Escape to Paradise: North Star Lodge & Resort Awaits
Escape to Paradise: North Star Lodge & Resort Awaits – My Slightly Disorganized, Totally Honest Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just returned from a whirlwind trip to North Star Lodge & Resort, and I've got thoughts. Lots of them. This isn't your usual sterile hotel review; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with my slightly obsessive notes, a few meltdowns (mostly over the Wi-Fi), and a whole lotta love for this place. Let's dive in, shall we? And yes, I’m going to try and SEO this baby up for you, so you can find this goldmine easier. Think North Star Lodge & Resort review, accessible hotel, spa resort, family-friendly vacation, [Your City] hotels, luxury getaway, etc.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Hallelujahs and Hiccups
From the moment I arrived, I loved it. Even though the drive itself was long, once I got there, I was immediately struck by the sheer beauty. The panoramic views were breathtaking; something straight out of a postcard! Accessibility wise, North Star Lodge gets a solid… mostly positive review. They advertise themselves as having facilities for disabled guests, and I saw an elevator which is a major plus! I’m not sure exactly how many rooms are wheelchair accessible, but be sure to call the front desk and confirm before booking. They'll want to know what modifications you need so they can give you an accessible room. I wish all the CCTV in common areas and the CCTV outside property made me feel safer, but I’ve seen the cameras, and they look really good.
The Room: My Little (Sanitized!) Paradise
My room? AMAZING. Seriously. It had air conditioning – a lifesaver, let me tell you. Plus, free Wi-Fi, which is a godsend! I mean, who can live without it these days? You could also choose to use Internet [LAN] if you prefer. Okay, okay, the Room sanitization opt-out available made me feel a little paranoid at first, because are they really doing it? But I was pleasantly surprised to find my room sparkling clean every day. Daily housekeeping was on point. The bathrobes were plush, the slippers were comfy, and the blackout curtains allowed me to sleep like a freakin' baby (though I may have accidentally locked myself in the bathroom once… that's a story for another time).
I especially loved the seating area because I could just sit and do nothing. The In-room safe box was a nice touch for storing my valuables, and the additional toilet was a godsend more than once! The desk was perfect for working (when the Wi-Fi wasn't acting up), and the reading light enabled me to have a good read. The mirror was super helpful, and the extra long bed was just what I needed after a long day.
The Wi-Fi Saga: A Lesson in Patience (and Possibly Tears)
Alright, let's talk about the Wi-Fi, because this is where things got interesting. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (and they're not lying), and also in Wi-Fi in public areas. Which is a good thing. But getting a consistent signal was a struggle. There were moments of glorious connectivity, followed by frustrating drop-offs. I understand things happen… but it was just a frustrating experience. The Internet access – wireless was spotty, and sometimes even the Internet access – LAN would refuse to cooperate. Bring a good book AND a backup plan for entertainment, just in case.
Spa, Swimming, and Serenity: Blissful Escape (Mostly)
Okay, the spa. THIS IS WHERE THINGS GOT GOOD. Seriously, the spa/sauna was heaven. The sauna was hot, the steamroom was steamy, and the massage…oh, the massage. I got a body scrub that left my skin feeling like silk. They also do body wraps which I didn't get a chance to try but looked amazing. The pool with view was truly stunning. I spent hours just lounging by the swimming pool [outdoor], soaking up the sun and pretending I had no responsibilities. The water itself was crystal clear and inviting, and there were plenty of sun loungers. It was a perfect way to unwind, just the way I like it.
Food, Glorious Food: A Feast for the Senses (and Sometimes the Stomach)
The food! Where do I even begin? The restaurants are a culinary adventure. The Asian breakfast was fantastic, offering a fresh, flavorful start to the day. Then there's the Asian cuisine in restaurant, and the Western cuisine in restaurant. They even had a Vegetarian restaurant and the buffet in restaurant was a sight to behold. The food was delicious, and there were so many choices, from local specialties to international favorites. They had a Snack bar and the coffee shop was a great option for picking up some coffee. I loved the Happy hour, they had a great selection of drinks. The Bottle of water was a nice touch, and I really needed those essential condiments. The thing that I think they could improve on is the daily disinfection in common areas and the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
I also took advantage of room service [24-hour] a few times; it was a lifesaver. The Breakfast in room was absolutely the most delicious thing ever! The alternative meal arrangement was a plus. They also have a Poolside bar where you can grab drinks. You can even get breakfast takeaway service.
Safety & Cleanliness: Feeling Secure (Mostly)
The Cleanliness and safety were a big priority for me. They use Anti-viral cleaning products and have staff trained in safety protocol. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere you look, and the physical distancing of at least 1 meter was respected. They also have Sterilizing equipment which is super important. They also have a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit. The hygiene certification must have been helpful for them. The Rooms sanitized between stays and the Safe dining setup are a relief. They have smoke alarms and fire extinguisher, so it’s a safe place to be.
For the Family
I noticed this resort is very family/child friendly! They have babysitting service and a Family/child friendly environment. I saw some kids facilities and some fun kids meals.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Basics
Okay, so beyond the spa and pool, what else is there? Well, quite a bit! They have a fantastic Fitness center (I might have attempted a workout or two), and the gym/fitness center provided great options. They have a Foot bath which I didn't get to try. I saw an area with Bicycle parking. I also noticed a gift/souvenir shop which sold a ton of nice things. They offer car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] and even Car power charging station. They have Meeting/banquet facilities and can set up for Seminars and Meetings. They have Outdoor venue for special events and Audio-visual equipment for special events
Services and Conveniences
Services and conveniences are also something I looked at. They have a daily housekeeping and laundry service which is amazing if you plan on staying awhile. The concierge was helpful. The currency exchange can come in handy. They've got luggage storage if you need it. The has dry cleaning and ironing service. They have facilities for disabled guests.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Life Isn't Always Instagram-Worthy)
So, remember that Wi-Fi drama I mentioned? Yeah. That. Also, the coffee in the room wasn't the greatest, but let's be honest, I'm a coffee snob. The Invoice provided for me was a little complicated.
My Final Verdict: Should You Book?
YES. Absolutely, positively, book North Star Lodge & Resort. Despite the occasional Wi-Fi hiccup, this place is pure magic. I left feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and slightly sunburnt. The staff were friendly and attentive, the spa was divine, and the overall atmosphere was one of pure relaxation.
Compelling Offer: Escape to Paradise – Book Your Blissful Getaway!
Tired of the everyday grind? Craving a luxurious escape where relaxation reigns supreme? North Star Lodge & Resort awaits! Discover a haven of tranquility, complete with stunning views, top-notch amenities, and a spa experience that will melt away your stress.
Our promise to you:
- Unwind: Experience the ultimate relaxation with our world-class spa, swimming pool, and breathtaking views.
- Indulge: Savor delicious cuisine and enjoy the comfort of a beautifully appointed guest room with modern amenities.
- Connect (Wi-Fi permitting!): Internet access!
**Book
Luxury Bali Villa: 2 BR Dash Room Paradise (V279)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's pristine itinerary. We're heading to North Star Lodge & Resort in the US of A, and I'm gonna lay it all bare, the good, the bad, and the definitely-should-have-packed-extra-socks.
North Star Lodge & Resort: My Messy, Glorious, and Probably Slightly Sunburnt Journey
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Cabin Conspiracy (or, Why Did I Think This Would Be Easy?)
Morning (8:00 AM): Wake up in my shoebox apartment, already regretting this whole "adventure" thing. The packing was a disaster. Managed to fit everything? Absolutely not. Packed three pairs of identical black jeans? You betcha. Left my decent hiking boots at home? You know it.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Arrive at the airport, fueled by instant coffee and a prayer. The flight is delayed. Classic. I'm already judging everyone – loud talkers, the person clipping their nails, and the dude with the neck pillow shaped like a sloth. Judging HARD.
Afternoon (2:00 PM -ish): Finally land, collect luggage (mine nearly took a solo trip to baggage claim heaven). Pick up the rental car. It's a minivan. A minivan. (Cue the internal scream.) They gave me the minivan! I’m not even responsible enough to own a plant. Road trip horror movie begins.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Arrive at North Star Lodge & Resort. Wow. The place is…intimidating. Huge log cabins, perfectly manicured lawns – I'm pretty sure a woodland creature just side-eyed me. Check-in. The desk lady is overly chipper. I suspect a conspiracy. Is this place secretly run by the Stepford Wives?
Evening (6:00 PM): Cabin chaos. My cabin’s…cozy. Okay, small. The fireplace looks beautiful, but I've never built a fire in my life. My inner pyromaniac is tingling with excitement. However setting up the fire proved to be a difficult task. The fire has taken over the room and is now a fiery beast. Dinner at the lodge restaurant - the trout was amazing, but the bread had the structural integrity of a wet tissue.
Night (9:00 PM): Feeling the exhaustion, and more than a little self-doubt. Stare out at the stars. Beautiful, yes. But I'm also acutely aware of how utterly alone I am with a potentially deadly fire hazard. The existential dread of the great outdoors begins.
Day 2: Hiking with Existential Dread (and Possibly a Bear) & Lodge Shenanigans
Morning (8:00 AM, but who's counting?): Wake up. Realize I forgot to pack toothpaste. Panic. Drink coffee. Stare at the firepit, now a charred reminder of my "skills."
Late Morning (10:00 AM): Decide to brave the trails. "Moderate" hike, the map said. Lies The trail went straight up a mountain. Out of breath and my muscles are burning! I am going to die on this mountain. I am going to become bear food. I saw a squirrel! The highlight of my day.
Lunchtime (1:00 PM): Back at the lodge restaurant. Order the same trout, because comfort food is a must. Chat with a local who advises me to stay away from the wild berries. Good advice, noted.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Lodge "activities." Bingo?! Seriously? I’m still recovering from the existential dread. This is not the intrepid adventurer I'd envisioned. I win a weird ceramic moose. What in the world am I going to do with a ceramic moose?
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. Discover that the lodge has a musician playing classic country tunes. Now I also want to learn the banjo. It must be the elevation. My soul is changing before my eyes.
Night (9:00 PM): Back at the cabin. Attempt to build a fire. Fail again. Curl up in bed with a book, praying I don't get eaten by a bear. I swear I heard a twig snap outside.
*Day 3: The Lake, the Canoe, and a Near-Drowning (or, Why I Will Never Learn to Swim)
Morning (9:00 AM, later than planned because I stayed up stewing about bears): Breakfast at the lodge. The pancakes are fluffy-cloud perfection. All is right with the world. For now.
Late Morning (11:00 AM): Time for the lake! Rent a canoe. I've canoed once in my life, and the memory involves a lot of flailing and a near-tipped boat. I am feeling optimistic! The lake is pretty, the sun is shining. I attempt to paddle. Disaster. I am paddling circles. The water feels cold. Oh god, I am sinking.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Change out of my wet clothes. Order a burger at the lodge snack bar. Regret every life choice that led me to this moment.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Stroll around the lodge. Maybe I could find someone who could actually teach me how to canoe? Nope! Decide that I’m not an outdoorsy person, I am a person that stays inside.
Evening (7:00 PM): The restaurant has a game night and I can't resist. I play a game of cards against humanity and meet a quirky group of other lodge-goers. I am laughing harder than I have in a while.
Night (10:00 PM): Sleep, finally not worrying about bears.
Day 4: Departure and Bitter Sweet Regret (or, Why I Might Actually Miss This Place)
Morning (8:00 AM, I think): Pack. Actually pack everything. This time. The black jeans have been folded and returned and I feel a sense of accomplishment.
Mid-Morning(10:00 AM): Check out. Say goodbye to the overly-chipper desk lady. Maybe it wasn't a conspiracy after all.
Afternoon(12:00 PM): Time to head back to the city. Driving away from the North Star Lodge, I look back. I think I actually am going to miss this place. Sure, I almost drowned and the hiking was terrifying, but there was a charm to the chaos. Now I’m already planning a return trip, and I'm buying a book on fire-starting.
Final Thoughts:
North Star Lodge & Resort challenged me. It broke me. It also, somehow, rebuilt me. In a slightly more neurotic, definitely more sunburnt, but ultimately, more connected to something…bigger than my tiny apartment. Plus, I have a ceramic moose. Who knows? Maybe it'll bring me luck. And maybe I'll learn to swim.
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Awaits (Villa V416)
So, is this place actually... paradise? 'Cause the brochure looked suspiciously airbrushed.
Paradise? Okay, let's be real. The brochure? Total fantasy. Think less "Angelic Choir Serenade" and more "Slightly Off-Key Resort Band." The *potential* for paradise? Absolutely. The *execution*? Well... it's got character. I'd say it leans more towards "Charmingly Flawed" than "Immaculately Perfect." Like that time I tried to kayak and nearly capsized because... well, let's just say my navigational skills are questionable. But you know what? Laughing until my abs ached? Now THAT was paradise.
What's the deal with the cabins? Are they cozy or cramped? And do they have decent Wi-Fi? (Important question.)
The cabins... okay, here's the scoop. Cozy? Yes. Cramped? Maybe, depending on how much luggage you're lugging. Think "rustic charm" with a side of "elbow room negotiation." Definitely bring a small suitcase, not one of those monstrous rolling cases. Wi-Fi? *Ugh*. Let's just say you'll be spending less time doomscrolling and more time staring at actual, real-life nature. Which, honestly, might be a good thing. It's not fantastic, but it's enough to send some pictures the moment you get a bar on your phone.
The food! Tell me about the food! Did you get food poisoning? (I get paranoid.)
Food. Ah, the great unknown. Here's the thing: it's not Michelin-star fancy. It's more like "hearty, filling, and occasionally a bit… unexpected." I'm talking about the *dining hall,* which is less "elegant ballroom" and more "community gathering space," which is charming. Food poisoning? Nope! Though, I will admit, one of the desserts looked so suspiciously green, I briefly questioned my life choices. But hey, everything tasted fine. Don't be afraid to load up your plate; you'll need it. Especially after a day of hiking. Speaking of which...
Hiking! I'm an avid hiker. Are the trails challenging? Are there bears? (Again, paranoid. Nature is scary.)
Hiking! Okay, here's where North Star really shines. The trails? Gorgeous. Challenging? It depends. They have trails for everyone from "I'm just here to look at trees" to "I'm training for Everest." I'm more of a "I like to stop and take a million pictures of flowers" kind of hiker, so I stuck to the easier ones. Bears? Yes, allegedly. I didn't see any, thankfully. But I did see a squirrel that was clearly judging my granola bar choice. Pack bear spray, maybe listen to the ranger's briefing (I may or may not have skipped that). You know, just in case. It's better safe than sorry.
What's the vibe of the other guests? Are they all outdoorsy types, or is it a mix?
The other guests? A glorious, messy, and often hilarious mix. You'll find the hardcore hikers with their ridiculously expensive gear, the families with kids who are *always* running around, the couples who are *always* holding hands (gag), and the solo travelers like me who are just trying to figure out how to make coffee. It's a melting pot of humanity, and it's part of the fun. Embrace the chaos. It's the best entertainment you can get. Seriously, one night at dinner, I overheard a debate about whether or not pineapple belonged on pizza... epic.
Okay, so you went kayaking. Tell me about it. Be honest.
Kayaking. Oh, kayaking. Listen, I envisioned myself gliding gracefully across the water, like some sort of nature goddess. The reality? A near-death experience involving a rogue wave, a paddle that seemed determined to betray me, and a whole lot of flailing. I'm not even exaggerating. I'm actually a pretty decent swimmer, but the lake was chilly, and oh, the shame... I almost tipped! It was a comedy of errors, really. My friend, who is, dare I say, more coordinated than myself, managed to keep it together, and I swear, I heard her giggling as she paddled me closer to the shore. Did I almost die of embarrassment? Yes. Did I laugh about it five minutes later? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Probably not. But the memory? Priceless. I recommend it. Just... maybe take a lesson first.
Is there anything to do besides hiking and kayaking? Or is it a bit, you know, *boring*?
Boring? Oh, no, it's not boring. If you're the type of person who finds staring at a waterfall for an hour "boring," then maybe. But here are several alternatives. There's a bonfire pit! Live music at the lodge on weekends! There are several different pools with different temperatures! You can also just... chill. Read a book. Stare at trees. Meditate. Talk to strangers. Whatever floats your boat. Or, you know, almost capsizes it. See above. And honestly, in this day and age, a little boredom might be just what you need. It's the perfect place to get lost in nature. Or get lost in thought. Or, you know, get actually lost on a trail… (don’t ask).
Would you go back?
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. Despite the questionable Wi-Fi, the near-kayaking disaster, and the slightly-too-green dessert, I'd go back in a heartbeat. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And sometimes, a little bit of beautifully flawed, wonderfully chaotic real life is exactly what you need. And let's be real, that kayaking story? It's a guaranteed laugh for years to come. So yes. Pack your bags. And maybe take kayaking lessons. I'm still working on it.
