Escape to Paradise: Lanta Mermaid Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Lanta Mermaid Resort Awaits! A Messy, Honest Review (and Honestly, You Might Actually Need This)
Okay, listen up, because I'm about to spill the tea on Escape to Paradise: Lanta Mermaid Resort Awaits! And trust me, this isn't your typical, sterilized, travel blog fluff. I'm talking real talk, the good, the questionable, and the things that made me want to scream with joy (or maybe just scream into a pillow – it was a long trip). This resort, positioned as a tropical getaway in beautiful Koh Lanta, Thailand, promises paradise. Does it deliver? Let's dive in, shall we? And if you're looking for a place where accessibility, relaxation, and delicious food are a priority, keep reading!
First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle (because, let's be real, it matters!)
Right off the bat, I need to talk about accessibility. This is huge for me. And while the resort states that they have facilities for disabled guests, please, please triple-check your specific needs with them directly before booking. The elevator situation (mentioned in the facilities) is crucial to confirming, because some buildings may still require climbing stairs. However, the resort has its own parking lot, and they offer airport transfers which may be helpful, also available are taxi service and car park [free of charge] which can be a big plus to accessibility.
Beyond that, the exterior corridor aspect means you get a little more fresh air and easier access, which might be helpful. Check-in was contactless, thank goodness. The front desk [24-hour] is a good sign for any issues that may pop up. And the elevator definitely helps.
Rooms: My Cozy Little Island (and Maybe a Few Quirks)
Okay, let's get to the rooms, the heart of any good vacation. My room was… well, it was a room. It had air conditioning (essential!), a refrigerator (hello, cold Singha beer!), and free Wi-Fi (thank heavens!). The Wi-fi in all rooms! was a serious win. They also had internet access – wireless which I used everywhere and mostly was great! The bed, an extra long bed was a plus! I could sprawl out without fear of falling off! I'm a big fan of blackout curtains, allowing all of your sleep needs to be achieved.
The bathroom: a private bathroom with a separate shower/bathtub (nice!). Towels, slippers, and toiletries were all provided. Also, something I always appreciate: a hair dryer. The in-room safe box was a must (always a good idea). This is where it gets personal. It was all functional. But it wasn’t heart-stoppingly beautiful. Not a dealbreaker at all, though.
The Food: From Temptations to Triumphs (and a Few Hiccups)
Food, glorious food! This is where Lanta Mermaid Resort really delivers.
- Restaurants: Holy cow, the restaurants are a huge draw. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was particularly excellent – try the Pad Thai, it will change your life! The international cuisine in restaurant was also good, solid choices.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] was a solid start every day. Western breakfast made me happy, and I even enjoyed the Asian breakfast.
- Drinks: The bar was a lovely place to spend a sunny afternoon. A poolside bar offers convenience. Happy hour was, shall we say, happening.
- Variety: A la carte in restaurant, buffet in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant, salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant. They have it all. The vegetarian restaurant was a bonus!
- Room Service: The Room service [24-hour] should be mentioned. It was the bomb!
- Snack Bar: They also have a Snack Bar, which I found useful.
The Relaxation Zone: Spa, Pools, and Pure Bliss (mostly)
Okay, this is where Lanta Mermaid Resort really shines. The swimming pool [outdoor] – multiple pools, actually – was incredible. Pool with view is a real thing here.
- Spa: The Spa was the highlight. The Body scrub and Body wrap, were amazing. I literally melted into the massage table. The Massage was heavenly.
- Sauna/Steamroom: The Sauna and Steamroom added to the detox process.
- Fitness: The Fitness center was a solid option for burning off all those delicious meals.
Things to Do (Beyond Just Lounging)
Look, sometimes you want to do more than just lie by the pool (though, let's be honest, sometimes that's the BEST plan).
- Things to do: The resort offers a surprising amount of activities!
Cleanliness and Safety: (the post COVID reality)
This resort is doing its best to keep you safe. They had anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. They offer room sanitization opt-out available. Daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options, and safe dining setup. All of this is very comforting and worth knowing.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Services: From cash withdrawal to laundry service to daily housekeeping, they've got you covered.
- Internet: Internet access was easy. Wi-Fi in public areas was very helpful.
- Essential Condiments: This may seem small, but having the condiments handy in the room feels like a big deal.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
- Family/child friendly is definitely the vibe. While I didn't use any of the kids facilities (I went solo!), I saw plenty of happy families!
The "Meh" Zone (Because No Place is Perfect)
- Pets Allowed: I never saw any pets.
Overall Verdict: Book It (with These Caveats)
I came to Lanta Mermaid Resort expecting a beautiful time, and that’s what I got.
Here's the kicker: This is a solid choice for a relaxing, fun vacation. And the food? AMAZING! The spa? Unforgettable! the pool? Perfection! But the accessibility could be better. Book it, and have a GREAT time!
Kaohsiung's Chic Escape: 5-Star Double Room w/ Private Bath!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the Lanta Mermaid Resort: Messy, Honest, and Oh God, Did I Forget My Suntan Lotion Again? itinerary. Expect sand in your undies, heart palpitations fueled by spicy food, and questionable decisions made at 3 AM under the influence of Chang beer. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival. Or, "Where TF is the Lobby?"
- Morning (ish): Land in Krabi (KBV). Okay, cool. Now… how do I get to Koh Lanta? Remember, book that ferry transfer before you get there. Lesson learned from last time, almost ended up in a rice paddy (true story, it involved a very grumpy tuk-tuk driver and a severe lack of Google Maps).
- Midday (ish): The ferry! Always a glorious boat ride until you realize you haven't taken Dramamine… and you're surrounded by the swaying sea. Arrive at the island, and the real fun begins. Finding a taxi in a sea of eager locals is half the battle. I swear, they smell the desperation of a tired traveler a mile away.
- Afternoon: ARRIVAL AT LANTA MERMAID RESORT. Check-in, pray for a room with a view (sea view, obvs). Unpack, which mostly consists of rifling through my bag for my favorite swimsuit. This is a must-do, or how else would you have the perfect tan lines?
- Evening: Wandering the beach. Okay, this is where the magic should happen. Sunset, the sound of waves… reality hits when you realize you’re sweating like a sinner in church and covered in sand. Hunt down a beachside restaurant, order the Massaman Curry (it'll change your life, trust me). I end up getting a bit too chatty with the waiter (blame the cocktails). He tells me his life story. Good times.
- Night: The promise of a late-night massage. I end up too knackered to do that. I drink a beer instead. It was well worth it.
Day 2: Exploring. Or, "Did I Just Eat That?"
- Morning: Attempt to wake up early. Fail. Eventually, stagger to the resort restaurant. Get something to eat. This is the most important meal of the day, with the exception of dinner.
- Midday: Rent a motorbike. This is KEY. Explore the island! This is where the "messy" really kicks in. I spent a bit too long trying to figure out how to work the gears. Ended up stalling in the middle of the (thankfully quiet) road. Then, I'd drive a bit more, then I'd "lose the road" and ask for directions or directions that I have no business navigating!
- Afternoon: First stop: Kantiang Bay. Stunning. Photo ops galore. The sand is like powdered sugar. Spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to take a perfect Instagram photo (spoiler: it's never perfect). Then, I find a random coffee shop, drink coffee, and eat cake.
- Afternoon (continued): Explore the Old Town. The vibe here is completely different; it's a bit "rustic" and "charming" (read: a bit ramshackle, but in a good way). More delicious street food (maybe I shouldn't have ordered that questionable-looking fruit. Don't ask). I stumble upon an artsy shop filled with hand-painted pottery. My inner collector awakens.
- Evening: Dinner at a place called "Sea Food." They had great sea food. I may have ordered more than I should have (again). But hey, I was on vacation! And yes, more Massaman Curry (I swear, it's an addiction).
- Night: Back to the beach for some fire dancers. They're hypnotic. I spend more time mesmerised. Oh, and I made a few new friends. We ended up getting into a deep conversation about the meaning of life while staring at the stars. This sounds cliché, but it was genuinely special.
Day 3: Beach Bliss. Or, "My Tan is Officially Out of Control."
- Morning: Start the day with a beach. Find a good spot, and spend a few hours with the waves and the sun. The sun shines on my face, and it feels absolutely amazing. Oh, and I had a great time just relaxing.
- Midday: Diving!. This is the main event. I sign up for a PADI course (or try to). I found it to be fun. I was pretty bad at first, but I got the hang of it. I mean, I didn't see any giant manta rays (the brochures promised them!), but I did see some ridiculously colorful fish. It was an amazing experience!
- Afternoon: Back to the resort, feeling like a zombie after all the exercise. Collapse. More beach time, because there is nothing quite like it.
- Evening: Cooking Class! I decided to take this class. I've always wanted to learn to cook Thai food, and this sounded great! We learned how to make pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. The best part? Eating everything we made (and making a huge mess in the kitchen). I felt like I could open my own restaurant! (I probably can't, but I like to dream.)
- Night: Quiet night, spent relaxing.
Day 4: Departure. Or, "I'm Already Planning My Return."
- Morning: One last swim. One last breakfast. One last longing look at the ocean. Regret not having stayed longer.
- Midday: Pack (a nightmare, because everything is sandy and slightly damp). Check out of the resort. Say a fond farewell to the staff (who were unbelievably lovely).
- Afternoon: Head back to Krabi via ferry and bus.
- Evening: Land, and wait for my flight. Sad. But I know I'll be back.
- Night: Head home.
Final Thoughts (or, rambling thoughts):
Koh Lanta is magic. It's messy, it's beautiful, it's sometimes a little bit bonkers. It's got the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. It taught me to embrace the imperfections (the sunburn, the lost luggage, the questionable food choices). And most of all, it reminded me to laugh, to breathe, and to always bring extra sunscreen.
Next time, I'm bringing an extra suitcase just for the souvenirs. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn how to actually drive a motorbike.
Alright, that's it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go daydream about Massaman Curry.
Unbelievable Fayyadh Homestay: Teluk Intan's BEST 3R2B Gem!
Escape to Paradise: Lanta Mermaid Resort - Yeah, About That... Let's Get Real.
Okay, seriously, is this place *really* paradise? The pictures are… well, perfect.
Paradise? Look, let's be real. Those photos? They're lying. (Just kidding... mostly.) Okay, okay, *some* of it's paradisiacal. Imagine a postcard. Now, add a healthy dose of… island charm. Which, as it turns out, means things are a *little* rough around the edges. Like, one afternoon, I found a gecko clinging to my mosquito net. And it stayed there. For, like, an hour. We just stared at each other. It was... charming. Anyway, it *is* beautiful, don't get me wrong. The beach? Stunning. The sunsets? Jaw-dropping. But "perfect"? Nah. More like, "perfect-ly imperfect"... if that even makes sense. Think of it as 'rustic chic with occasional surprise wildlife encounters'.
What are the rooms like? Are they as luxurious as they seem?
Rooms… ah, the rooms. Okay, here's the deal. Luxurious? Okay... let's revisit "rustic chic with occasional surprise wildlife encounters." I'm not going to lie, my first thought was, "Did they build this with drift wood and good intentions?" BUT! The bed was comfy and, crucially, the AC *worked*. Which, believe me, is a gift from the heavens when you're sweating buckets. I was promised a ‘sea view’ and I got… some trees. I mean, I *could* see the ocean. Eventually. After angling my neck precariously. My friend, bless her heart, got a "garden view" which basically meant a view of someone else’s bungalow. But hey no ants! So… a win-win situation, I guess.
The beach! Tell me about the beach! Is it crowded? Is the water clear?
The beach… *sigh*. The beach is why you go. Seriously. It's gorgeous. White sand, turquoise water, the whole shebang. And the best part? It's not *totally* overrun. Look, you'll have to share it, of course. There'll be other people, some loud kids (inevitable) and the occasional stray dog (mostly friendly). But it's manageable! The water *is* clear, though it really depends on tide. When the tide is in, you can't see the bottom. When it's out, you can count every pebble. I did spend a lot of time just staring at the ocean, which is definitely one of my favorite activities. I saw a giant crab, a really cute crab and some fish (that were too fast to try and catch). The beach is the best thing about the whole place, no question. Book it just for the beach. Seriously.
Is the food any good? And what about the dreaded 'island tummy'?
The food… okay, the food is another story. Some days it’s amazing – delicious Pad Thai, the freshest seafood. Other days… well, let's just say I became intimately acquainted with the local bakery. The breakfast buffet? Surprisingly good for the most part. Lots of fresh fruit, which is a lifesaver. I wouldn't expect Michelin star quality. Island tummy? Yeah… it's a thing. I was very very careful, and still… I swear, I blame the water. I kept drinking bottled water, but the ice… I think it got me. Pack some Immodium. Seriously. And maybe some extra underwear. Just in case. I, for one, was not prepared for the… the urgency of it all.
Activities! What is there to *do* besides lying on the beach?
Activities! Ah, yes. Besides mastering the art of horizontal relaxation... You can definitely find some things to do. Snorkeling trips are a must – the coral reefs are beautiful and the fish are like, *right there*. Kayaking, paddleboarding… you can rent a scooter and explore the island (just be careful – those roads are a bit… dodgy in places). There are also cooking classes, which I'd highly recommend, I learned to make a proper Pad Thai. Just be warned: some of the tours feel a little… touristy. I went on an elephant encounter, and it left me with a very bad feeling. The elephant's eyes… it was heartbreaking. So, be mindful of that. Do your research. Choose wisely.
Is the staff friendly?
The staff? Mostly lovely. Some are incredibly friendly and helpful, always smiling and going the extra mile. Others... well, let's say they are a little more reserved, probably exhausted. You get used to it, the island is a bit… laid back. Slow service is a thing. But honestly, in that environment, you kind of *want* things slow. Seriously! Don't be in a rush, just sit down and enjoy the view. And tip generously, they work hard! One time, I accidentally spilt my whole drink everywhere at dinner, and the waiter, even though he visibly sighed, just cleaned it up with grace and a quiet smile.
What about the bugs and mosquitos?
Bugs! Oh, *the bugs*! You're on an island. Accept it. Mosquitos are relentless. DEET is your friend. I looked like I was from outerspace. They were that bad. Especially at dusk. Cover-up, spray up, and hope for the best. Ants are also a constant concern – keep your food sealed! Cockroaches are possible, though I didn’t see any in the rooms, mainly outside, but one did visit the restaurant when I was eating. I screamed, of course. It’s a jungle out there, literally. Bring bug spray, bite cream, and a sense of humor. You’ll need it. And always check your shoes before you wear them first thing in the morning. You never know what may have taken up residence in there overnight.
Would you go back?
Would I go back? Hmm... that's a tough one. Parts of me wants to go back *right now*. The beach, those sunsets, and the general feeling of being utterly disconnected from the world... that was amazing. But I also remember the slightly questionable plumbing, the questionable food at times, and the constant battle against mosquitos. Overall, yes. Absolutely. It was an experience. And despite the imperfections, I loved it. So, yes. I'd go back. But next time, I'm bringing industrial-strength bug spray, some probiotics, and a very optimistic attitude. And maybe earplugs because someone was snoring in the room next to mine.
