The Vatika Resort and Spa

The grounds are gorgeous, tucked beside cliffs and surrounded by lush jungle gardens. We loved the spacious feel, comfortable beds, pool and poolside bar, and the massage parlour. Breakfast and lunch are served, there's also a cafe, and the free shuttle makes multiple beach trips each day. The staff were lovely, breakfast had what we needed, including good dietary options, and it was a great base for enjoying both nature and the beach. I see people complain, but this is a jungle-style place. If that's not for you, choose somewhere else; if you're after a 5-star resort, pay for one. We thought it was magical and will be back.

The garden and outdoor areas are beautiful and well kept, so the property makes a lovely first impression. The cabin itself was another story. The furniture was extremely old, there was a strong musty smell, and the bathroom and shower were in very poor condition. Even the towels smelled damp and moldy. The entrance door wouldn't shut properly, the mosquito net was torn, and the windows were damaged. We found lizards in the room, and there was no hot water. The gap between the attractive grounds and the accommodation was huge. A very disappointing stay, and I wouldn't recommend it.

The dining staff wouldn't even let me heat water in their kettle. Being refused something as basic as hot water in the 21st century was awful. I can put up with old plumbing, a location far from the center, and construction on the property. What made this a bad experience was that the bungalows have no shared area with tables, cutlery, a kettle, refrigerator, or microwave. It feels as though guests are expected to buy breakfast and supplies from the hotel at triple the price, and the menu is very limited.

We couldn't take it after the first night and moved to another hotel. No one offered a refund for the two nights we had left. Reception was rude, and whenever we complained, they just said, “You saw what you were booking.” The room felt more like an animal enclosure than a guest room. There was no bed frame, just an old, dirty mattress on the floor. There was no storage, wardrobe, hanger, or even a hook. The room had no safe either. When I insisted on one, they dropped a box on the floor. The plumbing and damp were disgusting. Sink and shower water drained underneath the house, leaving the room damp and foul smelling, with gnats and flies everywhere. Calling this a hotel is a stretch. Don't waste your time or money.