Escape to Paradise: Nabanmae Resort, Thailand Awaits
Escape to Paradise: Nabanmae Resort - A Messy, Honest, and Surprisingly Good Review (and Why YOU Should Go!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to the Nabanmae Resort in Thailand, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. A paradisiacal experience, yes, but also a real one, with all the messy, imperfect glory that implies. Forget those slick, sterile travel brochures; this is the actual lowdown, warts and all, on whether you should book your own escape. And spoiler alert: I think you should.
First Impressions: Accessibility (and a Bit of a Frustration)
Okay, the elephant in the room: Accessibility. Nabanmae, bless their hearts, tries. They have facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus. There's an elevator (thank heavens!), and some rooms are supposedly designed for easier movement. However, it's not always perfect. I noticed a few ramps that were a little… steep, and while they're aiming for inclusivity, they could definitely polish up the details. Definitely ask specific questions about accessibility before you book if you have mobility concerns. Pro-tip: Call them! Don't just trust the website.
Checking In: Smooth(ish) Sailing
The check-in/out [express] option was a lifesaver after a long flight. And they had a doorman to help with luggage – always a perk. They even offered contactless check-in/out, which, in this COVID era, I truly appreciated. I mean, who wants to touch a pen?!
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? Okay, it wasn't perfect, but it was pretty darn good. The air conditioning was a godsend battling the Thai humidity! The blackout curtains meant I could sleep until noon (bliss!). The free Wi-Fi was a must (and it worked!). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! My god, are you hearing this for real? It was my lifeline to sanity, and thank the travel gods it worked. The free bottled water was constantly replenished, which was a considerate touch. The bed? Comfortable, with an extra-long bed – perfect for my lanky frame. I'm a sucker for a good shower, and the separate shower/bathtub situation was great. Just a heads-up: I’m pretty sure my room wasn’t soundproof (the soundproof rooms are probably a premium). I heard a couple of loud conversations from the hallway, but it wasn’t the worst thing in the world.
Internet & Connectivity: The Digital Detox (Maybe Not!)
Let's be honest, we're all addicted. The free Wi-Fi was excellent, and that's a big win. They also offered Internet [LAN], but honestly, who uses LAN anymore? That's like asking for a pager! Regardless, the Internet services were top-notch, which kept me connected for work, which I'd rather not do, but I had to, so I appreciated it.
Food, Glorious Food! (With Occasional Hiccups)
Okay, this is where Nabanmae really shines. Let's start with the options:
- Restaurants: Multiple! Restaurants galore!
- Asian Breakfast: Amazing. I mean, seriously, get the congee. Trust me.
- Buffet in restaurant: A solid option for a quick meal and very good, although, due to the recent health scares, it's a little less… "pile everything on your plate."
- A la carte in restaurant: The way forward.
- International cuisine in restaurant: I was craving a decent burger one day, and they delivered. Not quite American, but good enough.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always a plus.
- Poolside bar: The best!
- Snack bar: Perfect for a quick bite between dips in the pool.
- Room service [24-hour]: Oh yeah. Midnight Pad Thai, anyone?
- Desserts in restaurant: Yum!
- Salad in restaurant: Good for guilt-free indulgence.
- Happy hour: Well yeah, a bar with happy hour, a beautiful and classic setup, especially if you're looking to have a good time!
Pro-Tip: Don't be afraid to try new things. I discovered my love for Thai iced coffee at the Coffee shop.
My Food-Related Mishap – And Why It's Actually a Good Thing
Here's a messy little confession: I ordered room service one night. I thought I ordered something mild. It turned out to be… a fire-breathing, chili-laden inferno of deliciousness! My tongue was on fire, my eyes were watering, but the Daily housekeeping was so good that I survived. It was a hilarious reminder that the staff are human, even with the Staff trained in safety protocol. You'll encounter an authentic experience, imperfections and all.
Wellness & Relaxation: Pure Bliss (Most of the Time)
Sauna. Spa. Spa/sauna. Need I say more? Okay, I will. The massage was out of this world. Seriously, if you only do one thing at Nabanmae, get a massage. I'm talking legit, melt-into-the-table, tension-melting magic. There was a fitness center, but I only looked at it once. I prefer to relax in the pool. I did the foot bath, that was nice. The Body scrub? Ah, pure decadence. They even had a pool with a view! This is a serious contender for a perfect day.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool (Though the Pool is Tempting)
Okay, so I spent a lot of time in the swimming pool [outdoor]. It was glorious. There are other things to do, though!
- There's a shrine nearby if you're into that sort of thing.
- The convenience store was handy for forgotten sunscreen and snacks.
- I heard about bicycle parking, but didn't use it.
Cleanliness & Safety: COVID-Era Peace of Mind
Look, everyone's got COVID anxiety these days, right? I was impressed.
- They had Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
- Safe dining setup.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
It wasn't perfect – I'm not going to lie, I saw a few lapses in mask-wearing from other guests – but I felt reasonably safe, and the effort was definitely there.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Currency exchange: Easy peasy.
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly.
- Laundry service: Thank god! I don't do laundry on vacation!
- Luggage storage: No problem.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: If you're that type of person.
- Cash withdrawal: Essential.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
They've thought of families! Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and even Kids meals. My inner child was definitely satisfied!
Getting Around: The Great Escape!
- Airport transfer: Smooth and easy.
- Car park [free of charge]: Bonus!
- Taxi service: Available.
The Quirky Stuff (The Stuff You Can't Fake)
- The Hotel chain feel, not too corporate, and not too bland.
- The exterior corridor of the hotel felt like a movie set.
- The proposal spot seems to be the pool at sunset.
The Verdict: Worth It! (With a Few Caveats)
Nabanmae Resort is not perfect. It's real. It's a little rough around the edges. But it's charming. It's fun. And honestly? It's a fantastic place to escape.
The One Thing I Hated (And Why It Doesn't Matter)
Okay, I will admit, the constant supply of free bottle of water was a nice touch, but it's a minor issue. The biggest thing I missed was my dog (Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed)! Seriously, I missed having a furry friend by my side.
So, Should You Go? Heck YES!
If you're looking for a polished, sterile, predictable vacation, Nabanmae might not be your jam. But if you want a genuine Thai experience, with great food, amazing massages, and a chance to truly relax, then Escape to Paradise: Nabanmae Resort, Thailand Awaits!
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary is less "polished travel brochure" and more "slightly frazzled traveler trying to remember where she put her passport." Welcome to Nabanmae Resort, Thailand - or, as I'm now calling it, "Paradise…with a side of potential for sunburn and existential dread."
The "Definitely Not Perfect but Hopefully Memorable" Nabanmae Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Panic (and a Really Good Pad Thai)
- Morning: ARRIVE! (Bangkok Airport, that is.) The sheer humidity slapped me in the face like a wet fish. Instantly regretted the decision to wear jeans. Flight was delayed. My luggage is probably currently vacationing in Dubai. Deep breaths. Found the pre-booked transfer, which, to my surprise, actually showed up. Success! (small victories, people).
- Afternoon: Arrived at Nabanmae Resort. First impressions? Jungle chic. Like, literally, it felt like I'd stumbled into a Tarzan movie set. The welcome drink was some kind of fruity concoction that tasted suspiciously like happiness (and maybe a hint of rum? Don't judge me.) Check-in took…a while. Seems the resort is on "island time," which translates to "whenever, darling." Finally, the room! Lovely. Mosquito net included (thank GOD).
- Evening: Pad Thai. Oh. My. God. Seriously, people, it was life-altering. Found a little hole-in-the-wall place just off the beach, and the noodles…the peanuts…the lime… It was pure, unadulterated bliss. Ate so much, I'm pretty sure I'll be sweating Pad Thai sauce for the next 24 hours. This is how all trip should start.
- Night: Attempted to walk the beach. Tripped over a rogue coconut. Swore a little. The stars, however, were insane. Like, a billion little diamonds scattered across a velvet cloth. Reminded me that, even with the luggage situation, this is pretty damn special. Went to bed, after a nice massage, trying to avoid thoughts of luggage.
Day 2: Beach Bum, Bungalow Blues, and Bug Bites
- Morning: Planned to wake up early and catch the sunrise. Snooze button won. Rolled out of bed around 8:30. Managed to stumble onto the beach. The sand…it's like walking on powdered sugar, people! Took a swim. The water was warm, clear, and utterly divine. Felt like I was floating in liquid sapphires. Spent a solid half-hour contemplating the meaning of life while floating. The meaning of life is probably "floating in sapphire water."
- Afternoon: Bungalow exploration. Okay, so, my bungalow isn't exactly a palace. The air conditioning… well, it's not a constant companion. Tried to troubleshoot a leaky faucet. Failed miserably. Resorted to using a strategically placed towel. Hey, it works.
- Late Afternoon: Decided to go for a walk. Walked through the jungle. Got bitten by something. Pretty sure it's going to itch for the rest of the trip. Swore again. Regretted not bringing bug spray. The jungle is beautiful, though. The vibrant greens, the…ugh, the buzzing insects.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort restaurant. It was…fine. A little pricey. Needed more Pad Thai, but it wasn't available. Feeling the itch of the bug bite. Thinking of going to bed. Maybe I'll buy some bug spray tomorrow. Or, you know, just resign myself to being a buffet for mosquitos.
Day 3: Monkey Business, Boat Trip Debacle, and Mango Sticky Rice Nirvana
- Morning: Okay, so the advertised "spiritual retreat" was actually a pretty chill yoga session. I attempted to do yoga. I'm pretty sure my downward dog looked more like a confused puddle. Yoga instructor was very Zen. I was not.
- Afternoon: Organized a boat trip to some nearby islands. The boat…well, let's just say it had character. The captain was a cheerful, if slightly terrifying, Thai man who seemed to communicate mostly through hand gestures. Went snorkeling. Saw some amazing fish. Accidentally swallowed a mouthful of seawater. It tasted like…well, seawater. The whole thing felt a little chaotic. The snorkeling was amazing though.
- Late Afternoon: The boat trip back to the shore was delayed due to a storm. I panicked. I'm not good with storms. (Remember that existential dread I mentioned?). The captain laughed. The boat lurched. I clutched the railing. Made it back. Survived.
- Evening: Dessert. Mango. Sticky. Rice. It was so good that it made me forget the storm and the bug bites. That's the power of mango sticky rice, people. Ate two servings. Might eat a third. Feeling much better. Thailand is a good place, even with the bugs and the chaos.
Day 4: The Great Temple Trek and the Quest for the Perfect Coconut
- Morning: Decided to do some exploring. Hired a scooter. Yes. Me. On a scooter. It went well. Mostly. Visited a stunning temple. The architecture was incredible, the colors were vibrant, and the whole place felt incredibly peaceful. I felt a little awkward about being a tourist. I did some reflecting. I'm still working on being zen.
- Afternoon: Went on a quest for the perfect coconut drink. Sampled several. One was a bit too watery, another tasted like dish soap. Finally found THE ONE. Cold, refreshing, and utterly perfect. Sat on the beach and savored it.
- Late Afternoon: After all that, I felt so relaxed. I tried to read. I fell asleep. The sun gently warmed my skin. Perfect.
- Evening: Attempted to find a lively bar. Failed. Found a quiet restaurant. Had some Thai food. It was good. Went to bed early. Needed it after the scooter driving and temple explorations.
Day 5: Farewell, Sweet Paradise… and the Sudden Realization I Haven't Bought Souvenirs
- Morning: Awoke to the sound of the ocean. Ate breakfast. Sat and looked at the sea. The beach is something special.
- Afternoon: Started packing. Realized I haven't done any souvenir shopping. Panicked. Raced around the local markets, grabbing whatever looked vaguely interesting. Ended up with a bag full of elephant-print pants and a questionable wooden carving.
- Late Afternoon: One last swim in the ocean. Said goodbye to the beach.
- Evening: Packed my bags. Boarded a taxi to the airport. Looked back at the resort. The bugs, the chaos, the leaky faucet, the slightly terrifying boat trip…it was all worth it. Thailand. You're a mess. And I kinda love you. Next trip, I'm bringing more bug spray. And maybe a better towel.
Final Thoughts:
Nabanmae Resort: Definitely not perfect. Utterly charming. Go. Just pack bug spray. And maybe a sense of humor. You'll need it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find some more mango sticky rice. And maybe a place to dry my laundry.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Yingthip1 Apartment Awaits in Thailand!
So, Escape to Paradise: Nabanmae Resort… Sounds… cliché. Is it REALLY paradise?
Okay, *deep breath*. Look, the name? Yeah, it's got "Escape to Paradise" in it. I was already rolling my eyes before I even booked. And honestly? Parts of it ARE painfully picture-perfect. Think Instagram influencer heaven: crystal-clear water, ridiculously photogenic sunsets… it's a LOT. But here's the thing: It's *almost* too perfect. Like, you get the feeling someone's been carefully manicuring everything. You're walking along the beach, and suddenly you see a staff member meticulously rearranging the shells. A shell-shell-shell-shell... oh, he's gone. Why was he doing that? I will never know. Makes you wonder... is THIS paradise? Listen, there were glorious moments, absolutely. Kayaking in the early morning, seeing the sun paint the sky? Utterly breathtaking. But then, the sand got in EVERYTHING. EVERYWHERE. I'm pretty sure I *still* have sand in my suitcase, and I was there a month ago. So… Paradise, yes. Perfect? Debatable. And honestly, a little sand between your toes is a part of the experience. Get used to it!
What’s the room situation like? Should I spring for the ocean view?
Rooms? Okay, room situation. We booked a basic garden view. Big mistake. MASSIVE. We should have saved a little more and gone for the ocean view. I mean, come on! You're in Thailand! The ocean is the *reason* you're there. Our garden view felt… well, it felt like we were in a slightly overgrown, mosquito-ridden cupboard. There were geckos, which, okay, cute at first, but then they start doing *things* at 3 AM. And the noise! There's always *something* going on. A generator humming. Workers chattering. Local wildlife doing their best mating calls outside my bathroom window. So, yes. Get the ocean view. Unless you’re a masochist who enjoys being serenaded by nocturnal insects and suffering from mild envy of your more privileged neighbours with the ocean view. You'll thank me later. Seriously.
Food! What's the grub like? Is it all Pad Thai and overly-sweet mango sticky rice?
Alright, food. This is where things get… complex. Yes, there's Pad Thai. Loads of it. And yes, the Mango Sticky Rice. It’s basically everywhere. Honestly? I nearly OD'd on mango sticky rice. Delicious, but repetitive. The resort tries to cater to everyone. There's a buffet. The buffet's good if you're hungover and need a quick fix. There are also other restaurants. The Thai restaurant was pretty good - spicy enough to make you sweat, which is a good thing in the heat. But honestly, I think I preferred the local food. A little hole-in-the-wall place down the beach, serving the most amazing, cheap, authentic Thai dishes. It was like... three dollars a plate, and tasted like magic. Their secret ingredient? Freshness, and a whole lot of love, I'm guessing. The resort's food was good... but not GREAT. It felt slightly… sanitized, you know? Like, they're trying too hard to be fancy. My personal recommendation would be to go a little off-piste and find some proper local food. Trust me. That's where the real flavor is. And you avoid the resort price-gouge.
Are there activities? What can you DO besides, you know, lie on the beach?
Oh, yeah, activities. Endless activities! They really try to keep you entertained. There's snorkeling, which is fantastic (if you don't mind sharing the reef with a gazillion other people). There's kayaking (which, like I said, is amazing at sunrise). They have cooking classes, which I signed up for, and, *full disclosure*, burned the coconut milk. And there’s the spa. The spa is a must-do. I got a Thai massage, and it was… intense. In the best way possible. Honestly, I was practically walking on air afterward. The masseuse was tiny, but she could bend me into shapes I didn’t even know were possible. And let's face it, sometimes the best way to de-stress is to be pummeled into submission. But here's the thing: Sometimes, the best activity is *no* activity. Just… doing nothing. Lying on the beach. Reading a book. Watching the waves roll in. Because that’s how you really escape. You have to allow for that space in your schedule. Seriously. Put ‘do nothing’ on your itinerary. It’s vital.
How’s the service? Are the staff friendly?
Service. Okay, the staff. Generally, yes, they are incredibly friendly. They're always smiling, always helpful. It's almost… unreal. Like, they’re constantly catering to you and your whims. There was this one guy, I think his name was “Pop”, who always remembered my silly iced coffee preferences from one morning. You get accustomed to the smiles. But… and there’s always a “but,” isn't there? Sometimes, friendliness can feel a bit… forced. Like, they're trained to be perfect, and it can feel a little robotic. There were times I just wanted someone to be REAL. To acknowledge that maybe the breakfast buffet was a bit cold. Or that the pool was incredibly crowded. But it’s a minor quibble. They're working hard, and they’re genuinely trying to make your stay enjoyable. Plus, a smile can go a long way. And sometimes, just sometimes, they'd slip up and laugh with you... which was always the best.
Any downsides? Anything *really* annoying?
Downsides? Oh honey, let me tell you. There are always downsides. First, the mosquitos! They are relentless. I mean, the *vampires* of the insect world. Make sure you bring enough bug spray to last through the apocalypse. And use it. Religiously. Or you'll wake up looking like a polka-dotted monster. They're merciless at dusk, I tell you. Second, the crowds. It’s a popular resort, which means… people. Lots of people. Especially at the pool bar. Good luck finding a space the closer you get to happy hour. I'm not a crowd person. Honestly, finding a quiet spot to read my book was a Herculean effort. Third… this has to be said – the resort's WiFi. Painful. Slow as molasses in January. I mean, I get it, you want to disconnect… but sometimes you need to check your emails or your banking stuff. Expect dropped connections and endless buffering. It was like going back in time. And getting angry, and walking around trying to find a space with a better signal. Fourth, and this is just a minor personal gripe – the music at the pool. Repeated loops of elevator music. After a certain point, I started hearing it in my dreams. Hotels Near Your
