Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bezel Bungalow Awaits in Sri Lanka
Escape to Paradise: Seriously, Your Dream Bungalow in Sri Lanka Awaits (and I'm Officially Hooked!) - A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, so I just got back from Escape to Paradise, and honestly? I'm still dreaming of those sunsets. They're the kind that paint the sky in hues you didn't even know existed. But before I get lost in a haze of tropical bliss, let's get this review… done. For you. So you know what you're getting into. (And believe me, you want to get into it.)
First Impressions – Accessibility, or The Great Staircase Debate (and My Knees Hated This Part, Sort Of)
Let's be real, Sri Lanka is a bit… rugged. And "Escape to Paradise" is nestled away. Getting there is part of the adventure! Now, the website does list "Accessibility" upfront, and it's… well, let's just say it's not a fully-blown, red-carpet-rollout, Olympic-level accessible haven. You will encounter stairs, people. Lots of 'em. The main areas have ramps, thankfully, but if you have serious mobility issues, this might not be your ideal paradise. Consider talking to them beforehand to discuss the specific layout. But hey, the view from up high is worth the climb, I promise! And they are trying to improve accessibility, believe me, I saw some work being done.
Getting Connected – Because Even Paradise Needs Wi-Fi (and I Need My Instagram!)
Okay, so you're worried about missing that cat video, right? Don't. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Check. Wi-Fi in public areas? Check. Internet access (with a LAN option if you're old-school)? Double check. I could update my Insta with those sunset pics no problem. In fact, I might have accidentally posted, like, a million stories showcasing the pool view. Sorry, not sorry. The connection was surprisingly reliable and the only reason I didn't give a 5 star is that the internet did cut out once, but it was only for like 10 minutes.
The Zen Zone – Ways to Relax and Unwind (and Maybe Get a Little Pampered)
This is where Escape to Paradise really shines. Think of it as a complete reset button for your life.
- Massage: Okay, let's be honest, I had a massage. A REALLY good one. Like, I think I fell asleep and dreamed of fluffy clouds and tiny, helpful elves easing the tension from my shoulders. This is not an overreaction, the masseuse was that good. I’d go back for the massage alone, worth every penny.
- Pools: There's a stunning outdoor swimming pool with a view that'll make you forget all your troubles. Sunbathe by the pool, then take a dip to cool off. Just don't forget your sunscreen!
- The Spa: They have a spa. It's serene, it's beautiful and while I didn't get around to trying the body scrub or wrap, based on the quality of the massage, I can only imagine it's fantastic.
- Fitness Center/Gym: I walked past the gym. Once. Okay, twice. I was on vacation, people! But if you're a fitness fanatic, the equipment looked pretty decent.
- Sauna/Steamroom: I'm told these exist, but I was far too busy relaxing by the pool to verify this. Next time!
Cleanliness and Safety – Because Nobody Wants Travel-Induced Anxiety (I had to be honest about this)
Look, I'm a germaphobe. I hold my breath when someone sneezes. So when I say this place was clean, I mean it.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Totally.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere? You betcha.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely.
- Safe dining setup? Oh, yes.
- Room sanitization opt-out? Yup. But honestly, why would you?
And, the fact that they offer "Breakfast in room", "Breakfast takeaway service", and "Individually-wrapped food options" made me feel even safer. They seem to have thought of everything.
Feast Your Eyes (and Your Belly!) – Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (because the food is just as crucial as the scenery)
Okay, the food. Oh. My. God. The food.
- Restaurants: Options galore! Multiple restaurants serving Asian, International, and Vegetarian cuisine.
- Breakfast? Buffet, a la carte, Asian, Western… you name it, they have it. I went for the buffet most days, but got the "breakfast in room" one time becuase I just could not.
- Happy Hour? Yep. Essential.
- Poolside Bar? Duh! Cocktails with those sunset views? Yes, please!
- Coffee/tea in the restaurant & Coffee shop? Check and double check. I'm a coffee fiend, so this was a big win.
Be prepared to eat until you can barely move. Seriously: I probably gained five pounds just from looking at the buffet. The staff is happy to help, the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is just perfect.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Big Difference (because travel should be easy, right?)
They thought of everything:
- Concierge? Super helpful. They booked my airport transfer, gave me tips on local adventures, and generally made my life easier.
- Daily housekeeping? Always spotless.
- Currency exchange? Convenient.
- Laundry service? Essential (especially after all that delicious food!).
- Room service? 24-hour. Enough said.
Plus they had a convenience store on site. Which was great.
For the Kids – Because It's Family-Friendly (although, I went solo!)
Though not travelling with children, I spotted "Babysitting service" & "Family/child friendly" options on the website, plus "Kids facilities", and "Kids meal" which makes it a great spot for families.
The All-Important Room Rundown – What You're Actually Sleeping In (and whether it's worth it)
I stayed in a bungalow. And it was stunning.
- Air conditioning? Absolutely! Essential.
- Blackout curtains? Perfect for sleeping in after a long day of doing… well, nothing much.
- Coffee/tea maker? The most necessary appliance!
- Mini-bar? Stocked with goodies.
- Private bathroom? Of course.
- Balcony? With a view to die for. Seriously.
I spent hours just lounging on my balcony, reading (or pretending to read) and listening to the sounds of the jungle. Pure bliss. This is the kind of place where you actually feel your stress melt away.
Getting Around – The Logistics (because you need to know how to get there and around!)
- Airport transfer? Book it! Easy peasy.
- Taxi service? Available.
- Car park [free of charge]? Yep.
My Verdict?
Escape to Paradise is not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place to unwind, reconnect with yourself, and fall in love with Sri Lanka. There were minor imperfections, it's true, but the beauty, the service, and the pure joy I felt easily outweighed them.
The Messy Bits (aka The Things I Did Not Love So Much):
- The lack of accessibility in some areas.
- A slight hiccup with the internet once.
Final Emotional Verdict:
I'm already planning my return. Seriously. Run, don't walk, and book your stay. You won't regret it.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the glorious, chaotic, and probably sunburn-filled reality of my trip to Bezèl Bungalow, Sri Lanka. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is REAL LIFE, people. And it’s going to be messy.
BEZEL BUNGALOW – THE UNFILTERED ADVENTURE
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Panic (Plus, Coconut Dreams)
- 7:00 AM (ish) - Colombo Airport (CMB): Oh. My. God. The humidity hits you like a warm, wet blanket. And the crowds? Forget personal space. I'm pretty sure I almost tripped over a sleeping dog, a mountain of luggage, and a very intense-looking man selling, well, something. First impression of Sri Lanka: beautiful chaos.
- 8:00 AM - Airport Scramble: Finding my pre-booked taxi. This felt like a scene from a Bollywood movie. Lots of shouting, hand gestures, and me desperately clutching my phrasebook. Finally, victory! I located the driver with a hopeful grin and a sign that said "Sarah." Excellent, now let's hope he actually knows where Bezèl Bungalow is…
- 9:00 AM-12:00 PM - The Drive (and the Search for Paradise): The drive. Oh, the drive. Winding roads, vibrant colours, and the constant fear that we'd veer off a cliff. My driver, bless his heart, mostly spoke in enthusiastic head nods and a language that seemed to be a mix of Sinhala, English and a whole lot of "I don't know." At one point, he pulled over to the side of the road and pointed to a coconut. "Very good! You taste?" He handed me a fresh coconut, and the sweet coolness was like a revelation. This, friends, is what I came for.
- 12:00 PM-2:00 PM - Bezèl Bungalow – The First Impression: After a nail-biting drive and a lot of "are we there yets," we arrived at Bezèl Bungalow. It's even more stunning than the photos. Lush greenery, a veranda that practically begs you to sit and do absolutely nothing, and the distant sound of the waves crashing. The staff are lovely, especially the chef, he look like he has a very good personality, It truly feels like a hidden paradise. I actually gasped out loud when I saw my room. It has a balcony facing the beach, and the bed is literally draped with a mosquito net. I instantly feel like a queen.
- 2:00 PM-6:00 PM - Beach Bliss and Initial Panic: I hit the beach IMMEDIATELY. The sand is soft, the water is warm, and the waves are HUGE. I spent way too long just staring at the ocean, feeling the sun on my skin. But then… the first wave almost wiped me out. Okay, maybe I'm not as graceful as I thought. I quickly retreated to the shade and devoured a plate of fresh fruit, feeling a bit like a clumsy tourist but utterly content.
- 6:00 PM-8:00 PM - Sunset Drinks and Existential Dread: Sunset is just breathtaking. Seriously, the sky explodes with color. I order a cocktail that promptly makes my stomach do a flip. I start thinking about all the things I haven’t done in life: learning to surf (a definite NO), quitting my boring job (maybe), writing a novel (probably not). But the feeling of the warm breeze against my skin and the sound of the waves… somehow, it's all okay. This place is working some serious magic.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner and Instant Gratification: Delicious Sri Lankan food! The flavours explode in your mouth. I had a curry, and it was perfect. Full of happiness and good food.
Day 2: Waves, Wildlife, and Wet Clothes (A Lot of Wet Clothes)
- 7:00 AM - Sunrise Yoga (Attempt #1): The bungalow offers yoga. Sounds great in theory. Waking up early? Not so easy in practice. But, I eventually dragged myself out of bed and onto a mat in the garden. I'm not sure I'd call it "yoga" as much as "trying to mimic the instructor while secretly wishing I could go back to sleep." Still, the sunrise was stunning.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: Fruit, stringhoppers, and coffee. Fueling up for a day of adventure!
- 9:00 AM - Surfing (Attempt #2 - and a Near-Drowning Experience): Okay, I decided I would try to surf again. I got a lesson. I stood up for a glorious two seconds before being tossed into the waves. It was both terrifying and hilarious. I swallowed half the ocean. My instructor, a young man, did his best to suppress a chuckle. I'm now convinced I'll be scarred for life. I spent the rest of the morning trying to recover my dignity on the beach.
- 12:00 PM-2:00 PM - Wildlife Adventure: a safari tour in a nearby national park. The experience was an absolute blast. The driver, also our guide, was incredible, spotting animals from a distance I wouldn't have noticed even if they were standing in front of me. We saw monkeys, elephants, several species of birds and a crocodile sunbathing lazily on the river bank.
- 2:00 PM-4:00 PM - Lunch and the Beach: Back to the bungalow for lunch. I had a light salad, because yes, I'm a glutton for punishment, and the beach.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Local Life: This is where I really fell in love with Sri Lanka. The little village near Bezèl Bungalow is full of life. I spent a few hours wandering around, talking to locals (as best I could), and just absorbing the atmosphere. The people are so incredibly friendly and welcoming. I ended up buying some spices from a local shop, and the shopkeeper gave me a recipe for a curry. My heart is full!
- 8:00 PM - Dinner and Sweet Dreams: Sri Lankan dinner and a good sleep, my mind is at peace.
Day 3: Climbing and the Ocean, All in One Day
- 7:00 AM - Quick morning: the best part of the day.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: more delightful Sri Lankan breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - The climb: The scenery made me think of some of the pictures in the internet.
- 1:00 PM - The beach: After the climb, I just wanted to go again to the beach, relaxing in the sand and feeling the ocean.
- 5:00 PM - Drinks: I will go back to the hotel. I ordered a cocktail.
- 8:00 PM - Last dinner: The last dinner.
Day 4: Departure - Saying Goodbye (and Planning a Return)
- Departure morning: Packed my bags (with a heavy heart).
- Departure: Farewell.
This is just a sketch, a messy, and hopefully hilarious, blueprint of my trip. There will be delays, detours, sunburn, and moments of pure, unadulterated bliss. And that, my friends, it's what makes travel unforgettable. Wish me luck!
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Okay, Escape to Paradise. Sounds lovely. But realistically... what's the Wi-Fi like? Because *that's* important.
Let me tell you a story. I was there, right? Thinking, "Ah, I'll just upload these stunning sunset photos to Instagram, and then I'll be a social media GOD!" Nope. Nope. The upload bar... it crawled. It *literally* crawled. I swear I aged a year waiting for that one picture to go live. Eventually, I just gave up and watched the geckos do their thing. Turns out, they're incredibly entertaining. So, the Wi-Fi? Prepare for intermittent moments of digital heaven, punctuated by moments of blissful, gecko-focused reality. Bring a good book. And maybe download a LOT of Netflix before you arrive. Just sayin'.
The website says “Luxury.” What's the *real* deal on the luxuriousness? Don't give me that fluffy marketing nonsense.
The real luxury? The *peace*. No blaring horns, no incessant emails, just the sound of the waves and the occasional monkey trying to steal your banana (true story, again). The staff are lovely, so helpful, and they're not super stuffy. You're not constantly being hovered over, which I secretly love. Are there some little imperfections? Sure. The hot water sometimes takes a while to come on, and the shower pressure isn't exactly a power wash. But honestly? Who cares? You’re in Sri Lanka! It’s more about authentic experiences than perfect plumbing. That's what makes it special.
Monkeys. I read there's monkeys. How do I handle the monkey situation? Because I'm picturing a primate invasion.
The key? Don't leave food unattended. *Seriously*. Don't. I made the mistake once. I went to grab a coffee, and I swear, as soon as I turned my back for like, two seconds, a monkey *swooped in* and made off with my banana. I was heartbroken. That banana was going to be my pre-breakfast nourishment. The monkeys, they're cheeky, but they're also just trying to survive. Keep your valuables locked up, don't make eye contact (it's a dominance thing, apparently), and you'll be fine. They are generally friendly, But their ability to get what they want can be astonishing.
Is the food good? And by good, I mean, is it *really* good? Because hotel food can be… dicey.
The chefs take real pride in their food, and you can really tell. My advice? Be adventurous! Try everything! And maybe, just maybe, make sure you get their secret recipe for the coconut sambol before you leave, you won’t regret it. It's a flavor explosion!
Okay, but what about getting around? Is it all tuk-tuks and… dust?
But here's my tip: rent a scooter. Now, I'm not a particularly confident driver. I'm pretty clumsy. But the roads around the Bungalows are relatively quiet, and zipping around on a scooter gives you an unbelievable sense of freedom. You can explore the nearby beaches, discover hidden cafes, and generally immerse yourself in the local culture. Just promise me you’ll wear a helmet. And be prepared to dodge the occasional pothole, cow, and rogue dog. I experienced all three on the same trip and I can still hardly believe it!
What's the best time of year to go? I'm trying to avoid the monsoon (nobody wants perpetual dampness).
However, even during the "dry" season, you might get a little rain. It's the tropics, after all. But trust me, a bit of warm rain is a small price to pay for the overall experience. The shoulder seasons (May-June and September-November) can also be good options, with potentially fewer crowds and lower prices, but the chance of rain increases. Do your research, check a local weather site, and be prepared for a bit of unpredictability. It's all part of the adventure!
Is it suitable for families? I've got kids, and I'm worried about... well, everything.
But the bungalows themselves aren't specifically child-proofed. And remember those monkey friends? They might have a vested interest in your kid's snacks. Ultimately, it depends on your kids and your family's travel style. If you're looking for a resort with a dedicated kids' club, this isn't it. If youTravel Stay Guides
