Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Lonavla's Treasure Island Resort
Escape to Paradise? Maybe… A Rambling Review of Treasure Island Resort, Lonavla
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is a deep dive, a messy, opinionated, and probably slightly over-caffeinated exploration of Treasure Island Resort in Lonavla. I just got back, and honestly, my brain is still trying to process it all. Paradise? Maybe. Treasure? Well, let's find out…
(SEO & Metadata Stuff - Gotta Play the Game!)
- Keywords: Treasure Island Resort Lonavla, Lonavla resorts, Maharashtra hotels, accessible hotels, spa resorts, family-friendly hotels, wifi hotels, Lonavla weekend getaway, Indian resorts, luxury resort India.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Treasure Island Resort in Lonavla! Dive into the good, the bad, and the slightly bizarre aspects of this resort, covering everything from accessibility & Wi-Fi to pools & dining, with real-life anecdotes and opinions. Is it a hidden gem? Read on…
(Let’s Get This Show on the Road!)
First impressions? HUGE. The resort sprawls. Finding your room felt like a mini-adventure, making me wonder if they offered a rickshaw service within the resort itself. I’m not even joking.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… and a Cliffhanger
Okay, so accessibility. This is where things get… complicated. The website says facilities for disabled guests are available. BUT. Getting around on foot requires some serious stamina. The paths are winding and hilly. I'm not disabled, thankfully, but I noticed some serious challenges for anyone with mobility issues. The elevator was… well, it existed. And that's all I can say. More on this later, as I need to delve deeper into this aspect. I will report back!
(Rant Alert!)
Room Accessibility: I did notice a lack of accessible showers with grab bars and appropriate bathroom space. This is a HUGE miss. Someone who needs assistance will REALLY struggle. Let's hope the resort makes this a priority!
On-site Restaurant/Lounges: Hmm, the restaurants… more on that later (Food section). Lounges? Didn’t spot much that could be called a "lounge," more like seating areas in the open. Not ideal if you're trying to escape the sun (or a downpour).
Internet: Hallelujah (and Some Glitches)
Wi-Fi is FREE in ALL ROOMS! Now that's music to my ears, or fingers, rather. Being a digital nomad, this is a major point. Internet access was… generally good. Worked well enough for streaming my guilty-pleasure K-dramas. The hotel also has WiFi in public areas. The LAN line option, I didn't check out, but it's there if you need it.
(Minor Gripes)
I did notice a few moments where the signal dipped. A quick restart of the router usually fixed it. No deal-breaker, but worth noting for those who need a rock-solid connection.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Poolside Dreams (and a Bit of Chaos)
This place is geared towards chilling out, no question.
- The Pool is a MUST. The outdoor pool with a view? Bliss. Especially after a hike to get there and explore the resort. The pool water was crisp, the views were great, and honestly, I spent a solid afternoon just floating around, trying to forget about my overflowing inbox.
- The Spa: Ah, the spa! I treated myself to a massage. The atmosphere was calming, the therapists were professional, and I practically melted into the massage table. A body scrub and wrap were tempting, but I was on a budget. Next time!
- Fitness Center: Gym/Fitness center? Totally existing. Did I go? Let's just say the pool was my main form of "fitness."
- Sauna, Steamroom: They have it!
- More fun: I spied a little area set up for some kind of kids' gaming… I think.
(Slightly Distracting Anecdote)
One evening, I almost tripped over a rogue pool floatie in the dark on the way back from the spa. Nearly went flying off a ledge into the jungle! It was a dramatic (and slightly humiliating) near-death experience. Good times.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Sanitized Paradise?
Okay, this is HUGE these days. Treasure Island leaned into safety.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products: I saw it!
- Hand Sanitizer Everywhere: They had it. Everywhere.
- Staff Trained: The staff seemed genuinely keen on hygiene.
- Room Sanitization: They offer it - good!
- Daily Disinfection: They DID it!
- Safe Dining Setup: They tried. Mostly!
(My Personal Cleanliness Assessment)
The room was generally clean. Linens seemed fresh, and the bathroom was spotless. I felt safe. I will note, there was a distinct lack of "individually wrapped" everything, but COVID-era protocols were followed reasonably.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (with Ups and Downs)
This is where the resort gets… interesting.
- Restaurants: There are restaurants. Plural! Several.
- Breakfast Buffet: The buffet was a sprawling affair. A typical Asian breakfast, with some Western options. I went for a pancake and a dosa!
- A La Carte: the a la carte options provided interesting options.
- Dinner Options: I liked the international options!
- What I Loved: The coffee shop was pretty decent. I'm a sucker for a good coffee.
- What Confused Me: The menu descriptions were… a little ambiguous at times. Some dishes were amazing, others… less so.
- Room Service: Available 24-hours!
(Foodie Rant)
Cashless payment options exist, which is convenient. The food, however, felt a little hit or miss at times. I had a truly excellent soup one night and a truly forgettable salad the next day. Consistency is key, people!
The Bar: They had a bar, and the happy hour was… happy. Poolside bar was tempting.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Huh?"
Treasure Island provided a decent array of services.
- Business Facilities: They have the basics.
- Concierge: Helpful!
- Dry Cleaning & Laundry: Available!
- Airport Transfer: Check!
- Daily Housekeeping: They were efficient.
- Elevator: (mentioned above).
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: (still researching).
- Other: They had a shop, and a shrine. Yes, a shrine. I'm not even sure what it was for.
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities: Yep.
(Weirdness Alert)
The "Convenience Store" was a bit… sparse. I was expecting a wider selection of snacks and essentials. Don't rely on it!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun (Mostly)
- Babysitting Service: Available!
- Kids Facilities: Seemed adequate. I don't have kids, so I am no expert.
- Kids Meal: Available!
Access, Safety, and Security: Feeling Safe-ish
- CCTV: It exists!
- 24-hour front desk & security: Comforting.
- Fire Extinguishers/Smoke Alarms: Present!
- Other safety features: They had them.
Getting Around: A (Sometimes Exhausting) Odyssey
- Free Parking: Good!
- Valet Parking: Available!
- Taxi Service: They have one.
(My Verdict - The Verdict is… Complicated)
Treasure Island Resort is a beautiful place. The potential for an awesome stay is there. It has a lot of good points.
The Highlights:
- The pool is incredible.
- The spa is fantastic.
- The staff is generally friendly and helpful.
- The internet generally works well, which is great for remote working.
The Things That Need Work:
- Accessibility requires review - let's hope they fix this!
- The food can be inconsistent.
- The "convenience" store needs work.
Final Thoughts:
Would I recommend Treasure Island Resort? Yes, with reservations. If you're looking for a relaxing escape with amazing views, a great pool, and don't mind a few quirks, definitely check it out. If you have mobility issues, call ahead and inquire about full accessibility to ensure it meets your requirements. Be prepared for an adventure. And pack comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking! Now, I'm ready for another spa day. Or maybe a nap. Paradise is exhausting.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Torre San Juan, Alicante's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're plunging headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, possibly slightly sunburned reality of my Treasure Island Resort Lonavla itinerary. Forget the perfectly curated photos, we're going full-on messy, honest, and probably a little bit over-caffeinated. Here we go…
Treasure Island Resort Lonavla: The Unfiltered Version (Prepare for Turbulence)
Day 1: Arrival, Ambition, and the Unforeseen Buffet Brawl
12:00 PM - The Great Trek: Okay, "trek" might be overselling it. It was the drive from Mumbai (traffic from hell) to Lonavla. I left with the noble intention of arriving "early enough to unwind," a phrase that always makes me laugh. Spoiler alert: I arrived precisely on time to feel like I was already behind schedule. The resort itself, though, was a welcome sight! Lush greenery, a vaguely tropical vibe… okay, I'm into it.
- Emotional Reaction: Immediately, relief! The air… smells like air (and maybe a hint of cow dung, but hey, India!). The kids are screaming with joy, so at least I know it wasn't *entirely* a disaster.
- Quirky Observation: The driver kept blasting Bollywood remixes of nursery rhymes. I’m not hating it. This is going to be an experience.
1:00 PM - Check-In Chaos: Found the room. It was… a room. Think less "luxury suite," more "well-appointed box." But clean! And, crucially, with functioning AC. Thank god. The kids, bless their tiny, sugar-fueled hearts, immediately commandeered the beds, which I now consider part of the daily struggle to get them out of the room.
- Minor Category: Room Condition: 7/10. Could use a bit of a facelift, but a solid effort. The lack of a decent balcony is a tragedy, though.
2:00 PM - The Buffet Battlefield: Lunch. Oh, the buffet. It started innocently enough. But then, the crush of people descended. It was like watching a documentary about migrating wildebeest! I swear, I saw a small child attempt to scale a mountain of Biryani. The food was… passable, honestly.
- Anecdote: I managed to snag a plate of what I thought was chicken tikka. Turns out, it was suspiciously red and tasted faintly of… something I couldn't quite place. I bravely took a bite and then, with no hesitation, gave it to the dog. He loved it. So I gave him the entire plate.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild frustration. I'm not a fan of the buffet, but I always go get it anyway. I'm a sucker for free food.
3:00 PM - Dive, Drench, and Disappointment: The pool. I'd heard good things. It was… crowded. Like, aggressively crowded. And the water, while certainly wet, wasn't exactly as pristine as the brochure suggested.
- Quirky Observation: Witnessed a full-blown water balloon fight involving at least three generations of a very enthusiastic Indian family. Excellent entertainment, if you don't mind getting splashed.
- Emotional Reaction: Disappointment. I secretly wanted a lazy, sophisticated dip. This felt more like a battle of the bathing suits.
4:00 PM - The Great Nap Attempt: Failed. The kids, the relentless heat, the constant buzz of activity… It was nap-or-die, but I died. Sleep refused me.
6:00 PM - Evening Entertainment (If You Dare): The resort offered something vaguely resembling "entertainment." I don't even remember what, to be completely honest. I spent most of the time attempting to keep the kids from running amok.
8:00 PM - Dinner: Round Two of Buffet Roulette: Honestly, I was dreading it. But! To my surprise, the food was marginally better this time. I bravely sampled the chicken again, and it was… edible! Progress!
Day 2: Soaked, Serene, and a Moment of Pure Bliss (Finally!)
7:00 AM - Awakened by the Roosters (and the Kids): Ah, the joys of a resort in the countryside.
- Minor Category: Sleep Quality: 4/10. Between roosters, kids, and the AC that sounded like a jet engine, I got about three hours.
8:00 AM - Breakfast (The Revenge of the Buffet): Actually, it was better. They had pancakes! And a live dosa counter! I was briefly, deliriously happy.
- Anecdote: I accidentally poured about a gallon of syrup on my pancakes. Regret. But also, delicious.
9:00 AM - The Rain Dance! (and the Downpour): It rained. Not a drizzle. A torrent. The kind of rain that makes you question your life choices. But the kids, of course, LOVED it.
- Emotional Reaction: Panic. Followed by… grudging acceptance. Then, actually, joy. The kids squealing with laughter, splashing in puddles… it was pure, unadulterated silliness.
10:00 AM - Indoor Games and the Great LEGO Apocalypse: The rain forced us indoors. We (read: I) attempted to play some board games, which quickly dissolved into chaos. Then the LEGOs. I spent the next hour stepping on tiny plastic bricks. My feet still hurt.
- Quirky Observation: The resort's "games room" had a ping pong table that looked like it had seen better decades.
12:00 PM - Lunch (Again, Buffet, but with a Secret Weapon): I knew I needed something to eat. So, yes, buffet. But I had a plan. This time I brought my own spices. This was the time I had a great meal.
1:00 PM - SPA! This is the turning point!
- Emotional Reaction: Pure Bliss!
- Doubling Down on the Spa Experience:
- I finally got a chance to myself! I booked a massage. I asked for a full body massage. When they came, I told them, "Do you know what a headache feels like? Well I have one." That was the moment.
- The massage therapist didn't speak English, so I had to use gestures. I think that was my favorite part.
- The massage was incredible. The best kind. I felt my entire body melt into the massage table. I got a hot stone massage.
- It was pure bliss!
4:00 PM - Swimming Pool (Attempt 2): The rain had cleared! The sky was blue! Okay, this time the pool was much more enjoyable.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief. Finally, some peace.
6:00 PM - Tea (Very Mediocre Tea) And a Sunrise: I would have loved to have a great cup of tea. It was just okay.
8:00 PM - Dinner (The Grand Finale of the Buffet): Pretty much the same as the other dinners.
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (Mostly of Exhaustion)
7:00 AM - Breakfast (The Bitter Goodbye): The buffet. Final time. I was sad to leave the buffet, because… well, it was there. And I was hungry.
8:30 AM- Packing and Leaving:
- Packing, the final task. I feel exhausted. It's more of a disaster zone than it would have liked to hope for.
9:00 AM - The Great Escape: The drive back to Mumbai. Another three hours in the car. Reminding myself that I'm glad it's over.
Emotional Reaction: Exhaustion. But also, a tiny bit of fondness. Yes, it was messy. Yes, the buffet was a constant battle. But the kids had fun. And I even managed to find a moment of pure bliss. Maybe that's what matters.
Final Verdict: Treasure Island Resort? It's not perfect. It's a little rough around the edges. But it's got a certain charm. And sometimes, that's enough. Would I go back? Maybe. But I'm definitely bringing my own snacks next time. And possibly earplugs.
Escape to Paradise: Lonavala's Treasure Island Resort - The Unfiltered Truth (and a Few Rants)
Okay, spill it! Is Treasure Island Resort *actually* paradise? After all the hype?
Alright, alright, let's be honest. Paradise? Maybe not *complete* paradise. More like... a slightly wonky, but definitely charming, attempt at it. Think of it as paradise with a side of "did someone forget to water the plants?" and a generous helping of "that's quaint, actually."
I mean, the marketing photos are *gorgeous*, right? Lush greenery, sparkling pools… Then you get there and it's… well, it's Lonavala. The greenery is still there, don't get me wrong, but *maybe* the photographer used some serious Photoshop magic on those pool tiles. But hey, that's life, right? And honestly, the imperfection is kind of what makes it memorable. It gives off a vibe that feels more genuine, something the marketing team would have never thought of, not that it makes me complain.
The Rooms: Are they a disaster or a delightful haven? (Give it to me straight!)
The rooms… Oh, the rooms. Okay, the *Deluxe* rooms are probably where you want to aim. They're not *luxurious*, mind you. Think of it as “clean and functional” with a healthy dose of “could use a revamp, but hey, you're in Lonavala, baby!”. My personal experience? Well, let's just say I encountered a rogue gecko on the ceiling. It was a bit of a shock, but it added to the fun, in a morbid sort of way.
The *Superior* rooms? Avoid them. Unless you're on a budget and can handle slight mustiness. Seriously, pay the extra few rupees. Your lungs (and your sanity) will thank you. Also, the Wi-Fi, don't expect miracles. This isn't the Ritz-Carlton, people. Embrace the digital detox… or at least, be prepared to tether from your phone.
The Food: Is it edible? And more importantly, *delicious*?
The food... Ah, the food. Okay, here's the deal. The buffet is... well, it's a buffet, that much can be said for sure. There's something for everyone, which also means there's something for no one, at times. You'll find the usual suspects: dal, rice, some sort of vegetable curry, and maybe a questionable chicken dish.
**My Moment:** Last time I was there, I witnessed a small child get *very* excited about a plate of what looked like… beige blobs. It turned out to be some kind of cauliflower fritter. He ate them, and loved it. I tried one. They were… fine. Not mind-blowing, but they're definitely a conversation starter. So, stick to the basics. Don’t go expecting Michelin Star quality. Manage expectations. And maybe, just maybe, pack a few of your favorite snacks, just in case… you know… for the food emergency.
The Pools: Are they as Instagrammable as they look? And, you know, clean?
The pools… Ah, now we're talking! The pools are *pretty* Instagrammable, no lie. They're the main draw, honestly. They’re big, they're inviting, and they give you that "holiday" feeling. Are they crystal clear? Okay, I'll be honest, and this time I can't hold much back: sometimes *no*. Especially after a weekend rush.
I witnessed a *massive* inflatable flamingo being abandoned in the children's pool, looking slightly forlorn and deflated. It was there. It was stuck. It added to the general vibe of the place! I swam and had a great time. But maybe bring some eye drops and be prepared for a bit of… well, let's call it "pool particulate." But hey, they do try their best, and the swim-up bar is a *definite* plus.
**Pro-Tip:** Go early in the morning for the cleanest water. And pack your own towel, because the ones provided sometimes seem to have been through a war. Okay, I'm being dramatic, but you get the picture.
What's the vibe? Is it a party place or a chill family getaway?
The vibe is… a bit of both. Treasure Island caters to families, couples, and groups of friends. During the day, expect kids running around, families splashing in the pools, and a general feeling of “relaxed chaos.”
By evening, the atmosphere mellows out a bit. There's usually some sort of entertainment (Bollywood music that might start a bit late, sometimes), and people gather at the bar. Don't go expecting a rave. Go expecting a decent time with something for everyone. The important thing is to be prepared for whatever may come.
The Staff: Are they helpful? Annoying? Invisible?
Okay, here’s the deal with the staff. They're generally… well-meaning. They try. English might not be their strong suit, but they make up for it with a lot of smiles and a willingness to help.
There was this one time, I needed a band-aid (don't ask). The staff went above and beyond, searching every nook and cranny of the resort to find one for me. I was waiting for what felt like an hour, but it showed. It was pretty hilarious, but also really sweet. So, be patient, be polite, and you'll be just fine. You might have to repeat yourself a few times, but hey, that's India, and that's part of the charm, and that will add to the trip.
Is it kid-friendly? My little monsters are demanding a vacation!
Oh yeah. Treasure Island is practically *designed* for kids. They have a dedicated kids’ pool (complete with the abandoned flamingo!), a play area, and generally, the whole place is geared towards keeping the little monsters entertained.
The food is… well, let's just say there are options that even the pickiest eaters can manage. Bring some of their favorite snacks just in case. And be prepared for a potential sugar rush. But overall? It's a win. Happy kids, happy parents. That's the goal, right?
Anything nearby to do *besides* swim and eat?
