Escape to Paradise: Cliff Cottage Koh Chang - Your Dream Thai Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Cliff Cottage Koh Chang - My Brain Dump (and a Hotel Review!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (metaphorical) tea on Escape to Paradise: Cliff Cottage Koh Chang. This isn't your dry, corporate hotel review. This is my experience, warts and all, and trust me, there were some beautiful warts. And a few… well, let's just say I learned a LOT about myself (and how much I love a good Thai massage).
First Impressions: The Promise of Paradise (and the Hill of Doom)
The name's not kidding. "Escape to Paradise" sounds amazing. And honestly, it is pretty close to paradise. But let's be real, getting there? That's where the adventure begins. Koh Chang's beautiful, but bless the person who invented the tuk-tuk. The accessibility aspect is… well, let's just say if you're mobility-challenged, call ahead and get the details. I mean, there are facilities for disabled guests, but navigating those cliffside cottages might require the agility of a mountain goat. Seriously though, they have an elevator! That's a game-changer in a place like this. So, accessibility: check with the hotel directly, folks. But the VIEWS… oh, the views! Once you arrive, it's worth it. It's definitely not flat, but if you can do stairs you're golden.
The Room: My Little Cliffside Nest (and a Minor Carpet Drama)
My room (available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.) was, in a word, dreamy. Okay, maybe two: dreamy and comfortable. The balcony was the star. Picture this: morning coffee, the turquoise sea sprawling before you, the faint scent of frangipani… utter bliss. The bed was enormous, the blackout curtains a lifesaver for someone who likes to sleep in (guilty!). The Wi-Fi? Spotty, maybe, but hey, you’re on a cliffside in Thailand. Embrace the disconnect! Actually, free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! Score! Then throw in Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services because you can't be offline all the time.
Here's where the imperfections creep in:
That carpeting. It was… well, it was there. I'm not going to lie, it wasn't the newest carpeting I've ever seen. And maybe, just maybe, a crumb or two had found a permanent home in the fibers. Let's call it "lived-in charm." But the overall feel of the room, the thoughtful touches (complimentary tea!), the comfy sofa… it more than made up for it.
Relaxation Station: Spa-tacular! (and a Sauna Sigh)
Now, let's get to the good stuff. Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. This place is built for relaxation. And I fully embraced it.
The spa? AMAZING. I booked a massage, and it was pure, unadulterated heaven. Seriously, those Thai masseuses have magic hands. I swear, I felt about ten years younger afterwards. I may have even drooled a little. Don't judge. Then, the pool with a view. Oh my god. Picture infinity pool, ocean stretching as far as the eye can see, and a cocktail in hand. This is what dreams are made of. I skipped the gym. I am on vacation, people! The sauna was… functional. Let's say it wasn't the most modern sauna I've ever seen but it work. And the steamroom? A glorious, sweaty embrace of pure relaxation.
Food, Glorious Food: A Culinary Adventure (and a Restaurant Flub)
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, etc. The food deserves its own paragraph. The breakfast buffet was extensive - pastries, fruit, the works. They had a Western breakfast option to make me smile! The Asian breakfast was glorious, with different options. The coffee shop was great for a snack, the poolside bar was the perfect place to watch the sunset. Dinner at the main restaurant was a mixed bag. One night, the international cuisine was perfect, the food was well-presented, but on another, my [Asian cuisine] was a bit on the bland side. I loved how they are very serious about Safe dining setup
The Real Deal: Cleanliness, Safety, and the "COVID-19 Era" Experience:
This is important, especially now. Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, etc. Escape to Paradise takes cleanliness and safety seriously. I felt really safe. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, the staff wore masks, and everything felt meticulously cleaned. I even noticed some areas were re-sanitized between stays, and the room sanitization opt-out was great. Good job y'all!
Services and Conveniences: Perks and Quirks
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, etc. The concierge was super helpful (especially when I needed to arrange a taxi – those tuk-tuks, man!). The contactless check-in/out was a breeze. Everything felt well-organized and efficient. I even got a little something from the gift/souvenir shop, that was nice.
Things to Do: Beyond the Bliss
Things to do. There are tons of things to do! They can arrange tours, rent you a scooter, or just let you be. The beach is a short walk away, and the island itself is brimming with adventures.
For the Kids:
I wasn't traveling with kids, but I noticed they had a Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. etc. There's a large pool, and the staff seemed friendly.
And Getting Around:
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. They have car parking available!
The Verdict: Is Escape to Paradise Really Paradise?
Yes! With caveats. It's not a perfect place. But it's a place that genuinely prioritizes relaxation. It has undeniable character. The staff were lovely, the views are spectacular, and the spa is a must-do. It's the perfect place to escape the everyday grind, soak up some sun, and indulge in some well-deserved pampering.
My (Slightly Rambling) Recommendation:
If you're looking for a luxurious escape with stunning views, a killer spa, and a genuine sense of peace, book Escape to Paradise: Cliff Cottage Koh Chang. Just be prepared for a few quirks, embrace the adventure, and bring your appetite (and maybe some comfy shoes). Oh, and don't forget to tip the masseuse. They deserve it.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups. This is gonna be less "Travel Itinerary" and more "Therapeutic Unburdening of My Koh Chang Experience, Messy Edition." Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster, the rogue typos, and the undeniable scent of questionable street food. Cliff Cottage, here we come… or maybe we already left? Who even knows anymore.
Cliff Cottage Koh Chang: The (Sometimes) Blissful Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret (Just Kidding… Kinda)
Morning (or Whenever the Heck I Wake Up): Land in Trat (TRT). The airport's adorable, like a baby bird that just hatched. Then the FUN begins. The minivan transfer to the ferry. Oh, the minivan. Imagine a sardine can, but instead of sardines, it's you and ten overly-enthusiastic sunburned tourists. I swear, I felt my soul slowly detach from my body as we navigated the winding roads. I nearly barfed on the sweet, elderly woman sitting next to me. Thankfully, I didn't. Small victories.
Afternoon: Ferry. The sea air finally hits, and it's intoxicating. Koh Chang appears – a jagged, green promise of adventure. The ferry ride… smooth-ish. I promptly fell asleep on the top deck. Woke up sunburnt and my mouth completely dry. The last leg… the climb up to Cliff Cottage. Climb. They weren't kidding. A mountain goat would've been proud. I'm fairly certain I lost a year of my life trying to haul my luggage up.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Check-in. The view… Oh. My. God. The view. Pure, unadulterated, jaw-dropping beauty. All the suffering was instantly (mostly) forgotten. That's the Cliff Cottage magic. My room, a little, slightly rustic, but spotless. The balcony? Unbeatable. I promptly collapsed onto my bed, then forced myself to explore. Dinner at the Cliff Cottage restaurant. The Pad Thai was… okay. The sunset, however, was an absolute masterpiece. Tears. Actual tears. Then, the mosquitos came out. Bug spray. Lots of bug spray. And a frustrated sigh.
Day 2: Beach Bliss & Beer (and Regret)
Morning: Woke up ridiculously early, thanks to the birds and the general excitement. Breakfast at the restaurant - scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, strong coffee. Feeling… alive! Decision time: Beach or pool? Beach, obviously. A short scooter ride to White Sand Beach. (Note: I've never driven a scooter. I got a bit lost and nearly ran over a dog.)
Afternoon: White Sand Beach: paradise. Sun, sand, the turquoise sea… I spent the day swimming, reading, pretending to be a zen master, and accidentally falling asleep on my towel. Woke up with a massive sunburn. Fantastic. Evening at a beach bar. Ordered way too many Chang beers. Ended up singing karaoke with a group of Australians. My rendition of "Summer of '69" was… legendary. In my head. The next day, I was embarrassed.
Evening: Headache. Sunburn. Karaoke-induced shame spiral. The perfect storm. Forced myself to eat some bland noodles. Early night. Praying for the day to end.
Day 3: Elephant Encounters (The Good, The Bad, The Complicated)
Morning: Determined to make it a good day. Headed to an ethical elephant sanctuary (research it, don’t go to one that offers rides!). Seeing those magnificent creatures up close? Mind. Blown. Watching them play, eat, interact… emotional overload. Tears again. I'm getting a bit emotional at this point.
Afternoon: The drive back was on a bumpy road. My stomach was not happy. Also, I'm pretty sure the driver was asleep.
I went to the beach to relax after the experience.
Evening: Sunset cocktail at the bar at the Cliff Cottage. Finally, the bartender got my favourite cocktail right. The sunset again was incredible. I felt as though I was being gifted the paradise.
Day 4: Waterfall Adventures (And the Muddy Mess That Followed)
Morning: Hired a taxi to Klong Plu Waterfall, another experience I’d read about.
Afternoon: The waterfall was lovely! Took a dip in the cold water. The jungle path. It was also rather slippery… I slipped and ended up covered in mud from head to toe. Decided to embrace the mud. Took pictures of myself covered in the stuff, which I sent to all my friends.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Back at Cliff Cottage. Shower time. Scrubbed relentlessly. The mud was tenacious. Dinner at a beach bar, ate some delicious seafood. Felt content. And cleanish.
Day 5: Farewell & Fond (and Slightly Sunburnt) Memories
Morning: Woke up later. Feeling slightly sad. Breakfast by the pool. Last swim in the ridiculously blue ocean. One final, lingering gaze at the view from my balcony. Trying to memorize the scent of the sea.
Afternoon: The dreaded journey back to Trat airport. The minivan of hell. Trying to stay calm. Successfully not throwing up. Small victories, remember?
Evening: Flights back home. Reflecting. (and peeling skin). Koh Chang? It was a mess, a triumph, a sunburned blur of beauty and beer-soaked memories. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing a better sunblock, a more powerful bug killer, and a healthy dose of perspective. And maybe a driver.
Important Notes (aka, Things I Learned the Hard Way):
- Mosquitoes: They are relentless. Pack the good stuff.
- Sunburn: Also relentless. Don’t be an idiot like me.
- Scooter Riding: If you haven’t done it before, maybe, just maybe, skip it. Especially if you're me.
- Street Food: Proceed with caution. My stomach is still recovering.
- Cliff Cottage Staff: They are amazing. Kind, patient, and probably used to dealing with jet-lagged, emotional wrecks like me. Tip them generously.
There you have it. The Cliff Cottage Koh Chang experience, distilled into its messy, beautiful, and slightly sunburnt essence. Go. Explore. Embrace the chaos. And, for God's sake, wear sunscreen. You're welcome.
Crete Island Escape: Luxury Junior Suite Balcony Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Cliff Cottage Koh Chang - FAQs (Because, Let's Be Honest, You Have Questions)
Okay, Deep Breath. Is Koh Chang *Actually* Paradise, Or Just Instagram Paradise?
Alright, let's be real. Instagram is a liar. But… Koh Chang gets pretty darn close. I mean, the water? Turquoise perfection. The beaches? Soft, white, and begging for a photoshoot (guilty!). But Paradise? It's got its quirks, like a grumpy old cat with a heart of gold.
The Good Stuff: Seriously, the views from Cliff Cottage? Jaw-dropping. Waking up to that panorama… pure bliss. The staff? Genuinely lovely, even when I managed to lock myself out on the balcony in my pyjamas. Don't ask. (Note to self: learn basic Thai for "Help, I'm wearing flamingo PJs!") The food? Ridiculously delicious. Mango sticky rice? I’m still dreaming about it. And the feeling of just… *existing* there? Unmatched.
The Quirks: Okay, the roads are… adventurous. Think roller coaster, but with scooters. (Don’t be a hero, folks. Rent a jeep if you can.) Bugs? They exist. And the humidity? It's a constant, comforting hug. You'll sweat. You'll embrace it. And yeah, you might encounter a slightly sassy monkey now and again. Consider it part of the experience *wink*.
Verdict: It's not perfect. It's real. And it’s damn near close enough to Paradise that you won't care about the imperfections. It's authentic, beautiful, and it *will* steal a piece of your heart. Go. Just go.
What's the Deal with Cliff Cottage Itself? Is it Romantic or, Like, Super Basic?
Okay, Cliff Cottage isn't a five-star hotel. It's… better. It's got this rustic, lived-in charm that feels genuinely welcoming. Think 'castaway chic' meets 'seriously stunning views'. The rooms are comfortable and the decor is simple, but the *focus* is the view. And that, my friends, is priceless. I'm talking, lying-in-bed-staring-at-the-ocean-for-hours-on-end-priceless.
The Rooms: They're clean, well-maintained, and… again… *the view*. We stayed in the "Sunset Room" (highly recommend). The balcony was HUGE. Woke up to *that* sunrise every morning; My partner and I almost didn't leave the room for days. (I confess, there were a couple of lazy breakfasts consumed entirely in our PJs.)
The Atmosphere: It's peaceful. Relaxed. It's the kind of place where you don't feel pressured to do anything, and you *actually* get to relax. (A rare occurrence for me, a notoriously stressed-out human being.) I spent a lot of time just reading, listening to the waves, and occasionally, watching the sunset with a Singha beer. It felt like a proper escape, not just another vacation.
The Location: Be prepared to navigate the roads a bit. But the extra effort? Worth. It. Koh Chang is pretty big, so you'll want a scooter or a jeep (or taxis, but those can be expensive). The resort offers a shuttle to the main town; handy for dinners out or exploring at night.
The "Impression": It is romantic. Cozy. Authentic. Don't go expecting marble bathrooms and room service (although the restaurant is great), but go expecting to *fall in love*.
Food, Glorious Food! What's the Grub Situation Like?
Alright, foodie alert! The food at Cliff Cottage? Incredible. Seriously. The restaurant has a pretty diverse menu, focusing on Thai cuisine. And fresh seafood *everywhere*.
The Breakfasts: Absolutely top notch. They did a really nice continental spread, eggs your way (omelets are a must), Fresh fruit, pastries… The breakfast alone was a reason to wake up early. But more than the food, it's the setting. Eating breakfast overlooking the ocean is… well it's another level of awesome.
The Dinners: They were fantastic too. I was a sucker for the massaman curry (because… duh!), but everything was delicious, and the portions are generous. The *atmosphere* is just as important – it's all lit by candlelight with the sound of the waves crashing beneath. Romantic? Absolutely. Cheesy? Maybe a little. But I don't care. It worked.
Outside the Resort: There are a few great restaurants right outside the hotel. You're spoiled for choice. I recommend the seafood bars along the beach. And don’t be afraid to try street food!
Pro-Tip: Learn a few basic Thai phrases! It's always appreciated, and it can lead to some hilarious (or at least, interesting) interactions.
What Activities are THERE to do? Is it Just Lounging Around? (Because that's my Jam, TBH.)
Listen. Lounging around is a perfectly valid activity. In fact, it’s the *primary* activity at Cliff Cottage. And it’s glorious. You can spend all day in a hammock, reading a book, gazing at the ocean. And you wouldn’t regret a single second. But… there's more!
Beaches & Snorkeling: Koh Chang has some amazing beaches. White Sand Beach is great for people-watching. Lonely Beach is the place to go for a party atmosphere (though it got a bit much for my taste). Hire a longtail boat and hit up some of the less-crowded spots, like Long Beach and Kai Bae beach. Snorkeling is amazing! Clear waters, colorful fish, paradise.
Hiking & Waterfalls: There are some fantastic hikes on Koh Chang, leading to waterfalls. Hire a local guide if you're not a seasoned hiker, because some of the trails can be pretty challenging. We hiked to Klong Plu Waterfall and it was a fantastic adventure. I slipped and almost fell in the murky water, but that just added to the experience.
Elephant Sanctuaries: Respect the elephants! Choose a sanctuary that prioritizes the animals' well-being – *never* ride them. There are a few options that let you spend time observing, feeding, and sometimes bathing the elephants (but only if the elephants want to). It's a truly humbling experience. Be sure to research beforehand and choose a sanctuary that prioritizes conservation and ethical treatment..
Diving: Koh Chang is a great place to learn how to dive. The underwater world is amazing. I've never dove, but it is something I would have tried. The sea's clear and there are many diving schools on the island.
Pro-Tip: Don't overschedule yourself. It's tempting to try and cram everything in, but the real magic of Koh Chang is in slowing down and just *being*. Embrace the relaxation.
What are the Biggest Downsides? No Sugarcoating, Please.
Okay, I'm going to level with you. Everything is not perfect (andGlobe Stay Finder
