Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Medewi Bay Retreat, Bali
Escape to Paradise: Medewi Bay Retreat - A Messy, Honest, and Utterly Unforgettable Review
Okay, folks, listen up! You've stumbled upon a place called "Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Medewi Bay Retreat" in Bali. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, spoiler alert: it mostly is. But, just like life, it's a beautiful mess, sprinkled with the occasional WTF moment. Buckle up, because this review is going to be as truthful (and possibly chaotic) as my last Balinese massage.
First Impressions & Getting There (and the Accessibility Attempt):
Getting to Medewi? Not exactly a hop, skip, and a jump. It's tucked away, which, let's be honest, is half the charm. But that also means… the accessibility situation is… well, let’s just say it’s accessible-ish, with a leaning towards the "challenging" side. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, but I’m thinking it’s best to call and triple-check. The roads aren't exactly smooth sailing (or rolling). Remember that.
The Room - My Personal Sanctuary (and the Occasional Annoyance):
Okay, let me tell you about the room. My personal sanctuary. The air conditioning? Bliss. Essential! But there was this one time the power flickered out, and I found myself fumbling for a flashlight at 3 am. Not ideal. BUT! The bed? Like sinking into a cloud of pure, fluffy, sleep-inducing… yeah, it was amazing. Loved having blackout curtains – because hello, jetlag! – and the little touches like complimentary bottled water and coffee maker were much appreciated. The Wi-Fi in the room? Free! And, crucially, it worked – which, believe me, is a small miracle in some Balinese hotels. They have a good selection of TV channels including satellite, in case you want to escape the waves for a bit and binge some shows. The balcony was perfection.
The Heart of the Matter: The Surfing, the Relaxation, and the… Well-Being?
Medewi Bay is surfing paradise. That's why we're here, right? The waves, the beaches, all that glorious, sun-drenched goodness. This is where the "Escape to Paradise" really starts to click.
Now, let's talk about the Spa. I’m a sucker for a massage, and I threw myself in a massage, body wrap, and a sauna. The spa? Oh. My. God. The massage… I honestly think I achieved a level of zen I didn’t know existed. The masseuse was incredible - she worked out knots I didn’t even know had knots. I went full-on om. The pool with a view was a dream, also.
The gym/fitness center. Honestly, I peeked! Okay, okay, I'm not a gym rat. I’d rather have another massage, just sayin’. However, I did get a foot bath and it was very relaxing.
Food, Glorious Food (and Occasional Hiccups):
Food is important - you're on holiday, don't try and tell me different.
- Restaurants/Lounge: They have several restaurants. The food was generally quite good, but the service? Bit… Indonesian time. I had to signal the server a couple of times. The poolside bar was a lifesaver for afternoon cocktails.
- Breakfast: Breakfast, usually a buffet, was pretty decent, especially the Asian breakfast. The coffee shop was great for those quick pick-me-ups.
- Room Service: 24 hour room service, which you know, may be required at 3AM.
The Finer Details (and the Stuff You Should Know):
- Cleanliness and Safety: They really made an effort. Anti-viral cleaning? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Staff trained in safety protocols? Check. I felt safe, though, I did see other folks complaining about masks slips.
- Services and Conveniences: They offer a lot. Daily housekeeping, laundry service, and airport transfer were all handy. The convenience store was actually convenient.
- The Kids… and Babysitting? They seem child-friendly, with kids facilities. I didn't see much of the babysitting, but it was available, and I'm guessing pretty chilled out and relaxed, like the rest of the place.
- Internet: It has free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I'd give it five stars for that alone.
- Getting Around: Free car park! Yesss.
The Imperfections (Because No Paradise is Perfect):
- The occasional power outage. Bring a flashlight. Seriously.
- The service speed. Be patient. You're on island time now.
- Accessibility is still a work in progress. Contact them before you go if accessibility is a big concern.
The Verdict and the Offer (Because Everyone Loves a Bargain):
Look, Escape to Paradise isn't perfect. But that's part of its charm. It's a place where you can truly unwind, embrace the chaos, and recharge your batteries in a stunning setting. The surfing is world-class, the massages are heavenly.
My Offer:
Book your stay at Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Medewi Bay Retreat through this link and use the code "BALISURFERS" for a guaranteed 10% discount on your stay. Plus, you'll get a complimentary welcome drink upon arrival and a free surf lesson!
This offer is available for bookings made within the next 30 days!
Escape to Paradise? It's not just a slogan, it's a promise. And it's a damn good one. So, pack your bags, book your flight, and prepare yourself for an adventure. You won’t regret it. And, if you do, at least you’ll have a hell of a story to tell. Now, off to the beach!
Escape to Paradise: Appolo Hotel Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Balinese adventure. Specifically, Medewi Bay Retreat. Forget those picture-perfect itineraries, this is the REAL deal. Expect a few hiccups, a lot of surfing (hopefully), and a whole lotta "Ohmigod, this rice is GOOD."
Medewi Mayhem: A Totally Unfiltered Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Awesome Noodles
- 8:00 AM: Departure - Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali. Okay, deep breaths. Flight was a nightmare, kid screaming, baggage delayed, customs line longer than my arm. This is supposed to be paradise? I'm already sweating like a pig. On the bright side, I met a dude on the plane who claimed to know a "secret surf spot" near Medewi. We'll see about that.
- 11:00 AM: Arrival - Medewi Bay Retreat. Whoa. The drive was something else. The lush, green rice paddies and little temples sprinkled everywhere…it's like walking into a postcard. The retreat itself? Charming. Rustic. A little…well, let's call it "lived-in." The bungalows are cute, though. Maybe the air conditioning will actually work? (Fingers crossed.)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch - Retreat Restaurant. Right. Starving. Ordered the Nasi Goreng, because, duh. So, so good. Like, seriously, I might eat this for every meal. Which, let's be honest, is probably in the cards. The view from the restaurant overlooking the ocean? Breathtaking. And no annoying screaming kids. Score!
- 2:00 PM: Surf Lesson, Part 1: The Humbling. The instructor, Wayan, is super chill. But surfing? It's HARD. Falling. So. Much. Falling. I swallowed half the ocean. My ego is seriously bruised. But the few seconds I actually stood? Utter euphoria. My inner child is screaming with joy. My outer body is just…sore.
- 5:00 PM: Sunset Drinks - Beachside Warung. Found a little shack on the beach. Bintang beer in hand, watching the sunset. Okay, maybe Bali isn’t so bad after all. Except for the mosquitos. They are relentless.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner – Retreat Restaurant. Back to the Nasi Goreng. Seriously, is this the best food on earth? Met some other surfers at dinner, sharing war stories of wipeouts and claiming "the best waves of the day." Already planning the next surf session.
Day 2: Surfing (and Falling), Coffee, and Culture Shock (in a Good Way)
- 6:00 AM: Sunrise Surf Session – Round Two: The Revenge. Up at the crack of dawn, feeling a little… stiff. Wayan's smile? Infectious. The waves? Definitely bigger. The result? A LOT more falling. But I'm getting better! I think. Maybe. I'm starting to understand how to feel the wave. Small victory!
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast – Retreat Restaurant. More Nasi Goreng. No shame. Coffee. Lots of coffee.
- 9:00 AM: Exploring - Local village Tour. Walked around the nearby village. It was so interesting to see the local Balinese life, from the colorful temples to the houses.
- The Temple: I had a chance to go into the local temple. It was not as grand as some temples, but still very beautiful and relaxing place. It's amazing how there are temples everywhere.
- Bali spirit: You can feel the spirit of Balinese. Everyone is chill, people are smiling, even though the life here is difficult, and there aren't many things to do.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch - Warung in the village. Ate some delicious local food. I will never say no to fresh fruit juice.
- 2:00 PM: Relaxing. Back to the retreat to rest.
- 4:00 PM: Surf Session – Back for More Humbling.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner – Retreat Restaurant. Nasi Goreng. You know the drill. Tonight, I'm going to attempt conversation with the other actual surfers. Wish me luck.
Day 3: Surf Breakdown, Rice Paddies, and Emotional Realization
- 6:00 AM: Surf - The Morning's Glory. I woke up with this feeling like I've got everything I need. It's like an epiphany. I had a perfect morning, with small waves, and I knew how to deal with them. This time, felt the surf a lot more. It was like the first dance. So beautiful!
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast – Retreat Restaurant. I am so happy inside that I could eat everything on the menu.
- 9:00 AM: Exploring - Rice Paddies. What is the most relaxing place? The ricefields. I hired a motorbike and went to the rice paddies. I was driving around, stopping anytime I needed to. I breathed peace here. I met some local farmers that gave me some tips and advice.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch - Small restaurant. I came back to the retreat to have lunch and to work a bit.
- 2:00 PM: Relaxing. I finished my work.
- 4:00 PM: Surf Session – The Breakdown.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner – Retreat Restaurant. Nasi Goreng and a chat with other surfers.
Day 4: The Secret Spot, Farewell Waves, and Existential Dread (Maybe)
- 6:00 AM: Surfing. The guy from the plane? Turns out he knows a secret spot! We're going to check it out. It's not glamorous, but is a lot of fun.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast – Retreat Restaurant.
- 9:00 AM: Last Surf Session.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch - Retreat Restaurant.
- 2:00 PM: Farewell. Started packing my things.
- 4:00 PM: Departure - Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali. Tears or happiness? Maybe a little bit of both. This trip was just what I needed. Bali, you were great.
Messy Musings and Ramblings:
- Seriously, Nasi Goreng. Need recipe. NOW.
- I'm starting to understand why people become obsessed with surfing. The constant falls are worth it for those brief, glorious moments.
- The locals are incredibly kind and welcoming. Embrace the culture. Learn a few phrases. Try the spicy food (but maybe start slow).
- I might have a new friend. And even a new skill.
- Leaving is…hard. I feel like I'm leaving a part of myself behind. But I'm also excited to get home and start planning the next trip back.
So, there you have it. My (slightly) skewed, totally honest account of a trip to Medewi Bay Retreat. Go. Experience it. And for the love of all that is holy, try the Nasi Goreng. You won't regret it.
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Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Medewi Bay Retreat, Bali - FAQ (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, So Medewi Bay... Is it *Actually* Paradise? Because I've Been Lied To Before. Like, *A Lot*.
Alright, look. Paradise is a strong word. I'm a cynical travel blogger (surprise, surprise!) so I approach these things with caution. Medewi? Yeah, it's freaking gorgeous. BUT... and it's a big but... it's real. Meaning, no Instagram filters over here. There are some stray dogs (adorable, mostly, but sometimes they get into the rubbish). The "road" to the retreat? Potholes. Seriously, bring a kidney belt. And the WiFi... let's just say it's a "spiritual experience" in finding it. But the beaches? The sunsets? The unpretentious, raw beauty of it all? Yeah, that's pretty damn close to paradise, if you ask me. I actually teared up a little the first sunset I saw. Don't tell anyone.
The Rooms: Chic Boutique or Bug Battle? What's the deal?
Okay, the rooms. I loved them. They are designed so elegantly, and you definitely feel like you're sleeping in luxury. But let's be real. You're in Bali. You *will* encounter insects. Prepare yourself. I did find a spider on my pillow (it was tiny but I felt like a Disney princess in a horror movie scene). The staff were incredibly helpful getting rid of it, but fair warning: embrace the occasional critter. Otherwise, the rooms are spacious, beautifully designed, and the outdoor showers? Absolute game-changer. Showering under the stars after a day of surfing? Heavenly. And yes, there's air conditioning, thank the travel gods.
Surfing! I'm a beginner... Will I just be face-planting the entire time? (Honest answers, please!)
Alright, surf school. That's a big draw for the retreat. And honestly? They're great. My biggest fear was looking like a total idiot. (And, let's be real I am). The instructors are patient, encouraging, and genuinely stoked to see you catch a wave. I fell, a lot. And I swallowed a good amount of seawater. It tastes as bad as it sounds. But I *did* stand up! For, like, three seconds. And it was the most exhilarating three seconds of my life. Don't be afraid to be a kook. Everyone starts somewhere. And the waves at Medewi? They're supposed to be good for beginners, but for me the waves was just... waves. I thought I was going to drown when I was caught in a riptide. I panicked so much, thinking I was going to die. But the instructor held my hands and kept me up.
Food, Glorious Food! Is it as AMAZING as everyone says? (Because I'm basically a professional eater)
Okay, food. Where do I begin? I'm not exaggerating when I say I gained a few pounds during my stay. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Think vibrant curries, delicious seafood, and tropical fruits bursting with flavor. The breakfasts are a particular highlight. Seriously, the pancakes… I dream about the pancakes. (Note to self: find pancake recipe). There's a lot of vegetarian options, which I loved, and the staff are super accommodating to dietary needs. Just be prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two. Or three. Or five, honestly. You’ve been warned. I ate so much, that I was afraid I was going to get sick, I overate a lot, but it was so good!
What about the Spa? Are those massages as magical as they sound?
The spa. Oh, the spa. I'm not usually a spa person, I find it all a bit… pretentious. But this spa is the real deal. The massages are incredible. I had one after a particularly brutal surf session (see: face-planting). The therapist worked out all the knots and kinks, and I swear I floated back to my room. The atmosphere is serene and beautiful. It was so relaxing. They use local oils and ingredients, and the whole experience feels… authentic. Do yourself a favor and book a treatment (or three). You won't regret it. Actually, I regret not booking *more*. I think I will spend my entire life searching for a massage that good.
The Vibe: Chill or Party? Because I'm either a sunset-with-a-book type or a dance-on-tables type.
This place is definitely "chill". Think sunset cocktails, quiet conversations, and the sound of the waves. There's not much of a party scene, which, honestly, is a huge plus. It's perfect for relaxing, recharging, and disconnecting from the world (once you master the WiFi situation, that is). I'm more of a sunset-with-a-book type, and this was my jam. But if you're looking for a wild night, this isn't the place. Though I did see one couple in a pool that decided to drink almost 1000 beers each. The pool's vibe was so messed up.
Anything I Should Pack That Isn't Obvious? (Besides, you know, a swimsuit)
Okay, beyond the obvious (swimsuits, sunscreen, mosquito repellent), here’s my "I wish I’d packed this" list. First, a good book. Or three. You'll have plenty of time to read. Second, a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is key! Third, a waterproof phone case. For those epic sunset shots (and the inevitable splash in the ocean, when you're so focused on taking the perfect picture and just miss the waves). Fourth, earplugs! Sometimes the waves are LOUD. Finally, and this is important, a sense of humor. Things don't always go according to plan, but that's part of the fun. And maybe a small, travel-sized bottle of your favorite hot sauce. Because everything, even the pancakes, tastes better with a little kick.
The biggest downside? Be honest!
Alright, here’s the truth. The biggest downside? Leaving. Seriously. I almost cried when I had to pack up my suitcase. Because, here's the thing,Instant Hotel Search
