Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Luxury at Royal Corin Spa, Costa Rica
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into a review of this hotel, and I’m not holding back. I'm going to paint you a picture, warts and all, so you can decide if this stay is your cup of tea (which, spoiler alert, you can probably get in your room, because free Wi-Fi!).
Hotel Review: An Honest Take (With Stray Thoughts & Ramblings)
Right, let's get this show on the road. We'll go category by category, because, well, that's what I do. But don't expect a sterile, corporate review. This is gonna be messy, like a good bowl of ramen after a long day.
Accessibility: Where's the Ramp, Dude?
This is HUGE for me. I’m an accessibility advocate at heart. So, let's start with the basics. Does this place actually accommodate everyone?
- Wheelchair Accessible: Gotta know, and I'm hunting for details on specifics. Are there ramps? Wide doorways? Accessible bathrooms?
- Facilities for disabled guests: This needs specific details. Are there grab bars in the bathrooms? Accessible seating in the restaurants? We need specifics!
- Elevator: Essential for multi-story hotels, obviously.
Accessibility is seriously something they NEED to get right. Hopefully, they did.
Restaurants, Lounges, and Getting Your Grub On (and Drinks!)
This is personal. Food is life, right? And when you're on vacation, it's especially life.
- On-site accessible restaurants/lounges: See above – accessibility matters everywhere.
- Restaurants, Poolside bar, Bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar: Okay, a decent spread. But what's the vibe? Are they lively? Do they have good cocktails? Is the coffee worth waking up for? (Seriously, this is crucial for me.)
- Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast [buffet] in room, Breakfast takeaway service, A la carte in restaurant: Buffet? Good! Takeaway? Excellent! Options are key.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Vegetarian options? Vegan options? Gluten-free? Catering to dietary needs is NOT optional in 2024.
- Happy hour: Always a plus. Especially if the cocktails are strong and the atmosphere is convivial.
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver. Especially after a long flight when you just want to collapse in the comfort of your room.
- Desserts in restaurant: The most important part, obviously.
Internet: Because We Live Online
In this day and age, internet is up there with oxygen, right?
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES! A must-have. No surprise charges, no fussy logins. Love it.
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: Variety is the spice of life, but the free Wi-Fi in the rooms is what really matters.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax, and Pamper Yourself
Okay, let's get to the fun stuff. This is where the hotel sells itself.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage: Sigh. Pure bliss. I’m hoping the spa isn't just a glorified waiting room with a massage table. I want atmosphere! Ambiance! I want to leave feeling like a whole new (slightly less stressed) person.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Crucial for a relaxing getaway. The view is a huge bonus—looking out at a stunning view is pure magic.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Okay, I should use this. But, let's be honest, on vacation, the gym is usually a place I intend to go, but don't. But it's good to have!
- Things to do: What are the options? Are excursions offered? Are there nearby attractions?
Cleanliness and Safety: Because Germs are the Worst
Let's get real: nobody wants to get sick on vacation.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, 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, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: These are all good signs in our current climate. I want to see visible precautions and feel safe.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient, but I would like the option to use cash.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Reassuring details.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Basic and expected.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Paradise (or Not)
Let's zoom in on the food experiences. Beyond the basic access, do the restaurants deliver?
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: The variety is pleasing to one’s eyes
- Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant: Small things like this matter especially if you haven't had your coffee for the day.
- Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: A healthy balance of choices.
- Buffet in restaurant: Do they have the good stuff?
- Happy hour: See the above comments on food and drink.
- A la carte in restaurant: This can be a mark of a high-quality restaurant.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
These are the extras that make a stay truly comfortable.
- Air conditioning in public area, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Non-smoking rooms, Smoking area, Terrace: Standard stuff, but all essential.
- Concierge, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, Safe deposit boxes,: These services make life easier. A good concierge is a treasure.
- Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store: Convenient, but don't replace the personal touch.
- Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop: Nice extras.
- Invoice provided: Makes things easier when expensing.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: All for those who are traveling for business.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Convenience for those with vehicles.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun?
Important if you're traveling with little ones (or if, like me, you just appreciate a place that accommodates everyone).
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Good signs they're catering to families.
Access, Safety, and Security: Peace of Mind
Feeling safe and secure is non-negotiable.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: These are all good to have.
- Access: Make sure its easy to get around.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location
How easy is it to explore the area?
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Taxi service: Essential for traveling.
- Getting around: Walking distance to everything?
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty
Now let’s get into the fine details:
- Additional toilet: Always great with families, or even just with a few friends.
- Air conditioning: This is essential, in my opinion.
- **Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, 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, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service,
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my chaotic adventure at The Royal Corin, a place I'm pretty sure promised me blissful peace and instead delivered a glorious, volcanic-steam-infused existential crisis. Here's the messy truth, in no particular order, with a healthy dose of “OMG, I can’t even” thrown in for good measure:
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Towel Debacle (aka, I'm Already Sweating)
- Flight Woes: Landing in Liberia was a comedy of errors. My luggage, bless its cotton socks, decided exploring the depths of the plane's cargo hold was more appealing than joining me. Seriously, where IS my floral-print sarong? I'm already roasting, and this is not the vibe.
- The Shuttle Shuffle: The resort shuttle? Fantastic! Unless, you know, they don't tell you it's a two-hour scenic tour that takes you past every single cow pasture in Costa Rica. I'm pretty sure I saw a cow wink at me.
- Check-In Chaos: Okay, the lobby… gorgeous! The staff… lovely! Until they informed me my room wasn't ready. Fine, I’ll just wait. But where do I WAIT? The pool? Yes, please.
- The Towel Tragedy: My first foray into poolside relaxation went sideways. No towels. None. Zero. Nilch. Apparently, a towel shortage is a thing. This would be the start of my lifelong resentment of the resort’s towel economy.
- The Hot Springs (Briefly): Finally, room ready, and straight into the springs. Initial reaction: “Woah.” So pretty! So many pools! Then… I got a mosquito bite. Three of them. I swear, those tiny bloodsuckers have a vendetta against me. I retreated to my room to lick my wounds (figuratively, of course… I’m not THAT wild).
- Dinner Debacle: Dinner at the hotel restaurant was…fine. The food was good, but the service was… let’s just say they were running on Costa Rican time. (Which, as I’ve learned, is a different dimension entirely). My steak arrived about an hour and a half after I ordered it, which gave me ample time to contemplate the meaning of life.
Day 2: Volcanic Views & Deep Water Immersion (AKA, I Found My Happy Place… Then Briefly Lost It)
- Sunrise Serenity (Mostly): Woke up early, determined to catch a sunrise over the volcano. Success! Except a rogue cloud kept photobombing my perfect Insta shot. The volcano peeked through the clouds, and it was stunning. I almost cried. Almost.
- Breakfast Bonanza: The breakfast buffet was a treasure trove of tropical fruits. I ate so much papaya, I felt like I was glowing from the inside.
- The Thermal Waters, Part Two: The Immersion: This is where things got REAL. I'm talking, deep, slow breaths, drifting in the hot springs, staring at the volcano. The water…oh, the water. It's like being gently hugged by a cloud of warm, earthy magic. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I almost felt like I’d understand the meaning of life.
- Spa Surprise Okay, so, the spa session? Amazing. A volcano-mud body wrap? Incredible. I swear, my skin has never felt so soft. I’m going to be chasing this feeling for the rest of my life, mark my words.
- A Wild Goose Chase: I got overconfident and attempted to explore the resort grounds. I got lost. Utterly, hopelessly, geographically challenged. I ended up wandering through a flower garden for nearly an hour. It was…pretty. But I was also starving.
- Sunset and Sighs… Again: Second night, second sunset. Volcano views, drinks in hand. I swear, all the stress just melted away. Maybe I was finding peace. Maybe this whole "adults-only" thing was working.
Day 3: Departure & the Final Farewell (aka "Do I Really Have To Leave?")
- The Bitterest Breakfast: Another papaya feast. I considered smuggling a whole one back home.
- The Final Swim: One last dip in those glorious hot springs. I held onto those precious minutes like they were gold.
- The Towel (Miracle): Some lovely people must have heard my plight, because a towel magically appeared! I’m pretty sure I’ll frame it.
- Check-Out Chaos, Part Two: My luggage, bless its cotton socks, finally arrived! I was elated! Now I'm ready.
- Departure…and Deeper Reflections: The shuttle ride back to the airport? Another scenic tour, naturally. I found myself watching the landscape and feeling…a bit melancholy. I’d actually found some peace, some joy, in this messy, imperfect, mosquito-bitten adventure. The Royal Corin? Okay, it wasn’t perfect. But it was memorable. And I'd highly recommend it.
- Post-Trip Rambles: I’m still searching for the perfect floral-print sarong, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be haunted by the volcano’s majesty for the rest of my days. Worth it.
Final Verdict: The Royal Corin? Absolutely worth it. Even with the towel drama, the mosquitos, the logistical snafus. The hot springs alone…the spa…the views…the emotional roller coaster… It was an adventure, in every sense of the word. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just bring your own towel, and maybe some mosquito repellent. And get ready to feel something.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to look into the meaning of life again… and maybe book my next vacation.
Muslim-Friendly Paradise: Serendah Ammara Bungalow Awaits in Kuala Kubu Bharu!
So, like, what *is* this thing anyway? (Let's say, Sourdough Bread Baking. My current obsession.)
Alright, alright, alright. Sourdough. The bread, the *obsession*, the bane of my Sunday mornings. Basically, it's bread made with a "starter." Think of it as a tiny, bubbling civilization of wild yeast and bacteria that you cultivate in a jar. It's a commitment, like a needy pet you can't leave alone for more than a day or two. And the payoff? A loaf of bread that's got a tangy, chewy crust and a heart that's just... *chef's kiss*. When it's good. Which, let's be honest, is about 30% of the time for me. The other 70%? Well, we'll get to that. Prepare for frustration.
Okay, so how do I *start* (see what I did there?) Like, literally, how do I, you know, *start*?
Ah, the beginning. The hope. The naiveté... Okay, I'll give you the basics. You need: flour (unbleached, people!), water (filtered, if you want to be fancy), a jar (glass, with a lid that's not *completely* airtight), and patience. Loads and loads of patience. You mix equal parts flour and water in the jar. Let it sit. Feed it again. Repeat. For DAYS. Literally, you're basically growing a pet swamp thing in your kitchen. I swear, the first week I thought it was just... dead. Nothing happening. And then… *bubble, bubble*. It comes alive. It smells vaguely yeasty, maybe a little bit like cheese that's gone off. Embrace it. It's life… well, maybe not *life*…
Feeding? Oh god, the *feeding*. How often and with what? I feel like a slave to carbs and bacteria!
Exactly! You *are* a slave to carbohydrates and bacteria. But in a good way! You *generally* feed your starter once a day, maybe twice if it's super active or you live in a ridiculously warm climate. (Me? I live in a perpetually chilly apartment. So, once a day it is.) You "discard" (throw away!) most of it – which feels *wrong* and wasteful at first, like you’re murdering a tiny, glutenous child – and then you add equal parts flour and water. Like, 1:1:1, starter, flour, water. There are a million online guides about *exactly* how much to feed and discard. I’ve experimented a lot. I end up just going with the flow, and sometimes that results in a starter that smells like dirty socks. But hey, it's all part of the charm, right? (Spoiler alert: no.)
Okay, so you’ve got this… *thing*. When does it get to the bread-making part? I want bread! Now!
Patience, grasshopper! (Seriously, though, I get it.) Once your starter is "ripe," meaning it's doubled in size, bubbly, and smells… well, not *terrible*… then you can use it to bake. The timing of this *thing* varies wildly. It can take anywhere from a week to a month before it’s good. I remember my first loaf. I over-kneaded it, let it proof for too long, and ended up with something so dense it could probably stop a speeding bullet. It was… a learning experience. A deeply humbling, flour-covered experience. And I cried. A little. Don't judge me.
What about the actual *baking*? Is it as terrifying as I imagine?
Yes. Yes, it is. I spent the first year wondering if I had a hidden dough allergy. The baking process involves mixing your starter with flour, water, and salt. Then, you get to the fun part: kneading! (Cue the arm cramps.) And then, the *proof*. (Proofing is basically letting the dough rise.) This is where a lot of things go sideways. Too warm? Too cold? Too long? Too short? *Forget it*. Then you shape your dough. My first attempts looked like… well, like things that had rolled off the bottom of a conveyor belt. Finally, the baking. Ideally, in a Dutch oven. (Another purchase I made. Another expense. Is this worth it? Absolutely not.) It's hot. It's steamy. And when it's good, magic happens! When it's bad… well, you might get a hockey puck. Or something even worse.
Help! My bread is… (insert baking problem here. Let's say, "flat as a pancake!") What's going wrong?!
Ah, yes. The flat bread. Been there, done that, got the deflated t-shirt. Flat bread can be caused by a million things. Let's start with not enough starter. Is it bubbly and energetic? Is your starter just…meh? Was the issue the water temperature? Was it the temperature of the room? Did you under-proof it? Did you over-proof it? Did you… DID YOU FORGET TO ADD THE SALT AGAIN?! (I may or may not have done this. More than once. Bread without salt? It tastes like… well, cardboard mixed with sadness.) Honestly, I’m still figuring out the exact science of it all. It’s trial and error. A LOT of error. Think of each flat loaf as a learning experience. Or, you know, a potential hockey puck. The choice is yours.
My loaves look… not so good. And I'm frustrated. Is it worth it?
The question of the century. Is sourdough baking worth it? Sometimes, YES. Sometimes, NO. And sometimes, I want to chuck the whole thing in the trash and eat a store-bought baguette. It can be incredibly rewarding. That first bite of a perfectly crusty, tangy loaf you made yourself? Glorious. Pure, unadulterated joy. But the amount of time I spent, the mess I made, the countless YouTube tutorials I watched (and STILL got it wrong!) there are days I just want some food. So yeah… sometimes, the struggle is real. But then you pull out a loaf that's *finally* good. And that… that makes it worthwhile. You'll have to find your own definition of what "worthwhile" means. For me, it's usually related to the amount of cheese I can pile on top.Sleep Stop Guide
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only La Fortuna Costa Rica
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only La Fortuna Costa Rica
