Paradise Found: Friemily Pool Villa & Hotel, Geoje Island Escape!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Paradise Found: Friemily Pool Villa & Hotel, Geoje Island Escape! and let me tell you, it’s less "perfect brochure" and more "real-life vacation with all the glorious messiness that entails." This isn't your cookie-cutter hotel review; this is a soul-baring exploration of a stay that was sometimes thrilling, sometimes mildly frustrating, and always, ALWAYS memorable.
First Impressions and the "Is This Heaven?" Factor (Spoiler: Mostly Yes)
Let's be real, the drive to Paradise Found is already a feast for the eyes. Geoje Island is gorgeous, and even the mundane parts of the journey – the little convenience stores, the occasional traffic – felt strangely charming. And THEN you arrive. Honestly, the entrance…it sets the tone. It's not some sterile, corporate lobby. It's… inviting. Not a perfect painting; something more like a good sketch of a relaxed hotel stay.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and a Plea for Improvement!)
Okay, the accessibility. Here’s my brutally honest take: it's a work in progress. The website says "facilities for disabled guests," and that's true… to a point. I noticed an elevator, which is crucial. But navigating the grounds with a wheelchair could be tricky in some areas. Ramps felt a little steep in places. Bathrooms felt a bit tight. (Remember, I'm coming from a place of wanting everyone to enjoy this place!) I'd love to see them really invest in making this a genuinely inclusive experience. Think wider doorways, lowered counters, and maybe even some accessible pool access… that's not an option right now. If you have specific accessibility needs, call ahead and get the lowdown; they were friendly enough when I called with questions before arriving.
Room Revelations: My Villa, My Palace (Minus the Butler)
I splurged for a pool villa. And honestly? Worth. Every. Penny. From the soundproof rooms- which meant I could crank up the K-Pop without fear (a huge win) - to the private bathroom (a must), it was bliss. The picture window with that view? Unreal. I nearly tripped over my own feet taking pictures and video to send them to friends. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after a few too many sojus the night before, and the slippers and bathrobes made me feel like a celebrity (even if it was just me).
Now, a few hiccups: the Internet access - LAN (if you were into that) was there, but like, who even uses LAN anymore? We're living in the age of Wi-Fi [free]! Thank goodness for that. There was also what seemed like a tiny, almost inconsequential glitch: a mirror which was placed in a way that, if you were short… well, you might not see your face. This wasn't a dealbreaker, but let's just say my makeup skills got a serious test.
And then the air conditioning. Pure. Bliss.
Food, Glorious Food! (And Some Slightly Less Glorious Moments)
The breakfast [buffet]. Ah, the buffet. Listen, I am a buffet connoisseur. And this one? Pretty solid. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast… all the bases covered, even though I wish they’d had more fresh fruit and less of the… processed stuff. The coffee/tea in restaurant was constant and free.
The restaurants themselves were great. The Western cuisine in restaurant and the Asian cuisine in restaurant were both top-notch, though sometimes it did take a little longer than I expected. They really went the extra mile with the alternative meal arrangement as well. I love that they have a vegetarian restaurant! I'm not a vegetarian, but that's an awesome option. Poolside bar? Yes, please! Snack bar? Also yes. The desserts in restaurant were… sinful. Warning: the desserts in restaurant might make you want to throw away your diet.
BUT, and this is a small BUT, sometimes the service felt a touch…slow. I'm talking "slightly understaffed on a busy weekend" slow. Nothing that ruined the experience, just something to keep in mind. Also, don't expect a Michelin star experience, but the A la carte in restaurant menu had some surprises too. The salad in restaurant was perfectly fresh.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and Seriously Chill Vibes
The whole Spa experience was dreamy. I did the Body scrub and Massage. Worth it. Just…worth it. If you want to erase the stress of modern existence, this is the place. The Sauna, Steamroom, and the Swimming pool [outdoor] were a perfect combo, and the Pool with view was Instagram gold. The Foot bath was…well, I'm not a foot bath person, but I'm sure some loved it! The Gym/fitness was even there, but I was too busy eating to use it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Protected
I felt safe. The Daily disinfection in common areas gave a great sense of peace, and they took things seriously with the hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, and the Anti-viral cleaning products. Rooms sanitized between stays was a huge plus. They were also providing Individually-wrapped food options and Safe dining setup. It wasn't a sterile, clinical experience, but they took it seriously which put my mind at ease. They even had a First aid kit if you scraped your knee from all the running you do (or I do when I don't know where I'm going).
Things to Do! (Besides, You Know, Chilling)
Geoje Island has tons to offer. Paradise Found is a great base. There are outdoor venue for special events if you want to go big. Shrine? Proposal spot? Very romantic. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] makes it easy to travel. I spent a whole day exploring the coastal roads. They also offer Taxi service if you don't want to drive.
Services and Conveniences: Perks Galore!
Daily housekeeping was excellent, and so was the Laundry service. Air conditioning in public area? CHECK. Concierge? Super helpful. Currency exchange? Handy. Elevator? Yes! Luggage storage? Yup. Room service [24-hour]? Game changer.
I appreciated the Check-in/out [express]. Quick and easy. Safety deposit boxes are available to keep you worry-free.
For the Kids: Family Fun (Maybe)
The kids' facilities are there, but I don't have kids and wasn't paying THAT close of attention, but it seemed fairly standard, but not over-the-top.
The Quirks (And the Things That Could Be Better)
Okay, let's talk about the "realness" of my stay. As I mentioned, service could be a little slow at times. And I did notice a few… minor imperfections here and there. Nothing major, but things that could be polished up. This isn't the Ritz-Carlton – which is fine, because that's not what I was looking for. I love that it's not slick and overproduced.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite the minor imperfections, Paradise Found offers something special: a genuine escape. The setting is stunning, the villas are dreamy, the relaxation options are top-notch, and the staff, despite the occasional service lag, are genuinely friendly and helpful. It’s a place where you can unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself (and maybe get a little tipsy while doing it).
SEO-Optimized Call to Action (Because I Have to!)
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Final, Completely Honest, and a Little Rambling Thought:
The soundproofing was so good in my room that I could actually hear the ocean waves. It was the best. I fell asleep every night to the calming sounds of waves.
This is a genuinely great place!
Escape to Paradise: Yanmin Hot Spring Resort's Taipei Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip, we're building a glorious, messy, potentially disastrous (in the best way possible) adventure to Friemily Pool Villa & Hotel in Geoje-si, South Korea. Forget perfection, we're aiming for "authentically bewildered tourist with a camera and a questionable ability to use chopsticks." Here we go…
FRIEMILY POOL VILLA & HOTEL: The Great Geoje-si Gauntlet (AKA: My Sanity's Last Stand)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Kimchi Caper (aka, jet lag is a jerk)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Touchdown in Busan! Okay, first hurdle: making it through customs without bursting into tears. I swear, my brain feels like scrambled eggs after a 12-hour flight. I’m pretty sure I just saw a dog look at me judgmentally. This is going to be a fun trip.
- 8:30 AM: Find my luggage! Actually, this is a minor miracle. Now on to the next challenge… finding the airport transfer to Geoje-si. Let the games begin. This is where my survival skills are truly tested!
- 10:30 AM: Okay, we've made it. We're officially in the taxi. The driver is clearly a speed demon, and I'm clinging to the seat like it's the last life raft on the Titanic. Pray for me, friends.
- 12:00 PM: ARRIVAL! Friemily Pool Villa & Hotel. It's… stunning. Seriously, the photos online didn't do it justice. The pool looks suspiciously blue. (Is that a filter? I'll have to investigate.) After what feels like an eternity of being cooped up, I'm ready to just sink into a comfortable bed and… Oh wait, I'm here on a mission to explore, and I've got a very limited time to do it so let's go!
- 1:00 PM: Lunchtime! Found a cute little restaurant nearby. Ordered something that sounded vaguely familiar, but it came with a side of… kimchi. Now, I've had kimchi before, but this was… intense. My tastebuds are staging a protest. I took a bite, smiled enthusiastically (because, you know, cultural sensitivity), and then secretly chased it with about five glasses of water. Let’s just say it was a truly authentic experience.
- 2:30 PM: Finally! I finally got to soak in the pool. Ah, the blissful feeling of water on my skin! Maybe I'll stay there forever.
- 4:00 PM: Rest and Recharge. I can practically hear my bed calling my name. Fighting off the urge to take a nap, or at least a long sit-down break.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner! I'm feeling adventurous (read: delirious from jet lag). I am tempted to try another traditional dish. I'll need to figure out what I'm eating. Let's face it, the staff is going to be laughing at me.
- 8:00 PM: Stumbling around and taking photos! This place is beautiful at night.
- 9:00 PM: Hit the hay! This trip is going to need some serious sleep.
Day 2: Geoje Island Exploration & The Squid Ink Incident (aka, don't trust the menu pictures)
- 8:00 AM: Break fast - wake up, get dressed. I am not sleeping in again!
- 9:00 AM: I'm planning to head north to the Geojedo Island.
- 10:00 AM: After seeing the Geoje Island, it's time to head back to the hotel. On the way, I can't help but stop at the cute stores and buy some souvenirs.
- 12:00 PM: Lunchtime! Found a little place with a stunning view of the ocean. I was feeling brave and ordered something called "Squid Ink Noodles" because the picture on the menu looked… well, appetizing. BIG MISTAKE. My teeth are black, my lips are purple, and I'm pretty sure I look like a rejected extra from a zombie movie. The taste? Let's just say it was an experience. I am not eating dark foods for a while.
- 2:00 PM: Finally back at the hotel. I think I might go chill in the pool again.
- 4:00 PM: Found a spa - I'm in heaven! This is exactly what I needed.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner! I didn't think I will ever eat again, but I'm suddenly hungry! I'll try to be less adventurous today. I need something basic. I'm leaning towards rice.
- 8:00 PM: I am going to sit by the pool!
Day 3: Relaxation & Departure (aka, tears and souvenirs!)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast, and maybe try to eat breakfast again! I hope I don't mess up anything!
- 9:00 AM: One last dip in the pool! It's so sad knowing it's the last day.
- 11:00 AM: Pack my bags (a Herculean task after all the souvenirs I've accumulated). Souvenir shopping! I am in my element. I've grabbed everything from tiny ceramic cats to an extremely questionable-looking ginseng root. My suitcase is groaning in protest.
- 12:00 PM: Last lunch in Geoje-si. Trying to savor every bite, every moment.
- 1:00 PM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the staff at Friemily. They were so patient with my terrible Korean and my general clumsiness.
- 2:00 PM: The taxi, the airport… the bittersweet feeling of departure. The trip was what I had wanted and I enjoyed every moment.
- 4:00 PM: BUSAN AIRPORT! I'm at the airport! My flight is in a few hours.
- 7:00 PM: Last look at South Korea! I'm going home. Goodbye South Korea!
- 8:00 PM: Goodbye South Korea!
Quirky Observations & Final Thoughts:
- The Korean people are incredibly kind and helpful. Even when I butchered the language, they smiled and tried to understand. (Bless them.)
- The food is amazing and terrifying—sometimes simultaneously.
- I'm pretty sure I have a tan line from my sunglasses. I have learned a lot from this trip.
- The only thing I would change is that I would have brought more snacks.
- Would I go back? In a heartbeat. But next time, I'm bringing a friend who knows how to navigate a menu and operate a pair of chopsticks with grace. Also, a translator app. And maybe a hazmat suit for any future encounters with squid ink.
Overall Rating: 10/10 (Would recommend, with a strong emphasis on "prepare for the unexpected" and "pack comfortable shoes").
Bibione Beach Bliss: Stunning 1-Bedroom Condo (Ippocampo!)
Paradise Found: Friemily Pool Villa & Hotel - Geoje Island Escape! (Or, Things I Wish Someone Told Me...)
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place *Actually* Paradise?
Look, let's just say "paradise" is a strong word. I've been lied to before! But... Friemily? It's good. Really good. Like, you know those Instagram photos? They're not lying *completely*. The private pool villas? That's where the magic happens. My friend, Sarah, she practically *lived* in the water. I swear, she emerged looking like a prune after three days. But happy. Utterly, blissfully happy. So, paradise? Maybe a slightly imperfect, occasionally mosquito-filled version. More like "Pretty Darn Amazing."
How Do I Even GET There? (And Should I Rent a Car?)
Getting to Geoje Island itself is a bit of a trek. We took the KTX to Busan, then splashed out on a taxi. It's scenic, but also... yeah, it's a drive. My advice? RENT A CAR. Seriously. We didn't, and honestly, we regretted it. There's not *much* public transport, and taxis add up faster than you think. We ended up relying on hotel shuttles for some things--which were fine, but it meant less freedom. One morning, we *desperately* wanted to find a specific bakery, but without wheels… well, let's just say pastry cravings went unanswered. Learn from my mistake, my friends! Plus, driving around Geoje is beautiful! Think winding roads, ocean views... it's an adventure in itself.
Villa vs. Hotel Room: Which Should I Choose? And is the Private Pool Worth the Splurge?
Okay, deep breaths. Okay, so... the *villas*? *Chef's kiss*. The private pool situation is worth it. My partner, Mark, hates sharing pools. Like, *loves* his personal space. And the villa allowed just that. Room service after hours? Perfection. Plus, the views! Each morning, I woke up, pushed open the sliding glass doors, and *jumped* (carefully) into the pool. Pure, unadulterated joy. Sure, the hotel rooms are probably perfectly nice. But trust me, seeing other hotel guests staring longingly at your private oasis? That's a different kind of bliss. It's a little more expensive, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. We spent all of our time at the pool and it was perfect. We didn't even eat dinner out really because the kitchen was such a nice space to hang out in.
What's the Food Like? Is There a Restaurant Nearby? (And Do They Cater to Picky Eaters?)
The hotel has a restaurant! It's… decent. Fine. You won't write home about it, but it's convenient. The breakfast buffet was a solid offering, especially the fresh fruit. I’m a little picky (shh, don't tell), and I managed. They did fresh eggs! And toast! Plus, it's all quite Korean... which, if that's your bag, is a bonus. If you *really* like Korean food, you'll be in heaven. A lot of the surrounding restaurants are also Korean. So... if you're a burger person, plan accordingly. We actually did some grocery shopping at a local market (again, see the car rental recommendation above). That way we could decide what to cook on our own. We bought way too much. Way too much. Don't be like us.
Is the Pool Really as Instagrammable as it Looks? (And, Um, Are There Privacy Issues?)
Okay, the pool. The pictures. They're not *entirely* deceiving. It's gorgeous. The water is crystal clear, the design is sleek, and the views… Oh, the views! You'll spend half your time just staring off into the ocean. Privacy? Mostly. The villas are designed thoughtfully. Your villa is probably completely private. You’re not going to feel like you're on display. Just be careful if you're the kind of person who loves to sunbathe *au naturel* – you *might* be visible from a distant boat or something. Just, you know... be aware. We weren't. And then we were. And then we laughed really hard about it.
Anything Else I Should Know? (Like, Mosquitoes? Amenities? Hidden Fees?)
Mosquitoes! Bring repellent. South Korea in the summer is a mosquito paradise. The hotel provides some, but trust me: bring your own hardcore stuff. The amenities are pretty standard. The staff were pretty helpful, but communication can be a little tricky. Brush up on your basic Korean phrases or download a translation app! Hidden fees? Not that I recall, but always double-check your final bill just in case! Also... Wi-Fi. Check the strength upfront. Remote work, you know? (Or you could just disconnect and really enjoy paradise.)
My Most Memorable (and Slightly Embarrassing) Moment at Friemily?
Oh, goodness… Where to begin? Okay, here's the thing. Because we were so relaxed and happy at the pool, we got a little bit… festive. We ordered some cocktails. A *lot* of cocktails. And it was a hot day. My friend, Sarah, bless her heart, thought it would be a brilliant idea to try a backflip into the pool. She's not a gymnast. Or particularly coordinated. Let's just say the backflip... didn't quite go according to plan. It was more of a semi-successful somersault ending in a spectacular splash. The sound – a combination of surprise, gurgling water, and laughter – still echoes in my mind. We laughed until our stomachs hurt. It was utterly ridiculous… and honestly, it's part of what made the trip so memorable. She'll probably deny the whole thing, but I have photographic evidence! (And no, I’m not sharing it.) It sums up the Friemily experience pretty perfectly, actually. A little bit messy, a little bit silly, and a whole lot of fun.
