Seaport Village: Bay of Islands' Hidden Gem (Unbelievable Photos!)
Seaport Village: Bay of Islands – Honestly, You Need to See This. (Unbelievable Photos? Yep, They're Right.)
Okay, let's cut the fluff. You're scrolling, looking for a place to escape, right? Somewhere truly special in the Bay of Islands? Well, buckle up, because I've just come back from Seaport Village, and I'm still kind of buzzing. They call it a "hidden gem," and honestly? They’re not lying. I'm going to give you the REAL deal, the messy bits, the good, the oh-my-god-that-was-amazing bits, and the few things that weren't quite perfect. Because that's life, isn't it? Perfectly imperfect.
Accessibility & Safety First (But Don't Worry, We'll Get to the Good Stuff!)
Let's be practical before we gush. Accessibility: They've got facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator. I didn’t need them personally, but I appreciated seeing it. They’ve got car parking [free of charge] – always a win. Plus, car park [on-site]. Wheelchair accessible? Can't say definitively, but based on what I saw, I'd say they’re aiming for it. CCTV in common areas/outside property – peace of mind. Security [24-hour] and a doorman. Basically, you feel safe and looked after.
Cleanliness & Anti-COVID Measures: This is where I have to commend them. I'm, shall we say, a germaphobe-adjacent traveler these days. Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and individually-wrapped food options. They're serious about hygiene. The room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch, showing they respect your choices. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Check. The professional-grade sanitizing services definitely show. They're doing it right!
The Room: My Little Paradise (Almost)
Okay, let’s talk about my room. Non-smoking, thank god. Air conditioning – essential. And the free Wi-Fi in all rooms? A lifesaver for a travel blogger like me. I had an Internet access – wireless, and an Internet access – LAN if you're into that kinda thing. My room also had a desk I could actually work from… which I'll admit, I barely used, because the seating area by the window just kept beckoning me to stare out at the water. Blackout curtains? YES. Slept like a baby. The bed was ridiculously comfy. Shower was perfect. The bathtub was great. The complimentary tea and bottled water was a lovely touch. I wish I could transport that bed to my home!
But… (and there’s always a but, isn’t there?). The decorations were a little… dated. Not bad, just not my style. But you know what? I spent so little time in there actively thinking about the decor. It’s a minor quibble.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Bring Your Appetite!
Right, the food. Restaurants? Yes. Plural. Breakfast [buffet]? Yep, with everything! The Asian breakfast was amazing (hello, delicious congee!), and the Western breakfast was classic and well-executed. Alternative meal arrangement? No worries. They’ve got you covered. And the coffee shop? Needed a caffeine fix almost hourly, and it was right there! The poolside bar? Oh. My. God. I'm not a huge drinker, but I sat at that bar for HOURS, just… existing. They also have a snack bar. The room service [24-hour] was another treat. Happy hour? Don't miss it! I ended up trying a bit of everything and every single one was delicious. I think my favorite was the soup in the restaurant.
Things to Do (Besides Staring at the View, Which is a Valid Option)
Okay, so this is where Seaport Village really shines. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Absolutely gorgeous, and a Pool with view! Seriously Instagram-worthy. There's the spa, which I made a point to spend a lot of time, I had a massage and a body scrub. I was so relaxed that I fell asleep during my massage. They also have a gym/fitness which I avoided, and a sauna, steamroom and a foot bath! Honestly, I got so lost in relaxation that I almost forgot to do anything else! But I kept seeing some of the guests had a Body wrap. I was so relaxed that I almost forgot about sightseeing.
Services & Conveniences: They Thought of Everything!
Daily housekeeping? Immaculate. Concierge? Amazing, and actually helpful, not just a guy in a fancy uniform. Laundry service? Essential for a week-long trip. Luggage storage? No problem. They even offer cash withdrawal! The convenience store was a godsend for snacks and forgotten essentials. Babysitting service (for those with kids). They even have facilities for disabled guests. The dry cleaning was a nice bonus, too.
The Real Magic: It’s the Vibe, Man.
Here's the thing no review can fully capture: the atmosphere. It's relaxed, friendly. I felt instantly welcome. The staff went above and beyond. They weren't just doing their jobs, they seemed genuinely happy to be there. That makes a huge difference. The location is also stunning. Car park [free of charge].
The Verdict: Book It. Seriously. Just Book It.
Seaport Village isn't perfect. No place is. But it's pretty damn close. It's clean, safe, well-equipped, and the location? Unbeatable. The staff? Wonderful. The spa? Divine. The food? Delicious, I can't stop thinking about that soup! Is it a "hidden gem"? Absolutely. Is it Instagram-worthy? Oh, hell yes. (Check out my photos! They’re… well, they're pretty good. Not as good as the actual place, though!). Look, if you want a luxurious, relaxing escape in the Bay of Islands, you need to book this place.
AND NOW… The Irresistible Offer You Can't Resist… (Even if you’re still reading this rambling review!)
Tired of boring vacations? Craving a REAL escape? Book your stay at Seaport Village, Bay of Islands, TODAY!
Here's what you get:
- Unbelievable Views: (Seriously, see the photos. No filter needed!)
- Spa Bliss: Pamper yourself with a massage, body scrub, and more!
- Gourmet Dining: Experience incredible Asian and Western cuisine.
- Impeccable Service: Let our friendly staff make your stay unforgettable.
- Peace of Mind: Rest easy with top-notch cleanliness and safety protocols.
- Special Offer: Book now and receive a complimentary welcome cocktail and a voucher for 20% off your next spa treatment! (Limited time offer, don't miss out!)
Click here to book your escape to paradise: [Insert Link Here]
Don't just take my word for it. Experience the magic for yourself. Book your Seaport Village adventure today! You deserve it.
(P.S. Tell them the crazy review guy sent you. You might just get a discount! Okay, probably not. But it’s worth a shot!)
Luxury Queen Room in Podomoro Golf View: Unbeatable Gunung Putri Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to enter the chaotic, beautiful, and slightly sunburned mind of someone who just spent a week in the Bay of Islands… specifically, Seaport Village. And let me tell you, it was a ride. This ain't your perfectly polished travel brochure, folks. This is the real deal.
Bay of Islands: Seaport Village Ramblings & Rough Itinerary (with a HEAP of Improv)
Day 1: Arrival – Jet Lag & Questionable Life Choices
- Flight into Kerikeri Airport (KKE): Okay, first off, landing in Kerikeri is like teleporting to a postcard. Honestly, the scenery could make a grown man weep. But me? I just wanted a damn coffee. And after 24 hours of travel, I wasn't sure whether to cry, or sleep.
- Transfer to Seaport Village: Found a shuttle, which, bless its heart, smelled suspiciously like a wet dog and old sunscreen. The driver, a charming Maori gent named Pete, regaled me with stories of rugby legends and the proper way to eat a pavlova (which I subsequently butchered later.) "Kia ora, love,” he said, winking. “Welcome to paradise…or at least, my route into paradise.”
- Check-in at The Waterfront Suites: Ugh. Finally. The room? Surprisingly decent. But the view? Holy guacamole! Picture this: turquoise water, bobbing sailboats, and a gaggle of seagulls plotting world domination. Immediately regretted not packing binoculars.
- Afternoon: Attempted Exploration (Failed): Okay, so the plan was to wander around Seaport Village, soak up the atmosphere, find a charming cafe. Reality? Jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. Ended up sprawled on the bed, drooling slightly, watching a documentary about hedgehogs. Pretty sure I missed prime sightseeing time. My brain felt fluffy. And I might have eaten a whole block of cheese. No regrets.
- Evening: Dinner at "Charlotte's Kitchen": Okay, this place is a vibe. Right on the water, fairy lights twinkling, live music. Ordered the seafood platter, which was probably a mistake because I had to eat it standing up, due to my lack of energy. But the food was actually incredible. Fell asleep before dessert.
- Quirky Observation: Why are all the pillows here so fluffy? Like, cloud-level fluffy. It made me incredibly happy. But also, slightly suspicious.
Day 2: Dolphin Cruise – Tears, Treasure, and Turbulent Tummies
- Morning: The Great Dolphin Quest! Seriously, I booked a dolphin-watching cruise. My inner child was screaming with excitement. The morning started beautifully. The sun was shining, the sea was calm (ish.)
- The Dolphin Encounter: And then… the dolphins! These creatures are even MORE magical in person. They played, they swam, they leapt! I swear I teared up a little. (Okay, a lot.) It was the most ridiculously joyful experience. We even saw a baby dolphin! (Cue even more tears.)
- The Snorkelling Disaster: They offered a snorkelling experience. I’m not a great swimmer, but hey, YOLO. Let’s just say, I swallowed a lot of seawater, struggled to breathe through the snorkel, and ended up clinging to the boat like a barnacle. Definitely not my finest moment.
- Lunch at a Harbour-side Cafe: Sat on a bench and ate fish and chips. Life felt great.
- The afternoon: Bay of Islands Cruise: The boat was a bit rough, the weather had other plans, and the wind started to whip up. It turned very choppy and queasy.
- Quirky Observation: I'm convinced that New Zealanders have a secret supply of sunshine. It's just always there. Even when it's pouring rain.
- Evening: Dinner at? After that fiasco I just wanted to go back to the suite and lie down. But I did get to see a beautiful sunset reflecting the colourful skies.
Day 3: Russell – The Historic Heart… of a Hangover
- Morning: Ferry to Russell: Got on the ferry to Russell, the first capital of New Zealand. The views were magnificent (had to remember this as I felt nauseous).
- Exploration of Historic Russell: Wandered around the historic town, checking out the old buildings, and feeling slightly ashamed of my lack of historical knowledge. The views were beautiful, but I was mostly just trying to find the nearest place that served coffee and a breakfast sandwich.
- The Duke of Marlborough Hotel: Decided to treat myself to a fancy lunch at the Duke. It's supposed to be historic and all that. Food was good, service was slightly snooty, but the people-watching was top-notch. Saw a couple of Aussies arguing about something important (probably cricket.)
- Afternoon: More coffee, Less Hangover. Eventually the headache dissipated and I was ready to explore. The weather made for great photos that I loved.
- Evening: Dinner at a local pub. The Beach House. Ended up just ordering a burger and fries. Perfectly satisfying. Felt a million times better to sit in the sun and have a beer.
Day 4: Cape Brett Lighthouse and Hole in the Rock - The Views!
- Morning: Hole in the Rock Cruise: I booked a boat trip to the Hole in the Rock. The boat ride was bumpy, but the views as we passed the lighthouse were incredible. The weather that made the boat ride even better
- The Hole in the Rock: It was truly spectacular. Seeing some of New Zealand's most precious scenery was very satisfying.
- Afternoon: Cape Brett Lighthouse: Hiked over the Lighthouse.
- The most memorable moment. The sunset. It was spectacular from the Lighthouse
- Evening: Dinner at a Local Restaurant. The food was amazing!
Day 5: Waiheke Island - Wine Tasting and Wannabe Wine Connoisseur
- Morning: Ferry to Waiheke Island: Got on the ferry to Waiheke Island.
- Winery hopping: Explored several wineries. The views of the vineyards and the ocean were mesmerizing.
- The wine: Amazing, amazing wine. Tried many.
- Afternoon: Beachside Relaxation: Wandered on the beach.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant: Tried more wine, it was delicious.
Day 6: Departure - Sadness and Sunscreen
- Morning: Last Breakfast: Ate a final breakfast by the water. It was bliss.
- Packing: Dragged myself back to the suite and started the dreaded packing process. Sunscreen, hat, my photos.
- **Transfer to Kerikeri Airport (KKE) **: It was a very sad goodbye.
Final Thoughts:
The Bay of Islands. Beautiful. Chaotic. Unpredictable. And absolutely worth it. It’s a place where you can find yourself sobbing over dolphins, getting seasick, and happily devouring a block of cheese at 3 AM. It's a place to breathe, let go, and embrace the messiness of life. Just don’t forget the sunscreen. And maybe pack some motion sickness pills.
And for the love of all that is holy, someone teach me how to snorkel!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Beachfront Getaway in France Awaits!
Why is it so hard to just… *be*?
Oh, honey, *preach*. Seriously. Sometimes I just want to curl up in a ball and scream into a pillow made of puppies (ethically sourced, obviously). It’s like, you have all these expectations – be successful, be happy, don't spill your coffee on your new white pants (been there, done that, cried a little). And honestly? The pressure cooker of it all. It’s brutal. I think the answer is a giant, messy, never-ending *process*. Like, I swear I had a whole existential crisis last Tuesday just trying to decide what kind of coffee to buy. That's a whole other rabbit hole, though...
What's the deal with… *relationships*? Seriously, what's the *deal*?
Okay, let's be real. Relationships. They're like those puzzles with a thousand pieces, and half of them are missing. Some are wonderful, some are… train wrecks waiting to happen. I had this friend, right? Let's call her "Sarah." Sarah was convinced she'd found "The One." He was charming, had a great job... and apparently also had a *secret wife*? Yeah. Turns out. See? Messy. And painful. My advice? Trust your gut. If something feels *off*, it probably is. And maybe, *maybe*, always check their social media for suspicious profile activity. You know, just in case. It's an extra layer of crazy, but a necessary evil. It can save you time and heartbreak. Or at least give you a good story to tell.
Is it okay to still not know what I want to be when I grow up?
ABSOLUTELY. In fact, I'm pretty sure I peaked at age five when my goal was to be a mermaid. Now I'm older I'm still very much clueless. It changes! It ebbs and flows. Seriously? The pressure to pick a "career" at like, what, eighteen? Nineteen? It’s ridiculous! I’ve had more shifts in my life goals than a chameleon changing colors. Embrace the uncertainty! Try things out. Fail gloriously. Learn from your mistakes. Take the road less traveled! And if you end up finding yourself at a job you actually *like* and the people are (mostly) sane? Score!
How do I deal with *failure*? (Because, let's face it, it's inevitable.)
Okay, real talk: Failure HURTS. It stings. It's like getting a paper cut on your soul. I remember this one time… Ugh, okay, here we go. I was running for class president in high school. Thought I had a shot. Put up posters, gave speeches, all the jazz. Did everything I thought I needed to do...and I *lost*. And cried. A lot. In the bathroom. I seriously thought the world was going to end. The tears. The embarrassment. The feeling that no one liked me. It was… intense. But you know what? I went on to become a real, actually decent adult (sort of). It taught me resilience, how to get back up, and most importantly, the importance of good running mate. Failures are lessons. Learn from them. Then, dust yourself off and try again. And maybe, just maybe, stock up on ice cream. Double chocolate is my recommendation.
Is it normal to feel *overwhelmed* nearly all the time?
YES! A thousand times yes! The *constant* barrage of information, the demands, the expectations… it’s enough to make you want to hide under a blanket and binge-watch reality TV for a week. It is ok! My advice? Give yourself permission to turn things off. Take breaks. Maybe even... gasp... *decline* an invitation! You are not a super human, you are a human. Prioritize your mental health. Take some time to yourself. Read a book, take a walk, even just staring out the window for a few minutes. You've got this, even when you *really* don't feel like you do.
What if I don’t find “The One”? Am I doomed to be alone forever?
Okay, deep breaths. First off, even if you don’t find "The One" (and by the way, that whole concept is… complicated, right?), you are *absolutely not* doomed to be alone. Seriously, the world is full of incredible people, friends, family, cats, dogs, even the grumpy old neighbour who secretly loves your cat. Also, being single has its perks! You get to eat whatever you want, watch whatever you want, and don't have to *share* your pizza. That's a definite win in my book. The idea of being alone forever? Utterly ridiculous. Focus on building a life you love, and the rest will (likely) fall into place. And if it doesn't? That’s perfectly okay, too.
Is it okay to be *weird*?
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Being weird is not only okay, it's *essential*! The world is already filled with enough cookie-cutter conformity. Embrace your quirks! Love your weirdness! Wear that mismatched sock! Dance like nobody's watching (even if they are)! Tell that embarrassing joke! Be *you*! The universe needs your unique brand of delightful weirdness. In fact, I'd argue that the more weird you are, the more interesting you are. The more weird you are, the more people will like you for *you*. Embrace it. I triple dare you.
How do I stop comparing myself to *everyone*?
Oh, that’s a tough one. We all do it, right? Scrolling through social media and seeing everyone else’s perfectly curated lives… it’s a recipe for feeling inadequate. My strategy? It is not perfect and I am still working on it. I try to remember that *everyone* is struggling with something. Everyone has their own invisible battles. Also, I remind myself that social media is a highlight reel, not a true reflection of reality. Everyone is putting their best foot forward, which is kind of a lie. Try to focus on your own journey, your own accomplishments, and your own joys. And honestly? If you need to, just log off. Seriously, it’s a game-changer.
