Kenting's Cest La Vie Villa: Paradise Found (Your Dream Vacation Awaits!)
Kenting's Cest La Vie Villa: Paradise Found (Your Dream Vacation Awaits!)
Kenting's Cest La Vie Villa: Paradise Found (Or Is It? A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, so, Kenting. The name alone conjures up images of turquoise waters, sun-drenched beaches, and… well, a bit of a party vibe, right? And Cest La Vie Villa? The tagline, "Paradise Found (Your Dream Vacation Awaits!)," is ambitious. Real ambitious. So, did they deliver? Let's dive in, warts and all. Because honestly, sometimes the imperfections are where the real stories are, yeah?
First Impressions: Access and Wheelchair-Friendliness (and My Cat's Perspective)
Right off the bat, let's be real. Accessibility is crucial. I'm happy to report that, based on their listed features, they claim to offer "Facilities for disabled guests", and an "Elevator". That's a good sign. I didn't personally test it out for a wheelchair, but it’s good news for those who need it, and a huge check in the "plus" column.
My cat, Mittens, a creature of luxury and judgment, had a more nuanced take. She would've appreciated the potential for "Pets allowed". Sadly, it's "unavailable". Mittens is not pleased. She's all about the high-end catnip and the opportunity to judge the room service menu… which, by the way, is a 24-hour affair, but we'll get to that culinary adventure later.
The Room: A Mini-Paradise (Perhaps a Tiny, Slightly Imperfect One)
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. The rooms. They've got all the usual suspects: Air conditioning, thank God. Free Wi-Fi (amen!). Bathrobes, which immediately elevate any stay, even if you're just lounging around watching reruns of cat videos. Blackout curtains, a must-have for those sunrise hangovers. A refrigerator, crucial for keeping the beer cold. And the ever-present coffee/tea maker, a staple for desperate morning caffeine fixes. There's also an in-room safe box, which is good for keeping your passport safe, but let's be honest, I'd probably forget the code anyway.
My own room’s star feature? That damn window that opens. Seriously, I love that, I love letting the sea breeze in. Also, the soundproofing was pretty good, even when the motorbike races were going on, which was very helpful, because I don't want to be woken up by noisy anything.
Now, the imperfections. The carpet seemed a little… worn. And the lighting was a bit too dim for my liking. And, okay, maybe the bathrobes weren't quite as fluffy as a five-star hotel, but hey, I did have one, and it was better than nothing. Still, these are small details.
Internet: Gotta Stay Connected (Even on Paradise)
The good news? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! A godsend for Instagram addicts and those of us glued to our work emails, which, let’s face it, is probably me. I mean, come on, "Internet access – wireless", "Internet access – LAN". You're covered. (Though, honestly, who even uses LAN anymore?)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food… Mostly
Here's where things get a little… chaotic. The "Restaurants" and "Coffee shop" are good. The "24-hour Room service" is a lifesaver after a long day of lounging (or, you know, working), and I did see mention of "Asian cuisine in restaurant", "International cuisine in restaurant", and even a "Vegetarian restaurant". That's some serious variety! And a "Poolside bar"? Sold.
But… this is where my memory gets a little hazy. Let's see… breakfast. "Breakfast [buffet]", "Asian breakfast" and "Western breakfast" were all listed. Okay, the buffet. Let's be honest. It was okay. Nothing mind-blowing, but the coffee was hot, they had the usual suspects (eggs, bacon, toast), and the fruit was fresh. Bottle of Water was readily available, thankfully. I did find that "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was a good way to start a conversation with the people around me.
Oh! They do offer "Breakfast in room" and also "Breakfast takeaway service". That's a win.
And, because I'm me, I had to try the "Desserts in restaurant". They were… well, desserts. Sweet, fluffy, and exactly what you expect when you're on vacation and don't care about your diet.
Relaxation Central: Spa, Pool, and… Scrubs?
Here's where Cest La Vie Villa really shines. The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" looked absolutely stunning. I mean, "Pool with view"? You had me at "pool". They've also got "Spa" and "Sauna". I didn't indulge, sadly, and maybe I should've, but the thought of a body wrap and the steamroom at that point was a bit too much.
But here's an anecdote: I did try the "Foot bath" -- they offer that! The only thing missing was the bubbles. It was a quiet, reflective place and I got to really savor the moment.
They offer a "Fitness center" and a "Gym/fitness" to stay in shape.
Cleanliness and Safety: Keeping it Safe (and Hopefully, Clean)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: Cleanliness and safety. They claim to be on top of it with "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Daily disinfection in common areas", "Rooms sanitized between stays", "Hand sanitizer" readily available, and "Staff trained in safety protocol". I did not get sick, so I'll consider that a win. They also have "First aid kit".
They also offered "Sterilizing equipment" and "Professional-grade sanitizing services".
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Concierge services? Check. Dry cleaning? Check. Laundry service? Check. Cash withdrawal? Check. This place has got the basics covered and some extra. They've got a "Convenience store," which is great for stocking up on snacks and sunscreen, but honestly, I was way too busy enjoying the view, which they had a "Terrace" to enjoy!
For the Kids: Babysitting and More!
They proudly claim to be "Family/child friendly" and offer "Babysitting service" and "Kids meal".
Getting Around: Road Trip!
They have a "Car park [free of charge]" and the option of "Car park [on-site]", that's handy. Plus "Airport transfer" and "Taxi service." If you want to be independent, though, "Bicycle parking" and "Car power charging station" are solid additions.
The Verdict: Is it Paradise? (Mostly)
Look, Cest La Vie Villa isn't perfect. It's got its rough edges, its quirks, and its slightly worn carpets. But it also has a stunning location, a pool that will make you weep with joy, and staff who are genuinely trying to make your stay enjoyable. It's a place where you can relax, recharge, and forget about the real world for a little while. It's a place where you can have great food, good company, and maybe even find a moment of true paradise.
My advice? Go. Book it. Make memories. Just don't expect perfection. Expect reality. And enjoy the ride. And oh, Mittens would disapprove of my review.
---
A Compelling Offer for Kenting's Cest La Vie Villa: Escape to Paradise!
Tired of the everyday grind? Dreaming of turquoise waters, sun-kissed skin, and unforgettable sunsets?
Cest La Vie Villa in Kenting awaits!
Here's Why You Need to Book NOW:
- Unwind in Style: Dive into our stunning outdoor pool with breathtaking views, or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. We've got everything to melt your stress away.
- Comfort & Convenience: Enjoy free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, and all the amenities you need for a truly relaxing stay.
- Culinary Delights: From delicious Asian cuisine to international favorites, our restaurants and poolside bar will tantalize your taste buds.
- Perfect for Everyone: Whether you're a couple seeking a romantic getaway, a family with kids, or a solo adventurer, we've got something for you.
- Peace of Mind: Rest assured with our enhanced safety protocols and commitment to cleanliness.
Exclusive Offer:
Book your stay at Cest La Vie Villa within the next week and receive:
- A complimentary welcome drink upon arrival.
- 15% discount on all spa treatments.
- **Free upgrade to
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my trip to Cest La Vie Villa in Kenting, Taiwan, and it's gonna be a glorious, chaotic mess. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster, the questionable decisions, and the inevitable sunburn. Let's GO!
The Cest La Vie Catastrophe (aka, My Glorious Mess of a Trip)
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Baby Blues (and Bliss?!)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Landing in Kaohsiung. Ugh, airports. Seriously, who designed those things to be so overwhelmingly bland? First impressions? Exhausted. Hungry. And convinced my luggage is currently vacationing in, like, Reykjavik. (It wasn't. Whew!)
- 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: The drive to Kenting. This is where the "Cest La Vie" finally creeps in. Rolling hills, vibrant green fields, a little bit of… is that a giant statue of a… well, let's just say it was memorable. The driver was blasting some serious Taiwanese pop music. I don't know the lyrics, but I was suddenly a rhythm expert, nodding my head like I understood everything. Pure joy in a beat.
- 12:30 PM: Arrival at Cest La Vie Villa. Oh. My. GOD. Instagram does not do this place justice. It's like a dream bathed in sunshine and the scent of… something incredibly delicious grilling. (Future me would find out it was fish, and yum.) Reception? Smooth, efficient, and, bless them, the staff all spoke decent English. My room? Spacious, breezy, with a balcony overlooking… the ocean. Cue the audible gasp. And the slightly panicked thought: Am I really here?
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch by the pool. This is where things start to get real. Ordering… tricky. Pointing at the menu. Making wild guesses. I ended up with some sort of fish dish and a side of… what was that? Turns out, it was delicious. Sun starting to sizzle, beer starting to flow. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Maybe.
- 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The beach. Oh, the beach. Nanwan Beach. White sand, turquoise water, the whole shebang. I swear, the first few hours were just a blur of sunscreen application (thank god), awkward attempts at looking cool while wading in the waves, and a deep, abiding terror of jellyfish. (I’m pretty sure I saw one, even though I didn’t). But then… the sun began to dip. The sky turned to fire. And suddenly, all the worries… melted away. I was just… there.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Sunset cocktails. Back at the villa. More beer. More bliss. Watching those colors bleed across the sky. A couple next to me kept talking about the "magic hour." I rolled my eyes internally. But secretly, it was magic.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner. And this is where the "mess" of my trip, began. Dinner at a local restaurant. Completely lost in translation. I ordered… a fried something. It went down the wrong pipe. A coughing fit. The waiter looks concerned. I try to explain, "It's… good! Just… cough, cough… spicy!" Laughter. They thought I was joking. I probably was, in a way. Eventually, I was the happy person everyone was looking at. The food, even the spicy part, was a total win.
- 9:00 PM onwards: Walk on the beach. Stars exploding in the sky. Silence, save for the gentle lapping of waves. Pure, unadulterated peace. Or, at least, until I tripped over a driftwood and nearly face-planted. Cest La Vie, indeed. And then, as soon as I felt totally exhausted I was in my bed, and just… gone.
Day 2: Motorbike Mayhem & Turtle Troubles
- 8:00 AM: Alarm. Ugh. But the thought of breakfast at Cest La Vie (the coffee was divine) and the anticipation of exploring the island, well, that gave me a boost.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast and planning the day. A gorgeous buffet. Scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit. The decision: motorbike rental. My inner voice screamed: "Bad idea!" My adventurous (and slightly insane) side overruled.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Motorbike lessons (sort of). Okay, so the phrase "I've never driven one of these before" might not have been the best opener. But I got the hang of it… relatively. I swear, the locals were watching me with a mixture of amusement and terror.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Exploring. (Slowly). Riding along the coast. Wind in my hair (what little I had). Breathtaking scenery. The adrenaline was still pumping, though. Dodging scooters, terrified of the other bikes… But the views? Unreal.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a roadside stall. Again, lost in translation. But this time, the food was… well, let’s just say it was an experience. Chicken feet. I tried one. Texture was… interesting.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Snorkeling at Houbihu Harbor! Coral reefs, colorful fish… Amazing. I spent way too long under the water, and it was magnificent. Then… I saw a turtle. The pure joy! I honestly felt a lump in my throat. This is what travel is all about – the unexpected, the beautiful.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Motorbike incident. (Minor). Okay, so, I might have taken a corner a little too enthusiastically. A scrape, a nervous laugh, and a very sympathetic local helped me pick up the bike. Lesson learned: slow down, dummy.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Cool down and cocktail. My nerves were shot. Another one that was glorious.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Barbecue at the villa. This was good. The barbecue was good. The company was better. Talking to other travelers. Learning some Mandarin phrases. Feeling like I belonged, at least for a few hours.
- 8:00 PM onwards: Collapsed into bed. Exhausted but happy. Dreaming of turtles, beaches, and maybe, just maybe, a less adventurous motorbike ride tomorrow.
Day 3: The Lighthouse and the Long Goodbye
- 9:00 AM: Final breakfast. Sigh. All good things must end. This time, I savored every bite. The coffee, perfectly brewed. The view, still stunning.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Headland Lighthouse. The very southern tip of Taiwan offers some dramatic views. I really enjoyed the trip, and I was glad to get out there.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Souvenir shopping. Kenting Main Street. Tacky trinkets. A ceramic turtle (of course). A t-shirt that claims I speak fluent Taiwanese (I don’t). Perfect.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch. Quick bite. Trying to order some of the things I recognize.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Last swim. One final dip in the ocean. Soaking up the sun, trying to imprint the feeling on my memory. Tears in my eyes as I realized how much I'd enjoyed this trip, and how much I didn't want it to end.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Packing. Trying to cram everything into my suitcase. Reliving the memories. The sunrise. The beaches. The laughs. The questionable food choices.
- 6:00 PM: Departure. One final look at Cest La Vie. The staff waving goodbye. A promise to return. Because, seriously, how could I not?
- 6:00 PM onwards: The drive back to Kaohsiung. More Taiwanese pop music. More reflecting. A heart full of memories. And a profound appreciation for
Cest La Vie Villa: Paradise Found... or Did We Just Find a REALLY Nice Motel? (Honest FAQs)
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place ACTUALLY as Amazing as the Photos?
Alright, let's be real. Those photos? They're *gorgeous*. The infinity pool? Pure liquid temptation. The ocean views? Insta-worthy as hell. And yes... it's pretty darn spectacular. BUT. And there's always a but, isn't there? My sister, bless her heart, took about 500 photos of the pool alone. (I'm not exaggerating.) It *is* that impressive. However… the "fresh sea air" they brag about? Sometimes it smells suspiciously like… well, the sea. And the sea, as we all know, can smell a little fishy at times. So, yes, mostly amazing. Prepare for slightly fishy breaths of heaven from time to time. And maybe ask for a room AWAY from the "fresh" ocean breeze some days. Just a thought.
What's the Deal with the Location? Is it Difficult to Get Around?
Location, location, location! It's a double-edged sword. Cest La Vie is tucked away, which means peace and quiet. Utter, blissful, "I-can't-hear-my-neighbor's-karaoke" peace. The downside? You're not exactly stumbling distance from the bustling night market. We rented scooters. Highly recommended. It takes a little getting used to, dodging tourists and rogue fruit vendors, but it's the best way to explore. Just… be careful. My boyfriend, bless his clumsy soul, managed to drop his scooter *twice* trying to park. Once in gravel. Once in front of a very intimidating local. So, yeah, scooter lessons might be a good idea. Or maybe just stick to taxis. The view, though, from the scooter? WORTH IT.
The Infinity Pool! Spill the Tea - Is It Always Packed?
Alright, the infinity pool. *My* obsession. It's the heart of Cest La Vie, I'm convinced! The good news? It's pretty big, so you don't feel completely claustrophobic even when there are others around. The *less* good news? Everyone else also thinks it's the heart of Cest La Vie. There were moments when I felt like I was sharing the pool with a whole convention of Instagrammers. Trying to get *the* shot. One particularly persistent woman practically staged a full editorial shoot. She was amazing, but it was *slightly* distracting from my "contemplative sunset swim." My advice? Go early. Go *very* early. Or, embrace the chaos and jump in with the other selfie-addicts (I mean, join the fun!) It's an experience, that's for sure. And the sunsets? Unbelievable. Almost made me forget the woman with the tripod. Almost.
What's the Food Like? (Because Let's Be Honest, Food is Important!)
The breakfast? Decent. Think continental with some Taiwanese flair. Nothing mind-blowing, but it'll fuel your scooter adventures. The on-site restaurant? Now, that's where things get… interesting. The first night, we were STARVING. We got the seafood pasta... which came with the teeniest, tiniest lobster I've ever seen. Seriously, it looked like a baby shrimp cosplaying as a lobster. I felt bad for ordering him. It was kind of… underwhelming. But... the next day, we ordered the grilled fish, and HOLY MOLY. Perfectly cooked, flaky, and bursting with flavor. So, it's a bit of a gamble. Read some reviews. Ask the staff for recommendations. And maybe bring some emergency snacks, just in case. You never know when you'll encounter the shrimp-lobster of doom.
Are There Any Hidden Costs or Annoying Surprises?
This is where it gets a little... sigh... tricky. They're pretty upfront, but always double-check EVERYTHING. The mini-bar? It's not free. The laundry service? Yep, you'll pay. The "romantic evening setup" (think rose petals and candles)? Definitely not included. And that complimentary shuttle to the airport? Maybe double-check its exact location. We ended up taking a taxi, which was fine, but a little inconvenient. So, read the fine print. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to be *that* person who clarifies everything. Because otherwise, you might find yourself with a slightly higher bill than you anticipated. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but it did leave a slightly sour taste in my mouth. Just be prepared.
The Rooms: Luxurious or Just Pretty?
Luxurious-ish. They're definitely pretty! The decor is clean, modern, with a calming, beachy vibe. The beds are comfy, the bathrooms are spacious. The view from our balcony? Stunning. Waking up to that ocean view every morning? Magical. But, and there is always a but with me, the sound-proofing isn't the best. We could hear the people in the room next door, especially when they were… *ahem*… enjoying themselves. Let's just say my boyfriend and I got a little *too* familiar with their nightly routine. We started betting on when the creaking of the bed would start. (He won, by the way. The man has a gift.) So, bring earplugs. Or embrace the background noise. Adds a certain… ambiance, right?
Is it Kid-Friendly?
Hmm... Kid-friendly-ish. They welcome kids, and that's great. But it's not specifically *designed* for them. There isn’t a kids' club or a dedicated playground. The infinity pool, while amazing, requires supervision. The stairs… well, there are a lot of stairs. So, if you're traveling with little ones, be prepared to keep a close eye on them, and maybe bring some entertainment. I saw one family with a small child, and they seemed to be having a good time, but I think they brought their own inflatable pool toys and had their own system to keep the kid busy. Basically: it CAN work, but it's not a resort geared towards families. If your kids are happy to simply chill (or you are!), it's probably fine. If you need a dedicated kids' program, plan accordingly.
Should I Book It? The Ultimate Verdict!
Okay, the big question! Would I go back? Absolutely. Despite the minor annoyances, the slightly fishy air, the gamble on the food, and the lack of complete soundproofing, Cest La Vie Villa is a pretty special place. The views are INCREDIBLE. The pool is heaven. It's the kind of place you can actually RELRest Nest Hotels
Comments
Post a Comment