Escape to Paradise: Baan Suan Hill Resort Awaits in Surat Thani!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. We're going deep, folks, diving headfirst into the supposed paradise of Escape to Paradise: Baan Suan Hill Resort Awaits in Surat Thani! Prepare for a messy, honest, and hopefully, hilarious journey through the good, the bad, and the…well, let's just say "unique" experiences. This is going to be a rollercoaster, so hold on tight.
First, the disclaimer: I am NOT a robot. I'm fueled by caffeine, a love of travel, and a healthy dose of skepticism. So, let's get down to business!
The Promise (and Initial Impression) of Paradise:
Okay, so, Escape to Paradise: Baan Suan Hill Resort… the name alone conjures up images of sun-drenched mornings, cocktails on the beach, and… well, escape. And it's in Surat Thani, Thailand. Now, Surat Thani isn't exactly the first name that pops into your head when you think "tropical getaway," but hey, adventure is adventure! So, I booked it, ready to be whisked away from the mundane. I gotta admit, the pictures online looked amazing. Lush greenery, infinity pools, rooms with… checks notes… additional toilets? Intriguing.
Getting There (Accessibility – or Lack Thereof – and Initial Panic)
Right, so let's talk accessibility. Because, let's be real, getting to paradise is half the battle. The website mentions facilities for disabled guests. Yay! But… specifics are, shall we say, "vague." I'm not disabled myself, but I was traveling with someone who sometimes struggles with mobility.
Accessibility Breakdown:
- Car Park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Okay, good start! Plenty of options, and free parking is ALWAYS a win.
- Airport transfer: Crucial! Especially when you're arriving in a new country.
- Elevator: Essential for those not wanting to climb countless stairs.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Vague
- The Verdict: Mixed. A little more detail on the disabled access would have been super helpful upfront. Not a deal-breaker but Room for improvement.
My Arrival: (Cue the dramatic music)
We arrive, sweaty and slightly disoriented, after a long flight. The lobby? Pretty impressive. Lush, open, and that classic Thai "welcome" smile you just can't fake. EXCEPT… and here's where the chaos begins… the path to our room involved a steep incline and a series of what felt like a million steps. I felt so bad for My companion and this was the first glimpse of its potential accessibility problems. We ended up calling for help. They were really kind though and sent someone with a buggy to take our luggage and my companion. After a bit of a wait.
The Room: Oasis or… Room for Improvement?
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet: (See, I told you!) Now, this is a bold move. Is it a sign of luxury? Or, as I suspected, a practical decision for, let's say, "digestive comfort" after a particularly spicy Thai meal? More on that later.
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Alarm clock: Standard.
- Bathrobes: Nice touch.
- Bathroom phone: For emergencies? For calling room service to bring more coffee?
- Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
- Blackout curtains: Sleep is prioritized.
- Closet: Gotta hang up those amazing outfits!
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Caffeine, glorious caffeine.
- Free bottled water: Hydration station!
- Hair dryer: Essential.
- High floor: Nice for views.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: Good! You are staying connected.
- Ironing facilities: Wrinkle control.
- Laptop workspace: If you must work.
- Linens, Towels: Essential.
- Mini bar: Always a temptation.
- Mirror: To admire yourself (or check for food stains).
- Non-smoking: Thank goodness.
- On-demand movies: For those rainy days (or nights).
- Private bathroom: Privacy!
- Refrigerator: Keep that beer cold.
- Satellite/cable channels: Entertainment.
- Scale: The dreaded scale.
- Seating area, Sofa: Comfiness is key.
- Shower, Slippers: Practical.
- Smoke detector, Socket near the bed: Safety and convenience.
- Sofa: Comfiness is key.
- Soundproofing: Pray it works.
- Telephone: Remember those?
- Toiletries: Essential.
- Umbrella: Probably gonna rain.
- Visual alarm: Considerate.
- Wake-up service: You might need it.
- Window that opens: Fresh air… maybe.
My Room Experience (The Good, The Bad, and the Extra Toilet):
Okay, room itself? Spacious, tastefully decorated, with that "Thai chic" vibe. The view was stunning. Lush greenery as far as the eye could see. But the best thing was the fact it had a double sink! I love that! The bed was comfortable. The real test came later. The additional toilet? Used it, loved it. Seriously. Now, whether it was a stroke of genius or a desperate measure… I’ll leave that for you to decide.
It isn’t perfect though, there were some chips in the paint in the bathroom and my first night, the air conditioning sputtered all night.
Food, Glorious Food: Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Bring Your Appetite!)
This is where Baan Suan REALLY excels, or so I thought. The dining options were extensive.
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- A la carte in restaurant, 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: A veritable feast of options!
My Food Adventures (Mostly Delicious, a Few Hiccups):
Okay, so the breakfast buffet? Let's just say I ate my weight in croissants. The fresh fruit was sublime. The Asian breakfast options were a tantalizing mix of savory and sweet. The coffee? Needed a little work. The restaurants themselves – well, some hits, some misses. The Thai food was (mostly) fantastic. The Western options could be a little… bland. The poolside bar was a godsend for a cold drink on a hot day. And the happy hour? A must-attend. Did I mention I’m a little addicted to happy hours?
My biggest issue and the only serious negative of the trip? The service in the restaurant. The staff were friendly as could be, but some were clearly new and confused, and the language barrier made ordering meals a game of charades. On one occasion, I ordered a soup, and a sandwich came in the opposite direction. At other times, it took a little time to get a refill on our water (which in the Surat Thani heat, is as essential as breathing!).
Things to Do (And How to Relax!)
Things to do:
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: For burning off those buffet calories.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The reason you came!
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Because you deserve it.
My Relaxation Diary:
The pools were glorious. The views? Amazing. The fitness center (yes, I managed to visit it… once) was fine, but honestly, who needs a gym when you have the sheer physicality of getting from your room to the pool? Did I mention the additional toilet?
And now for a moment of zen: The spa. The massage? Pure bliss. I'm not even kidding. I’m still thinking about that massage weeks later. It was a much-needed escape after my flight.
Cleanliness and Safety (Important Stuff!)
Cleanliness and safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good!
- Cashless payment service: Convenient!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Peace of mind.
- Hand sanitizer: Always a good thing.
- Hygiene certification: Necessary after Covid.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Smart.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Good.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Great
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my imagined disaster… I mean, experience… at Baan Suan Hill Resort in Surat Thani, Thailand. This is gonna be less a polished itinerary and more a chaotic, caffeine-fueled fever dream of planning, anticipation, and inevitable screw-ups.
Baan Suan Hill Resort: Operation "Chill, Maybe?"
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Bungalow Quest
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up in Bangkok. Or, more accurately, un-wake up. That jet lag is a real monster, and the roosters are, frankly, judgmental. Gotta get my crap together and head to the airport for my flight down to Surat Thani. Praying the airport doesn’t resemble a mosh pit this time.
- 11:00 AM (ish): Touchdown in Surat Thani! The air is THICK. Like, you could stir it with a spoon. Already sweating. Oh, the joy. Find my pre-booked transfer to Baan Suan Hill Resort. Praying the driver isn’t a maniac and that the air conditioning works in the minivan. Crossing fingers and muttering a quick prayer to the travel gods.
- 1:00 PM (ish): ARRIVE at Baan Suan Hill Resort. Oh, the lush, green…ness. Okay, this is genuinely beautiful. But wait… where's my bungalow? I swear I booked a bungalow! Was it the wrong dates? Did I press the wrong button? Did I just look at an online brochure and mistakenly assume things? Panic sets in. Deep breaths. "Hello?" I bellow towards the reception.
- 1:30 PM (ish): Bungalow secured! (Phew!) Turns out, I had to walk a little. Bit of a hike, actually. And "bungalow" might be a generous term. It’s more like a… rustic cabin. The door squeaks menacingly. The mosquito net looks like it’s seen better decades. But fine! It’s got a view, and that’s what matters right?… Right?
- 2:30 PM (ish): Unpack. Discover that half my clothes are wrinkled into oblivion. Decide this is my new aesthetic. Embrace the chaos.
- 3:00 PM (ish): Reconnaissance Mission! Explore the resort. See the pool. Think longingly about the pool. Resist urge to jump in fully clothed. (Emphasis on the word resist).
- 4:00 PM (ish): Get an iced coffee at the resort's restaurant. Observe the other guests. Assess the "chill" factor. Conclusion: it's fairly chilling. This is good. I need chill.
- 6:00 PM (ish): Dinner at the resort restaurant. Order way too much Pad Thai. Realize I haven't eaten correctly in days because I was "planning." Inevitably spill some on myself. Pretend it's not a big deal.
- 7:30 PM (ish): Stare at the stars. Marvel at how different the night sky is here, compared to my city. Consider the vastness of the universe and my tiny, insignificant existence. Then decide it's time for a nap.
Day 2: The Boat Trip of Doom (and Delight?)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up to the sound of… something. Birds? Monkeys? Possibly a rogue scooter gang. Breakfast at the resort. More iced coffee. Begin plotting my escape… I mean, exploration.
- 9:00 AM (ish): Boat trip! Woohoo! Apparently, the region is famous for its lagoons, limestone cliffs, and secret beaches. Booked this a while back. I'm SO ready for this. I think.
- 9:30 AM (ish): Boat is… smaller than expected. The engine sputters ominously. The captain winks. Oh, this is going to be an adventure.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Holy. Smokes. The scenery! Crystal-clear water, towering cliffs, hidden caves… it's stunning! I can't believe I’m finally seeing this. The Instagram photos don't do it justice!
- 11:00 AM (ish): Snorkeling. Terrified of the ocean. Jump in anyway. See a LOT of fish. Actually, the fish were not that abundant. But the sea was beautiful. The clarity of the water was remarkable, it was quite a moment. Panic briefly when a particularly large… thing… swims past me. Decide it was probably a harmless sea turtle. Mostly.
- 12:00 PM (ish): Back on the boat. Lunch! Delicious grilled fish! Eat until I can’t breathe.
- 1:00 PM (ish): The Storm. Okay, maybe not a storm, but some pretty nasty rain and wind. The boat rocks. The captain looks concerned. I'm surprisingly not that rattled. This is what my life has been leading up to. Embrace the chaos!
- 2:00 PM (ish): Finding a beach! The boat pulls up to a shockingly white beach. The rain stops. Sunshine! This is amazing. Frolic on the beach like a total idiot. Take a million pictures (and videos) of the same palm tree.
- 4:00 PM (ish): Back to the resort. Exhausted but exhilarated. Shower. Realize I forgot to put on sunscreen. Prepare for the inevitable sunburn.
- 6:00 PM (ish): Dinner. Try a different Thai dish. Love it! Or at least, I think I love it. Hard to tell when you're feeling this content.
- 7:30 PM (ish): Attempt to write in my journal. Mostly just end up doodling palm trees and complaining about my sunburn.
Day 3: Waterfall Adventures & Farewell Fevers
- 8:00 AM (ish): Sunburn is in full effect. Regret not applying sunscreen with the enthusiasm I applied iced coffee.
- 9:00 AM (ish): Decide to ignore the pain and hike to a waterfall. I'm a hiker now, apparently! Arrive at the waterfall. It is so pretty.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Waterfall time! The water is cold and refreshing. Spend a ridiculous amount of time wading around, taking pictures, and generally feeling like a nature documentary.
- 12:00 PM (ish): Lunch at a local restaurant. Delicious food, and everything costs next to nothing. Start to understand why people fall in love with this place.
- 1:00 PM (ish): Back at the resort. Spend the next several hours doing absolutely nothing but sitting by the pool and reading. It's great.
- 3:00 PM (ish): Last iced coffee. Savor it.
- 4:00 PM (ish): Pack. Sigh. Realize I don't want to leave. This weird, imperfect, beautiful place has somehow managed to charm me.
- 6:00 PM (ish): Final dinner. Order all the things. Eat all the things.
- 7:30 PM (ish): Depart from Baan Suan Hill Resort. Wave goodbye to the staff who, miraculously, have put up with me for the past few days.
- 8:00 PM (ish): Get on my way to the airport, exhausted, slightly sunburned, but incredibly happy.
Day 4: Back to reality
- 12:00 AM (ish): Arrive home. The contrast hurts my eyes.
- 1:00 AM (ish): Sleep, but my mind is still wandering.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of panic, sunburn, and questionable food choices. But it was real. It was beautiful. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, back to planning my next chaos-fueled adventure…
Lucca's Hidden Gem: Stunning GIALLOMANGO Apartment Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Baan Suan Hill Resort - Your Chaos-Filtered Guide!
Okay, Baan Suan Hill… Sounds idyllic. Is it REALLY as good as the Insta-spam makes it look? (And, like, is the Wi-Fi strong enough for a doomscroll?)
Alright, deep breaths. Insta-spam? Honey, they're good, but let's be real: life is messy, and so are vacations. Baan Suan Hill? It's... good. Really good. That panoramic view? Yeah, it *is* jaw-dropping. I swear, the first time I saw it I just stood there, mouth hanging open, resembling a slightly sunburnt carp. But there were bugs, alright? Little ones. Annoying, persistent little wing-things that seemed to think my mango smoothie was their personal watering hole.
And the Wi-Fi? Bless its cotton socks. It *was* strong enough… enough to post a photo of that view, and then immediately drop out just as I was about to send my boss that ‘I’m completely unreachable, working hard’ email. So, yeah. Idyllic? Mostly. Doomscroll-able? Maybe. But bring your bug spray and a backup plan for your escape. Don't count on it for important stuff, okay?
What's the vibe like at Baan Suan? Is it a romantic getaway, a family circus, or a solo retreat for a crazy cat lady?
The vibe? A glorious mix. I saw honeymooners gazing longingly at each other (gag), families chasing kids (adorable chaos), and yoga enthusiasts breathing deeply (I just ate a fried banana, so I avoided that particular activity). It's... adaptable. They have a few different types of rooms, which is good – unless you book the wrong one (more on THAT later… oh, boy).
Honestly, you can make it whatever you want. Just be prepared for a bit of everything. Think "organized chaos with a stunning view." I'd say it leans towards a more relaxed atmosphere though. The kind of place where you can wander around in your pajamas and no one really bats an eyelid. My cat, if she could travel, would *love* it. (She's a very particular cat.)
Tell me about the rooms! Were they clean? Did they smell like mildew? (Serious question, I'm a little neurotic about that.)
Okay, room talk. Deep breaths. I, too, am a neurotic traveler. Mildew? Thankfully, no. They were definitely *clean* clean. Clean enough to do a little skip and a happy dance of cleanliness. However... Here's where the "messy" comes in.
I booked the "Hillside Bungalow" because "nature" and panoramic views, right? Wrong. Turns out, "Hillside" means "slightly up a hill, with a lot of steps." And I, my friends, am not at peak fitness. So, after the first climb up carrying all my luggage (read: three times as many clothes as I actually needed, plus a suspicious amount of snacks), I spent a LOT of time admiring the view *from my bungalow patio,* and frankly, didn't want to move. Next time, I'm going for the "Poolside Shack," even if it's not quite so 'Instagrammable'. Consider your physical ability when booking! The rooms had character, too. It wasn't your cookie-cutter hotel room. It felt like you were actually *in* someplace special.
Are the rooms soundproof? Because I am not trying to listen to anyone else's vacation stories.
Soundproof? Mmm, 'fraid not entirely. You'll hear some nature. Birds chirping at dawn, the rustle of leaves, maybe a distant monkey-shriek, which, let's be honest, is way more pleasant than the neighbour's awful karaoke. You will likely hear *something* from your neighbor's from time to time. But, honestly, it adds to the experience some way. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Alternatively, just join the monkeys in their shriek. No judgement here.
What about the food? Is it any good? And can I survive on fruit, because my digestive system resembles a grumpy gnome.
The food is… good. Not Michelin-star good, but, like, satisfyingly good. They have a restaurant on-site, and the breakfast buffet is a solid win. Fruit? Oh, yes. Mountains of fruit. Pineapple, mangoes (to die for!!), bananas, watermelon... your grumpy gnome's gonna be in heaven. They cater to all tastes, and you can ask them to make something special for you too, if you ask. I'm a picky eater and I did just fine. The restaurant's view is gorgeous, and the staff is lovely.
Side note: the cocktails are dangerously delicious. Just saying. Pace yourself. Unless you prefer the hazy, blissful state of someone who's had one too many Mai Tais. I may or may not have experience with that. Don't judge me!
Any other tips for food or drinks?
*Try the Pad Thai*. Seriously. It’s amazing. *Ask for the spicy option*. Don’t be shy! *Drink lots of water!* It’s hot and humid. *Have a juice. It's perfect*. *Don’t be afraid to try things* . You might surprise yourself.
What is there to do at Baan Suan, besides look at the view, eat, and potentially drink too much?
Okay, so, the view is the main event. But there's stuff to do! They have a pool that's lovely, although it did get a little crowded at peak times. There are also tours, I think. Honestly, I spent most of my time reading a trashy novel by the pool (bliss). They have massage options, which I can absolutely endorse because the therapist gave me the most wonderful, relaxing massage *ever*. And the little shops are wonderful.
The nearby beaches are something else. They are beautiful. And the boat trips will leave you speechless. You'd be a fool not to.
Is it easy to get around?
