Jeju Island Paradise: Uncover Bacohome3 & Slowmansion Dadong's Hidden Gems!
Jeju Island Paradise: Uncover Bacohome3 & Slowmansion Dadong's Hidden Gems! (A Rambling, Honest Review)
Okay, so I'm back from Jeju Island. Sunburnt, slightly broke, and completely in love. And I need to spill the tea (or, you know, the makgeolli) on my stay at Bacohome3 and Slowmansion Dadong. Forget those glossy travel brochures, this is the real deal, warts and all. Buckle up, because it's going to be a wild ride.
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Accessibility:
Let's be brutally honest, accessibility in Jeju (and South Korea in general) isn't exactly… perfect. Bacohome3 and Slowmansion Dadong both try. They have Facilities for disabled guests, an Elevator, and I think they consider themselves Wheelchair accessible. However, I saw some potential stumbling blocks (literally) – small thresholds, slightly narrow doorways. So, while they endeavor, call ahead, confirm the specifics, and don’t just trust the glossy brochures.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges:
Okay, this is where it gets a bit hazy. I didn't specifically focus on assessing restaurant accessibility given it wasn't my primary concern. The Restaurants, Coffee Shop, Poolside Bar (yes!), all seem functional. But, again, check those thresholds. I strongly advise calling ahead again for specific details so you can assess on your own before you go.
Internet Access:
Hallelujah! Freedom! They both nail this. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And I mean real wifi. I was able to stream Netflix guilt-free (don’t judge me, I was on vacation!). They also offer Internet [LAN], but, let's be honest, who needs a cable when you have glorious Wi-Fi? Also, Internet services in general were solid (think emails, video calls with the folks back home).
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (My Happy Place):
This is where these places absolutely shine! If relaxation is your jam, Jeju Island is practically heaven on earth, and these hotels play the right tunes.
- Spa/Sauna: I’m a sucker for a good spa, and both places offer options. I’m pretty sure (memory is a little fuzzy after all the soju and sunshine!) that Bacohome3 had a fantastic Spa and Sauna setup. The Pool with view was also amazing so I could soak up the sun and take in the scenery.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Oh, the pool! The outdoor pools were pure bliss. Picture this: sun on your face, a fruity cocktail in hand, and the stunning Jeju landscape stretching out before you. Seriously, the Poolside Bar was a lifesaver when I craved a quick snack or a drink.
- Fitness Center: Okay, I intended to hit the Fitness Center, but… the Korean BBQ was just too tempting. I'm sure it's fine though. I've seen them. They seem clean.
- Massage: Did get the Massage, though. Amazing. Just amazing. Melted all my stress away.
- Body scrub/Wrap: I skipped the Body scrub and Body wrap, but they were available.
Cleanliness and Safety (Pandemic Times!):
Look, COVID has changed everything. And these hotels take it seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Indeed.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: You could tell. They were masked and friendly.
- Safe dining setup: Good distancing, masks, everything.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Definitely a bonus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Stomach’s Paradise):
Oh, the food! Jeju is a culinary adventure, and these hotels knew how to play the game.
- Breakfast [buffet]: I'm a sucker for a buffet. Bacohome3, specifically, had a wonderful display! Asian breakfast was well represented, as was Western breakfast. Good coffee, too.
- Restaurants: Both locations had good Restaurants.
- A la carte in restaurant: Perfect for whenever I wanted to order something specific.
- Poolside bar & Snack bar: The poolside bar and snack bar were essential.
- Room service [24-hour]: Thank god for 24/7 room service!
- Desserts in restaurant: Always a must!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop: Always a must!
Services and Conveniences:
Okay, the practical stuff.
- Air conditioning in public area: Absolutely.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Currency exchange: Useful.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Doorman: Welcoming.
- Elevator: Essential for clumsy me.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: Super convenient.
- Luggage storage: Good for when you check out, but have a flight later.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Good for business or pleasure.
- Cash withdrawal/Convenience store: Very handy.
- Airport transfer/Taxi service/Car park [free of charge/on-site/valet parking]: All bases covered.
For the Kids:
I didn't bring any kids, but I saw families.
- Family/child friendly: Seems like it.
- Babysitting service: Offered!
Available in All Rooms (The Nitty Gritty!):
This is where you find what makes a hotel room livable.
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Alarm clock: For those early morning excursions.
- Bathrobes: Comfy.
- Bath tub/Shower: Yup.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for sunshine-induced naps.
- Coffee/tea maker/Free bottled water/Complimentary tea: Essentials.
- Hair dryer: A must-have.
- High floor: Ask for it if you wanna see the view.
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea.
- Internet access – wireless: Again, glorious wifi.
- Mini bar/Refrigerator: So you can keep your soju cold.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Reading light: Great for late-night reading.
- Satellite/cable channels: For those times you need your fix.
- Seating area: Perfect for relaxing with that makgeolli.
- Shower: Essential.
- Smoke detector: Always a good thing!
- Telephone: For room service!
- Toiletries: They had them.
- Wake-up service: For those ridiculously early starts.
- Wi-Fi [free]: I can't stress this enough!
- Window that opens: Awesome.
My Biggest Takeaway (and some Quirks):
Bacohome3 was my favorite. It just had a certain vibe, maybe a little more laid-back. Slowmansion Dadong was also nice but a little more… polished.
The staff at both places were lovely, always helpful, even when I butchered their language.
The Imperfections:
- The soundproofing in my room at Bacohome3 wasn’t perfect. I could hear the joyous chaos of the breakfast buffet. I just had a bad room apparently.
- The map of Jeju is difficult and you may want to have some sort of translator.
Final Verdict:
Go! Just go! Jeju Island is a magical place, and Bacohome3 and Slowmansion Dadong provide a great base for exploring it. But do your research, double-check accessibility needs, and be prepared to fall in love with both the island and the hotels. Just… be prepared to come home a little sunburnt, a little broke, and a lot more relaxed. And yes, I’m already planning my return. I need another massage. And another bowl of that amazing Bibimbap. And more of that soju. Seriously, book it!
Luxury Austrian Alps Escape: Pension & Appartements Marxenhof Pertisau Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Jeju, South Korea, and we're gonna do it wrong… in the best possible way. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the raw, unfiltered truth of travel with yours truly.
Trip Breakdown: Jeju Island Chaos (Bacohome3 & Slowmansion Dadong) – 7 Days of Glorious Mess
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Jeju Panic (Incheon to Jeju & Bacohome3)
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up in Incheon, feeling like a crumpled piece of paper. Somehow, I managed to get my flight to Jeju. Success! Except, did I pack my toothbrush? Who knows. Probably not. The airport is a swirling vortex of caffeine-fueled tourists and stressed-out locals.
Transportation: Fly from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Jeju International Airport (CJU). The flight itself? A complete blur, punctuated by the guy beside me who clearly thought this was his private karaoke session. I swear, I heard him belt out a whole entire Korean pop song.
Jeju Arrival (10:00 AM): Jeju! The island of volcanos and citrus fruits! The air smells… different. Cleaner, maybe? Less airplane farts for sure! Now, to find my rental car, which I'm convinced will be a tiny, underpowered lemon. Pray for me.
Bacohome3 Check-in (11:30 AM): Oh, Bacohome3, my "rustic chic" (read: probably slightly dusty) Airbnb for the first few nights. The address is… well, let's just say I'm relying on Google Maps and a healthy dose of optimism. Hopefully, the host speaks English. Pray for any English speakers, because my Korean is… cough non-existent.
Lunch (12:30 PM): Find food. Any food. Preferably something spicy and involving kimchi. The first restaurant I stumble upon will do. This is where the real adventure begins: trying to decipher the menu without ending up with a plate of… well, I'm not sure what. But I'll eat it anyway!
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Attempt to understand the lay of the land. I'll try to wander near the beach, because, you know, Jeju = beach. But the real goal for this afternoon: Finding coffee. Preferably the kind that'll knock my socks off. And maybe a snack. This is crucial research, folks.
Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): Dinner. More food. More indecipherable menus. Tonight's goal? Find a local restaurant that serves some authentic Jeju cuisine. Maybe some black pork? (That's what everyone keeps saying to eat). Maybe get utterly lost and have an amazing dinner I didn't know existed? Anything is possible. Also, praying for no jet lag to take over.
Emotional Reaction: The sheer exhilaration of being here mixed with the crushing anxiety of being a complete foreigner. This is going to be great. I just know it. I'm half terrified, half giddy.
Quirky Observation: The sheer amount of neon lights and signage. It's like a visual party, but I have NO clue what any of it says.
Imperfection: Probably getting horribly lost as I drive around. Definitely almost getting rear-ended. I'm betting on a few wrong turns before the day is over.
Messy Structure: I'm already feeling overwhelmed. But like… in a good way. This is going to be one big beautiful mess, and I can't wait.
Day 2: Manjanggul Lava Tube & The Jeju Citrus Conundrum
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast: Probably instant ramen from the convenience store and a half-eaten banana. We're keeping it classy. Then, onwards to a lava tube!
- Activity: Manjanggul Lava Tube, because caves are cool and volcanic history is even cooler. This is where I'll attempt to conquer my claustrophobia. Wish me luck. My reaction to caves could go either way. Really either way.
- Transport: Driving to Manjanggul – getting lost at least once. It's a given. Probably yelling at the rental car GPS.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Trying to find a local restaurant near the lava tubes. Praying for some good soup. The kind that warms the soul. And maybe the stomach ache I'm sure to get from that questionable banana.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Citrus Time! Jeju is famous for its oranges, and I'm here to become an expert (i.e., eat as many as possible). Driving around looking for a legit orange orchard or maybe a tangerine farm. Also, get my hands on the famous Hallabong oranges… I've seen pictures!
- Evening (6:00 PM Onward): Finding a restaurant again. Probably one of those tourist traps that are actually pretty decent, or maybe something off-the-beaten-path. The choice is mine. Dinner. Sleep. Repeat.
- Emotional Reaction: Cave exploration? Excitement mixed with a healthy (or maybe unhealthy) dose of fear about being underground. Citrus hunting? Pure, unadulterated joy!
- Quirky Observation: The sheer enthusiasm of the Jeju shopkeepers, trying to get me to buy all the things!
- Imperfection: I'm probably going to misread some signs and end up in the wrong place. Or in the wrong country. Kidding! (Maybe?)
- Messy Structure: This day is all about embracing the unexpected. Which could mean anything from a breathtaking view to a complete crash-and-burn situation at the citrus farm. The point is, it's all part of the fun.
Day 3: Seopjikoji Peak & Coastal Whimsy
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Head to Seopjikoji Peak. This is where you walk along the coast and admire the rock formations. Dramatic views guaranteed, so I will try to take the best photo.
- Activity: Seopjikoji - I really hope the hike isn't too intense. My physical stamina is… questionable. But the views are worth it.
- Transport: Back to the rental car. More driving, more wrong turns. Maybe I'll finally get the hang of it, maybe not. Either way, it's an adventure.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Another day, another restaurant. Seeking out a seaside spot with fresh seafood. Maybe some raw fish (sashimi)? Praying I don't accidentally order something that moves before my eyes.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Coastal exploration! Find some hidden coves. Maybe a charming village. Take lots of pictures. Or just relax and stare at the ocean. Whatever the mood strikes!
- Evening (5:00 PM onward): Dinner back in Bacohome3. Maybe I will attempt to cook, maybe I won't. (The odds are not in my favor.) Hopefully, I'll find a place that delivers. Or I'll raid the convenience store for snacks.
- Emotional Reactions: Exhilaration at the views + Mild panic about getting too close to the edge of cliffs.
- Quirky Observation: The endless variations of the sea. It goes from blue to green to turquoise. I wonder if there are mermaids here?
- Imperfection: Probably more sunburn than I anticipated. And maybe a scraped knee from a clumsy stroll.
- Messy Structure: This is a day for spontaneity. What I do know is that I will be near the coast, and I will be content.
Day 4: Move to Slowmansion Dadong & The Jeongbang Waterfall
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check out from Bacohome3, and check into Slowmansion Dadong. Hopefully, the house is the same as the pictures.
- Transportation: Driving to Slowmansion Dadong - driving again. It never ends!
- Activity: Jeongbang Waterfall - I want to see the waterfall. This is a must-do.
- Lunch (12:30 PM): A café near the waterfall. I really hope that my Korean is becoming better, or at least, that I am getting less shy about using it.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Strolling around the city, maybe taking a walk.
- Evening (6:00 PM onward): Dinner and resting.
- Emotional Reactions: This is my biggest goal. I hope I will be able to make some friends.
- Quirky Observation: Watching
Jeju Island Paradise: Uncover Bacohome3 & Slowmansion Dadong's Hidden Gems - Your Messy Guide!
Okay, so you're thinking about Jeju Island. Good choice! But let's be real, all those perfectly curated Instagram feeds? Liars! (Okay, maybe not *all* of them…) I've been, and I'm here to give you the *real* deal, particularly about Bacohome3 and Slowmansion Dadong. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because my trip was… well, it was *Jeju*.
1. Is Jeju REALLY all pristine beaches and smiling locals? (Spoiler: Nope.)
Look, Jeju *is* beautiful. Like, jaw-droppingly so. Think emerald water, volcanic rock landscapes, and these weird, almost prehistoric-looking plants. BUT… it's also got its quirks. Things don't always run smooth. I got spectacularly lost on my first day, despite having the super-duper Google Maps (which, by the way, sometimes thinks you're on Mars). I ended up in what appeared to be a radish field (yes, a RADISH field) convinced I was about to be abducted by… well, my imagination went wild. Point is, pack your sense of humor. And maybe a compass. Just in case Google Maps decides it's taking a nap.
2. Okay, so Bacohome3 and Slowmansion Dadong: Are they actually good? Or just Instagram bait? (Major Truth Bomb Incoming!)
Alright, let's dive in. Bacohome3. The photos? Gorgeous. The reality? …Let's just say it’s got charm. It's got a certain *je ne sais quoi* of rustic chic. Think exposed beams, a killer view (seriously, the sunsets!), and… a bit of a hike to get to your room. (My legs were screaming after day two. But hey, exercise, right?) I'm not saying it's *flawless*. The shower pressure was…optimistic. And I swear I heard a gecko in the ceiling. But the breakfast? AMAZING. Freshly baked bread, local jams, the works. I'd go back for the sourdough alone.
Slowmansion Dadong… This one took me by surprise. I initially thought, “Oh, another trendy minimalist place.” WRONG. It’s…well, it's a feeling. It's a vibe. It felt less like a hotel, more like stepping into someone’s beautifully curated home. The design is impeccable, the staff are ridiculously friendly (I almost cried when they helped me with my terrible attempt at Korean). But what really got me was the SPACE. You could *breathe* there. It's the kind of place where you actually *want* to unplug and just... be.
3. What's the best way to get around? (And avoid my radish field incident?)
Rent a car. Seriously. Public transport is… challenging, let's say. The buses are infrequent and the routes can be confusing. Plus, you want the freedom to explore those hidden gems! Now, be warned: driving in Jeju can be... interesting. Koreans are polite drivers, but the roads can be narrow and winding. And those random scooterists? Consider them a hazard. I nearly swerved into a tangerine orchard (don’t ask). But hey, embrace the adventure! Just maybe download a Korean language driving app. Or, you know, just drive really, really slowly. And definitely don't trust Google Maps 100%... It nearly killed me.
4. Food! What do I *have* to eat? (Because, priorities.)
Oh. My. Goodness. The food. Prepare your stomach. Jeju is a culinary paradise. You HAVE to try the black pork. Seriously, *run* to the nearest BBQ place. It’s juicy, it’s flavorful, it’s… everything. Seafood is another must. Fresh, from the sea, and often cooked right in front of you. Don’t be afraid to try the local specialties, even if they look a little… unusual. (Remember, the radish field incident taught me something: be open to new experiences!). Oh, and did I mention the tangerine juice? It’s like liquid sunshine. I drank so much of it, I'm pretty sure I turned slightly orange.
5. Anything I should avoid? (Besides radish fields?)
Okay, some truth bombs:
- Over-tourism: Some areas are *packed*. Go early, go late, or try to find those less-traveled spots. It exists. Promise.
- Rushing: Jeju is not a place to be rushed. Slow down, enjoy the moment. And if you get lost? Embrace it. That’s where the *real* adventures happen. (I am still convinced the radish field saved me, spiritually.)
- Expect Perfection: Jeju is beautiful, but it’s not a fairy tale. Embrace the quirks, the imperfections. They're what make it memorable.
6. Bacohome3 vs Slowmansion Dadong: The Ultimate Showdown! (And My Honest Opinion)
Okay, here we go, down to the nitty-gritty. This is MY opinion, mind you, influenced by a love of carbs and a deep-seated fear of being totally overwhelmed by 'perfection'.
Bacohome3: You're getting gorgeous views, a real sense of place, and that breakfast. It feels more... lived-in. Less sterile, more real. You feel like you're staying at a cozy friend's home, not a mega-hotel. The staff? Incredibly warm. And the location is a great base for exploring the South. I loved it. It's got character, and it's got a certain charm that grew on me fast.
Slowmansion Dadong: This is the place for serenity, the "Instagram-worthy" moments are actually worth it. The design is just… *chef's kiss*. You can breathe easier here. It's luxurious, but not in a showy way. It's understated elegance. And the little details, the curated playlists, the scent of the lobby... it all adds up to an experience. I left there feeling genuinely *recharged*. And the staff? Unbelievably kind. IfTop Places To Stay
