Penida Paradise: Your Deluxe Double Room Awaits! (Bali's BEST View)
Penida Paradise: My Bali Bliss…and Some Bumps in the Road (But Mostly Bliss!) – A Rambling Review
Okay, fine, let's talk Penida Paradise. "Deluxe Double Room Awaits!" they say. "Bali's BEST View!" they proclaim. And you know what? They’re mostly right. But before you dive in headfirst, let me, your gloriously imperfect reviewer, paint you the whole picture. Buckle up, buttercups. This is going to be a wild ride.
(First Impressions & The View that Sold Me)
Honestly, the view… whew. Forget everything you think you know about Instagram perfection. The pictures? They don’t even touch the real thing. My jaw, I swear, actually dropped when I stepped out onto that balcony of my Deluxe Double. Emerald green water churning against the impossibly white cliffs. Sky so blue it almost hurt. It’s the kind of vista that makes you feel insignificant… in the best possible way. That’s the soul of Penida Paradise, and that’s what they nail. Seriously, the view earns them about 9/10 stars right off the bat.
(Accessibility - A Hesitant Start & A Pleasant Surprise)
Initially, I was a little worried. Accessibility. Not always Bali’s strong suit, right? The website didn’t scream “wheelchair-friendly” (they need to improve on this), and I was picturing treacherous paths. The real deal had me feeling the need to apologize. The hotel is surprisingly mindful. The lobby and some of the common areas have ramps, and while I didn't investigate every nook and cranny, the staff mentioned accessible rooms (though I didn’t personally see one). Okay, it’s not perfect, but they're genuinely trying to be inclusive. That gets a thumbs up from me. And hey, the elevator worked! (A small victory, but a victory nonetheless.)
- Accessibility: 3/5 (Room for improvement on clear information and wider accessibility standards).
(Rooms: Deluxe Double Delight – Mostly)
My room? The Deluxe Double. It was spacious, clean (more on that later), and had everything I needed. Air conditioning that actually worked (bless!), blackout curtains for those epic Bali naps, and a comfy bed. They even provided robes and slippers - fancy! The mini-bar was, well, stocked. (Maybe I sneaked a few Bintangs…don't tell anyone!). The Wi-Fi, by the way, was a dream. Free in-room, and strong enough to video call my family back home—a MUST these days! (Okay, maybe not all the time…). And the hot water! Glorious hot water after a day of exploring. Honestly, from that initial amazing view, the room didn't disappoint.
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- Room Cleanliness: 4/5 (Impeccable generally, but saw a few questionable moments that needed to be corrected).
(Diving into the "Dining, Drinking, and Snacking" Abyss)
Okay, time for the real test: the food. Let me preface this by saying I love food. I'm a happy camper who loves to chomp down, but I don't have an iron gut. The Penida Paradise offers a variety of dining options, including:
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Breakfast Buffet Bonanza: Breakfast was included. This is where things get a little… messy. The buffet itself was impressive, a good mix of Western and Asian choices. The Asian breakfast was delicious, and I really appreciated the option of an Asian breakfast. The coffee was good, the fruit was fresh… and the omlet was… well, sometimes overdone. But the worst part? The buffet area was a bit… chaotic. Sometimes running out of food, with long lines, and staff scrambling to keep up. This is a major improvement.
- Food quality/preparation: 3/5 (Good, but inconsistent).
On-Site Restaurants and Lounges: The pool side bar became a favorite spot for a cocktail.
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: This is not applicable from the perspective of a disability.
- Staff Training: 4/5 (Staff are trained in their protocols).
(Relaxation Station – Spa, Pool, and Beyond)
Ah, the bliss! Penida Paradise knows how to do relaxation.
- Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
The outdoor pool? Incredible. Infinity edge, overlooking the view. I spent hours just bobbing around, soaking up the sun, and generally feeling like a pampered queen. The spa was wonderful too, with a range of treatments. I went for a Balinese massage - pure, unadulterated heaven. My muscles weren’t made for such activities, and I felt amazing afterwards. The fitness center was well-equipped, but let’s be honest, who goes to Bali to work out? I did peek in once, thinking about that pesky muffin top, but the view from my balcony won out.
- Overall Relaxation Experience: 4.5/5 (Spa and pool are top-notch, the gym less so).
(Cleanliness, Safety, and the "During COVID" Factor)
Let's address the elephant in the room: COVID. Penida Paradise clearly takes it seriously.
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment
Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, and lots of cleaning happening. I felt genuinely safe. The breakfast buffet had individual portions. I saw staff disinfecting everything constantly. The hotel is taking the safety concerns of everyone seriously.
- Cleanliness/Safety Rating: 5/5 (Couldn't fault it, given the current climate).
(Things to Do – From Relaxation to Adventure)
- Things to do: There are many options.
Penida Paradise is a great base for exploring Nusa Penida. They can arrange tours (which I recommend), and you can easily hire a scooter.
(Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter)
- Services and conveniences: *Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center,
I felt like they’d thought of almost everything. The staff were incredibly helpful. The concierge helped me book activities, and the daily housekeeping was efficient and friendly. Cash withdrawal was easy, a small convenience store for essential needs, and currency exchange. Contactless check-in/out was easy.
- Overall Service Rating: 5/5 (Exceptional).
(The Verdict and My Honest Advice)
Penida Paradise is a winner. That view alone… is worth the price of admission. There are a few minor hiccups, yes. But the pros far outweigh the cons.
My Final Recommendation:
- Book it! If a luxurious hotel with an astounding view is on your list, don’t
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is a Penida Bali Adventure: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Smelly (Probably from the Seaweed), and it’s all happening in the luxurious (supposedly) embrace of a Great Deluxe Double Room with a Great View… let's see about that.
Pre-Trip Anxiety & Packing Panic (aka The Fun Before Day 1)
- Two weeks before: Found out my passport expired. Cried. Briefly considered cancelling the whole damn thing. Got it renewed. Victory! But still, the fear of being stuck in baggage claim hell lingers.
- Packing Hell: I swear, I'm the only person who can manage to overpack for a weekend trip to a desert. Seriously, what am I thinking? "Ooh, might need a sequined gown for that impromptu temple visit… and definitely three different types of sunscreen. Just in case." My suitcase is basically a sentient black hole.
- Day Before: Watched one too many YouTube videos about Penida. Got SUPER hyped. Then, saw a video of a rogue wave smashing into Crystal Bay. Suddenly, doubt crept in again. Okay, maybe I need that survival kit after all…
Day 1: Arrival, Paradise Promises, and the Reality Check (aka the "Is This Real Life?")
- 06:00 - Wake up, Panic, and Airport Shenanigans: Bleary-eyed, I woke up with the sun, which was a sign in itself, and went to the airport. The flight was delayed (surprise!), which meant my carefully crafted itinerary took a hit, and I spent more time than I'd like to admit judging the fashion choices of my fellow passengers.
- 12:00 - Land & Ferry to Penida: Bali… Check. Ferry to Penida… Check. The "great views" from the ferry were mostly… seagulls. The sea was choppy, and I had a moment of profound seasickness (a splash of ocean water to my face… delightful!). Thought I might lose my lunch, which, admittedly, was probably the best thing that could happen.
- 14:00 - Check-in - THE GREAT VIEW DEBATE! Finally, we arrived at the hotel. "Great Deluxe Double Room with a Great View?" I thought to myself. Well, it was deluxe enough, with a pretty comfortable bed and even a balcony. But the view… it was good. Not great. Mostly trees. The ocean peeked out if you squinted and leaned over the balcony. Still, I tried to be optimistic.
- 15:00 - Lunch at the Hotel Restaurant: Food was…ok. Rice and some noodles, maybe some chicken. Nothing too fancy for a first meal, but I wolfed it down because, you know, after almost being seasick, you eat whatever is available.
- 16:00 - Quick Dip into the Pool: It looked amazing in the picture, but in reality? The pool was smaller than a bathtub and filled with what I’d generously call “questionable-looking” algae. I chickened out.
- 17:00 - Exploring the Villa: Wandered the grounds. Spotting a gecko. It was quite a nice little lizard.
- 19:00 - Sunset Chasing (Attempt 1): Headed to the south coast for sunset. Traffic was a beast. Missed the actual sunset. Sat in a cafe, trying to convince myself that a slightly orange sky was still a win. Ate some fries and sulked.
Day 2: Island Hopping, Underwater Wonders, and the Unexpected Melodrama (aka "The Day I Fell in Love with a Fish")
- 07:00 - Breakfast (Free!): The hotel breakfast was… well, it was free! Eggs, some unidentifiable fruit (papaya? dragon fruit? Who knows!), and watery coffee. Fueled myself with coffee, however, determined to have a better day.
- 08:00 - Snorkeling at Manta Point & Crystal Bay (The Good): Got on a boat! The water was so clear, and I saw Manta rays! Massive, graceful, majestic… it was a religious experience, and I was almost in tears. The pictures don't do it justice. Then, another snorkel at Crystal Bay. Crystal Bay was… beautiful. The water was that perfect turquoise you see in postcards. Saw some more cool fish. Felt like Ariel.
- 12:00 - Lunch with a side of Regret: Delicious grilled fish and rice at a local warung (small local restaurant). Ate it, then realized I left my camera in a taxi. Rushed back to the taxi driver. Luckily, he was still there!
- 14:00 - Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Cliff) – The Wow Factor: Okay, people, this is why you go to Penida. This cliff formation blew my mind. It looks like a T-Rex drinking from the sea! The pictures simply don’t do it justice. The hike down was steep and treacherous, but the view was worth it. Absolutely breathtaking. Worth the near-death experience, basically. It was the single best thing I'd ever seen in my life.
- 16:00 - Angle's Billabong (The Bad): Tried to go to Angle's Billabong after. The tide was high. Basically, the view was a bunch of churning water. Disappointment.
- 17:00 - Broken Beach: Saw Broken Beach, or rather, the giant arched rock formation. The view was ruined by a huge crowd of people.
- 19:00 - Dinner and a Near-Miss with a Scorpion: Dinner at a local warung again. Food was good. Went back to my room. Found a scorpion near my room… Scream.
Day 3: Spiritual Sojourn, Farewell Views, and the Existential Dread of Leaving (aka "Until next time, Penida!")
- 08:00 - Visiting the Temple: Went to a temple! Can't remember the name. It was all about the smells of incense and seeing the rituals.
- 10:00 - Atuh Beach & Diamond Beach (The Beauty!): Atuh Beach was accessible via a massive stairway. The beach itself isn't that great, the view from the top is amazing.
- 12:00 - Packed Up & Checked Out: Time to go. Sadness washed over me.
- 14:00 - Ferry & Flight Home: The ferry ride back was surprisingly smooth, which filled me with existential dread. This journey was coming to an end. The flight was uneventful, which was the best thing.
- Wherever You Are Now - The Big Question: Did I get the "Great View?" No. Actually, not really. Did I have a life-changing experience? YES! Would I go back? Absolutely. The adventure, the beauty, the near-death experiences… all of it. This was Penida, and I'm already planning my return.
Final Thoughts & Post-Trip Ramblings:
- The People: The people of Penida were incredibly kind and welcoming. Always smiling. Always willing to help. That's priceless.
- The Inevitable: You'll probably get a little bit of sand between your toes. Embrace it. You'll probably sweat. Embrace it. You'll probably be slightly sunburnt. Embrace it.
- The View: Is it worth it? Absolutely. Even if the view from your room isn't exactly "great."
- The Memories: Will last forever. I can't wait.
So, there you have it. Less a meticulously planned itinerary, more a rambling account of one person's messy, beautiful, slightly imperfect trip to Penida. Go, explore, get lost, get a little seasick, and find your own adventure. You won't regret it. (Unless you forget your camera. Don't forget your camera. And maybe wear sunscreen. Seriously).
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Penida Paradise: Your Deluxe Double Room Awaits! (Bali's BEST View… Probably) – FAQs That Aren't Afraid to Be Real
What's the deal with this "BEST VIEW" claim? Is it, like, actually good?
Okay, let's be honest here. "BEST VIEW" is a big claim. And the marketing person probably got a bonus for using it. But… it's *really* good. Like, jaw-droppingly good. Imagine waking up to the sun painting the ocean a thousand different shades of blue, with cliff faces and distant islands looking like something out of a postcard. My first morning, I literally choked on my coffee just from staring. But here's the *kicker* - it depends. One morning, there were clouds. Beautiful clouds, mind you, but clouds nonetheless. So, BEST VIEW? Probably. Consistently? Nature's a fickle beast. But 9/10, you'll be Instagram-level jealous of yourself. Prepare for excessive photo-taking. You've been warned.
Alright, alright, good view. But what about the room itself? Deluxe, huh? Sounds fancy.
"Deluxe" is probably relative. It's clean, it's comfortable, the bed actually doesn't try to eat you while you sleep (a shocking rarity sometimes!), and the air con works like a dream. Don't expect gold taps. You're on an island, remember? Expect a generous helping of Indonesian charm, a mosquito net (thank GOODNESS!), and maybe a slightly wonky power outlet (blame the island, not the hotel!). The toiletries, sometimes, are those tiny little bottles, so consider bringing your own if you have, like, particular hair or skin needs. One thing I *loved* though, was the balcony. Seriously, sitting on the balcony, watching the sunset… that alone is worth the price of admission. I'll probably still be dreaming about that view, years from now.
How do I get to Penida Paradise? The logistics are stressing me out already.
Okay, deep breaths. Getting to Nusa Penida is… an adventure. Think of it as a pre-game show to the awesomeness. You'll take a fast boat from Bali. The journey is often bumpy. Prepare for a bit of a jostle, especially if the sea is feeling sassy. (Pro tip: Take a motion sickness pill, even if you *think* you're immune. Trust me.). Then, you'll be transferred from the boat to a smaller vehicle to get to the hotel. The roads on Nusa Penida… let's just say they haven't been paved with gold. They're mostly a bumpy, dusty, pot-holed affair. Enjoy the ride! Embrace the adventure! And maybe bring a neck pillow. It's all part of the experience, right? Right?! (Just kidding… mostly). But the hotel can usually arrange transport, just check with them. Make sure you book in advance because it can get crowded at harbor.
What is there to do on Nusa Penida (other than stare at the amazing view from my room)?
Okay, you're surrounded by incredible natural beauty. The island is basically one giant, Instagrammable playground. You'll want to explore! Kelingking Beach (the T-Rex cliff) is a MUST-SEE, even if you are terrified of heights like me. Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach are stunning. Snorkeling and diving are incredible. There are temples to visit. And trust me, the locals are incredibly kind and welcoming. Just be prepared for crowds at the popular spots. I mean, everyone wants to see these places! My advice? Get up early and beat the rush. Or, better yet, hire a driver for the day. It's worth it to have someone navigate the roads and give you the lowdown on the best places to go. Plus, they know all the best photo spots. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience!
Is the food any good? I'm a picky eater...
Well, the hotel restaurant offers a decent selection. Breakfast is generally included (always a bonus!). They'll probably have the usual suspects: eggs, toast, fruit, and coffee. Lunch and dinner offer a mix of Indonesian and Western options. The nasi goreng (fried rice) is usually a safe bet. But here's the juicy bit. The food scene on Nusa Penida is evolving. Step outside the hotel and explore! There are some amazing warungs (small, local restaurants) serving up authentic, delicious (and cheap!) food. Don't be afraid to try something new! I had the best grilled snapper I've ever tasted at a beachside warung. Just be careful. Spicy is *spicy*! And carry some tissues. You'll need those.
Okay, I'm sold. But what about the downsides? What do I need to know BEFORE I book?
Alright, let's get real. Nusa Penida is paradise, but it's not perfect. The biggest downside? The roads. They're rough. Really rough. The internet can be spotty. Embrace the digital detox! Also, power outages happen. Pack a portable charger for your phone, just in case. And be prepared for some dust and the occasional stray insect. It's the tropics! Don't expect perfect luxury. Embrace the adventure! Also, the hotel won't have the same level of amenities as a large resort in Bali. But honestly, that's part of the charm. The point is, if you're high-maintenance, this might not be *your* paradise. But if you're up for a bit of adventure, a breathtaking view, and an escape from the ordinary? Then book it. You won't regret it. Just remember the motion sickness pills.
Can I get a massage? Is the spa any good?
The hotel probably offers massage services. But here's a secret... You're in Bali! Massages are everywhere! Check out options like the local masseuses. I had one amazing massage. I couldn't believe how good it was! I was so relaxed I could barely remember my own name.
Alright, this is all sounding great. How's the service? Are the staff friendly?
The staff are amazing. REALLY. They are genuinely friendly and helpful. Their smiles alone brighten your days (and that's saying a lot because the sun is pretty bright already!). They go out of their way to help, even if it's just offering you an extra towel or pointing you in the right direction. English is generally spoken, but a few phrases of Indonesian will go a long way. A little effort goes a long way! They’re patient, kind, and eager to share their culture. Honestly, the service is one of the best things about Penida Paradise. It’s the kind of service that makes you feelTrip Hotel Hub
