Bali's HOTTEST Urban Style Hotel: Premier Experience (Was Berry Biz!)
Bali's HOTTEST Urban Style Hotel: Premier Experience (Was Berry Biz!)
Hotel Review: The Good, The Bad, & The Surprisingly Purple Towels (SEO & Metadata Included!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this review isn't your typical travel blog fluff. We're diving deep, folks, into the glorious, sometimes baffling, world of [Insert Hotel Name Here - Let's Pretend It's "Paradise Palms Resort" for Now]. And trust me, I've seen things. We're talking: accessibility, Wi-Fi (the gods of the modern traveler!), food that might or might not agree with you, and the all-important question: are the towels truly fluffy? Let's get messy! SEO Keywords (Get Ready!): Paradise Palms Resort Review, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Friendly, Free Wi-Fi, Luxury Spa, Outdoor Pool, Restaurant Review, Family Friendly Hotel, Bali Trip, Hotel Review, Spa Treatments, Best Hotel, Cleanliness, Safety, COVID-19 Protocols, Family Vacation, Romantic Getaway, Business Facilities, Events Venue, [Insert Specific Local Area/City Here] Hotels
Metadata:
- Title Tag: Paradise Palms Resort Review: Paradise Found (or Maybe Just Mostly Found?)
- Meta Description: A raw & honest review of Paradise Palms Resort! Accessibility, Wi-Fi, food, and more - we spill the tea! Find out if it's the paradise you're looking for.
- Keywords (as above)
- Canonical URL: (Insert URL)
Accessibility & Getting Around (The "Can I Actually Live Here?" Category)
Alright, let’s start with the important stuff. Accessibility. I am not a wheelchair user, but as a person who sometimes forgets to unwrap their feet from the duvet, I was paying attention. Paradise Palms Resort advertised itself as wheelchair-friendly, and… well, mostly delivered. Ramps were present, which earned them points. The elevator? A godsend, especially after a buffet breakfast. But the real test is always the bathrooms. (I am really good at finding them, just ask anyone.) The accessible rooms seemed decent enough, with grab bars, but I couldn't personally test the shower (as I mentioned, I still have that duvet problem). Facilities for disabled guests were clearly a consideration, which is a huge win. However, I'd love to see even more detail upfront about specific room characteristics – size, turning radius, etc. – to make it truly transparent. The resort is good enough for me.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Didn't notice any obvious issues, but the paths to and within the dining areas could have a slightly better design.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes! But could be made better, especially in certain areas.
Getting Around - the resort itself wasn't too huge to navigate. Airport transferwas available.
Internet Access & Tech Stuff (The "Is My Zoom Call Going to Die?" Category)
Ah, the modern traveler's agony: Internet access. Paradise Palms boasts Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes!. Amen! And, thankfully, it generally worked. My Zoom calls didn’t completely disintegrate, so a gold star there. Internet [LAN] connections were also available, proving they are keeping up to the times. Internet services in general are good.
Wi-Fi in public areas, also good. I could even post my (very important) Instagram stories while lounging by the pool. (Priorities, people!)
Services and Conveniences (The "Will They Pamper Me Like I’m a Giant Baby?" Category)
This is where Paradise Palms started to shine. The concierge was genuinely helpful, booking tours and offering recommendations (some of which were actually good!). Doormanwere always at the ready with a smile. Daily housekeeping was impeccable – my room always looked pristine. They even left me those little chocolates on the pillow. (Don't judge me, I love a free chocolate). A thoughtful touch! Dry cleaning, laundry service, and ironing service were all available, which, let’s face it, is essential for a glamorous vacation or just preventing yourself from looking like you live in a crumpled pile of laundry.
Essential condiments: These were stocked in the room, which was convenient.
Food Delivery: didn't use it, but it was an option
Food & Drink (The "Is This Food Going to Make Me Regret My Life Choices?" Category)
This is a big one, friends, because let's be honest, food is 50% of the travel experience. More like 75% if you ask me. Paradise Palms had a decent array of options.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Lots of options.
A la carte in restaurant: Yes! I had a lovely dinner one night. Although the service was a bit slow, I put this down to the fact I was in no rush.
Alternative meal arrangement: yes, they were very accommodating.
Asian breakfast: This was fantastic. Loved the congee!
Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes, and delicious!
Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was… massive. I'm talking, breakfast buffet of legend. Breakfast service. The food was fresh, well-presented (even if I did pile it onto my plate like a deranged toddler), and had a wonderful selection of healthy options and naughty treats. Buffet in restaurant: yes! Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always. Coffee shop: Yep. Desserts in restaurant: Oh yes, and so, so tempting. International cuisine in restaurant: Plenty of variety. Poolside bar: Essential. The cocktails were… potent. My friend got a bit too happy during happy hour. Restaurants: multiple! Room service [24-hour]: This is a winner. I ordered fries at 3 am. No regrets. Salad in restaurant: plentiful, fresh, and made me feel just slightly less guilty about the fries. Snack bar: handy by the pool. Soup in restaurant: yes, they had it. Vegetarian restaurant: the hotel was very accommodating of any dietary needs. Western breakfast: there were plenty of standard Western breakfasts. Western cuisine in restaurant: also available.
Side note: The poolside bar’s Bloody Marys were… interesting. Let’s just say they had a unique spice blend. I’ll leave it at that.
Cleanliness & Safety (The "Is This Place Going to Give Me the Dreaded Dread of the Vacation?" Category)
I'm a bit paranoid, especially post-pandemic (who isn't?). Paradise Palms seemed to take things seriously.
Anti-viral cleaning products: Advertised as being used.
Breakfast takeaway service: Yes, an option.
Cashless payment service: Easily Available.
Daily disinfection in common areas: Didn't see it, but felt reassured.
Doctor/nurse on call: Available:
First aid kit: present in the room.
Hand sanitizer: everywhere, which I appreciated.
Hot water linen and laundry washing: good for hygiene.
Hygiene certification: Check.
Individually-wrapped food options: Yes, for the buffet items.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Enforced.
Professional-grade sanitizing services: good to hear.
Room sanitization opt-out available: Yes.
Rooms sanitized between stays: Good.
Safe dining setup: Good.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: as expected.
Shared stationery removed: a standard for these times.
Staff trained in safety protocol: Appeared to be.
Sterilizing equipment: Yes.
CCTV in common areas: Present.
CCTV outside property: Present.
Fire extinguisher: Check.
Smoke alarms: Check.
Safety/security feature: Check.
Security [24-hour]: Check.
All in all, pretty reassuring. I felt safe even though I know that could be my personal opinion.
Things to Do & Relaxation (The "Will I Actually Relax, Or Will I Just Scroll Through Instagram?" Category)
Okay, let's be real. Vacations are about relaxation. And Paradise Palms had that covered. I am a huge lover of spas.
Body scrub: yes!
Body wrap: also yes!
Fitness center: Yep. Didn't use it (see earlier comment about duvet), but it looked well-equipped.
Foot bath: heavenly.
Gym/fitness: See comment above.
Massage: Yes, and it was divine. I may or may not have fallen asleep. The therapists were skilled and professional (and the robes were fluffy!). I was so relaxed I could barely feel my toes.
Pool with view: Yep, and the view was amazing.
Sauna: Available.
Spa: Full spa!
Spa/sauna: Yes.
Steamroom: Yes!
Swimming pool: multiple pools!
Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes! (The main pool, the one with the view.)
I'm thinking of doubling down on this experience and going off on a bit of a tangent about the spa The massage was the highlight of my entire stay. I'm not usually one for frills, but the
Luxury Escapes Await: Hotel Kanak, Ahmedabad's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because my brain is currently marinated in travel anxiety and the ghost of a Bintang I drank last night. I'm about to attempt a "Urban Styles Biz Premier" Bali itinerary, and let's just say, it's gonna be less "impeccable travel blogger" and more "slightly stressed-out tourist with a penchant for questionable street food." Here we go!
Bali Bonanza (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Gekko)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Kinda Smooth, Then Not So Much)
Morning (6:00 AM - 11:00 AM, give or take): Wake up in my own bed in (insert location) where my mind is already in Bali. Airport. Plane. Tears. Kidding! (Mostly). I managed to snag a direct flight. Airport chaos, security felt personal, then the glorious, stale air of the plane beckoned. I'm not sure what's more nerve-wracking: the potential for turbulence or the fact I packed three pairs of socks for a tropical island.
Lunch (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Landed! Bali baby! The heat hits you immediately, and it's a glorious, sweaty embrace. Immigration felt less like an official process and more like a friendly competition. They actually smiled at me. Now, the airport transfer to the Berry Biz Hotel. I booked a private car, because apparently, being crammed into a bus with 50 other tourists isn't my vibe. The driver was a lovely dude, albeit a bit of a speed demon. I swear, he was drifting around those roundabouts!
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Check-in at the Berry Biz Hotel. It's "Urban Styles Biz Premier," yeah? Cool. The lobby is all sleek lines and Instagrammable moments, which is good because my luggage is currently screaming, "Where's the air conditioning?!" and my face is currently screaming, "WHERE'S THE DAMN SHOWER?!" Room's decent, bit compact, but hey, at least it’s got a balcony where I can plot my escape strategy (kidding… mostly).
Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Shower. Glorious, cold water. Needed that. My first proper taste of Bali, I think. I ventured out in search of dinner, which meant navigating the buzzing streets. Wow, the scooter traffic! It’s a beautiful chaos of horns, smiles, and the lingering scent of incense. Found a little warung (local restaurant). Ordered Nasi Goreng. It was amazing and I feel a little faint. Slightly overdid it with the chili, I'm thinking.
Night (8:00 PM - Onward): Stumbled back to the hotel, full of rice and regret. Tried to watch some tv but the AC is failing, and the cricket chirps outside are starting to sound like judgemental aunts. Went down to the lobby looking for water and some aspirin and ended up talking to the guy at the front desk about my anxiety, because why not? Bali, man, it gets to you.
Day 2: Culture Shock & Scooter Struggles (I nearly died… twice)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Woke up with a mild hangover and a burning desire for coffee. Breakfast at the hotel: standard continental fare, but the fruit was actually delicious. Decided on a "cultural immersion" day. Rented a scooter – HUGE mistake. I mean, I always knew I would, but I was certain I'd be better at it. Almost crashed into a temple the first five minutes. The roads are just…well, they're an experience.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Decided to try to go to a local restaurant. More like a side of the road, as the local restaurants are not always very well advertised. I felt like I was doing illegal maneuvers just trying to get there.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): I should have just taken a taxi, because that would have been the best option. I visited Uluwatu Temple. Absolutely stunning. Breathtaking views of the cliffs and the ocean, but, I have this strong urge to tell you it's really close to your death via scooter. This is probably the only experience I would recommend via Taxi.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Found a beach bar on Jimbaran Bay to watch the sunset. This was heaven. Grilled seafood, icy Bintangs, live music… pure bliss. Except for the fact that the mosquito bites are already multiplying. Tried to take a taxi back to the hotel, but the traffic was insane! Ended up walking back, which was… interesting.
Night (9:00 PM - onward): Back at the hotel. Seriously considering just staying inside for my entire trip. I think it's for the best.
Day 3: Seminyak Serenity & Shopping Shenanigans (Slightly Less Catastrophic)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Decided to embrace the touristy side. Checked out Seminyak. Cute cafes, trendy boutiques, and the smell of sunscreen in the air. Spent a ridiculous amount of money on a flowy linen shirt and a pair of sunglasses I almost immediately lost track of.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Ate amazing sushi. It's funny, but I feel as if I was eating the food of a native inhabitant that was so culturally confused.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Went to Seminyak Beach. Sunbathing, reading a book, and generally attempting to relax. The waves were deceptively strong, almost got pulled out to sea. Then a local guy was screaming "massage? Massage?" I was almost tempted.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Visited a cocktail bar for a sunset drink. It was a very fun experience.
Night (9:00 PM - onward): Room service and an early night? Yeah, probably. My skin is slightly fried, my brain is full of sensory overload, and I'm pretty sure a tiny gecko just looked at me with disdain. Bali, you're a trip.
Day 4: Ubud Aspirations & Monkey Business (Or, How I Learned to Love the Monkeys…and Hate the Rain)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Woke up energized and ready for Ubud! The drive was scenic, through lush rice paddies and charming villages. I kind of loved watching the locals go about their business. It was nice and relaxing.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Ate at a cafe overlooking the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Absolutely stunning. The view was worth every penny.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Okay, Monkey Forest. I went in with cautious optimism. And then? I got mobbed. Monkeys everywhere! They wanted my water bottle, my sunglasses, my dignity. It was chaos. And also, kind of hilarious.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): It started raining. A proper monsoon kind of rain. Watched. It. Pour. Stuck at a restaurant. I was cold, wet, and the electricity went out. A real, honest-to-god Bali experience.
Night (9:00 PM - onward): Back at the hotel. Hot shower, instant noodles, and a rerun of something terrible on TV. And a weird feeling of contentment. Bali has a way of breaking you down and then putting you back together.
Day 5: Beach Bumming & Departure Prep (Emotions, Feelings & A Little Bit of Sadness)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Beach time! Heading to Kuta Beach for some much needed chill time. Kuta is known for some surfing, but I'll just be happy with a chair, the sun, and a book.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Ate at the beach bar. I got a little sunburned but I was still glad I stayed out so long.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Did some last-minute souvenir shopping. Bought all sorts of junk I didn't need, including a carved wooden dragon that absolutely will not fit in my suitcase
So, like, why a ukulele? Why not, you know, a *real* guitar?
I figured, "Hey, four strings, that's fewer things to screw up!" Famous last words. Mostly, it was because I had seen that one cute girl, Sarah, with the pineapple one and a goofy smile.
And let's not kid ourselves. Part of the draw was the ukulele's inherent *vibe*. It's happy! It's tropical! It's practically begging you to play it on a beach (or, you know, on your couch in your pajamas, which is more my style).
But now? After the blisters and the countless bum notes? I'm still in love. It feels more personal than I'd thought. It's like having a little music buddy, even if sometimes that buddy is a total jerk.
Is it *actually* easy to learn? Because everyone says it is, and I'm starting to think everyone's lying.
The *basics* are, sure. Chords like C, G7, and F are your new best friends, and they're relatively simple to fret (that's guitar-speak for "push the strings down"). But then you want to *play a song*? That's where the plot thickens.
My first week, I could barely change between C and G without sounding like a walrus giving birth. My fingers cramped, my brain fried, and I seriously considered throwing the ukulele out the window. Then I remembered how much I paid for it and decided it was better to throw my pillows instead.
So, easy? No. Enjoyable? Eventually, yes. Just be patient with yourself. And maybe invest in some finger exercises. Your future self will thank you (and your ukulele won't be so terrified).
What kind of ukulele should I get? Because there are, like, a million, and I'm overwhelmed.
First, there's size. Soprano (the tiny one) is the classic, but if you've got sausage fingers like me, you might wanna consider a concert size. It’s a little bigger, and with a better neck.
Then there's the wood. Mahogany sounds warm. Spruce sounds bright. I blindly bought a cheap, laminate (basically, plywood) ukulele because I was terrified of messing it up. Which, in hindsight, was stupid. I should’ve bought something with better tone quality. My ukulele sounds like a cardboard box.
Lastly, the online ukulele is a treacherous place. You will be advertised beautiful Ukuleles that sing sweet melodies. The ukulele you receive will be different. It won’t be as pretty, it won’t sound as good. It’s a lesson in expectations vs. reality. Don’t expect everything to be perfect. It’s ok.
My advice? Go to a music store. Hold them. Strum them. Close your eyes and *listen*. And don't buy the first one you see. Or maybe do. You'll learn from it anyway.
Where do I even *start*? Like, what do I need to actually do?
First, tune it. Like, *really* tune it. There's an app for that (or a tuner, or even just a YouTube video with the right notes). A ukulele that’s out of tune is like a sad, squeaky clown. No one wants that.
Next, learn the basic chords. C, G7, F, Am (A minor). There are websites and apps that teach you how to finger these chords. And, trust me, it will get easier and more comfortable to play once you get used to it. I struggled with learning the F chord for months, and now? I can play it. Mostly. Sometimes. Fine, okay, half the time.
Then, find some easy songs. "Riptide" by Vance Joy is a ukulele staple. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is beautiful. Try to pick an easy song. You’ll get better.
And then, the most important thing: *practice*. Even if it's just for 15 minutes a day. Consistency is key! I’m not always consistent, but it’s the theory that counts.
Okay, I'm playing a song! But it sounds… awful. What am I doing wrong?
The most common culprit? Bad strumming. You might be strumming too hard or too softly, too fast or too slow. Listen to the song you're trying to mimic. Try to emulate that rhythm.
Another biggie: chord changes. Changing between chords takes practice! Slow it down. Use metronome. When you can change chords smoothly *slowly*, gradually increase the speed.
A third thing? Your fingers might be muting the strings. Make sure you're pressing down on the right frets. It’s hard. And again, be kind to yourself. We all sound like cats fighting at first. You’re in good company.
I'm getting frustrated. What do I do? Tempted to chuck it out the window...
First, take a break. Seriously. Step away from the uke. Go for a walk. Watch a mindless TV show. Binge some cat videos. Whatever helps you reset. Then, when you come back to it, just try one thing. Focus on *one* chord, *one* strumming pattern, *one* small piece of the song.
Remember why you started. Was it because you wanted to feel more relaxed and creative? Did you think it would impress that girl? Focus on your goals. Don't startEscape to Paradise: Unbelievable Belle Vue Ridge, Plettenberg Bay
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