Escape to Paradise: Skyhome Wat Chedi Ai Khai Resort & Restaurant (Nakhon Si Thammarat)
Escape to Paradise: My Honest (& Sometime Messy) Review of Skyhome Wat Chedi Ai Khai Resort & Restaurant
Alright, folks, buckle up. I'm back from the land of smiles and… well, let's just say the smiles almost always outweigh the anything else. I tackled the Escape to Paradise: Skyhome Wat Chedi Ai Khai Resort & Restaurant in Nakhon Si Thammarat. And let me tell you, this ain't your cookie-cutter resort. This is… an experience. And if you're looking for a meticulously perfect, sterile stay, you might wanna head elsewhere. But if you're craving a bit of adventure, a dash of culture, and a whole lot of relaxation with a side of quirky charm, then read on, my friends!
First Impressions & Getting There (aka The Accessibility Soap Opera)
Okay, let's be real. Getting anywhere in Nakhon Si Thammarat requires a bit of patience. But the resort itself? Well, here’s where things get interesting. Accessibility is a mixed bag. I’m guessing the word “accessible” has a slightly different meaning here than in, say, a major Western city. Specifically relating to the Wheelchair accessible label… well… I'd err on the side of caution. The resort’s built on a hillside, with a lot of elevation. Good for views, maybe not so good for navigating without a pair of strong legs.
The Airport transfer was smooth enough. And hey, let's give the Concierge some love. They were genuinely helpful, even if my attempts to decipher the local bus schedule were met with equal parts amusement and bewilderment. They really tried which is all you can ask for!
Rooms: Cozy, Comfy & Maybe a Tiny Bit Haunted (Just Kidding… Mostly)
The rooms? Decent. Think comfortable with all the modern comforts: Alarm clock, Air conditioning, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Seating area, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, and of course, Wi-Fi [free]. And the free Wi-fi in all rooms! was a godsend. The Internet access – LAN… I, uh, didn't touch that. I’m meant to be relaxing!
I did absolutely love the Bathtub, perfect for a long, bubbly soak after a day of exploring! And the Blackout curtains? Essential for sleeping off the jet lag and the inevitable late-night snack cravings. The Additional toilet was a nice touch too since I was traveling with my partner. wink
The Spa, Wellness & Relaxation Rhapsody!
Let’s get into the good stuff! They’ve got a serious selection of relaxation options. I am HUGE on spa days and this place did not disappoint!
- The Spa/sauna combo? Heaven on earth. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I spent a solid two hours melting into a puddle of zen in that Sauna, then immediately after went for a freezing dip in the Swimming pool [outdoor] which was perfect for a quick cool down.
- Massage: Oh. My. Goodness. I opted for the traditional Thai massage, and it nearly broke me (in a good way!). My masseuse was tiny but mighty! I think she worked out every single kink in my body. Amazing!
- I also took advantage of the Foot bath. After all that exploring my feet felt as happy as I did!
- Fitness center: I’m not gonna lie, I intended to use the Gym/fitness center. In reality, I went for a walk every day. But it was there!
- And, of course, the Pool with view? Stunning. Especially at sunset. I’m pretty sure I spent half my vacation lounging by that pool.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (with a few bumps alone the road)
Okay, so the food. This is where things get… interesting.
- Restaurants: There are Restaurants plural! (and, technically, a Coffee shop, Snack bar, and Poolside bar). The main restaurant has both Asian cuisine in restaurant, as well as International cuisine and they do a decent job of it! But don't expect Michelin stars.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A solid start to the day. The Asian breakfast options (congee, anyone?) were delicious, and the Western breakfast staples hit the spot too. One day the coffee was incredible, the next… not so much. shrugs. That's life, I guess.
- Bar: Great for a sunset cocktail. The Happy hour deals were a bonus.
- Room service [24-hour]: Lifesaver for those late-night munchies.
- Vegetarian restaurant: I didn't spot one but there’s a decent amount of Vegetarian offerings on the menus even if it is just “alterations” on each dish.
- And a big shoutout for the Bottle of water! Staying hydrated is key.
Cleanliness & Safety: They Try! (And That's What Counts)
Here’s where the COVID stuff comes in. Look, they’re trying. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Staff trained in safety protocol, they are at least making an attempt! I'm not sure how much of the Rooms sanitized between stays actually happened though.
Things to Do & See (Beyond the Resort):
This is a tough one. There's the Shrine (Wat Chedi Ai Khai), which is literally right there, and it’s a must-see. Beyond that? Well, Nakhon Si Thammarat is a bit off the beaten path. You’re really coming for the culture and the peace.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Wi-Fi for special events or, you know, your Instagram.
- Doorman: They were always greeting us with smiles.
- Laundry service: Essential after a few days of sweating everything out in a tropical climate.
- Luggage storage: Handy for early arrivals or late departures.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
The Quirks (or, The Stuff They Don't Tell You)
- The language barrier! English is spoken, but not always perfectly. Be patient.
- Mosquitoes! Bring repellent. Seriously.
- The "rustic" charm. Things aren't always pristine. Embrace it.
The Undecided: Where to go from here
- Food delivery - while technically available, the options are limited.
- Pets allowed unavailable: Pity, I would’ve loved to bring Frankie with me!
The Verdict: Should You Escape to Paradise?
Look, this resort isn't perfect. It’s not the Ritz. But it is charming. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but that’s part of its appeal. If you're looking for a luxurious, perfectly polished experience, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a genuinely unique experience, a chance to disconnect, and a taste of authentic Thai culture, then YES. Escape to Paradise: Skyhome Wat Chedi Ai Khai Resort & Restaurant is worth the journey.
The Offer: Unforgettable Escape to Paradise!
Book your stay at Escape to Paradise: Skyhome Wat Chedi Ai Khai Resort & Restaurant NOW and get:
- A complimentary welcome drink!
- 10% off food & beverage at our restaurants.
- A free spa voucher!
- Get an “Escape to Paradise” tee-shirt.
- And of course, the chance to experience the magic of Nakhon Si Thammarat!
Don't wait! This offer won't last forever. Book your escape today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
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Dunbar Dream: Stunning 2-Bed Serviced Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this is gonna be less a polished itinerary and more a travel diary flung onto the page like a particularly messy Thai mango salad. We're heading to Skyhome Wat Chedi Ai khai Resort & Restaurant in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Honestly? I booked this on a whim. The pictures looked amazing, the price was alright, and I was so craving some legit Pad Thai. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Gratification (aka Food First!)
- 11:00 AM - Plane Woes (or, the Art of Pretending to be Zen): Landed in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Let's just say my carry-on and I had a moment at the baggage carousel. Turns out, I overpacked. Shocking, I know. The taxi driver, bless his heart, just chuckled and helped me wrestle my suitcase out of the trunk. He muttered something about tourist and "farang" (foreigner). I assume it was friendly.
- 12:00 PM - Arrival at Skyhome (and a Deep Breath): The resort is even more stunning in person. Seriously, the pictures didn’t do it justice. My room? Oh, it’s pure bliss. That balcony view is just begging for copious amounts of Chang beer and staring longingly at the jungle-y landscape. Check-in was smooth. They offered me a refreshing welcome drink (that tasted suspiciously of ginger and happiness).
- 1:00 PM - The Pad Thai Apocalypse (or, My Religious Experience): I’d been dreaming of this. I'd been vibrating with anticipation. The restaurant at the resort? Oh. My. God. I ordered the Pad Thai. And then I ordered another. And then I might have just stared wistfully at the chef, willing him to make me a lifetime supply. The balance of sweet, sour, spicy… the textures… the crispy peanuts… I may or may not have shed a single tear of pure, unadulterated joy. This Pad Thai, I am telling you, was transcendent. Forget the temples, forget the beaches, this Pad Thai was what I came for. (And yes, I’m aware how ridiculous I sound.)
- 3:00 PM - Poolside Meltdown (in a Good Way): The infinity pool overlooking the valley is… perfect. I’m not a "pool person" usually, but the heat was brutal, the Pad Thai had made me sleepy, and the combination… well, it was pure, unadulterated relaxation. I spent, like, an hour just floating and staring at the clouds, feeling utterly grateful for everything.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset Drinks & Mosquito Battle: Sunset was spectacular. Seriously, the sky was on fire. However, the mosquitoes were also on fire… with a thirst for my blood. Got bitten everywhere. Applied copious amounts of repellent, though I'm pretty sure those little buggers are immune.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner and Stargazing… (and More Pad Thai?): Another amazing dinner at the restaurant. This time, I branched out and tried the green curry. Delicious, but… let's be honest… nothing compares to the Pad Thai. Afterward, I went out on the balcony and just stared at the stars. The absence of light pollution is amazing. So peaceful. So… then the mosquitos returned in force, and I retreated indoors.
Day 2: Temples, Temples, & Maybe More Pad Thai
- 8:00 AM - Wake up and breakfast (and a tiny bit of regret): Woke up, and breakfast had great variety.
- 9:00 AM - Wat Chedi Ai Khai (the main event): This temple is intense. Seriously, the sheer number of offerings… gold statues… the energy… it's a lot. I’m not particularly religious, but I found myself swept up in the atmosphere. I even tossed a coin in the wishing well (because, why not?). Took some pictures… hoping to capture some of the magic. Mostly got pictures of people, because it was very crowded.
- 12:00 PM - Food Time! (you know it): Lunch at a little local place near the temple. The food was good, but the aftertaste of the Pad Thai was still clinging to my tongue…
- 2:00 PM - Back to the resort: more pool time (and maybe another Pad Thai. Don't judge)
- 6:00 PM - The Mosquito War, Round 2: Okay, I'm officially at war. I've armed myself with industrial-strength repellent, a mosquito net, and sheer, unadulterated spite.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner, and the Great Pad Thai Debate: I had a little internal debate. Should I branch out? Try something new? Then I caught a glimpse of that chef in the kitchen… and well… let’s just say I ended up ordering the Pad Thai. Again. No regrets. Zero. Zilch.
Day 3: Departure (and the Eternal Pad Thai Memory)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: Last breakfast. I swear I’ll try something different. Oh, who am I kidding? Pad Thai, here I come!
- 9:00 AM - Resort Farewell (and Quiet Reflection): Wandered around the resort one last time. Took a deep breath of the jungle air. Did a little mental inventory of the moments I wanted to remember.
- 11:00 AM - Leaving Skyhome: The taxi arrived. Saying goodbye was surprisingly hard. I’ve had a bad taste in my mouth from a few hotels, and this place changed that.
- 12:00 PM - Departure from Nakhon Si Thammarat… (and the lingering taste of perfection): The plane took off. I looked out the window, taking one last look at the landscape. I closed my eyes, smiled, and remembered… the Pad Thai. Because, lets be honest, that’s what this trip will be remembered for.
So, Escape to Paradise... Is it *really* paradise? Because I've been promised that before.
What's the deal with Wat Chedi Ai Khai? Is that the one with the kid spirit everyone talks about?
The Skyhomes. Are they as luxurious as they sound? And what about the view? Because that's what I'm *really* paying for, right?
Let's talk about the food. The restaurant… What's the vibe? And is it any good? Because I can't survive on just the view, sadly.
Is it easy to get around and do other things outside of the resort, or are you stuck there?
The Internet! How's the Wi-Fi? (Because, let's be honest, it matters.)
Okay, the big question: Would you go back? Honest answer.
