Goa's Paradise Found: Lushy Days Palm Resort Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the supposed paradise of Goa's "Paradise Found: Lushy Days Palm Resort Awaits!" and, honey, let me tell you, the reality might be a little… different from the brochure. I'll be your utterly honest, sometimes snarky, and entirely subjective guide. This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog post; this is the real deal. Get ready, because we're going to get messy.
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The Initial Impression (Accessibility & Getting There - the early struggles)
Alright, so "Paradise Found"… the name alone sets a pretty high bar, doesn't it? Immediately, I’m thinking white sands, crystal-clear water, the whole shebang. But first, the getting there saga! Landing in Goa is a treat – the air smells exotic, the heat hits you like a warm blanket… and then the chaos of the airport hits. Thankfully, they claim to have airport transfers (important for accessibility). Did the driver actually show up? After a bit of back-and-forth, with a slightly frazzled look, we were in. The resort itself claims to be accessible. They mention "Facilities for disabled guests," which is a good start, but let's be real, that can mean anything from a glorified ramp to a genuine commitment. We'll see. The drive in? Mostly fine, the roads in Goa are… well, they're Goan roads. Let's just say, the phrase "bumpy ride" is an understatement.
Check-in & First Impressions - The Little Things (and the not-so-little ones)
- Check-in/out [express], Contactless check-in/out: Good signs in the Covid era. Though, honestly, nothing I experienced felt overly "express".
- Front desk [24-hour], Doorman, Concierge: Yep, all present. The staff, in general, were sweet, incredibly eager to please, possibly too eager (almost to the point of hovering). Still, polite folks are always a plus.
- Elevator: Thankfully present and, from what I could tell (though I wasn't in a wheelchair, I was trying to assess), seemingly accessible.
- Invoice provided, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Standard stuff, useful.
- Luggage storage: Yup, had that too.
The lobby itself? Clean-ish. A little… dated, perhaps? Not exactly the "lush" aesthetic I was expecting. The welcome drink (a slightly sickly-sweet concoction) didn't particularly lift my spirits. The overall atmosphere feels… functional. Safe, but not necessarily sensational.
(Accessibility Deep Dive: The Reality Check)
Okay, let's get real about the accessibility claims. "Facilities for disabled guests" is vague. Here’s what I noticed, observing as critically as I could:
- Ramps: Present, but maybe a little uneven. Definitely check the gradients if you rely on a wheelchair.
- Elevators: Seemed okay, but always double-check the buttons are at the correct height.
- Bathrooms: I saw some rooms with wider doors and roll-in showers advertised, and that's a great start. But verify before booking!
- Restaurant Access: This is where things get a little… dicey. Some areas seemed accessible, others… not so much. Narrow paths, and tables rather close together.
- Pool Access: The pool looked accessible (I think they had a ramp, I can't 100% confirm).
The Room - A Mixed Bag of Practicalities and Quirks
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens… - The Basics were there. And that's good, the amenities are really good.
- Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, Closet: These are pretty non-negotiable in Goa. I appreciated the blackout curtains, because hey, sleep!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for me, and it was there. Praise be.
- Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free], Internet access – LAN: Worked. Mostly. The Wi-Fi at times was… patchy. I’m talking buffering YouTube videos at 3 AM kind of patchy.
- Mini bar: Standard issue, though a little pricey.
- Room decorations: Minimalist. Very, very minimalist. A bit… sterile?
- Safety/security feature, Safety/security feature, Smoke detector: Felt safe, which is always nice.
The Food & Drink - Oh, the Food! (and the occasional disappointment)
- Restaurants, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar, Bar, Room service (24-hour), Breakfast service, Breakfast [buffet], A la carte in restaurant… The options were there.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement: Variety is the spice of life, right? They offered it.
- Bottle of water: Always a good thing.
- Happy hour: Always a great thing.
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: Standard.
The buffet breakfast? Let's be honest, it was a bit generic. The "international cuisine" was, well, let's just say it needed a bit more oomph. I had some good dal makhani one night (yay!), and a truly awful burger another (boo!). The poolside bar was convenient, if not particularly inspiring. The coffee was… well, it was coffee. The lack of a decent, strong espresso actually really got to me. A small annoyance, sure, but a testament to the fact that even in paradise, small things can cause a little bit of unhappiness.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax - The "Lushy Days" Promise… Mostly Delivered?
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: The pool was actually nice. Clean, a decent size. The "view" was… fine. Not jaw-dropping, but pleasant enough.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap… The spa was pretty. Did I get a massage? Yes. Was it the best massage of my life? No. (That honor belongs to a tiny, nameless spa in Bangkok!). But it was relaxing, and hey, that's the point, right?
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I saw a gym! Looked… functional. I didn’t use it. Let’s just say “beach bum” and “fitness fanatic” are not exactly synonymous.
Cleanliness & Safety – Navigating the COVID Era
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, 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, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment…
- They tried. They really tried. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Masks were mandatory in indoor spaces. You could tell they were trying to make people feel safe.
For the Kids & Families
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: It appeared family-friendly. I saw kids, they seemed happy? (Anecdotal, I know!). The kids' menu was a standard affair, which probably pleases some kids and makes others weep.
Getting Around - You're On Your Own, Pal
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking…
- Free parking is always a win. But exploring the area? You'll likely need a taxi or to rent a scooter (if you’re brave and/or have good insurance).
The Verdict – Is "Paradise" Found?
Look, "Paradise Found: Lushy Days Palm Resort Awaits!" is… not exactly paradise,
Escape to Paradise: Your Four-Season Jeju Pension Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's perfectly-planned itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, possibly-slightly-hungover truth about my "relaxing" getaway to Lushy Days Palm Resort in Goa. Prepare for chaos.
Lushy Days Goa: My Attempt at Paradise (and the inevitable screw-ups)
Day 1: Arrival & Instant Regret (Just Kidding…Mostly)
- Morning (or, more accurately, Late Morning): Arrive in Goa. The airport? Hah! It’s a sweaty, chaotic ballet of luggage-wielding people and taxi drivers who smell like… well, let’s just say it's not the lavender fields of Provence. Found my pre-booked transfer (thank god for small mercies!), and the driver immediately tried to upcharge me. Negotiated him down, feeling like a total badass. I AM the queen of haggling.
- Afternoon: Hit the Lushy Days Palm Resort. Oh. My. God. Lush, indeed. Palm trees swaying, the scent of frangipani hanging thick in the air, a pool that actually sparkled… For a blissful five minutes, I thought, “This is it! This is the life!” Then I realized my luggage hadn't arrived yet. Cue the internal scream. Turns out, it's still "somewhere between Mumbai and here" according to the receptionist who sounded about as enthusiastic as a sloth at a marathon. Checked in, unpacked absolutely nothing, and promptly ordered a margarita. Priorities, people.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: That margarita? Delicious. Followed it with a second margarita. I also, against all good judgment, ordered spicy Goan fish curry for dinner. My stomach’s been doing a complex tango ever since! Spent the evening wandering the resort, feeling like a total tourist, but embracing it. The stars were incredible, though. Absolutely breathtaking. Even the incessant mosquito bites couldn’t ruin it.
- Quirky Observation: The resort cats are everywhere. And they're judging you. I swear one gave me side-eye for spilling some curry on my shirt.
- Emotional Reaction: Initially, pure joy. Then, abject panic when I realized I had nothing to wear but the travel outfit. Then, euphoric margarita-induced bliss. Then… spicy fish curry regret. It's a rollercoaster, folks.
Day 2: Beach, Bites, and Bad Decisions
- Morning: Woke up. Still no luggage. Started day with a dip in the pool and a desperate search for SPF 50. Spent an hour on the phone with the airline. They offered a pathetic, "We're sorry, but…" Sigh. I did manage to snag some breakfast; an omelet with way too much chili. My stomach's acting like my nemesis at this point.
- Mid-morning: Finally made it to the beach: Baga Beach. (Note: Baga Beach is "beautiful" in the way that Vegas is "glamorous," packed with people and vendors, but the ocean is gorgeous.) Spent what felt like 3 hours trying to get a beach chair. It has been a struggle to fight the temptation to be an extreme tourist and walk up to the beach with my own chair.
- Afternoon: More beach time. Body finally starting to relax, though I still feel self-conscious in my swimsuit. And the sun is STRONG. Did manage to find a shady corner. Ordered a plate of fried calamari from a beach shack. I'm pretty sure it was either the best or the worst I've ever eaten. It tasted like pure, salty, fried happiness.
- Evening: Went to a local restaurant that a waiter at the resort recommended. The food was incredible, the atmosphere was perfect… But the bill? Let's just say my budget might be getting a little tight. Had a conversation with a local about the area. I fell in love with the place!
- Messy Moment: Forgot to reapply sunscreen. Now resembling a lobster.
- More Opinionated Language: The beach vendors are relentless. Seriously, I was offered a massage approximately every three minutes. And the constant "Hello, beautiful!" is getting old.
Day 3: Finding My Zen (and Losing It Again)
- Morning: Finally my luggage arrived! It was a miracle, I tell you! The happiness was short-lived however. I had to rearrange my whole schedule
- Afternoon: The resort staff had planned a yoga session that I signed up for. I'm not a yoga person. My flexibility is… well, let's say nonexistent. But I figured, "When in Goa, right?" The yoga instructor was amazing. I actually found a moment of peace during the session.
- Evening: My husband had planned a romantic evening, but I was so tired. We ended up ordering in pizza and wine instead. I slept like a baby.
- Doubling Down: The best part of the day - and perhaps, the entire trip so far - was getting to talk to the locals. They are the friendliest people I have ever met. The way they share stories, their pride in their culture, and the way they welcome visitors to their land makes me want to come back over and over.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Despite the sun burn, and the stomach issues, I am finding my zen on this trip. I still feel a little bit like a fish out of water, but I want to embrace the experience and try to fit in.
Day 4: The Search for Paradise (and Possibly a Doctor)
- Morning: Woke up feeling… less than stellar. Turns out, that amazing calamari didn’t agree with me. (Or maybe it was the copious amounts of wine.) Spent the morning battling nausea and cursing my own adventurous stomach.
- Afternoon: Forced myself to venture out. I'm not going to let a tummy ache ruin my trip. Found a quiet, secluded beach (finally!). The sand was soft, the water crystal clear… felt like pure, unadulterated bliss for about an hour.
- Evening: Managed to get my hands on some ginger ale and rice. Still feeling a bit off, but determined to not miss out on the sunset. Went to the beach and watched the sky turn all sorts of amazing colors. The beauty of it just made all the trouble of the day.
- Rambling: Thinking about the fish. Should I feel guilty about eating something that clearly didn't agree with me?
- Opinionated Language: People who say, "Eat whatever you want on vacation!" clearly haven't dealt with Goan fish and my stomach. I'm here to tell you, plan your meals.
Day 5: Departure (and the Promise to Return…Eventually)
- Morning: Woke up. Surprisingly, feeling almost human again. Did a final, lingering walk through the resort, soaking it all in.
- Afternoon: Headed to the airport. The flight was delayed. Cue the eye-roll. But hey, at least I'm going home with some incredible memories (and a borderline-unhealthy love for spicy food).
- More Opinionated Language: I would return to Goa in a heartbeat. It's a place of beauty, chaos, and pure, unadulterated experiences.
- Emotional Reaction: As I looked out the window, I felt a sudden wave of sadness. I hated to leave. But. I was also ready to sleep in my own bed.
(The End… For Now)
So, there you have it. Lushy Days Palm Resort: A mixed bag of sun, sand, spice, and stomach woes. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just pack some Pepto-Bismol, embrace the chaos, and be prepared to lose your luggage. You won't regret it. Or maybe you will. Who knows? That's the beauty of it!
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Goa & Paradise Found: Lushy Days Palm Resort – The Messy Truth You Actually Need!
Okay, spill it! Is Lushy Days REALLY paradise, or just Instagram-filtered disappointment?
Alright, alright, settle in. Let's be clear: "paradise" is a loaded word. Lushy Days? It's got its moments, *definitely*. Like, when you first step onto the beach – pure "wow." The palms sway, the sand is… well, it’s sand, but the ocean breeze? Divine. I swear, I spent a whole afternoon just staring at the waves, letting my brain cells just... fizzle out. Glorious. But then, you notice the stray dog sniffing around (more on those later…), and the guy hawking sarongs is *relentless*. So, not *perfect* paradise, but… pretty darn close, most of the time. Expect some grit with your glam. Think of it as a slightly sandy, gloriously imperfect dream come true.
The rooms – are they actually… clean? Asking for a friend (who’s me).
Okay, okay, the room situation. Look, I'm a clean freak, okay? I legitimately pack Clorox wipes for *everything*. The rooms? Generally clean. Like, not hospital-grade sterile, more like "well-loved." There might be a tiny gecko friend on the ceiling (happened to me!), and the occasional sand grain that stubbornly refuses to leave. But the *beds*? Surprisingly comfy. Seriously, I slept like a freaking log. One night, after a particularly enthusiastic evening eating (and drinking) pretty much anything I could find, I think I actually drooled on the pillow. My bad, hotel staff! But hey, the sheets were clean. That's what matters. And the hot water? Usually reliable. Though one morning, for reasons unknown, it was tepid. But hey, you're in Goa! Embrace the slight imperfections. Consider it a character-building experience.
Food! Is it good, bad, or just… there? And what about the beach shacks?
The food... Ah, the food. The resort's restaurant, well, it's decent. Good breakfasts, nothing mind-blowing. But the *beach shacks*? That’s where it's at. Fish curries that will change your life (and your taste buds). Honestly, I ate so much fish curry, I think I briefly transformed into a mermaid. The Shack owners can be a bit pushy to get you to the table, But they know the right way to get you to sit down. And the fresh seafood? OMG. Order the grilled prawns. Just… do it. And the prices? Ridiculously cheap. Warning: you *will* become addicted to garlic naan. And maybe chai. Don't judge me. It was perfection. Pure, greasy, delicious perfection.
Beaches! Which ones should I hit up? And what's the vibe at the resort beach?
Okay, Goa beaches. SO MANY beaches. The resort beach is lovely, but it can get a bit… crowded. Especially during sunset, the crowds come out. And the vendors! The vendors are like a swarm of friendly bees. Friendly, but persistent. But the sand is soft. The sunsets are gorgeous (I almost cried one night - seriously). The other beaches? Palolem is beautiful, but touristy. Arambol has a cool, hippy vibe. But trust me on this: spend some time just *walking* the coast. You'll find secret coves, deserted stretches of sand, and maybe even a friendly stray dog (see below!).
The stray dog situation... what's the deal? Are they friendly? Or are they, you know, a hazard?
The dogs! Oh, the dogs. They're everywhere. Roaming the beaches, chilling by the restaurant, sunbathing better than I ever will. Most of them are friendly. I mean, I had a running pact with this one scruffy fella. He would join me at breakfast every morning. I nicknamed him "Salty." He'd patiently wait for me to drop a piece of toast. Bless his heart. They're a part of the charm, but… *handle food with care*. Don't leave snacks lying around. Don't be surprised if one joins you for a nap. I saw a dog sleeping on a sun lounger. It was hilarious. Bring some dog biscuits, just in case.
Nightlife! Is Lushy Days near the action? Or am I going to be stuck with just the sound of the waves?
Nightlife... it depends on what you're after. Lushy Days isn't *right* in the middle of the party. But that's a good thing, in my opinion. You can have your peace and quiet. But a quick taxi ride (bargain for the price!) and you're in the thick of it. Beach parties, clubs, live music... It's all there. Just remember to drink water (seriously) and be aware of your surroundings. And don't be afraid to dance like no one's watching. Because, let's be honest, they probably are.
Mosquitoes! Are they a plague? Should I pack a hazmat suit?
Mosquitoes. Ugh. They're... present. They're everywhere, man. Especially at dusk. And they have no respect for personal space. Pack ALL the repellent. The strongest stuff you can find. Seriously. I'm talking industrial-grade stuff. And then, pack some more. And maybe one of those electric mosquito swatters. You'll feel like a hero. I went through a bottle of bug spray in a week and still got bit. It's just part of the Goa experience. And a good excuse to stay indoors and read your book... with all the windows shut. And maybe run a fan. And pray.
What's the biggest "oops" moment you had at Lushy Days? And how did you deal with it?
Okay, so the biggest "oops" moment... Right, so one day, I was feeling particularly adventurous. I'd had a few too many Kingfishers (Goa’s amazing beer), and decided to rent a scooter. Now, I have *never* ridden a scooter before. Never. But I figured, "How hard can it be?". Famous last words, right? I managed to mostly avoid hitting anything (or anyone) until... the sand on the beach. Long story short, Let's just say I landed in a bush. I'm talking, face-first, scorpion-infested, bush. Thankfully no scorpions got me! . The locals found it hilarious (of course). I, on the other hand, spent the rest of the day picking sand out of my hair and nursing several minor cuts. Lesson learned: Stick to the flip-flops and the beach. And maybe the Kingfisher. Don't drive after. Hotel Radar Map
