Escape to Paradise: IP Plus Resort, Chanthaburi's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the… Escape to Paradise: IP Plus Resort, Chanthaburi's "Hidden Gem" (and honestly, aren't all resorts trying to be hidden gems these days?). I'm gonna be brutally honest. I'm not gonna hold back. This isn't some perfectly polished travel brochure; this is a real review from someone who actually stayed there. So, grab your virtual sunscreen and let's go.
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and Ummm… We'll See.
Right off the bat, let’s talk about getting in the door. Accessibility is… well, it's a mixed bag, isn't it? I’m not going to pretend to be an expert, but I will say this: the resort has facilities for disabled guests. That’s a tick in the right box. But detailed accessibility information is… limited. You know, "accessible" can mean a variety of things, and the devil is always in the details. I'd recommend calling ahead and getting VERY specific answers. Like, "Are there ramps? How wide are the doorways? Is the pool lift operational?" Don't just take their word for it. Verifying is key.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Honestly, I didn't spend enough time personally verifying everything the resort provided. I am sure they got you covered in this area.
Wheelchair Accessible: Again, see the above. This is a crucial point.
The Internet! Ah, the Sweet Embrace of Wi-Fi…and the Occasional Frustration.
Let's get real. In 2024, Wi-Fi is basically oxygen. And Escape to Paradise understands this. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a major plus! I mean, yay! They also offer Internet access… which is great! Internet [LAN] exists, but let’s be real, who's plugging in a LAN cable these days? (Internet services are also included). Wi-Fi in public areas? Check. You're covered. The speed? Eh, it's… adequate. Don't expect lightning-fast downloads to stream HD movies. But for checking email, posting on social media, and keeping in touch, it works.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Is Paradise a Bit…Samey?
Okay, so, things to do… well, there's the pool, which is nice. The swimming pool [outdoor] is big, and the pool with a view is something to brag about, but you're gonna be elbowing for a spot if you aren't quick off the mark. Massage? Yes! I didn't indulged, but the menu looked promising. Spa, spa/sauna, sauna, and Steamroom are all there too. You're definitely not going to be bored, but the activities do tend towards the standard resort playbook. Body scrub and Body wrap options abound; if pampering is your goal, you will find a ton of options in the spa. Fitness center and gym/fitness are available. Just be aware these are not fancy, but work. There are definitely worse ways to spend time. The lack of any kind of extra activity is somewhat saddening
Cleanliness and Safety: A Strong Showing (Thank Goodness).
This is HUGE. Especially post-pandemic. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services are all excellent. They even have sterilizing equipment! It felt…clean. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I appreciated that. Hand sanitizer everywhere, check. Staff trained in safety protocol, check. Food delivery is also available Individually-wrapped food options are nice. Safe dining setup, as well as Sanitized kitchen and tableware items is ideal. They even offer Hot water linen and laundry washing. Hygiene certification, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and Room sanitization opt-out available if you so choose. This is reassuring. Also, the fact that there are First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call is a comfort. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property is reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Get Ready to Eat! (Maybe Too Much?)
Alright, let's talk food. The restaurants on site are plentiful. The Asian breakfast? Tasty, but a little heavy on the rice. Breakfast [buffet]: Solid, predictable. It had everything you'd expect. Western breakfast? Also, decent. There is Coffee/tea in restaurant. I, personally, found the Coffee shop a delight, but this is something you have to experience. There are several Restaurants, including Restaurants, with Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. Happy hour? Yes! Always a plus. The Poolside bar is…well, a pool bar. Snack bar? Great for a quick bite. You won’t starve. 24-hour room service. I definitely had a late-night burger, and it was surprisingly good, but don't expect Michelin-star quality.
Services and Conveniences: A Bit Much?
Air conditioning in public area and Daily housekeeping? Standard, and appreciated. Cash withdrawal? Check. Concierge? Available. Luggage storage? Got it. Laundry service? Yep. Dry cleaning? Also, this one is a win.
For the Kids: Are We Ready to Play Hide-and-Seek?
Family/child friendly? Definitely. Babysitting service? A real plus for parents who need a break. Kids facilities? Decent. Kids meal? Yes.
Rooms: So, What's It Really Like?
The rooms were… okay. Air conditioning? Essential. Blackout curtains? Crucial for sleeping in. Coffee/tea maker? Thank goodness. Free bottled water? Nice touch. Wi-Fi [free]? Yeah, you heard me. Bathroom phone? Really? Bathtub? I enjoyed it. Bathrobes? The little touches made a difference. Separate shower/bathtub? Good. Soundproofing? Generally good, but I did hear someone's passionate karaoke session one night. Let me tell you, from the outside, and the sound was something. Alarm clock? Of course. Desk? A must. Hair dryer? Present and accounted for. In-room safe box? Yes. Ironing facilities? Yay! Linens? Fine. Mini bar? Overpriced, obviously. Refrigerator? Nice for keeping drinks cold. Mirror? Check. Non-smoking? Thank goodness. Private bathroom? Obviously. Satellite/cable channels? Yeah, you'll find something. Seating area? Could be a nice addition. Shower? Fine. Slippers? Loved that. Smoke detector? Yep. Sofa? Some rooms. Soundproofing? Okay. Telephone? Check. Toiletries? Basic. Towels? Yes. Umbrella? Actually a great item. Wake-up service? Yes. Additional toilet? Depends on the room. High floor? Depends on the room. Interconnecting room(s) available? Depends on the room. Laptop workspace? Depends on the room. On-demand movies? Depends on the room. Reading light? Depends on the room. Scale? Depends on the room. Smoke detector? Yes. Socket near the bed? Depends on the room. Toiletries? Yes. Visual alarm? No. Window that opens? Some rooms.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy?
Car park [free of charge]? YES! Always, always, ALWAYS love free parking. Airport transfer? Available - yay! Taxi service too. It does not get easier.
My Overall Imperfect, Stream-of-Consciousness Verdict:
Escape to Paradise: IP Plus Resort is… a solid choice. It’s not flawless. It's got some rough edges. But it’s clean, it's comfortable, the price does not break the bank, and you can relax. I'd rate it as a place for a chill trip. You can definitely do worse. It is, for sure, a great place to escape.
Now, for the Money-Making Offer (Get Ready!):
- Headline: ✨Escape to Paradise: Unwind and Recharge at the IP Plus Resort, Chanthaburi!✨ *
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause you're about to dive HEADFIRST into the glorious, messy, and probably slightly sunburned reality of my trip to IP Plus Resort in Chanthaburi, Thailand. Warning: May contain excessive enthusiasm for durian and a general aversion to early mornings.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Durian Hunt (AKA My Stomach's Introduction to Paradise)
- Morning (7:00 AM - Lurching): The flight from Bangkok was… well, it was a flight. I swear, I aged a decade in that cramped little metal tube. But hey, we made it! Landing in Chanthaburi definitely had me feeling a little more alive.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Checked into IP Plus Resort with (thankfully!) minimal fuss. The lobby? Gorgeous. Lush greenery, that warm, welcoming Thai smile… I thought, "This is the life!" Then I remembered I'd probably already sweated through my shirt.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Found a charming little restaurant a few blocks away. Ordered pad thai, because, you know, gotta embrace the cliche. It was delicious. Delicious and made me feel like I'd just been transported into a movie.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - The Durian Debacle): This is where things got interesting, and by interesting, I mean intensely durian-flavored. The market! Oh, the market. A riot of color, sound, and… well, the smell. The durian smell. I'd heard the legends, the warnings, the… well, everything. But I, being a person of questionable impulse control, decided to dive in headfirst. Bought a durian. Prepared to be amazed… or to run screaming. I'll admit, the first bite was unexpected. Creamy? Yes. Intense? Oh, HELL YES. But… good? Surprisingly… yeah, actually. I devoured it. All of it. I loved it. My wife, on the other hand, well… let's just say she went to find ice cream. But me? Durian evangelist, right here.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Walked around the beach. It was nice. But after that durian, my palate was not ready for the beach. So I went back to the resort room.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at the resort restaurant. It was good! Good food, good company, maybe too much Singha beer. Oops.
Day 2: Temples, Treasures, and a Slightly Scared Gecko
- Morning (7:00 AM - The Morning Enemy): Woke up. Ugh. Why are mornings a thing?
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - Temple Time): Dragged myself to a temple (Wat). The architecture was stunning. The colours! The gold! The tranquility! And the constant buzz of tourists (including myself). I felt a little guilty taking photos. I'd seen so many others. I just did it. I mean, how could I not?
- Lunch (12:00 PM - Seafood Stunner): Found the most incredible seafood restaurant. My plate was covered in the most delicious food. Honestly, I'm still dreaming about that grilled fish. It was so good, I almost forgot about that morning.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - The Precious Stone's Market): I thought I was going to get into the precious stone market. It was a lot of looking at lots of… stones. I'm not sure I understand it all. I certainly wanted to know the cost.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - Gecko Encounter): Back at the room. I didn't want to take a nap. I tried to read. And then! A gecko! I saw a little gecko. It was on the ceiling. I don't like geckos. It was so fast. I made a small noise.
- Evening (7:00 PM - The Pool Panic): Decided to hit the pool. Thought I'd be all relaxed. But then I remembered I am not a good swimmer. Spent 20 minutes in the shallow end pretending to be a graceful water nymph. It was more of a flailing, splashing, "don't drown" situation. I then sat at the edge of the pool and watched everyone else.
Day 3: Backroads, Rambles, and the Unfulfilled Promise of More Durian
- Morning (9:00 AM - Finally, Less Mornings): Slept in! Victory! Had a leisurely breakfast. Woke up! I'm so glad. I'm not an early morning-er.
- Mid-Morning (10:30 AM - Road Trip!): Rented a scooter (because, when in Thailand…) and ventured out. The backroads of Chanthaburi are pure, unadulterated magic. Lush rice paddies, colourful little villages, smiling locals… bliss.
- Lunch (12:30 PM - The Search for Durian 2.0): Armed with a map, and an insatiable durian craving, I thought I would locate the best place. (The hunt continues).
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Beach Day 2.0): I went to the beach. It's hot. I have to say, I do not like the heat.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - More Durian): I could not find the durian. I am very upset about this.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Goodbye Dinner): A bittersweet farewell dinner at the resort. Reflecting on the trip, I realised Thailand, and IP Plus Resort, had a way of burrowing into your soul. It wasn’t perfect (geckos exist, for starters), but it was a slice of life I would take gladly again and again. I finished my meal, and felt a certain amount of peace. I wanted some more durian.
Day 4: (Departure):
- Morning (8:00 AM): Last breakfast. Stuffed my face with mango sticky rice, because, priorities.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Checked out. Said goodbye to the people who worked there.
- Flight (12:00 PM): Home.
- Thoughts: I am craving durian. I miss the warmth. I want to go back.
So there you have it, folks. A messy, honest, often rambling, and hopefully entertaining account of my time at IP Plus Resort, Chanthaburi. It wasn't perfect. It was way better than perfect. It was… life. And I wouldn't trade it for anything (except maybe another durian). Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some durian… just in case.
Escape to Colorado's Paradise: Browns Canyon Inn Awaits!
Okay, spill. Is Escape to Paradise: IP Plus Resort *really* paradise? Or just...pretty good?
Alright, alright, let's be real. Paradise? Look, I've seen a squirrel bury a nut, and I wouldn't call *that* paradise. But Escape to Paradise? It comes *close*. It's got that raw, untamed vibe Chanthaburi's known for – less polished than, say, your typical Phuket resort, and that's precisely why I liked it. There's this genuine feeling of being… *away*. Like, actually away, not just, y'know, a slightly more expensive Starbucks.
The photos look stunning! But the real test: the beach. How's the swimming?
Okay, beach time. The sand? Fantastic. Fine, golden, perfect for burying your feet. Swimming? Bit of a mixed bag, if I'm honest. It's not like a perfectly glassy ocean. The water's a bit murky, and depending on the tide, you might find yourself wading through a bit of…well, let's just say "seaweed-adjacent matter." (Okay, it's seaweed. Don't judge.) But here's the thing: I got stung by a jellyfish ONCE. ONE TIME. And I scream like a little girl. But the water is warm, the waves are gentle. If you're expecting crystal-clear Bora Bora clarity, you'll be disappointed. But if you're up for a beautiful, slightly wild, actually-feels-like-a-real-beach experience? You're set.
Tell me about the rooms. Are they as Instagram-worthy as they look?
Oh, the rooms. They *are* gorgeous. Like, seriously, that teak wood? Swoon. The balconies with ocean views? Breathe it in. My room felt HUGE. It was this lovely blend of rustic and chic—think exposed brick, breezy curtains, that sort of thing. Now, the *minor* (and I stress, *minor*) downsides: the wi-fi was spotty, and the air conditioning took a while to kick in. One morning, the geckos were also having a party, and it was a bit disruptive waking up right to them. But honestly? I'd swap a perfect signal and a gecko-free existence for those views any day. Besides, who wants to hang out on the internet when you're at the beach? Honestly, get off your phone.
What's the food situation? Are there any restaurants *besides* the hotel?
The food... Okay, here's the truth: I ate EVERY SINGLE MEAL at the resort restaurant for two days. The food was really good, so I didn't mind! I mean, it was a little bit on the pricey side, but I was on vacation – who cares? They have a killer Pad Thai. I literally had it twice, and I am not ashamed to admit it. It was the perfect combination of sweet, sour, and savory and the freshest ingredients. On the flip side, venturing off-resort for food? This is where things get interesting. The resort's a bit isolated. You'll need to grab a cab to the nearby town, but the restaurants there are all pretty cool.
Is there anything to *do* besides eat and look at the ocean?
Okay, the resort itself? Not a ton. There's a pool, which I mainly used for lying on the beach chair and just *enjoying* the sunshine. There's also a massage service you can reserve. I had one, and it was... *sigh*. A little slice of heaven. Outside the resort, though? Chanthaburi itself is fantastic! You can explore the local temples, the fruit orchards (hello, durian!), and the charming old town. Renting a scooter is a good idea if you're feeling adventurous. Be careful though!
What was your *favorite* part of the whole trip? (Be honest!)
Hands down? The massage. Oh. My. God. The therapist was amazing. She found knots I didn't even know existed, and by the end, I felt like a newborn baby. I actually went back a second time. I'm not usually a spa person, but wow. It was worth every single Baht. I almost cried. Honestly, the massage alone made the trip worth it. Even if the rest was a disaster (which it wasn't!) the massage saved it. Pure bliss.
Any major downsides I should know about? Be brutal!
Alright, the hard truth. The service could sometimes be…slow. Thai hospitality is usually amazing, but it was a little bit inconsistent at times. I'm talking bringing me the wrong drink, forgetting my order, etc. Nothing earth-shattering, but noticeable. And as I already mentioned, the lack of easy wi-fi wasn't the best. And for the love of all that is holy, BRING BUG SPRAY. The mosquitos are relentless. But honestly, these are just minor gripes in the grand scheme of things.
Would you go back?
Absolutely. Even with the slightly seaweed-adjacent water, the slow service, and the mosquito apocalypse. Because the good aspects FAR outweighed the bad. That view. That massage. That Pad Thai. The overall feeling of escaping and just *being*. Yes. I would absolutely, 100%, go back. I'd pack more bug spray, though. And probably demand extra Pad Thai. And maybe threaten to move in to the massage room.
Okay, last question. Give me your *realistic* rating: 1-5 stars, and why.
Okay, here's the verdict: I'm giving Escape to Paradise: IP Plus Resort a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's not perfect, but it's got soul. The beach could be better, the service could be faster, but the overall experience? Pure relaxation and a beautiful getaway. And that massage? Definitely worth the extra star. Go. Just go.
