Escape to Paradise: Appolo Hotel Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the whirlwind that is the Escape to Paradise: Appolo Hotel Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka Awaits! And let me tell you, after sifting through all the "facilities" and "amenities," I'm ready to spill the tea, the spicy Sri Lankan tea.
Forget those clinical, dry reviews – this is going to be messy, real, and probably full of unsolicited opinions. So, here we go…
First Impressions & Accessibility (and My Slightly Clumsy Entry)
Okay, let's be honest. I'm not a graceful swan. I'm more of a slightly wobbly penguin, especially with luggage. So, when I'm looking at a place, accessibility is key. Appolo Hotel actually did pretty well here. The elevator was a godsend after my initial struggle with the bags (note to self: pack lighter next time!). They say they cater to guests with disabilities, but honestly, I didn't test every single thing. But from what I saw, and from the info they gave me, it seemed pretty good. The lobby was wide and easy to navigate. The real test, though, is always the bathrooms, right? (Just saying…)
Internet, Glorious Internet! (And the Dark Side of Social Media Withdrawal)
Alright, let's be real. In today's world, Wi-Fi is a basic human right. Thank goodness they understood that! "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" – Music to my ears! I’m a digital nomad, so I live off of the internet, so that was the first thing I checked. And, bless their hearts, it was pretty solid. Streaming my guilty pleasure (anything from Netflix) was a breeze. The ability to work from the room, with the AC on and a coffee? Perfection. I even used the internet [LAN] for serious work (the hotel provides that as well, which is nice).
The Food, Oh Sweet Baby Buddha – and the Questionably Timed Buffet
Listen, I'm a foodie. I'm obsessed with food. And Sri Lankan food? Heaven. Appolo's got a bunch of options, and I’m drooling just thinking about it. Asian breakfast, Asian Cuisine, etc.
Let’s Talk Breakfast (Specifically, The Buffet)
The breakfast buffet was…an experience. Now, I arrived late, so I might have caught the tail end of things and the presentation was okay, but the stuff was cold. And I got a little confused by the serving spoons. (Did I say I was clumsy? I did, right?). But hey, at least they had an International cuisine section and a Western one to help me, the non-native, sort of blend in. I ordered room service. Again, I don't want to be the one who complains but, the presentation could be a little better. Overall, it was a decent choice.
Things to Do: Relaxation Station & The Perils of Excessive Pampering
This is where the Appolo Hotel really shines. "Ways to relax"? Oh, honey, they've got you covered. First off, the swimming pool is gorgeous. And the pool with a view? Even better. I think I spend more time in the pool than I did outside of it.
- The Spa: The spa! I had a body scrub and a massage scheduled - because, what's a vacation without a little pampering? The body wrap was so luxurious I came close to falling asleep.
- Fitness Center: I’m not gonna lie, I peeked in the fitness center. Looked well-equipped, if you're into that sort of thing (which I am…sometimes).
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, Let's Be Real, It's 2024)
Look, safety is everything. They've got all the basics covered: daily disinfection, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol. They even had "individually-wrapped food options." I'm not entirely sure if that's a bonus, or the new normal, but whatever. It made me feel safe. Their hygiene certification was obvious, and really it's what I'm looking for.
Services and Conveniences: From the Practical to the Slightly Extra
- Doorman/Concierge: They were lovely, always ready with a smile and help with anything I need.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was always spotless, which is a huge win in my book.
- Business Facilities: If you must work (ugh), they've got the basics covered: meetings, audio-visual equipment, meeting stationery – the whole shebang.
- Gift Shop: I got some souvenirs because what's the point of living if you can't shop?
- Laundry service: One of the best perks.
For the Kids (Because Let's Not Forget the Little Humans)
I didn't have kids with me but the kids' facilities seemed decent. Babysitting service.
Getting Around: The Fine Print, The Perks, and the Surprises
- Airport Transfer: Super convenient.
- Free Car Park: Bonus!
- Taxi service: Obviously.
Available in All Rooms: The Real Comforts
- Air conditioning: Essential for survival in Sri Lanka.
- Free Wi-Fi: The hero of the vacation.
- Mini bar: Because, sometimes, you just need a midnight snack.
- Coffee/tea maker: Coffee is life. Tea is also life.
- Bathrobes and Slippers: Pure luxury.
- Blackout curtains: Sleep like a baby.
My Quirky Observations & Candid Admission
- The "Happy Hour" at the pool bar? Worth it!
- I did not use the "room sanitization opt-out available," because, honestly, I welcomed the extra cleanliness.
- I may or may not have spent far too much time on the terrace with a cocktail and a good book. (Okay, fine, I definitely did.)
- Did I mention the view from my room? Epic. Truly Instagrammable.
- I almost forgot- the internet kept dropping!
The Verdict & (Slightly Rambling) Recommendation
Look, the Escape to Paradise: Appolo Hotel Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka Awaits! isn't perfect. No place ever is. But, it's a solid choice. You get good value for your money, great amenities, and a genuinely relaxing atmosphere. The staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and the access to the internet makes digital nomad life so much nicer.
THE PERFECT OFFER:
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Here's what awaits you:
- Unbeatable Relaxation: Dip into our stunning outdoor pool, book a rejuvenating spa treatment, or simply unwind on your private balcony with a refreshing drink.
- World-Class Comfort: Stay connected with FREE Wi-Fi in every room!
- Delicious Dining: Savor a mouthwatering Asian breakfast, international cuisine in our restaurant, and snacks at the poolside bar!
- Safety and Cleanliness: With rigorous hygiene protocols, you can relax knowing your well-being is our top priority.
- Convenient Amenities: Experience effortless travel with airport transfers, a concierge service, a gift shop for your souvenirs, and more.
But that's not all!
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Dubai's Most Stunning Palm Jumeirah Villa: Towering Views Await!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your sanitized, brochure-perfect itinerary. This is the honest-to-goodness, potentially disastrous, but hopefully glorious, chronicle of my trip to the Apollo Hotel in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka. Prepare for jet lag, questionable food choices, and a whole lotta sand in places it shouldn't be.
Day 1: Landing and the Great Coconut Hunt (aka "Where's the Bathroom?")
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up on the plane. Or rather, be woken up by the relentless flight attendant serving lukewarm coffee and a breakfast that resembled astronaut food. The jet lag is already hitting like a truck. Body screaming for sleep, mind pinging with a thousand questions. Sri Lanka! I'm here! (Or am I hallucinating from lack of oxygen?)
- 10:00 AM (Sri Lanka Time - which, let's be honest, is a suggestion): Land at the airport. The heat hits you like a physical wave the moment you step off the plane. Humidity levels: 100%. My hair immediately starts morphing into a frizz monster. Customs is a blur of smiles, paperwork, and the frantic mental calculation of exchange rates.
- 11:30 AM: Found the driver, bless his heart! He's got my name on a little sign, and I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm an idiot because of my obvious disorientation. The drive to Hikkaduwa is an absolute assault on the senses. Bright colors, honking horns, motorbikes weaving through traffic like caffeinated bees. The air smells like spices and exhaust fumes – a strangely intoxicating combo.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Apollo! First impressions? Pretty solid. The lobby's cool and inviting. Check-in is a breeze. I'm handed a welcome drink, which tastes suspiciously like… well, I'm not entirely sure, but I think it involved a coconut and a hint of something tropical. My room is lovely, with a balcony overlooking the ocean. (Spoiler alert: the view is AMAZING.)
- 2:00 PM: The Great Coconut Hunt commences. My mission? To find THE PERFECT coconut. I'm talking fresh-off-the-tree, ice-cold, delicious coconut water. I wander around the hotel grounds, questioning every vendor. They all point me in different directions. I feel like a quest character in a bad video game.
- 3:00 PM: Fail. But stumble upon the hotel pool instead. Dive in, and the water is the perfect temperature. Instant bliss.
- 4:00 PM: Finally found a coconut! And it's glorious. I'm officially in paradise. Drinking coconut water while watching the sun dip towards the horizon - life is good.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The buffet is overwhelming. I try everything and vow to never touch another samosa again. (Psych! I'll probably have three tomorrow.)
- 8:00 PM: Exhausted. Wander down to the beach, the waves are hypnotic and listening to them, I feel so much better.
- 9:30 PM: Collapsed into bed, already dreaming of the next adventure.
Day 2: Turtle Time and the Curry Catastrophe
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of crashing waves. This never gets old.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. More questionable food choices. (Did I just eat a deep-fried banana? Maybe.)
- 9:00 AM: Turtle time! Headed to the nearby turtle hatchery. Seeing tiny, adorable baby turtles waddling towards the ocean is a truly amazing experience. A tear or two might have been shed.
- 11:00 AM: Beach time. I'm pretty sure I've already developed a mild sunburn. The sand is so soft. The water is warm and clear. I could stay here forever. (And might just try to.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Trying to be adventurous, I ordered a local curry. Oh, boy. Let's just say it was… fiery. My mouth is still on fire. I'm pretty sure I saw a dragon's breath in my reflection in the window.
- 2:00 PM: Nap. Needed to recover from the curry incident.
- 4:00 PM: Snorkel time! Hired a boat to take me to the coral reef. The snorkeling was amazing. Seeing the vibrant fish and coral was an unbelievable experience!
- 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks on the beach. The sky explodes with color. The waves roar gently. Feeling incredibly grateful.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner. Tried a different restaurant this time. Much better. (No fire dragons in sight.)
- 9:00 PM: Strolled the beach. The stars are incredibly bright. I don't think I've ever seen a night sky like this.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: The Scooter Saga and Sunburn Blues
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Sun beating down on the balcony.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast - another round of trying everything.
- 9:00 AM: Decided to rent a scooter. "How hard can it be?" I thought. Famous last words, right?
- 9:30 AM: I'm a menace to society on two wheels. Narrowly avoided a collision with a cow. Nearly took out a group of tourists. My driving skills are… questionable, to say the least.
- 10:30 AM: Found a beautiful lagoon and went exploring. The scooter provided the thrills, but I learned so much.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch by the beach.
- 2:00 PM: Realized the full extent of my sunburn. Ouch.
- 3:00 PM: Spent hours in the shade, slathering myself in aloe vera. It's the color of a tomato.
- 4:00 PM: Walked the whole beach, finding more sights and sounds.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset, again. Still incredible.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. Trying to eat the spices.
- 9:00 PM: Watching the ocean, the waves.
Day 4: The Hikkaduwa Hustle and Emotional Rollercoaster
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, groggy but determined.
- 8:00 AM: The last breakfast - still trying things, still questioning things.
- 9:00 AM: Explored the Hikkaduwa market. I went to the market, buying some trinkets and souvenirs. I got a better idea of what to expect.
- 11:00 AM: Went on the beach and took a swim.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel.
- 2:00 PM: I sat, journaling, thinking of how much I enjoyed the trip.
- 4:00 PM: Thinking of how I didn't want it to end.
- 6:00 PM: Last Sunset - beautiful as ever.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner.
- 9:00 PM: Packing for the departure.
Day 5: Leaving & The Promise of Return
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Last view of the ocean from the balcony. Feeling a bittersweet mix of sadness and gratitude.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast, now with a heavy heart.
- 9:00 AM: Checked out. Farewell hugs and promises to return.
- 10:00 AM: The long drive back to the airport, now with a different perspective. The trip was amazing.
- 1:00 PM: Boarded the plane.
- 2:00 PM: Back, again and the memory will live forever..
This is just the beginning. I fully expect more adventures, more misadventures, and more memories to be made. And yes, I'll definitely be back to Hikkaduwa, to the Apollo, and to those glorious coconuts. Godspeed, and happy travels!
Unbelievable Beijing Luxury: Hanting Hotel Tuanjiehu's Secret Revealed!
So, Appolo Hotel... Is it *really* a "paradise escape," or is that just marketing fluff?
Okay, let's be real. Paradise? That's a *big* word. And I'm a cynical New Yorker, so my natural inclination is to say, "Nah, it's just...okay." But... damn, Hikkaduwa snuck up on me. Appolo? It's got its warts (more on those later), but it definitely *flirts* with paradise. Imagine sunrise over the Indian Ocean. That's a pretty solid start, right? The sand? Seriously soft. The waves? Perfect for a post-breakfast surf (if you're brave, like me…sort of). The food? Okay, some days it's hit or miss, but then BAM! You get a curry that will make you weep with joy. So, yeah, maybe it’s not *Eden*, but it’s a damn good escape. And after a few days, you'll practically *feel* yourself melting into that laid-back rhythm. Warning: May cause profound relaxation. Prepare to become a beach bum.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party scene or more chill?
Okay, I HATE clubs. Like, *loathe* them. So, when I saw "Hikkaduwa," I braced myself for relentless techno beats. Wrong! Appolo is more "laid-back chic" than "rave central." Think beachy, barefoot vibes. There's a bar, sure, but the music is more reggae, the cocktails are strong, and the conversations flow easy. You'll see families, couples, solo travelers… everyone just sort of…chilling. It's that kind of place where you can comfortably chat with the random dude next to you about the best places to grab a king coconut, or you can just bliss out with a book. Night after night, after a few too many Lion Lagers (the local brew – a must-try), I just wound up talking to everyone. The staff, the other tourists, the stray dogs... It's addictive. And I found a few new friends. It's heaven… almost.
Let's talk rooms. Are they worth the money?
Ah, the rooms. This is where Appolo gets… interesting. First off, they're not *luxury*. Think clean, functional, maybe a little… rustic? I had a room overlooking the ocean. Worth it? Absolutely. Waking up to that view every morning cured months of back pain. Did the aircon work perfectly every single day? Nope. Did I have a (minor) battle with a rogue gecko on the ceiling one night? Yes. Did I get a bit of a whiff of… well, let’s just say the drains weren’t *always* the freshest? Also, yes. But honestly? I'd trade perfectly pristine rooms for that ocean view, that laid-back charm, any day. Embrace the imperfections. It's more authentic that way. And the bed was comfy. That's the important thing.
The surf... What's the surfing situation like? I'm a beginner/intermediate.
Okay, surfing. This is where I embarrassed myself daily (and loved every minute of it). Hikkaduwa is pretty epic for both beginners and more experienced surfers. There are breaks right in front of Appolo! Easy access to lessons. The instructors are chilled out and patient (because, believe me, they *need* to be). The waves can be gentle enough to learn on, and the more advanced surfers can paddle out for a more challenging ride (or two). I spent *hours* (and probably a small fortune) on lessons. Fell a lot. Swallowed a lot of salty water. But caught a few waves that were... well, they were glorious, even if just for a second. That feeling, when you finally get up... that’s worth the cost of the trip. Warning: May cause serious addiction to surfing.
What about the food? Any must-try dishes?
Oh, the food. Okay, here's the truth bomb: some days the buffet was average. Some days it was *amazing*. But the a la carte options? Gold. Do *not* miss the fresh seafood. The grilled tuna was divine. The curries? *Chef's kiss*. The breakfast? My kryptonite. I swear, I ate a minimum of three roti every single morning. Then there are the street food options! Just outside the hotel. Cheap, delicious, and potentially questionable from a hygiene standpoint...but hey, you only *truly* live once, right? Coconut roti, kottu roti, crab curry...just eat it all. You'll thank me later. And make sure you try a Lion Lager. Or five.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, and no. The vibe is relaxed, so kids are welcome. However, there aren’t a ton of planned activities, like a kids’ club or anything like that. Plenty of space to play, splashing in the waves, building sandcastles, and the staff is super nice. Just remember. If you are a parent bring some games for them to get involved because sometimes the kids get a little bored. Basically, if your kids are happy to be involved and play. Appolo would be a great spot for a family vacation. Just be prepared to keep them entertained for a while.
What are the must-see/do things outside the hotel?
Okay, leaving the hotel is a *feat* when you're in peak beach bum mode, but you absolutely MUST. Hikkaduwa has some amazing temples. Go. See the tsunami museum. Deeply sobering, and a reminder of what nature can do. Go to a tea plantation. That was incredible! And go to the turtle hatchery. It’s a bit of a drive but so worth it. See the turtles. And… don't be afraid to just wander. Explore the streets. Chat with the locals. Get lost. That's half the fun. And yes, get your souvenirs and gifts from a local shop, never from a fancy tourist shop.
Any downsides? Things I should be aware of?
Alright, let's get gritty. This isn’t a flawless resort. The Wi-Fi is… spotty (prepare to unplug, people!). Sometimes the service is a little SLOW (but hey, *you're* on Sri Lankan time now, right?). There can be power outages (bring a portable charger). The beach has some strong currents. And there are those rogue geckos. Honestly? I'm being a bit picky here. The little things don’t matter. The good *definitely* outweighs the bad. Just go in with open eyes and a sense of humor. And maybe pack bug spray. And maybe embrace the slowness... it's good for the soul.
5 Star Stay Find
