Unleash Your Inner Artist: Bali's Hidden Kishi-Kishi ArtVilla Awaits!
Alright, alright, settle in, because we're diving DEEP into the world of – and trust me, after dissecting this place, you'll know whether it's your paradise or just… a really fancy hotel. Let's get this messy, beautiful review started, shall we? Buckle up, because you're in for a bumpy (but hopefully insightful) ride.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Does it Welcome All? (Okay, Mostly) – This is Huge!
Okay, let's get the important stuff out of the way first. This place claims to be accessible. And I mean, they say they've got "Facilities for disabled guests" and an elevator. Big pluses! BUT - and it's a BIG but – it's often the subtle things that give a hotel true accessibility cred. I didn't get to physically check the whole thing out, obviously (I'm reviewing from the description here!), but it sounds like they’re trying. I'm hoping they've considered things like:
- Wheelchair access THROUGHOUT. Not just the lobby, but the restaurants. The pool. The spa! Fingers crossed on that one.
- Accessible rooms. Are the bathrooms truly accessible? Wide doorways? Grab bars? Important stuff.
- Sensory Considerations: Are they at all thinking about folks with sensory sensitivities? A "quiet zone" somewhere? Just a thought!
Internet – Free Wi-Fi, Thank Goodness!
Look, in 2024, slow, expensive Wi-Fi is a CRIME. So the "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" is MAJORLY appreciated. They've got the basics covered here. Good. Now, can I actually binge-watch Netflix without buffering? That's the real question.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – Food Glorious Food… Maybe?
Okay, here's where things get interesting (and where my stomach starts rumbling!). They've got options. LOTS of options. Let's break it down:
- The Buffet: Ah, the buffet. A glorious explosion of choices or a chaotic free-for-all? Could be both. I am a buffet aficionado. I love them. I loathe them. It depends. Asian breakfast? Western breakfast? Both? Ooh, now we're talking.
- Restaurants: A la carte? Asian cuisine? International cuisine? More choices! I personally need to know how authentic the Asian cuisine is. I've been burned before! But the variety is promising.
- Poolside Bar & Happy Hour: Listen, I'm a sucker for a good poolside cocktail. Happy hour? Even better. If they have a decent mojito, they've already won half the battle.
- Room Service (24-hour): BLESS. This is essential. Especially after a long flight, or when you just want to wallow in a robe and order fries at 2 AM.
- Snack Bar & Coffee Shop: Fueling for the win!
The "Things to Do & Ways to Relax" – Spa-tacular or Just… Okay?
This is the make-or-break section for me. I'm a spa junkie. So, let's see what we've got:
- Spa & Sauna & Steamroom: YES, YES, YES! This is where I want to be. I need to know the quality of the products. Is the sauna legit? Can you actually RELAX and forget about everything?
- Massage, Body Scrubs & Wraps: Okay, now we're getting serious. I'm picturing myself: a steaming massage table, the scent of aromatherapy, and… bliss. Make it happen, . Make it happen!
- Pool with view: Always a major bonus. Is the view actually stunning? Or just… a view?
- Fitness Center & Gym/Fitness: I’m not the biggest gym rat, but it IS nice to have if you're feeling the guilt of the aforementioned buffet.
Cleanliness & Safety – Are They Actually Trying? Fingers Crossed!
This is the BIG one, especially after the last few years.
- Anti-viral cleaning products & Daily disinfection: GOOD. I need to know they are taking it seriously.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Interesting. Gives you a choice!
- Safe Dining Setup: Essential!
Rooms – Sleeping in Style?
Here's where they win or lose me. The descriptions are nice, but here's what I really want to know:
- Blackout curtains: PLEASE. Sleep is sacred.
- Soundproofing: Equally sacred. No screaming kids at 6 AM, PLEASE.
- Comfy bed: Is it a cloud? Is it a rock? Tell me!
- Mini-bar: Yes, please!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for a caffeine addict like myself.
- Additional toilet?? In the room details. Score!
- And don't forget those little things… bathrobe, slippers, decent toiletries.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Extras Matter
- Concierge: Should be there, ready to make you more comfortable
- The "Extras" such as: dry cleaning, laundry services, and a good gift shop.
For the Kids – Family Fun? Or a Quiet Escape?
- Babysitting: Excellent.
- Family/child friendly & Kids facilities & Kids Meal: Good if you are traveling with family
- Family time!!
My Honest (And Slightly Chaotic) Verdict
Look, sounds promising. The sheer number of options for food, relaxation, and even the safety measures they’re touting are a good sign. My biggest questions revolve around:
- True Inclusivity: How truly accessible is this place?
- Spa Quality: Is it a real spa experience, or just a glorified massage parlor?
- The Vibe: Does it feel luxurious, or just… a bit sterile?
Final Thoughts & A Compelling Offer (For You!)
Okay, here's the thing: you’re craving a getaway. You deserve a getaway. Somewhere that understands that relaxation is a MUST, not an option.
So, here’s the deal:
Book your stay at right now.
Why? Because it could be the escape you desperately need. With all those dining options, a spa calling your name, and the promise of a good night's sleep, what more could you ask for?
(Insert booking button here - I can't actually do that, but you get the idea!)
But here’s a little disclaimer: Don’t trust every word I say! Read other reviews, check out the photos, and then… take a leap of faith! Because sometimes, the best adventures are the ones where you don’t quite know what you’re getting into.
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Secrets of Elite Havens' Ylang Ylang, Bali
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned vacation itinerary. This is me in Bali, in the gorgeous (hopefully) Kishi-Kishi ArtVilla, and it's gonna be a beautiful, chaotic mess. So here goes, the honest-to-Buddha truth about what I think I'm going to do, and probably actually end up doing.
Kishi-Kishi: My Bali Breakdown - A Week of Bliss (and Potential Disaster)
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (AKA, Jet Lag is a Bitch)
- Morning (or what feels like morning, thanks to the time difference): Land in Denpasar. Pray to the baggage gods my suitcase actually makes it. Seriously, the thought keeps me up at night. I already envision myself stuck in some Balinese village wearing a sarong made of banana leaves. Arrive at Kishi-Kishi. Breathe. Deeply.
- Reality Check #1: Finding Kishi-Kishi. Praying I don't get scammed by a rogue scooter taxi. Picture this: me, utterly bamboozled by the Balinese traffic, clutching my phone like a lifeline, sweating buckets. I'll probably swear under my breath like a sailor the entire way.
- Afternoon: Villa check-in. Settle in. This is the good bit. If the pictures online are anything to go by, I expect to be overwhelmed by the beauty, the art, the sheer vibe. Probably ugly-cry from happiness. Then unpack. Actually, let's be honest, try to unpack. I'm a terrible packer. Things will be strewn everywhere. Accept it.
- Evening: Pool time! A moment of serenity. Maybe a sunset cocktail. (Or two. Or three. Don't judge.) I might accidentally fall asleep in the pool. Don't tell anyone. Just a little "relaxation."
- Food: Find somewhere nearby (but not too nearby, I'm still figuring out the orientation) – Nasi Goreng is the goal. Unless my sensitive stomach decides otherwise, I'll be stuck with plain rice. I want a local warung, not a fancy restaurant. This is about getting messy, remember?
Day 2: Culture Shock (and Maybe a Temple or Two)
- Morning: The dreaded wake-up call of jet lag. Stumble around, fueled by instant coffee, feeling perpetually disoriented.
- Activity: Honestly? A cooking class. I'm not a brilliant chef, but I figure if I learn to make something, I'm less likely to survive on instant noodles. I'm imagining the instructor struggling with my lack of culinary expertise. "No, no, more sambal, you must not be shy!" (I will be shy.)
- Afternoon: Head to a temple. Now, this is where I hope I can handle the crowds. (I'm not great with crowds). Probably get a little overwhelmed by the beauty, the incense, the sheer spiritual intensity. I’ll have a mild panic attack about whether I should wear a sarong properly. Probably trip over something. Probably take a hundred photos of the same thing.
- Evening: Dinner at a place I'm told is "authentic." Hopefully, it lives up to the hype. Hopefully, I don't accidentally order something ridiculously spicy. (See: Sensitive stomach, Day 1.) Possibly a Balinese dance performance. If I can stay awake. (More jet lag.)
Day 3: Down Time
- Morning: Sleep in. Glorious, blessed sleep. Until the roosters/monkeys/construction workers (Bali is, apparently, noisy) wake me up. Curse them. (Silently, of course. I'm trying to be respectful to the culture.)
- Activity: Explore the local shops. Buying pointless souvenirs for friends. Bargaining. (My bargaining skills are terrible. I'll probably overpay for everything.) I'll buy some ridiculously vibrant batik and convince myself I look amazing in it.
- Afternoon: A massage. A real Balinese massage. Oh, the bliss! I'm already dreaming of the oil, the music, the feeling of my muscles finally relaxing. This is what I came for. (I hope.) Possibly fall asleep and snore audibly. (Again, don't tell anyone.)
- Evening: Villa time. Maybe a movie on my laptop. Maybe another attempt at a sunset cocktail. Maybe just staring into space, feeling utterly and blissfully nothing.(Maybe cry some more, probably from happiness.)
Day 4: Ubud Adventure (Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Monkey Forest)
- Morning: A day trip to Ubud. The traffic to Ubud is insane. I need a driver (and some strong coffee). This will be a long day because of the traffic.
- Activity: Rice terraces. The pictures are gorgeous, but in reality, will I be hot, sweaty, and overrun by tourists? Probably. I'll attempt to take artsy photographs but will probably end up with the same generic shots everyone else takes.
- Afternoon: The Ubud Monkey Forrest. This is where things get interesting. While they're cute, I am terrified of monkeys taking things from me. I'll probably have a moment of utter panic when one tries to steal my sunglasses. (Or worse, my phone.) I will maintain eye contact to show them who's boss.
- Evening: Dinner in Ubud. Hopefully, somewhere with a good view. Possibly a place that serves pizza because I'm feeling homesick (or maybe because my stomach can only handle plain rice and I'm desperate.)
Day 5: The Beach, Baby! (And Potential Sunburn)
- Morning: Wake up to the sound of the ocean. (Hopefully.) Head to a nearby beach. (Kuta? Seminyak? I'll decide spontaneously.)
- Beach Reality Check #1: What to wear? I have a hard time with swimwear. Also, body image issues, so I'll have a little cry on the beach before I step into the water and get ready to relax and have fun.
- Activity: Swimming. Sunbathing. Maybe surfing. (I'm terrible at surfing, but I like to try.)
- Afternoon: More beach. Possibly a beach club. More cocktails. More sun. More potential sunburn. (I'll forget to put on sunscreen. Every time.)
- Evening: Seafood dinner on the beach. The smell of the ocean. The sound of the waves. More bliss. (If I didn't get severely sunburned, of course.)
Day 6: The Art of Doing Nothing
- Morning: Sleep in. Again. Because why not?
- Activity: Explore the villa more fully. Find that secret garden they advertised. Stare at the artwork. Attempt to feel artistic. Probably fail.
- Afternoon: Read a book. (That I started three years ago but never finished.) Write in a journal. (Maybe a couple of words, probably about how happy I am.)
- Evening: Final sunset cocktail. A moment of reflection. A moment of… sadness? Because the trip is almost over? (Or happy because it's almost over! Just kidding… mostly.) Dinner at the villa. Possibly order something I’m going to regret.
Day 7: Farewell, Bali (Until Next Time!)
- Morning: Final breakfast in paradise. Stare out at the view, trying to memorize every detail. Pack. (This time really pack.)
- Activity: Last-minute souvenir shopping (because I forgot things). Pray the traffic is light.
- Afternoon: Airport. Goodbye, Bali. (Until I can afford to come back!) Reality Check #2: What if my flight gets delayed?
- Evening: Plane. Tears. (Of joy? Of sadness? Who knows!)
The Aftermath:
Home. The reality of life. The laundry. The jet lag. The memories. The tan (hopefully.) The yearning. That feeling of having left a piece of my heart in Bali. And the overwhelming desire to start planning the next trip. This. Is. Me. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
One Manchester Place: Cebu's Most Luxurious Haven Awaits!
Okay, so, what *is* this "Stuff" we're talking about, anyway? Sounds vague.
Alright, alright, I hear you. "Stuff" is a catch-all, a chaotic constellation of...experiences, I guess? Think of it as a cosmic gumbo. You got the carrots of daily obligations, the potatoes of unexpected joy, the meat of sheer frustration, and the spices of... well, everything else. It could be anything from the crippling anxiety of answering an email to the pure, unadulterated bliss of a perfect sunset. It's all *stuff*. And it's all worth acknowledging. Seriously, who has time for neatly packaged realities anymore?
Speaking of which, what about dealing with stress? Because *that* is a huge "stuff" category, am I right?
Stress? Oh honey, let's just say it's my *constant* companion. My coping mechanisms range from deep breathing (which I often forget to *actually do*) to eating an entire bag of chips in one sitting. Which, by the way, is a terrible strategy. I *know* it's terrible, but sometimes...the rhythm of the crunch is just irresistible. I actually tried meditation once. For about five minutes. Then my brain decided it needed to rehash all the embarrassing things I’ve ever said. And that’s *definitely* not relaxing. So... yeah, stress. Still working on it. Suggestions welcome! Just keep the chocolate handy, please.
Okay, so you're pretty opinionated. What about things you *love*? Spill the tea!
Oh, this is the good stuff! Let me tell you, I *adore* a good, ridiculously long nap. The kind where you wake up and genuinely don't know what day it is. My brain completely resets. It's like hitting the "delete stress" button. Also, cats. I'm a firm believer in the healing power of purrs and warm fur. And books! A good book is like an escape portal. I will happily disappear into a novel for hours, completely forgetting the real world. The scent of old books? *Chef's kiss*. And finally… the satisfaction of a perfectly timed, snarky comment. It’s a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. Sometimes I get carried away, though. Ask my cousin, who I still haven't forgiven for the time she ate my last cookie.
So, what about the "stuff" that…well, that bugs you? What's on your "hate list"?
Ugh, where do I even *start*? Okay, let's get the obvious out of the way: loud chewers. Seriously, it’s borderline assault. And people who walk slowly in front of me when I'm clearly in a hurry. It's a personal affront! Customer service phone trees. That endless loop of options playing the same elevator music, before finally connecting you to someone who clearly hates their job. And…and… okay, I’m going to confess something. Social media. I know, I know, the irony. But the constant pressure to appear perfect is exhausting and it’s making me think I have to check my phone every 2 minutes or risk losing my mind. Ugh, the FOMO. It's like a tiny, nagging voice in my head. Oh, and the constant, relentless march of time. It's both fascinating and absolutely terrifying. One second you are a kid, the next you're staring at the wrinkles and the gray hair and asking yourself, "wait, how did *that* happen?"
Let's talk about your "stuff" around relationships. Love, family, the whole shebang.
Ah, yes. Relationships. The complicated, messy, beautiful *stuff* that makes life worth living. Okay, love. Love is... complicated. It's like a rollercoaster. Up, down, sideways, backards, with loops and twists and screaming involved. Worth it maybe. Family? My family... they're a special breed. Loud, opinionated, and they love me unconditionally (even if they don't *always* understand me). I would not trade them for anything. They are my built-in cheerleaders, therapists, and source of infinite stories (and probably a few embarrassing ones, too). My best friend? We've been through everything together, from awkward middle school phases to…well, still awkward grown-up phases. She knows all my secrets, all my flaws, and still finds me (mostly) tolerable. That alone is a testament to the wonder of friendship. It's all about finding your tribe. And sometimes, your tribe is you, a bag of chips, and a good book.
What's the most impactful "stuff" you've ever experienced? Something that really *changed* you?
Okay, this one is a little heavier. I'm going to go with... the time I messed up *BADLY*. Let's just say I made a really, *really* bad decision regarding a relationship. It had a ripple of effects that I had to live with for months, maybe even years. And it was humiliating on so many levels. I went through the whole ordeal - the shame, the anger, the disbelief. I wanted to crawl under a rock and never come out. But then, slowly, the fog started to lift. And I had to rebuild myself. It wasn't easy. There were tears, yes (lots of them). Hours spent staring at the ceiling wondering what in the world I was even doing in life. What I learned? That you can survive the really awful stuff. And, even more importantly, that you can learn from it. It was a painful, brutally honest lesson in self-awareness. And even though I'm still ashamed sometimes, in retrospect, I would not change it. because it taught me something about resilience. It taught me I deserved love, *even* when I didn't feel like I did.
And what about small, daily "stuff"? The stuff that seems insignificant but maybe, just maybe, has more meaning than we give it credit for.
Oh, those little moments? Absolutely. The way the sun hits the windowpane in the morning, and warms your face. The perfect cup of coffee (made just the way you like it). A stranger smiling at you. The small, unexpected act of kindness. The unexpected but sincere compliment from a friend. Listening to your favorite song and crying because it just.hits.you.right. There’s a lot to be said for the mundane and the seemingly insignificant. Because those are the moments that truly make up our lives, aren't they? Those moments that remind you that you’re still here, breathing, feeling, and that despite all the big *stuff*, the little *stuff* matters. Maybe more than anything else.
Hotelish
