Escape to Paradise: Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Temple Tree Resort & Spa - My Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Review!
Okay, so picture this: you're frazzled. Life’s a blender on high speed. You yearn for… escape. And that's where the siren song of Temple Tree Resort & Spa in Pokhara, Nepal, comes in. Let me be brutally honest: this place? It's pretty darn good. Like, really good. But don't expect a perfectly polished travel brochure, because that's not me. Buckle up, because we're going on a chaotic, truth-telling journey!
Accessibility - The Getting There & Getting Around (Did I Make a Mistake?)
First thing's first: getting to Pokhara. The airport transfer was smooth - a huge sigh of relief after that long flight! But navigating the actual resort… Let’s be real, accessibility is a thing for me. (I sprained my ankle last year just walking down the street, so yeah, I think about it.) They market themselves as having Facilities for disabled guests, but honestly? While there's an Elevator (yay!), and likely some Facilities for disabled guests, the terrain in Pokhara is… let’s just say, not entirely smooth. There are some hills, but the pathways are easy to navigate. I'd give it an 8/10 based on accessibility, but I didn't specifically test it with a wheelchair.
Rooms & Amenities - My Sanctuary, My Clutter
Alright, let's talk rooms. The Available in all rooms list is impressive: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes (a MUST!), Blackout curtains (essential for jet lag), Coffee/tea maker (God bless!), Hair dryer (thank you!), In-room safe box (always a win), *Internet access – wireless, *Mini bar* (temptation central), Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Seating area (perfect for collapsing after a day of sightseeing), Separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), Slippers (yes!), Smoke detector and Wake-up service… it’s all there! And the Window that opens… that's actually important! Some hotels seal you in a plastic bubble; here, you got fresh air and the sounds of nature!
My room? Beautiful. With a Sofa I could curl up on, and a Desk I’ll never use. (I prefer the bed… or the balcony). But also, the Daily housekeeping was a lifesaver. I’m a messy traveler. Clothes everywhere. Half-eaten snacks. Without those lovely folks tidying up, I'd have been living in a disaster zone! They even left Complimentary tea and a Bottle of water. Little touches, people. Little touches that make a HUGE difference.
Bonus points for the Non-smoking rooms – appreciated. Additional toilet? Not that I needed it, but hey, extra is extra! And the Soundproofing? Needed that to block out the constant chatter in my head! (Just kidding… mostly).
Internet Access - My Digital Detox (or Lack Thereof)
Okay, so Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a major perk, but let's be real: I still struggle to disconnect. Internet access – LAN is also available, which is great if you're a serious business person (I pretend to be one sometimes). The Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas were all good. I could update my Instagram, research trails and, (most importantly) check my bank balance. But honestly, I found myself wanting to unplug. The beauty of the lake, the incredible views of the mountains… it's hard not to be present.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking - My Expanding Waistline and My Happy Place
Oh, the food. Where do I even start? The Asian breakfast, Western breakfast and Breakfast [buffet] are an absolute must. I mean, that's the first thing I did. I started my day with a buffet and it was amazing! The Coffee shop was really good and the Poolside bar was even better! (Cocktails with a view? Yes, please!).
The A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant were all good, but it was the Happy hour – the happy hour – that truly stole my heart. (I may or may not have sampled all the cocktails… for research, obviously!) The Desserts in restaurant…. well, my swimsuit is a little tighter now, but it was totally worth it. I loved the Soup in restaurant. I still miss that soup! The Salad in restaurant was also delicious.
The Restaurants offer Room service [24-hour], which is handy for those late-night cravings. There's also a Snack bar for those moments when you need a quick fix, and they even bring you a Bottle of water. Everything was so clean! Sanitized kitchen and tableware items made me feel safe from the moment I arrived.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day, Here I Come (and I Never Want to Leave)
This is where Temple Tree truly shines. The Spa is… well, it's heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. I booked like, three visits. Okay, four. The Massage was incredible. I mean, my shoulders still relax at the thought of it. I started with a Body scrub which felt amazing, then a Body wrap, then the Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom! I just kept going. There's a Pool with view, which is as perfect as it sounds, and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. You can even get a Foot bath before your treatment! It was amazing.
The Fitness center, Gym/fitness is there. I went. I looked at the equipment. Then I went back to the hammock. The Pool with view is perfection.
Cleanliness and Safety - Peace of Mind in a Pandemic
And in these weird times, Cleanliness and safety were top of mind. Temple Tree took it seriously. They used Anti-viral cleaning products, offered Hand sanitizer, and had Daily disinfection in common areas. They have a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit. Everything was so clean. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available. Rooms sanitized between stays. Safe dining setup. Professional-grade sanitizing services. Staff trained in safety protocol. Sterilizing equipment - I felt safe.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, , Dry cleaning, Elevator, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Hotel chain, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace – all are there, and all add up to a seriously comfortable experience. I love the Cash withdrawal! Amazing!
For the Kids - My Inner Child Approved (Even if I Didn't Bring Any)
Although I was traveling solo, I did notice the Family/child friendly vibe. There is a Babysitting service for anyone who needs it, and a Kids meal option. I’m a big kid at heart, and I could see myself enjoying the Kids facilities.
Getting Around - The Journey Home (and Already Planning My Return)
Airport transfer was smooth. They offer Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, and Valet parking. Everything you could want.
The Verdict: Book It. Now.
Okay, so here's the deal: Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a gem. A sparkly, comfortable, food-filled gem. It's not perfect – nothing is! – but it gets so much right. The location is stunning. The staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. The spa… the spa is worth the price of admission alone!
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Actually, I'm already checking my calendar.
Here’s My Offer to YOU, My Fellow Escape-Seeker!
Tired of the everyday grind? Craving a true escape? Book your unforgettable stay at Temple Tree Resort & Spa in Pokhara and unlock paradise! This hidden gem offers:
- Breathtaking views of the Himalayas and serene Fewa Lake. Imagine waking up to that every morning!
- Luxurious rooms and suites with all the modern comforts, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and private balconies. (That balcony will be your happy place, trust me.)
- A world-class spa offering rejuvenating massages, body treatments, and more. (My shoulders are already tingling with anticipation!)
- Delectable dining options with a variety of international and local cuisines, including a must-try breakfast buffet. (Prepare to loosen that belt!)
Alright, here we go. Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because my itinerary is about to be as messy and unpredictable as my last attempt at making ramen. (Spoiler alert: it involved a burned pot and a lot of tears.)
Day 1: Pokhara Arrival – Expectations vs. Reality (and a Side of Jet Lag)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Land in Pokhara. Okay, "land" is generous. More like, the tiny plane that felt like a slightly larger, more metal cardboard box touched down somewhere. The Himalayas were breathtaking. Truly. I almost cried… until I realized my luggage hadn't. (Damn those baggage handlers!)
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Transfer to Temple Tree. The ride was… an adventure. Picture this: winding roads, tuk-tuks vying for space with cows (yes, actual cows!), and me, clutching my stomach like a frightened koala. The driver, bless his heart, seemed to know the road intimately, maybe he's a local.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Check-in. Finally! The resort is gorgeous. Thatched roofs, lush gardens, the whole shebang. But… the "luxury room" they promised? Let's just say it's a bit more "rustic charm" than I was expecting. The faucet sputtered, and the Wi-Fi coughed and died every five minutes. I'm not sure I'm a fan of this "rustic charm" thing.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at the resort. I ate lunch, that was some real food, not airplane food. I tried the momos… which were delicious. But, I’m convinced the waiter gave me the stink eye for not ordering a third plate. This is a culture shock. Jet lag hitting me hard.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Nap. A long, glorious, jet-lag-induced nap. Woke up disoriented, with a crick in my neck, and a vague sense that I'd dreamt in Nepalese. This is the life.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wander around the resort. Watched the sunset shimmer beautifully on the lake. Beautiful, I tell you! Took about 50 photos. Realizing I'm probably one of those people.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at the resort. Another decent meal. Tried ordering something adventurous, but chickened out and went for the pasta. I'm the worst.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Attempt to write in my journal. Fledging attempt. Maybe I'll see more of Pokhara tomorrow, maybe not. Who knows.
Day 2: Lakeside Delights and a Questionable Boat Ride
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, shower. Nope. The water pressure remained a distant memory. Sigh.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. This time, the buffet. And I fully embraced the buffet. Eggs, fruit, the works. The coffee? Strong enough to raise the dead.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore Lakeside. Now, this is what I came for! Wandered along the lake, soaking everything in. The colorful boats, the shops selling prayer flags and singing bowls (which I may or may not have bought…shhh). The air felt different, lighter somehow.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a lakeside cafe. Ordered something with chicken, because (surprise, surprise) I'm still a cautious eater. Ate while people-watching. Fascinating people-watching.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Boat ride on Phewa Lake. This is where things got…interesting. The lake is beautiful, truly. But, the boat? Well, let's just say it looked like it had seen better days. Kept praying it wouldn't capsize. Still, the views were amazing.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit the World Peace Pagoda. Hike up through the jungle, sweating like a pig, but the view at the top took my breath away. The pagoda itself was stunning, a beacon of calm. Made me realize that I spend far too much time worrying.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Return to the resort. Exhausted.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Attempted to enjoy the outdoor fire pit. Found out it was closed for the night. Maybe I should ask them to put up more fire pits.
Day 3: Spa Day (Finally) and a Mountain Dilemma
- 8:00 AM: Another day, another struggle with the shower. I'm accepting this as part of the experience.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast, buffet style. Coffee.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Spa Time! Finally, the spa! Booked a massage. The massage was perfect, even though I wasn't prepared for the strength. The body scrub was probably the highlight. Felt all my stress just melt away. Worth every penny.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Relaxed by the pool.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at the resort. Same order, a little bit of different foods.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Contemplation. Should I go trekking? Actually, I had to spend the afternoon trying to decide whether to go trekking. The thought of hiking up a mountain, even one of the smaller ones, filled me with both a strange sense of excitement and a deep, deep dread.
- 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. More food, more decisions, more uncertainty.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: I think I'm going to go trek. I'm so nervous I might throw up.
Day 4: A Trekking Adventure (or, How I Learned to Love Altitude)
- 6:00 AM: Woke up before the alarm, adrenaline pumping, even after a restless night's sleep.
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Fueling up, but honestly, I was too nervous to eat much.
- 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Trekking. The trek. Oh, the trek. It started fine, but then the altitude hit. I started panting like a dog. My legs burned, my lungs felt like they were on fire. Thought I was going to die. But, I also had the best views I'd ever seen. The mountains! The valleys! The sense of accomplishment when I finally reached the top! Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the resort, showered, collapsed on the bed.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Slept. Didn't even dream.
Day 5: Departure – A Bittersweet Farewell
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Wander around the resort.
- 10:00 AM: Check out, transfer to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Flight.
- 1:00 PM: Land.
Final Thoughts:
Temple Tree Resort & Spa, you were beautiful, you were frustrating, and you were, ultimately, an unforgettable experience. Pokhara, I love you. Nepal, I'll be back. Just…maybe with better luggage and a stronger resolve to conquer that shower. And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally learn to be a little bit more adventurous with my food.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And a large coffee. And maybe a therapist. (Just kidding…mostly.)
Escape to Muskegon: Hampton Inn's Unbeatable Michigan Getaway!
So, is Temple Tree REALLY the "Hidden Gem" it claims to be? My inner skeptic is screaming…
Accommodation – should I go for a Deluxe Room, or is the Suite really worth the splurge?
The Food! I've heard mixed things. What's the deal?
That Spa… is it as relaxing as it looks in the photos? I desperately need a massage.
How's the service? Are staff helpful and friendly?
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with my family.
Things To Do Around Temple Tree? Beyond just lazing around the pool…
