Escape to Paradise: Manila Heights Hotel, Naran Naran's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Manila Heights Hotel - My Somewhat-Flawed, Utterly-Honest Review (And Why You Should Book RIGHT NOW!)
Okay, so I just got back from the Manila Heights Hotel in Naran Naran, and let me tell you, my expectations were… well, let's just say they were high. "Hidden gem"? "Paradise"? I needed a serious dose of zen, and frankly, a break from the endless laundry of my life. So, did Manila Heights deliver? Mostly. And the parts where it fell short? Well, they just made the experience, you know, human.
First Impressions & Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good:
Getting there was… an adventure, let's say. The hotel's airport transfer (part of the Services & Conveniences list, and a lifesaver, by the way) was prompt, but the drive up the mountain was… scenic. Okay, it was also terrifying at times. Switchbacks, anyone? But hey, the views! The moment you do arrive, you’re greeted with a view that’s absolutely breathtaking. The hotel itself has a lovely exterior, and the Elevator is a huge win for anyone who’s been carting luggage like me.
Now, the Accessibility… it's there, but it’s not perfect. They Do have Facilities for disabled guests, which is fantastic, and I saw ramps and wider doorways. But navigating the sprawling property with a wheelchair might require a bit of maneuvering - the website could definitely use better details on this area.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe and Sound (Mostly):
Look, in the current climate, cleanliness is everything. And Manila Heights Hotel clearly takes this seriously. The Anti-viral cleaning products are a welcome touch, and I definitely saw that Daily disinfection in common areas in action. The hallways always smelled fresh. They've got Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and everyone on staff seemed on the ball about the Hygiene certification standards. The Staff trained in safety protocol were all very professional, which is awesome.
I did notice a few areas that could use a bit more attention. One morning, the breakfast buffet (more on that disaster later) looked a little… well, let's just say it could have used a bit more Individual-wrapped food options. But overall, I felt incredibly safe, and that peace of mind is priceless. They also have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property, so you know they're serious about security. Rooms? Oh, the Rooms!
Okay, my room… my sanctuary for three blissful days. Absolutely gorgeous. I had a Non-smoking room (thank goodness!), and it felt like a proper escape. They clearly thought of everything: Air conditioning that actually worked (a godsend!), a Mini bar, and a comfortable Sofa. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in. And the view from the Window that opens was ridiculously good, especially first thing in the morning.
A few nitpicks: The Additional toilet was welcome, but the shower… well, the water pressure was a little weak. I didn't bother with the Bathtub as a result. And finding a plug near the bed (a Socket near the bed) was a mission and a half! But hey, these are minor things. Seriously, I loved my room. My bed? Like sleeping on a cloud. The Linens? Soft and inviting. The Free bottled water? Crucial.
Internet - The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Annoying:
Let’s be honest, we live in a connected world. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms was a major selling point for me. I needed to work, you know? Internet access – wireless was generally solid, but I did experience a few frustrating dropouts, especially in my room. The Internet access – LAN was available too, but seriously, who's using a cable these days?
And this is where I'll admit: I did use the Desk in my room to work a little. And yes, it was a little bit messy, no thanks to the Internet connectivity.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Culinary Rollercoaster:
This is where things got… interesting. Let's start with the good. The Poolside bar was fantastic. Seriously, sipping cocktails in the sun, looking out at the view? Perfection. They have a decent selection of drinks, the bartenders were friendly, and I may have indulged in a few too many Happy hour specials.
The Restaurants (plural!) also offer a good selection of cuisine. I spent most of my time in the main one. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was brilliant, and I absolutely loved the Coffee/tea in restaurant in the morning. The Breakfast [buffet]… Well, it was a buffet, and the selection was huge. But the quality was a little hit and miss. Some days, the Breakfast [buffet] was glorious, other days, the food was a bit cold or looked like it had seen better days. The Asian breakfast was a particular highlight, though!
I also tried the Coffee shop, which was a pleasant little spot, a great place to grab a quick bite. I did find that I was often too full from the delicious Desserts in restaurant to try any other Snack bar food. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on the days I didn’t want to leave my room, and the Bottle of water was a constant companion.
However, one experience really stood out. And not in a good way. One evening, I ordered room service and asked for the Soup in restaurant. I didn't get any of the Essential condiments, and the soup arrived, let's just say, lukewarm. It was a bit of a disaster (which, honestly, makes it memorable!). And I didn’t notice any Vegetarian restaurant options at all, which was a miss for me.
Things to Do, and Ways to Relax - Blissful Escapism (Mostly):
This is where Manila Heights really shines. Seriously, the Spa/sauna is worth the price of admission alone! Ah, the Massage… It was truly incredible. I booked a body scrub and the Body wrap, and I walked out feeling like a new human. They also have a fantastic Pool with view, perfect for lounging around and staring out at the world.
The Fitness center is well-equipped, and I managed a few workouts to burn off all those delicious meals. I even tried the Foot bath, which was super relaxing! Plus, there's a Steamroom that I made full use of. The Sauna was another great bonus.
Services and Conveniences - They've Got You Covered:
The staff at Manila Heights were, without exception, lovely and helpful. The Concierge was incredibly knowledgeable about local things to do. The Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless, and I loved the Daily housekeeping. They also have a Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and Ironing service, which came in very handy. I did miss having Babysitting service for some of the evening activities.
The Front desk [24-hour] ensures that you are never without help.
The Verdict: Should You Book It? Absolutely! (With a Few Caveats)
Manila Heights is not perfect. It has its flaws. Some things are not quite as perfect as they seem. But it's got heart, and it's got soul. It's a place where you can genuinely relax, escape the everyday, and feel pampered. The views are stunning, the spa is divine, and the staff are genuinely lovely.
The Offer - Your Actual Escape to Paradise:
So, I'm going to cut right to the chase.
Book your stay at Manila Heights Hotel NOW, and receive:
- 15% off your entire stay! Use code "ESCAPEWITHME" at checkout.
- A complimentary couple's massage at the spa! (Because you deserve it!)
- A welcome bottle of wine! (To ease you into paradise, obviously)
- Guaranteed room upgrades (based on availability)
But here's the real kicker: This offer is only valid for bookings made in the next 7 days. The clock's ticking, people!!
Don't wait! Treat yourself to the escape you deserve. Go for the incredible views, the amazing spa, and the opportunity to truly unwind! And hey, if the soup is a little lukewarm, just laugh it off, and enjoy the experience. You only live once, right?
Click here to book your unforgettable escape: [Insert Link to Booking Page Here]
(And tell them I sent you!)
Escape to Paradise: Stunning 3BR Rumalia Villa in Salatiga, Indonesia
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this "Manila Heights Hotel in Naran, Pakistan" itinerary is about to get REAL. Let's just say, reality bites, but sometimes…it bites back in the most glorious way.
ITINERARY: A Messy, Emotional, and Probably Smelly Adventure in Naran, Pakistan
(Before we even get to Naran, let's be clear: This is NOT a luxury getaway. Think rugged, think unpredictable, think… well, think "adventure-ish.")
DAY 1: The Arduous Trek & Initial Shocks (and my terrible packing skills)
- Morning (Islamabad airport to…somewhere): Landed in Islamabad. Jetlag? More like "Jet-Lagged, Stressed, and Did I pack enough toilet paper?" Turns out, no, I didn't. Rookie mistake. The drive to Naran…oh boy. Hours. And hours. Mountains that look majestic in photos? Sure. In reality? Wind. Grinding gears. And that persistent feeling like everyone’s about to launch into a Bollywood dance number at any second. (They didn't…but I was ready).
- Anecdote: My "travel pillow" deflated halfway through the drive. I spent the rest of the time trying to discreetly prop my head against the window, failing miserably and probably looking like a sweaty, sunburnt potato.
- Afternoon (Somewhere in the middle of nowhere to…eventually Naran): The closer we got to what I thought was Naran, the more I realized I was completely unprepared for how intense the scenery would be. Rivers roaring with a ferocity I didn't know existed. Sheer drops that made my stomach do backflips. And…the road. OMG, the road. Let's just say, my kidneys are still recovering.
- Quirky Observation: The goats. Everywhere. Just… goats. Staring. Judging. Probably plotting to eat my socks.
- Evening (FINALLY! – Manila Heights Hotel?): Arrived at the Manila Heights Hotel (hoped for heights! praying for sanity!). Let's just say, my expectations of "hotel" and "cleanliness" were…adjusted. The room? Basic. The water pressure? Non-existent. The view? Actually, breathtaking. Seriously. The mountains. The river. Okay, maybe this wasn’t so bad. Maybe.
- Emotional Reaction: Initial panic (where's the hot water?) followed by a grudging acceptance. I’m here. I’m alive. And the view is…WOW. Still no hot water but it is what it is.
- Food: Dinner was… spicy. Way too spicy. I blame the altitude and my lack of spice tolerance. And that chili's aftertaste is still lingering on my tongue.
DAY 2: Lake Saiful Muluk & The Horse of Doom (and existential dread)
- Morning (to Lake Saiful Muluk): Okay, time to "experience" Lake Saiful Muluk. The only way to get there is via a jeep. The jeep ride? An absolute rollercoaster. The driver clearly has a death wish (and a fondness for honking). The scenery? UNREAL. The air? Thin.
- Anecdote: The altitude hit me HARD. Seriously, I thought I was going to pass out. My breath was coming in short, panicked gasps. I seriously started questioning all my life choices (especially the ones that involved traveling to high altitudes).
- Afternoon (Lake Saiful Muluk - the main course): Okay, so Lake Saiful Muluk. Majestic. Stunning. But. THE HORSES. The horses are everywhere. And they are… persistent. They want to take you over. They want to take you to the lake. They want your money. My inner pragmatist said "Take the horse!" My inner cynic said "RUN" Let's just say I ended up on the back of a horse.
- Doubling Down on the Horse Experience: This is where things got messy. My horse (let's call him "Doom") was…aggressive. Not in a "playful nuzzle" way. More like a "this is MY mountain, peasant" kind of way. We galloped along a narrow, terrifying path with a sheer drop on one side. I gripped the saddle, my knuckles white, muttering prayers to any deity that would listen. This wasn’t the "romantic ride" I’d envisioned. More like a "near-death experience" with a horse. The lake? Beautiful. Doom's unrelenting attempts to eat the scenery? Less so.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated terror. Followed by a surge of adrenaline. Then, strangely, a feeling of… exhilaration. I survived! I actually rode a horse! Okay, maybe I’m being dramatic, but damn.
- Evening (back to the hotel): Exhausted. Dirty. But still… alive. Dinner was better this time mostly because it seemed impossible to make the meal even spicier.
DAY 3: Waterfalls, Walks & the Great Pakistani Chai
- Morning (Exploring Naran): Finally, a day off. Well, a relative day off. Stumbled around the city, trying to remember how to convert Rupees. It's a lot harder than it sounds! The people though are lovely and always helpful.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer volume of bright, shiny, jingly-jangly trinkets being sold. It's like a glitter bomb went off in every shop.
- Afternoon (Waterfalls and Fresh Air): Found a waterfall. Glorious. The cool mist on my face felt amazing. I felt the "journey to the mountains" mood kick in.
- Evening (Tea & Soul Searching): Let's talk about Pakistani chai. Thick. Sweet. Strong. And incredibly comforting. Sat outside the Manila Heights, wrapped in a blanket, sipping the magical elixir, and staring at the mountains. Maybe, just maybe, this whole trip wasn't so bad after all.
- Emotional Reaction: A quiet moment of contentment. The mountains, the chai, the quiet. It's actually… peaceful. A rare moment to feel at ease with oneself.
DAY 4: The (Potentially) Deadly Drive Back & Farewell to Adventure (hopefully with a clean pair of jeans)
- Morning: (packing and saying goodbye to the hotel). Well it's time! I'm sad. I'm happy. I'm exhausted. I am going to miss the incredible views!
- All-day (The drive of doom): And we are off. On the highway. Hours and hours.
- Quirky Observation: The sheep and goats have apparently learned to hitch rides. Their numbers seem to multiply on the long drive back.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, I didn’t die on the horse. The food didn’t poison me. I survived the drive. I'm now ready for a really long bath, a pizza, and maybe a therapist.
- (After the fact - wherever I find myself): I'll be back. And this time, I'm bringing a travel pillow that actually works, toilet paper, and a healthy dose of appreciation for the fact that I made it alive.
Post Script:
Look, Manila Heights Hotel wasn't perfect. It was rough around the edges. But, it's the imperfections, the unexpected hiccups, the near-death experiences, that made Naran memorable. It's the stuff that, years from now, I'll be telling friends, family, and anyone who'll listen.
And hey, maybe I'll even learn how to properly pack toilet paper next time.
Ponderosa Inn Redding: Your Redding Getaway Awaits!
So, Escape to Paradise… is it?
The "Hidden Gem" Part… Is it REALLY hidden? Because I can't seem to find stuff usually...
The room. Let's Get Real. What was it *actually* like?
Pool! Tell Me About the Pool! Was it Instagram-Worthy?
And the Food? Because everyone knows that's make-or-break, right?
The Staff? Were they friendly? Or just trying to sell me a timeshare?
Any Hilarious or Annoying Mishaps? Spill the Tea!
Would You Go Back? Be Honest!
