Phuket Paradise Found: Relax at THIS Guesthouse!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into a review of Phuket Paradise Found: Relax at THIS Guesthouse! And honestly? I'm still mentally unpacking from my trip. Let’s get this messy, opinionated, and hopefully helpful review started!
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First things first: Accessibility. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate places that think about access. From what I saw, the guesthouse attempts to be accessible. There’s an elevator, which is a HUGE plus in a place like Phuket. However, I did notice some… well, let's call them potential bottlenecks for truly wheelchair-bound guests. The pathways could be wider in some areas, and some doorways might present a challenge. So, contact them directly before you go and ask specific questions. Don't just assume!
Rooms:
- Available in all rooms: Alright, so rooms, huh? Here’s the lowdown: Air conditioning - check! Alarm clock - check! Bathrobes - check! (These are always a win in Thailand.) Bathroom phone? Seriously? Who still uses those? Bathtub - check! Blackout curtains - YES! Godsend for sleeping off that jet lag or those…ahem… long evenings. Carpeting – thankfully not a shag nightmare. Closet - check! Coffee/tea maker - check! Complimentary tea - check! Daily housekeeping - check! Desk - yup. Extra long bed - bless! My six-foot-something frame appreciated that. Free bottled water - always! Hair dryer – check! (Saved me so much space in my luggage.) High floor - maybe, depends on the room. **In-room safe box – essential! Interconnecting room(s) available - check! Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities - check! Laptop workspace - check! Linens - clean enough! Mini bar - check! Mirror - yep. Non-smoking - thank god! On-demand movies – well, I didn’t bother (too busy exploring!), Private bathroom - essential. Reading light - check! Refrigerator - yep. Safety/security feature - yes! Satellite/cable channels – sure, maybe watch some travel channels, Scale - huh? Seating area - check! Separate shower/bathtub - if you’re lucky! Shower - yes, Slippers - check! Smoke detector - check! Socket near the bed - check! Sofa - in some rooms, Soundproofing - sorta, Telephone - Yep. Toiletries - adequate, Towels - clean, Umbrella - possibly, Visual alarm - doubt it. Wake-up service - probably. Wi-Fi [free] - definitely! Window that opens- some do!
Cleanliness and Safety: The Stuff That Really Matters
Okay, let’s be real. In the age of… well, gesticulating wildly… you need to know about cleanliness. Phuket Paradise Found goes above and beyond! I mean, the sheets smelled fresh, which is a HUGE win. The Anti-viral cleaning products are mentioned in the brochure, and I certainly felt safe.
- Anti-viral cleaning products - Check!
- Breakfast in room - Check! (Though I preferred going down to the restaurant)
- Breakfast takeaway service - Never used, but available
- Cashless payment service - Yes!
- Daily disinfection in common areas - Observed, but not intensely scrutinized. Seemed legit.
- Doctor/nurse on call - Thank God I didn't need, but good to know!
- First aid kit - Yep.
- Hand sanitizer - Everywhere. A little too much, maybe? My hands are raw!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing - Yes!
- Hygiene certification - Not sure if I saw the actual cert, but I felt things were clean.
- Individually-wrapped food options - Present.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter - Mostly observed, but not always by other guests.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services - Mentioned.
- Room sanitization opt-out available - Don't know, didn't ask.
- Rooms sanitized between stays - Felt like it.
- Safe dining setup - Adequate.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items - Assumed.
- Shared stationery removed - Yes.
- Staff trained in safety protocol - They seemed to be!
- Sterilizing equipment - Probably.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Foodie's Report
Okay, let’s talk food. Because, Thailand. And, frankly, my memories of the food are almost as good as the memories of the… well, never mind.
- A la carte in restaurant - Yes.
- Alternative meal arrangement - Probably, if you ask.
- Asian breakfast - Yep!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant - Yes.
- Bar - Yes, and a decent one!
- Bottle of water - Free!
- Breakfast [buffet] - Yes, and honestly, pretty good.
- Breakfast service - Yes.
- Buffet in restaurant - Yep, for breakfast.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant - Yep.
- Coffee shop - Didn't notice one.
- Desserts in restaurant - Yes.
- Happy hour - Indeed!
- International cuisine in restaurant - Yes.
- Poolside bar - Yep.
- Restaurants - Yes.
- Room service [24-hour] - Yep. A lifesaver after one particularly… energetic… evening.
- Salad in restaurant - Yes.
- Snack bar - Didn't notice.
- Soup in restaurant - Yes.
- Vegetarian restaurant - Probably, or at least vegetarian options.
- Western breakfast - Yes.
- Western cuisine in restaurant - Yes.
The breakfast buffet? Honestly, a solid start to the day. They had your usual suspects – eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, cereal. But the Asian options? Chef's kiss. Fresh noodles, delicious curries, and dim sum that actually tasted good (not always a given in hotel buffets!). Oh, and the coffee? Strong. Blessedly strong.
Here’s an anecdote: One morning, I was dying for a proper coffee after a very late night. I stumbled down to the buffet, barely functional. I didn’t even look at the food first, just beelined for the coffee machine. The barista (bless his heart) saw my state and practically poured caffeine directly into my veins. Utterly, utterly necessary.
The Pool: A Slice of Heaven
The Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with a view? Absolutely gorgeous. It's one of those "Instagram-worthy" pools, but, more importantly, it was actually relaxing. Spent hours there, just floating, staring at the sky, and feeling… well, found. It’s the kind of pool that makes you forget all your worries.
Spa Time! (Because, Thailand!)
I had the privilege of getting a Massage and it was heaven. The therapist was skilled and attentive. The Spa itself was clean and calming. In fact, I got addicted to the Foot Bath, which became my nightly ritual. The Sauna and Steamroom were also very nice. The whole experience was just what I needed.
Honestly, my advice? Book a massage as soon as you arrive. You'll thank me later.
Things to Do (Beyond Spa, Pool, & Food)
So, what else is there to do? Well, the guesthouse isn’t exactly in the thick of things. It’s a bit of a taxi/tuk-tuk ride away from the main beaches and nightlife. But the guesthouse can arrange Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service, and Bicycle parking.
I didn’t use most of those, because I was mostly holed up by the pool or in the spa. They also had Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Outdoor venue for special events, and even a Shrine. And, let’s not forget the Gift/souvenir shop.
Internet Access: The Digital Nomad's Take
Internet access – wireless. Wi-Fi [free]? Check. Internet access – LAN? Didn't try it. Internet services? Yep, worked fine. I was able to upload all my Insta-stories without issue. The Wi-Fi in public areas was ok, a little better than the Wi-Fi in rooms.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Air conditioning in public area - Yes!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events - Probably not the focus of this place.
- Business facilities - Basic, I think.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Phuket Adventure at Relax Guesthouse. Forget those pristine, over-planned itineraries. This is chaos, baby. This is life. This is me, and Phuket, and a whole lot of questionable decisions, probably involving too much Chang beer. Let's get this show on the road:
Day 1: Arrival – The Great Escape (and the Great Confusion)
Morning (ish): Okay, "morning" is generous. More like a hazy, jet-lagged awakening at, oh, I don't know, eleventy-thirty. Arrived at Phuket International Airport (HKT). Smooth (ha!) customs process because I was still half-asleep. Grabbed a pre-booked taxi to Relax Guesthouse in Patong. The driver? Let's just say he enjoyed "the fast and the furious" a little too much. I spent the entire ride gripping the seat and praying to the Buddha on my tiny, travel-sized necklace.
Afternoon: Arrived at Relax Guesthouse. It's… well, it's relaxing. The name doesn't lie. Pretty basic, but clean, with a balcony overlooking a courtyard. Someone's doing laundry, and the smell of Thai spices is already wafting up from the street vendors below. Beautiful! Checked in, had a brief, friendly chat with the owner (who seemed permanently chill) and dropped my bags. My room? Tiny. But hey, it's got a fan. Score! Impression: This is it. This feels more real than real.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The first mistake was walking towards the beach alone. The sun was starting to dip, and… well, Patong Beach at sunset is a scene. Neon lights, hordes of people, the aggressive vendors… It was sensory overload. I got swarmed by tuk-tuk drivers, attempted to haggle for a coconut water (failed miserably), and ended up accidentally ordering deep fried…something. It was delicious. But also, I think it might have been the only thing I ate all day. Ended up hiding out at a tiny beach bar, nursing a Singha beer and people-watching (my favorite hobby). The air suddenly felt different, a lot heavier. Emotional Reaction: Panic mixed with, like, excitement? Was I going to be too overwhelmed? Should I turn around now?
Evening: Back to the guesthouse to take a shower. Water pressure? Hilarious. The water dripped out slowly. It took a solid 20 minutes to feel like I was remotely clean. Decided to try some local food. Found a small street stall serving Pad Thai. It was heaven. And cheap. Which is a huge win. Wandered back to the guesthouse, clutching a Chang beer (or two), and collapsed into bed. Exhausting. But good.
Day 2: Beach Blues, Monkey Business and the Magic of a Sunset
Morning: "Morning" again. Woke up to the sound of roosters and the faint smell of…trash. Charming. Managed to (finally) drag myself out of bed after a breakfast of fresh fruit (that I bought with a smile and "Sawasdee Krap!"). Determined to conquer the beach. This time, armed with sunscreen, a book, and a slightly more open mind.
Mid-Morning/Afternoon: Patong Beach, part two. Still a madhouse, but I was slightly more prepared. Found a chair, slathered on the SPF 50, and tried to read. The book was lost to the din of jet skis and the hawkers, but the sun was shining and the waves were lapping. It was enough to relax, for a little while. Then, a little boy came up to me and asked if I'd like to buy a baby turtle. I declined, but I had to fight back sudden, unexpected tears. Quirky observation: I have a feeling that something is going to be too much.
Afternoon: Decided to visit nearby Monkey Hill. The ride was… interesting, to say the least. The driver's driving skills were almost comparable to the taxi driver. It was nice, though. The air was fresh, and the view was incredible. The monkeys were adorable! They were also terrifying (and probably rabid). One tried to steal my water bottle, which was a bit intense. Emotional Reaction: A weird mix of fear and fascination. Don't get too close.
Evening: Sunset at Promthep Cape. This was a MUST-DO, and it actually WAS worth it. The view was absolutely stunning. The colors splashed across the sky. The crowd was a bit much, but I found a spot and just sat there, feeling amazed. Found a small, local eatery nearby, and ordered a plate of fresh seafood and a cocktail. The perfect way to end the day. Double-down on the experience: The food was so good, it was almost criminal. I ate slowly, savouring every bite, watching the lights twinkle across the ocean. I might have shed another tear (damn you, Phuket and its sunsets!).
Day 3: Exploring the Chaos, and Maybe Some Peace?
Morning: Woke up to the relentless noise of the streets. The sun was shining, at least! Decided to take a gamble and wander into town.
Mid-Morning: Discovered an alleyway filled with hidden temples, fresh markets, and the most delicious-smelling food stalls. I was in heaven. Almost got lost (several times), but that's part of the fun, right? Bought some spices, a funky t-shirt, and a painting. Went to a local Thai massage place where the little old lady, kneaded my worries away.
Afternoon: Decided to take a boat trip to Phi Phi Island. The water was the colour of turquoise, the beaches were white sand, and the views were amazing! I was surrounded by tourists but honestly, I kinda loved it.
Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. The views were breathtaking. Ate so much Thai food. Feeling happy and content after the trip.
Night: Went back to the guesthouse. The owner and I had a nice chat, and he gave me some tips for my next trip. Said my departure was scheduled, but I was not sure.
Day 4 - Departure, and the Promise of Return
- Morning: Woke up feeling sad to leave. The guesthouse had become a place of comfort to me. Packed my bags reluctantly.
- Afternoon: My flight was schedule to start at 2:45 PM. I went to the airport, checked in my bags, and boarded the plane.
- Evening: Now on the plane, I took a glance at the window and I could feel the joy of my trip.
Rambling Thoughts and Imperfections (Because They're Part of the Fun):
- My Mandarin is terrible. Keep getting it mixed up with "hello" in Thai (Sawasdee Krap!). Awkward.
- I'm pretty sure I've eaten more street food in these few days than I have in my entire life.
- Laundry situation? Non-existent. Let's just say I'm rationing my limited wardrobe.
- I'm still not sure I'm entirely comfortable with the whole "being alone on a beach" thing. I'm trying, though.
- The weather will be hot. I will be sunburnt. It is inevitable.
- Missing my family and friends at home. But also…loving the freedom.
Final Verdict:
Phuket? It's a wild ride. It's beautiful, chaotic, overwhelming, and undeniably intoxicating. It's not perfect. I made mistakes. But I loved every minute of it, even the moments of pure, unadulterated chaos and utter exhaustion. Would I go back? Absolutely! And next time, I’ll probably bring a bigger bag for all the treasures (and street food) I'll inevitably collect. Bring on the next adventure!
Cebu's Horizon 101 KC Condo: Unbelievable Ocean Views Await!
Phuket Paradise Found: Relax at THIS Guesthouse! – Your (Probably Messy) Questions Answered
Okay, seriously… is it *actually* paradise? And if so, what's the catch?
Paradise, huh? Look, I’ve seen *actual* paradise, you know, the kind with the perfect beaches and the Instagram filters applied in real life. Phuket Paradise Found? It's… *close*. The catch? Well, there's always a catch, isn't there? The beach across the street? Stunning. The sunsets? Forget about it, they'll make you cry in a good way (most of the time, unless it's monsoon season, then it's just… wet).
But… it’s not *sterile* paradise. It’s got that lovely, slightly-worn-around-the-edges charm. Think comfy sandals, not stiletto heels. Oh, and the roosters. The roosters. They're your alarm clock. Embrace it. Or, you know, pack earplugs.
The website says "Relax!". But I'm a worrier. Can *I* actually relax there?
Listen, if you're a worrier, Phuket is *made* for you to stop worrying. You're on an island! You're miles away from your inbox, your deadlines, and the looming sense of existential doom. (Okay, maybe the last one follows you, but it has nicer scenery to contemplate it in.) The guesthouse itself? It’s designed for chill. Seriously, the owner, bless her heart, practically *forces* relaxation on you. There are hammocks, cozy corners perfect for disappearing into a book (or into a deep existential crisis, I’m not judging), and the general vibe is "slow down, buttercup."
I'm a MASSIVE worrier, used to be, now I'm the girl who sits by the pool and watches the sun go down. The first few days, I was twitchy. Checking emails. Looking for WiFi. But the air! The FOOD! I had to surrender. It's a process... but you can do it!
What's the deal with the food? Is it real Thai food, or "tourist Thai" that's been watered down?
Okay, this is important. THE FOOD. I’m a foodie, a serious one. And the food at Phuket Paradise Found... oh my god. It's REAL Thai food, the kind that makes your tastebuds sing and your forehead sweat. The pad thai? Forget about it, you'll be dreaming of it for weeks. The green curry? Spicy enough to make you gasp, but in a *good* way.
The owner, she's a local. She knows the secret ingredient is love (and maybe a little bit of chili). And let me tell you a story! One night, I found myself in the kitchen, watching her make the mango sticky rice. This wasn't some rushed, slap-it-together version. This was a *love affair* with mangoes and sticky rice, and I'm here to say that it changed my life. Seriously, it did. I asked for the RECIPE and was told to "just come again!" Haha.
How's the WiFi? Because, you know, gotta stay connected... (sigh).
Alright, alright, I get it. We're all addicted to the internet. The WiFi at Phuket Paradise Found is... functional. Let's put it that way. It's not lightning-fast, it's not going to handle streaming HD video like a champ, but it's good enough to check emails, upload your sunset photos (because, let's be honest, you're going to take a million), and do some basic video calls.
If you're planning on running a business from the poolside, maybe reconsider. This isn't for you. However if you need to catch up with your friends and family, is absolutely acceptable.
What’s the rooms *really* like? Are they clean? Is there air conditioning?
Okay, let's talk rooms. They’re… charming. They’re not the Ritz, but they’re clean, comfortable, and actually well-designed. The beds are good. No, seriously, the beds are *really* good. After a day of sun and exploring, you will sleep like a baby. Air conditioning? Yes! Thank goodness! It's Phuket, you'd melt without it. The bathrooms? Simple, functional, and the water pressure is decent. The mosquito nets are a must-have, and yes, they are there.
I had a balcony over-looking the pool. Wonderful. One thing... don't expect the Ritz-Carlton, it's not that. But it's authentic. It's homey. It's not a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel room. It’s got character. And after a few days, that character starts to feel like home.
What are the owners like? Are they actually nice? Or just putting on a show?
The owners? They’re… lovely. Truly lovely. They’re not just "nice" in the fake, hotel-staff way. They're genuinely warm, welcoming, and they clearly *love* what they do. They’ll happily give you recommendations, help you arrange tours (which, by the way, are also amazing), and answer a million questions with a smile.
There was this one afternoon – it started raining cats and dogs, proper torrential downpour. I was stranded in the pool, unable to get back. The owners? They came running out with umbrellas (and towels!). They offered me hot tea. It was cheesy, I know, but it was *genuine*. It was like staying with family, the really cool, fun family that lives in paradise. This isn't a show. It's who they are.
Honestly, what's the single biggest "downside" of staying at Phuket Paradise Found?
Okay, you want the truth? Here it is: leaving. That's the biggest downside. The moment you have to pack your bags and go, you will feel a pang of sadness so intense, it'll make you want to throw your suitcase in the ocean and just stay forever.
I'm not kidding. I'm still not over it. I still have that feeling, the quiet ache that I am not living there. But it's a good kind of sad. The kind that makes you promise yourself you'll go back. Which I am.
Is it good for kids? Is it romantic? What's the vibe?
Kids: I definitely saw families. They all seemed to be having a greatHotel Hide Aways
