Escape to Paradise: Blue Heaven Poomala, Thrissur's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, messy, and sometimes baffling world of Escape to Paradise: Blue Heaven Poomala, Thrissur's Hidden Gem. Forget the perfectly polished travel brochures, this is the real deal. And trust me, after spending a week there, I've got stories…
First off, let's be real. Accessibility is kinda important. The good news? They say they have Facilities for disabled guests. The bad news? I didn't see any specific details on ramps, elevators, or anything concrete. So, double-check with the hotel directly if this is a must-have for you. Don't just take my word for it, folks!
Internet Access: Okay, this is where things get interesting. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet [LAN]. But let's be honest, "free Wi-Fi" can mean anything from lightning-fast to dial-up circa 1998. I’m a blogger, so I NEED the internet. Sometimes, it felt like I was trying to download a cat video from the moon. Other times? Surprisingly decent. Bring your own hotspot, just in case. They also offer Internet services, which is vague enough to mean anything and nothing at the same time.
Rooms & Amenities: My Sanctuary (or a Few Quirks)
Let’s talk rooms. They’ve got the basics: Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area, Alarm clock, Bathrobes (thank GOD!), Bathroom phone (who even uses those anymore?), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (a lifesaver!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (loved it!), In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (for judging my post-buffet regrets!), 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.
Now, a few room-related anecdotes:
- The Blackout Curtains: Absolute genius. Slept like a log even when the sun was trying to peek through. Pure bliss.
- The Mini-Bar: Well-stocked, but the prices… let's just say I ended up making friends with the local grocery store.
- The Extra Long Bed: Essential. I’m a restless sleeper, and this was a game-changer. No more dangling feet!
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID-19 Chronicles
Okay, let's get real. The pandemic changed everything. Escape to Paradise has definitely upped its game in this department. They've got:
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Cashless payment service
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Doctor/nurse on call (thankfully, I didn't need it!)
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer (everywhere!)
- Hot water linen and laundry washing
- Hygiene certification
- Individually-wrapped food options
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Professional-grade sanitizing services
- Room sanitization opt-out available (a nice touch)
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Safe dining setup
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Shared stationery removed
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Sterilizing equipment
Honestly, I felt safe. They’re taking it seriously, which is HUGE.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Adventure
Here's the juicy stuff. The food! Oh, the food… Buckle up, because my stomach is still recovering. They've got:
- A la carte in restaurant
- Alternative meal arrangement
- Asian breakfast (delicious!)
- Asian cuisine in restaurant
- Bar
- Bottle of water (a lifesaver in the heat!)
- Breakfast [buffet] (the star of the show!)
- Breakfast service
- Buffet in restaurant
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Desserts in restaurant
- Happy hour (score!)
- International cuisine in restaurant
- Poolside bar (essential for lounging)
- Restaurants (plural!)
- Room service [24-hour] (tempting!)
- Salad in restaurant
- Snack bar
- Soup in restaurant
- Vegetarian restaurant
- Western breakfast
- Western cuisine in restaurant
The Breakfast Buffet: A Love Story
Okay, I'm gonna gush. The Breakfast [buffet] was a masterpiece. Forget the sad continental breakfasts of yore. This was a feast. Fresh fruit piled high, fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and the most amazing idlis I've ever tasted. Seriously, I may have gained five pounds just from that buffet. Worth it. Every. Single. Bite.
Ways to Relax: Paradise Found (and Lost… Briefly)
Okay, so this is where Escape to Paradise really shines. They know how to pamper you. They offer:
- Body scrub (heaven!)
- Body wrap (even more heaven!)
- Fitness center (I saw it. I didn't use it. No judgment, okay?)
- Foot bath (bliss!)
- Gym/fitness (see above)
- Massage (yes, yes, YES!)
- Pool with view (stunning!)
- Sauna (sweaty goodness)
- Spa (a full-blown experience)
- Spa/sauna
- Steamroom (more sweating!)
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
The Pool with a View: My Moment of Zen (and Near Disaster)
The Pool with view is breathtaking. Picture this: sparkling blue water, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and the rolling hills of Poomala stretching out before you. I decided to channel my inner mermaid. I was feeling good.
Then, disaster struck. I slipped on a wet tile. I flailed. I yelled. I almost took out a small child. (Sorry, kid!) But hey, at least the view was pretty while I was recovering my dignity.
Things to do (Beyond the Pool): Exploring Thrissur
Okay, so you're not just going to sit by the pool all day (though, let's be honest, the temptation is STRONG). Escape to Paradise is in a great location for exploring Thrissur. They offer:
- Airport transfer
- Bicycle parking
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car park [on-site]
- Car power charging station
- Taxi service
- Valet parking
Thrissur itself is a vibrant city. Don't miss:
- The Thrissur Pooram Festival: If you're lucky enough to be there during the festival, you're in for a treat! Elephants, music, fireworks… it's an unforgettable experience.
- The Vadakkunnathan Temple: A beautiful, ancient temple.
- Local Markets: Get lost in the sights, sounds, and smells of the local markets.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter
They've got the usual stuff:
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. We're going to Blue Heaven Poomala, Thrissur, India, and it's gonna be a glorious, chaotic mess. Prepare for:
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Coconut Conundrum
- Morning (7:00 AM): Landed at Kochi Airport. Ugh, airports. Always a symphony of crying babies and the desperate shuffle of lost souls. The humidity hits you like a warm, sticky hug as soon as you step outside. I swear, I felt my hair instantly frizzing up.
- Morning (9:00 AM): The pre-booked taxi… well, let's just say it was an "experience." The driver, a lovely man named Rajan, apparently considered the horn a vital organ, and his driving style could be described as “suggestive.” We wove through traffic, dodging cows (a surprisingly regular occurrence), and I spent the entire time clinging to my seat, certain we were about to become a statistic.
- Morning (12:00 PM): FINALLY arrived at Blue Heaven Poomala. The view? Breathtaking. Lush green hills, a vast lake shimmering in the distance. I practically squealed. This is what I came for! But the room… Well, let's just say the "rustic charm" was a bit more "rustic" than I'd anticipated. The AC sounded like a dying walrus, and the sheets had seen better days. But hey, the view!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at the resort. The food was delicious, spicy, and plentiful. I may have over-indulged on the fish curry. Regret? Zero.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): The Great Coconut Conundrum. I decided to try to drink a fresh coconut. Seemed simple enough, right? Wrong. After fumbling around with a blunt spoon for what felt like an eternity, I managed to create a hole approximately the size of a pinhead. The coconut water dribbled down my chin, and I ended up looking like a confused, sweaty child. Eventually, a kind staff member took pity on me and hacked it open with a machete. Lesson learned: respect the coconut.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Sunset over the lake. Pure magic. Watched it with a cold Kingfisher beer, feeling a sense of utter peace. This is why I travel. This is why I put up with the walrus-esque AC.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner. More delicious food, more spice. My stomach is a happy, if slightly fiery, place. Bedtime. I hope the walrus is quiet tonight.
Day 2: The Backwaters and My Near-Drowning Experience (Kinda)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up. The walrus, thankfully, was subdued. Breakfast: idli and sambar. My taste buds rejoiced.
- Morning (9:30 AM): A boat tour of the backwaters. Glorious. The air was thick with the scent of spices and damp earth. We glided past villages, watching locals go about their daily lives. The water hyacinths were a vibrant purple. Utterly serene.
- Morning (11:00 AM): The boat stopped at a small, secluded island. Apparently, this was my opportunity to swim. Now, I’m a terrible swimmer. I mean, I can stay afloat, but gracefully? Not so much.
- Morning (11:15 AM): I gingerly entered the water. It was warm, but… murky. Suddenly, I felt a current. Panic set in. I flailed, shouted incoherently, and probably looked like a drowning cat. Luckily, our boatman was nearby and pulled me back to safety. So, not a true near-drowning, but my heart rate definitely spiked.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch on the boat. More delicious food, eaten with a slightly shaky hand.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Back at the resort. Spent the afternoon reading and trying to conquer my fear of coconuts (still unsuccessful).
- Evening (6:00 PM): Attempted to watch the sunset, but clouds intervened. Instead, I got to experience a full-blown tropical downpour. The rain came down in sheets, and the whole world seemed to be washed clean. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner. The resort had a cultural dance performance. It was beautiful and mesmerizing. I swear, I could feel the rhythm in my bones, even though I have no idea how to dance. More importantly, the food was great.
Day 3: Temples, Spice Gardens, and the Quest for the Perfect Masala Chai
- Morning (9:00 AM): Visited a local temple. Absolutely stunning. The intricate carvings, the vibrant colours, the smell of incense… it was an assault on the senses in the best possible way. I felt a strange mix of awe and confusion. I clearly stood out as the only tourist, but everyone was so kind and welcoming.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Spice garden tour. The guide was a wealth of knowledge, sharing the origins of various spices and their uses. I learned more about the medicinal properties of turmeric than I ever thought possible. The air was filled with the heady scent of cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a local restaurant. The food was incredible, and I swear, it was the best masala chai I've ever had. I interrogated the cook, trying to learn the secret. Sadly, he just smiled enigmatically.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Failed attempt at a yoga class. I'm not flexible. I'm not graceful. I ended up tangled in my own limbs, looking like a contortionist gone horribly wrong. I gave up and went back to my room to read.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Another sunset. This one was spectacular. The sky was ablaze with colour. I sat on my balcony, sipping a cup of chai (still not as good as the restaurant's, sadly), and just soaked it all in.
- Evening (8:00 PM): A last dinner, and I have been thinking, I would like to stay longer. This place has me, and I just have to say that I love it.
Day 4: Departure and the Aftermath of Spice Overload
- Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up. The walrus was back. Packing. The dreaded task.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Last breakfast. More idli, more sambar. My stomach felt like a well-seasoned pot.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Checked out. Said goodbye to the lovely staff, who, despite my general clumsiness and questionable coconut-drinking abilities, were incredibly patient and friendly.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Taxi to the airport. Rajan, thankfully, was not our driver this time.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Boarded the flight. As the plane took off, I looked out at the landscape, already missing the lush green hills, the spice-scented air, and the general sense of chaos that had been my life for the past few days.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Back home. Jet lag. A mountain of laundry. And a suitcase full of spices, which I’ll probably never use. But the memories? Priceless. And my stomach? Still subtly spiced.
So, there you have it. My messy, imperfect, and utterly wonderful adventure in Blue Heaven Poomala. Go, see it. Embrace the chaos. And for the love of all that is holy, learn how to open a coconut before you go. You've been warned!
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