Escape to Paradise: Ohana Suites Aubrieta, Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Escape to Paradise: Ohana Suites Aubrieta, Yogyakarta, or as I like to call it, "The Place Where My Sanity Almost Returned." (Almost. Yogyakarta traffic is a beast.)
Let's get one thing straight: I'm not a travel writer. I'm a stressed-out human who needs a vacation, who needs a real vacation, and I'm here to tell you if Ohana Suites might just be the answer. And let's be honest, after the year we've all had, we all need something.
First Impressions (and the Accessibility Freak-Out)
Okay, first things first: finding the place wasn't exactly smooth sailing. Google Maps tried its best, but Indonesian addresses are an art form. But, eventually, voila - a peaceful oasis hidden away. Now, I'm not disabled, but I did spend a significant amount of time worrying about my elderly aunt who was supposed to join me. So, I paid extra attention to the Accessibility details. They get a star here. The Elevator was a godsend! And the common areas were surprisingly accessible. The website says "Facilities for disabled guests" and I have every reason to believe they are going the extra mile.
COVID-Era Comfort: Cleanliness and Safety (and My Obsessive Hand Sanitizer)
Let's be real, post-pandemic travel is a minefield of germ-related anxieties. Ohana definitely hits the mark with their Cleanliness and Safety protocols. More than that, I felt genuinely safe, which is saying something. The included Hand sanitizer everywhere! The Anti-viral cleaning products had me breathing a sigh of relief, and the constant Daily disinfection in common areas was appreciated. Honestly, I almost felt too safe. Almost. I swear, those sanitizing wipes practically begged me to clean all the luggage. They had Individually-wrapped food options, and the staff wore masks, which actually made me feel more comfortable. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was pretty consistent.
The Room: Is It a Sanctuary or Just a Place to Dump Your Suitcase?
My room? Oh, it was lovely. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver! The Blackout curtains were crucial for fighting jetlag. They had the usuals like a Coffee/tea maker, Mini bar, and Complimentary tea. I'm a sucker for a good view, and the Window that opens let me soak in the sounds of Yogyakarta… mostly the friendly chatter from the neighbors. I'm also obsessed with Bathrobes. My room had a little Fridge – always a plus for keeping those Bintangs cold. Honestly, the room was a solid 8/10. The Additional toilet was a delightful surprise. And the bed? The Extra long bed (Thank you!) was a cloud. I could almost forget that I was away from home.
Food, Glorious Food (and My Endless Quest for Caffeine)
Okay, let's talk about sustenance. The Breakfast [buffet] was a decent spread, a mix of Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options. And the Coffee shop was open all day! A lifesaver for someone like me. Now, let's be honest, I'm not a foodie. So, while the Restaurants had Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant options, I stuck to the basics. I can, however, confirm the Coffee/tea in restaurant was hot and strong. The Room service [24-hour] was a plus for late night cravings, and I definitely availed myself of the Bottle of water multiple times a day.
Amenities and the Quest for Zen
So, you've survived the traffic, the crowds, and the general chaos of traveling. Now what? Welcome to the Things to do, ways to relax section.
- The Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was glorious! The Pool with view was a nice touch. Just picture it: a sun-drenched terrace, fresh towels and a cold drink. Pure bliss.
- Spa Time The Sauna, Steamroom, and all-around Spa experience was a must. I opted for a Body scrub followed by a Massage. Worth every single rupiah! They had a Foot bath, too, which was a cute addition.
- Fitness Center Okay, I'll admit, I glanced at the Fitness center from the window. Didn't go in, but good to know it exists!
Services and Conveniences: The Stuff that Makes Life Easier
This is where Ohana really shines. They offer a ton of valuable services:
- Luggage storage.
- Daily housekeeping.
- Laundry service, plus a Dry cleaning option.
- Currency exchange.
- Concierge to answer all the questions.
- Airport transfer. I'm serious, book the airport transfer.
- Car park [free of charge].
- Cash withdrawal from ATMs nearby.
Internet: Yes, WiFi Works!
I have to put on my "tech person" because this is the information that I specifically look for. Ohana delivered on the Internet front! They advertised "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" (and they mean it!), which is essential for work but also for planning your day and navigating the tourist traps. And the Internet access – wireless was great throughout the property. I didn't test the Internet [LAN] (because, frankly, who still uses that?), but it's there if you need it.
The Quirks and the "Almost Perfect" Moments
No place is perfect, right? Here's the truth. There's no place that isn't human. Here is where Ohana Suites is at its most human and its most endearing.
- The Music: One day, I swear, the lobby radio played the same Kenny G song for four hours. That's the kind of quirky detail that makes a place memorable.
- The Staff: The staff were amazing. From the Front desk [24-hour] crew who were always ready with a smile, to the cleaning staff who kept the place spotless. This is the kind of place where you will get smiles and help from the staff, and they actually care.
- The Little Things: The Essential condiments in the room, the Wake-up service, the sheer amount of Towels.
The Verdict: Is Ohana Suites Aubrieta a Hidden Gem?
Honestly? Yes. Escape to Paradise: Ohana Suites Aubrieta, Yogyakarta is a solid choice. The rooms are comfortable, the staff is friendly, and the amenities are well-maintained. It's a decent place to escape the chaos, and it's a great base for exploring Yogyakarta. And those spa treatments? Worth the price of admission alone.
My Unsolicited Advice (and My Pitch!)
To the Ohana Suites management: Keep up the amazing work! Oh, and maybe mix up the lobby music? Otherwise, a perfect stay.
To YOU, prospective traveler: If you're looking for a relaxing, well-cared-for escape, book Ohana Suites. Especially if:
- You need a break from the chaos.
- You appreciate cleanliness and safety.
- You enjoy a good massage and pool time.
My Unsolicited Advice (and My Pitch!)
To the Ohana Suites management: Keep up the amazing work! Oh, and maybe mix up the lobby music? Otherwise, a perfect stay.
To YOU, prospective traveler: If you're looking for a relaxing, well-cared-for escape, book Ohana Suites. Especially if:
- You need a break from the chaos.
- You appreciate cleanliness and safety.
- You enjoy a good massage and pool time.
- You appreciate a convenient location.
Escape to Paradise: Ohana Suites Aubrieta: Your Secret to a Relaxing Yogyakarta Getaway!
Book Now and get:
- Free Wi-Fi! Stay connected and share your amazing vacation photos.
- Complimentary Breakfast! Fuel up for your adventures with a delicious breakfast buffet.
- Complimentary Spa Treatment! Unwind and rejuvenate with one of their signature spa experiences.
Limited Time Offer: Book your stay now and get a complimentary airport transfer!
Don't wait; book your escape today and experience the magic of Escape to Paradise: Ohana Suites Aubrieta! You deserve this. I promise. (And maybe you'll come back with a slightly less stressed-out me!
Escape to Paradise: M Village Living, Ho Chi Minh City
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't going to be your polished, airbrushed travel brochure. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-hungover truth of a few days spent at Ohana Suites Yogyakarta Unit Aubrieta. Prepare for a roller coaster of emotions, bad decisions, and maybe, just maybe, a moment of genuine beauty that'll make you forget the questionable street food. Here we go…
YOGYAKARTA: A MESSY LOVE AFFAIR (or, How I learned to embrace the chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and Almost Immediately Regret Buying That Extra Bagel
14:00 - 15:00: Arrival at Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG). Oh, the humidity! It wraps around you like a warm, clammy hug. My glasses immediately fogged up. First impression? Dazzling scooters, an army of batik-clad porters, and the faint aroma of… something delicious being cooked. I’m already behind schedule because I insisted on buying an extra, probably unnecessary, bagel at the airport and now I’m sweating profusely and dragging an extra suitcase. Note to self: stop making bad decisions before you've even left the airport.
15:30 - 16:30: Transfer to Ohana Suites (Unit Aubrieta). Grabbed a pre-booked Gojek (like Uber, but on a scooter!). The driver, a lovely man named Pak Budi, was also the only one who could understand my terrible Bahasa Indonesian. The traffic? A swirling vortex of motorcycles, becaks (pedicabs), and the occasional car tentatively inching forward. The landscape blurred in greens and oranges. This is when a vague feeling of excitement mixed with utter fear washed over me.
16:30 - 17:30: Check-in, Unpack, and Briefly Question My Life Choices. The Ohana Suites are actually pretty cute. Really. The aubrieta unit is nice, a little oasis from the street. My room is…well, it's not exactly a five-star hotel, but it's clean, and the air conditioning works (a crucial detail). I start unpacking and immediately realize I overpacked. Seriously, who needs six pairs of shoes for a four-day trip? And also, note to self: learn to pack lighter.
17:30 - 18:30: Poolside "Relaxation" (and the Unpleasant Encounter with the Mosquito Army). The pool looks inviting. I grab a book, a towel, and a sense of serenity. This lasts approximately five minutes before I get absolutely swarmed by mosquitoes. They are relentless! My meticulously planned relaxation time is now a frantic slapping session. And then, I actually felt one of them bite me and it was just… horrible. I flee back to my room, covered in bites, vowing revenge.
19:00 - 20:00: Dinner: Search for the legendary Nasi Goreng. Wander towards the street, find the local 'warung', and order the famous Nasi Goreng. Finding the right one is pure luck. So I try the food at the first place I find and it was kinda… meh. The rice was a little too oily. But the satay was decent! Okay, this is the first real disappointment, everything else was alright but that food made me want to cry.
20:00 - 21:00: Exhaustion and Early Bedtime. Jet lag is hitting hard. I'm fighting off sleep. I crawl into bed, covered in mosquito spray, and pray for a decent night's rest.
Day 2: Borobudur Sunrise and the Temple of Regret (Plus, a Lost Phone)
04:00 - 04:30: Wake Up, Curse the Alarm Clock, Regret All Life Choices. This is the ungodly hour of Borobudur sunrise. I have zero desire to get out of bed. I tell myself it's worth it. I lie to myself.
04:30 - 06:00: Journey to Borobudur Temple. We start on another Gojek. We were speeding and there was a very real chance of death. The driver was clearly a maniac. But at least we got there? The pre-dawn light is magical, even if I'm a grumpy, sleep-deprived mess.
06:00 - 09:00: Borobudur Sunrise and Temple Exploration. The sunrise is incredible. Truly breathtaking. It’s worth all the sleep deprivation, all the early wake-up calls, all the questionable decisions. The temple itself is majestic, awe-inspiring, and completely full of other tourists. But still, it's beautiful. The history washes over me and I can't help but feel amazed. This is why I travel.
09:00 - 10:00: Breakfast. At some local restaurant. It was okay.
10:00 - 11:00: Back to the suite. Regroup .
11:00 - 13:00: Lost Phone Drama (and a Lesson in Humility). I seem to have lost my phone somewhere during the trip to Borobudur. Panic mode engaged. I retrace my steps, frantically searching. I interrogate the front desk at the hotel and the restaurant staff. I call myself an idiot at the top of my lungs. Nothing. I then have a small emotional breakdown in the lobby. It's not my fault. I'm sure.
13:00 - 14:00: Trying to find the phone. I hire a driver and going back to Borobudur and hoping it was there. Ugh, I'm a complete mess.
14:00 - 15:00: Return and accept the loss
16:00 - 18:00: Dinner, trying to find a restaurant that's not terrible. I found a nice restaurant… and the food was okay. I was still sad, and I was not hungry.
19:00: Early Bedtime. I am emotionally and physically exhausted.
Day 3: Street Food, Batik Shopping, and the Triumph of Finding My Phone! (Yes, Really!)
09:00-10:00: Waking Up and deciding to have a relaxing day. .
**10:00 - 12:00: *Street food adventure.* Exploring a local market. I'd heard about the crazy, flavor-bombastic food here. It was like entering a chaotic, fragrant wonderland. The food stalls hummed with activity, steam billowing from bubbling pots. I tried some weird things.
- Gudeg, the jackfruit stew – unexpectedly savory and sweet.
- Bakmi Jawa, Javanese noodles – slurp-worthy deliciousness.
- And the sate – the grilling was incredible.
- Es Teh Manis – iced sweet tea, my new addiction. It was all so cheap. I spend about 15$ and I was full!
- I get a horrible stomachache, so the rest of the day is spent recovering.
- Note to self: don't eat everything, everywhere, all at once.
12:00-14:00: Regrouping and trying to recover. .
14:00-16:00: Batik shopping at Malioboro Street. I'd read it was the place to go for batik. I brave the crowds, and the bartering, and eventually find a beautiful batik scarf that I will cherish forever. Or at least until I accidentally spill coffee on it.
16:00: The Triumph! My phone! The lady from the restaurant where I ate the night before called me. The driver left the phone there! I went there to pick it up. Yay!
18:00-19:00: Dinner. It was so very good.
20:00: Early Bedtime. So exhausted.
Day 4: Farewell, Yogyakarta (and a Promise to Return)
- 08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast at the hotel. I was so happy to have found my phone! .
- **10:00: Check out, head for the airport. .
- **12:00-13:00: Arrive at airport. .
- 13:00: Say goodbye to Indonesia.
Reflections:
Yogyakarta… you were a whirlwind. You were chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, and utterly unforgettable. I got lost, I got bitten, I ate questionable food, and I lost my phone (briefly). But I also saw the sunrise over Borobudur, I tasted the most amazing street food I've ever had, and I met some of the kindest, most resilient people I've ever known. It's not always perfect. It'
Escape to Heaven: Hotel Larch, Campo di Trens, Italy
Escape to Paradise: Ohana Suites Aubrieta - You HAVE Questions, I (Probably) Have Answers (Maybe)
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place Really "Paradise"? (Because, Let's Be Real, Travel Brochures Lie)
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the "paradise" claim is a bit… subjective. Look, it's REALLY pretty. Think lush greenery, the sound of birds chirping (mostly!), and a pool that actually IS as inviting as the pictures. But paradise? Depends. Are you looking for a perfectly polished, sterile utopia run by robots? Then no. Ohana has… character. Plenty of it. Think more "charming, slightly-worn-around-the-edges Indonesian oasis."
My personal experience? Arrived at around 3 PM, exhausted from jet lag. My room wasn't *quite* ready (minor blip, they were apologetic, offered a welcome drink - bonus points!). Walked around, and yeah, it was pretty. The pool? Tempting. The staff? Super friendly, but a little *too* laid-back? Kinda charming, actually. Later that night, the gecko in my bathroom? Less charming. Still, overall, it's a solid "yes" to the beautiful part. But paradise implies flawlessness, and nobody's perfect.
The Suites… Are They Actually *Suites*? Or Just, You Know, A Room?
Okay, this is where it gets a little… interesting. Some are proper suites, with a separate living area and bedroom. Others are more, well, spacious rooms. So, read the descriptions carefully. I booked a "suite" and, while it had a sitting area, it wasn't exactly a cavernous ballroom. Still, it was more than enough space to spread out and, you know, not trip over my suitcase every five seconds (major win!). The bathroom? HUGE. Like, ridiculously large. Could have hosted a small dance party in there. No complaints! Except… the water pressure in the shower was a little…optimistic. More of a gentle drizzle than a power wash. But hey, it's Indonesia. You embrace the quirks.
Food! Tell Me About The Food! Will I Survive? (I'm A Picky Eater.)
Okay, food. This is a big one. Ohana has a restaurant on site, and honestly… it's decent. The breakfast, included with your stay, is a highlight. Fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order, and *amazing* strong Indonesian coffee (if you’re a caffeine addict, you've found your holy grail) . Lunch and dinner were… fine. Nothing Michelin-star worthy, but solid, tasty, and reasonably priced. They have Western options for the picky eaters (bless them), and some delicious local dishes. Just… maybe don't expect gourmet dining. Think comfort food, Indonesian style. My advice? Embrace the local cuisine. Try the Nasi Goreng. You won't regret it. (Unless you're allergic to peanuts. Then, definitely *don't*.).
One minor downside? The service in the restaurant can be a little… slow. Like, island time slow. Prepare to wait. But hey, you're on vacation. Relax. Enjoy the view. Eventually, the food will arrive. Promise.
The Pool! Is It Instagram-Worthy? (Because Let’s Be Honest, That's Important.)
Oh, the pool. Absolutely. Instagram-worthy? Absolutely. It's gorgeous. Tranquil. Perfect for those "I'm on vacation and my life is perfect" snaps. Be warned, though, it's popular. You might need to fight for a prime sunbathing spot. (Okay, maybe not *fight*, but you get the picture). I witnessed a small child try to steal a pool inflatable one afternoon- that's the worst instance of aggressive behaviour I saw.
I spent a whole afternoon by the pool. Just reading, swimming, sipping on a cold drink (try the mango juice!). Bliss. Until one afternoon, during a particularly dramatic thunderstorm (which, by the way, are epic in Yogyakarta), the power cut out. Suddenly there was complete darkness, and the pool, which had been so inviting a few moments before, seemed a bit less appealing. I ran for my life. But then it was over and the sun was back. Still, point is - the pool is great, but nature can be a bit unpredictable.
Location, Location, Location! How Far Is It From Everything? (I Want To See Stuff!)
Okay, the location is a double-edged sword. Ohana is tucked away, a bit of a hidden gem, which is lovely for tranquility. But… you need transport. Taxis, Grab (the Indonesian version of Uber/Lift), or renting a scooter are your best bets. It’s not exactly walking distance to the main tourist hotspots. But honestly? That's part of the charm. You're escaping the crowds. You're nestled in your private oasis. Just factor in travel time. You will be reliant on transport and this can come with frustrations - traffic, a driver who doesn't speak English, etc. But on the whole it's worth it. It's a short drive from the most popular attractions like Borobudur temple and the Kraton palace and the other attractions are easily accessible.
Anything I Should Be Aware Of Before I Book? (Besides Geckos, Apparently)
Besides the geckos (seriously, they're everywhere. Just… accept it), here are a few things to consider:
- Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray. Lots of it. They are relentless. I'm not exaggerating. It's like they have radar.
- Noise: While generally quiet, you might hear roosters crowing. It's part of the charm, I told myself every morning at 5am. (Mostly)
- Internet: The Wi-Fi is… spotty, at times. Embrace the digital detox. Or, you know, tether to your phone if you absolutely *need* to be connected. But it’s not awful.
- Service: The staff are lovely, but "efficient" isn't their middle name. Be patient. Smile. Things will get done, eventually.
- Air Con: It works! Thank god. Get air con.
Ultimately, Ohana Suites is a fantastic oasis, a great choice in Yogyakarta. It has charm, it has beauty, it's got the most important things - the food is good, the pool is great and the staff are lovely. Is it perfect? No. But perfect is boring. Go, enjoy, and embrace the adventure. Just pack the bug spray.
I'm Afraid of the Dark. Will I Be Okay?
Okay, I get it. Sometimes the dark can be a bit… unnerving. And yes, with the power cuts, and the jungle surroundings, Ohana can get *dark*. Not pitch black, but definitely… dim. Bring a nightlight! Seriously. Or a flashlight. Maybe both. I used both. And I still woke up at 3 AM most nights completely convinced I was staring at a snake. (I wasn'tStay While You Wander
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