Escape to Paradise: Azana Style Hotel, Madura Island's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Azana Style Hotel - My Madura Island Escape (The Unfiltered Truth)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. I'm talking about a real, honest-to-goodness look at the Azana Style Hotel on Madura Island, Indonesia, the "Hidden Gem" they tout everywhere. And let me tell you, hidden it is! Getting there felt like a mini-adventure – a glorious, slightly sweaty adventure.
Accessibility: The Ups & Downs (And My Ankle's Still Recovering)
Let's start with the nitty-gritty, shall we? Accessibility. Now, Azana Style tries. They say Facilities for disabled guests (check!), and the Elevator is a definite win. But navigating Madura in general is, shall we say, an experience. Sidewalks are an illusion, some areas are rough terrains, and while the hotel itself seemed to have good intentions, the entire island experience is challenging for those with mobility issues. The Taxi Service is readily available (and cheap!), but getting TO the hotel can be an absolute whirlwind. Car park [on-site] is free, which is awesome. I'm just saying, pack your hiking shoes (metaphorically speaking, unless you're REALLY into hiking).
On-Site Deliciousness & Delectable Drinks (Fueling the Adventure)
Food! A vital component, right? Restaurants? Yes, plural! Poolside bar and a regular Bar? Score! This place is made for chill. They have a Coffee shop and even a Snack bar, so you're always covered. They boast Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant – which, let me tell you, is exactly what you want when you're sweating it out on Madura. I went A la carte in restaurant one evening (and ended up ordering a little too much – those spring rolls were calling my name!), and the food was genuinely delicious. There are Vegetarian restaurant options, which is a lifesaver for my friend, and they even did Breakfast [buffet], with that Asian breakfast kicking things off. Happy hour? Oh yeah. Let the good times roll and your wallet breath a bit easier. They offer Room service [24-hour], which is perfect for those late-night cravings for Desserts in restaurant.
The Relax Zone: Paradise Found (Mostly…)
Okay, this is where Azana Style really shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning. I spent at least half my time there, just staring at the view. And speaking of views, Pool with a view? Check! They've got a Spa/sauna, with a Sauna, Steamroom, and various treatments: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage. The Spa was bliss. I'm no spa aficionado, but I have to admit; I felt like a new person.
The Fitness Fanatic's Corner (Or, "Can't Stop, Won't Stop… Sweating")
For the go-getters, they have a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness. I went once. That was enough. The humidity on Madura makes the Gym/fitness feel like a sauna, so I retreated back to the Swimming pool and Sauna. It was good though, those who use them will surely enjoy.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (Essential in This Day and Age)
The hotel clearly takes safety seriously, which I appreciated. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Hand sanitizer everywhere! And, importantly, Staff trained in safety protocol. I felt safe, which is a huge deal.
Dining Details: The Foodie's Guide (And My Slightly Oversized Stomach)
Beyond the general offerings, they've got all the bases covered. Breakfast in room is available, for those lazy mornings, and Breakfast takeaway service if you need to hit the road early. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I'm a massive fan of good coffee, and the Coffee/tea in restaurant was pretty decent, though maybe not the best coffee I've ever had. And the Bottle of water by the bed? Always a welcome touch. They really do pay attention to detail.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Air conditioning in public area is a must. Cash withdrawal is easy. Concierge is super helpful. Daily housekeeping keeps everything sparkling. They even offer Laundry service and Dry cleaning. The Gift/souvenir shop had cute trinkets I actually wanted to buy.
For The Kids (Or My Inner Child) - Family Friendly Vibes
I didn't have any kids with me, but I noticed they are Family/child friendly. They offer a Babysitting service if needed, and they do offer Kids meal, which is a plus!
Rooms: My Sanctuary (With a Few Quirks)
Okay, let's talk rooms. They are Non-smoking rooms, which is great. I had an Air conditioning and Free Wi-Fi, which did it's job! They have the usual suspects: Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Hair dryer, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower. The Interconnecting room(s) available looks perfect for families.
Getting Around: Out and About
Airport transfer? Yes! Car park [free of charge]? YES! Taxi service is available!
Internet: The Digital Detox (Sort Of)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Internet [LAN] available too. Internet access – wireless is what I was using, because who wants to be tethered… The connectivity was generally okay, though sometimes spotty, which, let's be honest, is part of the charm somewhere this remote.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool (If You Can Drag Yourself Away)
Honestly, I spent most of my time by the pool. But Madura Island has a lot to offer. The hotel can help you organize tours and explore the surrounding area. Be ready for the adventure!
The Offer - Escape to Paradise: Azana Style Hotel, Madura Island's Hidden Gem (My Unfiltered Opinion)
Here's the truth: Madura isn't for everyone. It's a bit raw, a bit rough around the edges. But for me, that's part of the charm. The Azana Style Hotel offers a surprisingly polished haven in the middle of it all.
Here's a special offer just for YOU, adventurous soul:
Book Now and get these added perks:
- Complimentary Welcome Drink: Start your Madura adventure with a refreshing taste of paradise.
- Free Upgrade (Based on Availability): Treat yourself to a room with a better view or more space!
- 15% Discount on Spa Treatments: Indulge in a rejuvenating massage or body scrub and melt away your worries.
- Free Daily Continental Breakfast: start your day with a nice filling meal!
- Free Car Park, and Wi-fi in all rooms: Never worry about parking or the internet again!
Why Book Now?
- Escape the Ordinary: This is your chance to experience a truly unique destination.
- Indulge in Relaxation: Azana Style Hotel is your gateway to tranquility.
- Embrace the Adventure: Madura Island is waiting to be explored!
My Final Verdict:
Azana Style Hotel isn't perfect. But it's got heart. A soul. It's a welcoming oasis after a day of exploring Madura. If you're looking for a luxurious, cookie-cutter resort, this isn't it. But if you're looking for an authentic experience, with a touch of comfort and a whole lot of charm—well, book your escape now, and get ready to fall in love with a hidden gem.
Escape to Paradise: Holiday Inn San Jose La Sabana - Your Costa Rican Oasis
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your meticulously crafted itinerary, this is my itinerary, the one I lived, the one I almost lost my phone and my mind on. This is Azana Style Hotel Madura, Indonesia, through the hazy lens of a slightly sunburnt, perpetually snack-craving traveler.
Operation Madura Mayhem: A Travel Diary (with a healthy dose of "WTF did I just do?")
Day 1: Arrival and the Sweetest (Almost) Disaster
- Morning (or what felt like it after a 3 AM flight): Landed in Surabaya. The journey! Let me tell you, navigating the airport felt like a weird game show called "Find Your Luggage in a Sea of Luggage." I swear, I saw a woman knitting a sweater while waiting for her bags. (Indonesia, you are already winning.) Finally, the glorious sight of my backpack. Next up, the dreaded pigeon taxi! I bartered like my life depended on it (mostly because my stomach did).
- Afternoon: Road trip to Madura Island! The drive was… an experience. Picture this: scooters weaving through traffic like angry bees, vibrant markets overflowing with fruits I couldn't identify, and the soundtrack of Indonesian pop music blaring from every passing bajaj (motorcycle rickshaw). I felt like I was starring in my own chaotic music video.
- Late Afternoon: Arrived at Azana Style Hotel. First impressions? Sleek, modern, and… air conditioning! Sweet, sweet relief. Check-in was smooth (thank goodness; I was starting to melt). Room was lovely, minimalist, and blessedly dark. The most important thing? Free Wi-Fi. Priorities, people. Priorities. Oh, and the pool. I'm a pool person.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. I ordered nasi goreng (because, when in Rome, or in this case, Madura…) and it was… good. Not mind-blowing, but definitely edible. I tried to order a Bintang, but they were all out. Minor setback. Then I made the fatal mistake of leaving my phone near the edge of the table. Cue a near-heart attack. I nearly saw my phone falling and catching air before I could grab it. Almost a disastrous end to the first day.
- Sleep: Slept soundly, dreamt of not dropping any more belonging.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and the Quest for the Perfect Instagram Shot (and More Food)
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet was impressive. I may have over-indulged in the pastries. Don't judge me.
- Mid-morning: Organized a trip to Gili Iyang, the island of zero pollution and the cleanest air. The ferry ride was… well, let's just say I'm glad I don't get seasick easily. The view was worth it, though. Azure water, white sand, and the most ridiculously clear skies I've ever seen. I swear, the colours were brighter than a box of crayons.
- Afternoon (Gili Iyang Debrief): The air was noticeably cleaner. I breathed so deeply, I felt like I'd taken a hit of pure, unadulterated oxygen. I wandered the coastline. It was beautiful. I attempted to snap those perfect Instagram shots. Failed miserably, as always. The wind kept messing with my hair, and I was pretty sure I looked like a bewildered scarecrow. Bought some fresh coconut water from a local vendor. It was the best thing ever.
- Late Afternoon: Back to the hotel. Reached the pool. The whole experience felt like an oasis. Sun-drenched bliss, or at least, a decent approximation of it.
- Evening: Dinner. Decided I needed to embrace Madurese cuisine. I ordered something called "Sate Madura," which turned out to be grilled meat skewers dipped in peanut sauce. Delicious! (And messy. I may have gotten sauce everywhere.) Follow up this with a cup of local coffee.
- Sleep: Woke up at 2 am, panicked that I'd lost my phone. Found it on the nightstand. Drank water and went back to sleep.
Day 3: Culture Shock (in the best way) and the Search for the Perfect Souvenir
- Morning: Explored the local markets. The chaos! The sights, the smells, the sounds! It was exhilarating and overwhelming all at once. I bought a colourful batik scarf and haggled for it (success!). It was the perfect souvenir.
- Afternoon: Decided to visit a traditional Madurese house. I was welcomed with such warmth and hospitality, it almost made me cry (okay, maybe I was just tired). They told me stories about their lives, showed me their craftsmanship, and even offered me tea and cookies. It was a glimpse into a completely different way of life, and it was… humbling.
- Late Afternoon: The pool, again. Because, repetition! I also finally figured out how to correctly use my sunscreen.
- Evening: Dinner. Tried the soto Madura. One of the best things I've ever tasted.
- Sleep: Slept for hours. Bliss.
Day 4: The Departure and the lingering memories
- Morning: Breakfast. One last helping of pastries. Didn't regret it. Packed my bags. Said a tearful goodbye to the pool. Sniff.
- Late Morning: Checked out. The staff were lovely. Said goodbye the Azana style Hotel.
- Early Afternoon: The taxi to Surabaya and finally, back to the airport.
- Departure: Farewell Indonesia!
The Madura Verdict:
Azana Style Hotel Madura? Solid choice. Clean, comfortable, and with a killer pool. Madura Island? Absolutely worth the trip. Expect chaos, embrace the unknown, and prepare to be completely and utterly charmed.
Did I have a perfect trip? Nope. Did I experience occasional meltdowns due to the heat and my own ineptitude? Absolutely. Did I lose my phone three times? Almost. Did I eat way too much delicious food? You bet I did.
But did I have an adventure? Damn right, I did. And that, my friends, is what it's all about. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go nap.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Starway Hotel Chongqing!
Escape to Paradise: Azana Style Hotel, Madura Island - Let's be Real, Okay?
Alright, spill the beans. Is this Azana place *really* paradise?
What's the vibe like at Azana? Is it all couples canoodling, or can a solo traveler not feel like a total third wheel?
The food? Is it just endless rice and variations on fried chicken? (Please say no…)
Tell me about the rooms! Are they clean? Are the beds comfy? Because a bad bed can ruin a whole vacation.
Okay, enough about fluff. What's the *worst* thing about Azana? The real, unvarnished truth.
So, is it worth the trip to Madura, and specifically, to Azana Style Hotel?
You mentioned the pool… tell me more! Was it actually as good as the pictures or just a glorified puddle?
I practically lived in that pool. I'd wake up, stumble out of bed, and head straight for the water. Floating there, staring at the sky... absolute bliss. I read a book, had a few cocktails (they even had decent pool-side service!), and generally just chilled. I even managed to (almost) forget about the ridiculous traffic and the somewhat inconsistent Wi-Fi.
There was this one evening, I was alone, the sun was setting, painting the sky in these unbelievable colors – oranges, pinks, purples… I felt this overwhelming sense of peace. It was one of those moments, you know? Where you just feel… good.
And the best part? They have these little submerged loungers, like built-in chaise lounges *in the pool*. I could have stayed there forever. I considered, honestly. I considered just… abandoning my responsibilities and living in that pool indefinitely. If there's a single reason to go to Azana, it's the pool. Forget the food, the rooms, the traffic. Go for the pool. Just… go. You won't regret it. I still dream about it.
Any tips for navigating Madura Island itself? Is there anything to *do* besides chill at the hotel?
* **Be prepared for language barriers:** Not a lot of English spoken outside the hotel, so brush up on your Indonesian (or use a translation app). Made a fool of myself trying to order *nasi goreng* the first day. Still tasted pretty goodHotel Bliss Search
