REVIEW: TIGERLAND SAFARI RESORT

How would you describe it? Welcoming, spacious, understated, relaxing and natural.

Who’d love it? Families, couples, seniors, and wildlife lovers (especially bird watchers).

How were the rooms? Not flashy but perfectly comfortable and pleasant. The private balconies provided the perfect chill out zone, while the air-con was heaven in the midday heat. I enjoyed falling asleep to the sound of Chitwan’s nocturnal wildlife with a good book in hand, as there wasn’t any TV in the room.

How was the food? The Western-style food left a little to be desired, but the Nepalese cuisine was absolutely delectable. I also adored the lemon sodas, which were completely moreish in the hot weather.

What was the vibe like? Tigerland Safari Resort offers true escapism, threading the safari theme throughout much of its design. I loved the bamboo décor, giant rope swings and tranquil viewing hides, which looked out over the national park. There’s a calm magic about the place which is truly wonderful. If you like a bit of buzz and the company of fellow travellers, visit Tigerland Safari Resort during peak season (Oct-March). If you prefer peace and quiet, and the feeling of having a place to yourself, you will certainly get it during low season (April-Sept).

How was the service? The staff were attentive, smiley and pretty impeccable in terms of their service. You know the staff are particularly awesome when you befriend them enough to connect on Facebook. I loved the addition of the welcome drink and aromatic chilled face cloths – it’s like they’d read my mind.

What were the highlights? It’s all about the guided safari tours through Chitwan National Park. While Tigerland Safari Resort offers walking tours and Jeep adventures, its major drawcard is the elephant safaris and bathing sessions. They offer an unforgettable opportunity to get close to nature. The experience of riding an elephant bareback and scrubbing the dirt off its leathery skin in the river is a childhood dream come true.

What’s different about the place? The food was all pre-arranged and arrived like clock work, so I didn’t need to dillydally my way through a menu. It was nice to lose control and go with the flow.

How would you rate the overall experience? 7.5 out of 10 lemon sodas.

Resort Details:
Chitwan National Park, Jagatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
Email: info@tigerlandsafari.com.np
www.tigerlandsafari.com.np

REVIEW: BEGNAS LAKE RESORT

How would you describe it? Elegant, tranquil, picturesque, refreshing and impeccable.

Who’d love it? Couples and honeymooners, burnt-out corporates, creatives, and less budget-conscious hikers. It’s the perfect hideaway for those needing to recharge their batteries or enjoy a little privacy.

How were the rooms? They were perfectly plush, but in an understated way. Jumping into bed was like diving onto a soft, white marshmallow – sooooo comfy! The bathrooms were beautifully modern and spacious, with a free-standing bathtub awaiting lovers or weary-bodied travellers. The private balcony was the highlight for me – I was happy to ensconce myself in the outdoor reading chair and look out over Begnas Lake and the ice-capped Annapurna Mountains.

How was the food? Divine. It took a while to reach the table, but for good reason. The in-house chef obviously cared about the quality and presentation of his food. Everything that came out of the kitchen was delicious, hearty and vibrant. I especially loved the brioche style rolls and chocolate scrolls – I actually swore when I bit into them for the first time!

What was the vibe like? SO relaxing. Everything was just perfect. The grounds were masterfully manicured, the rooms were spacious and luxurious, the staff were attentive and friendly, the view was truly decadent…Begnas Lake Resort felt like heaven on earth. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of central Pokhara, it was seriously peaceful and revitalising.

How was the service? Pretty faultless. The smiley staff were always happy to help…even when it came to carting our hefty bags up the brutal, never-ending staircase leading to the main road.

What were the highlights? The location and the view. It really is the perfect place to get away from it all – stress, chaos, urban junk, pollution, unhealthy distractions, demanding people etc. Located around 20-minutes away from central Pokhara, you feel completely removed from the hustle and bustle. The resort rests on the back of a lush hill, which has its toes in Begnas Lake and its eyes on the Himalayas. The closeness to nature is hard to beat. When the heat of the day kicks in, its a perfect chance to unleash your inner child and jump into the lake.

What’s different about the place? You can either arrive like a royal by boat or like an adventurer by forest track. Both options are pretty cool. The canoe ride is an unforgettable experience, as Begnas Lake is a beautiful sight to behold (especially with the Annapurna Mountains in the background). The trek down the mighty cobblestone staircase is also picturesque, with dense greenery surrounding you from every angle…though the climb back up is a little brutal!

How would you rate the overall experience? 9 out of 10 chocolate scrolls.

Resort Details:
Sundari Danda, Begnas Lake, Pokhara, Nepal
Tel: (+977-61) 560030, 560070, 693304
Email (sales office): begnasresort@fewamail.com.np
www.begnaslakeresort.com

HAPPY DAY 3 // FINDING PEACE & QUIET IN PHUKET

Another day, another hotel. Today, we went in search of a new home away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket. This much-loved tourist zone can get a bit full on sometimes – especially in the blistering heat.

SURPRISE & DELIGHT MOMENT…
After an hour-long adventure in Colonel Mustard plus a few “intentional” detours, we stumbled across an interesting shortcut (i.e. nameless backroad) to our new hotel. At first, it seemed like the entire track was bordered by thick litter. Yuck! Perhaps this was one of Phuket’s dirty little secrets – one it wanted to hide away from tourists? My displeasure was quickly forgotten as we came around the bend and met a breathtaking ocean view. It was an unexpected treat. Insta photo of the day – check!

LOVING LIFE…
Once we made it to our new abode at Tri Trang Beach Resort, our day got even better.
At first I was put off by the 60’s style techni-colour exterior; however, our room was wonderfully spacious and looked right onto a quiet little beach. It was a nice change from the Patong coastal region, which had hordes of people crawling over from dawn until dusk. This was bliss. A lazy afternoon in the water was in order.

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