A LOT.)
First Impressions & Location, Location, Location – Kuching's Charm:
Kuching, you beautiful, slightly humid city, you! The hotel is tucked away, which I loved. It’s not smack-bang in the middle of all the tourist hustle, which is a huge win for me. Driving in was easy (thank goodness for Car park [free of charge] and Valet parking – because, let's be real, finding parking in a new city can be a nightmare!). The architecture is gorgeous, a blend of modern and local touches. And yes, there's a Shrine which adds a lovely touch!
Accessibility – The Crucial Stuff (and a bit of a rant):
Right. Accessibility. This is where things get… interesting. The hotel says it has Facilities for disabled guests, which is promising. The Elevator is a lifesaver, obviously. I didn’t personally need to test every single aspect (thankfully!) but I did notice some things. The main areas seemed relatively accessible, and thankfully, I didn’t have any issues. But I think they should be doing more to cater to all kinds of accessibility needs. It's a constantly evolving thing, people!
Rooms – Cozy Cocoon or Claustrophobic Cave?
The rooms… well, they're designed for relaxation, and I will say, they succeeded! The Soundproofing was fantastic – I couldn't hear a peep from the hallway, which is a godsend when you’re craving peace. The Blackout curtains meant serious sleep-ins (I'm a sucker for the Extra long bed). They've got the basics covered: Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area, Daily housekeeping, and the all-important Wi-Fi [free] (and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!).
And the stuff that makes a difference, the Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker, and, yes, Free bottled water (stay hydrated, folks!). Also, the Laptop workspace was genuinely useful.
But, the "chic" I suppose can also mean it’s somewhat cramped. I'd have liked a bit more space, but that’s just me. And a minor, but noticeable, imperfection: the Mirror placement wasn't ideal for my hair-styling ritual (which, let's be honest, is a crucial part of any staycation).
Food, Glorious Food – Eating My Weight in… Everything:
Okay, let’s talk food. This is where Escape to Paradise really shines.
- Restaurants: There are multiple. The Restaurants offered a good variety, with Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was a masterpiece. Seriously. I'm not usually a buffet person, but their spread was something else. I was especially in love with the fresh fruit and the Asian-inspired dishes. My highlight was the omelette station (I went back three times – don't judge!). Breakfast is also available with Asian breakfast, Western breakfast options.
- Lunch/Dinner: You can get À la carte in restaurant, or a Buffet in restaurant. There's a Coffee shop for a quick caffeine hit, and a Poolside bar, which is perfect for sunset cocktails. They also had a Happy hour, which, obviously, I took full advantage of. The Desserts in restaurant were absolutely sinful.
- Room Service: And because I am an expert in the art of laziness, the Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver.
One random observation: They included Bottle of water which seems small, but when you're dehydrated after a day of spa treatments, it is a life and time saver.
Spa Time - And Did I Actually Transcend This Mortal Coil?
Alright, the spa. This is where things went from good to fantastic.
- The Spa and Sauna Experience: First off, The Spa itself is gorgeous. The Sauna, Steamroom, and Pool with view were all pristine and relaxing . The Relaxation, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage was out of this world, a real escape.
- The Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was the perfect place to unwind and watch the sunset. The Poolside bar served some fantastic cocktails, and the service was impeccable.
- The Fitness Center: The Fitness center seemed well-equipped. I didn't actually go (shocking, I know), but it looked good.
- Wellness and Relaxing: The Foot bath was incredibly relaxing.
I'd recommend booking a treatment well in advance, because the therapists are in high demand. I’m still floating on a cloud.
Things to Do – Beyond the Spa (if you must):
While I spent a significant amount of time at the spa, there are other things to do, if you’re into that sort of thing.
- Relaxation: The Terrace is a lovely place to sit and read a book.
- Events: They have Meeting/banquet facilities if you need to host a boring event. The Outdoor venue for special events looks stunning.
- Convenience: There's a Gift/souvenir shop if you need to grab something to take home.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because, you know, Reality:
The hotel seemed super clean. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this is important to me. They’ve got Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were really attentive. The Anti-viral cleaning products gave us the confidence to relax and unwind.
I found that Staff trained in safety protocol was a comfort. The whole place gave off a vibe of being very clean and well-maintained. The Rooms sanitized between stays gave an extra sense of security.
Other Bits and Bobs:
- Services and Conveniences: They have pretty much everything you could need: Luggage storage, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Concierge.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer, Taxi service, and Car park [on-site] are available, making getting around a breeze.
- Internet: The Internet was mostly reliable (Internet access – wireless a big plus).
- Staff: The staff were friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care. Big thumbs up! Front desk [24-hour] were also a great help.
- For the Kids: While not relevant to my trip, there are Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal for younger travelers.
The Verdict – The Messy Truth:
Look, if you want a truly relaxing staycation, with amazing food, a killer spa, and a touch of Kuching charm, then Escape to Paradise is a good option. It's not perfect - nothing is - but it's pretty darn close. It might not be the cheapest option in town, but for the experience, I think it's worth it.
My Final, Unsolicited Thoughts:
- Bests: The food, the spa, the staff, and the sheer feeling of escaping from reality.
- Could Be Betters: More accessible options.
So, Should You Book it?
Absolutely! Go, relax, and enjoy. You deserve it.
A Compelling Book-Now Offer for Escape to Paradise: Kuching's Chic Staycation Awaits!
ARE YOU READY TO TRULY ESCAPE?
Tired of the same old routine? Craving a getaway that actually feels like a vacation? Then ditch the everyday and Escape to Paradise: Kuching's Chic Staycation Awaits!
Imagine:
- Waking up in your spacious, soundproof room, with views that'll make you forget your inbox even exists. (And yes, we have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! to upload your envy-inducing pics.)
- Feasting on a breakfast buffet so good, you'll want to roll yourself straight into the Pool with view (don't worry, it's allowed).
- Melting into bliss at our award-winning spa, where stress vanishes faster than your phone battery on vacation. Think Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, and more!
- Sipping sunset cocktails at the Poolside bar, forgetting all your troubles.
But here's the REALLY good part:
Book your stay now and receive:
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect travel log. This is going to be a hot mess, a delicious, Kuching-soaked hot mess. We're talking about Staycation Homestay 33 Floridale, near Viva City, and I'm already feeling the pressure of trying to deliver something…worthy. Deep breaths. Here we go:
Kuching Chaos: Staycation 33 Floridale (Attempting Order)
Arrival: Hysteria and Humidity (Day 1)
- 14:00 - Landing at Kuching International Airport: Oh sweet merciful air conditioning! The moment I stepped off the plane, the humidity slapped me in the face like a wet towel. My hair instantly went from "effortlessly chic' to "lion's mane on crack." This is going to be a look.
- 14:30 - Grab Ride to Staycation 33 Floridale: The Grab driver, bless his soul, was blasting some seriously questionable Malay pop music. I think I heard a synthesiser squeaking. Honestly, it was amazing. The Kuching traffic…well, let’s just say "organized chaos" is being generous.
- 15:30 - Check-in and initial assessment of Floridale: Okay, the pictures online were…generous. Let's call it "optimistic." The decor is, shall we say, "eclectic." Think floral wallpaper, mismatched furniture, and a lingering scent of… something. I can't quite place it. Maybe a combination of air freshener and old books? But you know what? It's kind of charming in a "your grandma's house" sort of way.
- 16:00 - Immediate need for teh tarik and a serious nap: The flight was a blur of crying babies and recycled air. I stumbled to the nearby 7-Eleven, grabbed a teh tarik (life-giving nectar of the gods), and collapsed onto the surprisingly comfortable bed. The nap was glorious. Pure, unadulterated, Kuching bliss.
Day 1: Food Glorious Food and Early Regrets
- 18:00 - "Attempted" exploration of Viva city: The mall itself is…vast. And packed. And loud. I got hopelessly lost trying to find the food court and ended up wandering aimlessly for like, half an hour before finally admitting defeat
- 19:00 - Food Court Fiasco: My stomach was screaming. I bravely plunged into the food court jungle. I ordered way too much. And I regretted it immediately.
- Laksa Sarawak: Legendary, right? Well, mine was…okay. Maybe I built my hype too high.
- Kolo Mee: Glorious! Simple, delicious, perfect. This one saved the day.
- Struggling to pick my next food: Everything looks tasty, but I am not sure what to order but I still wanted more after eating my kolo Mee, ugh!
- 20:30 - Back to Floridale: Exhausted and slightly food-overwhelmed, I retreated to the relative peace of my room. I spent the rest of the evening battling the mosquito army, and wondering if I should have packed more insect repellent.
Day 2: Culture and Coastal Charm (With a Side of Sunburn)
- 09:00 - Breakfast Debacle: The homestay doesn't offer breakfast so I dragged myself to a local coffee shop. The coffee was bitter, and the toast, almost inedible. My face was now full of a sour expression.
- 10:00 - Sarawak Cultural Village: Okay, this was actually cool. I am not one for planned tourist activities, but I was wrong. Okay, okay, I admit it: I liked it. Seeing the traditional longhouses, the different ethnic groups, and the demonstrations of crafts… it was fascinating. I even learned a few basic greetings in Iban, which I promptly forgot as soon as I walked away (Maafkan Saya).
- 13:00 - Lunch and a near-meltdown: I had an amazing plate of rice with chicken. The heat was getting to me, and I was on the verge of a meltdown from being overwhelmed with all the activities.
- 14:30 - Damai Beach: The coast! Fresh air! It. Was. Wonderful. The sand was white, the water was (relatively) clear, and I promptly got a nasty sunburn despite slathering on sunscreen. Lesson learned: reapply. Frequently. I spent the rest of the afternoon trying to soothe the burning sensation and desperately trying not to look like a lobster.
- 18:00 - Dinner with a side of existential dread: Dinner at the beachside restaurant was… pretty standard. I ate a plate of seafood, the scenery helped ease my mind. Despite the day's many minor trials and tribulations, I couldn’t shake the sense of a quiet, deep sense of tranquility.
Day 3: The Quest for the Holy Grail (aka, the Perfect Laksa)
- 09:00 - The Laksa Reconnaissance: I'm on a mission. The elusive perfect laksa must be found. I started the day at a completely different coffee shop. The coffee was slightly better, and the toast was marginally less horrific.
- 10:00 - The search begins! I visited some local stores to buy some souvenirs, and asked the locals for recommendations, which were many and conflicting.
- 13:00 - Laksa Trial #1 (and the slight let-down): This one was from some well-reviewed stall. Good, but not the one. It tasted like… well, it just did not live up to the hype.
- 14:00 - Laksa Trial #2 (with a moment of culinary transcendence): This place… THIS PLACE. It was hidden. It was unassuming. I was a little intimidated by the crowd. But the second I took a bite, I swear, angels sang. The broth was rich, the noodles perfectly textured, and the prawns were plump and juicy. I had finally found what I was looking for. This was what heaven must taste like. I wanted to cry. It was that good.
- 15:00 - Food coma and post-Blissful Reflection: Post-Laksa reverie. I spent the rest of the afternoon reliving the experience. I swear I could still taste it hours later.
- 18:00 - Packing and the bittersweet farewell: I'm leaving tomorrow. I'm sad, I am happy. It's hard to say goodbye! But I am also ready to return to the comfort of my own bed.
Departure: The End (for now!)
- 10:00 - Grab to the airport: The same Grab driver, the same Malay pop music. It felt like a familiar embrace again.
- 11:00 - Flight home: Clutching my souvenir (a sarong), I boarded the plane, my head full of memories…and a desperate craving for another bowl of legendary laksa.
Final Thoughts:
Staycation 33 Floridale was… well, it was an experience. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't always comfortable. But it was real. And the people were friendly. And the laksa… oh, the laksa! Kuching, you magnificent, messy, humid, delicious, and chaotic place, I will be back. And next time, I'm bringing extra sunscreen and an empty stomach. This adventure has come to a bittersweet end.
Bern's BEST Apartments? Los Lorentes Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Kuching's Chic Staycation Awaits! - Okay, Fine, Let's Do This. (FAQ)
So, "Escape to Paradise"... Is it *actually* paradise? Because I've been fooled by marketing before. (And by my ex.)
Alright, let's be honest. Paradise is a big word. And honestly? Life's rarely a perfect tropical beach scene. Did MY stay feel like paradise? Well, it definitely felt like a VERY WELCOME change from my apartment, which, let’s just say, has a distinct aroma of old takeaway.
The reality? Kuching is a beautiful city, and the hotel itself... it's a definite upgrade from a questionable hostel I once stumbled into after a night in Koh Phi Phi (don't ask). Think stylish, clean, and *mostly* quiet. There's a nice pool (not overly chlorinated, which is a win!), and the staff are genuinely friendly. But paradise? Maybe a *slightly* less ambitious title would've worked. Still, a GREAT staycation spot, that's for sure.
What kind of "chic" are we talking here? Like, Instagram-perfect chic or "I spilled coffee on the designer rug" chic?
Haha! Good question! I’m a HUGE klutz, so I’m ALWAYS looking for the "spill-resistant" vibe. The decor is definitely leaning towards Instagram-worthy. Clean lines, stylish furniture, lots of natural light (perfect for those selfies, people!). But it also felt…livable. Like, I worried a *little* less about leaving a mark than I do in some places. They seemed to have used some pretty robust materials.
However… I once accidentally knocked over a ridiculously delicate glass of… something… on the dining table. The staff were SUPER understanding and replaced it immediately, but my heart did skip a beat. So, maybe, lean towards the less frantic side of "chic".
Is the food any good? Because I've had some truly tragic hotel breakfast experiences.
Okay, breakfast is a *CRITICAL* factor. The breakfast buffet *was* a definite highlight. I'm not a buffet person in general – those things give me anxiety – but this one was surprisingly good. They had a mix of local fare (nasi lemak, which I LOVE) and Western options (eggs, bacon, the usual suspects). Coffee was decent, even if I managed, through sheer clumsiness, to spill some on my favorite blouse. (See? I *told* you I was clumsy.) They had fresh fruit, too, which is always a win in my book. And the best part? The service was fast and the people were friendly! No standing around awkwardly waiting for someone to fill the juice machine.
I also tried the dinner restaurant one night. Delicious! I went for this local dish with some kind of noodles and chicken – Oh, man. Incredible. Seriously, I was still thinking about it the next day. Though I made the mistake, after a late night of writing, of ordering the room service pizza… (which was probably a bad idea, considering the quality I was used to). So… stick to the restaurant. You'll thank me!
Okay, location, location, location. Is it actually easy to get around and see Kuching?
Yes! The hotel is really well-situated. You're close to the waterfront, which is where all the action is. I took some relaxing strolls along the river some days, which was nice. There are also a bunch of cafes and restaurants within walking distance. The hotel staff are really good at giving advice and recommendations too! I remember, I was like "Where should I go?" and they were extremely helpful. That was a big point for me, as I’m terrible at planning.
You can easily grab a Grab (that's like Uber) to get to further afield attractions. I would highly suggest the Bako National Park… well, *if* you're into that sort of thing (it's a serious hike, and I nearly regretted it, but the wildlife was pretty amazing, and the photos are fantastic).
What about the pool? Is it actually swimmable, or just for show?
The pool is a *game changer*. It’s a decent size, clean, and the perfect temperature for a midday dip. I'm not exactly a water baby, but I spent an entire afternoon lounging by the pool, reading a book, and sipping on a (very reasonably priced) cocktail. Pure bliss. And, bonus, it wasn't overcrowded. You could actually *swim* without bumping into a million other people. There were plenty of available sun loungers and towels. The only downside? I didn't stay by the pool long enough! Next time, I'm setting up a dedicated pool-lounging day.
Any downsides? Give it to me straight!
Okay, honesty time. There were a couple of tiny things. The Wi-Fi was a *little* spotty in my room. Not a dealbreaker, but annoying if you're trying to get some work done. And, (and this is a *very* minor gripe) the air conditioning in the gym was, shall we say, enthusiastic. Sweat was definitely involved.
But honestly? The good FAR outweighed the bad. I’m trying to think of something worse… Ah! I remember, the elevator! It wasn't the fastest. I would sometimes find myself tapping my foot impatiently. But, I'm being REALLY nitpicky here.
Would you go back? Spill the tea!
Absolutely, YES! I was already checking prices for my next visit before I even left! It’s the kind of place where you can actually relax and switch off. The friendly staff make a huge difference. The feeling that everything is catered for... It was definitely a breath of fresh air, after weeks of working! Definitely recommend if you need a great place to stay.
