Escape to Paradise: Kenny Hotel's Jeju Island Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Kenny Hotel's Jeju Island Oasis Awaits! - My Wild Ride (and What You REALLY Need to Know!)
Alright, let's be honest. Sometimes, "paradise" feels more like a Pinterest board than reality. But after my stay at the Kenny Hotel in Jeju Island, I'm happy to report… it's closer to the real deal than you'd think. Buckle up, because I'm about to break down this place – good, bad, and the wonderfully wonky – so YOU can decide if it's your slice of Jeju heaven.
First Impressions & Am I Getting Old? (Accessibility & Safety Stuff):
Okay, the first thing that hit me? This place is big. Like, "where's my golf cart?" big. (Spoiler: they don't have one.) The accessibility is… mostly there. They trumpet about facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator is a godsend. Though, navigating some of the paths felt a little… ambitious. Think smooth concrete paths for a fair while, and then a few surprise steps. So, if you require full wheelchair accessibility, double-check specifics. But the ramps I saw made me think they're trying.
Safety-wise? They're obsessed. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, fire extinguishers everywhere… I felt like I was in a James Bond movie, minus the martinis (more on that later). They've got smoke alarms, thankfully, and I spotted a first aid kit near the gym. Oh, and all the staff are trained in safety protocol. Good to know, ‘cause with all that food I ate, I thought I was going to need it.
Cleanliness… Is a Big Deal (Covid-19 Era):
Listen, I went into this trip with a healthy dose of paranoia. But the Kenny Hotel clearly takes things seriously. They flaunt their anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms get sanitized between stays (thank god!), and there's hand sanitizer everywhere. Honestly, I felt safer than at home. The staff training showed – they were constantly wiping things down. They even had individually-wrapped food options and a safe dining setup. They’re offering room sanitization opt-out available, if you're one of those people.
Room Service – Almost Heaven. Almost…
My room? Gorgeous. Seriously, like a magazine layout. But let's not kid ourselves, I’m more interested in the experience than the decor… although the blackout curtains were a godsend after a long day of exploring. The Air conditioning was strong, the bed felt like sinking into a cloud (that extra long bed was appreciated!), and the mini-bar was well-stocked (although a bit pricey). Now, that room service [24-hour]? That's where it almost fell apart. Ordering was easy, but the delivery… let’s just say I waited an epic amount of time for a club sandwich one night, and it arrived a bit… soggy. But hey, room service 24 hours is gold! Especially after having a few drinks at the bar.
Food, Glorious Food (And My Stomach's Lament):
Okay, this is where things get exciting. The Kenny Hotel knows how to feed you. The Asian breakfast was amazing (get the kimchi pancakes!), and the breakfast [buffet] was a spread fit for a king… or at least a really, really hungry travel blogger. They offer a Western breakfast too if that's your jam.
There are multiple restaurants on-site. I tried the restaurants and the Asian cuisine in restaurant… Delicious! The international cuisine in restaurant was, also good, and I couldn't resist the desserts in restaurant, which were divine. The coffee/tea in restaurant was always on point, too.
The poolside bar serves some seriously good cocktails. I’m talkin’ "sipping a Mai Tai while watching the sunset" kind of good. They have a happy hour too, which is totally worth it.
The snack bar came in handy when I needed a quick bite between massages.
The vegetarian restaurant was there, which is great for those who prefer it.
Things to Do (Or, More Accurately, Things I Couldn't Resist):
This place is a playground for relaxation. The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Spectacular. The pool with view? Even better. I spent hours just floating, staring up at the sky.
And then there’s the spa. Oh, the spa. I had the most incredible Body scrub and Body wrap and, a Massage that made my shoulders melt. I even braved the Sauna, which nearly cooked me alive, but was strangely exhilarating. They've got a Spa/sauna combo, too, for the truly dedicated relaxers.
For those feeling energetic, there’s a Fitness center (I walked past it a few times – that counts, right?). They also have a Steamroom. And a Foot bath, which I skipped.
The Little Things That Matter (Or Don't Matter… Depends on You):
- Internet: The Wi-Fi [free] was generally good, but sometimes a bit patchy in the rooms. The Internet access – wireless was solid though.
- Convenience Store: Handy for snacks and, you know, emergency chocolate.
- Currency Exchange/Cash Withdrawal: Convenient, but the fees… well, let’s just say I spent more than I wanted to.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Cute stuff, but overpriced.
- Laundry Service: Thank god for this. I’d packed about zero clean clothes.
- Pets allowed unavailable: This is great for allergy sufferers.
- Daily housekeeping: They take care of the whole place. And the rooms.
The Quirks (Because No Place is Perfect):
- The service, while generally good, sometimes felt a bit… robotic. A smile can go a long way, people!
- My attempt to use the bathroom phone resulted in a brief, panicked conversation with someone in management, who also called my neighbor… who then called security because she did not speak english… I'm not sure the outcome as I was already trying to get back to my room.
- The signage can be a little confusing. I wandered around lost for a good hour on my first day.
The Verdict (and Why You Should Book It):
The Kenny Hotel on Jeju Island isn't perfect. It has its quirks and oddities, and the delivery service could use a little more effort. But the breathtaking scenery, the amazing spa, the generally good food (and that killer breakfast!), and the overall sense of escape… all that makes this place worth it.
HERE'S WHY YOU NEED TO BOOK RIGHT NOW – AND MY SECRET WEAPON!
Book now and get a complimentary bottle of water and a guaranteed upgrade to a room with a terrace! Plus, if you mention my blog (you didn’t hear it from me), they might slip you an extra spa treatment. Just saying…
This is your chance to experience a taste of that 'paradise' life, with plenty of space to do all the important things. Trust me; you deserve it!
Escape to Paradise: Goshen Lodge, Your Cape Town Dream Getaway
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your perfectly-ironed, Michelin-starred itinerary. This is me in Jeju, at the Hotel Kenny in Seogwipo. Expect chaos, questionable choices, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by too much tangerine. Here we go…
Kenny Stay Jeju: My Seogwipo Survival Guide (With Occasional Tantrums)
Day 1: Arrival and Utter Discombobulation
Morning (ish): Land in Jeju. The air, oh god, the air! So crisp, so clean, that I almost cried. Almost. Then the passport control. And the endless lines. I swear, it felt like my entire life was compressed into those wait times. Found my luggage, which was miraculously NOT in Tokyo. Victory!
Afternoon: Taxi! The taxi driver, bless his heart, didn't speak a lick of English, but he beamed at me the whole time. Which was great, I guess, because I'd forgotten how to say "Hotel Kenny, please." We got there eventually! Kenny Stay Jeju… Well, it looked like the pictures. Maybe. The lobby smelled vaguely of pine and ambition. Check-in: smooth enough. Got my room key, and thought "Yes! I'm here!" Then I got to the room and immediately tripped over my suitcase. Wonderful.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Okay, the room itself is actually pretty nice. Clean, a decent view (think: rooftops and a hint of the ocean, with a chance of actual blue if it's not cloudy). Unpacked, which took approximately 30 seconds because, let's be honest, I overpacked. Then, a crucial moment. This calls for a snack run, I thought. But where? Ah, my trusty guide of "Google Maps"! Armed with my phone, I ventured out. Took 2 wrong turns, nearly walked into a construction zone, and ended up at a convenience store. Grabbed instant ramen (because: jet lag) and some weird melon soda. Surprisingly good, though. Dinner? We'll see…
Evening: Attempted to find a restaurant. Failed. Eventually, found something that looked passable and sat down. The menu was all in Korean, and the waitress didn't understand my broken Korean attempts. I pointed, I gestured, I made pathetic, hungry noises. They brought me something that looked like a pile of… well, I don't know what it was. But it was delicious! And I was starving so I ate it all. The waiter smiled at me and I think I made a friend in a foreign country. Happy days.
Day 2: Waterfall Wonders and Tangerine Troubles
Morning: Decided I needed to see SOME of the natural wonders Jeju is famous for. Got up early-ish (ish being the operative word here). Hit up Cheonjiyeon Falls. Wow. Just wow. So beautiful! The water cascaded down so elegantly. Took way too many photos. Got lightly misted. Briefly considered dipping my toes. Didn't. Thought of my parents. Then, I got hungry again! I swear, I'm constantly hungry.
Mid-Morning: Decided to walk a bit more after my Waterfall experience. I came across these orange or tangerine trees which were everywhere. I saw a local put a lot of water and care into one of them, and I thought to myself maybe I wanted an orange. Went to the market and bought a basket. The best of the lot. This is what I call "Living my best life".
Afternoon: Okay, took a bus, because I'm not an idiot. The bus driver was a legend. He blasted K-pop the ENTIRE ride. I loved it! Spent the afternoon at Jeongbang Waterfall. This one… drops directly into the ocean! The spray was amazing. I got a little bit wet again. This time I loved it. But the climb back up those stairs… oof. My legs hurt.
Late Afternoon: Tangerine overload. Ate way too many. Felt a little ill. This is why you don't buy an entire basket. Watched the sunset from somewhere I can't remember. It was beautiful. Spent ages taking time-lapse photos of it.
Evening: Forced myself to find a restaurant. Found a restaurant that was selling, what I believe they called, "fish soup". Delicious.
Day 3: The Seogwipo Wanderings and the Great Kimchi Crisis
Morning: Slept in. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. This is the life. Spent the morning wandering around the Seogwipo City. Just soaking it all in. Checked out the Lee Jung Seop Art Museum, which was fascinating, and the Jeju Olle Market. So many vendors and foods! I bought some spicy rice cakes (tteokbokki). Mouth on fire. Totally worth it.
Mid-Morning: Another snack run. Spotted a bakery and bought an interesting-looking sweet bread. Had to guess its contents and the cashier. Apparently, it was filled with red bean paste. I don't particularly like red bean paste. But, I ate it anyway. Because, culture.
Afternoon: The Great Kimchi Crisis. Decided I wanted to experience proper kimchi. The real deal. Googled "best kimchi restaurant Seogwipo." Found a place. Went. Ordered. Ate. Loved it! But! A sudden burning sensation hit my throat and I coughed and my eyes watered. The kimchi, apparently, was nuclear. This is when I realized, I'm not a kimchi master. I recovered with a big gulp of water.
Late Afternoon: Needed to walk off the nuclear kimchi. Walked along the coast. Watched the waves crash. Thought about my life. Realized I needed a vacation from my vacation.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant I found by pure, unadulterated luck. Ordered something I couldn't pronounce. It was amazing again! I am officially starving again.
Day 4: The Kenny Stay Farewell (and a looming existential crisis)
Morning: Packing. Ugh. Always the worst part. Somehow, I managed to pack even more stuff than I had when I arrived. Ate the last of my tangerine. Briefly considered giving up on the whole "going home" thing and just becoming a beach bum in Jeju.
Mid-Morning: Had one final, glorious, leisurely breakfast at a cafe I stumbled upon. Realized I'm going to miss this place. The hotel, the chaos, the food, the K-pop on the bus. All of it.
Afternoon: Goodbye to Hotel Kenny. Leaving Seogwipo and heading to the airport. The drive to the airport felt way too short. This is a good thing, right? Thought about all the things I didn't do. Didn't go to that specific museum. Didn't make it to that hiking trail. Didn't learn enough Korean. But, I did it. I survived. And I loved it.
Evening: On the plane. Reflecting. Exhausted. Happy. Feeling a little bit lost, but mostly grateful. Jeju, you magnificent, messy, tangerine-fueled island, I'll be back.
Final Thoughts (and a few rambling opinions):
- Hotel Kenny: Fine. Clean. Convenient. But, seriously, the breakfast buffet was kind of a letdown. Needs more kimchi!
- Jeju Island: Unbelievable. Go there. Just go.
- The food: mostly delicious. Seriously, embrace the food. Even the weird stuff. Especially the weird stuff.
- The language barrier: a pain, but also part of the adventure. Learn some basic Korean phrases. It'll help. And smile.
- Me: Still figuring things out. Still making mistakes. Still eating too much. Still loving every messy, chaotic, beautiful moment. Bring it on.
- Next time: I'm learning Korean. And I'm buying a whole crate of tangerines, for sure.
Escape to Paradise: Kenny Hotel's Jeju Island Oasis - Frequently Asked (and Mostly Unasked) Questions!
Okay, okay, Kenny Hotel on Jeju Island... sounds dreamy. Is it actually... you know... *good*?
The photos are stunning. The pool. The views. Is it all staged? Do they Photoshop the seaweed out? Spill.
Let's talk food. I’m a foodie. Can Kenny Hotel's restaurant handle my… sophisticated palate?
What about activities? Besides swimming in said glorious pool, is there anything else to, you know, *do*? Boredom is my enemy.
Okay, fine. You’ve mostly convinced me. But, spill the tea. Any downsides? Any REAL problems?
Is it worth the money? Should I sell a kidney to afford it?
Okay, one last question. Seriously, what was the BEST thing about Kenny Hotel?
