Jeju Island Getaway: Hannah's Exclusive Retreat for Women
Jeju Island Getaway: Hannah's Exclusive Retreat for Women - A Review (and a Plea to Get Me Back!)
Okay, so picture this: you, stressed, frazzled, probably wearing yoga pants that have seen better days. You need a break. A real break. And I'm here to tell you, after my experience, Jeju Island Getaway: Hannah's Exclusive Retreat for Women might just be the answer to your prayers (and your perpetually aching shoulders). Let's get into it, imperfections and all, because let's be honest, real life isn't perfect, and neither are my reviews.
Accessibility:
Right, so here's a confession: I’m not actually requiring facilities for disabled guests, but I do have a friend who is, and I always keep it in mind. The website hints at it, with a mention of 'facilities for disabled guests'. I'd need to delve deeper – perhaps the elevators were wide enough? The doorways? This needs a little more research, but I’m hoping they're doing a better job than some places I've been! So, a note to myself and maybe a quick call to the hotel is required to get 100% confirmed!
On-Site Restaurants & Lounges: The Food, the Fluff, and the Fiasco of the Kimchi Pancake Attempt
Okay, let's talk food. Because, let's face it, if you're anything like me, a good meal can make or break a vacation. Jeju Island Getaway has multiple options, which is a huge win. Options include:
- Restaurants: Yep, plural. A la carte, buffets, Asian, International, Vegetarian options; you name it, they probably have something.
- Coffee Shop/Snack Bar: Essential. Caffeine is a lifeblood, people. And a quick snack is perfect for those moments when you're not quite ready for a full meal.
- Poolside Bar: OH. MY. GOD. This is where things get interesting. Imagine: sunshine, a cocktail with a tiny umbrella, and a view of the pool. Pure bliss.
- Room Service (24-hour): Absolute luxury. I may or may not have ordered breakfast at 2 AM one night. Don’t judge.
My Personal Food Journey (Dramatic Pause)
So, remember that kimchi pancake I mentioned? Yeah, the one I attempted to make in my room using the complimentary tea and the slightly questionable instant noodles? (Don’t ask.) The hotel did have a proper, legit Asian restaurant. Like, the food was divine. The noodles were a masterpiece. And the kimchi, well, it tasted worlds better than my pancake experiment.
The Western breakfast was seriously good. I was expecting your usual boring hotel fare, but it was great, with fresh fruit (important), and crispy bacon.
And the happy hour? Let's just say I made some very happy friends.
Cleanliness & Safety: Bubble Wrap for the Soul
Okay, you guys. In these times, CLEANLINESS is everything. Jeju Island Getaway gets it. They take this very seriously. I'm talking:
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products: Check.
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: Check.
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: HUGE check.
- Individually-Wrapped Food Options: Comforting, right? Like, you can actually relax and enjoy your meal instead of worrying about germs.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: It showed. Everyone was wearing masks, and they were clearly adhering to distancing. They even have that 'hygiene certification.'
I felt safe. Truly, genuinely safe. It's a huge, HUGE weight lifted off your shoulders.
Spa, Sauna, and Sanity: An Ode to the Pool with a View
Right, the real reason we come to places like this: relaxation. And oh boy, does Hannah's retreat deliver.
Swimming Pool (Outdoor): Now, this is where the magic truly happens. Picture this: a pool. A stunning view. Sunshine. The gentle murmur of conversation. And no kids. Heaven. I spent hours here, bobbing around, letting the water wash away all the stress. I’m not even a pool person, but the pool here was transformative.
Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: The spa was an experience. It was divine. I'm pretty sure I spent at least three hours in there.
Body Scrubs and Wraps: Yes to all of it. My skin felt like a baby's butt for days afterward.
Fitness Center: Okay, full disclosure: I visited it once. (Mostly to take pictures for this review…shhh.) It looked well-equipped, though. Okay, I admit I spent more time swimming in the pool.
Rooms and Relaxation: My Personal Oasis
The rooms are pure bliss. I'm not even joking.
- Air Conditioning: Obviously. But in Korea, where the weather can be a bit extra, it was an absolute necessity!
- Blackout Curtains: Crucial for sleeping in and avoiding the early morning sun.
- Bathtub: My bathtub has been replaced by a shower stall. You do not understand the power of a long soak in a proper bath until you don't have one.
- Free Wi-Fi: Absolutely essential for sharing those gorgeous pictures (and, you know, staying connected.)
- Bathrobes and Slippers: Essential Comfort.
- Desk and Laptop Workspace: A good size.
- The Bedding: Oh god, the linen, the pillows, I'm telling you, it was like sleeping on a cloud!
Important extras:
- Balcony: It wasn't the biggest, but it was private – and I could watch the sunrise with my coffee. Pure magic.
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Morning coffee, or tea with a view, in my own room? Yes, please!
- The Bed: It was SO COMFORTABLE. Like, I'm seriously considering buying the same mattress.
Things to Do: Beyond the Bliss
Alright, so you're relaxed, pampered, and feeling like a queen (or you will be). What else is there?
- Shops: There is always a souvenir shop for a memento, in case you missed it.
- Nearby: Jeju is an adventure, and they can definitely help you find a day trip.
Services and Conveniences: Little Touches, Big Difference
The hotel had all the usual suspects (Daily Housekeeping, Luggage Storage, Concierge). But there were a few things that really stood out:
- Doorman: A little extra help with luggage and a smile.
- Daily Housekeeping: Impeccable. My room was sparkling every day. The staff were lovely, too.
- Laundry Service: Much needed after the, ahem, kimchi pancake incident.
- Cash withdrawal/Currency Exchange: Convenient.
- Free Car Parking: Huge!
The Downsides (Because Life Isn't Perfect):
- Pets? I didn't see any pets, so I guess they're not allowed? It's a female retreat, so probably a good idea.
- I had to leave. The hardest part of the stay, by far.
Getting Around:
- Airport Transfer Airport transfer was smooth: the airport is close and easy access.
- Car park [free of charge/on-site] Easy access to the hotel and free car parking.
- Taxi service Available and quickly accessable.
In Conclusion (And a Plea):
Jeju Island Getaway: Hannah's Exclusive Retreat for Women is truly a special place. It’s not just a hotel; it's a sanctuary. It's a place to escape, recharge, and feel utterly pampered. It's where you realize that you can leave the stress behind.
To Hannah and her team: Thank you. Thank you for creating a space where women can truly relax and be themselves.
To anyone reading this: If you're looking for a getaway, and you need a break, book this. You will not regret it.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to check flight prices… I need to go back!
Bali's BEST Private Villa: 2BR Ocean Oasis in Bukit Ungasan!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a Jeju adventure at Hannah Stay, female-only style! This isn't your perfectly Instagrammed itinerary; this is the messy, glorious, and utterly real version. Prepare for emotional rollercoaster, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta kimchi.
Hannah Stay & Jeju Island: My Chaotic, Wonderful Escape
Day 1: Arrival & Total Jet Lagged Meltdown (aka, the Welcome Wagon)
- Morning (6:00 AM): Wake up, bleary-eyed after a red-eye from… well, forget where I started, my brain is still in transatlantic mode. Arrive at Jeju International Airport. Holy cow, it's beautiful! Lush greenery, volcanic rock… I'm instantly filled with a feeling like, "This is it, I'm free! I can reinvent myself!" (That quickly turns into, "I need a nap.")
- Morning (7:30 AM): Taxi to Hannah Stay. (Pro Tip: Learn a few phrases in Korean before you go, otherwise, you're pointing and grunting a LOT). The driver… well, let's just say he drove like he was auditioning for a Fast & Furious movie. Heart rate: Elevated.
- Mid-Morning (8:30 AM): Finally, Hannah Stay! The lobby is cute, like, really cute - minimalist, calming, and smells faintly of… jasmine? I check in, and the owner, (I think her name was Soyeon? Sorry, jet lag!) gives me the rundown. Lovely woman, incredibly patient, though my glazed expression probably had her questioning my sanity. "Free breakfast is served… and the laundry room is around the corner". I'm already in love. Especially when she mentioned it's specifically for women travelers. Hello, peace of mind!
- Late Morning/Afternoon (9:30 AM - 2:00 PM): THE NAP. Oh, glorious nap. Probably drooled. Woke up feeling equally refreshed and disoriented.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Forced myself to explore the immediate area. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall Korean cafe. Ordered something. Ended up with bibimbap, which was delicious, but I definitely ate some of it with chopsticks the wrong way. Oops.
- Evening (5:00 PM): Group "orientation" at Hannah Stay (more like a chill hangout). Met some other girls: a solo traveler from Germany, a couple of Korean girls on a weekend getaway, and a woman who was backpacking around the world… I was immediately intimidated. We planned our week, mostly, chatting and sipping tea. Actually a little bit of stress with all the choice - I'm a terrible decision-maker.
- Evening (8:00 PM): More bibimbap. I'm not proud of it, but I was tired. Bed (and another early night).
Day 2: Seopjikoji & The Great Seaweed Snack (and My Existential Crisis)
- Morning (8:00 AM): FINALLY, morning! Sort of. Walked to the breakfast room (delicious), and finally got the hang of the chopsticks. Success!
- Morning (9:00 AM): Public bus to Seopjikoji. The bus ride was… a vibe. Elderly ajummas (Korean aunties) chatted, watched me, and I swear I saw one of them knitting. Beautiful scenery. I ended up staring out the window, wondering if I'd finally learned to forgive myself. Cheesy, I know. But being here, alone, felt… liberating.
- Mid-Morning (10:30 AM): Seopjikoji! The coastal views are absolutely breathtaking. I hiked along the trails, snapping photos, getting completely lost in the landscape… until I got genuinely lost on a side trail. (Minor panic attack. Mostly internal.)
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Found a seaside snack shack. Ordered a random seaweed snack. It was… interesting. The texture was like eating paper that tasted like the ocean. I ate the whole thing, just to prove to myself I could.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Ate the snack (again)… and somehow forgot to take any pictures. Maybe I was too busy mentally reliving traumatic childhood memories? Whatever.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Visited the Udo Island ferry terminal… decided not to go because of the crowds. This is a theme. I'm a good observer, but a truly terrible participator.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Back at Hannah Stay. Sat on the rooftop terrace, watching the sunset. Contemplated life, love, and whether I should try that weird-looking mango smoothie the German girl had.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Settled in. Ate the rest of the snacks from the morning. Started a book. Didn't get past page 3. Bed.
Day 3: Manjanggul Lava Tube & The Unexpected Tears (and a Serious Kimchi Craving)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Made it out the door! This time, I ordered a taxi. Heading to the Manjanggul Lava Tube. I've always been fascinated by geology, and this place is something else…
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Manjanggul. It’s dark, it’s cool, and it’s massive. I walked along the pathways, marveling at the formations. Very damp, so wear waterproof shoes!
- Mid-Morning (11:00 AM): Suddenly, I started crying. Like, full-on, silent-but-shaking sobs. I'm not sure why. Maybe the darkness? Maybe the isolation? Maybe the overwhelming beauty of the world? Whatever it was, it hit me hard. Sat on a bench, letting the tears flow, feeling incredibly foolish but also… cleansed.
- Late Morning (12:00 PM): Dried my eyes, felt a bit embarrassed, but oddly invigorated. Finished exploring the tube and emerged back into the sunlight.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Found a simple restaurant near the lava tube. Ordered bulgogi (always a safe bet!). Ate every bite, even though I still felt emotionally raw.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Visited the nearby Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). Decided against climbing to the summit (crowds, remember?) and opted for a more leisurely stroll around the base.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Back to Hannah Stay. Collapsed on my bed.
- Evening (6:00 PM): My inner chef was calling! Went to grocery store, made a super simple Korean dinner with the others. Turns out, I can chop vegetables!
- Evening (8:00 PM): Movie night with the girls! Watched a Korean drama, even though I barely understood a word. Shared some kimchi. And, yes, I cried again (this time, because the drama was actually sad).
Day 4: Local Market & The Great Jeju Tea Farm (and My Love of Tea)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Local Market! So many colors, and smells. Found a vendor selling fresh fruit. Got some mandarins that were ridiculously sweet and juicy. The energy of a local market always invigorates me.
- Mid-Morning (10:30 AM): Jeju Tea Museum & Innisfree Tea Farm. Absolutely stunning. I walked through the rows of tea plants, inhaled deeply, and felt a sense of… peace.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): The tea farm cafe. Ordered green tea ice cream. It was the most incredible ice cream I've ever had. Sat outside, basking in the sun, eating the ice cream, and feeling unbelievably happy.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM): Learned about Korean Tea culture. I love tea. I love tea. I'm not sure why I love tea. I just do. I sat and enjoyed several cups, feeling calm, and centered.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Wandered around the gift shop. Bought way too much tea! I'm bringing the whole tea farm back with me.
- Evening (5:00 PM): Hannah Stay! Sat on the rooftop terrace, drinking tea, people-watching, and feeling content.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Tried to learn some Korean. Failed miserably, but hey, the effort counts, right?
- Evening (8:00 PM): Bed. Exhausted, but in the best possible way.
Day 5: Jeju Folk Village & Dolphin Watching (and a Little Bit of Self-Discovery)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Jeju Folk Village! Saw some
Jeju Island Getaway: Hannah's Exclusive Retreat for Women - The Unfiltered FAQ
Okay, Seriously, What *IS* This Jeju Retreat All About? My Inner Skeptic Needs Ammo.
Who the Heck is "Hannah," and Why Should I Trust Her (and Her Retreat)?
The Fine Print: What's *Actually* Included in My Price Tag? (Because Hidden Fees Are My Kryptonite.)
What's the Accommodation *Actually* Like? Is It a Hostel or a Luxury Hotel? (Because I'm Not Ready to Rough It.)
Okay, The Elephant in the Room: Wi-Fi. How Bad Is It, Really? Because I'm a Hot Mess Without My Internet.
Help! I'm a Solo Traveler! Will I Be Awkward? Will I Sit Alone at Dinner? (My Worst Fear.)
What If...I Get Homesick? (It's Happened Before, Don't Judge Me.)
What Kind of Workshops Are We Talking About? Are They Super Intense/Hippy-Dippy?
