Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Seamthong Resort, Ubon Ratchathani!
Seamthong Resort: Ubon Ratchathani – Is This Place Actually Unbelievable? (Spoiler: Mostly, Yes!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (specifically, the complimentary, delicious, and surprisingly strong Thai iced tea) on the Seamthong Resort in Ubon Ratchathani. Let's be honest, when a place bills itself as "Unbelievable Luxury," you walk in with a healthy dose of skepticism. But… well, I’m still sorting through my feelings, which means there's a lot to break down. This is going to be raw, honest, and maybe a little bit all over the place, just like my travel style.
First Impressions: Did I Accidentally Wander Into a Movie Set?
The airport? Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Airport transfer was a breeze, thankfully, because I am that person who usually fumbles with the luggage carousel. Accessibility is a big deal for me, and I was happy to see Facilities for disabled guests thoughtfully integrated. Wheelchair accessible common areas and the elevator made navigating the place a cinch. The entrance… wow. It felt like I'd stumbled into an oasis. The Front desk [24-hour] was manned by incredibly friendly staff (more on that later), who made Contactless check-in/out effortless, which is a huge win in the current climate.
Accessibility & Safety: Keeping It Real (and Sanitized!)
Now, let's talk about the elephant (or rather, the incredibly well-sanitized elephant statue) in the room: safety. In this post-pandemic world, it’s crucial. Seamthong really hits the mark here. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Professional-grade sanitizing services were evident everywhere. They even had Room sanitization opt-out available if you felt it was too much! (I didn’t, personally, I’m a sanitation maniac). Hand sanitizer was readily available, and the staff? They were absolute pros, Staff trained in safety protocol was on full display. CCTV in Common Areas and CCTV Outside Property gave me a feeling of security. Plus, the rooms? They've got Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher. So, a big thumbs up for peace of mind.
Rooms: My Private Little Palace (With a Few Quibbles)
Okay, the rooms. Seriously, Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra-long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. I mean, the list is long. My room was spacious, with a ridiculously comfortable Extra-long bed. The Blackout curtains are a lifesaver for a light sleeper like me. The Wi-Fi [free] was fantastic.
But, and there's always a but, isn't there? The Additional toilet was a bit of a luxurious touch that felt slightly unnecessary, and the Mirror placement was a little awkward for getting ready. But hey, these are tiny nitpicks about a genuinely well-appointed room. My biggest quibble? The Interconnecting room(s) available - the walls were a little thin, so I heard some… lively conversations at 3 AM. Let’s just say I felt very involved in the lives of my neighbors.
Dining: Fueling the Fun (and My Food Cravings)
Okay, food. This is where Seamthong truly shines. Forget a simple meal; This is a culinary adventure! I mean, it has Restaurants, multiple. Seriously, the problem wasn't finding a place to eat; it was choosing where to eat. They offer options such as A la carte in the restaurant, Asian cuisine in the restaurant, Buffet in the restaurant, International cuisine in the restaurant, Vegetarian restaurants, and Western cuisine in the restaurant. Everything was incredibly fresh and flavorful. I'm a huge fan of Coffee/tea in the restaurant, and that coffee shop? Divine. Shout out to the Breakfast [buffet]: I had enough Asian breakfast to keep me going for a week, and I definitely took advantage of that Breakfast takeaway service one day when I just wanted to chill in my room. The Poolside bar served some killer cocktails, and there was even a Snack bar that filled those late-night cravings. They even offer Alternative meal arrangement if you have any dietary restrictions, which is a nice touch. I can't forget to mention the super yummy Happy hour. I ate so much Desserts in the restaurant it's safe to say I was living my best, most sugar-filled life. The Bottle of water in the room was a lifesaver.
The Spa: My Zen Moment (or Moments)
Right, let's cut to the chase: I basically lived in the spa. Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, and the Spa/sauna combo? Absolute heaven. I opted for the Body scrub and Body wrap, and it was pure bliss. I'm talking, floating-on-a-cloud-of-essential-oils blissful. They really do put the spa in "spa-tacular." After a day of exploring, there is nothing better.
Relaxation & Recreation: Poolside Perfection & Gym?
The Swimming pool [outdoor] with its Pool with view? Glorious. I spent hours lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails, and pretending I was a glamorous movie star. There's a Fitness center for the more energetic folks, but, well… let's just say I may have skipped the gym in favor of more poolside lounging. I’m not embarrassed. The Foot bath was a nice touch! I'd rather relax.
Services & Conveniences: Where They Really Shine
Seamthong offers a vast array of services. Concierge service? Top-notch, helpful, and genuinely friendly. Doorman and Daily housekeeping were always on point. They have Laundry service (Thank GOD!), Dry cleaning, and Ironing service. Currency exchange was easy and convenient. The Cash withdrawal was a lifesaver, and I think they also have a Convenience store. Honestly, they seemed to anticipate my every need. They also host events and allow Meetings to take place. This place is designed for the weary traveler.
Things to Do: More Than Meets the Eye
Beyond the obvious relaxation, there is a lot to explore around the resort. The Shrine was beautiful, and the Terrace offered stunning views. I even saw a few people taking pictures at the Proposal spot. My exploration of the area wasn't as in-depth as other guests, but I was happy to utilize the Taxi service for my needs.
For the Kids: Family Fun (Or Just Quiet Time?)
I didn’t have kids with me, but I noticed Babysitting service and Kids facilities designed to keep the little ones happy. They are also Family/child friendly, so I'd say it's a good option if you are looking for that kind of trip.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Nobody's Perfect)
Okay, so, the biggest, and maybe only, imperfection - and I use that word loosely because it wasn’t a deal breaker - was the occasional… let’s call it, “enthusiasm” of the staff. Not in terms of rudeness, but, they really wanted to help. At one point, I was leaving the Elevator and was offered three unsolicited recommendations on which direction I should travel. Then, a staff member pointed me towards the direction of my room. It's a little charming and occasionally overwhelming. And the interior corridor lighting? A little on the dim side.
The Verdict: Is It Unbelievable? (Mostly, Yes!)
Overall? YES. Seamthong Resort is pretty damn close to "Unbelievable." The service is excellent, the rooms are luxurious, the food is delicious, and the spa is a dream. I'm still dreaming about the Spa! It's a perfect spot for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway. The safety measures are reassuring, and the location is convenient.
Here’s My Human Recommendation:
Book Seamthong Resort if you:
- Want to be pampered.
- Love delicious food.
- Appreciate thoughtful service.
- Are looking for a safe and relaxing escape.
- Don't mind the occasional overzealous helpfulness.
- Are looking for the best spa day, ever.
**Skip Se
Luxury Becham Apartments: Athi River's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my (potentially disastrous) trip to Seamthong Resort in Ubon Ratchathani. This ain't your pristine, perfectly-edited travel blog; this is the raw, unfiltered truth.
Ubon Ratchathani: My Chaotic Seamthong Adventure (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Mango Sticky Rice)
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and Questionable Noodles
Morning (Bangkok to Ubon): Okay, so the flight was delayed. Classic. Spent an hour watching tiny ants march across the airport floor, contemplating the existential dread of being late for… well, everything. Boarding finally happened! My internal monologue was a constant stream of "Please, please let there be enough legroom," and "Dear God, don't let the person next to me clip their nails." (Spoiler alert: there was ample legroom, and the nail-clipping situation was thankfully avoided.) Arrived in Ubon, sweaty, slightly frazzled, but alive. Yay!
Afternoon (Seamthong Resort Check-In & Initial Impressions): The tuk-tuk ride to Seamthong was… an experience. Picture this: me, gripping the sides of the vehicle for dear life, hair whipping in the wind, surrounded by honking scooters and the intoxicating aroma of something delicious I couldn't identify. We made it! Seamthong looked promising. The lobby was breezy, the staff were smiles, and the promise of a pool was a siren song after the sticky, Bangkok-born humidity. The room? Comfy enough. Bathroom? Spotless, which is a win in my book.
Evening (Noodle Catastrophe & Poolside Solitude): First order of business: food. Found a little noodle place down the street, or so I thought. The menu was entirely in Thai. I pointed at a photo, prayed for the best, and got… something. It was edible. Barely. Let's just say my tastebuds weren't exactly doing backflips of joy. Back at the resort, I salvaged what remained of my sanity with a dip in the pool. Floating under the stars? Pretty darn tranquilizing, honestly. Felt like a tiny island of peace amidst the chaos.
Quirk: Saw a lizard the size of my arm chilling on the pool bar. I swear it winked at me. (Or maybe I was just delirious from the questionable noodles. Jury's still out.)
Day 2: Temple Treasures, Market Mayhem, and Mango Sticky Rice Nirvana
Morning (Wat Thung Sri Muang & Local Exploration): Okay, things are looking up! This morning, I rented a bicycle and ventured out. Saw a beautiful temple, Wat Thung Sri Muang, all gilded Buddhas and intricate carvings. I nearly tripped over a sleeping dog while admiring the architecture. But worth it. The air smelled of incense and hope.
Afternoon (The Chaos of Morning Market): This is where things got interesting. The local market was a whirlwind of noise, color, and smells. I’m talking fish vendors, fruit stands spilling onto the sidewalks, and an overwhelming sense of being utterly, gloriously lost. I bought some weird fruit (probably), managed to offend someone by taking their picture, and generally felt like an idiot. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? That’s my philosophy anyway! Opinionated note: I also bought a t-shirt with a questionable slogan. (Details classified.)
Evening (Mango Sticky Rice Pilgrimage and Reflections): Right, SO. Let's talk about the mango sticky rice. I'd heard tales. Legends. And the reality? Exceeded all expectations. I ate it at a little street stall, watching the sun set. The sticky rice was perfect, the mango was ripe and sweet, the coconut milk was divine. Seriously, I'm pretty sure my eyes rolled back in my head. I think I considered ordering a second helping. Truly, It was a moment of pure, simple, unadulterated bliss.
Anecdote: On my way back to the resort, the bicycle chain fell off. (Cue the dramatic music.) Thought I was doomed. A friendly street vendor saw my struggles and fixed it for me. Restored my faith in humanity. And my bicycle's functionality.
Day 3: The Long Road Home (and the lingering aroma of adventure)
Morning (Resort Relaxation & Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt): Ah, a gentle morning. Spent some time lounging by the pool, soaking up the last rays of the Ubon sun. (And re-strategizing my souvenir shopping.) Decided to treat myself to a massage. I had a deep tissue massage and it’s still not sure how much I enjoyed it, I was probably too ticklish, so, uhm, yeah.
Afternoon (Departure & Reflections on the Unexpected): The flight home was surprisingly uneventful. Which, after the first two days, felt like a minor miracle! As I look back, the trip wasn't perfect. I lost my way more than once. I ate some questionable food. I probably annoyed at least a few people. But it was real. It was messy. It was full of unexpected moments of joy. I learned that even when things went wrong (and they often did), there was always something to laugh about.
Emotional Reaction: Ubon Ratchathani, you little beauty. You've got character. You've got mango sticky rice that's practically a religious experience. And you certainly schooled me on embracing the chaos!
*Rambling Thoughts: Will I go back? Absolutely. I’d happily trade perfectly-planned itineraries for the messy, unpredictable adventure that is Ubon. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find some more of that mango sticky rice…and maybe a decent map.
Indonesian Escape: Kartini's Charm Near Probolinggo's Alun-Alun!
So, like, what *IS* this thing even about? I mean, what are we even DOING here?
Okay, fine. Let's get the boring stuff out of the way. This is supposed to be an FAQ, right? A Frequently Asked Questions kind of deal. About... well, *anything* that pops into my brain. And trust me, it's a wild ride in there. Expect the unexpected. My train of thought derails more often than not. So, if you came here looking for perfectly polished answers, you've come to the wrong place. This is more of a... brain dump, a therapy session, and a comedy show, all rolled into one. Honestly, sometimes I just start typing and have no idea where it's going. And that, my friends, is the beauty of it (or the terrifying chaos, depending on your perspective).
Why are you making this so... weird? Isn't an FAQ supposed to be, you know, *helpful*?
Helpful? Ha! That's a good one. Look, the world is already full of perfectly curated, blandly informative content. Do we really need another helping of that? I think not! I'm here to give you the *real* deal, the messy, unfiltered truth. And sometimes, that truth is a little... weird. Or a lot weird. If this helps *anyone*, then I'm a better person than I believe myself to be.
What if I just want a straight answer to a simple question?
Bless your heart. You’re a brave soul. Okay, I *can* try. But no promises. I swear, recently, I was just trying to find, in the laundry, the "black socks?" Turns out, they were behind the bed with the dog toys. Life is complicated. So, if you ask me a question, be prepared for a scenic route. You might arrive, eventually. Or, ya know, the question might go to the void.
Are you even qualified to answer anything?
Qualified? Oh, honey, please. My qualifications consist of a lifetime of making mistakes, questionable decisions, and the occasional moment of sheer brilliance (mostly accidental, mind you). I'm basically an expert in *not* being an expert. But hey, that means I can at least offer a perspective, and that's what counts, right? Right?! Please say yes. I need validation.
Okay, fine. Let's talk about something specific. Let's say... coffee? I'm a coffee person. Thoughts?
Coffee! Now we're talking! Coffee is… everything. It's the sun rising in a cup. The smell of possibility brewing in the morning. The… ugh, okay, I’ll stop waxing poetic. Sorry, I’m a bit of a coffee snob, but with a side of “needs it to function.” Here's the breakdown:
- The coffee itself: I'm a dark roast person. I love the bitterness, the bold flavor that slaps you awake. Don't talk to me about weak, anemic drip coffee. If it doesn't have enough caffeine to kickstart a rocket, I don't want it.
- The ritual: The grinding of the beans. The smell of the brewing. The feeling of the warm mug between your hands. It's a whole experience, you know? Unless, of course, you're running late, and then it's just a frantic gulp of something brown before you bolt out the door.
- The social aspect: Meeting friends for coffee, that's a joy. Writing a story at a coffee shop alone – that’s bliss. However, I absolutely HATE those people who think they're the barista. They always go bananas with the "art" in your latte. Now I can draw with a chocolate sauce. But it doesn't have the best taste. Sorry, that's just me.
What about… cats? You got any cat stories? Because I love cats.
Oh, cats. My muse. My nemesis. My furry overlords. Yes, YES! I have cat stories. So many. And most of them are completely mortifying.
There was the time Mittens, my first cat, decided to use my brand new, expensive couch as a scratching post. I was devastated. Like, full-on ugly crying, snot-running-down-my-face devastated. I tried everything to deter her: sprays, foil, those weird prickly mats. Nothing worked. She just looked at me, gave a slow blink, and went right back to shredding the leather. It was a battle of wills (and my sanity) that I ultimately lost. The couch? Ruined. My pride? Shattered.
Then there was Whiskers, who had a penchant for eating Christmas ornaments. Not just *any* ornaments, mind you. The glass ones. I spent one Christmas Eve frantically fishing shattered glass out of his mouth, convinced I was witnessing the end of his nine lives. He was fine. Just a little more… sparkly.
And don't even get me STARTED on the time my cat, Mr. Bigglesworth, tried to "help" me bake a cake…
The point is, cats are chaos. They're fluffy little agents of mayhem. And I wouldn't trade them for the world. Even Mittens, and even Mr. Bigglesworth.
Okay, okay, you're clearly a mess. But is there any advice you can genuinely offer? Like, about... life?
Advice? From me? Okay, brace yourself. Here goes:
- Embrace the chaos. Life is messy. Embrace the mess. Learn to laugh at your own failures, because, trust me, there will be plenty of them.
- Don't be afraid to be yourself. The world already has plenty of "normal" people. Be weird. Be quirky. Be *you*. The truest, most authentic version of yourself.
- Forgive yourself. You *will* make mistakes. You *will* say the wrong thing. You *will* fall flat on your face. It happens. Let it go. Learn from it. And move on.
- Find your "thing". That one thing that makes your soul sing. It could be anything. Writing. Painting. Coffee brewing. Cat-petting. Whatever it is, do it. Often.
- And lastly... Remember to breathe. Seriously. Deep breaths. Especially when things get overwhelming. It helps. Sometimes. Maybe. Okay, I can't personally guarantee anything. But it can't hurt, right?
