Lagoon Dream

For two weeks, this was a great place to stay. It was much more budget friendly than the big hotels, and we felt like locals. I'd give it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. Katherine was by far the best part of the arrangement. She's an absolute gem. Message her on WhatsApp and she'll organize what you need, even before the trip, from airport rides and dinner reservations to tours. She also makes breakfast every morning with fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and tea. The garden has flowers and fresh fruit, including passion fruit, which was delicious and turned up at breakfast many days. Geckos were everywhere and often got into the bungalow, but we thought they were super cute. The place felt very safe. It's gated, each bungalow has its own locked entrance, and there's also a safe in the bedroom. The bungalow was comfortable for two, though the bedroom was tiny, basically just the bed with no room to walk around. The living room and porch were spacious, and we ate breakfast outside every morning. There are small outdoor tables and chairs around the property, too. The bedroom AC and living room fan both worked well. There weren't many outlets. The kitchen was small but fairly well equipped, though it lacked basic items like a can opener, corkscrew, and bottle opener, as well as cooking supplies like oil, salt, pepper, zip bags, and foil. If you plan to cook, you'll need to stock up. There's a washing machine but no detergent or dryer, just a clothesline with limited pins. Across the street is a private, gated pool for visitors and a private "beach." It's really just a small rocky strip, but there's a little boat slip for getting in and out of the water, and kayaks are provided. Some of the area looks rundown, like the bar by the pool, which was unmanned and seemed unused for years despite the potential for a bartender and a fridge or freezer. The swing by the water was cute and would be a nice sunset spot, but its wicker was falling apart. There isn't much within walking distance. Katherine can arrange rides with a cab driver she works with, but they're quite expensive. Several restaurants will send a car to pick you up for dinner, but the property is just far enough from towns on either side that only two or three places offer that. Without a rental car, you'll spend a fair amount on cabs.

The owner was quick to respond. The accommodation was very nice, with a kitchen, washing machine, living room, terrace, and outdoor seating. Across the road there's a private pool and a small beach with kayaks and sun loungers. We drove a few kilometers to the public beach for swimming.

We weren't used to staying somewhere this small, so don't expect a resort. Having the amenities of your own home was nice, and the pool, though small, was just right for the couple of bungalows here. Looking out over the lagoon from the pool was awesome. We had to adjust to not having everything at our fingertips. Getting a car or taxi wasn't easy, although one of the workers drove us to the store for a few things. Jing later helped us get a car and arrange a taxi back to the airport. I'd recommend renting a car when you arrive unless you've already booked a lot of tours. If you do need one later, try to arrange it early for the days you want it. I'd definitely recommend staying here.

Tea took great care of us, providing a baby bed and all the amenities we needed for a holiday home. The villa was clean and cozy, and Tea even invited us to her Sunday barbecue by the pool. Communication was great both before and during our stay. We thoroughly enjoyed our time and would happily return!