Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Longjing Resort, Dongyang
Escape to Paradise: Longjing Resort – Dongyang – Or, How I Accidentally Found Zen (and a Killer Massage)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. I just got back from a mini-break at Longjing Resort in Dongyang, and I'm still trying to unpack it all. Forget pristine brochures and perfect reviews – this is real talk. This isn't just a hotel; it's a whole damn experience. And trust me, after the year we've all had, you NEED this.
Accessibility: Getting There & Getting Around – Okay, Let's Be Honest
First things first: getting to Longjing. Okay, so… Dongyang isn't exactly on the main tourist radar. You're probably thinking, "Is this even worth the trek?" The answer? YES. But be prepared. Airport transfer is available (thank GOD!), and their website promises a taxi service. (Honestly, I took the bullet train, and it was a bit of a haul to the resort by taxi, but the driver was super friendly. Also, car park is free, which is a massive win these days!) It's not the easiest place to reach, but that, my friends, is part of the charm. You feel like you’re escaping.
Wheelchair accessible? This is where I unfortunately can't offer a definitive answer, but some facilities for disabled guests are indicated. I'd recommend calling them directly to clarify their specific accessibility features.
Rooms: My Sanctuary… and My Mini-Bar Fiasco
Let's cut straight to the chase: the rooms are glorious. Seriously. I booked a non-smoking room – and honestly, thank heavens. The last thing I needed was to be battling cigarette smoke on top of everything else. I had a huge bed (extra long, thank you very much, I'm a lanky human), blackout curtains (essential for proper shut-eye), a mini-bar (more on that later…), and a killer view. They offer all the usual suspects: air conditioning that actually works, free Wi-Fi (thank you, gods!), a safe box, and a desk.
I’m a sucker for a good bathtub (separate from the shower, always a bonus), and this one was HUGE. I nearly drowned myself with bath products.
Okay, the mini-bar. See, this is where things get… interesting. I, in a moment of weakness (and jet lag), decided to raid it. I'm talking tiny bottles of wine and a chocolate bar that I devoured in under five minutes. Let's just say the bill at checkout was slightly higher than I anticipated. Pro tip: check the prices before you start snacking!
Wi-Fi: Connected, But Still Disconnected (Which Is the Point!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Check. Internet [LAN]? Yes, if you really need it. Wi-Fi in public areas? Also yes. My phone may have been glued to my hand for the first hour out of habit but soon enough, I decided to disconnect. It really helped the relaxation begin to flow.
Cleanliness, Safety, and Feeling "Safer"
Okay, let's get serious for a sec. In these times, hygiene is paramount. These guys ACTUALLY get it. I saw staff constantly wiping down common areas (daily disinfection in common areas). They use anti-viral cleaning products, have hot water linen and laundry washing, and offer rooms sanitized between stays. They've got hand sanitizer everywhere you look. And they’re even offering room sanitization opt-out available. That's the kind of detail that makes you feel taken care of. The staff seemed well-trained in safety protocol too. COVID-19 Safety Features: They offer individually-wrapped food options, and physical distancing of at least 1 meter. I also saw staff were trained in safety protocol. The fact that there's a doctor/nurse on call, a first aid kit, and that they have a pretty robust safety/security feature setup with 24-hour security, CCTV and smoke alarms made me trust that they take this stuff seriously.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Oops!)
Right, let’s talk food. This is where Longjing really shines. They've got everything. Okay, not everything, but it’s pretty close.
- Restaurants: They offer multiple restaurants, including a vegetarian restaurant and a place with Asian & International cuisine!
- Breakfast: Don’t even THINK about skipping the breakfast buffet. Seriously. Buffet in restaurant! Breakfast [buffet] and Asian breakfast. You'll get a Western breakfast, buffet, and so much more. Everything from fresh fruit to perfectly cooked eggs, and of course, a variety of Asian options. The coffee? Fantastic. The service? Impeccable. And they even send breakfast to your room (breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service).
- Lunch & Dinner: They offer both a la carte in restaurant!
- Drinks: The poolside bar is a MUST. Happy hour is a must. I saw a bar, and coffee/tea in restaurant offered.
The Spa: Where I Found Nirvana (and Maybe Some Wrinkle Reduction?)
Okay. The spa. This is where I lost myself. They have everything: Body scrub? Check. Body wrap? Check. Sauna, steamroom, and a pool with a view? Oh, HELL yes. I went for the full-body massage, and good lord, it was like all the tension of the past year just… melted away. I actually snored. Loudly. I woke up feeling like a new person. My best friend, who’s been harping on my stress levels for years, would have loved this. I seriously recommend it for your well being.
Pool and Fitness: Gotta Burn Off Those Desserts!
There's a swimming pool (outdoor) – big, beautiful, and perfect for a leisurely swim. There is also a fitness center/gym if, like me, you feel the need to counteract the buffet breakfasts. They offer a foot bath!
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
They offer a ton of stuff. They’ve got a concierge, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, and even currency exchange! I needed luggage storage. They had it. I needed a taxi. They got me one. The little things, like a convenience store on-site and a gift shop were so useful.
Things to Do: Beyond Netflix (Yes, Really!)
Longjing Resort encourages you to actually unplug. But what do you do? Well… relax. Stroll the grounds. Read a book. Go for a swim. I saw people doing all of those things.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun!
I didn’t have kids with me, but I saw other guests with kids, and they looked extremely happy. They’ve got kids facilities available.
The Quirks & The Imperfections (Because Let’s Be Real)
Okay, no place is perfect. There was ONE slightly awkward moment at breakfast when I accidentally took someone else's plate of pastries. (My bad! Jet lag brain!) And, the hotel itself is stunning, but it feels like they've been working on the landscaping.
The Verdict: Go. Just Go.
Seriously. Book it. Now. Longjing Resort is a sanctuary. It’s a place to escape the noise, the stress, and the endless notifications. It's a place to breathe, to relax, and to rediscover yourself. Yes, it might take a bit of effort to get there, but trust me, it’s worth it.
My Unsolicited Adorable Anecdote About the Food
The desserts. Oh, the desserts! One night, the chef brought out a platter of these tiny, perfect little cakes. I kid you not; I ate, like, five. I’m not even a big dessert person, but they were just… magical. That's the kind of experience Longjing offers – little moments of pure joy that make you forget all your worries.
Ready to Escape to Paradise? Here's the Deal!
Escape to Paradise: Longjing Resort Dongyang – Special Offer!
- Book now and receive a complimentary spa treatment (your choice!) The "Relax and Revitalize" package includes a signature massage, a foot soak, and full access to all spa facilities.
- Enjoy a welcome cocktail upon arrival! Start your getaway on the right (delicious) foot.
- Get a 10% discount on all dining experiences! Indulge in the resort's amazing cuisine without breaking the bank.
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi to help you stay connected (or disconnected if you prefer!).
- Flexible cancellation policy: You can cancel your reservation up to 48 hours before your arrival
Why Choose Longjing Resort?
- Unmatched Relaxation: Experience a world of calm with its luxurious spa, outdoor pool, and serene environment.
- Culinary Delights: Savor exquisite cuisine with diverse dining options, from the buffet to the restaurant.
- Impeccable Service: Enjoy a seamless getaway with attentive staff dedicated to your comfort and well-being.
- Safety and Hygiene: Relax with confidence, knowing this resort adheres to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is a trip to Longjing Resort in Dongyang, China. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the real deal, warts and all. Prepare for a journey that's less "smooth sailing" and more "dodging rogue jellyfish while simultaneously trying to admire the sunset."
Longjing Resort: My Brain-Melting, Bamboo-Lined Adventure (and Likely My First Ulcer)
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Existential Dread (Plus Dim Sum, Obviously)
- Morning (Like, VERY early): Flight into Shanghai. Oh, the joy. The absolute, unadulterated joy. I’d envisioned a graceful glide into the city, fresh-faced and ready to embrace the culture. The reality? I’m pretty sure I spent the entire flight fighting off a toddler who decided my kneecap was prime real estate. Arriving in Shanghai and transferring to the bus to Dongyang.
- Mid-morning: Long, arduous bus ride. Honestly, the scenery was probably stunning. Did I see any of it? Nope. I was too busy trying to decipher the nuances of Mandarin pop music blasting at ear-splitting volume and resisting the urge to poke the sleeping man beside me who kept drooling.
- Afternoon: Finally, we arrive at the Longjing Resort. Okay, maybe the resort isn't THAT bad. The reception area is… big. Really big. Like, lost-a-small-child-in-here big. The guide is kind but talks REALLY fast. She's explaining something about tea ceremonies, which is great because I love tea… but I have no idea what she's saying. Starting to feel a mild panic, but also…hungry.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Dim sum time! This, my friends, is where the trip starts to redeem itself. A symphony of tiny, delicious explosions of flavor. Xiao long bao bursting with hot, savory broth. Flaky, perfect char siu bao. I think I actually moaned with pleasure. I might have also accidentally eaten a whole plate of something I thought was a dumpling (looks like a dumpling, right?) that turned out to be…I don’t know, some kind of pickled jellyfish concoction. Texture: Slimey. Taste: Acquired. Regret level: Moderate.
- Evening: Wander around the resort. It's… serene. Too serene? I'm seriously contemplating whether I’ve accidentally wandered into some kind of zen retreat designed to strip away all vestiges of personality. Find a little courtyard with a koi pond. Stare into the fishy abyss. Contemplate the meaning of life. Decide the meaning is probably "more dim sum." Go to bed early. Hoping the jellyfish experience doesn't haunt my dreams.
Day 2: Tea, Temples, and the Threat of Being Eaten by a Panda
- Morning: The tea ceremony! Yes! After a confusing amount of pointing and gesturing I find myself at a long table with a charming tea master. This is the moment I'd dreamed of: elegant, refined… and entirely beyond my grasp. I feel like a bull in a china shop. I manage to spill tea on myself at least three times. By the end of it, I'm pretty sure I know more about the proper angle of a tea cup than I do about my own bank account. But the tea itself? Divine. I would happily spill tea all day long to savor the subtle flavors.
- Mid-morning: A visit to a gorgeous temple. Incense smoke, the gentle hum of chanting, the intricate carvings… it's all utterly breathtaking. I find myself feeling strangely peaceful… for about five minutes. Then, a small child tries to pull my hair. The peace shatters.
- Afternoon: I see a poster for a panda encounter. I immediately sign up. Because: Pandas! Then, the panda encounter. Pandas! Close up! They are magnificent, fluffy, and apparently, quite adept at stealing your heart (and possibly your camera). I am smitten. The whole experience is a fuzzy, bamboo-fueled haze of happiness.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The resort has this gorgeous bamboo forest. I decide to go for a walk. Feeling brave! I walk for about five minutes before realizing it's getting dark. The forest is really, REALLY quiet. And, you know, forests are known for their…things. Like bears. Or crazy locals with axes… or wild bamboo-eating pandas. I hightail it back to the hotel. (Okay, maybe the panda encounter gave me some…ideas.)
- Evening: Dinner at the resort. Trying to order something that isn't a complete mystery. End up with a plate of what looks like…well, I'm still not quite sure, but it involved a gelatinous substance, some suspiciously green things, and a lot of intense chewing. I finish the meal, but not because it was good. It was a test of willpower. Afterwards, I spend a good hour contemplating my life choices.
Day 3: Last Day (and the inevitable airport shenanigans)
- Morning: Get up with the rising sun. Final walk around the resort. Seriously, it's beautiful. I kinda like the serene atmosphere. But I also kinda miss the chaos.
- Mid-morning: Gift shopping! I spend an embarrassing amount of time trying to haggle over a silk scarf and a tea set (for my mother, of course). My haggling skills are… rusty. Let's just say I ended up paying more than I should have. My mother will never know!
- Afternoon: The bus back to Shanghai. Sigh. Another long ride, another ear-splitting soundtrack. I've learned my lesson and bring earplugs this time.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The airport. Oh, the airport. I'm now a seasoned traveler, and the flight home is fine.
- Evening: Home. I'm exhausted. Jet-lagged. And already dreaming of when I can return to the bamboo-lined madness of Longjing Resort. It was weird, wonderful, imperfect, and absolutely unforgettable. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- I still have no idea what half the food was.
- I am now obsessed with tea.
- I will forever be haunted by the memory of the jellyfish.
- Maybe I should brush up on my Mandarin.
- Panda hugs: Absolute worth it.
This is just a starting point, of course. Your own Longjing adventure will be utterly unique to you, in all its glorious, messy, wonderful glory. Enjoy the ride! And for goodness sake, watch out for the jellyfish!
Bon Hotel Taipei: Your Luxurious Taiwanese Escape Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Longjing Resort FAQs (Because Let's Be Honest, You Need Them)
Alright, spill the tea. Is Longjing Resort REALLY a hidden gem, or just another Instagram trap?
How do you even *get* to this supposed paradise? Transportation tips, please. Because Google Maps is useless sometimes.
Accommodation: Are we talking luxury villas or… budget backpacker dorms? Let me know what to expect.
The Tea Ceremony: Is it worth the hype? Or touristy nonsense? Be honest!
Activities: Beyond tea drinking, what is there to do? Fill me in!
Food: What kind of food? Any recommendations? I need to know!
What about the crowds? When's the best time to go to avoid them, and is it ever *really* possible?
Is Longjing Resort family-friendly? Or more for couples/solo travelers?
