Nusa Penida's Paradise Found: Your Luxurious Poolside Escape Awaits!
Nusa Penida's Paradise Found: My Honest, Messy, and Ultimately Blissful Review (with a Side of Wi-Fi Woes)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the Balinese kopi) on Nusa Penida's "Paradise Found." Yeah, the tagline's a bit cheesy, but hey, we're chasing paradise, right? So, let's dive in… deep, like into that gorgeous infinity pool they're selling.
First Impressions (and the Great Accessibility Quest):
Getting to Paradise Found is… an adventure. Let's just say the roads on Nusa Penida haven't quite caught up with the Instagram influencers. Access is tricky, so if you've got mobility issues, definitely contact the hotel beforehand. They boast "Facilities for disabled guests," but proper planning is key. The lobby itself? Stunning. Think open-air, Balinese architecture, and a view that almost made me forget the bumpy scooter ride.
Checking In & Immediate Gratification (aka: Pool Time!)
Check-in was a breeze, contactless – which is always a win these days. And the rooms… oh, the rooms! (More on those later). We were whisked away to our, (thankfully) spacious and air-conditioned haven. Honestly, after the heat & the bumpy roads, diving straight into that pool? Pure, unadulterated bliss. Swimming pool [outdoor] and Pool with view indeed! Seriously, the view from the pool is breathtaking. Seriously. I think I spent a significant chunk of my trip just bobbing around, staring at the turquoise water, and feeling my cares melt away.
The Room: My Luxurious Hideaway (Mostly!)
Okay, so the rooms… They are a real mood. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. Huge, comfy bed? Extra long bed: check! Blackout curtains? Thank you, sweet baby Jesus, for those. I’m a sucker for a good nap. You get all the usual suspects: Free bottled water, a coffee/tea maker, a mini bar… everything to make you feel utterly spoiled. Bathroom was spacious, and I appreciated the slippers and bathrobes. Very spa-like. Actually, everything felt spa-like, which is a major selling point. I mean, come on, wake-up service? Daily housekeeping? Yes, please!
The Wi-Fi Saga: A Tale of Two Connections
Okay, confession time. I am a digital nomad at heart (or at least, a part-time freelancer). And let's just say, the Internet access – wireless and Wi-Fi [free] situation was… shall we say, a bit uneven. The signal in the rooms was, at times, a ghost. I spent a lot of time (and a lot of frustrated sighs) camped out in the lobby, soaking up the Wi-Fi and the beautiful view. They do offer Internet access – LAN if you're into that old-school wired life, but who carries a LAN cable these days? The Wi-Fi in public areas was much better. But hey, this is Nusa Penida, not Silicon Valley. You might need to embrace the slow life a little.
Food, Glorious Food! (And a Vegetarian’s Take)
Alright, the food! The Asian breakfast was genuinely fantastic. I especially loved the nasi goreng and the fresh fruit. They also had a decent Western breakfast, which, let’s be honest, is what I needed on a few hungover mornings. The main restaurant offered a great selection, with Asian cuisine in restaurant prominent. As a vegetarian, I was pleasantly surprised. They had a dedicated Vegetarian restaurant menu with some genuinely delicious options. The salad in restaurant was also consistently fresh and tasty. The Poolside bar was a lifesaver for those afternoon cocktails and snacks. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was strong and plentiful, which is all I ask for! And the desserts in restaurant?! Oh. My. Goodness.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Spa Day & Beyond
This is where Paradise Found really shines. The Spa is gorgeous. I highly recommend the Balinese massage. Heaven. Pure heaven. They had a Sauna, Steamroom, and a Foot bath, too. Seriously, they've thought of everything. I swear I floated out of there. They even had Body scrub and Body wrap treatments.
The Fine Print: Cleanliness, Safety & the Pandemic Protocol
Okay, let's get the practical bits out of the way. The hotel takes cleanliness and safety seriously. They used Anti-viral cleaning products, and did Daily disinfection in common areas. They also provided Hand sanitizer everywhere. I felt totally safe, even with masks and the whole deal. Good thing, they are Staff trained in safety protocol. And for the picky eaters like me, there were even Individually-wrapped food options!
The Extras: Services & Conveniences
- Concierge: Super helpful, especially with booking tours.
- Daily housekeeping: Rooms were spotless.
- Laundry service: Essential when you're sweating buckets.
- Currency exchange: Very convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Always a bonus.
- Doorman: A nice touch.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart)
While I traveled without kids, I noticed they had Kids facilities and Babysitting service. The pool is definitely kid-friendly, too.
Getting Around (The Great Mobility Question, Revisited)
Okay, getting to the hotel, and around Penida, requires a bit of planning. Renting a scooter is the usual way to go, but again: be careful on those roads! Their Airport transfer service is a must.
What Could Be Better? (Because No Place is Perfect!)
- The Wi-Fi, as I've already whined about (sorry!).
- The roads to get there, some days are a proper adventure.
- Some minor maintenance issues in the room (loose towel rack, etc. – nothing major).
Final Verdict: Run, Don't Walk (If You Can!)
Despite the Wi-Fi hiccups and the bumpy roads, Paradise Found is a truly special place. It's the perfect escape if you crave relaxation, luxury, and stunning views. Is it perfect? Nope. Is it worth it? Absolutely. I’d go back in a heartbeat. The staff were lovely, the food was delicious, and the spa was pure bliss. This place is perfect for couples, solo travelers, and anyone who wants to disconnect (mostly!) and recharge.
Here’s the Deal: Escape to Luxurious Bliss! (A Limited-Time Offer!)
Book your stay at Nusa Penida's Paradise Found today and receive:
- A free upgrade to a pool-view room (subject to availability!).
- A complimentary Balinese massage for each guest.
- Exclusive access to our "Paradise Pack" – a welcome basket filled with local treats and essentials.
- Plus: Guaranteed high-speed Wi-Fi access (at least in the lobby!).
- Book now with promo code PARADISEPENIDA and receive 15% off your entire stay!
Don't miss out on the chance for an unforgettable getaway. Click here to book your escape today! (And tell them the slightly-scared-of-bumpy-roads-but-completely-in-love-with-the-pool-view, sent you!)
Escape to Paradise: Sekar Kuning Villa, Bali - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious chaos that is my Nusa Penida, Bali adventure. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram travel guides, because this is gonna be real. This is the itinerary of a slightly anxious, easily distracted, and perpetually hungry human navigating the beauty and the beast of island life. And let's be honest, the "Lovely Deluxe Poolside Room" is the only reason I’m here in the first place.
Day 1: Arrival & Poolside Bliss (and Mild Panic)
- 9:00 AM - Denpasar Airport (DPS) Arrival: Ugh, airports. Why are they always so overwhelming? Found my driver, thankfully – a skinny dude with a perpetually confused look on his face. He got lost twice on the way to the Sanur ferry terminal. This does not bode well. I swear, I'm going to learn some Indonesian phrases, stat.
- 11:00 AM - Sanur Ferry to Nusa Penida: The ferry! It's a speed boat, which makes me think of all the things that could go wrong at high speeds. The sea's a lovely shade of blue though, and the sun is beating down. Trying to channel "zen tourist," failing miserably.
- 12:00 PM - Check-in at "Lovely Deluxe Poolside Room" (finally!): Okay, here we go. The room… is actually… stunning. The pictures online didn’t lie! Breathtaking view of the pool and the ocean, the bed is huge and I'm already considering never leaving this room. I'm almost tempted to just stay here and order room service for the rest of my trip. But I've got to force myself to explore!
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at the Hotel Restaurant: The food. Oh, the food! I'm having Nasi Goreng (classic) and it's… alright. Could use more chili. My biggest issue is I have a feeling that I’ll be spending a lot of time here. I vow to branch out. Tomorrow I become a foodie!
- 2:00 PM - Poolside Downtime: This is what I came for. Sun, book, margarita (well, mocktail - can't wreck myself too early). I spent an hour just floating in the water staring at the sky. And then a wasp landed on my arm, and I screeched and nearly knocked over the tray of my mojito. Now I’m edgy again.
- 4:00 PM - Sunset cocktails at hotel bar: Oh the sunset! It's glorious! But also, a group of loud Australians has commandeered the bar.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Warung (restaurant): Brave the outside world! Finding a Warung down the road. The menu is all in Indonesian, and I pointed at something vaguely resembling chicken. Fingers crossed. It arrived… and it was delicious! So cheap too! Maybe this adventure thing isn't so bad after all.
Day 2: Exploring the Coast & the Curse of the Selfie Stick
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel (again): This time I'm gonna branch out! Order something different… it's pancakes apparently. So so sweet. sigh.
- 9:00 AM - Renting a Scooter (the most terrifying thing I've done all year): Okay, so I'm a city girl. Scooters terrify me. But everyone says it's the only way to get around. I paid for a week, which might be a sign of overconfidence. The shop owner gave me a helmet, which is good, and a vague instruction to "go slowly." I feel like I’m on the set of a slapstick movie. I went very slowly.
- 10:00 AM - Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Cliff): The view from the top is… unbelievable. Seriously. The scale of it is just breathtaking. But then I joined the crowd. The crowds! Hundreds of people all jostling for the perfect Instagram shot! I swear, 90% of the people here were wielding selfie sticks. I found a tiny spot on the edge to take it all in, and made a note to avoid the crowds if I ever come back.
- 11:00 AM - Kelingking Beach Hike: And now… for the descent. The steps are steep, and I'm already sweating like a pig. I'm not sure I can make it to the bottom. My clumsy feet slipped twice on the narrow stairs. This is going to take all my willpower. Oh, worth it! The beach is absolutely gorgeous. I managed to get down and make some new friends there.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch by the Beach: After the hike, I was starving. Found a little shack and had the best mie goreng of my life!
- 2:30 PM - Broken Beach & Angel's Billabong: Broken Beach is a natural rock archway and Angel's Billabong is a… well, a billabong! The water is crystal clear, the rock formations are stunning. Everyone's taking pictures. I'm taking pictures too. I might have bought a selfie stick. Don't tell anyone.
- 4:00 PM - Scooter Mishap (minor): Okay, so maybe I went a little too fast. Hit a pothole. Slight wobble. Scraped my knee. Luckily, nothing serious. Lesson learned: potholes are the enemy.
- 5:00 PM - Sunset at Crystal Bay: Beautiful beach, amazing sunset. I made a new friend, and we watched the sunset together. It was perfect. And the best part? No Australians! whew.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a Warung: I'm getting braver about the food. Ordered Gado Gado. Didn't regret it.
Day 3: Underwater Adventures & Sunburns (and More Panic)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast: Pancakes again. I need to start exercising more. sigh.
- 8:00 AM - Snorkeling Trip to Manta Point: I'm a bit nervous about this. Open water, big fish (hopefully Mantas!). But I got in the boat, and off we went.
- 9:00 AM - Boat trip: The waves. Oh, the waves! I spent the entire boat journey feeling horribly seasick. I am the only one to get sick, and I feel so embarrassed.
- 10:00 AM - Manta Point snorkeling: The moment of truth! Got in the water… and… WOW! The mantas are majestic gliding through the water. Huge, graceful… it’s like being in a dream. I might have even squealed a little. The nausea was forgotten for a while.
- 11:30 AM - Secret Beach: A bit more snorkeling at a secluded beach… and then I got a sunburn. Ouch. Always forget the sunscreen.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch: Fried rice, of course. In the shade. Sunburn is a harsh mistress.
- 2:00 PM - Relaxation time: I'm going back to the room. Just going to drink water and hide from the sun.
- 5:00 PM - Poolside Cocktails (and, uh, a nap): The pool is calling my name. I’m going to find the most secluded corner.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at the hotel: Feeling lazy. And sunburned. Room service, here I come!
Day 4: Temples & Tears (maybe) & Preparing for Departure
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast: Okay, I’m committing. I'm going to actually get dressed and try to eat a meal outside the hotel.
- 10:00 AM - Goa Giri Putri Temple: This is a cave temple, and it’s beautiful and serene. You have to climb a loooong flight of stairs to get there, in the heat. The feeling of awe and history completely compensates for all the effort, however.
- 12:00 PM - Checking out: I am packing my bags. It has been a wonderful trip, and I will not forget it anytime soon.
- 1:00 PM - Farewell Lunch: I found a hidden gem of a cafe. The food was absolutely amazing, and the views!
Day 5: Departure
- Wake up early: I am so sad to be leaving.
- Head to the airport: I hope I will be back soon!
- Reflect: I want to go back to those beautiful days.
Overall Assessment: Nusa Penida, you are a messy, beautiful, slightly chaotic, and utterly unforgettable place. The "Lovely Deluxe Poolside Room" was a lifesaver. I need to work on
Unbelievable Matsuyama Stay: Dougo-Yado Guest House Awaits!
Nusa Penida's Paradise Found: You've Got Questions? I've Got, Uh...Answers (Maybe?!)
Okay, So...What *Exactly* Makes This Place "Paradise?" I'm Skeptical. (And Sunburnt Already.)
Look, I hear you. "Paradise" gets thrown around like confetti these days. Especially in travel brochures where the airbrushing department has obviously mainlined Red Bull. But honestly? Paradise Found is...well, it's pretty damn close. It's got that Insta-worthy infinity pool overlooking the cliffs, which, yes, *is* as breathtaking as the photos. I almost cried the first time I saw it. (And then spilled a Bintang…classic).
Think about it: Imagine waking up to the sunrise painting the sky in impossible colors. You stumble out of your ridiculously comfortable bed (seriously, could have slept there for a week), down to breakfast with a view that’ll make your jaw just...drop. Then it’s all about the pool, the cocktails, the lazy afternoons…Okay, maybe that *does* sound cliché. But trust me on this one. The fact that it's a bit of a trek to get there makes it feel even more rewarding. (More on the journey later...because, yikes.)
I mean, even the imperfections are kinda charming. Like the slightly wonky wifi (blessedly forcing you to disconnect) or the occasional mosquito (pack the repellent!). Honestly, it's a refreshing change from places that feel sterile and...well, boring. It's got a soul, this place.
How Do I *Get* There? (And Should I Pack Dramamine?)
Ah, the journey. Be warned, it’s an adventure. Think Indiana Jones, minus the whip (thankfully). First, you take a fast boat from Sanur. That’s…fine. The water can get a little choppy, so if you're prone to seasickness, pop a Dramamine. I, being cocky, skipped it…big mistake. Spent most of the crossing trying not to hurl. Not pretty.
Then comes the fun part: the road. Let me paint you a picture: narrow, winding mountain roads carved out of sheer cliffs. And scooters. So. Many. Scooters. You'll probably have a driver (highly recommend – you'll thank me later). Expect dust (a lot of dust), potholes that could swallow small cars, and occasionally, a goat. Yes, a goat.
But hey, at least the scenery is amazing! Just try not to focus on the fact that the road looks like it was built by a caffeinated squirrel. Seriously though, take your time, breathe, and enjoy the raw, unpolished beauty of it all. And maybe bring a neck pillow. Your spine will thank you. Once you emerge dusty but alive, the Paradise Found experience really begins.
What's the Food Like? I'm a Critical Eater. (And Hangry.)
Okay, Mr. or Ms. Food Critic, listen up. The food is... pretty darn delicious. It's not Michelin-starred, but it's fresh, flavorful, and the portions are generous. Seriously, I swear I gained five pounds just breathing the air.
The breakfasts are a highlight. Fresh fruit (mangoes, pineapples, the works!), fluffy pancakes, eggs cooked every which way. They also had some Balinese specialties - you *have* to try the Nasi Goreng. It literally set my soul on fire (in a good way). The lunchtime menu offers salads, sandwiches, and some heartier options. The dinner menu is a bit more refined. Think grilled fish, pastas, and various other delights. Everything is sourced locally and cooked with obvious care and passion.
The real secret weapon? The poolside snacks. Those little fried spring rolls? Gone in seconds. And the Bintangs are always cold. Trust me, you'll be more than satisfied. Even if you're a bit of a foodie snob, you should probably put that side of you aside to make a little space for that delicious Bintang and the incredible view.
What Are the Rooms Like? Do I Need to Worry About Creepy Crawlies? (I'm a Wimp.)
The rooms are lovely. They're spacious, tastefully decorated, and the beds are heavenly. I slept like a log, which is a minor miracle considering how much adventure I was having trying to get there. The bathrooms are modern and well-appointed. And the views…again, just wow.
Creepy crawlies? Okay. Look, you're in a tropical paradise. You're going to see the occasional gecko (they're cute, I swear!), maybe a few ants, and the occasional… well, it depends on the season. They have mosquito nets, which is a HUGE plus. Pack bug spray and you'll be fine. They also do a good job of keeping the rooms clean and bug free. But no one gets out of Nusa Penida completely unscathed! It’s part of the charm.
What Should I Do Besides Lounging by the Pool (Even Though That Sounds AMAZING)?
Okay, I get it. You didn’t travel all this way just to be a potato. While lounging by the pool is basically a religious experience, Nusa Penida offers plenty of adventure!
Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Beach): Get ready for a serious climb. The views from the top are insane, but the hike down (and back up!) is steep and challenging. Worth it? ABSOLUTELY. But be prepared. Seriously. Wear shoes with some traction.
Broken Beach & Angel's Billabong: These are both stunning natural formations. Angel's Billabong is a natural infinity pool. Be sure to check the tides before you go. Do not go if the water's rough because there are a lot of rocks to smack into.
Snorkeling/Diving: The waters around Nusa Penida are teeming with life! You can see manta rays, turtles, and colorful coral. I'm not a diver, but even snorkeling was incredible. Just...be mindful of the currents. They are serious.
Don't forget: Try to catch a sunset. They are magical. There are also some great little warungs (local restaurants) dotted around where you can sample the local cuisine. Get a massage. Seriously. And just...breathe. That's the real experience.
Is it Good for Families? (I Have a Small Human Who Demands Constant Entertainment).
Hmmmm... that's a tough one. Paradise Found is primarily geared toward couples and those looking for a relaxing getaway. The pool area isn't exactly kid-friendly (lots of steep drops, minimal supervision). The roads getting there are...well, let's just say they test your patience.
If your kids are older, adventurous, and well-behaved, then maybe. If you have toddlers, or kids who need constant attentionWander Stay Spot
