Escape to Paradise: Phurua Bussaba Resort & Spa, Loei, Thailand Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Phurua Bussaba Resort & Spa - A Messy, Honest, and Unfiltered Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Phurua Bussaba Resort & Spa in Loei, Thailand, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of serenity, minor frustrations, and questionable breakfast sausages. They call it "Escape to Paradise," and while it almost delivered on that promise, the reality was a bit more… human. Let's dive in, shall we?
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First Impressions & Accessibility (Where things got a little…complicated)
Getting there was an adventure in itself. The “airport transfer” was smooth, thankfully. But hold on – navigating the resort itself? That's where the "accessible" claims got a bit… optimistic. I mean, they say they have "Facilities for disabled guests," and there is an elevator (praise the heavens!). But pushing a wheelchair around? Let's just say some of the ramps felt like they were designed by someone who'd never, you know, used a ramp. The pathways were a bit uneven, and navigating the lush gardens in a chair was more like a treasure hunt than a relaxing stroll. (Accessibility – 6/10 – definitely needs improvement on actual ease of access.)
The Rooms (My Sanctuary… mostly.)
Okay, the rooms! Whew! They were… well, they were nice. Air conditioning that actually worked (a big win in Thailand!), a comfy bed with extra-long length, and blackout curtains that were an absolute godsend for sleeping off the jet lag. The "In-room safe box" was a bit small, but hey, it did the job of keeping my passport safe from my own clumsiness. And the free Wi-Fi? Glorious! Seriously, I streamed my Netflix for days. (Available in all rooms – 9/10. Internet access – Wireless, Internet Access - Lan, a little bit of everything!)
There were even "Bathrobes" – always a sign of luxury! and "Slippers" -- so perfect for the tile.
****Here comes the first little hiccup: The view from my room: stunning, I mean, breathtaking! until the staff decides to start leaf blowing at 7 am. The soundproofing? Let's just say they could use an upgrade. The fact that the "separate shower/bathtub" situation was pretty great. Still, even paradise needs a little work. *(Room 8/10 - great but noise! )*
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Personal Journey of Cravings)
Alright, food. This is where things got…interesting. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a mixed bag. The "Asian breakfast" was actually quite good, with some delicious noodles and fresh fruit. But, and here's a confession, I'm a sucker for a good continental breakfast. Unfortunately, those "sausages"… shudders. Let's say they weren't exactly gourmet. I did enjoy the "coffee/tea in restaurant," though.
But the "restaurants"? They had a few solid options. The "Asian cuisine in restaurant" was a highlight. The "International cuisine in restaurant" was slightly hit-or-miss, but the "salad in restaurant" was pretty refreshing. The "Poolside bar" was a godsend for afternoon cocktails. "Happy hour" prices were more than friendly. And of course, the "room service [24-hour]" was a lifesaver after a long day of…well, relaxing. (Dining – 7/10 – mixed bag, but the Thai was ace.)
There's a "Snack bar"! Yay! Perfect for late night snacking.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (The "Paradise" Part)
This is where Phurua Bussaba really shines. The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" was AMAZING! Seriously, the "Pool with view" was the money shot. The "Sauna" and "Steamroom"… ahhhhh. Pure bliss. And the "Spa"? Oh, the "Spa/sauna"! The "Body scrub" was a must-do. The "Massage" was divine. The "Foot bath" was wonderfully relaxing. And the "Body wrap"? Well, I think I actually fell asleep! (Ways to relax – 10/10 – the spa is worth the price of admission alone.)
The "Fitness center" was available too, but… let's just say I was there to relax, not to run on a treadmill.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things that Matter… or Don't)
The "Concierge" was helpful but sometimes a little…enthusiastic. Like they had a goal to sell me things and tours at any chance they get. The "Daily housekeeping" was a godsend, especially after my little "hair-dye-gone-wrong" incident. The "Laundry service" was efficient. The "Cash withdrawal" was a good feature. The "Invoice provided" at the end was appreciated. But the "Convenience store" was a bit more "conveniently" stocked than I would have liked. (Services – 8/10 – good, but the sales pressure was a bit much.)
Cleanliness and Safety (The COVID-19 Reality)
Okay, on to the serious stuff. Look, it's the reality of travel in this day and age. The resort took COVID-19 safety seriously, but not always with perfect efficiency. They had "Staff trained in safety protocol" and "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, which was reassuring. They also had "Daily disinfection in common areas" and "Rooms sanitized between stays." I saw “Sanitized kitchen and tableware items” at every meal. They offered "Room sanitization opt-out available" . The "Safe dining setup" was implemented, and the "Staff trained in safety protocol." Still, things weren't perfect. I noticed a few masks slipping, and the "physical distancing of at least 1 meter" wasn't always followed. (Cleanliness & Safety – 7.5/10 – they tried, but there's room for improvement.)
They had the following that were essential: "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Individual-wrapped food options", "Hot water linen and laundry washing", "Hygiene certification", "Professional-grade sanitizing services", "Shared stationery removed".
For the Kids & Other Tidbits (The Random Stuff That Didn't Quite Fit)
I didn't have any kids with me, but the presence of "Kids facilities" and a "Babysitting service" was a nice touch. (For the kids - Unavailable to rate.)
They have some unique services such as: "Couple's room", "Family/child friendly".
"Pets allowed" is unavailable.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest Truth:
Look, Phurua Bussaba isn't a perfect resort. It has its flaws. But there’s something about the place, a certain charm, a relaxed atmosphere that made me love it anyway. The staff were genuinely kind. The scenery was breathtaking. And that spa… I could have stayed there forever.
Here's a little rant to keep the vibe going:
The lack of accessibility was a real downer. I found some of the food a little inconsistent. The salesmanship could be overwhelming. But on the flip-side, and I cannot stress this enough: that spa, that pool, and the ability to disappear into a quiet corner of the world after a year of being cooped up?? Priceless.
The Verdict (My Opinionated Conclusion)
Would I recommend Phurua Bussaba? Yes, with a few caveats. If you're looking for a truly accessible resort, you might want to look elsewhere (or contact them directly to verify what changes have been made). If you're a picky eater, pack your own snacks. But if you're looking for a beautiful escape, a chance to unwind, and a truly rejuvenating spa experience, then Phurua Bussaba just might be the "paradise" you're looking for. Just be prepared for a few bumps along the way. (Overall Rating: 8/10 – Great, but not flawless).
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Phurua Bussaba: My Thai Therapy Session (Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Mango Sticky Rice)
Okay, people. Here's the alleged itinerary for my "relaxing" getaway to Phurua Bussaba Resort & Spa in Loei, Thailand. Emphasis on "alleged." Because let's be real, my vacations are less structured schedule and more… a series of happy accidents. And this one? Well, buckle up, because I went in expecting inner peace and came out… vaguely resembling a well-fed, slightly sunburnt Buddha.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Elusive Breakfast Buffet
- 6:00 AM (Ish) – Wake Up, Panic, Pack: This is where the "smooth" travel fantasy unravels. I was supposed to be all zen-like, meditating my way onto the plane. Instead, I'm rummaging through my suitcase like a rabid raccoon, convinced I forgot my passport. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. But the sheer panic ensured I was sweating buckets before I even hit the tarmac.
- 8:00 AM – Flight from Bangkok to Loei: The flight itself was… efficient. Efficiently boring. The woman in front of me reclined her seat so aggressively, I thought she was trying to fold my knees in half. I, feeling like I have to stretch to the space that wasn't there, got a bit irritated. But hey, we made it!
- 9:30 AM – Arrival at Loei Airport, the Shuttle Drama: Finding a taxi the airport was a bit of a shambles, The resort's shuttle service was supposed to be waiting, but apparently “Thai time” is a real thing. Twenty excruciating minutes later, a van finally limped into view. You know you're in the boonies when your shuttle resembles an overripe banana. The driver, bless his heart, drove like he was auditioning for a rally race. Still, scenic views!
- 11:00 AM – Check-in Chaos and the Beautiful, Imperfect Room: Okay, the resort itself? Gorgeous. Seriously. Lush greenery, serene vibes, and a pool that looked like a giant, shimmering turquoise invitation to bliss. Check-in, though? Let’s just say my "room with a mountain view" technically had a view of a small hill. Close enough, I told myself, mentally adjusting my expectations. The room was lovely though, a bit musty as all wood-based buildings are, but absolutely charming.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch, a Moment of Pure Joy: The restaurant had a breathtaking view, It made up for my "mountain-adjacent" room view. I devoured some excellent Thai food. Pad Thai? Divine. Mango sticky rice? Life-altering. I'm pretty sure I accidentally ate my weight in that stuff. This was the peak of the day.
- 2:00 PM – Attempted Relaxation by the Pool, Interrupted by Mosquitoes and Existential Dread: The pool was perfection. Until the mosquitoes decided I was their personal buffet. Then the existential dread kicked in. Because who am I, really, to be lounging by a beautiful pool while the world is in chaos? I got over it pretty quickly, though. Sun and water have a way of doing that. I would absolutely love to linger, to immerse myself in the pool, and forget everything.
- 5:00 PM – Spa Treatment: Oil Overload? I had a Thai massage booked. The masseuse was like a tiny, incredibly strong ninja. I walked out feeling lighter and more flexible. The oil was just a bit much. I mean, I could have probably frictionlessly slid across the floor… but hey, the knots were gone!
- 7:00 PM – Dinner & Stargazing (Kinda). Dinner at the resort restaurant was better than I expected. I was too tired to make something of myself and decided to spend an evening inside the resort. After dinner, I tried to find a spot to look at the stars, but the resort lights were a bit too bright. Still, the air was so fresh and the silence was broken only by the chirping of crickets. Serene!
Day 2: Hiking Hiccups, Temple Trials, and the Great Laundry Debacle
- 7:00 AM – Breakfast, Take Two: Still Elusive. I'd heard the buffet was amazing. Today I am determined to find it! I got there at 7:00 AM on the dot, But it was still closed.
- 8:00 AM – Pre-Hike Meltdown: "Am I Really Doing This?" I am not a hiker. I prefer horizontal activities. Yet, there I was, staring at a trail map, wondering how the hell I'd managed to convince myself to go hiking. The weather was lovely though.
- 9:00 AM – Attempted Hiking at Phu Kradueng National Park (or, The Trail That Tried to Kill Me): The hike started promisingly with a beautiful view. Soon, though, the trail turned into a steep uphill climb. My legs were screaming, and I was pretty sure my lungs were staging a protest. I lasted… well, let's just say I didn't make it to the top. I turned back, defeated, but strangely proud.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch & Temple Temptation: I found a small restaurant on the outskirts of the park, which was a lifesaver. After lunch, I felt energized, and decided to go to Wat Neramit Vipassana temple. Wow. The architecture was stunning, and the atmosphere was incredibly peaceful. A definite high point.
- 3:00 PM – Laundry Mishap & Meltdown. I'd thought "finally, some relaxation." I sent out some laundry and waited for it to be done. Hours later, it hadn't shown up. I went to the reception. My clothes were missing. The staff was bewildered. I started panicking. It was the perfect storm of exhaustion and frustration. They found my clothes, but I was never the same.
- 6:00 PM – Dinner with a Side of Self-Reflection: Dinner was back at the resort, and I did a little bit of self-reflection. Despite the laundry drama, I felt strangely content. Maybe I was starting to embrace the chaos? Maybe I was just hungry.
- 8:00 PM – Night Cap and Early Bedtime – Exhaustion Takes Over: After dinner, I was so exhausted that I don't even have memories!
Day 3: Serenity (Mostly), Souvenirs, and a Sad Farewell
- 7:00 AM – Victory! Breakfast Buffet Finally Conquered: I dragged myself out of bed and made it to the buffet. It was as magnificent as I'd imagined. Worth it for those mango sticky rice alone!
- 9:00 AM – Final Dip in the Pool: I spent a glorious hour just floating and pretending I was a carefree mermaid.
- 10:00 AM – Souvenir Shopping (or, The Quest for the Perfect Elephant Pant): I bought a few little trinkets. Not much.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch and a Fond Farewell to the Pad Thai: One last delicious meal.
- 2:00 PM – Departure: The journey from the resort to the airport was less eventful than the first one, a sigh of relief. Still, I wouldn’t have wanted this any other way.
Final Thoughts:
Did I achieve ultimate serenity? Nope. Did I have a fantastic time? Absolutely. Phurua Bussaba was a beautiful place. The food was incredible, the air was clean, and the people were incredibly kind. I learned that sometimes, the imperfections are the best parts of a trip. And that mango sticky rice? Pure, unadulterated bliss. I'll be back. Maybe. Eventually. After I've recovered from all the walking.
Tokyo's Hidden Gem: Route-Inn Grand Toyocho - Unbelievable Luxury!
Okay, so... Escape to Paradise: Phurua Bussaba Resort & Spa. Is it actually paradise, or just a fancy name?
What's the *vibe* at Phurua Bussaba? Is it more, like, "lounge around in a silk robe drinking champagne" or "backpackers roughing it"?
The pool... tell me about the pool! Is it Instagram-worthy? Because let's be real, that's important.
And the rooms? What's the accommodation situation like? Cozy? Luxurious? Or, you know, "has a bed"?
Let's talk food. Is the food good? Gimme the goss.
What about the Spa? Is it worth the hype? And are the massages any good?
Is it a good place for families? What about for couples?
Okay, okay, so what are the downsides? Don't sugarcoat it!
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