Anvita 1BR Premier: Your Dream Sunshine Escape in Bali (DH62)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of [Insert Hotel Name Here], and let me tell you, it's not going to be sunshine and roses all the time. Yeah, I'm talking honest, no-BS, the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly kind of review. Think of me as your travel-weary, slightly cynical, yet secretly hopeful guide.
First Impressions & The "Getting In" Game:
Okay, let's start with the basic stuff: Accessibility. The website claims wheelchair accessibility. Okay, cool, but how cool actually? I always get anxiety about this. We need to know the specifics! Ramps? Elevators that actually fit a wheelchair and a nervous companion? I'm not seeing a whole lot of detail on their website, which sets off alarm bells. For folks with mobility issues, call ahead and grill them! Don't take their word for it, ask specifics about door widths, bathroom configurations, all of it. Otherwise, you're playing a guessing game, and ain't nobody got time for that, especially not on vacation.
Now, the Check-in/out situation. They offer Contactless check-in/out and Express check-in/out. Sounds efficient, right? But let's get real: Sometimes you need a human. I had a nightmare once where the digital key wouldn't work and I was locked out in a thunderstorm. So, a 24-hour Front desk is a MUST. And thankfully, this place has one. Check-in/out [private] is also listed. Fancy! Which is nice… if you're not having a public meltdown.
The Room: Your Personal Sanctuary (Hopefully)
Alright, let's talk rooms. They promise everything under the sun, which is kinda standard, but here are the key takeaways:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Essential. Crucial. Life-saving. I depend on that Wi-Fi to share my travel photos with the world. (Or binge-watch trashy TV, no judgement.)
- Air conditioning in public area & Available in all rooms: Thank the lord, the things can get HOT!
- Non-smoking rooms: Another win. Nobody wants to smell like stale cigarettes when they’re trying to zen out in the spa (more on that later).
- Daily Housekeeping: Yay laziness! Seriously, it's a vacation, I don't do chores!
- Blackout curtains: SLEEP IS SACRED! Especially after a long day of… well, whatever you did.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Good for those that feel more comfortable with it!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: A necessity.
- Alarm clock: I need this since I have to set it up myself, sigh.
- Coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea: Love it. I'm constantly in need of caffeine.
- Laptop workspace: Another plus.
- Seating area: Good to relax after a long day.
- Additional toilet: Important for some people.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Awesome for families.
The "Things To Do" Gauntlet:
Okay, buckle up, because there's a LOT happening here.
Ways to Relax: This is where things get interesting, but also a little overwhelming. They boast a Spa, a Sauna, a Steamroom, a Foot bath, Massage, Body scrub and Body wrap. That's…a lot of relaxation potential. But, let's be real, one bad massage can blow your whole vacation. So, I’m especially curious about the Spa/sauna setup. Are they clean? Well-maintained? Do you get that "fresh towel" smell or that "lingering mildew of despair" smell? That's the real question. And the Pool with view? I'm in. Always.
Fitness Center: They have one. Good for those motivated souls.
Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: More opportunities to relax.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Let's Eat!
Alright, food. This is where a hotel can really shine or completely fall apart. Here's the breakdown:
- Restaurants, Coffee shop, Snack bar, Bar, Poolside bar: Okay, variety is good. But quantity doesn't equal quality.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: A great sign!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: So many choices!!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Breakfast is THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL of the day. I need coffee, eggs, and bacon. They have you in all directions here, including Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service.
- Room service [24-hour]: Essential. Late-night pizza cravings are a real thing.
- Desserts in restaurant: Yessss.
- Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: Good if you want something healthy and refreshing.
The Anecdote That Almost Ruined My Life (and Nearly Didn’t Happen Because I Was Exhausted)
Okay, so there was this one time I stayed at a hotel that promised an incredible spa. I was, like, "YES, I need this!" After a day of what I thought would be a relaxing trip, I rushed to the spa.
The steam room? Barely lukewarm. The sauna? Smelled faintly of feet. The massage therapist? Well, let's just say she clearly hadn't read the "Do Not Apply Excessive Pressure" memo.
I left there feeling worse than when I arrived. So, PLEASE, do your due diligence! Read reviews about the spa specifically. Ask about the hygiene standards. Otherwise, you might end up like me, with a back that screams for mercy and a deep-seated distrust of all things "wellness."
Cleanliness and Safety: The Post-Pandemic Reality
This is CRITICAL. They're touting all the right things. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, 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, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
This makes me feel slightly better, but still, I'll be packing my own Clorox wipes.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
- Babysitting service: Good for a couple's retreat.
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Good if you have kids.
Other Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Necessary for some people.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests: Always a plus.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A nice touch for getting something for loved ones.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Essential!
- Invoice provided: Needed for business trips.
- Food delivery: Cool service.
So, Should You Book it?
Okay, so here's the TL;DR:
- Pros: Lots of amenities, seemingly focused on guest well-being, plenty of dining options.
- Cons: Need to verify accessibility thoroughly. Always check reviews about the spa!
- My Recommendation: Do your research. Verify those accessibility claims. Read recent reviews, especially about the cleanliness and the spa.
Special Offer (Because I'm Feeling Generous… and Need a Commission):
If you're looking for a hotel that seems to have it all, and you're willing to do a little extra legwork to ensure it actually delivers, then [Insert Hotel Name Here] could be a good choice.
Book through this link [Insert Affiliate Link Here] (Hey, gotta pay for my travel habit!) and you'll get a complimentary [Insert Offer Here - e.g., free breakfast one day, a discount on a spa treatment, etc.]. Just… don't blame me if the steam room is lukewarm. Happy travels, and may your vacation be filled with fewer back-wrenching massages than mine!
Indonesian Beachfront Paradise: Your Dreamy 1BR Villa Awaits!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's pre-packaged itinerary. We're diving headfirst into Anvita 1 BR Premier Sunshine DH62 Indonesia, and trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. Hold onto your sarongs!
Subject: Anvita Adventure - Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Monsoon (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival, and… Where’s the AC?!
- Time: 8:00 AM - Arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).
- The Reality: Oh. My. God. The humidity. I think I sweated through my entire outfit before I even saw the baggage carousel. The passport control line was a glorious exercise in patience (or lack thereof, on my part). Finally, I'm out!
- Time: 9:00 AM - Transfer to Anvita 1 BR Premier Sunshine DH62.
- The Reality: Taxi negotiations are a blood sport, FYI. I'm pretty sure I got slightly overcharged, but after the passport line, I just wanted air conditioning. Which didn't exactly exist on the way to the hotel. "Premier Sunshine," huh? More like "Premier Steam Bath."
- Time: 10:00 AM - Check-in, unpack, and acclimatize.
- The Reality: Acclimatize? More like, "Fight the urge to spontaneously combust." The room… was… okay. Clean-ish. The air conditioning was barely chugging along. And the view? Well, let's just say it wasn't the pristine beach I'd daydreamed about. More like a slightly overgrown garden. But hey, the bed was comfy. Score one for reality!
- Time: 12:00 PM - Lunch at a local warung.
- The Reality: Found a little place down the road. Ordered Nasi Goreng. Which, by the way, is a work of art. Cheap, delicious, and the perfect cure for jet lag and general existential dread. The owner kept smiling and nodding, even though I'm pretty sure I looked like a disoriented walrus.
- Time: 2:00 PM - Poolside relaxation (hopefully).
- The Reality: Poolside… eventually. Took a wrong turn, got lost in a maze of alleyways, almost got run over by a scooter, and finally stumbled upon the glorious, turquoise oasis. It was… crowded. Mostly families. And a lot of splashing. But the water was cool, and I found a relatively peaceful corner to float. Bliss. For about fifteen minutes. Then a rogue water balloon exploded near me. Welcome to Indonesia!
- Time: 5:00 PM - Sunset cocktails at a beach club (hopefully).
- The Reality: Okay, I went to a beach club. The drinks were extortionate (seriously, they charged more for a Bintang than my entire lunch!), and the "sunset" was obscured by a rather enthusiastic cloud. Also, the music was… well, let's just say they played a lot of cheesy pop. But I'm here, I'm drinking, and I'm accepting the imperfections. This is going to be harder I thought. And I'm definitely feeling it!
- Time: 8:00 PM - Dinner at a recommended restaurant (hopefully).
- The Reality: Found an amazing restaurant with a cute little street cat sleeping under a table. Food was spicy, delicious, and the service was so genuine and sweet.
- Emotional reaction: This is it, I am absolutely in love with this place. I'm never leaving.
Day 2: Temples, Tourist Traps, and Terrible Decisions
- Time: 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the hotel.
- The Reality: Breakfast buffet: questionable sausages, stale pastries, and surprisingly good pancakes. Fueled up for adventure! (Or, you know, trying to remember how to use the Indonesian words I googled the night before. They are so difficult!
- Time: 9:00 AM - Visit Tanah Lot Temple.
- The Reality: Okay, Tanah Lot is stunning. Seriously. The way the temple sits on that rock in the ocean… breathtaking. But the crowds! OMG, the crowds. Pushing and shoving, selfie sticks everywhere, the whole thing felt a bit like a human zoo.
- Time: 11:00 AM - Shopping in Seminyak.
- The Reality: So, I'm not a shopper, like, AT ALL. Especially not when I'm being swarmed by vendors trying to sell me sarongs and wooden penises (yes, really). Got completely overwhelmed, bought a hideous t-shirt, and fled.
- Time: 1:00 PM - Lunch.
- The Reality: Found a small cafe and had a delicious lunch. I can't even remember what it was, but I know it was good, and they didn't try to sell me anything!
- Time: 3:00 PM - Learn to surf at Kuta Beach.
- The Reality: Here's where the "terrible decisions" come in. I suck at surfing. Like, really, really suck. I spent the entire time either face-planting into the ocean or getting pummeled by waves. But, you know, it was hilarious (for everyone but me, probably). And I’ll admit, the feeling of actually catching a wave, even for a split second, was pretty awesome.
- Time: 6:00 PM - Sunset on Kuta Beach.
- The Reality: Kuta Beach at sunset: Beautiful, yes. Chaotic, yes. But also, strangely, perfect. The sky was painted with the most incredible colors, the surfers were still out there catching waves, and the sounds of the ocean were just perfect.
- Time: 8:00 PM - Dinner.
- The Reality: Walked around until I found a place. I had a burger, it was terrible. I'm pretty sure I got ripped off, but it was too noisy and I was too tired to care. I should have just stayed in.
Day 3: The Rice Terraces and the Real Bali
- Time: 7:00 AM - Early start to see the Tegalalang Rice Terraces.
- The Reality: FINALLY, an early morning that actually pays off! The rice terraces are breathtaking. The green of the rice fields, the way the sun hits them, it was an ethereal experience. I got lost in the rice fields, wandering through the paths and seeing farmers doing their work.
- Time: 10:00 AM - Visit a coffee plantation.
- The Reality: Tried Luwak coffee (coffee made from civet cat poop, yes, really). Tasted like… coffee, honestly. The plantation itself was beautiful, a lush oasis full of coffee plants, and I enjoyed seeing it all.
- Time: 1:00 PM - Lunch.
- The Reality: Found a new warung! Again, I could have eat there every day!
- Time: 3:00 PM - Trying to learn a bit of the local language.
- The Reality: The local people are just beautiful people, and after yesterday, I feel more inspired than ever.
- Time: 6:00 PM - Head back to the hotel.
- The Reality: The trip back to the hotel was a bit like an epic adventure. We got lost and the road was a mess.
- Time: 8:00 PM - Dinner and packing for my trip home tomorrow.
- The Reality: I'm having a terrible time trying to pack. So many things to bring home! I should buy a second suitcase.
Day 4: Farewell Sweet Sunshine… (and Humidity)
- Time: 9:00 AM - Last breakfast.
- The Reality: More questionable sausages, but I'm strangely fond of the buffet now. I'll miss it.
- Time: 10:00 AM - Check out. Say goodbye to that barely-working AC.
- The Reality: Check-out was thankfully uneventful. The staff were lovely. I'm probably going to miss them the most.
- Time: 11:00 AM - Airport transfer.
- The Reality: Negotiated a (hopefully) fair price this time. Feeling slightly more confident in my haggling skills.
- Time: 1:00 PM - Depart from DPS.
- The Reality: Goodbye, Bali! Goodbye, humidity! Goodbye, delicious Nasi Goreng! I'm exhausted, slightly sunburned, and probably have a permanent indentation on my face from the scooter helmet, but I wouldn't trade this trip for anything. Despite the (many) imperfections, it was fantastic. Until next time, Anvita… maybe I'll get a room with working AC. Maybe.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. Hell, it was messy.
Indonesian Paradise: Junior Suite & Breakfast Awaits! (PSH)
So, like... why a ukulele? Isn't that a glorified toy?
Okay, okay, *hear* me out. Yeah, the ukulele looks like a little, grinning sunbeam. And yeah, it *can* sound like something a cartoon character would strum. But trust me, after a year of being trapped in my apartment after a particularly bad breakup, I needed a way to avoid the crushing loneliness. I actually *almost* bought an accordion. An ACCORDION. Thank GOD I came to my senses and settled on the uke. It's portable! It's relatively cheap! And let me tell you, there's a certain satisfaction in *wringing* a decent chord out of those tiny strings. It's like, I dunno, outsmarting a tiny, wooden genius. Plus, you can pretend you're playing Hawaiian music, which, in my state of undressed, was a great way to feel like I was on a tropical island. So, yeah. Not a toy. A lifeline. (And a fun one for annoying my downstairs neighbours.)
Alright, alright, you convinced me (maybe). Where do I even *start*? Those chords look terrifying.
Oh, the chords. The bane of my existence. When I first started, I swear my fingers were about as flexible as frozen spaghetti. Seriously, the C chord? Easy, right? HA! I spent a solid week just getting the damn thing to sound like… a C. Or, you know, a vague, fuzzy approximation of one. I remember after the first hour of trying to make a C chord, I was already ready to throw the whole thing at the wall, I mean, I was *that* close. Thank goodness my dog needed a walk, or I might have lost it. So tip number one: Watch YouTube tutorials. Lots of them. The ones with the cheerful ukulele teachers helped, because they're like, "Just breathe!! It takes time!" But seriously, start with C, G7, and Am. Those are your BFFs. You'll get there. Eventually. (And buy a tuner. Please.)
So, tuning. Is it as tricky as it looks? And can you make sure I will not get the ukulele out of tune again?
Oh, tuning. The eternal struggle. I spent the first month of my ukulele journey constantly out of tune. I felt like I was fighting a losing battle. It's a delicate dance, that's for sure. You have those little tuning pegs, and they are *so* sensitive. My first tuner? Useless. I blame the cheap plastic. Don't be like me. Get a decent clip-on tuner. They are a lifesaver. Here's the thing: your uke will go out of tune. It's inevitable. Temperature changes, humidity, your touch, the force of the Gods… everything conspires against you. The tuning is the most time consuming part of the process. Just accept it. Tune before you play. Tune DURING you play. Tune after you play. Embrace the beautiful, slightly out-of-tune chaos for all of our souls. (And if your ukulele refuses to stay put, there is no shame in just quietly giving up and watching some cat videos.)
How long did it take you to actually play a song? And, what song did you start with?
Okay, this is where it gets embarrassing. Let's just say "playing a song" is a *very* subjective term. It took me, oh, about two weeks before I could stumble through a super, super simple version of "Riptide" by Vance Joy. And when I say "stumble," I mean I was mostly strumming random chords that vaguely resembled the *idea* of the song. I spent the following month trying to teach myself chords, because I could've played the song a bit better, but I just could not learn. The way the notes were written on the paper was like a puzzle to me. Now I can play a few songs. It really is about building up muscle memory. But, you know the first song? Still my guilty pleasure. I'd like to think I've improved, but the truth is, the song's charm is more than my skill. It's just... it’s nostalgic. So yeah, "Riptide". Don’t judge.
What ukulele should I buy?! There are so many!
Okay, deep breaths. This is a minefield. Do *not* go out and buy the fanciest, most expensive ukulele right away. Trust me. You'll likely end up abandoning it in a corner after a month of frustration. Start with a soprano. They're the most common, the cheapest, and the most... ukulele-y. You can get a decent one for under $100. Amazon is tempting, but, try to find a local store if you can. I saw a nice one in the store, but no, the one I bought online was way cheaper, and it fell apart two weeks later. The good ones have decent strings, stay in tune (somewhat), and most importantly, aren't *too* painful on your fingers. If you find you REALLY like it, THEN you can upgrade. (Or, like me, buy a whole *collection*. It's a problem, okay?)
Any tips for avoiding the finger pain? My fingertips are killing me!
Oh, the finger pain. The price we pay for strumming glory! It's real. It's intense. It's like your fingertips are doing battle with tiny, razor-sharp wires. First things first: You're going to build calluses. Embrace it. It's a badge of honor. Don't overdo it in the beginning. Fifteen minutes a day is plenty. Longer sessions will just make you want to quit. So, you practice a little, and now your brain will associate the pain with a little bit of fun as well. But, don't push through the pain if it's excruciating. I think it's all the same for everyone... the finger pain doesn't go away. And maybe buy some finger protectors for the first week. It's okay. You can do this. Just take it slowly.
Is it okay to sing along? I sound terrible.
Absolutely! Sing like no one's listening. Because… well, unless you’re performing for a crowd (and if you are, good for you!), then no one is! Singing is part of the fun! It's like turning your uke into a portable karaoke machine, a truly magical experience. And, here’s a secret, *most* people who are learning sound terrible at first. Me included. It's about enjoying the process, not sounding like a professional singer. Don't let the fear ofBudget Travel Destination
