Escape to Paradise: Chao Ruea Resort's Sattahip Secret!
Escape to Paradise: Chao Ruea Resort's Sattahip Secret!
Escape to Paradise: Chao Ruea Resort's Sattahip Secret! - A Review with a Splash of Chaos!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Chao Ruea Resort in Sattahip, and frankly, my brain is still a little bit sun-fried. Trying to write a detailed review is a bit like trying to herd cats after a tequila sunrise, but here goes! Let’s dive headfirst into this… experience.
Accessibility: (Mostly) A Mixed Bag
First things first, accessibility. This is important, right? Well, Chao Ruea… it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests. I saw an elevator, which is always a win! But navigating the grounds with a wheelchair might be a challenge. Some pathways seemed a bit uneven. I'd recommend calling ahead and being super specific about your needs. Don't be shy! Ask those all-important questions.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: No definitive word on particular restaurants being explicitly accessible. However, the staff seemed genuinely nice and accommodating, and were more than happy to help.
Internet: The Lifeline (Mostly) Works
Okay, the internet. In a world that runs on Wi-Fi (and instant gratification), this is crucial. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, YES! And it actually worked most of the time! (Thank the internet gods!) The public areas also had Wi-Fi, which was great for Instagramming my ridiculously photogenic cocktails (see below). There was also Internet [LAN] which, honestly, felt a little archaic in this day and age, but hey, options are good, right?
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… Ah, Paradise (Maybe)
Look, the whole reason you're here is to chill, right? And Chao Ruea has the goods.
- Pool with a View: YES! The pool overlooking the ocean was amazing. I spent an embarrassing amount of time just floating and staring at the view. Pure bliss.
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: Yep, and it was clean. Which, when you're dipping into a pool, is kinda essential.
- Spa/Sauna: Okay, the spa… let me tell you about the spa. I indulged in a Body Scrub. It was… intense. In a good way! I left feeling like I'd shed a layer of my own skin (in a good way!). Their Massage options are plentiful, and let me say, after a long day of doing absolutely nothing, a massage is a must.
- Fitness Center: I saw a fitness center, but I'm a vacationer, not an exerciser. I briefly considered going in, but then a cocktail whispered my name from the poolside bar, and well… priorities.
- Steamroom: I did not delve, but it exists.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Relatively Safe (and Mostly Clean)
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – COVID. Chao Ruea seemed to take things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and hand sanitizer everywhere. They had Staff trained in safety protocol, and rooms sanitized between stays. There was also a Doctor/nurse on call, which honestly, is reassuring, even if I didn't need it. They also had Individually-wrapped food options, which again, tick.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Delicious)
Alright, FOOD. This is where things get REALLY interesting.
- Asian Breakfast: Yes! Pad thai for breakfast? No, but there were yummy Asian options, for sure.
- Buffet in restaurant: Buffet breakfast! Yum!
- Restaurants: Several restaurants.
- Poolside bar: (See above: cocktails and view).
- Room service [24-hour]: Bless! Perfect for those late-night snack attacks.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential.
- Desserts in restaurant: Always a good idea!
- Snack bar: Because you're on vacation, right?
**My **Favorite Thing: The Poolside Bar! Okay, let me gush. The poolside bar was my absolute *jam*. Picture this: the sun setting, painting the sky in impossible colors, a perfectly balanced cocktail in my hand (I'm partial to a good Mojito, myself). The staff were amazing, friendly, and remembered my name (which, admittedly, is probably why I spent so much time there). It's the kind of place where you can lose track of time, and it's perfect for a solo traveler like me, who's looking to connect with other travelers and enjoy the bliss.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Thank god!
- Cash withdrawal: Convenience is key!
- Concierge: Helpful for booking tours, etc.
- Convenience store: Snacks and sundries? Check!
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Laundry service: Hello!
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea for valuables.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly. This is true!
- Babysitting service. This also is an option!
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge]: Perfect!
- Taxi service. Available!
Available in All Rooms: (The Nitty Gritty)
- Air conditioning: Essential!
- Coffee/tea maker: Need that morning kick!
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated!
- Hair dryer: Praise!
- In-room safe box: Good for peace of mind.
- Internet access – wireless: Yesss!
- Mini bar: More alcohol… or snacks.
- Non-smoking: (Mostly)
- Private bathroom: Obviously.
- Refrigerator: Always good to have!
- Satellite/cable channels: If you must watch TV on vacation…
- Shower: I hope you didn't expect a spa!
- Wi-Fi [free]: The best!!
The Imperfections:
Now, for the honesty part. The resort isn’t perfect. The rooms were a little dated, and the decor style is… interesting. But honestly, I wasn't there to critique the wallpaper. I was there to relax, and I absolutely did.
Final Verdict: Go. Just Go! (With a few caveats!)
So, would I recommend Escape to Paradise: Chao Ruea Resort's Sattahip Secret? YES! Especially if you're looking for a relaxing getaway, some stunning views, and a good time. Just remember to double-check your accessibility requirements, be prepared for a slightly older style, and embrace the chaos!
Here's the pitch: Book NOW and Get… (And a dash (or two) more Chaos) Are you dreaming of escaping the mundane? Do you crave turquoise waters, sun-drenched days, and the taste of adventure? Then, you NEED to book your escape to Chao Ruea Resort in Sattahip! For a LIMITED TIME ONLY, we're offering:
- Early bird deals (with that little extra discount for those who book at least 30 days in advance)
We can't promise perfection, but we can promise an unforgettable experience! Escape to Paradise: Chao Ruea Resort – where relaxation, adventure, and a dash of delightful chaos await!
Tokyo's WILDEST Glumping Experience: CREA BASE Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. We're heading to the Chao Ruea Resort in Sattahip, Pattaya, Thailand, and trust me, it’s gonna be… an experience. Let’s see if I can navigate this chaos and make it remotely useful!
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Mosquito Massacre
- Morning (Mostly): Land in Bangkok. Ugh, the humidity hits you like a wet, warm blanket the second you step off the plane. Seriously, does anyone enjoy that? Scrounging for airport transfer. I swear, negotiating with taxi drivers is a blood sport, especially when you're jet-lagged and reeking of airplane air. But, we're off! Aiming for a 2-3 hour drive to Sattahip. (Hoping the driver doesn't channel his inner Fast & Furious.)
- Afternoon (Mostly!): Arrive at Chao Ruea Resort! OMG, it's pretty! Seriously, the photos don't lie – that turquoise water? Stunning. But, okay, confession: I'm already sweating. Unpacking. Discovering the sheer, unadulterated joy of mosquito repellent. This is where the massacre begins. I swear, these Thai mosquitos are ninja-level, they attack like a swarm of tiny, bloodthirsty vampires.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Check out the restaurant, I have to say a good first impression, and food is good. I'm still getting used to the flavors that Thailand can offer. A quick dip in the pool. It's warm, refreshing, and I feel my shoulders start to unclench. Dinner by the beach – finally, some peace! (Probably jinxing myself there.)
Day 2: Beach Bliss & Bargaining Battles
- Morning: Woke up with the sun! That's a lie. I woke up because the actual sun was COOKING me through the curtains. Breakfast at the resort. Decent enough – the fruit is amazing, the coffee is… well, it's coffee. Explore the area. Find the beach vendors.
- Afternoon: Beach time! This is what we're here for. Find a nice spot, slap on the sunscreen (multiple times!), and soak up the sun. Swimming in the crystal-clear water. Feeling my worries wash away. Try to find a better spot away from too many people.
- Late Afternoon: The Bargaining Battles commence! Stumbling towards the local markets, getting ready to haggle. These vendors are good. I'm talking Olympic-level persuasion skills. This is where I become a negotiator. I start low, I walk away dramatically, I may pretend to be offended – whatever it takes! I’m going for a souvenir or two, a few handmade stuff at the end.
- Evening: Back to the resort. Shower, change, go for dinner. Thinking about this area, I think I'll be back again.
Day 3: Floating Markets & Food Coma
- Morning: This is the day for a trip to a floating market. The food! Oh god, the food. I end up buying a bunch of food.
- Afternoon: Food coma. Naptime? I think so.
- Evening: Another round of good food. The end.
Day 4: Exploring Sattahip
- Morning: Get up early
- Afternoon: Explore the area or some more beaches.
- Evening: Dinner, and back to the resort.
Day 5: Leaving
- Morning: Waking up and having breakfast
- Afternoon: Heading for airport.
Post-Trip Musings (Because Real Life Never Ends):
- The Mosquitoes: Still haunted by them. Maybe I need to invest in a mosquito net the size of a small house.
- The Food: Oh, the food. I’m already dreaming of pad thai, mango sticky rice, and all the other deliciousness.
- The Humidity: I’ll get used to it eventually…right?
- The People: Everyone was so, so friendly. Seriously, the Thai people are some of the warmest, most welcoming people I've ever met.
- The Memories: It wasn't perfect, but it was real. This trip was a chaotic, messy, wonderful reminder of why we travel in the first place. It was a break to breath, to relax, and to escape from the rest of the world.
Okay, this is it. I'm off to Thailand. Hopefully, I come back in one piece, with a story to tell – and maybe a slightly improved bargaining game. Wish me luck! And remember, embrace the mess. That's where the magic happens.
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Escape to Paradise: Chao Ruea Resort's Sattahip Secret! - The FAQ You *Actually* Need
Okay, so… is Chao Ruea Resort REALLY a "secret"? Because, like, my Instagram feed says otherwise.
Alright, alright, the "secret" part is a bit of a stretch these days, isn't it? Thanks, social media! It's more like, "Chao Ruea Resort: The Gem You *Probably* Haven't Discovered Yet (But Your Friend's Cousin’s Dog Walker *Probably* Has)". Look, it's popular, yeah, but popular in a good way. It avoids the mega-resort, screaming-kids-everywhere vibe. It's the kind of place where you *can* actually hear the waves, instead of… you know… the endless chorus of "Mommy, I'm bored!"
What's the big deal about the floating bungalows? They look… wobbly.
Okay, buckle up. The floating bungalows? They *are* wobbly. Like, "slightly-seasick-even-on-dry-land" wobbly sometimes. But that's part of the charm! I'll tell you what, waking up to the sunrise over the ocean, with the gentle rocking? Pure bliss. I almost cried. (Don’t judge! I’m a sucker for a decent sunrise). One morning, the waves were a bit rough, and I swear I thought the entire place was going to drift off into the Indian Ocean! (Probably hyperbole, but it *felt* like it!). But after the initial "OH GOD, I'M ON A BOAT, NO WAIT, I'M NOT, BUT I AM, ARGH!" feeling, it’s just… magical. Just… magical. Don't bring your fragile best china, though. And maybe pack some Dramamine, just in case. Trust me, even if you don't *think* you get seasick, you might. Consider this your official warning.
Is it actually *relaxing*? I need a vacation, not another stressor.
Relaxing? It *can* be. Potentially. If you're the kind of person who can truly disconnect. Which, let's be honest, is hard these days. I'm terrible at it, and I work from home! I spent the first hour stressing about emails (thanks, work!), and the second hour worrying about my phone battery (it's an addiction, I know). But then… then the sunset hit. The colors! The sheer *beauty* of it. And something shifted. I finally put my phone down. I stared at the horizon. And I, shockingly, breathed. So yeah, it's relaxing *if* you make it. It's not the resort's job to magically erase your life problems – you have to do that part. But it provides a pretty darn good backdrop for it. (And the cocktails help. A lot.)
What's the food like? Because, you know, food is important.
Okay, the food. Listen, I'm a foodie, and I'm picky. Really picky. I'll be honest: it's not Michelin-star dining. It's not. But it's *good*. It's fresh. It's flavorful. And it's… authentic. The Pad Thai was amazing. The seafood? Even better. One thing: Don't expect a gazillion options. Think, "local Thai staples, done well, plus some international options for the less adventurous." I remember this one night, there were some weird, tiny crabs served as snacks. I (reluctantly) tried one. Actually… they were pretty good! I am not usually adventurous when it comes to seafood, I'm a bit of a chicken, so the fact that I tried it... well, let's just say there were a couple, ahem, *beverages* involved. But, all in all, the food experience was a solid win.
Can I swim? The photos show… water.
Duh! Yes, you can swim. The water is generally clear and beautiful. You can swim right off the floating bungalows. You can swim from the beach. You can sit on the beach and stare longingly at the water, which – let's be honest – is a perfectly valid way to spend a vacation day. But here's the thing: I went during monsoon season (don't judge, it was cheap!). The water got a little murky a couple of days. The waves, bless their hearts, were a bit aggressive. One day, I got completely sandblasted trying to wade in. And I'm talking, *sand* everywhere. In places I didn't even know sand *could* get. I still swam. You know, when the crazy weather calmed down. Just be aware that you're at the mercy of the elements, people! And pack a good hat. And maybe goggles. Oh, and be careful of the jellyfish. They're sneaky.
Is it kid-friendly? I have, uh, small humans.
Hmm. "Kid-friendly." That depends on your definition, and your kids. There's no dedicated kids' club. There's no splash park. There's no… well, lots of *things* designed to keep children occupied. It's more of a "let them run around on the beach and get sandy and hopefully not drown" kind of place. (Dark humor, I apologize.) My opinion? If your kids can appreciate nature, the peace, and aren't constantly screaming "I'M BOOOOOREEEED!", then it's great. If they need constant stimulation? Maybe not. Think about it: simple pleasures, building sandcastles, and maybe, just maybe, learning to love the sound of the waves. Otherwise, you might end up spending your entire holiday chasing after them, and you won't be enjoying yourself for the price that the vacation cost. (And, I did see a couple of families there, kids were fine, the parents weren't smiling… so, make your own judgment!)
How do I *get* there? Because, honestly, navigating Thailand sounds intimidating.
Okay, this is where I can actually be helpful! It's not *that* hard. You'll likely fly into Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport, BKK). From there, you can get a taxi or a Grab (like Uber) to the bus station, or, possibly, arrange a private driver. The bus is the cheap and authentic option, the Grab is probably more comfortable, and the private driver is, obviously, the easiest. Then, it's a bus ride (expect it to take a couple of hours) to Sattahip. And from Sattahip, you need to get a taxi or songthaew (localBest Stay Blogspot
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