Indonesian Paradise Found: Blue Whale Sanctuary Hotel Anyer Awaits!
Indonesian Paradise Found: Blue Whale Sanctuary Hotel Anyer Awaits! - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – the very good tea, actually – on the Indonesian Paradise Found: Blue Whale Sanctuary Hotel in Anyer. This isn't your average, sanitized hotel review. This is the RAW, the REAL, the absolutely unfiltered take from a fellow traveler. I’m aiming for SEO here too, so prepare for some keyword bombs! Think Anyer hotels, beachfront hotels, Indonesia travel, family-friendly hotels, spa resorts, romantic getaways, Anyer spa, accessible hotels. Got it? Good. Let's dive in!
First off: Accessibility. This is a HUGE one for a lot of people, and I'm happy to report… it's mostly good news. They’ve definitely made an effort. The facilities for disabled guests are present, and I saw an elevator, which is a lifesaver. While I didn't personally need it, I did see ramps and generally wide hallways, suggesting decent wheelchair accessibility. However, always double-check specifics before booking if accessibility is a must-have for you. Call the front desk directly and ask. The last thing you want is to arrive and then be disappointed.
Rooms…Oh, The Rooms! Let's get into the nitty-gritty of those rooms. They’re a mixed bag, honestly. My room? Heaven. Truly. It had air conditioning (thank the heavens!), a ridiculously comfy extra long bed (bliss!), and a private bathroom that was… well, it was functional. There was an additional toilet, which is always a win in my book! I loved the blackout curtains – crucial for beating the Indonesian sun. Also? Complimentary tea and free bottled water…a minor thing, but it felt luxurious. The coffee/tea maker was a godsend, especially after a long day of… well, doing nothing much, which also great! On the other hand, (and maybe a minor quibble), the internet access – wireless could be spotty, so thank goodness for the internet access – LAN! As far as room amenities go, they really have thought it through. They had all the essentials, from a hair dryer to bathrobes, a safe box to the in-room safety features. The downside, though? I swear, the scale in the bathroom was taunting me. Anyway, just in case you need to know everything in the room, this list definitely has it all. Oh, and the window that opens! Simple pleasures, people. Simple pleasures.
Cleanliness and Safety - COVID Style! Okay, COVID times, right? How did "Indonesian Paradise Found" handle it? Pretty well, actually. They had all the safety measures in place, and it gave me peace of mind. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays. They also had anti-viral cleaning products, which is a massive plus. They had mask mandates and did a great job with it. It all made the hotel feel clean and secure.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach's Report!
Okay, the food. This is where things get… interesting. The restaurants are plentiful, and frankly, some are better than others. There's a decent Asian cuisine in restaurant, although I’m more of a Western cuisine kind of gal. The Asian breakfast was a treat. The Western breakfast? Let's just say the bacon wasn't quite up to my usual standard. The breakfast [buffet] was extensive. The drinks were top-notch, especially at the poolside bar. They had happy hour, and believe me, I took full advantage. The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on a few occasions (hangover, anyone?). They served lovely salad in restaurant. However, I wish they had more salad in restaurant!
One thing I'll say is that they are flexible with the alternative meal arrangement, and you can also get breakfast in room, which is convenient for a lazy morning. The bottle of water was a great touch. Some of the food was a little expensive but you can also get desserts in restaurant to sweeten the deal. It's safe to say I lived off of coffee/tea in restaurant for some part of my stay.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Extras
They really think of everything. Cash withdrawal, concierge, laundry service, daily housekeeping (bless them!), a convenience store, and even a gift/souvenir shop. They offer food delivery, which is great. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that you can expect an extremely high level of service. They have invoice provided.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Ah, Bliss!
This is where it gets REALLY good. Oh, and believe me, I'm not just saying that because I, a seasoned traveler, had a really great time. They knew how to keep me busy. If you want to relax, this is the right place!
Let's start with the spa. Oh. My. Goodness. The. Spa. I booked a massage – a full-body, melt-your-muscles-into-a-puddle massage. My back, which hates me, said thank you. I then went for a body scrub and a body wrap, turning myself into a human-sized, silky-smooth, cloud. They also have a foot bath, which is chef's kiss. Let me just say, it was all amazing. The spa/sauna, the steamroom, the sauna… pure luxury. They also have a fitness center for the fitness-crazies. Oh, and did I mention the swimming pool? And the swimming pool [outdoor]? And the pool with a view? Yeah. They've got pools. You can spend all day by the pool and not get bored.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You!)
If you're travelling with kids, or big kids (like me!), the "Blue Whale Sanctuary" is a winner. The family/child friendly aspect is huge. They have loads of options to entertain them.
Getting Around
The airport transfer is a must-have, because, let's face it, traveling from the airport after a long flight can be hard. They offer a car park [free of charge].
The Quirks (and the Things That Weren't Perfect) No place is perfect, right? The Wi-Fi could be a little temperamental in some areas, as I mentioned, and some of my fellow guests were a little loud one night. But hey, it's a hotel. You get what you get.
In Conclusion: Should YOU Book?
YES! Absolutely, unequivocally, YES! If you want an Anyer beachfront hotel escape, a chance to de-stress, and maybe even get some Instagram-worthy photos, this is a solid choice. It's family-friendly, has incredible spa facilities, and pretty decent food. It's a place to recharge. It's a place to relax. It's a place where, for a little while, you can forget all your worries and just… be.
My Offer for YOU (Because I Love You!)
I'm not affiliated with the hotel, but I am in love with it. Here's the deal: Book your stay at Indonesian Paradise Found: Blue Whale Sanctuary Hotel Anyer Awaits! using a booking site and let me know! I'll send you a list of my favourite hidden gems in the area. You’ll get insider tips that you won't find anywhere else, so you can experience Anyer like a local. What do you have to lose? Get booking! You'll be thanking me later.
Istanbul Airport Hotel: Luxury Stay, Unbeatable Price!
Blue Whale Blues & Bliss: An Anyer Adventure (A Messy Itinerary)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your glossy travel brochure. This is real life, Blue Whale Sanctuary style. And trust me, after this trip, I might need therapy. Or at least a cold Bintang.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (Welcome to Paradise… Maybe?)
- 8:00 AM: Flight from… well, let's just say a long way. Everything went smoother than expected during the flight, which immediately set the alarm bells ringing. Something's always gotta go wrong, right?
- 1:00 PM: Landed, got the bag (miracle!), and found our pre-booked driver. The roads were… an adventure. Let's just say Indonesian traffic is a whole mood. I swear, I saw a guy on a motorbike carrying a whole refrigerator. And a chicken. It was chaotic, beautiful, and terrifying all at once.
- 4:00 PM: Arrived at the Blue Whale Sanctuary Hotel. HOLY. COW. Okay, the view from the lobby? Seriously stunning. Ocean-blue stretching as far as the eye could see. Palm trees swaying. Instagram heaven. But… the check-in took forever. Seriously, I think I aged five years. Plus, after the long journey the room smelled like… well it smelled. And it was hot! It took 3 hours to get the AC right.
- 5:00 PM: Room finally sorted (ish). My initial reaction? Pure, unadulterated joy. Followed by a wave of "Oh god, did I bring enough sunscreen?" And of course, realizing I forgot to pack my favourite swimsuit. Yep, this trip is already a disaster.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset cocktails at the beach bar. Okay, this is what I came for. The sky was a fiery tapestry of orange and pink. Bintang in hand. And the sound of the waves… pure bliss. Though I did spend a good chunk of time swatting away mosquitos. They were relentless.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was… okay. Nothing to write home about, except for this AMAZING fish that I did write home about because it was out of this world. Though I accidentally ordered something with way too much chili, and my mouth was on fire for the next hour. Definitely needed that second Bintang.
Day 2: Beach Bliss & Beach Bumming (and a Near-Disaster)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up to the sound of crashing waves. Absolute. Perfection. Coffee on the balcony, watching the sunrise. Could get used to this.
- 9:00 AM: Attempted to go for a swim. Attempted is the operative word. The waves were HUGE. Like, "wipe-out-your-ego-and-your-sunglasses" huge. I might have gotten pummeled a few times. Let's just say I'm not cut out for surfing. Or ocean swimming, apparently.
- 10:00 AM: Gave up on swimming (defeat is hard) and spent the rest of the morning lazing on the beach. Reading a book, occasionally dozing off. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. Until… a rogue crab tried to steal my sandwich. The audacity!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch – same restaurant. The food was still only “okay” but I got used to it.
- 2:00 PM: Decided to explore a little. The beach was littered. A lot of it. Which was disappointing. I decided to stroll down the beach and collected some of the rubbish. I wasn’t the only one. Some of the other guests were doing the same. It was a little inspiring, but then I realized it was hot and I was sweaty.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a nap. It was a long day. Or maybe it was the heat.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset again. Because, you know, duty calls. This time, got there early and actually watched it, properly. Gorgeous. Then, a whole group of tourists were laughing and taking pictures. I am not always in the mood to be with tourists.
- 7.30 PM: Dinner again. I discovered some of the restaurant staff. They were hilarious. And I took the food and they gave me a discount.
Day 3: Marine Life (Maybe) & Beachy Regrets
- 8:00 AM: Failed to wake up early enough to watch a full sunrise. Fail!
- 9:00 AM: Snorkeling trip! The hotel had an excursion. I got all excited. Gear rented, sunscreen applied (this time, I actually remembered). Boat ride to the snorkel spot was beautiful, though the boat was a little rickety.
- 10:00 AM: Into the water! Okay, this was… underwhelming. The visibility wasn't great. Saw some fish. Some coral. But nothing earth-shattering. I was expecting a vibrant underwater wonderland. I think I was imagining something. Mostly the water kept going into my snorkel – I felt more like a water balloon than a mermaid.
- 11:00 AM: Back to shore, a little disappointed. Then I fell onto the beach again and wanted to be swallowed up by the sand.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Needed some comfort food.
- 2:00 PM: Attempt to walk down to find the shop again. I found the shop.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the beach. I was sunburned.
- 6:00 PM: Last sunset. This time I went into the ocean. It was better. Though the sun vanished behind some clouds.
- 7.30 PM: Farewell dinner. I kept it to the fish. It wasn't a perfect trip. But I did have my moments of awe. And I made it.
Day 4: Departure & Post-Trip Blues
- 8:00 AM: Wake up thinking about my life choices, packing and making sure I haven't forgotten anything critical (like, say, my passport).
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Sat there. Stared out at the ocean. Felt that melancholy settle in. That "I-don't-want-to-leave" feeling.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. The staff were friendly, although the checkout system was slow.
- 1:00 PM: Goodbye, Blue Whale Sanctuary. Goodbye, Indonesia. Thanks for the adventure, the sunburn, the crabs, the good food, and the crazy traffic.
- 8:00 PM: Landed back home. Already missing the ocean. The chaos. The Bintang. Back to reality. Back to the grind. Sigh. Time to start planning the next escape…
Okay, spill it! What *is* this "Blue Whale Sanctuary Hotel"? Sounds fishy... or whale-y grand?
Alright, alright… it’s a hotel in Anyer, Indonesia, and they’re *really* leaning into the ocean theme, with, you guessed it, a *blue whale* painted on the side. Seriously, the art is pretty impressive, though, like, I walked up to it half expecting Will Smith to pop out, "Welcome to the world, kid!" (Yeah, showing my age, I know.) It promises views and relaxation, and a chance to, well, *chill* by the beach. They sell themselves pretty hard on the eco-tourism stuff too, even though I’m still sussing out how "sanctuary" they actually are in practice. More on that later, probably. I've got *opinions*.
So, Anyer. Where *is* Anyer, exactly? And is it worth the trek?
Anyer is on the coast of Banten province in West Java, Indonesia. Getting there is… an experience. Prepare for traffic, especially if you're driving from Jakarta. I'm talking "sitting-in-a-car-playing-candy-crush-for-three-hours" kind of experience. But… When you *finally* get there, and the ocean air hits you… Okay, maybe the trek IS worth it, even if the air conditioning in the car is on the fritz. The beach is decent, the sunsets are stunning. Just try not to think about how many other people are thinking the *same* thing, sharing the same beach. Crowds are… a thing. Plan accordingly, I beg you.
What are the rooms like? Are they, you know, *clean*? And is the view really as Instagrammable as they claim?
The rooms… okay, let's just say they're *functional*. Cleanliness? Well, it's Indonesia. Things are… different. I found a tiny, *tiny* critter in the bathroom once. Let's just say it was a close encounter. I'M not sure if he was supposed to be there. But the view? Yeah, the view is pretty darn good, especially from the higher floors. Ocean stretching out forever, palm trees swaying… Totally Instagrammable. I’d even say the hotel's design looks a little, "retro." Like, it feels a little dated, maybe a little faded. *But* that gives it *charm*, you know? Or at least, it did for me. Your mileage may vary. Bring bug spray. Seriously.
Food? What about the food? Because I *need* to know if I'm going to be hangry the entire time.
Ah, the food. This is where it gets a little… *varied*. The hotel restaurant has a pretty standard buffet. There's nasi goreng (fried rice), which is always a win, and some… *attempts* at Western-style dishes. I once had a "burger" that I'm pretty sure had been sitting under a heat lamp since the dinosaurs roamed the Earth. But the local seafood is usually pretty fresh and delicious. Head out to some of the warungs (small local restaurants) nearby. They're where the real magic happens and often more affordable. My advice, eat local, and *always* check for flies. Trust me on that one. Oh, and the coffee? Hit or miss. Bring instant coffee, just in case.
I’ve heard about people doing water sports, is that true? Also, what’s the beach like?
Yes, you can. Anyer is known for its water sports. You can rent jet skis, go parasailing, that sort of thing. I stuck to swimming. The beach itself… It depends on your expectations. It's not like the pristine, perfect beaches you see in glossy travel magazines. You can find things, though, like trash. Sometimes there’s a lot of trash. And the sand…can be dark. I saw a kid find a crab. It was cool. But yeah, come prepared for some imperfectness. It's a lived-in beach, not a postcard beach.
"Blue Whale Sanctuary"? Really? Is there any actual eco-stuff going on? They claim it's eco-friendly, correct?
This is where my inner cynic starts to twitch. They *claim* eco-friendly. They talk about conservation, minimizing waste, blah, blah, blah. I’m going to be honest, I found the claims a bit… *thin*. I saw some recycled water bottles, and supposedly, they have a program to conserve water. But I didn't see a whole lot of the actual conservation *happening* during my stay. I got the feeling, at least when I was there, it was marketing, and not, like, a fundamental principle. I’d love to be proven wrong, but I suspect they're not exactly changing lives. Watch out for the plastic straws, though. That's a good starting point to know if they are serious, or not.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party place? Family-friendly? Romantic?
The vibe is… *casual*. It's definitely family-friendly, lots of kids running around, especially during the school holidays. There are *some* couples, but it's not a super romantic getaway. It can be a bit loud, a bit boisterous at times. There's no real "party" scene. Think more "laid-back beach vacation" rather than "rave until dawn." I saw a large family, and they were loud. They seemed to be having fun. I guess that's okay. But maybe I should have looked for some earplugs.
So, overall… would you recommend it?
Okay, here’s the messy truth. If you're looking for a perfect, Instagram-filtered vacation? Probably not. If you're expecting pristine beaches, Michelin-star dining, and a perfectly curated experience? You're probably in the wrong place. But… If you're looking for a decent beach getaway, somewhere to relax and maybe catch a killer sunset, and you're okay with a little bit of imperfection, then *maybe*. The whole experience is a little bit… *rustic*. A little bit… *uneven*. But it's honest. It's real. It's Indonesia. And sometimes, that's what makes it special. Just manage your expectations, bring bug spray, and be prepared for a good story, if nothing else. I'd probably go again actually, but with lower expectations, and my own coffee.
