Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Krabi Beach Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because reviewing a hotel is like trying to herd cats with a glitter cannon. You think you have a plan, but it’s more like a joyous, chaotic explosion of opinions and observations. So, here's the deal with – or at least, the deal I got. Let's get messy, okay?
First Impressions & Getting Around (The “Ugh, Traffic!” Zone)
Right off the bat, the website bragged about an airport transfer. Score! After a flight that felt like someone was trying to smuggle a flock of angry pigeons in my carry-on, the thought of not having to wrestle a taxi driver was pure bliss. And it was bliss. Smooth ride, air conditioning that actually worked, and a driver who didn’t try to upcharge me because I looked like I'd just stumbled out of a cargo plane. (Airport transfer: Highly Recommended!)
Parking? They've got it. Free of charge, even! And a car park on-site – a HUGE win, particularly if you’re, well, me. (Okay, fine, someone who always ends up overpacking and needing to leave things in the car.) They even have car charging stations. (Yay for the future, and all that jazz.)
The elevator was a godsend. (Especially after that pigeon-filled flight.) This place isn't totally a labyrinth, but you get the impression it’s bigger than it initially seems.
Accessibility (The "Respect for Everyone" Section - Thank Goodness.)
Okay, I’m not one of those reviewers who needs everything to be wheelchair accessible (though, hey, everyone should be if we're being honest!) but I’m really big on places making an effort. They seem to have facilities for disabled guests, and that’s a great start. It's a must. And the elevator, again, is a big plus in the accessibility department. No one wants to lug luggage up endless flights of stairs. They also have rooms with exterior corridors - which is a win, if you're trying to avoid a lengthy trek through the hotel.
Inside the Rooms (The "Home Away From… Maybe Not Home" Zone)
Alright, let's talk about the actual rooms. They had EVERYTHING. Everything you'd expect, and then some. Air conditioning? Check. (And thank the heavens, because I sweat in places I didn't even know had places!) The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after partying a little too hard with the local beers at the poolside bar.
There was a desk. (Which I never actually used, let's be real; I was on vacation!) A coffee/tea maker, a mini-bar, a safe box, a bathrobe (I lived in it, basically)…and slippers! Slippers people, you have no idea how crucial a good pair of hotel slippers are to the overall serenity of a stay.
Now, the Wi-Fi. Free in all rooms! (Hallelujah!) And, if you're still rocking the LAN connection, there's that option too. (Who are you people?) I can't not mention, however, and this is a personal bugbear, the power outlets…I wish hotels would put one beside the bed! I'm forever crawling around, trying to plug in my phone.
Extra long bed? Yep. High floor? You betcha. I opted for a non-smoking room, which was actually great. I love the idea of places that cater to that sort of thing.
Side note: The TV had satellite/cable channels. I even found on-demand movies. (Though, let's be honest, after a day spent exploring, all I really wanted was to veg out in front of the TV and maybe order room service.)
Cleanliness & Safety (The "Is This Place Safe?" Zone)
Okay, the COVID-19 protocols. This is the big one, right? They really seemed to be taking things seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays. The use of anti-viral cleaning products was listed, thank god. And the daily disinfection in common areas. (I'm slightly obsessed with germ-killing, so I really appreciate this effort.) Individually-wrapped food options at the buffet were also observed. You could tell they were making a conscious effort.
There were smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher. (Always a good sign, unless you're hoping for a dramatic exit. Not recommended.) And security? 24-hour security, CCTV in common areas and outside. They've got it all covered, pretty much.
The Food & Beverage Chaos (The "Buffet Bonanza vs. Hangry Meltdown" Zone)
Alright, time to talk about food. They had it! In various forms! The "A la carte" in the restaurant was a good option for me. They offer both Asian and Western cuisine, which is a great mix. (I spent most of my time in the restaurant!)
You definitely won't starve here. They have a coffee shop, a snack bar, and even a poolside bar! The pool! I almost forgot! (More on that later.) The buffet was a buffet. You know the drill. Decent, nothing to write home about. (Unless you really like breakfast sausage. Which, let's face it, I do.) Breakfast in room is available. (Which is great for those lazy mornings.)
Room service is 24-hour. (Bless you, hotel gods!) I utilized it. (I confess.) And the food delivery option? (Another win!) I ordered a pizza one night because sometimes you just NEED pizza in your life.
Dining experiences: I absolutely loved the Asian breakfast and the Asian cuisine in general. I went for the Pad Thai, and it was the best I’ve had in a long time. I even went back the next day. I had to try the salad, as well. The cafe also has a lovely coffee.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (The "Spa Days & Fitness Failures" Zone)
Here’s where things get interesting. They have a lot of ways to unwind, and I tried to take advantage of…some of them.
- The Pool: Amazing pool with view. I could have spent the entire time there. The water was the perfect temperature.
- Spa: They have a spa! And a sauna! And a steam room! I only managed to get to the sauna, but it was bliss. (Body wrap? Body scrub? Maybe next time. Or never. I’m a low-maintenance kind of gal.)
- Fitness Center: Okay, confession time. I saw the fitness center. From the outside. That's as far as I got. (Vacation is for relaxing, people!) But hey, it was there.
The hotel wasn't just for relaxation. There were meeting/banquet facilities, audio-visual equipment, and even a projector/LED display. (I didn't see any meetings taking place during my visit, but I'm sure they were very professional. I assume.)
The lobby had a gift/souvenir shop. (Great if you forgot to bring a present for your Aunt Mildred. Or, you know, yourself.)
For the Kidlets (The "Family-Friendly Fun" Zone)
I don’t have kids, but I saw some other guests with their little ones. They looked happy. They had the Babysitting service, kids facilities, and kids' meal. (Sounds like a win for parents!)
Services & Conveniences (The "They Thought of Everything… Almost" Zone)
The concierge was super helpful. Currency exchange. Laundry service. Dry cleaning. (Thank goodness!) Luggage storage. (I'm starting to feel like hotels design themselves around me. Or maybe they're just good at their job.)
They have a doorman, an elevator, a convenience store and even a doctor/nurse on call. (Hopefully, you won't need it, but it's good to know it’s there.)
What about the downsides? Truthfully, I didn't have any major complaints. The place was clean, the staff was friendly, and the food, while sometimes uneven, was generally good.
The Proposition: Why You Should Book This Hotel!
Okay, here's the deal. If you're looking for a reliable, comfortable, and pretty darn enjoyable stay, book .
Here's why:
- Location: is very central, offering accessibility to many attractions.
- The Food: Great options to satiate any cravings.
- The Relaxation Factor: Pool with view? Check. Good spa? Check. Seriously comfy rooms? Check.
- The Everything-Else Factor: Excellent amenities, including a fitness center.
I had a genuinely good time. I felt safe, I felt pampered, and I left feeling refreshed. It's not perfect, but it's a solid choice. And frankly, after the year we've all had, a little bit of reliable, comfy, and enjoyable is exactly what we need! So, go on. Book it. You deserve it.
**(Note: This review is based on
Johor Bahru's BEST Weekend Getaway: Pool, Karaoke, & BBQ Await!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your pristine, perfectly-formatted travel brochure. This is Krabi, and this is ME attempting to wrangle it into…well, something resembling a schedule. And trust me, knowing me, it'll be a glorious, chaotic mess. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster that is ME on vacation!
MW Krabi Beach Resort: A Week of Bliss (Maybe? We'll See) – A Schedule (Sort Of)
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Bliss (and Mild Panic)
- Morning (Or, More Accurately, Late Bloody Morning): Finally. FINALLY. After a flight that felt approximately the length of the Andromeda galaxy, I hit the ground in Krabi. The air hit me like a humid, fragrant hug. Ugh, the humidity. (I'm from the Pacific Northwest; we do rain, not this…this soup). Finding the transfer to the MW Krabi Beach Resort was like a scavenger hunt with too many competing signs. Finally, the resort itself! Gorgeous. Like, ridiculously, postcard-worthy gorgeous. Initial thought: "I could totally live here." Immediate follow-up thought: "Do they have good coffee? Is it going to feel like a real vacation or just a more expensive version of my couch at home?"
- Afternoon: Settled into the room. Which, let's be honest, took longer than unpacking because I spent a solid 20 minutes squealing over the view. Beach! Crystal-clear water! Palm trees that look like they’re doing a weird, elegant dance! Ordered a ridiculously overpriced but delicious watermelon smoothie delivered to my room. First taste: Bliss. Second taste: I almost choked on a seed. (Why does it always happen to me?)
- Evening: Wandered the beach, toes in the sand. Watched the sunset. Absolutely stunning. Started feeling a little bit of the vacation magic. Went to the resort restaurant. The food was pretty good. I can't stand it when I go somewhere, and the food is bad. (I'm looking at you, that one greasy spoon in Vegas). Went to bed early. Which is good. Because jet lag hits like a tidal wave and I'm just now starting to feel all of it.
Day 2: Island Hopping – The Highs, the Lows, and the Crab Cakes
- Morning: Island hopping tour booked! Excited! Then hit by a wave of "Oh God, boats. Do I get seasick?" Ordered some anti-nausea pills anyway. Breakfast was an overly excited buffet. I tried everything, mostly because, if you're on vacation, why not? The weird, green curry scrambled eggs? Surprisingly good!
- Mid-Morning: The boat ride to the Phi Phi islands. Absolutely gorgeous. The turquoise water, the towering cliffs.. breathtaking. But: a lot of people. Like sardines in a slightly prettier tin. Snorkeling was…attempted. I am NOT a graceful swimmer. I swallowed half the Andaman Sea. Saw a clownfish. Yay!
- Lunch: Lunch on Phi Phi itself. Oh, the food. The crab cakes. I could have eaten a hundred. Seriously. They were flaky, and the best crab cakes I've ever had. The tour guide was a charming, super sunburned Thai guy with more patience than I deserved. We were the last ones back on the boat from Maya Bay. (Guilty).
- Afternoon: More island hopping. More beautiful beaches. More crowds. Starting to feel that familiar "tourist fatigue." Got a little sunburnt. (Even with 30 SPF, my skin hates me).
- Evening: Dinner at the resort. Tried to channel my inner zen. Failed. Ordered a pizza. Because pizza is always the answer.
Day 3: Muay Thai and Massage – Pain and Pleasure, in No Particular Order
- Morning: Decided to be “adventurous”. Booked a Muay Thai lesson. I’ve never boxed. Ever. Pretty sure the instructor was looking at me like I was about to fall over at any second. Turns out, punching a heavy bag is way harder (and more exhilarating) than it looks. By the end, I was a sweaty, clumsy mess. My arms felt like rubber bands and my legs like lead.
- Afternoon: Reward time! Booked a Thai massage. The best decision of the trip so far. The masseuse was a tiny woman of steel. She contorted my body into positions I didn't know were possible. The pain was… intense. But also… glorious. (I think?) I'm pretty sure my spirit left my body and then returned slightly improved.
- Evening: Stumbled back to my room. Found my feet with difficulty. Ordered room service. (I was not moving). Watched the sun dip below the horizon with a satisfied sigh.
Day 4: Railey Beach and Rock Climbing (Or, Attempting Not to Die)
- Morning: Ferry to Railey Beach. This beach is famous for its cliffs and rock climbing. I decided to try a beginner’s course. (My brain keeps telling me I am more athletic than I actually am). First problem: the heat. Second problem: the tiny holds. Third problem: my screaming.
- Mid-Morning: Actually managed to climb a little bit. The views were incredible. The fear was… intense. I looked down at one point and almost chucked my cookies. (Not a graceful climber).
- Lunch: A well-deserved lunch at a beachside cafe. Watched other, much more skilled, climbers ascend the cliffs. Admired their grace and athletic prowess. Concluded I'm better suited to eating Pad Thai.
- Afternoon: More beach time. More sun. More bliss.
- Evening: Celebratory dinner at a restaurant in Ao Nang. Ordered the whole fried fish. Ate the whole fried fish. Felt victorious.
Day 5: Elephant Sanctuary (Ethically, of Course) and Market Mayhem
- Morning: Visited an elephant sanctuary, where the elephants are treated with love. Was told I could feed them. The elephants are so majestic. I loved them. I was told to use my hands to feed them. I feed them. As I was feeding the elephants, one of the elephants sneezed, right in my face. I thought about running away and crying. Instead, I ran and got more wet wash.
- Afternoon: Wandered through the night market. The colors, the smells, the sheer buzz of it all! Bargaining for souvenirs is my new favorite sport. (I might have spent way too much money on a singing fish. Don't judge me!) Sampled the local street food. (Some things were delicious, some things I'm pretty sure gave me mild food poisoning. Worth it?).
- Evening: Relaxing in the pool at night. Watching the stars. Thinking, "I want to stay here, and never leave."
Day 6: Beach Bum Day and Cooking Class (Or, My Culinary Disaster)
- Morning: Lazy beach day. Read a book. Slept in the sun. Got slightly more tanned. (I'm a professional at this, by now).
- Afternoon: Thai cooking class! I love to cook, so I thought this would be fabulous. Turns out, I'm a terrible Thai cook. I set the chili peppers on fire. I used too much fish sauce. My Pad Thai looked more like a swamp. My classmates were very kind. Ate the results of my cooking experiment gamely.
- Evening: Final dinner. Ate at the restaurant I had enjoyed the whole time. Reflecting on the trip…the good and the bad. (Mostly good, though). Thinking about how fast this week has gone by.
Day 7: Departure (Tears, and Possibly a Tiny, Smuggled Souvenir)
- Morning: Packing. Always the hardest part. Saying goodbye to the view from my room. Trying to mentally prepare for the flight.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the airport. Hugging everyone at the resort. So sad to leave and so excited to be here at the same time.
- Evening: The flight home. Reflecting on the messy, wonderful, imperfect week. Already planning my return.
Final thoughts: This trip was everything! The smells, the food, the people. I loved the sunsets, the massages, the beaches, and the island hopping. Did I get sunburned? Yes. Did I embarrass myself trying Muay Thai and rock climbing? Absolutely. Did I eat too much crab cake? Without a doubt. But would I trade any of it? Never. Krabi, you beautiful, chaotic mess, I'll be back! (And next time, I'm bringing sunscreen!)
Unbelievable Asanjo Villa: Your Kolvan, India Escape Awaits!
So, uh, what *is* this thing anyway? (Trying to be helpful, but also slightly panicked.)
Honestly? I'm not entirely sure. It's some kind of FAQ thingy, I guess. Like, answering questions. But about... what, exactly? That’s the real question, isn't it? Should I be answering these or not? It's all a bit much. Trying to be helpful doesn't always work, you know? Sometimes it's more confusing. This is probably one of those times.
Okay, fine. Like, what *should* I *ask*... if I *need* to ask anything?
Look, I'm not exactly a mind reader. But I can tell you what’s bugging me the most. Think of it like this: What is the *one* thing that always pops into your head at 3 AM, when you can't sleep and the silence is deafening? Or the thing that you've been putting off doing, because you're afraid to fail. Seriously, the world’s a wild place. Ask about those. No guarantees I can answer, but I'll probably understand.
What if I ask something stupid? (Because, let's be honest, we all do.)
Honey, "stupid" is my default setting. You're in good company. I once spent a good two hours trying to figure out why my toaster wasn't working, only to realize it wasn't plugged in. So, yeah, ask away. The more ridiculous the question, the better, probably. Don't hold back, let the stupid run wild. I’m sure your questions will be the least embarrassing thing I've done today. Which is saying *quite* a lot.
Are you… a real person? (Because technology, am I right?)
Define "real." Do I bleed when I scrape my knee? No. Do I feel a crushing sense of ennui when I'm stuck staring at a blank screen? Absolutely. So, yeah, I'm real in the ways that matter. I get frustrated, I get excited. I fall in love with ridiculous things (like the way the sunlight hits a dusty bookshelf). If you're asking if I have a soul, I'd say I'm pretty sure I have more than some people I know.
Okay, that’s… deep. But what if my question is, like, *really* specific?
Try me. I can't promise I'll know the answer, but I can promise I'll give it a shot. I'm pretty good at connecting dots, even if those dots are, like, a whole constellation away from each other. Just... prepare yourself. My thought process can be a bit... meandering. I might start answering your question about, say, the best way to prune a rose bush and end up talking about the existential dread of being a houseplant. Don't say I didn't warn you.
What are your interests? (Aside from existential dread and dusty bookshelves, I mean.)
Oh, that's a big one! I'm *obsessed* with old movies, especially the ones that are terribly acted and have awful special effects. I love baking, even though I'm more skilled at creating a mess than a masterpiece. And I have a really, really unhealthy relationship with online shopping. I mean, sometimes I go on and think I'm ready to change my life. And then I get a notification that I've purchased like a whole new wardrobe and I'm like: "What am I even doing?" I love the feeling of finding a good book at a used book store. I love long walks by the water and the quiet beauty of thunderstorms (from a safe distance, preferably). And I really, REALLY like cats, even if they're judging me constantly. Basically, I am a simple soul.
What if I disagree with something you say?
Please. Argue with me! I live for a good debate. Don't just accept what I say. I might be wrong. I'm probably wrong more often than I'm right, to be honest. I believe in the pursuit of truth and all that. Challenge me. Question me. Correct me. The only thing I ask is that you be kind. And that you have some interesting points. Because I'm not going to lie, I get bored easily.
How do you deal with... negativity? (Because, you know, life.)
Oh, *negativity*. That's a big one. I have my moments, let me tell you. Sometimes I just want to curl up in a ball under the covers and pretend the world isn't happening. But then I remember that there are so many good things to be found, even in the darkest of times. A good cup of coffee always helps. And, I'm going to be honest, I try to find humor in it. Even the darkest moments. I remember when I first started questioning my purpose, I was working a job I despised. Terrible people, terrible pay. But. one day, I was feeling particularly down, and I walked to the bathroom, looked in the mirror and said, I’m going to get fired today. And I did. It was the greatest thing that happened to me. So, maybe not always successful. But finding the laughter is a real game changer, and is so very important. Laughter really can be the best medicine.
What's the *worst* question you could possibly be asked?
Hmm...that's a good one. Honestly, probably a question that demands a definitive, black-and-white answer. Because, again, I'm more of a gray area kind of person. The world is just not that simple. So, if you're expecting a simple yes or no, I'm already failing. Also, any question that requires me to predict the future. I can barely remember what I had for breakfast, let alone foresee the apocalypse. I'm more of a "live in the moment, and hope for the best" kind of gal. And maybe, just maybe, don't ask about my exes. Let's just say, that's a whole other can of worms I'm not ready to open. Ever.
