Kingscliff Rooftop Paradise: 3BR Dream Home Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into reviewing, a deep dive that’s gonna be less perfectly polished travel brochure and more… well, me trying to explain everything good, bad, and delightfully weird about this place. Let’s get messy… and maybe find a hidden gem or two along the way.
Let’s Get Started: Accessibility, Safety, and ALL the Feels
First things first: Accessibility. Look, I'm not using a wheelchair, but having this info is crucial. The review says “Facilities for disabled guests” and “Elevator”… that’s a good start. We NEED specifics, though! Are the hallways wide? Are the bathrooms genuinely adapted? *This is where the hotel website needs a *huge* upgrade.* They need detailed floor plans, photos of accessible rooms, and a clear statement about service animal policies. (And seriously, in 2024, not having this info is a huge red flag for a lot of people.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Alright, this is where things get interesting, especially post-pandemic. I'm looking for reassurance! The review mentions a LOT. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Check. This is good. Beyond the basics: "Rooms sanitized between stays" and "Room sanitization opt-out available"… good and thoughtful! This makes me feel like they’re taking things seriously. "Hand sanitizer"? Essential. "Staff trained in safety protocol"? YES. "Cashless payment service" is a definite plus in this day and age. "Daily disinfection in common areas" is good, but, please give details… What areas? How often? And honestly, a little transparency goes a long way here.
I noticed a lot of stuff about safety. This list, with things like "CCTV in common areas," "Exterior corridor," "CCTV outside property," "Fire extinguisher," "Smoke alarms," etc. is comprehensive. Again, all smart, but a bit… dry. I'd like to know specific details. Is there a security patrol? Are the cameras well-placed? Is there someone at the front desk at night?
The Internet Situation: A Tech-Savvy Traveler's Lament (or, The Wi-Fi Saga)
Ah, the curse of the digital nomad. Internet, Internet, Internet. This is where I get picky. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" (YAY!) but what about the speed? Is it reliable? The review also says "Internet access – LAN" which is a really great start, then adds "Wi-Fi [free]." Score! As long as it’s FAST. I need to be able to upload videos, take online meetings, and maybe catch up on Netflix (don't judge). If the Wi-Fi in the public areas is just as good, things will be golden. "Wi-Fi for special events" is a sneaky way of saying "we can do a conference" - good, versatile!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and Maybe a Hangover)
Okay, the food situation. Crucial. The review’s like, “A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast…” The sheer number of restaurant option gives me a good feeling. “Restaurants and lots of options.” I can get a buffet? Excellent! "Poolside bar", "Coffee shop." "Snack bar." "Vegetarian restaurant." "Western cuisine in restaurant" "Asian cuisine in restaurant" (and breakfast!) – I'm already getting hungry! It sounds like there is something for everyone. The key here is the quality. Is breakfast a sad, lukewarm affair? Or is there a chef whipping up fresh omelets and maybe even a little dim sum action? I NEED to know!
And… "Happy hour," right? This is a must. I like "Bottle of water" - a small thing, but a thoughtful touch! The "Room service [24-hour]" is a life-saver for those late-night cravings.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Beyond the Room Key
“Things to do”? I hope this goes beyond just lounging by the pool (though I adore lounging by the pool). The review lists "Fitness center, Gym/fitness" – score!). Now, is this a sad little room with a broken treadmill, or a proper gym? And then, oh baby, the SPA! "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Foot bath," "Massage," "Pool with view," "Sauna," "Spa". I’m daydreaming already! I want to book a massage as soon as I get there! But is a massage going to cost me my first born? Pricing is vital.
Rooms: My Cozy Little Temporary Home – And What Makes it Work
Alright, let's talk about the specifics in the actual rooms. "Available in all rooms," followed by a HUGE list. Things that I need, things I want, and things I didn't know I needed. The review is loaded with everything from "Additional toilet" (luxury!), "Air conditioning," "Alarm clock" (for those early morning meetings), "Bathrobes" (yes, please!), "Bathtub" (I'm a bath girl) and "Blackout curtains" (must have!). The fact that there are "Interconnecting room(s) available" may be useful to those who need it. The "Laptop workspace" and "Internet access – wireless" are very high up on my priority list. "Private bathroom", "separate shower/bathtub", "Slippers", "Smoke detector", "Sofa" and "Soundproofing" are all things I'd be very happy to have.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier Than Finding a Parking Spot
So, the "Services and conveniences" section. "Air conditioning in public area" - check. Important! "Business facilities" (thankfully, I'm rarely here for that but good to know!). "Cash withdrawal," "Concierge," "Convenience store"… This is where a hotel either shines or falls apart. The concierge can make or break the experience. A helpful concierge is worth their weight in gold. The ones who can snag you a last-minute restaurant reservation or point you in the direction of a hidden gem… those are the true heroes. "Daily housekeeping" is also essential. Then, "Elevator" - again, crucial. "Facilities for disabled guests" (going back to accessibility…). Then the fun stuff: "Food delivery," "Gift/souvenir shop" – yes, I need little gifts! "Ironing service," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Safety deposit boxes."
For the Kids: Traveling with the Next Generation
(A section I read with varying degrees of excitement, depending on my mood.) "Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," "Kids facilities," "Kids meal." Alright, this is great for families! Knowing that there are options to entertain the little ones is a huge plus. Again, the devil is in the details: what are the kids’ facilities? Is there a game room, a playground, a kids’ pool? And yes, what about kid-friendly meals, because a hangry toddler is the absolute worst.
Getting Around: The Art of Not Getting Lost
"Airport transfer" is a big plus. "Car park [free of charge]" - even bigger! I'm one of those people who thinks parking is a nightmare. "Car park [on-site]" - at least there’s options! "Taxi service" - good. "Bicycle parking" - a nice bonus if they also have bicycles to rent.
Final Thoughts: Make it or Break it with a Call to Action
Wow. That was quite the whirlwind tour!
Ultimately, has a lot going for it. The emphasis on cleanliness and safety (and the sheer amount of it) makes me feel good. The food options are diverse. The potential for relaxation is strong. BUT…
- The website needs work! A good website is a must.
- Accessibility details need a MAJOR update!
- More details on the location.
The Recommendation? I'd say, is worth checking out – DEFINITELY. But I would suggest that you do a little extra digging! And if you're looking for a place to relax, well, I might just see you there.
Book now and let's get lost in the luxury! Don’t miss out on the early bird pricing!
Diana 2 Crikvenica: Your Dream Croatian Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind trip to paradise – well, my version of paradise, anyway! We're talking Kingscliff, Australia, specifically the "Three Bedroom @ Drift with Rooftop Terrace!" And let me tell you, the anticipation is already making me jittery. Think of it as a less-polished version of "Eat, Pray, Love," but with more sunburn and questionable decisions. Here we go, chaos in motion:
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Bliss (or, the Great Sunscreen Fail)
Morning (aka "The Pre-Trip Freakout"): Wake up at 4 am – because my brain apparently loves torturing me with imaginary packing disasters. Check, double-check, triple-check the passport (yes, I know it's in my bag, I just need confirmation! Don't judge!). After a grueling wait, I got on the plane, with three episodes of a reality show, and a packet of biscuits.
Afternoon (The Landing, The Car Rental, and the "Are We There Yet?" Moment): Touching down in Gold Coast! It's always such a weird feeling, like your brain is still back in the old house, wondering if you left the iron on. Then the car rental… a classic. Despite booking something "compact," they tried to palm me off with a monster truck. I eventually managed to navigate the Aussie accent, but the drive to Kingscliff felt like an eternity. Every turn had me asking, "Are we there yet?" I’m the type of person who get motion sickness and the drive was long!
Late Afternoon & Check-In (The Dream Begins!): Finally, the glorious Drift came into view! Oh. My. Word. That rooftop terrace… I think I let out a small, involuntary squeak. The place was stunning. Those ocean views! It looked even better than on the photos – usually that's a lie, let's be honest. The first thing I did was sprint to the balcony, take a deep breath of salty air, and promptly forget to apply sunscreen. Rookie mistake. My skin’s already slightly pink despite the sun already setting.
Evening (Sunset Drinks and Regret): The plan was to chill on the rooftop with a bottle of wine, watch the sunset, and feel like a goddess. The reality involved me stumbling down to the shops for more wine from the local shop, then attempting to navigate the corkscrew after a day of travel and a few glasses. The sunset was gorgeous, though, even if I was slightly buzzing. I also managed to spill red wine on my (brand new!) white linen pants. Ah, the joys of travel.
Day 2: Beach, Bugs, and Burgers (and an Unexpected Existential Crisis)
Morning (Beach Day! – or, The Sand-in-Everything Scenario): Beach time! After a proper application of sunscreen this time (lesson learned, people!), I spent the morning swimming, reading, and generally attempting to look effortlessly cool. The waves were perfect, the sand was white… until it all got in my eyes. Literally. And my hair. And, inexplicably, in my sandwich. Note to self: invest in a beach umbrella.
Afternoon ("Bugs! They're Everywhere!"): Lunch at a beachfront cafe. Delightful… until a swarm of flies decided my potato chips were the ultimate delicacy. Apparently, I was also a delicacy by the end of it, with several bites. I then had an overly dramatic conversation with the waiter about the existential dread of flies. He probably thought I was insane, but I felt I needed to express my feeling. We move on.
Late Afternoon (Burger Bliss and Contemplation): After being done with the beach, the cafe, and the buzzing flies, I took the dog for a walk. I went to a local burger joint, "Burger Shack." Oh. My. God. The best burger I've had in ages. I sat there, covered in burger sauce and slightly sunburned. I came across a small bench and I sat there to watch the sunset, which made me feel a bit melancholic and I wondered what the point of it all was. Such a mess, my brain…
Evening (Rooftop Revelations and Star Gazing): I went back to rooftop terrace. I brought a bottle of an overpriced wine. I’m thinking, "I came here to escape, to have a perfect vacation, to live in the moment, and to just be. Maybe I can do that." I spent the evening gazing at the stars, reflecting on life, the universe, and whether pineapple belongs on pizza. (It doesn't, by the way.) Some things are just meant to be contemplated with a glass of wine, under a million glittering stars
Day 3: Day Trip Dilemmas and the Pursuit of Perfection (or, more sunscreen fails)
Morning (The Day Trip Decision): Okay, so, gotta decide: Byron Bay or the hinterland? Both sound amazing, but I only have one day. After MUCH deliberation (and consulting with the incredibly helpful, and slightly overbearing, concierge), I decided on a day trip to Byron Bay. (Rambling) It’s a problem, you know? That, "But what if I’m missing out?" mentality. What if Byron Bay is the MOST AMAZING THING EVER and I’m missing out? Okay, deep breaths. I will have to cope.
Afternoon (Byron Bay and the Search for the Perfect Instagram Shot): The drive to Byron Bay was pretty. The town itself was a hipster paradise, with cute boutiques, organic cafes, and a general air of laid-back cool. I strolled along the beach, went to the iconic lighthouse, and found myself in the Instagram-worthy spots. I felt a pang of envy as I went to the lighthouse, as all the influencers were snapping pictures.
Late Afternoon (Another Sunburn and the Great Cafe Debacle): After Byron Bay, I walked into a cafe and sat down. I ordered a coffee and muffin, and before I knew it, I had another sunburn, which was the last thing I needed.. It was a disaster, and I was starting to get a little frustrated. After this, I decided to head back to Kingscliff.
Evening (The Great Rooftop Terrace Recovery): I went straight back up to the rooftop terrace to nurse my sunburn, with another bottle of wine. The wind was beautiful, and I had a good laugh while I remembered the disastrous day I had. The wine and the wind just made me feel a lot better.
Day 4: Departure Day (and the bittersweet reality check)
Morning (Final Sunrise and the Packing Panic): Oh god, departure day. The dread is real! Woke up before dawn for a final sunrise on the balcony. Spent half the morning packing, repacking, and panicking that I'd left something vital behind (like my sanity).
Afternoon (Farewell Feast and the Drive of Despair): One final lunch at Burger Shack and then the drive back to the airport. The long drive, filled with all the thoughts and memories, suddenly hit me. It struck me how much I had enjoyed being here. As the plane took off, I felt a strange mix of elation and sadness.
Evening ("Post-Vacation Blues" and the Promise of Next Time): The flight went smoothly. I was home. I spent the evening already planning my return. Maybe I'll actually remember the sunscreen next time, and definitely learn how to use a corkscrew. But despite the bumps and mishaps, it was bliss. And isn't that what it's all about?
Alright, Let's Talk My Chaotic Brain: An FAQ (Kind Of)
So, what *is* your brain doing all day anyway? Is it, like, organized?
Organized? Honey, the word "organized" would *scream* and run if it saw my brain. It's more like a slightly chaotic, yet somehow functional, party of squirrels. One minute they're planning a heist for the best acorn in the world, the next they're all staring at the shiny button on the sofa. It's… challenging. I *try* to organize, I swear! I've got notebooks, apps, color-coded sticky notes… but sometimes I get distracted by the sheer beauty of a perfectly sharpened pencil. True story. One minute I'm prepping for a meeting, the next I'm researching the mating habits of the Mongolian gerbil. You know, just because.
Okay, but how does it *feel*? Is it exhausting?
Exhausting? My therapist would tell you I’m running on fumes. Look, it's like living in a constant state of "brain fog, with occasional moments of laser focus." Some days, I can conquer the world! I’ll write a novel, learn a new language, and bake a three-tiered cake (which is a huge lie, I'm a terrible baker). Other days... Getting out of bed is a Herculean task. The mental fatigue is very real. It’s like you’re constantly swimming upstream, even when you’re just trying to remember where you put your keys (spoiler alert: they're probably in the fridge).
Speaking of which, do you ever… forget things?
Forget things? Oh, sweet summer child. I forget *everything*. The grocery list, the appointment I scheduled two hours ago, my own name if I'm asked it unexpectedly. I once walked into a grocery store, fully intending to buy milk, stood there for a solid five minutes staring blankly at the dairy section, and walked out with a bag of gummy bears and a pineapple. It's a gift, truly. A gift that my friends and family find endlessly amusing, and me, increasingly frustrating. I've developed a whole system of sticky notes and reminders. And even then, they often get lost in the general avalanche of thoughts happening upstairs.
Do you zone out a lot? Is that part of it?
Zoning out? Define zoning out. Is it staring at a blank wall for an hour, contemplating the meaning of life? Then, yes. Is it suddenly deciding that the best way to solve a complex problem is to rearrange my sock drawer by color? Also, yes. My brain is a master of tangents. One tiny thought – like, say, "I need to buy more coffee" – can easily catapult me into a mental journey involving the history of coffee plantations in Colombia, the environmental impact of single-use coffee pods, and the existential angst of choosing between a French press and a drip machine. And then I end up forgetting the darn coffee! Brilliant, right? Honestly, there are whole chunks of the day that are just… gone. *Poof*.
So, what *helps*? Do you take anything?
Well, yes. (Cue a slightly awkward cough.) I take medication. Without it... It's like trying to drive a car with a wonky engine and no brakes. It helps me focus, not completely mind you, but it definitely helps quiet the squirrels a little. I also have other things that help. Exercise (when I can muster the energy – which is not often), meditation apps (that I mostly just scroll through), and caffeine. Lots and lots of caffeine. Though, the caffeine kinda backfires sometimes. It's like adding fuel to a fire and then wondering why everything is spinning wildly out of control. I'm also big on lists, which is useful up to a point and then I forget where I put the list. You know, the little things.
Are there any *good* things about having whatever is happening in your brain?
Oh, absolutely! I can connect seemingly random ideas in ways that sometimes… actually work. I'm incredibly creative (when I'm not distracted by the fact that my toenails need trimming, which is right now, actually). I’m a champion multi-tasker (or at least, I’m *trying* to multi-task while also simultaneously remembering everything I’ve supposed to have done and also if I’ve fed the cat, which I feel I haven’t…) I'm also extremely empathetic because I *get* the struggle. The *constant* struggle. I have moments of pure, unadulterated brilliance! And then I promptly forget what I was brilliant about. But, hey, at least it's never boring, right? Even though it makes me want to scream sometimes.
Let's get personal. Describe one specific instance when it was a *complete* mess. Like, the worst.
Okay, okay. Here's a doozy. It was a work presentation. I was *supposed* to be giving a crucial presentation on a project I'd been working on for, like, six months. I had written the entire thing. I *knew* the data. I had the slides. It was going to be brilliant! Or so I thought. The moment I walked into that room... complete blankness. Like, my brain just fried. Poof. Gone. I vaguely remember standing there, staring at the projector screen, while my boss just stared at me, waiting. I remember I was supposed to start with a joke to loosen everyone up, and the only thing that came to mind was… a memory of a squirrel trying to bury a nut in a pile of gravel. I just… I just started telling the story of the squirrel. I couldn't stop myself! It felt like the only thing my brain would give me. Thirty people stared at me, stunned into silence. Including my boss, who was now wearing a look of sheer horror. I rambled on about the squirrel's struggles for what felt like an hour (probably closer to 5 minutes, but time is a funny thing when you’re actively failing). Finally, after what felt like the longest five minutes of my life, my boss gently, and yet very pointedly, suggested I "perhaps move on to the presentation now." I stammered through the rest of the presentation, my face burning, and my brain felt like it was going to explode. Afterward, I walked into the bathroom, locked myself in a stall, and cried. Then ate a whole box of cookies I had stashed in my bag. That was a low point. A *very* low point.
Okay, so what happens when you’re emotionally triggered?
Oh dear. That's when the real fireworks start! It's like my brain amp up to eleven. Everything becomes amplified. Annoyances become unbearable. Sadness becomes a vast, crushing void. Joy becomes this overwhelming, dazzling thing that makes me want to dance in the rain. Seriously, just the *slightest* inconvenience can send me spiraling. I'll either get intensely angry,Roam And Rests
