Yogyakarta Escape: 2BR Villa in Desa Wisata Pentingsari (Full Board!)
Yogyakarta Escape: 2BR Villa in Desa Wisata Pentingsari - Honestly, Is This Paradise or Just a Really Comfy Couch? (SEO Edition!)
Okay, let's be real. You're staring at your screen, dreaming of that perfect getaway. You've scrolled through a million hotel reviews, your eyes are glazing over, and you're starting to think all this "vacation planning" is more exhausting than your actual job. Well, buck up, buttercup! I just got back from Yogyakarta Escape's 2BR Villa in Desa Wisata Pentingsari (Full Board!), and I'm here to give you the REAL deal. Forget the polished PR fluff. This is the honest, messy, and slightly rambling truth. This is Yogyakarta Escape Review: Destination Bliss or Just a Fancy Hammock? (Because, let's be honest, is there really any difference?).
First off, the SEO stuff (because Google told me to): We're talking about a Yogyakarta Villa, a 2-Bedroom Villa, a truly Escape in Yogyakarta. Key search terms, check! This place is located in Desa Wisata Pentingsari, which, if you haven't heard of it, is like a little slice of postcard heaven. And yes, the keyword is Full Board! Meaning all your food is covered. So, pack your appetite.
Accessibility: The Good, The Meh, and the "Hmmm…":
- Accessibility: This is where things get interesting. The website doesn't specify about wheelchair accessibility, and that's a big bummer. I'm guessing this isn't the most easily accessible place, based on the layout of the whole desa, but I can't say for sure. Update the website!
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Nope. Didn't See it.
- Wheelchair accessible: See above. Need more info.
The Inside Scoop: Amenities and All That Jazz (and Maybe Some Jazz Hands):
- Internet Access? Hold the Phone! They scream "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and (thankfully) it delivers. But here's the REALLY important bit: They also have Internet [LAN]. Which, for all you digital nomads and folks who require a truly stable connection, is GOLD. You can even have Internet services if you need it. Also, Wi-Fi in public areas – because, ya know, Instagram. The internet was surprisingly solid. I even managed to stream a movie without much buffering, which is a minor miracle. In the Internet section, it's covered.
- Things to Do: Okay, THIS is where Pentingsari shines. The whole village is an "experience." You've got hiking trails winding through rice paddies, and you can learn about local crafts.
- Ways to Relax (Because We All Need It): Okay, let's talk Spa. They had a very traditional Spa experience. Massages were an important part of my stay. Body scrub felt like a week of stress melting away (and it's an experience you don't want to miss). The Foot bath was pure bliss after a day of exploring. And I bet they have Steamroom and Sauna, but didn't see it. The Pool with view was magical. The Spa/sauna is there, if you want it.
The "Cleanliness and Safety" Section – Because COVID Exists (And We’re All Still Slightly Terrified):
- Okay, here's where I got seriously impressed. And let's be clear. I went during a time when the world was… well, still a bit upside down. The Anti-viral cleaning products were out in full force. Their team and staff trained in safety protocols and it seemed to be well done. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Physical distancing seemed to be observed everywhere. The Room sanitization opt-out available option is there. Safe dining setup. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are well maintained. Staff trained in safety protocol is super important. Sterilizing equipment is present. Doctor/nurse on call if you need it.
- Breakfast in room is a plus. Rooms sanitized between stays, awesome. The Food delivery is great. Hot water linen and laundry washing. Hygiene certification, all the good stuff.
- Anecdote: One slight grumble: the Individually-wrapped food options were a little…plastic-y, you know? Felt a bit wasteful, but I get it. Safety first, as they say.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and My Belly):
- Full Board! Remember? That means ALL the food. Honestly, it was incredible.
- Asian breakfast. It was a truly experience.
- Buffet in restaurant - well, there's even a Buffet, you can get almost all what you want.
- Western breakfast.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Restaurants are there.
- There were Desserts!
- They also have a Poolside bar to get drinks.
- Also a Snack bar is there.
- You have a great breakfast service.
- Room service [24-hour] is a bonus.
- A la carte in restaurant is nice.
- Soup in restaurant and Bottle of water is there.
- My biggest takeaway? The food was absolutely stunning. I ate everything. The Asian cuisine was my favorite, but the International cuisine was equally amazing.
- Quirky observation: One day, I swear, the soup was so good, I shed a single tear. Don't judge. My taste buds were on vacation.
Services and Conveniences: From Laundry to Luggage (Yes, I’m Lazy):
- Concierge there. Daily housekeeping, amazing. Ironing service, thank you. Laundry service, YES! Luggage storage, yep. Air conditioning in public area, and it works.
- Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Daily housekeeping, Facilities for disabled guests, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events,
For the Kids (And Those of Us Who Still Act Like Them):
- Family/child friendly – Yes! although i didn't bring any kids.
- Babysitting service not sure.
- Not sure about Kids facilities or Kids meal.
Getting Around: Getting To and From Paradise (and Maybe Getting Lost):
- Airport transfer is a MUST, especially if you're as directionally challenged as I am.
- Bicycle parking, if you're feeling adventurous.
- Car park [free of charge].
- You can get a Taxi service
Available in all rooms: The Nitty-Gritty (What’s Actually in Your Room?):
- Air conditioning – Essential.
- Air conditioning – Essential.
- Bathrobes
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping – Bless them.
- Desk
- Free bottled water – Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Mini bar
- Non-smoking
- Private bathroom
- Refrigerator
- Satellite/cable channels
- Seating area – Perfect for reading and judging your Instagram feed.
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Smoke detector
- Sofa
- Telephone
- Toiletries – They had the good stuff.
- Towels
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
- Additional toilet
- Alarm clock
- Bathroom phone
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Extra long bed
- High floor
- Interconnecting room(s) available
- Internet access – LAN
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- On-demand movies
- Reading light
- Scale
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- **Socket
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't just an itinerary; it's my internal travelogue bleeding onto the page. We're going to Desa Wisata Pentingsari in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and frankly, I'm a little… overwhelmed. In a good way, I hope. Full board, 2BR house, sounds idyllic, right? Let's see if reality aligns with the brochure's promises.
Day 1: Arrival and the Grand Illusion of Zen
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). The landing was smoother than anticipated, which, honestly, is a small miracle given my track record of anticipating turbulence. Finding our pre-booked driver was the first mini-victory. He was wearing a shirt that could be mistaken for a batik tablecloth, which, you know, Indonesia. First impressions are always… interesting. The drive to Pentingsari was beautiful, rice paddies stretching out like a perfectly stitched quilt. My Instagram is already exploding.
- Anecdote: The taxi, or should I say Mobil, was like traveling in a mobile sauna. I swear the driver had the AC on "arctic blast" but still, my hair resembles a tumbleweed.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Check-in to the 2-BR house. Oh, sweet, sweet air conditioning! The house is charming, rustic, and… let's just say the "luxury" advertised in the brochure is a generous interpretation. But the view! Unbelievable. We're talking emerald rice paddies and volcanic peaks in the distance. Lunch is served in a communal dining area. It's nasi goreng, the Indonesian national food. And oh god, I'm in heaven. It's like a party in my mouth.
- Emotion: Pure, unadulterated joy. I needed this. I really needed this. The stress of the last few months just melted away with the first bite of that rice.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Explore the village. We're told there's a sunset viewing spot. I have a camera that cost more than my car, and I am determined to use it. We tried the local coffee, kopi tubruk, which involved me accidentally swallowing half a cup of coffee grounds. It was an experience, alright. The sunset was stunning, obviously. But the mosquitoes… those little bloodsuckers are relentless. I swear, I'm covered in bites already. Dinner is more nasi goreng, this time with chicken, but the flavor is exactly the same. This is a problem to be dealt with.
Day 2: Rice and the Rhythm of Life (and My Questionable Balance)
Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Rice paddy trekking! This is what I came for. The promise of authenticity, the chance to reconnect with nature. I had visions of myself gracefully gliding through the fields, looking like a serene eco-warrior. The reality involved me nearly face-planting into a muddy irrigation ditch approximately three times. The people there, though, were wonderful, laughing at my clumsy attempts. The guide explained the rice cultivation process, which is fascinating.
- Opinionated Rambling: It hits you on the head how hard these people work. We complain about our commutes and dead-end jobs, but these farmers… this is their life. And they seem happy. Actually, they seem significantly happier than I was before I tasted my coffee. Respect.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch. Back to the communal dining area. More nasi goreng, but this time, it's spicy. Like, really spicy. I'm sweating bullets. I'm pretty sure my tastebuds are permanently damaged. But I can't stop eating it. After lunch, a cooking class. We got to make our own nasi goreng. I'm pretty sure mine tasted like burnt offering. (Seriously, I was pretty bad at the first attempt)
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure the kitchen staff is now plotting my demise via chili peppers. They're probably talking about me in Indonesian. "That clumsy American… so many chili peppers!"
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Traditional dance performance, courtesy of the village. I'm not going to lie, I fell asleep. Twice. But the music was beautiful, even if my eyelids apparently had other plans.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild guilt. I feel awful for dozing off. The dancers were clearly putting their hearts into it. I should definitely try harder not to fall asleep tomorrow.
Day 3: Batik and Beauty (and My Persistent Itch)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Batik painting workshop! I've always wanted to try this! The process is fascinating, the intricate wax-resist technique allowing for layers of color and texture. I started out with big, bold statements, then the wax started to get me. I think I created something that resembles a Jackson Pollock painting that has been run over by a truck. But it was fun! And I spent a good portion of the workshop just watching the locals.
- Messy Structure: I'm starting to think this trip is a social experiment. The locals are so patient with me, and I'm so clumsy!
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch. Yep, nasi goreng. But it came with tempeh this time, which is fermented soy. I had to admit, it was pretty good. And then, I noticed I still have a red itchy band around my ankle. The mosquito bites are relentless! I swear I'm going to be on the next flight home covered in welts.
- Humor: Okay, I know I'm complaining about the mosquitoes, but honestly, it's part of the experience. If I went home smelling like a bug-free haven, it just wouldn't be the same.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Farewell dinner with the village. The food was amazing. Okay, it was nasi goreng, but it was the best nasi goreng of the trip. We've made real connections with the people here.
- Emotional Reaction: More than anything, I am saddened by how brief our stay has been. I wish that I could stay here longer. I will miss this place, the amazing nasi goreng (of course), and the friendly faces. I have left a piece of my heart here in Desa Wisata Pentingsari.
Departure (Day 4): I'm going to miss this place, and yes, even the mosquitoes. Yogyakarta, you have been kind. And oh, I know: more nasi goreng await me.
Okay, spill the beans! What *actually* is this "Yogyakarta Escape" all about? Sounds a bit… vague, no?
It's basically the chance to dump all your responsibilities (cooking, cleaning, even planning your meals!) and just… *be*. Which, for a stressed-out workaholic like myself, was utterly transformative. I honestly thought I'd be itching to get back to my emails after the first day. Nope. I was too busy getting serenaded by crickets. Seriously, I was there for like a week, and I still haven't really processed it.
Full Board? Sold! But… is the food actually *good*, or is it one of those "full board" scenarios where you're stuck with lukewarm mystery meat?
There was one tiny, *tiny* hiccup. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a bit of a lightweight when it comes to chili. They asked you how spicy you wanted things, but even "mild" had a sneaky kick. The first time, I took a bite of something and my eyes started watering. I had to discreetly sneak some rice to tamp it down. But even *that* was delicious. And honestly, by the end of the trip, I was craving spicy food. It was a culinary adventure, folks. A delicious, fiery adventure.
The Villa itself… what's the vibe? Modern? Rustic? What kind of amenities should I expect?
Amenities? Well, you get the basics: comfy beds (I slept *so* well!), a clean bathroom, and some communal areas to chill out. Oh, and the most important one: Wi-Fi. It wasn't lightning-fast, mind you – you're escaping, not trying to run a business. But it was enough to check emails and post those envy-inducing Instagram stories (which, let's be honest, is a vital part of the escape! 😉). They also have a common shared garden, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet, it was my go-to spot.
Location, Location, Location! How far out of the action are you? Can you actually *do* anything?
You can definitely do stuff! They can arrange tours to Borobudur Temple (a must-see, seriously), Prambanan Temple, and other cultural sites. You can also hike, cycle (bikes are available), and explore the local markets. The staff is incredible—they'll sort everything out for you. One day, I was feeling super adventurous and asked if they could arrange a batik-making class. They did! Now, I'm the proud owner of a slightly lopsided, but utterly unique, batik scarf. Never thought I'd be that person, but here we are.
Okay, the elephant in the room: How's the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, *life*.
Also, a tiny heads up: on one day, a storm hit, and it went out completely. But even then, the lack of Wi-Fi didn't feel like a huge deal. It was an excuse to just sit on the porch with a cup of teh (sweet tea, if you were wondering) and watch the rain. Seriously, it was magical.
Any downside? Anything I need to know *before* booking?
Also, the language barrier can be a challenge. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, but their English isn't always perfect. But this wasn't a problem: the staff always did their best to communicate. A lot of smiles, pointing, and miming. Which, honestly, added to the experience. Then, the roads! Driving around the area might be a bit bumpy sometimes, especially when you're headed to the remote areas. Be thankful for the driver and for being able to navigate them. You need to expect some bumps.
Finally, it's not a luxury resort with a spa and room service. That might be a downside for some. But honestly, if you're looking for a true escape, a place to switch off and connect with a different culture, this is the spotStay And Relax
