Escape to Paradise: The Dreamer Resort Khaokho Awaits!

Escape to Paradise: The Dreamer Resort Khaokho Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: The Dreamer Resort Khaokho Awaits! - A Review, Unfiltered (And a Plea to Book!)
Alright, listen up, wanderlusters! I've just emerged, blinking, from the swirling mists of Khao Kho, a place so ridiculously beautiful it almost hurts. And I've got the lowdown, the real lowdown, on Escape to Paradise: The Dreamer Resort. Prepare yourselves; this is gonna be a messy, opinionated, and hopefully helpful review. Buckle up.
First Impressions (and the Journey There…):
Okay, let's be honest. Khao Kho isn't exactly the easiest place to get to. Forget about zipping in and out like a caffeinated hummingbird. It's a journey, a winding, breathtaking, potentially nausea-inducing (if you're me) ascent into misty mountains. But the moment you see the resort… whoa. Think postcard-perfect vistas, rolling hills, and a palpable sense of "finally, peace."
Accessibility – Kinda Okay, But Could Be Better:
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did notice some things. The resort does have an elevator (yay!), which is a massive plus. However, navigating the grounds with mobility issues might be a bit tricky. Some pathways are a little… rustic. So, if accessibility is a primary concern, call ahead and ask specific questions. Seriously, don't be shy. Get the nitty-gritty details.
The Room (My Sanctuary!):
Okay, my room! I'm a sucker for a good room, and this one… sigh. Let's tick off the boxes:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Yes, I needed this to function!)
- Air conditioning? Check. Essential, unless you thrive in perpetual humidity.
- Coffee/tea maker? Double check! Seriously, the morning cuppa was life-saving.
- Mini-bar? Oh yes, and I raided it. Don't judge me.
- Those blackout curtains… I'm a light sleeper, so these saved my sanity.
- And… the view! Okay, I'll admit. I spent far too much time just staring out the window. It was legitimately stunning.
There's a reason they call it "Escape to Paradise," you know? My room felt like a cozy, cloud-filled cocoon.
(P.S. Did I mention the additional toilet? Luxury!)
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Secure:
With everything that's been going on, this is HUGE. I felt really safe.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere? You betcha.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Double-checked!
They were taking things SERIOUSLY. I felt like they were doing everything possible to keep things hygienic without making you feel like you were living in a sterile laboratory.
Dining, Glorious Dining!
This is where things get interesting. The food… well, it had its moments.
- Breakfast [buffet]? Good, not GREAT. Think standard Asian fare (which, hey, I love!), along with some Western options. The coffee was… passable.
- Restaurants? There are a few.
- A la carte in restaurant? Yes, thankfully. Because sometimes you just need a burger, okay?!
- Poolside bar? Essential, especially after a hike.
- Happy hour? HELL YES.
The food wasn't Michelin-star worthy, but the overall experience was delightful. The views from the restaurants are, again, just ridiculous. A real "pinch me" moment.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (And My Shenanigans):
Right, time to get real.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes, and it's stunning. Infinity pool overlooking the hills. I spent hours there pretending to be a glamorous movie star. (Spoiler alert: I am not.)
- Pool with view? Oh, you betcha!
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom… All the spa goodness. I indulged. I’m not going to lie, I had THE BEST massage of my life. Seriously, after a day of hiking, that body scrub and massage just… melted away all my stress. The therapist was a magician.
- Gym/fitness? Okay, I intended to go to fitness center, but kept ending up at the… well, the pool bar. Priorities.
- Body wrap & Foot bath? Absolutely.
This section is where the Dreamer Resort really excels. I loved relaxing here, and even though there are a myriad of activities, the staff is incredibly patient and accommodating.
Services, Conveniences, and Little Quirks:
- Cash withdrawal? Available. Helpful if you're like me and forget to plan ahead.
- Gift/souvenir shop? Yes, and I bought a ridiculously overpriced (but utterly adorable) stuffed elephant. No regrets.
- Laundry service? Bless them for this.
- Car park [free of charge]? Excellent!
- Contactless check-in/out? Efficient and appreciated.
The Minor Annoyances (Because Life Isn't Perfect):
I'm trying to be honest here. No place is perfect.
- Internet access was, at times, a bit spotty.
- The signage could be better. I got lost a few times. (My fault, probably.)
- Sometimes the service was a little slow, but the staff are so genuinely friendly and helpful, it's hard to complain.
For the Kiddos (and the Young at Heart):
- Family/child friendly? Yes, absolutely! They have kids facilities, and even a babysitting service, which is great if you need a break.
The Bottom Line (Would I Go Back?):
YES. Absolutely. Without hesitation. Escape to Paradise: The Dreamer Resort offers a truly unforgettable experience. It's a place to unwind, to reconnect with nature, and to indulge in a little (or a lot) of pampering.
My Plea (and a Steal of a Deal!):
Look, I'm not gonna lie. I'm already planning my return trip. And you should too!
Book now! Seriously, don't wait. Offer is time-sensitive, and all the details are readily found on their site.
Bookings get you:
- Breakfast in room
- Bottle of water
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- And much more
Don't be that person who misses out. Go. Experience it. Escape. You deserve it. I promise you won't regret it. Go. Now!
KLCC Luxury: Soho Suites w/ Unbelievable Views (5-Min Walk!)
The Dreamer Resort: Khaokho, Thailand - Diary of a (Slightly Discombobulated) Traveler
Okay, folks, buckle up. We're talking Khao Kho. Specifically, The Dreamer Resort. Let's be honest, I booked this on a whim, fuelled by Instagram and a desperate need for something other than spreadsheets and the soul-crushing fluorescent lights of my office. Did it live up to the hype? Well, let's dive in and find out, shall we? (Spoiler alert: It's complicated.)
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Mountain Gaze (and a Near Disaster)
- Morning (8:00 AM): The flight into Bangkok was… well, it was a flight. Delayed, of course. I swear, airports are specifically designed to test your patience. Needed several airplane-sized gin and tonics to ward off the impending doom of a delayed vacation.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Landed, survived baggage claim (miraculously!), and found my pre-booked ride to Khao Kho. The drive was gorgeous, no doubt. Lush green rice paddies morphing into winding mountain roads. The air? Crisp, refreshing, and thankfully, not polluted (yet). The driver, a tiny, wizened man named Chai, drove like a Formula 1 racer on a banana peel. I spent most of the ride clinging to the seat, muttering prayers to any deity who might be listening.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): ARRIVAL! The Dreamer Resort. And… wow. The view. Seriously, jaw-dropping. Picture this: sprawling green valleys, misty peaks, and the resort perched right on the edge. I mean, the pictures online didn't lie, but they also didn't prepare me for the sheer scale of it. The little bungalow felt… small, but clean and comfortable anyway. Immediately collapsed on the balcony, breathing deeply. The world felt… right.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Attempted to navigate the resort's restaurant for dinner. A delightful (and slightly chaotic) Thai buffet awaited. My first plate was an ambitious mix of things I'd never tried before. Turns out, "spicy" in Thailand means "fire-breathing dragon." Tears streamed down my face as I somehow managed to choke down a few bites. (Lesson learned: start slow.)
- Night (8:00 PM): The real drama began. Thought it would be an excellent idea to explore the resort grounds in the dark. Armed with my phone flashlight, I stumbled through the darkness, marveling at the starlit sky and the way the clouds hung low over the mountains. Then, disaster struck. My flashlight flickered…then died. I was plunged into near-total darkness. The only light came from the moon, and the faint twinkling lights of the resort below. What followed was the most hilarious (and terrifying) five minutes of my life, trying to find my way back to my bungalow and only being able to see my surroundings in an almost dream-like haze. I tripped over a (very photogenic) bush. I screamed (silently, of course, because I didn't want to look like a total idiot). Finally, I managed to find my way back, shaking but laughing. (Don't tell anyone I was scared.)
Day 2: Cloud Surfing and Culinary Catastrophes
Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up to the most incredible sunrise I've ever seen. The mountains were bathed in golden light, and the clouds were literally at eye level. You could almost touch them. Had a very average (but at least non-spicy!) breakfast, and then it was time for the highlight of the trip (so far): the "Cloud Sea" experience. They have a special platform at the top of the resort to watch the fog gather in the valley below, making it look like you´re floating on clouds. It was honestly breathtaking. The view from up there was spectacular, and you could even see the distant mountains.
Mid-morning (10:30 AM): I'd planned the day, but it was all a little… loose. Just wandered through the resort's gardens, admiring the flowers, and getting a serious case of "I-need-a-nap" vibes.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at the resort restaurant: round two of the culinary games! Tried a different dish; they said it wasn't spicy. It was. My sinuses have not recovered, and I am convinced that my taste buds have abandoned me. The staff was very apologetic. I, however, was a sweaty, red-faced mess.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Tried to relax. Lay on the balcony, read a book, and tried to take a nap, but was constantly distracted by the stunning views and the chirping of the birds. Not a bad problem to have, right?
Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner again. This time, I knew better. Ordered a simple noodle dish, and it turns out, it was the most delicious thing I've eaten on this trip. And, for the first time, I actually felt like I was relaxing.
Day 3: A Temple and A Whole Lotta Nothing
- Morning (8:00 AM): Decided to be a ‘culture vulture’ and visit Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, the famous temple with the mosaic tiles. The drive was beautiful, but the actual experience was sort of… overwhelming. The temple itself is incredibly beautiful and intricate, with the colorful mosaics glinting in the sun. The place was swarming with tourists. I found myself feeling a little… disconnected. I couldn't quite connect. I am sure my inner peace was temporarily lost.
- Mid-morning (11:00 AM onwards): Back at the resort! Went to the pool. Tried to get a massage, but the masseuse wasn't available. So… I just… chilled. Read, watched the clouds drift by, and tried very hard to switch off the "work" part of my brain. It took a while. (I think I almost managed it.)
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch. This time I went for plain rice and grilled chicken. The safest option. Comfort food is key when you're navigating culinary uncertainty.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner. The same noodle dish (because why mess with a winning formula?). Stared out at the mountains, feeling a strange mix of contentment and the quiet hum of "I don't want this to end."
Day 4: Departure - The bittersweet goodbye and a promise to return
- Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up and walked to the edge of the resort to take one last look at the view. It was a perfect, sunny morning, and I felt a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Enjoyed a final – simple – breakfast, and then packed my bags.
- Late Morning (10:30 AM): Chai (bless his heart) arrived to take me back to the airport. The drive back was just as winding as the way in, but this time, I wasn't quite as terrified.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Back at the airport. Waiting for my flight. This time, the airport didn't seem so bad.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Back home (or at least, to my apartment). Tired, sun-kissed, and with a head full of memories – good and bad. The Dreamer Resort? It was a bit of a mess, a bit of an adventure, and a whole lot of breathtaking beauty. Did it live up to the hype? For the view alone, absolutely. Would I go back? Oh, heck yes. Once I've recovered from the spice. And maybe invest in a decent flashlight.

Escape to Paradise: The Dreamer Resort Khaokho - So, You Wanna Know, Huh?
Okay, spill it. Is this "Dreamer Resort" really as dreamy as it sounds? (Because, let's be real, marketing NEVER tells the full story.)
My first impression? "Wow." Just pure, undiluted "Wow." Then, about 15 minutes in, I started noticing... things. Like the *very* enthusiastic mosquito population that apparently considered my ankles gourmet appetizers. And the Wi-Fi, which, let's just say, wasn't exactly 5G. More like "Is That Even On?"G. So, dreamy? Parts of it. Mostly the view. The rest? Let's call it "charmingly flawed." I'd still go back though, because you *can't* beat that view. It's… intoxicating.
The food! Is the food any good? Because I'm a HUGE foodie and a bad meal can RUIN a whole trip.
But... and there's always a "but," isn't there? One night, I ordered the Pad Thai. Let's just say it tasted... adventurous. Like, it had opinions. Very strong, slightly questionable opinions. My friend, bless her heart, politely choked it down. I, however, might have surreptitiously fed some to the nearby stray cat (who, by the way, seemed unimpressed). So, bring some snacks. Just in case.
Is it family-friendly? I've got a rambunctious toddler and a pre-teen who thinks she knows everything. Help.
The main issue? The serene atmosphere. Khaokho is all about relaxation, quiet contemplation, and soaking in the views. Raucous laughter from a toddler at 6 AM? Might not be appreciated by everyone. A pre-teen glued to her phone, ignoring the *breathtaking* sunrise? Possibly. I saw a couple of families and they seemed to be managing. Maybe pack a LOT of earplugs and download some good kid-friendly entertainment. And maybe a little something for yourself (like a really strong cocktail or two). You'll need it.
Okay, let's talk about those 'villas.' Are they worth the extra money? Or can I get away with the cheaper rooms?
They looked… incredible. Private pools, expansive decks, views that could make an atheist believe in something. The cheapest rooms seemed nice enough, but the villas? They are a whole other level. If you can swing it? DO IT. No, seriously. Do it for me! I'm living vicariously. It's like the difference between watching a gorgeous sunset on your phone and actually *being* in that sunset, feeling the warmth on your skin. So yeah, villas = worth it. If you can afford them. If you can't? Still a pretty amazing place. But you'll be *dreaming* of the villas, I guarantee it. This is one thing I can definitively say – those Villas and that view…they’re worth it.
What's the deal with the activities? Hiking? Stargazing? I need specifics!
Other things? They may have offered some classes, but I mostly just chilled. There are local markets to explore (go hungry!), temples to visit... If you enjoy just being in the presence of beauty, that is what Khaokho is about. The kind of thing that makes you feel all tingly inside.
Tell me about the staff. Are they helpful? Friendly? Or do they just look like they wish they were somewhere else?
Okay, okay, I'm considering booking. Anything else I NEED to know? Secret tips? Words of warning? Spill it!
* **Pack mosquito repellent. And then some more.** Seriously. They're relentless. * **Backpacker Hotel Find


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