Escape to Paradise: Luxury Greenery Lanka Villa Awaits in Unawatuna!
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Greenery Lanka Villa Awaits in Unawatuna! - A Rambling, Honest (and Hopefully Helpful) Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a FULL-BLOWN, no-holds-barred review of Escape to Paradise: Luxury Greenery Lanka Villa in Unawatuna. And trust me, it’s more than just a fancy hotel; it’s… well, it’s an experience. And I’m here to spill the tea.
First Impressions (AKA Arrival - Where Things Got a Little… Chaotic)
So, picture this: I’m fresh off a ridiculously long flight, feeling like a crumpled napkin, and my brain is basically scrambled eggs. The anticipation of paradise was HIGH. The airport transfer was… well, it was transfer. Let's just say, the driver knew some roads. Finding the villa? A mini-adventure itself, involving a few wrong turns and a very helpful local who probably thought we were completely bonkers.
Finally, we arrive. And BAM. Greenery. Glorious, lush, everywhere greenery. The villa itself is stunning. Think modern meets tropical chic. The entrance, with the open-air lobby, sets the tone – chill, breezy, and ready for serious relaxation. And the sound of… oh my god, the sound. The birds! It's like a constant symphony of tropical chirps and whistles.
Accessibility – Because Everyone Deserves Paradise
Now, I’m not in a wheelchair, so I can’t speak from personal experience on every angle, but from what I observed, it seems pretty good. There's an elevator… thank goodness (though, it's not the fastest elevator I've ridden, but hey, it gets the job done). I saw some ramps, and the staff REALLY seemed committed to helping anyone with mobility issues. This is a HUGE plus in my book. They've also got facilities for guests with disabilities and a doorman, so it's definitely worth checking with the hotel directly for specific needs.
Rooms: My Personal Oasis (and a Few Minor Grumbles…)
Okay, let’s get real: the rooms are gorgeous. They've got it all – Air conditioning (essential!), Air conditioning in public areas, a mini bar (stocked!), complimentary bottled water, wi-fi (and FREE wi-fi!), plus every amenity imaginable. The blackout curtains were a godsend for my jet lag. The bed was incredibly comfy. I mean, seriously, I melted into it. But… (there’s always a but, isn't there?)
- The minor gripe: The Wi-Fi… it was a little spotty at times. Seriously, I could have a conversation with my laptop, so slow it was, I was tempted to just go into the pool and ignore it after.
- The bigger gripe: I also realized later on that I had two toilets, which was great, and then I noticed a telephone that I never used, which, while not the end of the world, makes me think about how much those phones used to cost.
- What I Loved: The slippers and bathrobes were a seriously luxurious touch. The shower was AMAZING. And the balcony with a view? Forget about it. Stunning! The hair dryer was much needed for sure.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (Especially These Days)
COVID times, am I right? I'm a worrywart! Let me tell you, though, I was impressed. The whole place felt incredibly clean. The staff were meticulous. There was evidence everywhere of daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol and the like. I saw individually-wrapped food options, which made me breathe a sigh of relief. They even had anti-viral cleaning products. I didn't personally opt-out of room sanitization, but I know they were making it available. They even had it printed on the door. So it felt super safe, which is crucial. They had smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Safety first, always! There's a safe in the room, too, for your valuables, and security (24-hour). Phew!
Food, Glorious Food: From Asian to International (and a Few Hiccups)
Okay, let’s talk food. Because, let's be honest, that’s a HUGE part of the vacation experience. Thankfully, the food situation at Escape to Paradise is generally excellent. The Asian breakfast was incredible – think fresh fruit, delicious curries, and perfectly brewed coffee. I'm all about that. There was a breakfast buffet option, which was convenient, but if you're craving something truly special, go for the a la carte in restaurant, it's worth it.
- The good stuff: The restaurants themselves offered a diverse menu, with international cuisine and vegetarian restaurant options. They had a poolside bar and a snack bar perfect for those lazy afternoons. Seriously, the coffee/tea in restaurant was divine. And the desserts in restaurant? Dangerous. I had the salad and the soup as well.
- The hiccup: The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver for those late-night cravings. It's good and safe, the food is okay.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Paradise Found (and Overstuffed!)
This place is seriously geared for relaxation. Seriously. Let me list some features on their own, don't you worry;
- The swimming pool is gorgeous, Pool with view, perfect for a refreshing dip, and the swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: This is the good stuff like a Foot bath! The massage felt AMAZING. They even had Body wrap, Body scrub options… if you are into that.
I spent a solid chunk of my time in the sauna, it was the best decision!
But, if you're not into the whole "lying around doing nothing" thing (weird), there's still stuff to do!
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: A Quick Word
I didn't eat in every restaurant, but the ones I did visit (and the lounge!), felt easily accessible. Plenty of space to move around, and the staff were super helpful. No complaints on this front!
Services and Conveniences: Above and Beyond
The staff at Escape to Paradise are absolute angels. They're friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to care about making your stay the best it can be. They have:
- Concierge: For… everything. They answered any question!
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning: A blessing for my suitcase.
- Daily housekeeping: Kept everything spotless.
- Currency exchange: Super convenient.
- Elevator: Again, amazing.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Big plus.
- Car park [free of charge]: Always a bonus!
- Luggage storage: For those awkward departure times.
For the Kids & Family Friendly: (I don't have kids, but…)
I didn't personally use these services, but I noticed they had Babysitting service, which is great for parents who want a bit of alone time. The place is definitely Family/child friendly, with Kids facilities available. They even have Kids meal, which is a life-saver in my opinion!
Getting Around: Navigating the Area
They have airport transfer, car park [free of charge], taxi service. Getting around Unawatuna is mostly easy, but I highly recommend using a taxi.
Accessibility, Getting Around, and Services: A Quick Recap
Generally, the hotel makes a clear effort to make everything accessible and convenient. The elevator, the helpful staff, and the range of services are all major pluses. Just double-check specifics if you have very specific needs.
The Verdict: Should You Escape to Paradise?
Absolutely. Despite a few minor hiccups (the Wi-Fi, mostly), Escape to Paradise is a phenomenal hotel. It's luxurious, relaxing, and offers an experience that goes beyond just a place to sleep. It's a place to unwind.
My Final, Stream-of-Consciousness Thoughts:
- The sheer greenness of the place is therapeutic. It's a constant reminder of how beautiful the world can be.
- The staff are the true MVPs. They make the whole experience that much better.
- Go for the massage. Seriously. Just do it.
- Even if you're a worrier (like me!), you'll feel safe and secure.
- Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
My Unbeatable Offer: Book Your Escape Now!
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Pula Paradise: Luxury Villa with Private Pool & Sauna!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's dry travel itinerary. This is my Unawatuna, Sri Lanka, Greenery Lanka Villa diary, and trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. Prepare for some real talk, some questionable decisions, and more sunburn than you can shake a stick at.
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret (Just Kidding… Mostly)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Hallelujah! Finally landed in Colombo. The airport? Chaos, beautiful, sweaty, fragrant chaos. Sniffing the air, I swear I could smell spice and impending adventure. Grabbed a SIM card because, you know, gotta document this madness. Also, holy humidity, Batman! My hair instantly transformed into a frizzy, untamable beast.
- Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Taxi ride to Unawatuna. The drive? An experience. Speeding tuk-tuks, honking buses, cows casually chilling on the side of the road… it was a sensory overload in the best possible way. The driver, bless his heart, kept offering me betel nut. I politely declined. Don't want to mess with the local customs too early on!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): ARRIVAL at Greenery Lanka Villa! Gorgeous. Seriously, photos don't do it justice. Lush, green, the sound of the waves… I could weep. Checked in, collapsed on the bed (after a quick inspection for creepy crawlies, naturally), and immediately regretted not packing more sunscreen. Rookie mistake.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Pool time! Sunscreen application – Part 2. Tried to look chic and graceful getting into the pool but ended up doing a faceplant. Dignity? Gone. Soaked in the gloriousness, eavesdropping on a couple's conversation. "Do you think the curry will be too spicy?" Apparently, they're not prepared for Sri Lankan cuisine. LOL.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Beach exploration. Unawatuna beach is beautiful, but the sand is HOT, hot, hot! My feet were screaming! Found a little beach shack and ordered a King Coconut. The bliss! Sipping that coconut water, watching the waves roll in… pure, unadulterated paradise.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a nearby restaurant. Ordered seafood, because, when in Rome… (or, you know, Unawatuna). The curry was indeed not too spicy (I might have over-ordered). The waiter was charming, the atmosphere was perfect. Feeling optimistic!
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Bed and a book. Still trying to figure out my sleep pattern. Jet lag is a beast. Also, that mosquito-net thingy over the bed is an absolute lifesaver. Goodnight, world!
Day 2: Beach Bumming and Unexpected Delights (Plus a Sunburn Update)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. Breakfast at the Villa: fruit, eggs, and strong Sri Lankan coffee. Fueled up for another day of adventure! Sunburn? Minimal, thanks to that extra sunscreen (I'm learning!).
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Beach-bound again! Spent hours just lounging, reading, and occasionally attempting to swim (I am not graceful, remember?). Watched a young boy try to surf. Pure comedic gold. He kept falling, but he never stopped grinning. Made me smile.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a different beach shack. Ordered a delicious (and surprisingly large) plate of rice and curry. So. Many. Flavors. My taste buds are having a party! Almost got attacked by a cheeky monkey -- learned to never leave your food unattended. The lesson? Monkeys are opportunistic.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Turtle watching! Headed to a turtle hatchery. These majestic creatures! Watching them swim was an emotional experience. Absolutely beautiful. Definitely a highlight.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Walked along the beach, watched the sunset. The colors were insane. Pink, orange, purple… it was like a painting.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Massage at the Villa. Oh. My. Goodness. This was not just a massage. It was a religious experience! The masseuse worked magic on my aching muscles. I practically floated out of the room. Absolutely perfect.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): More reading, more relaxation. Tomorrow: I am going to venture out and maybe go a bit further.
Day 3: Galle Fort and Cultural Immersion (and Questionable Food Choices)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Took a tuk-tuk to Galle Fort. The ride was hair-raising. The driver seemed to enjoy his job a bit too much.
- Morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Explored Galle Fort. Cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, charming shops… it was like stepping back in time. Bought a few souvenirs (I'm a sucker for a good trinket). The lighthouse was amazing, too. Spent a long time just soaking it all in.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch. This is where I made my questionable decision. Saw an outdoor restaurant that looked promising… and then they served me a huge seafood platter. The flavor was so-so, and I spent a while picking at the "questionable" looking fish. (Rambling: I feel like this is a travel rite of passage: that moment of "Oh, I hope I don't… you know…" - my stomach does not think much of the new meal, and I'm regretting the food choice. Note to Self: eat less, and trust my instincts.)
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Had to go back to the villa and rest after that questionable food choice, I did not feel like walking around anymore.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Beach sunset.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): After much deliberation I decided I was feeling better so back to a familiar restaurant where I had eaten previously. Good food and good service.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): I'm going to sleep the night away. Maybe tomorrow I will make better food choices.
Day 4: The Day of Rebirth (and Maybe Too Much Sunshine)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Woke up feeling… much better. The stomach recovery was real. Breakfast at the Villa: another round of fruit and eggs. Fueling up for a proper day.
- Morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Back to the beach. I think I'm starting to get this whole "beach bum" thing. Spent time swimming (getting better, slowly!), reading (more of the same!), and just generally being lazy. Sunscreen? Check. Reapplication? Absolutely.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Decided to take a walk to a nearby temple. Found a beautiful, peaceful space. (This is the moment I realised, this trip is a rebirth. One of the strongest experiences.)
- Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Sunset at a different beach. This one was quieter, more secluded. Watched the waves crash, and thought about how full of life I felt.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): I went for a long meal at a restaurant that the owner of the villa had suggested! I had been very cautious about food choices since that "questionable" fish, but now I felt at ease again. It was a celebration of the incredible trip thus far.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Packing. This journey is almost over. Writing in my journal. A little bit of sadness mixed with gratitude. I'm going to miss this place.
Day 5: Departure and the Longing That Follows
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Final breakfast at the Villa. Said goodbye to the staff, and the amazing cooks. Headed to the airport with a heavy heart.
- Morning/Afternoon (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Long drive to the airport. More honking, more tuk-tuks, more beautiful chaos.
- **Afternoon (
Okay, spill the tea. Is "Escape to Paradise" *really* paradise? Don't give me the brochure answer!
Right, honest truth time. "Paradise" is a BIG word, isn't it? Look, the pictures? They don't LIE. The villa *is* stunning. That infinity pool looking out over the jungle? Yep, it's as Instagrammable as you'd expect. But here's the *real* stuff: First morning, I woke up to the sound of a GIANT gecko having a screaming match outside my window. Thought I was in the middle of a prehistoric mating ritual. Terrifying and hilarious simultaneously. So… paradise? With a side of reptile drama? Yeah, pretty much. And the staff? Bless their hearts, they're lovely, but sometimes the communication… well, let's just say my request for "more coconut water" turned into a whole plate of *fried* coconut flakes. Delicious, but not quite what I was aiming for. So yeah, prepare for some authentic Sri Lankan quirkiness. It’s part of the charm. I'd still go back in a HEARTBEAT.
The website bangs on about "luxury greenery." What's that *actually* like? Like, mosquitos? Snakes? Give me the gritty details!
Okay, the "luxury greenery" is... intense. Think *Jurassic Park* levels of green. Honestly, it's stunning. You wake up with a symphony of bird song, and the air smells like… well, like actual *life*. But, yeah. Mosquitoes? They're around. Pack DEET. LOTS of DEET. I forgot, and I became a walking buffet. Learned my lesson. Snakes? Didn't see any, thank GOD. But I did see the biggest jungle lizard I've ever clapped eyes on. It was sunning itself near the pool, and I may or may not have screamed a little bit. My friend, Sarah, swears she spotted a monkey stealing a banana from her breakfast plate. So yeah, you're in nature's backyard. Embrace it (and bring the bug spray!). This is not your sterile, air-conditioned hotel room. It's raw and gorgeous and occasionally, gives you a little fright.
I'm a foodie. What's the food situation like? Am I going to be stuck with bland hotel fare?
FOOD! Okay, this is where things REALLY get good. Forget bland hotel food! The villa chef, this amazing woman, she cooks up the most incredible Sri Lankan feasts. Picture curries bursting with flavor, fresh seafood grilled to perfection, and enough rice and dhal to feed a small army. Honestly, the food alone is worth the trip. Ask for the *kottu roti* - a local street food dish, and it’s a religious experience. They even have a spice rack that's like a rainbow of deliciousness. The only downside? You'll probably gain a few pounds. I know I did. And I regretted absolutely NOTHING. One night there was this huge rainstorm, and the power went out. We ate by candlelight, the food being cooked on a gas stove and the smell of the food, and the rain, and the tropical humidity; it was so magical, so… *genuine*. Better than any Michelin-starred meal I've ever had. It was almost worth the power cut.
Unawatuna beach... is it as dreamy as the photos? And what about the crowds?
Okay, Unawatuna beach is… beautiful. But hold on to your hats, folks. It’s stunning, powdery white sand, perfect turquoise water… It's *definitely* worth a visit. The perfect place to lay in the sun. But let me be real, the photos often miss a few details. The beach gets *busy*. Especially during peak season. You're not going to have the beach all to yourself, unless you get up at, like, 6 am. There are bars and restaurants lining the shore, which is convenient, but it also means a constant murmur of chatter and music. The worst part? I did have a pretty nasty sunburn, but I didn't really care, it's such a pretty place.
Is it okay for solo travelers? Or is it more suited to romantic getaways/family holidays?
I went with a group, but I can totally see it being great for all sorts! Solo travelers? Absolutely. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. It's a safe area and you can use the time to relax and read a few books, or even write a book. You could easily be content on your own! Romantic getaways? YES! The villa is practically *built* for romance. The infinity pool, the jungle setting, the private dinners… it's all very swoony. Family holidays? Again, yes! The villa is spacious, and there's plenty of room for kids to run around (though keep an eye out for those jungle lizards!). The main point is, the villa adapts to everyone.
Okay, hit me with the downsides. What really REALLY annoyed you?
Ugh, okay. The internet. Let's be real. It's Sri Lankan internet. It's… patchy. And sometimes, completely disappears. Prepare to disconnect, or at least, be very, very patient. The air conditioning in one of the bedrooms got a bit temperamental, making it a sauna at night. And the mosquitos, those little buggers! They're relentless. But honestly? These are minor inconveniences. Because of all that? I'd go back tomorrow, regardless. It was the best kind of imperfect, and I miss it like crazy. The downsides? They add to the charm, somehow.
Are there any activities NEAR Escape to Paradise?
Oh HELL YES. So many things to do, you won't know where to start. Aside from the beach, there are surfing spots nearby – perfect for beginners and pros alike. Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a short tuk-tuk ride away – well worth exploring, it's absolutely beautiful, with those colonial buildings. We spent a whole afternoon just wandering around, getting lost in the maze of streets. There are also boat trips and whale-watching excursions. AND the best part? The staff helped arrange pretty much everything. They're a true lifesaver because getting anywhere can be a stressful experience, especially when there's a language barrier. I’d recommend doing a cooking class; where you can explore your food and learn to prepare some delicious meals. Whatever you choose, you are safe and taken care of!
Let's talk money. Is this place a splurge? Worth the price tag?
Splurge? Yes. Absolutely. It's not budget travel, plain and simple. But is it worth it? Ugh, YES. I'm normally a pretty frugal traveler, always looking for deals and bargains. But this... this was different.Where To Stay Now
