Escape to Paradise: Chandlers Smiths Beach Villas Await in Margaret River
Escape to Paradise: Chandler's Smiths Beach Villas – My Margaret River Revelations (and a few gripes)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (perfectly brewed) tea on Chandler's Smiths Beach Villas in the glorious Margaret River region. This isn't your sanitized, PR-approved hotel review. This is real life, with all its glorious messiness, and trust me, the Smiths Beach Villas…they've got a bit of both.
First Impressions: Beach Bliss or Beach Blunder?
Let's be honest, the idea of escaping to Margaret River is enough to make your shoulders unclench. Think rolling vineyards, dramatic coastlines, and the promise of absolute tranquility. And Chandler's, with their whole "Escape to Paradise" schtick? Well, the location is undeniably fantastic. Right there on Smiths Beach, the sound of the waves is your constant companion. That part? Pure, unadulterated bliss.
Accessibility… Mostly a Win (with a "Could Do Better")
Okay, so I'm not a wheelchair user, but I always look for accessibility because, well, it's just the right thing to do. And Chandler's mostly gets it right. They list "Facilities for disabled guests" which is a good start, and the elevator's a welcome addition. But let's be real: the devil's in the details. Are the bathrooms truly accessible? Are there ramps everywhere? I'd love to have more concrete info on this because a little better detail on accessibility would save prospective guests a lot of guess work.
Cleanliness and Safety: Obsessiveness Achieved (and Appreciated!)
Look, in these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is everything. And Chandler's? They're practically wielding hazmat suits. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Room sanitization between stays" – They're on it. I even saw the cleaning staff, masked and gloved, practically glowing with disinfectant. I felt genuinely safe. And honestly, the "Individually-wrapped food options" and "Hand sanitizer" stations everywhere helped too. They are also committed to the health of guests with a "Doctor/nurse on call" and "First aid kit." The "Staff trained in safety protocol" gave me peace of mind. Bonus points for the "Cashless payment service" – because who carries cash anymore? They also removed "Shared stationery" which, honestly, good riddance.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the Senses (But with a Few Hiccups…)
Right, food. This is important. Chandler's offers a "Breakfast [buffet]," a "Restaurant," a "Poolside bar," and even "Room service [24-hour]." Sounds promising, right?
The buffet was decent. The “Western breakfast” was everything I expected, with all the usual suspects: bacon, eggs, pastries. The coffee, however, could be better. Let’s be honest, I was looking for that perfect flat white to complete my morning. I suppose, in a pinch, the "Coffee/tea in restaurant" would have to do.
Now, the "Poolside bar" was fantastic for lazy afternoons. Sinking into a lounge chair, cocktail in hand, watching the sun dip below the horizon…pure magic. The "Happy hour" was a welcome treat too!
I will say, I didn’t get a chance to visit the "Snack bar" because I was completely occupied by the beauty of the beach.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pamper Paradise (For the most part…)
Where do I even begin? Margaret River is a playground. But back to the villa. Chandler’s nails the relaxation vibe. They have a "Spa," a "Sauna," a "Steamroom," a "Gym/fitness," and even a "Massage." Now, I'm a sucker for a good spa day. The massage was pure bliss, erasing all the tension from that long drive. They have a "Body scrub" and "Body wrap," a "Foot bath" and a "Spa/sauna". Everything was good except one thing… It was crowded! Because of how popular this place is, you would have to try to book some of the spa features early in order to get it.
The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" looked inviting, although I'm more of an ocean kind of person. And that view! The "Pool with view" was actually something to write home about!
For the Kids: Family Paradise?
I didn't travel with kids, but Chandler’s clearly aims to please families. They have "Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly" vibes, and even "Kids meal." The fact that the are "Family friendly" definitely attracts families.
Rooms: Your Cozy Beachside Hideaway (Mostly!)
Okay, the rooms are where Chandler's really shines. We're talking "Air conditioning," "Blackout curtains" (crucial for those sunrise naps!), and a "Coffee/tea maker" for the morning ritual. The "Free Wi-Fi" was super fast (thank goodness!), and there's even "Internet access – wireless" and "Internet access – LAN," if you're into that (I just went for wireless!). They offer "Non-smoking" rooms and "Soundproof rooms", which is a double win in my book. Oh my goodness, I love that "Additional toilet" was available, as well as the "Separate shower/bathtub."
My room had a "Sofa," and a "Seating area." Having a "Refrigerator" was great to keep some drinks cold. I also loved all the "Extra long bed" features. I even got to use "Bathrobes" and "Slippers" after my spa day.
The "Balcony" was great to look at the sunset. I loved the "Mirror" and the "Desk" for work. The "Daily housekeeping," "Daily housekeeping" and "Wake-up service" really made getting ready for the day easy.
Service and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
Chandler’s offers a bunch of "Services and conveniences," like "Business facilities," "Concierge," and "Dry cleaning." The "Front desk [24-hour]" is a definite plus. They even have a "Gift/souvenir shop" for last-minute presents. Plus, they have "Parking" which is a blessing.
Getting Around Margaret River: Easy Peasy
Chandler's offers "Airport transfer," and "Taxi service". "Car park [free of charge]" and "Car park [on-site]" are great options too.
The Quirks and the Quibbles:
Alright, here's the real talk.
- The Inconsistent Wi-Fi: While the "Free Wi-Fi" generally worked (thank the heavens), it did cut out a couple of times. Minor annoyance, but hey, I need my Insta-stories!
- The Price Tag: Chandler's isn't cheap. But you're paying for the location, the views, and the overall experience. It's a splurge. Something to be aware of before you book.
- The "Atmosphere" (Sometimes): Look, this is a popular place. So sometimes, the vibe felt a little…busy. Like everyone was trying to get their perfect Instagram shot. Part of the Margaret River problem, not necessarily Chandler's fault, but something to be aware of. \ The Verdict: Worth It?
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES.
Despite a few minor hiccups, Chandler's Smiths Beach Villas delivers. The location is phenomenal, the rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, the staff is friendly, and the spa…well, that's just pure gold.
But Here's the Real Deal:
- Book early. Seriously. This place is hot.
- Consider the crowds. It's a popular spot, so be prepared to share the beach (and the spa!).
- Embrace the relaxation. That's what Margaret River is all about. Unplug, unwind, and soak it all in.
My Strong Recommendation:
Chandler's Smiths Beach Villas is a solid choice for anyone seeking a Margaret River escape. Its pros far outweigh its cons. It's a perfect place to create all those fun memories!
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Nonnee Phuket: Thailand's Hidden Paradise — Unveiled!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because THIS ain't your average glossy brochure itinerary. This is CHANDLERS SMITHS BEACH VILLAS, MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA – The Slightly-Less-Glamorous-But-Definitely-Real Version. Prepare for sand in the crevices, wine stains on your favourite shirt, and a whole lotta "OMG, I can't believe I did that!"
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Aussie Disorientation
10:00 AM (ish) Perth Airport – The Crucible: Landing in Perth. Let the chaos begin! First, the jetlag. God, I hate jetlag. It's like a tiny gremlin is constantly poking you with a hot stick. Second, the sheer distance! Australia… it's just vast. I swear, I spent half the flight dreaming of Tim Tams.
12:00 PM – Car Rental Debacles: The car. Ah, the car. Picture this: me, tired, slightly overwhelmed, trying to decipher Australian rental car jargon. I'm fairly certain I accidentally signed up for a lifetime supply of bumper stickers. And then, getting out of the airport… wrong side of the road. Cue the mild panic, hand gestures and the distinct feeling of, "Am I actually going to kill everyone before lunch?"
2:30 PM – The Scenic Route (aka "Are We There Yet?"): The drive to Margaret River. Beautiful countryside, yeah, yeah. Honestly, I was mostly focused on NOT crashing. And the radio? Country music. ALL. THE. DAMN. TIME. I swear, I've mastered the art of the Australian accent. At least, I think I have?
4:00 PM – Chandlers Smiths Beach Villas Bliss (and a Minor Panic Attack): Finally! The villas. They're gorgeous. Seriously, postcard-worthy. Immediately relieved. The ocean view is breathtaking. "Okay," I thought, "This is it. Paradise. Now, where’s the wine?" Oh, and the fridge… empty. Major oversight. Note to self: grocery shop. Tomorrow. Maybe.
6:00 PM – Beach Bonfire (and Accidental Incineration Attempt): The beach. Perfect. The sunset… unreal. We tried to build a bonfire. "Tried" being the operative word. Let's just say, my fire-starting "skills" are questionable. Luckily, some seasoned locals (bless their hearts) came to the rescue, and we ended up with a roaring success. And plenty of marshmallows, which subsequently got stuck to my face.
8:00 PM – Fish & Chips, Beachside with a Side of Seagull Assault: Dinner. Fish and chips, because, well, Australia. We ate them on the beach, which seemed like a good idea until the seagulls started to circle. They're relentless, those feathered fiends. I swear, one of them tried to steal my entire piece of cod. Also, the wind. It whipped my hair into a tangled mess. Cute.
Day 2: Wine, Waves, & Wonder (or Maybe Just Wine)
9:00 AM – The Grocery Shop & The Great Eggshell Incident: Grocery shopping. Got distracted by the sheer selection of breakfast cereals. And then, BAM! Dropped the eggs. Everywhere. The staff were very nice about it, given the sheer volume of yolk covering the floor. Lesson learned: embrace the chaos. And maybe buy pre-cracked eggs next time.
10:30 AM – Margaret River Wine Tour – The First Taste (and Several More): Wine tour. Because DUH. Seriously, Margaret River. It's wine country heaven. First stop: This gorgeous vineyard with a view. The wine? Divine. Maybe a little too divine. After a few tastings, the vineyards seemed to start spinning. I'm pretty sure I started talking to a kangaroo at one point. Or MAYBE it's the red wine talking?
1:00 PM – Lunch at a Winery (and Questionable Table Manners): Lunch at another winery. Food coma incoming. I'm not even going to mention the pasta stain on my shirt. Let's just say, my table manners are, let's say, "relaxed" after a few vinos.
3:00 PM – Surfing Lessons – The Humbling Experience: Surfing lessons. Oh, dear God. I consider myself a fairly coordinated person, but surfing… that's whole another level. More time spent underwater than on the board. The waves kept walloping me, with a complete disregard for my dignity. At least the instructor was cute. And the sunsets were magnificent.
6:00 PM – Dinner, A Local Pub, & My Attempt At Karaoke: Dinner. Casual. Local pub. A few glasses of wine. Karaoke? How did I end up on stage singing "Bohemian Rhapsody" at the top of my lungs? The world may never know. Let's just say, my voice cracks and there are no recordings. EVER.
Day 3: Caves & Caves (And Maybe Some Regret)
9:00 AM – The Mammoth Caves: Exploring. The caves. They're incredible. Giant, echoing spaces, with formations. It's a complete sensory overload. Definitely worth the claustrophobia.
12:00 PM – Lunch & A Quick Realisation: Lunch somewhere. A sandwich and a coffee. Suddenly feeling it. That regret. The karaoke. The surfing. The amount of wine. Oops.
2:00 PM – Exploring More Caves: Another cave. This time with much more awareness of my own limbs.
4:00 PM – Massage for the Ages: Massage. A welcome antidote to the aches and pains. I can highly recommend this for anyone!
6:00 PM – Dinner with a view. Again, possibly some wine. More possibly, a LOT of wine. Dinner. At a restaurant overlooking the ocean. Hoping for a calmer evening tonight. But something tells me, that's not going to happen.
Day 4: Farewell & The Promise of a Good Long Sleep
9:00 AM – Breakfast with the Birds (and a Touch of Regret): Breakfast on the balcony. Trying to be healthy. Failing. Too much deliciousness in this part of the world.
10:00 AM – Last-Minute Beach Walk & Goodbye to Paradiso: A final stroll on the beach. One last deep breath of the salty air. It's going to be hard leaving. The villas are fantastic. The people wonderful. The wine… well, the wine is definitely memorable.
11:00 AM – Pack, Pack, Pack: Packing. Or at least, attempting to pack. My suitcase is overflowing with sand, souvenirs, and a vague sense of impending doom (aka the return to reality).
12:00 PM – To Perth Again (and the Long Road Back): The drive back to Perth. More country music. More mild panic. More promises to come back.
14:00 PM - Departure From Perth
So, there you have it. My slightly messy, often hilarious, and utterly unforgettable adventure in Margaret River. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time? Maybe I'll pack a larger suitcase… and invest in some earplugs for the seagulls.
KLCC Luxury: J's Château Suite (2-4 Pax) - Unforgettable Velocity 2 Stay!
So, What *Exactly* Is This FAQ About? Like, Why Am I Even Here?
Alright, alright, settle down. This isn't some meticulously crafted, corporate-approved FAQ. This is… well, me, rambling about whatever pops into my head. The *general* topic, you ask? Good question! Let's just say we're tackling a bunch of stuff. Anything from the profound, life-altering experiences to the utterly mundane. Stuff that's, you know, *important* to me, right now. Or maybe not. Look, I'm still figuring it out, okay? Just breathe.
What Makes *Your* Opinion Valid, Anyway? (Says the Skeptic)
Valid? Oh honey, I got *zero* validity. I'm just a person, floating through the world making mistakes, learning from some of them, and pretending I'm still young enough to go skydiving... which I totally should not do but I secretly want to. So, take my opinions with a grain of salt, a whole damn salt shaker, or maybe even a mountain of Himalayan Pink. I’m just here to share my journey. And if you get something out of it, cool. If not, that's cool too. I'm not exactly looking for validation, though it wouldn't hurt I guess, if someone offered a pizza while doing it.
Right, Okay. Fine. So, What Are We *Really* Talking About? (Like, Give Me a Genre.)
Okay, fine. Genre... Hmm. Let's call it "Existential Angst with a Side of Pizza-Related Regrets." Or maybe "Things I've Learned (Mostly the Hard Way)." Or, how about "Adventures in Awkwardness." Look, it's a mixed bag. There might be some musings on relationships, career, that time I accidentally bought a ferret online (long story), and maybe a rant or two about something that really, *really* got under my skin. Did I mention pizza-related regrets?
What's the Deal With Ferrets?! You Just Dropped a Bomb There!
Oh, the ferret… Okay, okay. Deep breaths. This was a dark time. I was feeling lonely, browsing the internet at 3 AM after a particularly bad break-up. And… I saw a ferret. Little, fluffy, adorable… and available. Long story short, I adopted a ferret named Bartholomew. Bartholomew was... a character. He had a penchant for stealing socks and hiding them under the couch. He also… well, let’s just say ferret smell is a real thing. A strong thing. *Very* strong. I loved him dearly, but the whole experience taught me a *lot* about impulse buys and the importance of researching pet ownership *before* you click "buy." Never again. Unless… oh, no. Are there any cute puppies online?
Okay, Real Talk: Do You Even *Know* What You're Talking About?
Honestly? Sometimes. Frequently, no. But, you know what? I'm okay with that. Life's a journey, not a destination. And I'm just winging it, like everyone else. I'm figuring things out, making mistakes, learning as I go. It's a glorious, messy, beautiful disaster, isn’t it? And you know what else? Pizza. Always a good idea. I should order some.
Let's Get Serious. What's Been Your Biggest Regret? (Prepare for Deep Thoughts!)
Alright, hold on to your hats, people. This one… stings a little. Biggest regret? Probably not taking that pottery class in college. Seriously. I always wanted to learn to sculpt, create something tangible with my hands. Thought it was too "unpractical" back then. Focus on that lucrative pre-law major, they said. Now, years later, I'm stuck in a cubicle, dreaming of clay and feeling the slow burn of "what if?" It's a reminder that life is short, and sometimes, you gotta do the weird, impractical, clay-covered stuff. Don't be a me, folks. Take the pottery class. Please. For me.
What's the Best Advice You've Ever Gotten?
This one's tricky. There have been so many. But the one that always pops into my head is something my grandmother used to say. She'd sit there, knitting, her grey bun impeccably in place, and she’d tell me, "Honey, don't take yourself so seriously. Laugh a little. Even when things fall apart, there's always something to smile about." Seriously. Sometimes people need to hear that and it did help me in so many moments. Not that I am capable of implementing it all the time. But I keep trying.
What Makes You Laugh?
Oh, man. So many things. Bad puns. Dogs wearing hats. People tripping (as long as they're okay!). My own clumsiness. But honestly, the best laugh comes from those moments of pure, unadulterated absurdity. The times when life just throws you a curveball so ridiculous, so unexpected, that all you can do is throw your head back and cackle. Those are the good times. Did I mention pizza? The thought of getting pizza later makes me laugh.
What scares you?
Clowns. Not the creepy circus kind. Just... clowns. They're unnatural. Those smiles. Those eyes... No. Just no. Also, the deep unknown nature of existence. Death, of course, is pretty high up there. And also, the idea of running out of coffee. The end.
Pizza?
Yes. Yes, pizza. Always. Pepperoni, mushroom, pineapple (don't judge!), the works. Pizza is life. Pizza is love. I feel a sudden and overwhelming need to order pizza. Okay, brb.
