Escape to Laputa: Gapyeong's Most Stunning Resort Awaits!
Escape to Laputa: Gapyeong's Most Stunning Resort Awaits! -- Or Does It, Really? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Escape to Laputa: Gapyeong's Most Stunning Resort Awaits! and, whew, do I have thoughts. This isn't your perfectly polished, PR-approved review. This is me, caffeine-fueled and still sorting through the sheer amount of stuff this place throws at you.
First Impressions: The Laputa Lure (and a bit of a stumble…)
The website promises paradise. Think rolling hills, luxurious everything, and views that'll make your jaw drop. And… well, they're not lying about the views. Holy smokes. Gapyeong is gorgeous. Getting there? Okay, that’s where things get a little… let's call it "a Korean adventure." Accessibility wasn't exactly top of mind for the design, I have to say. Steep hills and some pretty uneven pathways are the name of the game, and while the resort claims to have facilities for disabled guests, I'd recommend calling ahead and getting specifics. I'm not a wheelchair user, but I could see it being tricky. Car park is free, thankfully, and there's valet parking, which is a lifesaver (especially after white-knuckling it trying to navigate the backroads). Consider airport transfer if you don't want to drive yourself (because, trust me, those winding roads…).
The Rooms: A Mix of Heaven and… Well, Almost Paradise?
Okay, let's get real: the rooms are nice. They've got all the bells and whistles. Air conditioning that actually works (bless!), a desk to pretend you're getting work done (I failed), and a coffee/tea maker for those crucial morning caffeine hits. The complimentary tea was a nice touch. Let's talk about the bathroom. That bathtub? Gloriously deep. Perfect for an hour-long soak with a bath bomb (bring your own!). Also, my room had the slippers and bathrobes - which is always a good start. Free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!) is a huge win, and while I'm not sure I needed the bathroom phone, it's there… just in case you need to order room service from the tub? I digress. The soundproofing was top-notch, which is crucial when you have the inevitable family arguing over the perfect selfie spot.
Now, the "almost" part? Little things. My window didn't open, and I didn't love that the internet access – LAN was listed separately from the internet access – wireless. I mean, let's be real, who's actually plugging in a cable these days? Minor nitpicks, I know. But still.
Dining, Drinking, and the Eternal Question: Is It Worth the Calories?
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Restaurants are everywhere. Like, seriously, you could spend a week just eating your way through Laputa. They offer Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine, Western breakfast, Western cuisine, and a vegetarian restaurant. There's a la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant - you name it. I was particularly intrigued by this huge buffet - not a huge fan of the big crowds but the vast selection was pretty great. I mean, think about it. The food delivery in your room will be so much fun. I tried the Happy Hour at the poolside bar. The cocktails were… decent. The view, though? Priceless. (More on the pool later…) There are more restaurants and coffee shops than you can shake a stick at, and the snack bar saved me more than once from a sugar crash.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day – My Own Personal Rollercoaster
Here's where Escape to Laputa really aims to impress. And, honestly? They mostly succeed. The Spa/sauna is HUGE. I dipped my toes in the Foot bath, which was lovely and relaxing - especially after all the walking around. The Pool with view is… well, you've seen the pictures. It’s as stunning as it looks. Seriously Insta-worthy. I went for a massage and it was divine. Absolutely. The Body scrub and Body wrap are available, too. I did not try the gym, because, frankly, I was on vacation. But there's a Fitness center, and a Steamroom if you're feeling energetic.
Now, here’s a confession: I’m a spa newbie. I had never had a body scrub before - and I signed up for the 'Indulgence Package' or whatever.
The first few minutes were blissful. I'm lying there, imagining myself as some serene goddess, the gentle music playing. Then, the scrub comes. And it's… intense. Like, borderline painful. I'm pretty sure the therapist could see the panic in my eyes. But I was too polite to say anything! I just laid there and endured it. Then, the wrap. And then, more blissful relaxation. When it was all over, I swear my skin was glowing. So… was it amazing? Yes! Would I do it again? Probably, if I'm feeling brave.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Reality
This is where Laputa really shines. This is not just a hotel, it's a fortress against germs. They're SERIOUS about this. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere. They've thought of everything. Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, and the Safe dining setup. I felt ridiculously safe. They gave me the option to opt-out of daily room cleaning.
Services and Conveniences: From Concierge to Cash Withdrawal – They've Thought of Everything… Mostly.
The concierge was super helpful. They helped with restaurant reservations, currency exchange, etc. They have a convenience store, because who doesn't need a midnight snack run? There's a gift/souvenir shop, an elevator and of course, Daily housekeeping.
On the downside? While they had a cash withdrawal options, I didn't see any Cashless payment service, or Contactless check-in/out. I also didn't find a Doctor/nurse on call, but I may have missed it. Laundry service and dry cleaning -- available.
For the Kids: Family Fun? (I Didn't Bring Mine, But I Saw Things)
The resort is Family/child friendly, which seems to imply a Babysitting service if you want a break. There's also Kids facilities, and even a Kids meal option. I saw a few families having a blast.
Getting Around:
You'll be reliant on the car park [free of charge] or taxi service. While I didn't use it, the Car power charging station if you have an electric vehicle.
My Final Verdict, and the Real Reasons to Book (and Maybe Not to)…
The Good: The views. The spa. The commitment to cleanliness. The wide range of dining choices. The incredible level of service. The fact that I felt safe and secure.
The Not-So-Good: Some minor design quirks. The accessibility issues. The occasional feeling of being a little… lost in the sheer vastness of the place.
So, Should You Book?
YES. Absolutely. If:
- You want to escape to a truly stunning location.
- You're looking for a place to relax and be pampered.
- You crave fantastic food and beautiful surroundings.
- You're a stickler for cleanliness and safety.
Maybe Not
- If you have mobility issues and haven't verified access.
- If you want something small and intimate.
- If you're on a super-strict budget (it ain't cheap, folks!).
My Strong Recommendation:
Book it. Embrace the Laputa experience. Let yourself get lost in the beauty. And maybe, just maybe, book that extra spa treatment… you deserve it.
Offer
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Exclusive for a limited time, enjoy:
- 15% off your stay for bookings made this month!
- Complimentary welcome drink and a bottle of wine upon arrival.
- Free access to the spa's sauna and steam room throughout your stay.
- Early check-in* and late check-out* to extend your relaxation.
To claim this offer, use code "LAPUTAWOW" when booking online or by phone.
Don't miss out on the chance to experience the ultimate getaway! Book your Escape to Laputa today! (terms and conditions do apply)
Bangkok Paradise: Uncover Thailand's Hidden Heaven!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're heading to… Gapyeong Laputa Resort in Gapyeong-gun, South Korea! This isn't some perfectly curated Instagram feed, this is a real-life travel disaster – I mean, adventure – waiting to happen. Here's my (highly optimistic) attempt at a schedule, peppered with the beautiful chaos that is my travel style:
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and the Search for the Magical Pillow
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, or more accurately, attempt to wake up. My internal alarm clock apparently malfunctions when I'm excited. Coffee. LOTS of coffee. Gotta fuel the pre-trip jitters.
- 8:00 AM: Pack. Resisting the urge to pack the entire contents of my closet. Seriously, what if it snows? (Spoiler alert: it won't.) Decide on 10 outfits and hope for the best. This packing strategy is probably as good as my ability to parallel park.
- 9:00 AM: Taxi to Gimpo Airport (or Incheon, depending on where I find a cheap flight). Pray to the travel gods that the taxi driver understands basic English. Remember to have money at hand.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Flight. Try not to annoy everyone with my nervous leg-bouncing. Attempt to watch a movie, fail miserably due to said leg-bouncing.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Arrival at the airport, border control (fingers crossed), and attempting to navigate the train system to Gapyeong. Korean is a beautiful language, in theory. In practice, I'm pretty sure my attempts at "hello" sound like a dying seagull.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Train to Gapyeong Station. Try not to stare at everyone. Accidentally end up staring because everyone is incredibly stylish. Contemplate a wardrobe overhaul.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Taxi/Shuttle to the Laputa Resort. Gaze out the window, overwhelmed by the ridiculously green countryside. Seriously, is this real life? The anticipation is killing me.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in. Pray for an English-speaking staff member. Smile a lot and hope my basic Korean gets me through it.
- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Room reveal! The moment of truth. Is the view as stunning as the pictures? Did I book a room with a bed? And most importantly, does it have the perfect pillow? (Finding the perfect pillow is a quest I've been on for years). Expect disappointment. Accept it, eventually.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Explore the resort. Wander around, get lost (inevitable), and take a million photos. Try not to look like a total tourist (impossible). Find a nice spot to sit down, take a deep breath, and stare out at the world. It's all just so… beautiful.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at the resort restaurant. Order something. Hope it's edible. Get distracted by the scenery. Decide to be adventurous. Order the spicy something-or-other, and regret it immediately.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Stroll around the resort, take some evening shots of the hills, go back to the room. Journaling. Read. Maybe order a late-night snack.
- 9:00 PM - onwards: Watch the sunset (if there is one). Fall into bed, utterly exhausted but happy. Dream of perfect pillows and the next day's adventures.
Day 2: A Dive (Literally) into the Laputa Experience
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Sleep in. Success!! Wake up to the sun streaming in. Maybe get some coffee. Maybe go for a brisk walk.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. I mean, the food probably looks amazing. But let's be real, it's the coffee that counts.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Pool! The Pool! THE POOL! I'm doubling down on this, okay? This is the whole reason I booked this place. The photos promised magical water. I NEED a pool. I shall become one with the pool. Swim. Sunbathe. Avoid getting sunburnt. Repeatedly apply sunscreen. Consider renting a floatie shaped like a unicorn.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Food at the pool. What? Am I allowed to eat there??? Food!
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More Pool Time! Because honestly, I don't want to leave. Swim some more. Maybe try out that hilarious water aerobics class I've always wanted to try. Get some drinks and bask at the beauty that is the resort.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Explore the surrounding area. Hiking? Maybe. Exploring Gapyeong-gun. Maybe. Stumble upon a random, local market. Buy something I don't need, but absolutely must have.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Another meal. Another potential spicy food adventure.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Stargazing. If the weather permits. I'm not a fan of the cold. But it would be nice!
- 9:00 PM - onwards: Early night. Journal. Read. Replay video of the day over and over. Gosh, I loved the pool.
Day 3: Departure, Regrets, and the Promise of a Return
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, sad. The inevitable day has come.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. This time, I'm fully embracing the buffet.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Last-minute photos of the resort. Trying to bottle up the feeling of relaxation and happiness.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Pack. Squeeze everything back into my suitcase. Swear I'll travel lighter next time. (I won't.)
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check out. Squeeze in another photo, because this trip was perfect.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Taxi/Shuttle back to Gapyeong Station. One last look at the beautiful countryside.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Train back to wherever I'm going. Maybe the airport.
- 2:00 PM - onwards: Flight, taxi, train, home. Reflect on the trip. Tell everyone about the perfect pillow that I still haven't found. Start planning my return to Laputa Resort. Because let’s face it, I'm already homesick for the pool. And the spicy food! And the ridiculously green hills. And the potential for finding the perfect pillow.
So, that's the plan. It's ambitious. It's probably a little off-kilter. But it's mine. And honestly, that's the best part. Wish me luck! And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually remember to buy a souvenir this time…
Pattaya Paradise: 5BR Pool Villa w/ Stunning Beach Views! (VVP30.8)
