Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bali Stay at Dee Guest House
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bali Stay at Dee Guest House
Escape to Paradise: Dee Guest House - Bali Bliss (Or, My Rambling Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Dee Guest House in Bali, and my head's still buzzing with frangipani and what I can only describe as "Zen-adjacent" vibes. It's not perfect, mind you, but that's part of the charm, right? This isn't your sterile, corporate review pretending everything's sunshine and rainbows. This is real, raw, Bali-infused reality. AND I NEED TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE SPA!
First Impressions (and Accessibility, Because We Need to Talk About That):
Landing in Bali is always a sensory overload, and Dee Guest House is a gentle landing spot. Finding it wasn't that hard, though the taxi driver did give me the side-eye for the slightly out-of-the-way location. (Pro-tip: download Grab or Gojek for cheap and easy rides!). As for accessibility, well, let's be honest. Bali is not known for its universal design. Dee Guest House, while striving, is still working on this. There’s an elevator, which is a HUGE plus, particularly if you have mobility issues. The rooms themselves are pretty spacious, and the bathrooms could be adapted, but are not currently fully wheelchair accessible. This is definitely something to consider, as Bali is working to make itself more inclusive!
The Digital Nomads Delight: Internet, Internet, Internet!
As a blogger/freelancer/digital nomad (whatever you wanna call it), Wi-Fi is life. And Dee Guest House delivered. Solid Wi-Fi in all rooms (thanks, heavens!) and decent Wi-Fi in public areas meant I could actually work for once instead of just staring wistfully at the ocean (though, yeah, that happened a lot too). They even have Internet [LAN] which, honestly, I didn't use, but it's there for the old-school purists. The Internet service was generally reliable, but hey, this IS Bali. There were the occasional blips, which just gave me an excuse to grab another Bintang.
Rooms & Rest: Your Personal Oasis (With a Few Quirks)
My room… oh, my room. I had a non-smoking room (thank GOD, because I'm a sensitive flower!) and it was spacious, with air conditioning, a comfy bed with an extra long bed, and a desk perfect for laptop. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in after a night of Bintang-fueled debauchery. They provide slippers, bathrobes, and plenty of complimentary tea which is a really nice touch. The mirror was good for checking my tan. The safe box was secure, and I even had a refrigerator for my Bintang, which is the greatest convenience! Not all rooms have a sofa, but mine did, which was great for chilling back in the afternoon and trying not to think about work. Honestly, the soundproofing was really good, I didn't hear anything! They even had an alarm clock, an ironing facilities, and a hair dryer. All in all, a little paradise!
The most unexpected thing was the window that opens! You might be thinking, "Yeah, so?" But let me tell you, the gentle Balinese breeze and fresh air was just what I needed to make me feel like I was really on holiday!
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup):
Okay, let's talk about the fuel that powers paradise. The restaurant offers a variety of options, including Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant. The breakfast buffet was decent, with a good range of options, including fresh fruit and pastries. The buffet in restaurant was good, and the coffee/tea in restaurant was plentiful! The Breakfast service was prompt. They even have a bottle of water waiting in your room!
The restaurants themselves are charming. I loved the happy hour at the bar. The poolside bar was handy for a quick cocktail or a refreshing juice after a swim. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver more than once. One evening I ordered a plate of spring rolls and then I had to send it back because it didn't quite hit the mark. Look, even paradise has its imperfections! But overall, the food was good, and the staff were always happy to accommodate dietary requests.
But my favorite thing was the fresh fruit juice in a snack bar!
The Spa: WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE OF! (Seriously, though…)
Okay, people. This deserves its own paragraph. The Dee Guest House spa/sauna is the reason I'm writing this review. Seriously. It’s a spiritual experience. I was skeptical, I'm usually skeptical, but it absolutely blew my mind.
I went for the traditional body scrub and massage, and I felt like a new person afterwards. They have a steamroom, a sauna, and some beautiful massage rooms. It was just…glorious. The therapists are incredibly skilled and the prices are surprisingly affordable. The foot bath was a nice touch. I felt totally relaxed after my session!
I went back the next day for a Body wrap, and even though my friend made fun of me, I have to say…it was amazing! The spa is worth the trip alone!
Things to Do & Ways to Unwind (Beyond the Spa):
Besides the spa, there's plenty to keep you occupied at Dee Guest House. The swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, with a pool with view. They have a Fitness center. The terrace is a lovely spot for a sundowner. There's a shrine on the property, and it's very quiet and serene. I saw some guests using the gym/fitness. They also have things like a gift/souvenir shop, though honestly, I mostly just wanted to hang out by the pool.
Cleanliness & Safety: Because, You Know, Grown-Up Stuff:
They take cleanliness and safety seriously, which is a massive plus, especially with everything going on in the world. They're definitely on top of it; which is great news! They use Anti-viral cleaning products and they have daily disinfection in common areas. They even had Hand sanitizer everywhere and sterilizing equipment!
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
Dee Guest House offers a range of services to make your stay easier. They have air conditioning in public area, a concierge (helpful!), daily housekeeping, laundry service, and luggage storage. There's currency exchange if you need it, and a cash withdrawal service. They offer car park [free of charge] as well as a taxi service. I got lost in the local market, and the front desk was great at helping me out! The front desk [24-hour] is super helpful.
For the Kids:
I didn't travel with kids, but I did see they have babysitting service, family/child friendly, and Kids facilities.
What I Hated (Just Kidding, Mostly):
Honestly, the biggest "complaint" I have is that I didn't stay longer!
The Verdict: Should You Escape to Paradise?
YES. Absolutely YES. Dee Guest House isn't perfect, but it's close. It's charming, friendly, and offers a genuinely relaxing experience. The staff are lovely, the spa is divine, and the overall vibe is pure Bali bliss. If you're looking for a peaceful retreat with a touch of luxury, look no further.
My Offer for You:
Book your stay at Dee Guest House now using the links I will provide from my blog (coming soon!). Seriously, book now! You’ll thank me later, especially after a massage! You'll get a free welcome cocktail and a special offer on the spa treatments! They're currently running a promotion for longer stays, so you could save some serious cash for all the amazing food you’ll encounter!
El Capitan Hotel: Your San Francisco Dream Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly-edited travelogue. This is the real deal. My chaotic, love-hate relationship with Dee Guest House in Bali. Here we go…
Dee's Dive: A Balinese Ballad (and Bummer)
Day 1: Arrival and (Initial) Bliss - AKA The Honeymoon Phase
- Morning (ish): Arrived at Denpasar Airport. Let's just say my internal clock was screaming. 4 AM wake-up calls are NOT my forte. Luckily, the Balinese immigration guy smiled, and that's all that mattered. Found a driver (arranged via Dee's, bless their hearts). He looked like he'd seen a few things. Which, in Bali, probably meant EVERYTHING.
- Afternoon: Dee Guest House. First impressions? Lush! Seriously, like a green jungle exploded on a small plot of land. The pool sparkled, the frangipani smelled divine, and my room (a "garden view" room, they claimed) was…well, let's call it “rustic charm.” AKA, the air conditioning wheezed like a chain smoker. But, whatever, I was in Bali! My mood? Euphoric. I even considered writing a haiku about it. (Never happened, the internet in the room gave out. Go figure.)
- Evening: Wandered into Ubud. That first evening was magic. The air was thick with incense, the gamelan music hummed in my soul, and I ate the most delicious nasi goreng I've ever tasted, practically inhaled it, and was utterly convinced I could live forever on that one meal. I swear, I almost cried. I found a small, family-run warung and just sat there, soaking it all in. Pure, unadulterated joy.
Day 2: The Bali Belly Tango
- Morning: Wake up. The AC? Still wheezing, but now, like it's mocking my state of consciousness. And my stomach? Let's just say my earlier nasi goreng glow-up didn’t last. I'm talking full-blown Bali Belly. I didn't realize how much I needed the perfectly sanitized life until this moment.
- Afternoon: Spent the afternoon in a fetal position, praying to the porcelain gods, and getting utterly acquainted with the worst of my bowels. The "garden view" room became the prison of my intestines. The only sound? The relentless, mocking wheeze of the air conditioning. I tried to call Dee's for help, but the phone didn't work. Cue panic mode.
- Evening: Finally, managed a weak, shaky trek to the warung across the road for some plain rice. The owner just gave me a knowing look, and with a head nod as if to say "welcome to Bali". I also noticed a sign in the warung that explicitly said "avoid the ice". Well, shit.
Day 3: Monkey Business and Mild Redemption
- Morning: Feeling…slightly less like death warmed over. Decided to be brave, and head out.
- Afternoon: The Ubud Monkey Forest. Epic, chaotic, hilarious. The monkeys are cheeky little blighters. One of them tried to steal my sunglasses (he nearly succeeded!), another one attempted to make off with my water bottle. I also saw a monkey couple doing the thing, a little awkward. And I'm not gonna lie. The whole experience was a massive sensory overload, in a good way.
- Evening: Back at Dee's. The AC? Still wheezing. But I ordered room service (a simple chicken and rice dish…again, safety first) and actually managed to enjoy it this time. The internet kind of worked, so at least I could watch a cat video, to distract from the noise.
Day 4: Temples, Traffic, and Tiny Treasures
- Morning: Decided to venture further afield. Hired a driver (Dee's arranged it this time. The driver turned out to be the same one from Day 1. He recognised me. At least there's some continuity!).
- Afternoon: Visited a couple of temples. Pura Tirta Empul was incredible. The water purification ceremony? Powerful. I felt a surge of optimism (I didn't fall over, in front of everyone.) The traffic on the way was hellish. Seriously, insane. Like, I thought I was going to die of road rage… and motion sickness. But the temples, and the water, were worth it.
- Evening: The internet was back up and running in my room. I watched a terrible romantic comedy. I needed the mindless escapism.
Day 5: The Waterfall and the Bitter Pill
- Morning: Tegunungan Waterfall. Stunning! The water felt like cool fingers on my skin. I attempted to take Instagram-worthy photos but kept tripping over myself. It was beautiful, but still wasn't in the mood to hike.
- Afternoon: Got a massage. It was incredible. Felt like all the tension I'd been carrying around (Bali Belly, dodgy AC, monkey theft attempt) melted away. The masseuse… she was a master. I actually considered moving in and hiring her.
- Evening: The bitter pill. I'm sad to leave tomorrow. The truth is, I've loved Bali. Despite the flaws. The heat, the illness, the terrible AC, the madness. But the people, the beauty, the feeling of something… it's all been worth it.
Day 6: Departure and a Promise
- Morning: Packing. The wheezing AC seems to have found a friend. It’s definitely playing a duet now.
- Afternoon: Last look at Dee's. I’ll miss that green jungle, and the beautiful, but slightly broken, little guest house. Goodbye to the monkeys, the nasi goreng, and the traffic chaos. Then I headed to the airport, ready to leave.
- Evening: Airport. My flight is delayed. Whatever. I'm leaving Bali with a heart full of memories, a slightly dodgy stomach, and a promise to return. And next time? I'm bringing earplugs, Pepto-Bismol, and a better sense of humor.
- Final Thoughts: Dee Guest House? It's rough around the edges. It's a bit chaotic. But it's also authentic, and for me, in Bali, that matters. This is not your polished Pinterest paradise. This is the real, messy, sometimes-frustrating, eternally-beautiful Bali. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bali Stay at Dee Guest House - FAQs (and My Ramblings!)
Okay, so you're thinking of ditching the dreary and escaping to Bali? Smart move. And Dee Guest House? Well, let's just say it's where my sanity *almost* got completely restored. (Emphasis on *almost*... Bali does have its way of… well, we'll get to that.) Here's the lowdown, peppered with my own chaotic experience (consider yourself warned!):
The Basics: What Even *Is* Dee Guest House?
Q: What *exactly* is Dee Guest House like? Give me the straight facts!
A: Alright, alright, trying to be objective here. Dee Guest House is essentially a collection of charming, Balinese-style bungalows, usually centered around a pool (that glorious shimmering blue beckons you!). They offer the usual: clean rooms (mostly!), mosquito nets (bless!), decent Wi-Fi (mostly!), and pretty reasonable prices. Think "rustic chic" more than "five-star luxury." Actually, "rustic chic" is putting it *very* kindly... more like "rustic, with a chance of surprise gecko in the shower." (More on that delightful encounter later.)
Q: Where is it located? Is it close to the action?
A: Location, location, location! Dee Guest House is usually in a pretty chill area, maybe a short scooter ride (or adventurous walk, if you're me and enjoy near-death experiences) from the beach and some of the main attractions. Expect some bustling streets to get to the peaceful oasis, but nothing too hectic. That said, "close" is always relative in Bali. One resort’s "short stroll" might be your "epic trek," especially if it's midday sun and you're sweating like a pig (guilty!).
The Room Shenanigans: Living the Dream (and Dealing with the Quirks)
Q: What are the rooms like? Spacious? Clean? A cockroach convention?
A: Okay, honesty time. The rooms are *generally* clean… assuming you don't look *too* closely. Don't go searching under the beds with a microscope, alright? They’re quite spacious enough, usually with a little porch or balcony, which is *key* for morning coffee (or, you know, hiding from the searing sun in the afternoon). Cockroach convention? Thankfully, no. Though… I did have a *memorable* encounter with a particularly bold gecko. Let's just say, shrieking ensued. And the walls? The usual Balinese thing: thin. You'll hear everything – the roosters, the construction, the neighbour's questionable karaoke choices at 3 AM (yes, really). Earplugs are your friend.
Q: Is there air conditioning? Because, sweating profusely is NOT my vibe.
A: Yes! *Generally*, there’s air conditioning. Thank. The. Gods. Because, seriously, Bali is hot and humid enough to melt your face off. Check the room details *before* booking, though. A fan alone is *not* going to cut it. Trust me on this. I almost died of heatstroke (and existential dread) once. Never again. It was a hot hellhole! The very idea of it still horrifies me. Always good to have a quick dip after stepping or arriving at your room.
Q: What about the bathroom? I'm a bit of a clean freak, sue me.
A: The bathrooms are... functional. Understand that they're often "open-air" or partially open-air, which means bugs and the odd lost lizard are frequent visitors. (See gecko incident, above). The water pressure is a crapshoot. Sometimes it's a gentle trickle; other times, it's like a fire hose. Stock up on hand sanitizer and embrace the "rustic" charm. Or, you know, bring your own bleach if you need to be extra.
The Pool, Paradise, and Potential Problems
Q: How's the pool? Is it Instagrammable?
A: The pool is usually the main draw, and YES, it’s usually Instagrammable! Sparkling blue, surrounded by lush greenery… perfect for lounging with a Bintang (local beer, highly recommended) or taking a quick dip to cool off from the blistering sun. However.... be wary of the relentless sun, it will get you! And take a towel, those darn chairs are always taken.
Q: Is Dee Guest House kid-friendly? Because I have a miniature human who demands constant entertainment.
A: Hmmm, "kid-friendly" is a relative term. Some Dee Guest Houses may have facilities and perhaps even a few toys, but don't be expecting a full-blown kids' club. If the guest house is quiet and relaxing, then you might be forced to leave your kid on the other side and let them explore. Best contact the Guest House directly. Otherwise, keep them close and be ready to step in... a lot.. Just the usual.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Tummy Trouble)
Q: Is breakfast included? And is it any good? (I'm a coffee snob.)
A: Breakfast *usually* is included, and it's *usually* basic. Think toast, eggs, maybe some fruit. Coffee? Well, Balinese coffee is… an experience. It's strong. Really strong. You'll either love it or hate it. I fall into the "kinda love it, kinda regret every decision" category. Best to keep your expectations low unless you want to wander off and hunt for some real java.
Q: What about lunch and dinner? Are there restaurants nearby?
A: Restaurants *everywhere!* Bali is a foodie paradise. You'll have everything at your doorstep from warungs (small, local eateries) to fancy restaurants. Try the local cuisine - nasi goreng, mie goreng, satay. Just be cautious of street food if your digestive system is sensitive... or not. I once spent two days in a bathroom after a dodgy chicken satay. The smell still haunts me. But, hey, the taste was worth it... at least for about 30 minutes. And the guest house will probably be able to supply you with recommendations - so, a win-win situation.
The Practical Stuff: Wi-Fi, Scooters, and Other Essentials
Q: How's the Wi-Fi? I need to post those Instagram photos, and maybe, you know, work.
A: Wi-Fi is… variable. Sometimes it’s lightning fast; other times, it's slower than a sloth on Valium. Be prepared to embrace the digital detox or have a backup plan (like tethering to your phone, which can drain its battery faster than you can say "Bali belly"). Just don't expect to stream Netflix in HD with the world. You're in Bali, dammit! Enjoy it! Be free! Go explore the world, not the internet.
Q: Can I rent a scooter? And *should* I? (I can barely ride a bicycle...)
A: Yes, you can almost certainly rent a scooter. *Should* you? That's entirely up to you. Riding a scooter is a quintessential Bali experience… and a potentially terrifying one. Traffic is chaotic. Roads are bumpy. Drivers are… enthusiastic, to put it mildly. If you're even slightly hesitant, take a taxi or hire a driver. Your life (and your travel insurance premium) will thank you. Seriously, the near-death misses I witnessed... or, ahem, sometimes participated in. Let's just say road rash is a thing.
Q: What should I pack? Besides the obvious (swimsuit, sunscreen, etc.)
A: Pack light! You'll be tempted to buy things there. Also bring: * Bug spray: Essential. Mosquitoes are relentless. * After-sun lotion: Trust me, you *will* get burned. * Adapter: For your electronics (duh). * Earplugs: For the aforementioned roosters andHotel Hop Now
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