Escape to Paradise: Your Own 4-BHK Resort in Thrissur!
Escape to Paradise: Thrissur's Secret Oasis (or Maybe Just a Really Nice 4-BHK?) - My Honest Take
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise" – that’s a bold name, right? I mean, Thrissur, in Kerala, India? Paradise is a big word. But hey, I'm up for it. I needed a break. And this place, touted as your own 4-BHK resort? Intriguing. This isn't going to be your perfectly curated travel blog post, though, this is my experience, warts and all, as they say.
Accessibility: Can Anyone Actually Get There?
Okay, first things first. Getting to "Escape to Paradise" was… well, it was an adventure. My phone's GPS took me on a scenic tour of Thrissur's backroads, involving some very narrow lanes and a brief, but heart-stopping, encounter with a rogue cow. Seriously. They definitely need better signage, or at least, a warning about the bovine traffic. I’m not sure about wheelchair accessibility for the journey there, but once you arrive, the resort seemed pretty good. I saw the elevator, so kudos on that. The descriptions said "facilities for disabled guests", but I didn't specifically assess that – I would recommend people contact the management directly to confirm their needs can be accommodated.
Once There: Paradise Found? (Food, Fun & Frolics?)
Alright, finally! We made it! And… wow. The place is impressive. A sprawling villa, tucked away from the main road. It's got that "private resort" feel, which, honestly, is a big selling point. Let's dive into the details.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, the sacred ritual of breakfast. Now, the buffet… it was decent, leaning more towards "adequate" than "gourmet extravaganza". There was an Asian breakfast on offer, which was a delight. The idlis were fluffy, the sambar had a punch, and the coffee/tea in restaurant (which I guzzled, obviously) was strong enough to keep me going for the day.
- Restaurants: There’s a restaurant onsite with Asian cuisine, and International cuisine. I took advantage of the room service [24-hour] a couple of times because, let's be honest, post-pool napping is a serious business. Was it Michelin-star level? Nope. Was it convenient? Absolutely. They also offer an Alternative meal arrangement. Which meant… I could replace the paneer with extra veggies. Which, as a vegetarian, I appreciated.
- Poolside bar: There's a poolside bar, which is, you know, essential. It offered a decent selection of drinks. The Happy hour was… well, it was more of a "slightly reduced prices for a limited time" situation. But hey, I wasn’t complaining.
- Snack bar: Needed a quick bite? There was a Snack bar. Sorted.
- Anything Vegetarian?: YES!! There was a Vegetarian restaurant. Bonus!! You won't go hungry.
Relaxation Stations! (Or, How I Tried to Become a Zen Master)
- Swimming pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor], with a Pool with view, was the main draw. Seriously, it was gorgeous. I spent hours just floating, staring up at the palm trees. Pure bliss. However, I noticed a lack of shade, so lather up with that suncream!
- Spa/sauna: They have a Spa. The Sauna, Steamroom, and Foot bath. I indulged in a Massage. The therapist was very skilled and it was heavenly. I did a Body wrap, which was a weird (but good) experience.
- Fitness center: Okay, the Fitness center wasn't exactly state-of-the-art, but it had the basics. I managed a workout or two, just to balance out the idli coma. But, let's be real, I spent way more time at the bar.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool (If You Can Drag Yourself Away)
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise" is, let's face it, designed for relaxation. But if you must do something else, they offer a few options.
- Things to do: They offer things to see and things to do. Contact the hotel for details.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Post-COVID Reality Check
This is where "Escape to Paradise" shone. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, especially after everything that's been going on. They really took cleanliness seriously.
- Room sanitization opt-out available (for when you are comfortable).
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Excellent.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good to know.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Nice.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Very reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Safe dining setup: No complaints.
Services and Conveniences: Stuff You Actually Need (or Maybe Just Want)
- Internet: The Internet access was decent. They offered Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!) and Internet [LAN], if you're old-school (or just prefer the stability). I think I had a small issue with the Wi-Fi in public areas, I had to get my stuff sorted on my own phone.
- Air conditioning: Essential in Kerala. The Air conditioning in public area was also a lifesaver.
- Daily housekeeping: My room magically tidied itself every day – a definite perk!
- Room service [24-hour]: I've already mentioned this, but it's worth repeating. 24-hour room service is a game-changer.
- Concierge: They had a Concierge, which was helpful for arranging taxis and tours.
- Laundry service: Yes, please! It saved me from doing my own laundry.
- Cash withdrawal: There’s Cash withdrawal, in case you run out of Rupees.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Thank goodness they do this.
- Car Park: There's Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] options, there should be no struggles getting a space.
- Essential condiments: A great little detail.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Again, check specific needs with them.
- Doorman: A doorman, opening the door for you.
- Luggage storage: Sorted.
- Breakfast in room: Fancy a lazy morning? Yes.
- First Aid kit: Safety first.
- Bottle of water: Hydrate!
- Invoice provided: Good.
For the Kids: (Because, you know, Family)
- Babysitting service: For the parents who need a break.
- Family/child friendly: Seems like a good place.
- Kids meal: It made me think if I should just have a kids meal.
- Kids facilities: Ask!
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet
- Air conditioning
- 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
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're heading to Belljem Homes, the 4 BHK FF in Thrissur, India, and honestly? I’m already feeling a cocktail of excitement and a low-grade terror that I haven't packed enough snacks. Let's dive in, shall we?
Belljem Homes Chaos – A Thrissur Ramble (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Monsoon)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Debacle (and Mangoes! Sweet, Glorious Mangoes!)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Landing in Kochi. The air hits you like a warm, spiced embrace. Except, you know, the "spiced" part is mostly jet lag and a faint hint of exhaust fumes. Airport chaos ensues – navigating the baggage carousel is a competitive sport apparently. Honestly, I swear I saw a woman wrestle a suitcase the size of a small car.
- 11:00 AM: Pick up the pre-booked car rental. The driver’s a wonderfully chatty chap named Prakash, who immediately informs me that I “look very tired.” Thanks, Prakash, I feel it. We embark on the drive to Thrissur. The roads…well, let’s just say they’re an adventure. Think "roller coaster meets obstacle course,” with occasional cows and the most breathtaking views ever.
- 1:30 PM: Arrive at Belljem Homes! It's even prettier than the photos. And it's got a pool! Victory is mine. Unpack…or, attempt to. Turns out I overpacked, and my suitcase seems to have spontaneously exploded mid-air. Stuff everywhere. Accept it, let's move on.
- 2:30 PM: Lunch. Seriously starving. Belljem Homes has a cook, bless their heart, and they’ve prepared the most incredible Kerala fish curry. The spice level? Potent. My nose is running, my eyes are watering, and I'm in heaven.
- 3:30 PM: Mango attack! A huge basket of the most ripe, juicy mangoes I've ever tasted magically appears. I eat three. Then I contemplate eating a fourth. My stomach, in a rare moment of lucidity, says no.
- Evening: Attempt to swim in the pool. Turns out, the jet lag is hitting harder than expected. I manage a few laps, then decide to relocate to the comfy outdoor seating area, where the gentle rain begins to fall. I watch the palm trees sway in the breeze, listen to the sounds of the jungle, and think, "This is it. This is living."
Day 2: Temples, Elephants, and a Slight Spiritual Crisis (and Dosa, Obviously!)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! Another culinary triumph: fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, and the most divine sambar I've ever met. I could eat this every day. Someone stop me!
- 10:00 AM: Visit to nearby temples. The architecture is breathtaking. The intricate carvings, the vibrant colours… it’s all overwhelming in the best possible way. I'm struggling to fit in. Try to figure out the right way to do a "Namaste." I end up just smiling like a buffoon and hoping for the best.
- 11:30 AM: Elephant Encounter! We go to a nearby area where they are kept. Watching these gentle giants eat and play is a truly humbling experience. Get a little too close for a selfie. Almost get trunk-slapped. Learn a valuable (and slightly sweaty) lesson about respecting personal space.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Another feast. The cook is a master of their art. I swear, they could make cardboard taste delicious.
- Afternoon: A slight spiritual crisis. I'm surrounded by beauty, tranquility, and delicious food, and yet… a tiny voice whispers, "Is this enough?" I decide to ignore it and have another mango.
- Evening: Relax at Belljem Homes, feeling the rain falling. Read a book. The sounds of the rain are so relaxing. I might stay here forever.
Day 3: The Thrissur Pooram – A Torrent of Thrills and a Sensory Overload (and Street Food, Oh My Lord!)
- Morning: We head into Thrissur town. The plan? Witness the Thrissur Pooram festival. I’ve heard tales of the incredible display of elephants and fireworks… I am a complete mess of nerves and excitement.
- Afternoon: Deep breath. You know what they say, go big or go home! The Thrissur Pooram! Thousands of people, elephants adorned in vibrant colours, the sound of drums, the smell of incense and street food… It's pure chaos, pure energy. I'm utterly mesmerized. The elephant's parade, the fireworks - the entire scene.
- Evening: Street food exploration. My taste buds do a happy dance. I sample everything I can get my hands on: crispy vada pavs, spicy chaat, sweet jalebis…and realize my stomach capacity is nowhere near as large as my ambition.
- Night: Totally exhausted, feeling utterly overwhelmed and utterly exhilarated. The festival was the most beautiful display of sounds, sights, and smells I've ever experienced.
Day 4: Pool Day, a Final Feast, and Farewell Tears (and I NEED to find that mango)!
- Morning: The last full day. Time to fully embrace the Belljem Homes vibe. Swim, read, lounge, and generally be lazy. The pool is even more inviting now that I've gotten a bit of a tan.
- Afternoon: Last meal. Begging the cook to share the recipes. I try to contain my sadness. This food!
- Evening: Pack up stuff. I can't find my favourite t-shirt. It's probably buried in the suitcase explosion. I curse my past self for not being more organised.
- Night: Last night at Belljem Homes. Sit on the porch, listening to the night sounds, feeling content and a little sad. I can already feel the jet lag creeping back in. What a week.
Day 5: Departure (and a Vow to Return…and Find That Mango!)
- Morning: The dreaded packing of the luggage. Say goodbye to Belljem Homes and Prakash. Head to the airport.
- Flight: Look back at the week and already start planning a return trip. It's not just the beauty of the place. It's the food, the atmosphere, the people. I promise myself I’ll come back.
- Conclusion: Arrive back home, exhausted but happy. I start daydreaming about that mango. And the fish curry. And the pool. And the whole gorgeous, messy, unforgettable experience. It was perfect. And a complete shambles. And I loved every second. And I HAVE to find that t-shirt. And those mangoes!
Escape to Paradise: Your Own 4-BHK Resort in Thrissur! - The VERY Unofficial FAQ
Okay, so what *IS* this "Escape to Paradise" thing REALLY all about? Sounds fishy.
Right? I thought the same. Turns out, it's this… this… thing where you essentially rent an entire resort in Thrissur. Like, a whole, 4-bedroom-villa situation. Think family reunion, but with less Aunt Mildred and more… well, potential for actual relaxation. The pictures online are *gorgeous*, by the way. I spent a solid hour drooling over the pool. So, yeah. Private resort. You and your crew. Thrissur. Sounds pretty darn good, right? Keyword *sounds*. More on that later.
Is it REALLY your *own* resort? Or is that just marketing fluff? Because you know, marketing.
Okay, full disclosure time. It’s not *literally* yours. You don't get to rename it "Casa de Crazy." You're renting it, not buying it. Think of it more like renting an *exclusive* bubble of paradise. And yes, there are other staff around, like the kitchen and the cleaning people. But you get the whole villa, the pool is usually yours, and for this type of luxury, the price doesn't seem too ridiculous.
Thrissur? Where even IS that? And why would I wanna go there?
Thrissur is in Kerala, God's Own Country as they say. It's... well, it's Kerala. Beautiful. Lush. Green. Spicy food (oh, the food!). And it has temples and elephants and all sorts of those South Indian experiences people rave about. I, personally, went because my wife *insisted*. She's a big fan of Kerala, and "Escape to Paradise" sounded like a good compromise between her Kerala obsession and my inner hermit desire to do nothing but binge-watch Netflix. It turned out to be... pretty darn amazing. But prepare for humidity. Seriously. It's like living in a warm, wet blanket. But a beautiful, delicious-food-filled warm, wet blanket.
Can I bring my pet rock, Bob? He needs a vacation too.
Look, I have no idea. Check with them! Their website is probably your best bet for this super important information. But honestly? Probably not. Unless Bob is exceptionally well-behaved and has his own tiny pet-rock-sized leash. And if he isn't, I am pretty sure that would be a violation of the security.
What about the food? Tell me about the FOOD! Is it good? Seriously, is it good? Because I live for good food.
OH. MY. GOD. The food. It was *unreal*. They have a kitchen staff, and you can pretty much request anything. Spicy curries, fresh seafood, dosas that are so crispy they practically shatter in your mouth... I'm drooling just thinking about it. One day, they made this fish curry, and I swear I almost licked the plate clean. Almost. Because, you know, manners. My wife, who is a food critic in her head, gave it a solid 9.5/10. The only thing that could have improved it was if they added chocolate. Seriously though, I have dreamed of that fish curry; I even tried to replicate it at home once. It was a disaster, a culinary tragedy. So. The food? ABSOLUTELY go for it.
Pool? Is the pool as glorious as it looks in the pictures? Be honest!
The pool? Okay, here's the deal. The pictures are… accurate. The pool is gorgeous. It's the centerpiece. Crystal clear, perfectly maintained, and strategically placed for maximum sun-soaking. Me? I spent roughly 80% of my time in that pool. Floating. Reading. Sipping a Kingfisher. (Highly recommended, by the way.). My wife took a thousand photos of me in that pool. (Also highly recommended, for her. Less so for me, in the moment.) If I'm being honest, the pool *made* the trip. It was the perfect escape.
What if something goes wrong? Do they have like, a butler and chefs and people?
Yes! They have staff, which is one of the best parts! No one has to wash the dishes after. I never actually cooked, but I am sure that would have been possible. From what I recall, they have a chef (or chefs, plural), cleaning staff, everything. The staff was really good and discreet. The chef made us fresh fruit every morning, and they stocked the fridge with drinks upon request. They also accommodated all our requests.
The rooms? Comfortable? Or do they feel like an airport hotel?
Airports? Nope. Think… luxury. And space. The rooms were HUGE. Big, comfy beds, fancy bathrooms, and a general feeling of "I could totally live here." They're all well-appointed. We had a balcony overlooking the pool, which was prime real estate. (I may or may not have spent a good deal of time there, watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee and a book.) The AC was fantastic, which is crucial in the Kerala heat. Honestly, I slept like a baby. Except for the one night when I ate too much spicy curry and had a stomachache. Totally my fault.
Any downsides? Anything I should be aware of?
Okay, here's the truth. One minor thing: The wifi wasn’t as strong as I would have liked. I work remotely, so this was a slight inconvenience during my zoom meetings. I could still do my work, but I had to be in the dining area or just outside. And there was a *tiny* mosquito presence. Pack extra bug spray. But really, that's all. Honestly? Those are minor quibbles. Worth it.
Would you go back? Be honest!
In a heartbeat. In a nanosecond. MyStay Collective
