Escape to Paradise: The Wishes Hotel, Chiang Mai Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, Buttercups, because we're diving deep into the swirling, fragrant, and slightly chaotic world of "Escape to Paradise: The Wishes Hotel, Chiang Mai Awaits!" This isn't just a review; it's a full-blown emotional rollercoaster fueled by strong coffee, a questionable love for Thai massage, and the nagging feeling I might have left my charger in the… well, you’ll see.
Let's rip the band-aid off right away: This place is aiming for paradise. Does it always hit paradise? Nope. But the sheer ambition, the vibes, and the genuine effort to make you feel like a pampered, slightly bewildered human being? That’s what counts.
First Impressions: The Arrival (And the Slightly Bumpy Path)
Right, so, Accessibility. They say they've got facilities for disabled guests. And… they do. There's an elevator (hallelujah!), and ramps. HOWEVER (queue dramatic music), navigating the actual grounds felt a tad less smooth than buttered silk. Some paths were a little… uneven, shall we say? Not a deal-breaker, BUT if you're completely reliant on a wheelchair, call ahead and double-check the specifics. I also noted the Exterior corridor layout, which definitely added an air of breezy intimacy to things.
The Wi-Fi Whisperer and the Internet Tango
Okay, so Internet Access. They scream "FREE WI-FI IN ALL ROOMS!" across the website. And honestly, it was a life-saver. I'm that person who needs to be connected, even when escaping. You can also get Internet [LAN] in some rooms, good if you need to work. Speaking of, the Wi-Fi in public areas seemed pretty solid. I could upload Instagram stories with minimal swearing (and that's saying something).
The Room: My Personal Kingdom (Mostly)
Alright, let's talk Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning: Crucial. I’m talking sweating-buckets-in-a-Thai-jungle crucial.
- Alarm clock: I set an alarm on every single device.
- Bathrobes: Essential for post-spa lounging.
- Bathtub: Ahhhhhh. (If you get the room I did, and I'll touch on this later.)
- Blackout curtains: Godsend for avoiding the sunrise at 5:30 AM, and more privacy.
- Coffee/tea maker: My spirit animal.
- Free bottled water: Bless.
- Hair dryer: Because frizzy is not a good look for anyone.
- Internet access- Wireless and LAN: Essential for those who need to connect.
- Ironing facilities: Might have used them… once. (Don't judge my wrinkle-averse nature).
- Mini bar: Tempting.
- Non-smoking: Phew!
- Private bathroom: Always a win.
- Refrigerator: Cold Singha, yes, please!
My room? Glorious. Huge. With a Seating area that screamed "relax," and a Window that opens (fresh air, people!). They even had Interconnecting room(s) available – perfect for families or, you know, extended friend groups who like to party. The Bathrooms were clean.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Edition
Let's get real. COVID era, and the anxiety of travel. Here's the skinny: they tried to make you feel safe. Lots of Hand sanitizer everywhere. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, I saw the staff cleaning the day before checking in, and it was pretty thorough. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. Staff trained in safety protocol. You can opt-out of Room sanitization if you want. They had a Safe dining setup, with Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They also had Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. However, I did not see what they did with the Shared stationery removed, so I had to take the time to ask about it, but the staff was nice and helpful.
Things to Do (and Ways to Chill the Heck Out)
Alright, the fun stuff. Ways to relax. Buckle up.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage. Book them all. Seriously. This is mandatory. The masseuses are amazing. The body scrub was like… being scrubbed clean of all the stresses of life. And then wrapped in something amazing, like I was a baby. I got some good pampering. It was quite refreshing.
- Fitness center: Okay, I intended to use this. I even packed workout clothes. I did not, however, step inside. The pool, however, did get a swim.
- Foot bath: A nice touch.
- Gym/fitness, Spa: Self-explanatory.
- Pool with view. Stunning. Especially at sunset. I became very intimate with this pool.
- Steamroom, Sauna. I used the Sauna. I did not use the steamroom.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. See above.
- Spa/sauna. See above.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food!
Okay, the food! Restaurants: Yes, plural. A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. Breakfast: Ooooooh, this is where things get interesting. Breakfast [buffet]. The buffet was pretty epic. I'm talking mountains of fresh fruit, pastries that practically sang to you, and a full "English breakfast" style setup to get you going. But I got the Breakfast in room option. They also had a Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Western breakfast. The thing that really had me excited? Happy hour. Asian Breakfast. Excellent. Breakfast takeaway service. Alternative Meal arrangement. Bottle of water. Salad in restaurant. Soup in restaurant.
The food overall was good. Not Michelin-star quality, but solid, tasty, and with a decent range of options.
Services and Conveniences: They Tried, Bless Them
They gave you everything. Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Taxi service, Valet parking, Airport Transfer, and more!
For the Kids:
They are Family/child friendly. They also have Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking, Airport transfer, Car power charging station
The Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect)
My biggest "ugh" moment? The lighting in the room. It was… moody. Too moody. I needed a magnifying glass to see to read. And as a self-confessed bookworm, this was bordering on a crisis. Not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of. I brought a little desk lamp. Also, while they say they have pets allowed, I did not see any.
The Verdict: Should You Escape?
Absolutely. Despite the minor niggles, "Escape to Paradise: The Wishes Hotel, Chiang Mai Awaits!" is a solid choice. It's got the location, the amenities, and – most importantly – the vibe to make your Chiang Mai experience truly memorable.
My final plea: Book this hotel. You'll get to go Somewhere with Couple's room. You gotta. They have a Front desk [24-hour] and Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
The "Book Now" Offer (Because You Deserve It!)
Okay, here's the deal. I spent a week getting pampered, eating delicious food, and generally being a very happy camper. And now, I want you to experience the same.
Book your stay at "Escape to Paradise: The Wishes Hotel, Chiang Mai Awaits!" within the next week, and you'll receive:
- A complimentary spa treatment of your choice (up to a certain value). Treat yourself.
- A welcome bottle of real champagne. Pop that bottle!
- A complimentary upgrade to the next available room (subject to availability). Maybe you'll score the magical bathtub room!
Why this offer? Because you deserve it! You've earned a break. You need a getaway. And "Escape to Paradise: The Wishes Hotel, Chiang Mai Awaits!" is
Maui Sunset Condo: Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered truth of a Chiang Mai adventure at The Wishes Hotel. Consider yourselves warned.
Chiang Mai: The Wishes & Whimsical Mayhem (An Itinerary with a Side of Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival & That Damn Pad Thai
Morning (or, let's be honest, late morning): Okay, so the flight was… an experience. I swear the guy in the window seat was secretly knitting a sweater out of air. Seriously, turbulence and all, he was CHURNING. Landed in Chiang Mai, the air hit me like a warm, jasmine-scented hug. Lovely, though, until I saw the taxi fare. OUCH. But hey, budget be damned, we’re here! Checked into The Wishes. The lobby is legitimately stunning. Think: serene fountains, orchids everywhere, and that subtle scent of luxury that makes you feel fancy even in your slightly crumpled travel clothes.
Afternoon: First impressions of our room? Pretty darn good. Balcony overlooking a courtyard? Yes, please! But… the air conditioning is fighting a losing battle against the Chiang Mai humidity, and I swear I can hear the gecko that lives in the corner of the room plotting something.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Food. Obviously. Okay, so here’s where the cracks begin to show. I’d read a million articles about the “best Pad Thai in Chiang Mai.” Ended up at a place with glowing reviews. The Pad Thai? Bland. Soulless. I, in my utter hunger and despair, ate it, but I had to drown it in chili flakes to feel ANYTHING. The owner, bless his optimistic heart, kept trying to get me to eat some extra chili flakes because he was so proud. So now I’ll forever associate Pad Thai with the feeling of betrayal and the ghost of a spicy regret.
Evening: Wandered around the night market. Overwhelming. Glorious. Overwhelming. Seriously, your senses get a serious workout. The smells are all over the place, from the fried food to incense burning in every other corner to the perfume of the smiling, sales-y vendors! The craftsmanship on some of the items is impressive. I might have bought a ridiculously ornate elephant statue that now needs a dedicated shelf. My bank account hates me, though.
Day 2: Temples, Tigers, and Existential Dread
Morning: Doi Suthep Temple. Spectacular. The gold is blinding, and the views… wowza. Took about 600 pictures. Probably haven't deleted the ones with my eyes closed. Okay, it's also a bit touristy. The crowds are intense, but the spiritual atmosphere is undeniably present. It took quite a long time to climb up the many stairs. I am still somewhat winded.
Afternoon (the Tiger Kingdom Incident): Okay, this is where the story goes from “charming” to “slightly insane.” I went to the Tiger Kingdom. Yes, I know, it's ethically… questionable. I’d wrestled with the idea for hours. In the end, curiosity (and a healthy dose of "YOLO") won out. Let me tell you: those tigers are HUGE. Like, seriously, you-could-be-lunch HUGE. The “small” ones are bigger than my dog! The whole experience was… surreal. I’m sitting there, stroking a tiger (under strict supervision, obviously), and I’m thinking: "Is this real life? Am I going to die?" I loved it and the adrenaline rush left me trembling for hours afterwards.
Late afternoon: Had to go lay down at the hotel after the tiger experience. I was emotionally drained.
Early Evening: Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel. The ambiance was gorgeous – fairy lights, live music. The food was good, not great. It made me realize I probably need to find a cooking class. If I only go to a cooking class while I am here, then that will be all the good I got out of Thailand.
Evening: A long, hot shower. Journaling. Reflecting on my life choices. Maybe I'm an adrenaline junkie? Maybe I'm just easily swayed by large felines? I don't know. Still, the tiger experience is something to talk about.
Day 3: Elephants, Massages, and the Glorious, Glorious Pool
Morning: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visit. Okay, this one was a must-do. You want to ride on them, or have them do stuff? No. You bathe them, you feed them, you spend time observing their behaviour. It was heart-warming. Very emotional… I may or may not have shed actual tears watching those gentle giants. The sanctuary staff were incredibly informative and passionate and seemed truly committed to the elephants' well-being. So much happiness.
- Anecdote: I was feeding one of the elephants bananas, and it accidentally “sneezed” banana bits all over me. It was so endearing that I didn't even mind.
Afternoon: Back at The Wishes. Time for the pool. Oh, the pool… So refreshing. I floated for like an hour, feeling every single knot of tension melt away. This, my friends, is the life. Might become a pool person.
Late Afternoon: Thai massage. It was… intense. The masseuse was tiny but possessed the grip of a metal vice. I'm pretty sure I’ve never been twisted, stretched, and cracked in so many ways in my life. But afterwards? Bliss. My body felt loose, stretched, and new again.
Evening: Enjoyed dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants. More delicious food. Tried Pad See Ew. It was a triumph! Still some leftovers. After dinner I tried to do some reading outside, but the mosquitoes won. I am still somewhat itchy.
Day 4: Cooking Class, Lost in Translation, and Packing
Morning: Cooking class! Finally. I can say that. I learned to make green curry, tom yum soup, and mango sticky rice (which, let's be honest, is the best thing on the planet). I burned the rice. But I think it was a success!
Afternoon: Wander around the old city one last time. I wanted to get lost. I did. Found myself in a tiny alley, surrounded by shops selling things I couldn't name but wanted to buy anyway. Attempted to ask for directions, but my Thai is… rudimentary, at best. I think the shopkeepers were amused. Got a smile. The universal language of a smile. I felt happy.
Late Afternoon: Packing. The dreaded task. Realized I’ve bought way too much stuff. The elephant statue and the extra chili flakes and all of my clothes.
Evening: One last Chang beer on the balcony. I’m going to miss this place. Chiang Mai, you magnificent, chaotic, delicious, sometimes-disappointing, always-memorable city, you've been a delight.
Note to self: Next time, pack less. Learn some basic Thai phrases. And maybe, just maybe, steer clear of the Pad Thai with bland flavor.
The Wishes Hotel – Final Verdict:
The Wishes Hotel? Gorgeous. The staff? Wonderful. The food (mostly)? Fantastic. The memories? Priceless. Would I come back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing a hazmat suit in case of rogue Pad Thai.
Bannduangkamol Thailand: Unveiling the Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Escape to Paradise: The Wishes Hotel, Chiang Mai Awaits! (…Maybe?) - An FAQ (with Feelings!)
So, Wishes Hotel… Is it *really* paradise? The brochures are SO shiny.
Ugh, those brochures. You know, the ones with the impossibly perfect people sipping cocktails by the infinity pool? I had a *moment* with them before I went. "YES! THIS IS IT!" I thought. Now? I'd say… it’s *paradise-adjacent*. Think a slightly sun-kissed version of real life. It’s got its moments, don’t get me wrong. But let’s just say my journey to paradise involved a minor existential crisis in the breakfast buffet queue. More on that later.
Is the staff as lovely as everyone says? I'm kind of a 'high-maintenance' traveller.
Okay, the staff? AMAZING. Truly. Like, genuinely *fantastic*. They're polite, helpful… and they seem to anticipate your needs before *you* even know you have them. I'm usually a hot mess on vacation, I lose things constantly, and I ask a million dumb questions. These people? They smiled and helped me find my lost phone (again!) and *never* made me feel like a total idiot. One of the bellhops, bless his heart, even remembered my name after I'd only been there a day. That’s some next-level hospitality right there. Honestly, they're the reason I'd consider going back. The human element really, REALLY counts.
The pool – is it as gorgeous as it looks online? Spill the tea.
The pool... Okay, *that* is the real deal. IT'S GLORIOUS. Picture this: turquoise water, strategically placed palm trees, and the mountains in the distance. It's postcard-perfect. HOWEVER… (and there's always a however, isn't there?)… the first day, there were *so many* people. Like, more people than I *think* the pool was designed for. I'm not the best swimmer, so I felt like I was dodging olympic athletes the whole time. I actually considered doing a *very* dramatic "drowning" to get some space. Don't judge me. Things improved, but be prepared for potential crowds, especially at peak times. Go early. Go late. Embrace your inner ninja and find a spot!
What about the food? I'm a bit of a foodie.
The food… it's a mixed bag, honestly. The breakfast buffet? Huge. Everything you could possibly imagine. Except... the coffee was, shall we say, *forgettable*. Like, airport-coffee forgettable. It's a major first world problem, I know. But I NEED good coffee in the morning! I’m talking a straight up, caffeine dependency. I spent half my time wandering around looking for something that would actually wake me up. The dinner restaurants were a mixed bag: some were heavenly, some were a little… Meh. The Thai food at the main restaurant was fantastic, authentic and flavorful. The Italian place? Overpriced and under-seasoned. Just my honest opinion, mind you. So, definitely do your research and order strategically.
The Spa – Worth the splurge?
YES. YES, YES, AND YES! The spa is an absolute must. I got a Thai massage, and it was the best massage of my LIFE. Like, they worked out knots I didn't even *know* I had. It was pure bliss. I wanted to stay there forever. I almost fell asleep for the entire thing, which is saying something for me. Do it. Treat yourself. You deserve it. It’s not cheap, but it's absolutely worth it. Just… try not to snore. I clearly failed at that.
Tell me about the rooms! The photos are so… clean.
The rooms... Yes, very clean. Almost *too* clean. Mine was a Deluxe something-or-other – spacious, with a balcony that overlooked the grounds. Honestly, it felt a bit… soulless. Like, a very nice, extremely well-appointed hotel room, but not necessarily a *home*. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom was modern, the air conditioning worked *perfectly*. (A huge plus in the Chiang Mai heat!) I'm not saying it was bad; it just lacked a little bit of character, a bit of… *life*. I ended up buying some local flowers to make it feel less lonely. Don't get me wrong, it was a nice place to crash after a long day, but it felt kind of like a blank canvas for my trip as well. Which, in a way, is a good thing! You’re not meant to stay in your room, after all!
Any advice for those of us who are easily overwhelmed by the whole 'vacation' thing?
Oh, honey, *same*. Vacation can be stressful! My advice? Embrace the chaos. Don't try to do everything. Definitely get that massage. Pack light. Read reviews, then ignore about half of them (including this one!). Be prepared to get lost (both physically and metaphorically). And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. And the biggest thing: Don’t sweat the small stuff! That burnt toast? Meh. The slightly-off coffee? Okay, maybe slightly more than meh. The slightly weird smell coming from the air con? (YES, mine had that!) Oh, just tell the staff, they will literally fix it. You aren't going to experience everything. The whole point is to get away from the everyday and discover all the newness. It's an adventure. And it's supposed to be fun. Even when it isn’t.
Did you, like, *enjoy* it overall? The bottom line, please!
Okay, the bottom line? YES. Absolutely. Despite the minor coffee crisis, the slightly overcrowded pool, and the soulless room, I had a fantastic time. The staff made all the difference. The spa was heavenly. And the overall vibe was incredibly relaxing. Would I go back? Hmm… Probably. Especially if they promised unlimited good coffee. And maybe a slightly bigger pool. And perhaps a room with some personality. But yes. Definitely. Go. Just go! You deserve it. And if it's not *perfect* paradise, well... at least you'll have some stories to tell.
