Escape to Paradise: Thailand's Chicest Wooden Hostel Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Thailand’s Chicest Wooden Hostel Awaits! … Or Does It? My Chaotic Review.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of "Escape to Paradise" that's less polished travel brochure and more… well, me. This isn't your average, dry, bullet-pointed list. This is raw. This is messy. This is probably going to be longer than you have patience for. But hopefully, it'll be more real.
So, "Escape to Paradise." Sounds dreamy, right? Thailand, wooden hostel chic, the works! But here’s the deal: I've been through the wringer of travel, seen the pristine Instagram posts that lie, and learned that "paradise" is often a very subjective concept. Let's break this down, shall we? (Deep breath…Here we go!)
First Impressions & Accessibility (or Lack Thereof):
The website photos ARE gorgeous. Gleaming wood, lush greenery… it pulls you in. But here's the snag I immediately ran into even before I got there: Accessibility. This place ISN'T particularly accessible, sadly. I mean, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I saw a couple of stairs, narrow walkways and the vibe just isn't set up for it - sadly. This is a bummer, because a truly inclusive "paradise" needs to be welcoming to everyone. (Accessibility - 2/5 stars)
The Vibe (or, is it a Vibe?)
The whole place is built from wood. ALL the wood. Like, a lot of wood. It's beautiful, I'll give them that. Creates a certain… rustic, zen feel. But (and there's ALWAYS a but), you got to be cool with the thrum of nature - ants, mosquitos, the occasional gecko scuttling across your ceiling in the middle of the night. I’m saying be prepared to embrace the wild side.
Internet & Tech: The Struggle is Real
Okay, let's talk about Internet. This is crucial, especially if you’re a digital nomad like me. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – that's what they shout. Sounds great. Except… it was patchy at best in my room. I ended up spending a lot of time in the common areas hunting down a decent signal. Seriously. Internet [LAN] was an option, I guess, but who the heck still uses a LAN cable in this day and age? I'm talking about a decent, consistent connection. The staff were all friendly, but the tech support wasn't up to par. (Internet - 3/5 stars), because hey, free is free, right? But don’t plan on streaming anything huge if you just can't even.
The Good Stuff: Ways to Relax & Unwind (Maybe the Paradise Part?)
Okay, NOW we're talking! Here's where "Escape to Paradise" almost gets the gold star. Spa/Sauna! YASSSS! They had a decent enough Sauna, Pool with view and Steamroom. These were seriously lovely after a long day of exploring. I spent a glorious afternoon getting a Body scrub and Massage. Oh man, the massage was heavenly! I almost fell asleep, but then I woke up and was just happy. They really do know what they’re doing! They also had a Gym/fitness area, but honestly, I was more interested in the spa. The Swimming pool was incredible, a true oasis. The view… oh my god, the view! It was the postcard-perfect Thailand moment. I even contemplated jumping in fully clothed. (I didn’t, but the thought was there.) No Foot bath, sadly. I've been getting into those lately. Overall, the relaxation aspect? Pretty damn good. (Ways to Relax - 4/5 stars)
Eating & Drinking: Fueling the Adventure
The food situation? Slightly mixed bag. They boasted a Restaurant with both Asian cuisine and International cuisine. The Breakfast [buffet] was decent – the usual suspects: eggs, toast, fruit. The Coffee shop was okay, nothing to write home about, but they had coffee. The Happy hour deal at the Poolside bar was well-timed. I definitely took advantage of that… multiple times. The Asian breakfast was tasty; I actually really enjoyed the noodle soup some mornings. They also had Vegetarian restaurant options which were important. The Desserts in restaurant looked pretty good, but I was trying to be healthy (ish). (Dining & Drinking - 4/5 stars). I can't forget the A la carte in restaurant and a Bottle of water for free. They also had Room service [24-hour], which I shamefully used one night when I was too relaxed to leave my room.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Important Stuff
Okay, this is important. I’m pretty particular about cleanliness, especially now, in this post-pandemic world. “Escape to Paradise” mostly delivered. They say they use Anti-viral cleaning products and offer Room sanitization opt-out. I noticed Daily disinfection in common areas. The staff seemed to be taking things seriously; everyone was wearing masks. They also offered Hand sanitizer everywhere and had a First aid kit. And I'm happy to report that Hygiene certification was present. They also had Staff trained in safety protocol. I felt safe which is all anyone really wants. (Cleanliness & Safety 4/5 stars).
Services and Conveniences: The Extras
They definitely provide the essentials. There's Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and Luggage storage. They also had a Concierge which was helpful. They also offer Food delivery if you so desire. There’s a Gift/souvenir shop, because, well, tourist money, right? There wasn't much in my personal opinion - they have a Convenience store, which is handy! The Doorman was always smiling. Cash withdrawal was easy. Overall, they make things easy. (Services and Conveniences - 4/5 stars).
For the Kids (or not):
I don't have kids, but I did see a few families. They had Kids facilities, which seemed to be mainly a small pool area, and you could get Kids meal. The whole place seems to be Family/child friendly. They even offered Babysitting service. That's great for the parents!
Getting Around:
They offer Airport transfer, which is a must. Otherwise, getting around involved a few taxis. the Bicycle parking also exists and seems to be used commonly. There is also Taxi service.
In-Room Essentials (and Quirks):
My room had an Air conditioning unit (hallelujah!). The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in. The Coffee/tea maker was a nice touch. I had a Daily housekeeping. There was a Desk, because, you know, I was working. And I will forever remember that the Mirror was not the best quality in this place. I made all the other details, I suppose. I also had a Private bathroom, with Shower, Toiletries, and a Hair dryer. I appreciated the mini bar. The bed was decent, and the Slippers were a welcome addition. (Available in all rooms - 4/5 stars) because nobody’s perfect and the mirror was really bad.
The Verdict: Paradise Found?… Maybe.
So, did "Escape to Paradise" live up to its name? Honestly? It's complicated. It had flashes of brilliance (the spa, the pool). But the inconsistent Wi-Fi, the somewhat limited accessibility, and that slightly-too-rustic vibe… it prevented it from being truly perfect.
Overall Score: 3.8/5 stars.
Would I go back? Maybe. If I was looking for a super-relaxing, spa-centric getaway in Thailand, and I wasn’t too worried about perfect connectivity, then absolutely. But it's not a flawless paradise – it’s almost paradise. Just be prepared for a few quirks. And, hey, that’s life, right?
Escape to Finnish Paradise: Hotel Lasaretti Awaits!Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is going to be messy, sweaty, and gloriously human. We're heading to Wooden Hostel in Thailand, and I'm already buzzing. Here we go… (Deep breath, because honestly, I'm still packing.)
Wooden Hostel Thailand: A Hot Mess Express Itinerary (and My Sanity-Check)
Day 1: Bangkok – Arrival, Noodles, and Existential Dread (Kinda)
- Morning (or whenever the hell the plane lands): Flight arrives in Bangkok. Pray to the airport gods (or just the budget airlines) that my luggage makes it. Always a gamble. Expect mild chaos. Expect me to mutter something about "Thai food, here I COME!" the second I exit the plane.
- Afternoon: Taxi to Wooden Hostel. Google Maps says it's a 45-minute ride, my gut says it'll be closer to two hours with Bangkok traffic. I am, however, ready to embrace the madness. The driver will probably try to rip me off (it's tradition), so I’ll try to look like I know what I'm doing. (Spoiler: I don't.)
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Check-in at Wooden Hostel. Hopefully, the dorm isn't a sauna. My first impression of the place will dictate the rest of my trip. Hopefully, there are friendly faces, maybe a cold beer. (Priorities.)
- Night: Food, glorious food! Street food is the mission. A steaming bowl of Pad See Ew, with a side of spicy chili flakes – I NEED this. I'll probably burn my tongue, but it'll be worth it. Later, maybe a rooftop bar with a killer view. Maybe. Or maybe I'll just collapse in my bunk bed and stare at the ceiling, contemplating the meaning of life. (It's a travel rite of passage, right?)
Day 2: Bangkok – Temples, Tuktuks, and Tactical Naps
- Morning: Explore a temple (or two). Wat Arun is on the list. (Apparently, it's stunning at sunrise, but I'm not a 'sunrise person', so we'll see.) Expect to be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and the relentless heat. Also: expect to nearly pass out from the heat so that requires a tactical nap.
- Mid-day: Navigate Bangkok's chaotic public transport. (Let's hope I don't get on the wrong train.) I’m thinking Tuktuk ride is a necessity; for the thrill of it, and because, who doesn’t want that ridiculous photo? Negotiating prices will probably be a disaster. But hey, that's part of the charm (I tell myself).
- Afternoon: More food. Mango sticky rice is a MUST-TRY. Seriously, if I don't eat it, I'll riot.
- Evening: Explore a night market. Bargaining for souvenirs, dodging street performers, and soaking up the electric atmosphere. I’ll probably buy way too much stuff I don't need, but oh well. Maybe a Thai massage to unwind. (Or to ease the aches from all the walking).
Day 3: Bangkok to Chiang Mai (My Body Is Not Ready)
- Morning: Seriously, how am I supposed to pack all my stuff in the morning? My brain is fried from jet lag. Before I become a total mess, I'll take a refreshing shower and try to finish packing,
- Late Morning: Train to Chiang Mai. The journey will be LONG. I'll probably be bored, exhausted, and slightly terrified. (Trains sometimes freak me out.) I'll try to get a window seat, and hope for some incredible scenery. Maybe I can finally finish reading that book I started ages ago.
- Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Chiang Mai. Pray the transfer to the hostel goes smoothly this time. Check in, collapse, and hope that this new bed is actually comfortable.
- Night: Night market exploration! I’m craving Khao Soi; creamy, coconut-y noodle soup! It's the best. I'm starting to question my life choices. Am I really traveling alone again? Why did I think this was a good idea?
Day 4: Chiang Mai - Elephants, Cooking Classes, and Existential Dread (Part 2)
- Morning: This is the day I've been most excited about. Elephant Sanctuary! I'm expecting to be moved, and I'm hoping they're actually ethical, and not just some tourist trap. (Research is key here, folks.) Hopefully, I don't cry the whole time.
- Afternoon: Thai cooking class. Preparing for what is to be an enjoyable experience. Can I actually cook Thai food? Probably not. Will I make a complete mess of the kitchen? Most likely! But hey, at least I'll get to eat the food afterward.
- Night: Night markets and the potential for a night-time scooter tour. I will probably look like a complete amateur, so I'll have to take it easy. If that doesn't happen, however, I'll probably end up in a ditch. More food (obviously).
Day 5: Chiang Mai - Temples & Relaxation & Rambling
- Morning: Temples! I need to explore as many temples as I can. These should be more relaxing than the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
- Afternoon: Swimming! If the hostel has a pool – I'm there. Or maybe I'll finally crack and book a massage. Possibly a good book and a spot of people-watching.
- Evening: I'll reflect on my trip, write in a journal (if I can be bothered), and drink cheap beer. Try to remember that feeling of freedom.
Day 6: Departure (Probably Covered in Sweat)
- Morning: Pack. Say farewell to the hostel, and to this incredible place.
- Afternoon: Get to the airport. More travel-related chaos. Maybe the flight will be delayed. Maybe I'll find a great souvenir.
- Evening: Arrive home (or wherever I'm going next). Reflect on the trip, and start planning the next adventure.
Important Notes (aka: My Disclaimers):
- Pacing: This is a SUGGESTED itinerary. Things will change. Plans will be scrapped. I may spend an entire day doing absolutely nothing. That's the beauty of traveling, right? (Or is it just my crippling indecisiveness?)
- Food: I will eat EVERYTHING. Be prepared for detailed food descriptions. And probably a lot of food-related complaints (either from my stomach or my wallet).
- Mood Swings: I have a few. Expect moments of pure joy, utter exhaustion, and existential dread.
- Imperfect Perfection: Things will go wrong. I will get lost. I will probably offend someone with my terrible Thai. The goal is to laugh it off.
- This is my trip: I am not responsible for anyone else's trip. Everyone's experience is different; if this turns out to be a dud, well, there's always the next one.
- Packing: I'll probably overpack because I always overpack. And I always wear the same three outfits.
- Money: I have a budget, which I'll probably ignore.
- Pictures: I'll take a million pictures (I can't help myself.)
This whole itinerary is just a guideline, a loose road map, a permission slip to be a total mess. Let's see what happens. Wish me luck. I'll need it.
Goa's Paradise Found: Shantie Shakthi's Stunning Pool & More!
Okay, So...Is This Hostel *Really* Chic? My Insta-Feed Demands Answers!
Chic? Oh, honey, let's not get carried away. It's definitely photogenic. Think: Wood. Everywhere. Like, a *lot* of wood. And fairy lights. Lots of fairy lights. They're practically the National Flower of this place. I saw one girl spend, like, three hours just posing with a strategically placed bamboo stalk. Is it genuinely 'chic' in the high-fashion sense? Probably not. Is it beautifully rustic and a perfect backdrop for your envious feed? Absolutely. Just…don’t expect the Four Seasons. Think more… lovingly worn-in backpacker aesthetic. Also, the bathroom situation? Well, let’s just say you'll bond with your fellow travelers, intimately. (More on that later, maybe.)
How's the Location? Beach Bum Approved? Or Do We Need a Tuk-Tuk Army?
Location, location, location! Okay, so the beach *is* nearby. Like, stumble-out-of-bed-and-into-the-sand nearby. Which is amazing. The waves are fantastic. Seriously. But, and this is a big but… It's not *right* on the main drag. Which, on one hand, is a blessing (peace and quiet!). On the other hand, can feel like an adventure to get to all the fun stuff. You'll need to embrace the tuk-tuk life. Or rent a scooter (which I, foolishly, did. More on *that* later). Pro tip: Budget for tuk-tuk (or scooter repair) money. Trust me.
Rooms? Dorm Life? Pray Tell...
Dorm life. Bless your heart if you’re used to luxury. The rooms are...basic. Wooden bunks. Wooden everything, really. It's cozy, in a 'you're-sharing-a-space-with-eight-other-humans' kind of way. Earplugs are your best friends, trust me. And a sleep mask. Because that one guy snoring? He's loud. Really loud. I swear, I thought the roof was going to cave in. Private rooms exist too, but good luck snagging one! They get booked *fast*. Actually the private room probably is the real win, in hindsight... the snoring... the smell of dread... it was a *journey*.
Speaking of Snoring... What Are the Vibes Like? Party? Chill? Introvert-Friendly?
Vibes… It's a mix. Definitely leans towards the social side. Travelers, all ages, all backgrounds. You *will* meet people. You might even make friends. There's usually a communal area, perfect for swapping travel stories and perfecting your beer pong skills (if that's your thing; I was terrible). Party? Yes, sometimes. Chill? Often. Introvert-friendly? Potentially. Find a quiet corner, armed with a book and a sense of humour, and you’ll be fine. Just be prepared for someone to try and rope you into a full moon party at any given moment. (I actually *did* accidentally end up at one. It involved glow paint and questionable dance moves. Regrets? Zero.)
Food, Glorious Food! Does the Hostel Do Grub? And, More Importantly, Is It Good?
Food! Yes! They have food. And thankfully, yes, it's good. Really good. They serve breakfast (pancakes! fruit!), and often have a simple menu for lunch and dinner. The Pad Thai? *Chef's kiss*. The pineapple fried rice? To die for. It's not Michelin-star dining, obvs. But it's convenient, tasty, and reasonably priced. Plus, the communal dining area is a great place to meet people, even if you're shy. Honestly, it was worth the visit alone. The only minor issue? They had this one cook who had a *very* strong love for chili. Proceed with caution. You've been warned.
The Bathrooms... Let's Talk About the Bathrooms. Are They...Traumatic?
Okay, the bathrooms. Deep breath. This is where the rustic charm might… wear thin. It's a backpacker hostel. There are communal showers. They're... functional. Don't expect luxury. Don't expect privacy. Sometimes, the water pressure is a bit weak. Sometimes, you might run out of hot water (cold showers at 6 AM are definitely a "character-building experience"). Are they *traumatic*? Probably not. But if you're a germaphobe, maybe pack extra hand sanitizer and a healthy dose of zen. I'd bring flip flops, too. I learned that the hard way. Let’s just say… shared spaces can be… revealing.
Okay, So... The Scooter. You Mentioned a Scooter... Spill the Tea! And, like, what should I *really* know?
The Scooter. Oh, the scooter. Where do I even begin? I was feeling adventurous. I thought, "Scootering around the island, wind in my hair! Sounds... romantic!" Mistake. Huge mistake. While many people do it safely, I am clearly *not* one of them. I spent the next three days with a very large, very painful, road rash on my leg from falling onto a loose bit of gravel on the road on my way back from the beach. Scooters are a common thing in Thailand. But the roads can be tricky, especially if you're a wobbly novice like me. The rental guy *did* warn me. I should have listened. So, advice? Maybe don't be like me. Or, if you *must*, wear a helmet (I did, thankfully!), and go slow. Or, just... embrace the tuk-tuk. Seriously. It's the easier path to paradise. And a lot less painful. And, if you *do* end up on the scooter, check the fine print rental papers. You'll need them.
What's the WiFi Like? Instagram Needs to Know!
WiFi… oh, WiFi. It's there. *Mostly*. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds. It's definitely geared towards the "holiday" lifestyle. Uploads can take a while. Video calls? Good luck. Get used to the concept of "digital detox." It's not a bad thing. Web Hotel Search Site
