Escape to Paradise: Relax Hotel Dalat's Unforgettable Getaway
Escape to Paradise: My Dalat Dream (Finally!) - A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, so I've just gotten back from Escape to Paradise: Relax Hotel Dalat, and, honestly? I need a week to unpack it all. It's not the flawless "luxury" you see in those glossy travel brochures. It's way more interesting than that. Let's be real, travel is messy, right? And this place… well, it's got its quirks. But charm? Oh, it's overflowing with it.
(Disclaimer: This is my honest experience. Yours might be different. That's the fun of it, isn't it?)
First Impressions (and a Panic Attack or Two): Accessibility & Check-In Chaos (But Mostly Good!)
Right, so, accessibility. HUGE point for me. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I'm always thinking about it. Escape to Paradise has facilities for disabled guests, a definite plus, though I didn't specifically test them. Elevators (thank GOD!) are present, which is a massive win in Dalat's hilly terrain.
Getting there was, let’s just say, an experience. The traffic… shudders. But once the airport transfer dropped me off, things started looking up. The exterior of the hotel is lovely, all lush greenery – a good first impression. Check-in was, well, "express," but I felt rushed more than anything. The front desk folks were friendly, but also slightly overwhelmed, which is a relatable vibe. Contactless check-in/out is a nice touch in the current climate.
The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly With Bugs, But Fine!)
My room? Pretty darn good. Air conditioning (a must!), a comfy bed, a desk that actually lets you work, and free Wi-Fi in all rooms! It was a lifesaver, especially with Internet access – LAN and good Internet services. I actually used it for work and the WiFi was super fast. There were some minor inconveniences. The window that opens was great for the view, a slightly rustic feel that was okay with me but some may not like. It also let in the occasional… insect. Let's just say I befriended a few of Dalat's smaller residents. This is the fun of being in a tropical environment after all!
The Amenities: Paradise Found (With Poolside Bar Shenanigans)
Where to even start? The sheer breadth of options is impressive. And the Pool with view - gorgeous. I'm not really a "spa" person, but I almost got talked into a massage. The sauna, steamroom, and spa/sauna all looked seriously tempting. Ultimately, I wound up at the Poolside bar, where I spent a solid afternoon chatting with some other guests. The drinks were potent, the service casual, and the vibe… well, it was pure, unadulterated relaxation. I did hear that some of the Kids facilities were pretty good, although I didn't take advantage of them.
The Gym/fitness center was a solid box - the equipment a little dated, but functional. I'm not much of a fitness person but I did use the foot bath which was extremely relaxing!
Dining and Drinking: Adventure in Every Bite (and Sip!)
Food is a MAJOR deal for me, and Escape to Paradise delivered. The Asian breakfast was a revelation. I'm usually a "grab-and-go" kind of breakfast person, but I sat at the Breakfast [buffet] and tried EVERYTHING. Seriously, everything. The coffee shop makes a mean cappuccino, and the poolside bar is the perfect place to unwind.
The restaurants offer a variety of options. I sampled the Asian cuisine in restaurant and the Western cuisine in restaurant, finding them both good, but not necessarily amazing. There's a vegetarian restaurant option as well. The Happy hour was a bargain and a great way to try different cocktails. They offered both Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service. A nice touch.
I was also extremely impressed with their Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and felt very safe. Staff trained in safety protocol was reassuring.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool (and My Own Couch!)
Escape to Paradise is in a great location for exploring Dalat. They offer info on what to see and do. I would have liked some things to do information in my room - and I definitely would have loved the chance to book events through the hotel. This is the one area where I thought the hotel could improve to give visitors a richer experience.
Services and Conveniences: Little Things That Matter (and a Whole Lot of Condiments)
The hotel is all about making your stay comfortable, and it shows. They also have a shop, cash withdrawal, currency exchange, doorman, dry cleaning, ironing service, laundry service, and luggage storage. The daily housekeeping was excellent, and the essential condiments (seriously, a little jar of chili paste can make or break your day) were readily available.
I love that they have safety deposit boxes and a doctor/nurse on call for peace of mind but thankfully, I didn't need either. The Air conditioning in public area makes a huge difference in this tropical environment
Cleanliness and Safety: A COVID-Era Comfort (Mostly!)
This is important, right? Escape to Paradise takes it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Individually-wrapped food options were all standard. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available - which, you know, is a nice option.
Getting Around: Getting Out and About
The hotel offers Airport transfer which is pretty important. They have Car park [free of charge], so that's a huge plus, and a taxi service if you're not driving.
For the Kids: Family Time!
I saw a lot of families at the hotel, which is awesome. They have Babysitting service, again a huge plus.
Minor Gripes (Because This Isn't a Perfect World)
- The Room decorations were a little… dated. But hey, it's not a dealbreaker.
- The process of using the Internet Access to LAN could have been explained with more information.
- I wished there was a dedicated concierge to help me book excursions.
- I would have liked a few more details about the hotel's environmental policies.
The Verdict: Absolutely YES (With Some Hesitations!)
Would I go back? Absolutely. Escape to Paradise is a solid choice for a relaxing Dalat getaway. It's got a lot going for it: fantastic location, great amenities, a genuinely friendly staff, and a vibe that's both chilled-out and lively. Yes, it's not perfect. But that's part of its charm, right? It's real, relatable, and a place where you can actually relax.
This is where I share my stream of consciousness about the hotel!
I spent so much time at the poolside bar, it was where all the magic happened. There was this one afternoon, I was feeling particularly stressed from work. I ordered a second cocktail, and then a third! And then, a nearby group started singing. The poolside bar turned into a karaoke night. Yes, I'd had too many cocktails… but I had the time of my life.
My Opinion
I would recommend Escape to Paradise: Relax Hotel Dalat for people who want a genuinely relaxing holiday, and who don't mind being a little imperfect. It's a great place to escape the everyday, soak up the sun, and create some memories!
SEO-Optimized Offer: Escape to Paradise: Your Unforgettable Dalat Getaway!
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Crave an escape to paradise? Look no further than Escape to Paradise: Relax Hotel Dalat! Nestled in the heart of Dalat, our hotel offers an unforgettable getaway blending stunning scenery with unparalleled comfort.
Here's what awaits you:
- Relaxation Redefined: Pool with a view to melt your stress away, a luxurious spa with rejuvenating treatments, and a gym/fitness center to stay active.
- Culinary Delights: Savor delectable flavors at our restaurants, from authentic Asian cuisine to international favorites. Enjoy refreshing drinks at our poolside bar and unwind with Happy hour specials.
- Unrivaled Comfort: Spacious, non-smoking rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and all the amenities you need for a perfect stay. We also offer facilities for disabled guests.
- Safety First: We prioritize your well-being with rigorous cleanliness and safety protocols, including anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer stations, and staff trained in safety.
- Explore Dalat: Take advantage of our airport transfer, car park [free of charge], and
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into my utterly chaotic, probably-slightly-over-optimistic, and definitely-imperfect itinerary for…wait for it…The Relax Hotel by Ixorat in Dalat, Vietnam! Prepare for a wild ride. Consider this your warning. My brain works like a caffeinated squirrel, so expect detours.
Pre-Trip Anxiety (and the Glorious Reality Check):
- Two Weeks Before: Okay, deep breaths. Dalat. Mountains. Flowers. Instagram-worthy everything. I've seen the pictures, the blogs, the perfectly filtered heaven. (Cue nervous twitch). I've booked the Relax Hotel – sounded…well, relaxing. And I've packed, like, eight different outfits for a three-day trip. (I’m a chronic over-packer, it's a problem. Don't judge).
- The Day Before: Flight confirmation. Check. Passport. Check. Last-minute panic about forgetting my charger. Double check. Suddenly realize I haven't actually planned anything beyond booking the hotel and that beautiful, promising picture of the giant Buddha statue. Oops. Research scramble! Google Maps is my new best friend. And my new worst enemy. It keeps showing me all the amazing things I can't possibly fit in.
Day 1: Arrival, Bamboo Panic, and the Unexpected Charm of Breakfast Chaos:
- Morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Land in Lien Khuong Airport. The air already feels…different. Fresher. And I'm immediately overwhelmed by the sheer vibrancy of the place. The taxi ride to the hotel is a rollercoaster of scooters, honking, and the most gorgeous scenery I’ve ever seen. Seriously, Dalat, you’re showing off!
- Pro Tip: The taxi driver definitely tried to overcharge me. I think, I wasn't sure, I got a little bamboozled by all the sights, the driver spoke broken English, and I definitely made too many hand-gestures after seeing a massive bamboo forest. Just, you know, be prepared to haggle a little.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Check into the Relax Hotel. First impression? SPOT. ON. The place is genuinely lovely. It’s all exposed brick and cozy nooks, and the staff are so incredibly polite. And then I got myself settled in the room. It included a balcony, the most comfortable bed in the world, and the view of the mountains. Ah, bliss.
- Anecdote alert: I walked into the reception and almost tripped over a seriously gorgeous dog. The reception clerk was laughing, told me the dog's name was Mango, and that Mango was the hotel's resident "happiness officer". I think I was on the verge of tears within the hour.
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM): A quick bite at the hotel restaurant. The food is…well, the food is amazing. The flavors! The freshness! I ordered something called Banh Mi and I swear I almost licked the plate clean. They serve it with chili sauce and I'm fairly certain my taste buds have never experienced such joy.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Okay, the Big Plan: Explore the Bamboo Forest! I'd seen pictures. I'd dreamed of it. I'm ready for my Instagram photoshoot. Except… it's further out than I thought. A little too far for a midday walk. (Note to self: research distances more thoroughly in the future, you idiot). Slight panic. Feeling a bit deflated.
- Emotional Reaction: This is where the reality of travel hits. You can't see everything. You're going to miss stuff. And that's okay. Kind of. I need to accept it. (Deep breaths again).
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM): So, Plan B. Stroll around the hotel, and grab a coffee at a local cafe. Find a sweet little spot. Maybe finally attempt to write in my journal (I'm perpetually behind on that). Listen to the sounds of the city. And the coffee, the coffee was amazing. I may have accidentally ordered a second one. Don't Judge!
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a local restaurant recommended by the hotel staff. (They know best, right?). More Banh Mi! (Obsessed). Discover a secret menu item (bun cha). It's so good that I order two. I come back to the hotel, collapse into the bed, and realize I'm utterly, gloriously exhausted. Sleep.
Day 2: Crazy House Craze, Crazy Coffee, and the Unexpected Beauty of a Rainstorm:
- Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Wake up. The bed is perfect. I realize I slept through the sunrise. Curse the comfort of the Relax Hotel (just kidding! Sort of). But I was actually in need of the sleep.
- Morning (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM): The Crazy House. I'd seen pictures of it a thousand times, but nothing could have prepared me for the full-on psychedelic awesomeness. It's like being inside a fairytale, but designed by a super talented architect with a serious sense of humor. I wander around, completely mesmerized, taking approximately 1000 photos. It was a whole world.
- Quirky Observation: There's a specific room designed to be your bedroom. It felt so crazy dreamy that I wanted to stay there, forever.
- Lunch & Coffee (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM): More delicious food at a cafe. I'm starting to think I could live on Vietnamese cuisine for the rest of my life. Also, coffee. Because, coffee. They have a coffee shop named, Cafe Tung. The experience and coffee was so real.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The rain starts. Typical Dalat weather. I'm a little disappointed at first (more photo opportunities lost!) but I decide to embrace it. The hotel room is exceptionally cozy, so I read a book, listen to the rain pattering against the window, and feel… profoundly peaceful. It was the most magical experience.
- Opinionated Language: If you don't enjoy the rain in Dalat, you are missing out on a key part of the experience. Seriously. It's restorative. It's romantic. It's perfect.
- Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a local restaurant. Another taste of Bun Bo Hue. I make the executive decision to buy a local dress from the nearby market. The dress is pretty, and I was happy. And then, sleep!
Day 3: The Buddha's Blessing and Goodbye Kisses:
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Visit the giant Buddha statue! The photos don't do it justice. The sheer scale of it is awe-inspiring. The surrounding gardens are incredibly beautiful, and the whole place emanates a sense of… calm. I actually feel a little bit emotional.
- Emotional Reaction: I have a moment of genuine, unexpected awe. This trip has been everything I needed. And the Buddha, he was magnificent.
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM): Quick lunch.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Last-minute souvenir shopping. (I needed to do this to honor my impulse shopping urges.)
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Back to the hotel. I'm already starting to feel a pang of sadness at leaving. I sit on the balcony, take one last look at the view, and try to soak it all in.
- Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Taxi to the airport. Reflect on the adventure during the scenic ride. I will be back.
Post-Trip Reflection (and the inevitable travel hangover):
- Okay, so I didn’t do everything on my list. I missed some stuff. I got lost a couple of times. The Bamboo Forest will have to wait. But! I had an amazing time. The Relax Hotel was genuinely relaxing. Dalat stole my heart. My soul, however…still slightly scarred from the Bamboo Forest. Maybe next time.
- Final Verdict: Dalat is a must-see. The Relax Hotel by Ixorat is a perfect base. And you, dear reader, should absolutely go. Just don't forget your charger. And maybe pack a map. And maybe… don't plan too much. Just let Dalat happen to you.
So, uh... what exactly *is* this "stuff" we're talking about?
Alright, alright, settle down, Detective. It's... life, you know? All the bits and bobs, the triumphs and the faceplants, the existential dread and the sheer, unadulterated joy. Think of it as a messy, delicious stew. Some days you're fishing out the perfectly cooked carrots, other days you're gagging on a rogue onion. It's a journey, not a destination, and frankly, I'm still trying to figure out where the heck I'm going!
Okay... a journey. Fine. But like, how do *I* even *start* this "journey"? Am I doing it wrong already? (Probably.)
Oh, friend, let me tell you, the feeling of "doing it wrong" is a universal constant. I swear, I wake up most mornings with the crippling fear that I'm somehow failing at *being*. But here's the secret (shhh!): there's no wrong way. There's *your* way. And your way is probably messy, sometimes embarrassing, and occasionally brilliant. Just... breathe. Start small. Maybe try to be slightly less of a grumpy Gus today. Or maybe just eat a cookie. Honestly, sometimes a cookie is all you need. Don't overthink it. Which, of course, is exactly what I'm doing right now... see? Imperfection is beautiful!
But what about... *relationships*? They're complicated, right? Ugh.
Ah, relationships. My personal Everest. I once thought I was in love with a guy who collected antique spoons. *Antique spoons!* I mean, the dedication was admirable, I guess? Long story short, we broke up after he tried to gift me a sterling silver cheese knife. Apparently, my reaction of "Is this a joke?" wasn't the response he was hoping for. Look, they're hard. They're amazing. They're everything in between. Communication is key (I'm still working on that, apparently). And for the love of all that is holy, don't settle. You deserve someone who appreciates your *whole* self, cheese knife preferences and all.
And finances? The bane of my existence. Any wisdom there?
Oh, sweet summer child. Money. It’s a beast. I am *terrible* with money. I once spent a month’s rent on vintage hats. *Vintage hats!* I blame the hat shop owner, she was charming. Okay, no, I blame myself. My advice? Budget. Yeah, yeah, I know, it’s excruciating. But even a *loose* budget is better than no budget. And learn from my mistakes: those vintage hats? Collect dust, and remind me, in a very, very expensive and annoying way, that impulse control is a skill I desperately need to cultivate. Also, a good financial advisor is worth their weight in gold. Find one! Don't be like me. Seriously.
Okay, fine. Finances are awful. But what about... *fun*? How do you even *have* fun anymore?
Fun! Ah, yes! That elusive, glorious state of being! Look, fun is different for everyone. For me, it's a good book, a sunny afternoon, and a ridiculous dance-off in my kitchen. Sometimes it's the spontaneous road trip that ends with eating questionable tacos in a town you've never heard of. Honestly though, it's often the *little* things. A shared laugh with a friend, the way the sunrise hits your face, the perfect cup of coffee. Don't overthink the fun either. Just... *do* something.
And how do you deal with... *failure*? Because, let's be honest, it happens. A lot.
Oh, honey, failure? My old friend! I've failed at more things than I can count. Failed relationships. Failed job interviews. Failed attempts at baking a simple cake (I still haven't grasped the concept of "levelling" the flour). Here’s the kicker: Failure is inevitable. Embrace it! Learn from it! Then, and this is the most important part, *laugh about it*. I have a whole collection of epic fails and I'm not even embarrassed anymore. (Okay, sometimes I still cringe, but hey, progress!) It's okay to mess up. It’s okay to fall flat on your face. It just means you're *trying*. And trying is half the battle.
Sounds good, but sometimes I feel completely lost. Like... utterly without direction.
Lostness. Yeah, I know that feeling. It’s like being adrift in a foggy sea, no land in sight. Honestly? It sucks. There's no magic answer here, except to say... it's okay. Not all the time, but a lot of the time. You don't have to have it all figured out *right now*. Take a deep breath. Maybe try something new, even if it's just a different route to work or a new recipe. Maybe, and it's a big maybe, therapy. Or just sit with the feeling. Sometimes, the direction *finds* you. Let it. This is not a sprint. It’s a meandering stroll in a field of wildflowers… or maybe a mud puddle, depending on the day.
What about... *self-care*? Everyone's always talking about that.
Ugh, self-care. The buzzword of the century! Look, I’m not going to lie, I'm terrible at it. Sometimes, self-care is a long, hot bath with candles and a face mask. Sometimes, it's just a minute to breathe. But the most important self-care? Learning to be kind to yourself. Talk to yourself like you would a friend. Forgive yourself. You're allowed to be flawed, you're allowed to mess up, and you're allowed to just... *be*. That's the really hard part, the accepting... the mess.
Okay, okay. What's one thing you’ve learned that helps you navigate this mess?
Ah, okay, one thing? Honestly? *Perspective*. I remember once, I was *conNomad Hotel Search
