Escape to Paradise: YUKKURI Boutique Hotel, Da Lat's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: YUKKURI Boutique Hotel, Da Lat - My Rollercoaster of Zen (and Maybe a Slightly Overpriced Massage?)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average cookie-cutter hotel review. This is my experience at YUKKURI Boutique Hotel in Da Lat, Vietnam. And let me tell you, it was a ride. From the moment I hobbled in, jet-lagged and desperately craving a decent cup of coffee, to the moment I reluctantly left, clinging to the remnants of serenity like a drowning sailor, YUKKURI (that's Japanese for "slowly," by the way) threw everything it had at me. And surprisingly, I loved it.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Because, You Know, Gotta Play the Game):
- Keywords: YUKKURI Boutique Hotel Da Lat, Vietnam Hotels, Da Lat Accommodation, Luxury Hotel, Spa Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Pool with a View, Da Lat Restaurants, Romantic Getaway, Family-Friendly Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Best Hotels Da Lat, COVID Safety Measures, Reviews.
- Metadata Description: Unfiltered review of YUKKURI Boutique Hotel in Da Lat, Vietnam. Discover the hidden gem's accessibility, dining, spa experiences, and overall vibe, all while I vent, gush, and share my honest (and sometimes messy) opinions. Find out if the "slowly" life is really worth it!
First Impressions & Accessibility (The Hobble & the Hiccups):
Right, so let's be honest. I love the idea of being a sophisticated world traveler, but the universe seems intent on reminding me that I'm mostly a clumsy human. My knee was acting up – ancient injury, you know the drill – and the first thing I was looking for? Accessibility. The hotel's website claimed facilities for disabled guests, so already, I was cautiously optimistic.
Getting to the hotel? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. They had Airport transfer, which, after a transatlantic flight plus a connecting hop, was a godsend. Seriously, anyone who arranges an airport transfer for a weary soul is already in my good books. The drive itself? Beautiful. Da Lat is stunning, with all its rolling hills and misty mornings. I’m pretty sure I saw a unicorn. Or maybe it was just the lack of sleep.
The lobby? Elevator, yay! So far, so good. The staff were lovely, which always helps. Checking in was a breeze with their Contactless check-in/out, and felt like the first of many things they got right. The Doorman was a charming chap, and even helped with my luggage, which was a welcome plus. But finding my room required navigating a few steps. Luckily, the staff was helpful, and the Exterior corridor made it easy to not feel trapped inside. I didn't use the Meeting/banquet facilities, but the hotel does have a nice Indoor venue for special events
Room Review: My Sanctuary (and My Annoying Knees):
Okay, the room. Swoon-worthy. Seriously. It had everything. Seriously, the Air conditioning was PERFECT. (Important in Vietnam! Seriously, the heat). There was Air conditioning in public area too, which was great!
From a practical perspective, the room was generally great. There was a Desk, which, as a freelance writer, I depend on. Plenty of space. The Closet was adequate. The Bathroom phone was an oddity, but…okay. There was a Hair dryer. The Mini bar was fully stocked, naturally. Also, the Bathroom was clean, had everything I needed. It was a great way to start my day.
Now, to the important stuff: Wi-Fi [free]. Solid connection, everywhere. I could upload Instagram stories without wanting to throw my phone into the lush Vietnamese landscape, which is a definite win. Internet access – wireless, also strong. And! Internet access – LAN! Yes, even with those, I had super connection and no buffering issues. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Checked. The Bed was huge and comfy. The Extra long bed was PERFECT!
Minor gripe alert: The Slippers were a bit cheap. Honestly. This is a boutique hotel, people! Step it up!
I loved the Seating area and spent a lot of time there. However, the Room decorations were a little too Zen, but not a huge issue. Thankfully, those Blackout curtains were a lifesaver, allowing me to sleep in until the very last possible second and still feel rested. I'm just not a morning person, OKAY?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Adventure:
Where do I even begin? This place was a foodie's heaven (and the occasional hell, depending on my mood).
- Breakfast [buffet]: They had a HUGE buffet. Asian breakfast options galore, as well as Western breakfast. My personal favorite? The fresh fruit. Glorious, juicy, Vietnam-perfect fruit. They also provided a Breakfast service, which I loved. If you are feeling too lazy to go to the buffet… or just want to stay in your bathrobes all day. Definitely worth the experience!
- Restaurants & Bars: Okay, there are Restaurants here, plural. But I only ate at the main one, which did A la carte in restaurant. I would strongly recommend the soup – I ended up getting the Soup in restaurant almost every night and ended up coming back for more! Another great plus? There's a Poolside bar; they served AMAZING cocktails, and the ambiance was great.
- Snack Bar: They have a Snack bar, which I didn't try, but I was told they had AMAZING snacks!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop: Excellent coffee. Seriously, the coffee in Vietnam is a religion, and YUKKURI understood the assignment. The coffee shop was also great.
- Desserts in restaurant: Yes! Absolutely. Delicious. Decadent. I'd go back for dessert alone.
The biggest surprise? The Vegetarian restaurant. Seriously. Really good vegetarian options. I'm not vegetarian, but I was seriously impressed.
Spa & Relaxation: My Zen Moment (and Maybe a Therapist’s Therapy Session):
This is where YUKKURI really shines. I mean, the whole place is designed for chill vibes, but the spa… chef’s kiss.
- Pool with view: The Swimming pool [outdoor], was stunning with a view. The Poolside bar was great.
- Spa: Spa/sauna? Yes, please! The spa was amazing. I went back over and over.
- Massage: I got a massage. And here's where things got interesting. On their website, it looked reasonably priced. In reality, it was… expensive. And I was a bit disappointed, because it was very short. But the ambiance was on point. I went to the Steamroom and the Sauna, both great.
- Body scrub & Body wrap: I didn’t try these, but they were an option.
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID Chronicles (and My Tiny Fears):
Okay, let's be real. Traveling post-pandemic is a whole thing. YUKKURI impressed me with their commitment to safety.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere. Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- They had Anti-viral cleaning products
- Rooms sanitized between stays, which made me feel comfortable.
- They also had Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
- The Safe dining setup was a plus too.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was, for the most part, adhered to.
- Room sanitization opt-out available.
- Cashless payment service.
- They have Essential condiments available.
- You have the option of Breakfast in room, or Breakfast takeaway service.
- They have a Doctor/nurse on call.
- They have First aid kit.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing.
- Hygiene certification.
- Individually-wrapped food options.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services.
- Shared stationery removed,
- They have Sterilizing equipment.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: My Da Lat Delights:
Besides the spa, YUKKURI had some great on-site activities.
- Gym/fitness: Not a gym rat myself, but the fitness center looked decent, with a stunning view.
- Foot bath: Now this was heaven. The Foot bath was exactly what my aching feet needed after a day of exploring.
- Meeting/banquet facilities.
- Meeting stationer
- Luggage storage
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly. They helped with everything.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! I just got back from YUKKURI Boutique Hotel in Da Lat, Vietnam, and my brain is still buzzing with… well, everything. Here’s my attempt at a travel itinerary, but fair warning: It’s gonna be less “precise schedule” and more “chaotic postcard from the edge of sanity.”
YUKKURI Boutique Hotel, Da Lat - The Unfiltered Version
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh My God This Place Is CUTE" Phase
- Morning: Landed in Da Lat. Flight was… a flight. You know, the usual. Crammed legs, questionable airplane food, trying not to breathe on the guy snoring beside me. Seriously, the worst! The drive from the airport to YUKKURI wasn't bad though, the scenery was gorgeous. The air was crisp, smelling of pine and… something undefinably Vietnamese (mystery herbs, I’m guessing).
- Afternoon: Checked into YUKKURI. And… BAM. Instant adoration. Think Wes Anderson meets cozy mountain lodge. The lobby is a riot of mismatched furniture, dried flowers, and the faint scent of incense. I swear, I almost cried. I think I actually did let out a little "Awww" when I saw my room. Seriously, it was adorable. It was all wooden furniture, and a balcony that overlooked the most stunning, lush scenery.
- The Real-Life "Oh My God" Moment: Okay, real talk. I had big plans for this trip: writing, exploring, being a cultured traveler. But immediately upon arriving, I threw those plans out the window. All I wanted to do was curl up in my room, listen to the rain patter on the roof (it’s Da Lat – rain is practically a personality trait), and stare out the window feeling… happy. I think I’d been burned out from life, and just… needed this.
- Evening: Wandered into Da Lat town center for dinner. Found a tiny bánh mì place that was pumping out pure deliciousness. I'm pretty sure I ate three. The woman running the stall barely spoke English, but she had this amazing smile. That's the thing about Vietnam. People are poor, but they are so kind. Ended the day with a lukewarm cup of cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) at a street-side cafe. Fell asleep dreaming of banh mi.
Day 2: Adventure, Coffee, and a Slight Panic Attack
- Morning: Okay, must be productive. I joined a tour to the Crazy House and Linh Phuoc Pagoda. The Crazy House… lived up to the name. Gaudí on acid kinda. I’m not sure if I liked it or was slightly terrified. It was like falling down a rabbit hole. I got lost in the maze of staircases and tunnels more than once, and by the end, I was starting to think it was built by someone with a serious phobia of right angles.
- Lunchtime Lunch at a local restaurant near the pagoda. The food was amazing; it was just cheap, authentic Vietnamese.
- Early Afternoon Spent an hour at the coffee plantation. The coffee was incredible. I bought bags of robusta to make coffee. I watched birds sing.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Attempted to explore more of Da Lat. Got hopelessly lost. Panic started to set in. The language barrier was getting the better of me. I couldn't understand anything. The map was useless. The streets all looked the same. I felt like I was lost and hopeless.
- Evening: The lovely staff at YUKKURI came to the rescue. They helped me find my way back to the hotel and reassured me that I was safe. Thankfully, I got home safe and sound. Drank tea and wrote in my diary.
Day 3: Waterfall, Water, and Deep Contemplation
- Morning: I decided to hike around Datanla Waterfall. The views were beautiful. The walk was peaceful. I spent hours walking and thinking.
- Afternoon: Continued to explore more of Dalat. I bought some fruits to taste later. I bought some local tea.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The day ended as I was lying in bed, wrapped in a fluffy white robe, listening to the rain falling outside. I was at peace. I was happy.
Day 4: Leaving and a Promise to Return
- Morning: Had the most amazing breakfast at the hotel. They made the most beautiful pho. I sat and ate, watching the sun rise over the city.
- Afternoon: Checked out of YUKKURI. The goodbyes were teary. (Okay, maybe it was just me.)
- The Emotional Breakdown (Good Kind): Leaving YUKKURI was harder than I expected. The staff were so kind, the place was so serene, and I felt like I'd actually… relaxed for a hot minute. Da Lat, in its own quirky way, had gotten under my skin. I left with a promise to return. And a massive, unshakeable craving for bánh mì.
- Evening: Arrived in the airport, waiting for my flight.
Final Thoughts, or, The Messy Aftermath:
Look, this "itinerary" isn't perfect. It's probably missing things, it's definitely out of order, and it’s riddled with my own brand of emotional baggage. But that’s the real beauty of travel, isn't it? Things don't always go as planned. You get lost, you freak out, you eat too much… and you come back changed. YUKKURI and Da Lat? A win. Would recommend. Just… be prepared for the mess!
Escape to Paradise: Korina Gallery Hotel, Ithaki, Greece
What's the deal with this "Escape to Paradise" place? Is it actually paradise? (Spoiler Alert: Probably not... perfectly).
Okay, let's be real. "Paradise" is a HUGE claim. I went in expecting something suspiciously… Instagram-worthy. And, well, parts of it ARE downright gorgeous. Think lush greenery, those Insta-famous bamboo tunnels (yes, they're real, and yes, people *do* pose in them), and a general vibe of "chill vibes only." BUT, and this is a HUGE BUT… it’s not a perfectly polished paradise. It's got a certain… *charm* that’s a bit rough around the edges. Like, I saw a tiny, perfectly innocent lizard casually strolling across my balcony one afternoon! It was unexpected, but after the initial shriek, it was kind of… nice? So, in short: It’s paradise-adjacent. Highly recommended.
The YUKKURI part... what's up with that? Is it related to... you know... *that* thing?
You know I was wondering the *same* thing! The hotel is a mix of Vietnamese and Japanese influences, "Yukkuri" actually means "slowly" or "leisurely" in Japanese, And look, the whole experience is built around that idea. Expect mornings where you *actually* don't need to rush, and the gentle chimes of those little wind bells kind of lull you into a stupor. I can attest to having several mornings where my brain cells went into vacation mode and I was very ok with it. The staff are definitely on "Yukkuri Time," which can be sweet or a little frustrating. (More on that later…)
Okay, the rooms… are they as dreamy as the photos? Spill the tea!
Alright, here’s the deal. The rooms are generally lovely. They *do* look pretty much like the photos, with those big windows overlooking the garden, lots of natural light, and a minimalist, zen-like aesthetic. My room had a balcony where you could watch the mist roll in over the hills. *Magical*. However… mine also had a slightly temperamental shower. Like, one minute it was freezing, the next it was trying to melt my skin off. No biggie, I just adjusted and it became a part of its charm. But seriously, expect the occasional quirky feature. It's part of the adventure!
What's the food situation like? Because, let’s face it, good food can make or break a vacation.
The food… ahh, the food! Okay, the breakfast is included, and it's honestly pretty good, a decent mix of Western and Vietnamese options. Honestly, their pho was pretty legit. The restaurant had a super chill vibe. But, and this is important... be prepared for the "Yukkuri" again. The service can be… leisurely. I once ordered a coffee, and it took a solid 20 minutes to arrive. I was fine, I was in holiday mode, but my companion was starting to get that "hangry" look. So, plan accordingly. Also: Dinner, it's nice, but you need to make a reservation in advance or risk being the only unfortuante souls getting cold food at the end of the night.
Tell me about the staff! Are they helpful? Annoying? A mix of both? (Be honest!)
Okay, the staff. This is where things get a tad… complicated. On the whole, they're genuinely lovely people, incredibly polite, and eager to help. Their english is good enough to get by, and they work so hard to make sure your stay is lovely. However, expect some communication hiccups here and there. And the aforementioned "Yukkuri" definitely applies. At one point, I needed a taxi, and it took a solid half-hour to sort it out. But, they always had a smile, you can't fault them for that. Overall, I'd say they're a mix of both: Helpful *and* potentially a little… testing. I had a mix of emotions, really, at times I was frustrated, and at others, I was charmed.
Activities? What's there to DO, besides just… chill?
Well, "chill" is kind of the main activity, let's be honest. But if you *must* do something, they offer yoga classes (which I didn’t try, because… yoga), massage (HIGHLY recommended – I got one and nearly drifted into a coma of relaxation), and they can help you arrange tours around Da Lat. The hotel also has a little shop. The surrounding area is gorgeous, with hiking trails and local villages to explore if you're feeling adventurous. Da Lat itself is a short taxi ride away and packed with things to see. My advice: mix the chill with some actual adventures.
So, the Bamboo Tunnel. IS IT WORTH IT? Because I NEED that Instagram shot.
YES. Absolutely YES. The bamboo tunnel is the ultimate Instagram trap, and I totally fell for it. I mean, who wouldn’t! It's pure, unadulterated beauty. The light filtering through the bamboo, the way the leaves rustle in the wind… It’s stunning. Okay, so maybe I spent a solid 20 minutes trying to get the perfect shot, and I may or may not have slightly inconvenienced a group of other tourists in the process. But the photo was totally worth it, and the tunnel itself is a truly beautiful space. If you're going, embrace the cliche, take the pictures, and enjoy the moment.
Any deal-breakers? Like, things that would make you say "NOPE" to this place?
Hmm… well, if you're a *super* high-maintenance traveler who needs everything instantly and perfectly, *maybe* this isn't the place for you. And if you absolutely can't stand a little bit of "rustic charm" (read: the occasional slightly temperamental plumbing or a tiny lizard guest), you might find yourself frustrated. But honestly? The charm outweighs the quirks. I'd go back in a heartbeat. The only deal-breaker, probably, would be if you hate being utterly, completely relaxed. Because, yeah, you will be.
So, overall… would you recommend Escape to Paradise? Give it to me straight!
Look, I'm not going to lie: I LOVED it. Despite the occasional hiccup, the slightly slow service, the slightly temperamental shower, I *loved* it. It’Premium Stay Search
