Escape to Paradise: Venezia Homestay & Garden, Yogyakarta
Escape to Paradise: Venezia Homestay & Garden - Yogyakarta: My Chaotic, Conflicted, and Ultimately Captivated Review (SEO Bomb!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. I've just spent a tumultuous, delightful, and slightly exhausting week at Escape to Paradise: Venezia Homestay & Garden in Yogyakarta, and I'm here to spill the tea (and maybe some of the complimentary bottled water – they give you a LOT). Let's dive into this labyrinthine paradise, shall we?
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First Impressions (and a minor freak-out): Accessibility & Entryway Drama
Okay, so let's be brutally honest. I'm not exactly built for tight spaces. My initial thought upon arrival was a slight panic. I immediately noticed the Wheelchair Accessibility, which is a HUGE plus. But navigating some of the garden paths felt like a treasure hunt – beautiful treasure, granted, but not always perfectly paved. It's more "accessible" than some, definitely, but depends on the specific degree of mobility. Consider this a gentle heads-up.
The Exterior Corridor is a nice touch – fresh air is always welcome. And they have an Elevator! Huge points for that. The Doorman was super helpful, always with a smile. They have Car Park [free of charge] / Car park [on-site] which is useful when you're hiring a car!
The Room: My Chaotic Sanctuary (and the Battle with Blackout Curtains)
My room? Oh, my room. It was a masterpiece of Indonesian design, a sensory explosion of color and texture. The Air Conditioning was my best friend in the Yogyakarta heat, and thankfully, they provided Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, which is non-negotiable for a digital nomad like myself. The Air Conditioning in public area was also available! The Additional toilet really saved the bacon.
The Blackout Curtains were a story unto themselves. Let's just say, I engaged in a daily wrestling match with them. They were effective when finally secured. The Bed was surprisingly comfortable, the Extra long bed a pleasant bonus. The Bathrobes, Slippers, and Coffee/tea maker were all appreciated. The Desk offered a decent Laptop workspace. Bathroom phone? What year is this?! **(I'm in love with the **Complimentary tea. It's a simple gesture, but I loved it!)
But the bathroom… OH, the bathroom! It had a Separate shower/bathtub. The Mirror was big enough for a selfie marathon and the toiletries were top-notch. Overall, the room was spotless, thanks to the diligent Daily housekeeping the cleaners did a fantastic job!
Dining: From Asian Delights to Western Wonders (and My Failed Attempt at a Smoothie)
The food situation at Venezia is…complicated. The Breakfast [buffet] was impressive, a delightful spread of Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options. The Coffee shop was a lifesaver in the mornings. I loved the Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant, it was easy to explore different flavors.
There’s also a Restaurant, with A la carte in restaurant, and Buffet in restaurant. I was a sucker for their Soup in restaurant, my favorite was the chicken and noodle soup! I wasn't able to use all of the dining because of my dietary restriction, but still, I enjoyed it!
The Pool with a View: My Soul's Happy Place (and My Existential Crisis)
This. Pool. Seriously, it's the Instagram shot of Venezia. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. The Pool with view is everything. Lounging by the pool was the highlight!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days, Steamrooms, and My Unsuccessful Spa Experience
Okay, let's talk Spa. Venezia offers a full range: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom. I, being the stressed-out writer I am, signed up for a massage. It was supposed to be relaxing, but instead got a panic attack because of the "stress-relieving " massage. I was clearly too tense for the massage.
They also have a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness, for those more disciplined than myself.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and the Glorious Hand Sanitizer)
Amidst the chaos, Venezia takes its Cleanliness and safety seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products gave me peace of mind, and I appreciated the abundance of Hand sanitizer. They do the Daily disinfection in common areas. The Staff trained in safety protocol which made me feel secure. **Rooms sanitized between stays and I saw the *Sanitized kitchen and tableware items* .
Services and Conveniences: Concierge, Laundry, and the Unsung Hero of Dry Cleaning
The Concierge was a lifesaver, handling everything from airport transfers to day trip bookings. The Laundry service was efficient and reasonably priced. And the Dry cleaning… bless them for that. My clothes were wrinkled from travel, and they were perfect.
For the Kids (and the Inner Child in All of Us)
The Family/child friendly environment is evident. They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities for those travelling with their little ones.
Getting Around: Airport Transfers, Cars, and the Yogyakarta Dance
The Airport transfer was smooth and efficient.
The "Escape to Paradise" Pitch (aka, Why You Should Book This Place - Imperfections and All!)
Alright, listen up! If you're looking for a cookie-cutter hotel experience, scroll on. But if you crave an authentic, slightly messy, deeply charming Indonesian experience, then Escape to Paradise: Venezia Homestay & Garden in Yogyakarta is calling your name.
Here's why you should book it:
- The Vibe: It's not just a hotel; it's a mood. It's a lush, vibrant, and slightly chaotic slice of paradise.
- The Pool: Seriously, that pool. Book a room with a view!
- Accessibility – While a little bumpy, they are trying to improve.
- Service (and Smiles): The staff are genuinely lovely, always ready to help.
- Breakfast: The breakfast is the best thing ever!
My Imperfect, Unfiltered Verdict:
Look, it's not perfect. The blackout curtains might drive you crazy. The spa might trigger your inner anxiety. It's a work in progress. But that's what makes it charming. This place has its heart in the right place and offers a unique, unforgettable experience. I'm already planning my return, and I'm telling EVERYONE to go. Just pack your patience, your swimsuit, and maybe a sense of humor (you'll need it). So, are you ready for your own chaotic escape to paradise? Book it! You won't regret it.
Escape to Marrakech: Sun-Drenched Luxury in Dar le Plein du Sud
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable experience that was my stay at Venezia Homestay and Garden in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is the real deal, warts and all.
Day 1: Arrival of The Gods (Well, Actually, Me, After a Grueling Flight)
- Morning (6:00 AMish): Landed in Yogyakarta. Oh, the humidity! Smacked me in the face the second I stepped out of the airport. Thought I'd melt. Seriously, felt like a sweaty, disoriented puddle of "this is not Kansas." Airport chaos ensued, but the sweet, sweet scent of clove cigarettes was enough to distract me from the general pandemonium of baggage claim.
- Quick observation: Indonesian airport staff are masters of the "smile and nod" technique. You could be asking them to sell you a kidney, and they'd just politely grin and point you slightly to the left.
- Mid-morning (9:00 AM): Arrived at Venezia Homestay. Immediately charmed by the lush garden, which, let's be honest, looked way more stunning online than in person (but still charming nonetheless!). The entryway, a small, covered platform, was really a good welcoming. The air was thick with the scent of frangipani, which is basically Indonesian aromatherapy.
- Anecdote: Check-in was a struggle. The lady at the desk, bless her heart, didn't speak much English. I speak even less Indonesian. It involved a lot of hand gestures, frantic pointing at my passport, and me almost accidentally offering her my firstborn child (in the form of a panicked "anak??" when she asked about my family).
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Hit up the local warung (small, family-run restaurant, basically Indonesian heaven) directly next door. Ordered nasi goreng with a side of… something. Couldn't understand the name, just pointed dramatically at it. Turns out it was fried tempeh, and it was DELICIOUS. Maybe the best tempeh I have ever had. And the chili sauce? Fire emoji, no joke.
- Observation: Eating with your hands is compulsory. And messy. But also freeing.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Settled into my room. "Cozy" is an understatement. It was tiny, but clean, with a mosquito net that I immediately felt a strong bond with (mosquitoes? Not on my watch!). First thing I saw, I decided: I'm not going to complain. I'm here, I arrived alive, and the place has character (and a working fan, thank goodness!).
- Evening (6:00 PM): Wandered the neighborhood. Found a local market overflowing with vibrant fruits and spices (and possibly a few things I didn't recognize and absolutely didn't touch). Ended up getting hopelessly lost (standard), but stumbled upon a street food stall selling something resembling deep-fried banana and honey. It was pure, unadulterated joy.
- Emotional Reaction: Finally, the first day was mostly over with, and I've tasted Indonesian sweets! I was in heaven.
Day 2: The Temple of Awesomeness (Borobudur) and The Scariest Scooter Ride of My Life
- Early Morning (4:00 AM, yes, really): Woke up before the crack of dawn to witness the sunrise over Borobudur Temple. This involved an hour-long taxi ride through winding roads and pitch-black darkness. The taxi driver, bless his soul, seemed to think he was auditioning for the Indy 500. I was pretty sure I was going to die, but who cares? Sunrise over a freaking ancient temple!
- Anecdote: The taxi ride. Oh, the taxi ride. I’m not even sure if he knew where we were going, but the experience did a great job of waking me up and getting my adrenaline pumping for the day, even if I was terrified.
- Morning (6:00 AM): Arrived at Borobudur. The sheer magnitude of the place, it's what they say it's like. That ancient stone rising into the light. Stood there slack-jawed, watching the sunrise paint the temple in hues of gold and rose. Totally worth the early wake-up. Seriously, go.
- Emotional Reaction: This was the moment. This was what I came here for. Pure, unadulterated awe. I choked up a little, I will admit it.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Scootered to the smaller, but still impressively ancient, Mendut Temple. I wanted to rent a scooter to roam around, but I'm not sure there was a need to. I'd be very wary of using that scooter with the traffic!
- Rambling:*
- I never actually drove the scooter, but boy, did I have some thoughts on riding the scooter.
- There were a few people who were clearly not using the 'scooter' method safely.
- If I did try that, I reckon I might have ended up with a hospital visit, or worse, which could've really messed up the rest of the trip.
- I did make a promise to myself to avoid scooter-related mishaps.
- I wasn't sure I even could, but I was certain I wouldn't.
- It was a nice thought, I reckon.
- Rambling:*
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Back to the warung by the homestay for more nasi goreng and tempeh. I'm building a food addiction.
- Opinionated Language: No regrets. Zero.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Spent the afternoon chilling at the garden in Venezia Homestay, reading and swatting mosquitoes. The mosquito situation was a constant battle. But the garden was lovely, and the hammock was calling my name.
- Evening (7:00 PMish): Back in the neighborhood wandering around. Found a restaurant with live music. The music was all over the place, but the beer was cheap, and the company was great (a group of local students adopted me for an hour or so).
Day 3: Yogyakarta's Culture and Chaos
- Morning (9:00 AM): Visited the Kraton (Sultan's Palace). Beautiful architecture, rich history, and way too many selfie sticks. Managed to get lost AGAIN within the palace walls.
- Quirky Observation: The security guards were a mix of stern-faced protectors and secretly giggling teenagers.
- Mid-morning (11:00 AM): Batik painting workshop! This was not as easy as it looks. My batik looked more like a Jackson Pollock painting gone wrong.
- Anecdote: The instructor kept gently correcting me, his smile never faltering. I’m starting to think the man was a saint.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Found a tiny hidden gem of a cafe. Absolutely delicious Indonesian coffee and a grilled cheese sandwich (sometimes you just need a bit of “home,” you know?).
- Emotional Reaction: I needed that grilled cheese. Desperately.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Explored Jalan Malioboro, the main shopping street. Chaotic, crowded, and overflowing with vendors selling everything imaginable. Bargaining is a must. I probably got ripped off every time, but it’s all part of the fun, right? I got a beautiful scarf that I would not bargain on.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Farewell dinner at a restaurant recommended by one of the locals (a place that served "authentic" Indonesian food). The food was amazing, the atmosphere was magical, and I realized that by the time I left, Yogyakarta and I were starting to get along.
Day 4: Departure (And a Bittersweet Goodbye)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Had a leisurely breakfast at the homestay. Said goodbye to the staff (who, despite the language barrier, felt like old friends).
- Messier Structure:
- I didn't want to leave.
- Wistfully, I considered staying.
- I thought to myself, "Maybe I could just… stay indefinitely?"
- It all felt so fleeting.
- I just wanted more.
- Maybe next time!
- Messier Structure:
- Mid-morning (10:00 AM): Last wander around the garden, soaking in the last of the frangipani scent.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): One last plate of that glorious tempeh at the Warung.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Taxi to the airport. Same sweaty chaos as the arrival, but somehow, it didn't feel so overwhelming.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: As I looked back, I realized I was going to miss this place. The people, the food, the chaos. All of it.
Escape to Paradise: Venezia Homestay – You Got Questions? I Got Answers (Probably)!
Okay, spill the beans. Is this place *really* a paradise? Like, actual, drop-everything-and-move-in paradise?
Alright, let’s get one thing straight: "paradise" is a dangerous word, folks. It sets the bar *ridiculously* high. Escape to Paradise: Venezia Homestay? Look, it's not Eden. The mosquito situation, for example, can be a bit like living in a tiny, buzzing horror movie at twilight. (Bring the bug spray! Trust me.) But... it's close. Seriously close. There's a certain… *je ne sais quoi* about waking up to the sounds of birds, the smell of frangipani, and that insane garden bursting with color. I’d rate it a solid, slightly-imperfect-but-still-glorious 8.5 out of 10. That extra 1.5 is for the occasional rogue lizard that might decide to audition for your bathroom floor. Just sayin'.
What about the rooms? Are they actually as pretty as the photos? Because, you know, Instagram lies.
Ugh, the photos. Yeah, they'll lure you in alright. And usually? They're accurate! The rooms are charming. I booked the "Romance" room because, well, I'm a sucker for a good theme and a comfy bed. It was all flowing white curtains, a ridiculously oversized four-poster, and this little balcony that overlooked… well, more garden. Literally everything is a lush, green explosion. And honestly? The real thing is *better*. The photos can't capture the feeling of the cool tiles under your feet, the gentle breeze, or the quiet, almost-sacred, peace. One tiny thing, though: the bathroom might be a tad on the small side. But hey, who needs space when you’re surrounded by such beauty?
Is the location good? I want to be close to everything, but also away from everything. Is that even possible?
Ah, the eternal traveler's dilemma! Yes, Venezia Homestay *mostly* nails it. It's a little bit outside of the super-bustling, touristy heart of Yogyakarta, which is a HUGE plus in my book. You get the tranquility of a quiet neighborhood, the sounds of the local mosque in the morning (which, at first, I thought was my alarm. Then I realized I was on holiday and promptly went back to sleep. Glorious!), but you're still within a reasonable distance of the major sights. Taxis, and the ubiquitous and cheap Gojek (motorcycle taxis), are readily available. Expect a 15-20 minute ride to the Kraton (Sultan's Palace) or Malioboro Street. The one *minor* downside? The initial taxi ride *to* the place felt a little... remote. I actually asked the driver "Are you *sure* we're going the right way?" He just smiled and pointed, which felt very unsettling at first. Then I realised he was right and it was a good thing. Stick with it, though; it's worth it for the serenity.
What about the food? Is breakfast included? And is it any good? I'm a total foodie.
Breakfast *is* included. And it's… well, let's just say it's not going to win any Michelin stars. (I'm being honest here!) It's simple, but satisfying. Expect fresh fruit (the mango was incredible!), toast, eggs, and sometimes a local dish. It’s the kind of breakfast that fuels you for a day of exploring, not the kind that inspires Instagram envy. I had a particularly memorable (or perhaps *memorable* because it was odd) morning where the eggs were a little... overcooked. But hey, it's part of the charm, right? And, the coffee... it was good, strong, Indonesian coffee. Which in my book is *always* a win. You can always find amazing street food nearby, so don't worry too much.
Tell me more about the garden! I saw pictures, but I want the *real* story.
Okay, buckle up, because the garden is where this place *truly* shines. It's… overwhelming, in the best possible way. It's like a secret world, bursting with flowers, lush greenery, and little hidden nooks. Everywhere you look, there's something blooming. I spent literally *hours* just wandering around with my coffee (see above, regarding the coffee). I found a little bench tucked away under a flowering bougainvillea vine, and I'm pretty sure I achieved peak zen right there. I swear I saw a hummingbird! It was that magical. One day, the owner, a lovely woman named Ibu (that's Indonesian for "Madam" - show some respect, folks!), caught me just staring, mouth agape, and she actually offered to take me on a little tour, pointing out all the different plants and their names. She clearly *loves* her garden, and it shows. It's a constant, vibrant, living testament to beauty. And, look, this is important: the pictures *don’t* do it justice. They just don't.
Any downsides? Anything I should be prepared for? Be brutal!
Okay, bracing myself for the truth bomb… Here's the deal:
- **Mosquitoes:** I mentioned 'em before, but seriously, the mosquito situation after sunset is… intense. Deet is your friend. Spray early and often. They're relentless.
- **Wifi:** The wifi is… inconsistent. Sometimes it works great. Sometimes it vanishes into the digital ether. If you *absolutely* need to be connected, you might want to get a local SIM card. I did, and it was life-saving when I was desperate to post my garden photos to social media.
- **Noise:** While the area is generally quiet, the morning call to prayer from the nearby mosque (as I mentioned) is *loud*. Embrace it, or pack some earplugs.
- **Bathroom size** As I said, the bathroom in my room was a bit compact. Fine for a short stay, but if you are looking for big bathroom, just know it.
- **The drive in** as I said, the drive in can be a bit long and uncertain seeming.
Would you recommend this place? Be honest!
Absolutely. Without hesitation. If you’re looking for a tranquil, beautiful place to escape the hustle and bustle, Escape to Paradise: Venezia Homestay is it. It's not perfect, but it's real. Raw. And utterly charming. The garden alone is worth the price of admission. Go. Just go. And pack the bug spray. And maybe aUnique Hotel Finds
