Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Discover Longji Star-Wish Resort, Guilin!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Discover Longji Star-Wish Resort, Guilin!
Unbelievable Luxury… and a Few Blips: My Longji Star-Wish Resort Adventure!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Longji Star-Wish Resort in Guilin. They promise "unbelievable luxury," and, well, they mostly deliver. It's a rollercoaster of stunning rice terraces, questionable elevator etiquette, and a spa experience that almost made me cry (in a good way, mostly!). Let's dive in, shall we?
SEO & Metadata Overload (Don't worry, I'll break it up!):
- Keywords: Longji Star-Wish Resort, Guilin, China, Luxury Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Sauna, Swimming Pool, Rice Terraces, Guilin Hotels, Reviews, Travel, Accessibility, Dining, Asian Cuisine, International Cuisine, Family Friendly, Babysitting, Airport Transfer, Free Wi-Fi, Guilin Travel Guide.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Longji Star-Wish Resort in Guilin, China. Discover its highs (the breathtaking views, the incredible spa) and its… less glamorous moments (the elevator, the language barrier). Honest opinions, accessible info, and tips to make your stay shine!
The Arrival – Expectations vs. Reality (and a Tiny Elevator Mishap!)
The drive up to the Star-Wish Resort, nestled amidst the Longsheng Rice Terraces, is jaw-dropping. Seriously, it's like a painting come to life. Lush green steps cascading down the mountainside… chef's kiss. Now, the promise of luxurious lodgings after that stunning view? YES, PLEASE!
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag:
Before I dive into the good stuff, let's talk accessibility. They claim to be wheelchair accessible, and technically, they are. (Wheelchair Accessible, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator) There's an elevator, thank God, because those hills are steep. However, it's a bit of a tight squeeze, and the button situation… well, let's just say I witnessed some interesting interactions with other guests trying to figure out which button went where. More on that later.
The Room - Almost…Perfect! (With a Side of Blackout Curtains Bliss)
Okay, my room was incredible. (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens) The views were absolutely spectacular – truly, the rice terraces were right outside my window! The blackout curtains were a godsend, allowing me to sleep in and enjoy the tranquility. The bathrobes were fluffy, the slippers were soft, and the complimentary tea was a welcome touch after long days of exploring.
The Wi-Fi – Praise Be!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events. This is essential! The signal was strong, the speed was good (enough for streaming, thank you very much), and made it a breeze to send those "look where I am!" photos. I used the LAN connection in the room for important stuff.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Feast for the Senses (Mostly)
Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Individually-wrapped food options. The dining situation was mostly a win. Breakfast was a buffet of Asian and Western delights. I loved the huge selection, everything from fresh fruit to hot savory dishes. However, it was a bit of a free-for-all.
The Asian cuisine in the restaurants was fantastic, but the Western cuisine was a bit… hit or miss. I had a burger that tasted like it had been cooked during the Ming Dynasty (dryyyyy!), but then a truly amazing steak. The Poolside bar was my favorite, especially during happy hour.
A Deep Dive into the Spa – Where Bliss Met Tears (of Joy)
Spa, Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom. Okay, this is where the Star-Wish truly shined. The spa… oh, my stars. I signed up for a full-body massage and, honestly, it was one of the best experiences of my life. The masseuse was skilled, the ambiance was serene, and I floated out of there feeling like a completely new human. The sauna and steamroom were top-notch, and the foot bath at the beginning was the cherry on top.
- Anecdote: I will never forget the moment I was wrapped in a warm, aromatic cocoon during the body wrap. The therapist hummed a soft Chinese melody. I nearly sobbed with pure, unadulterated joy. It was that good.
The Pool with a View – Instagram Ready (Mostly)
Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view. The outdoor pool is seriously gorgeous. The view of the rice terraces from the pool is an Instagrammer’s dream. However, the pool area could sometimes get a little crowded. Finding a sun lounger could be a challenge during peak hours.
Things to Do – Beyond the Rice Terraces
Things to do, ways to relax, Fitness center, Gym/fitness. The resort has a decent fitness center. It's not the most state-of-the-art, but it has the basics for a good workout. They can arrange local tours and activities, of course, the main one being exploring the rice terraces!
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Safe… Mostly
Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Safe dining setup. Honestly, I felt pretty safe. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, the staff seemed diligent about cleaning, and they had all the COVID-19 protocols in place (Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays). They offer Cashless payment service.
Services and Conveniences – A Few Quirks
Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Concierge and facilities for disabled guests. The concierge was helpful, and the Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The elevator issue I mentioned earlier was a minor annoyance. I did appreciate the Contactless check-in/out. The resort offers a Gift/souvenir shop. Cash withdrawal, and Currency exchange were available. There are Meeting/banquet facilities if you are planning a business trip.
- Quirky Observation: The elevators always seemed to be full around breakfast time. I swear, people treat them like conveyor belts!
For the Kids – Not a Jungle Gym, But…
For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. The resort is generally family friendly, even with some limitations on the kid-specific activities. The kids' menu was a nice touch.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy
Getting around, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. They offer everything, including Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, and Valet parking
**The Verdict
Escape to Paradise: Pimira Homestay's Unforgettable Quy Nhon Getaway
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to tackle the Longji Star-Wish Resort in Guilin. This itinerary isn't going to be your cookie-cutter, "perfectly curated" travel guide. Nope. This is going to be the real deal, complete with questionable decisions, moments of sheer euphoria, and maybe a good cry or two. Prepare yourself.
The Longji Star-Wish: A Messy, Glorious Adventure (and How to Survive It):
(Day 1: Arrival & The "Oh My God, This Is Amazing" Phase)
- Morning (aka The Travel Grimace):
- Touchdown in Guilin. The airport? Fine. The taxi driver? A little… enthusiastic on the horn. (Sound of a relentless "beep beep" that is engrained into my soul) The air, though? Immediately, that humid, fragrant Guilin air hits you. Pure, invigorating magic. Or maybe it was just the relief of finally being off the plane; who knows?
- Transportation Mishap Alert: The transfer to the resort was supposed to be a smooth ride. Uh, yeah, about that… Apparently, "smooth" is a relative term in rural China. The roads were bumpy. Like, "I need to see a chiropractor when I get home" bumpy. We may or may not have gotten lost for a hot second. Okay, we definitely got lost. (Blame it on the map apps, okay?)
- Mid-day (The First Glimpse):
- Arrival at Longji Star-Wish: Okay, this is where the magic really started. Picture this: the terraced rice fields cascading down the mountains, the traditional wooden architecture… breathtaking. Seriously, my jaw actually dropped. I took so many photos, my phone nearly melted.
- Check-in Chaos: The check-in process was surprisingly charming. A little bit of a language barrier (my Mandarin isn't exactly up to par), but everyone was so incredibly friendly. We eventually managed to snag a room with a balcony overlooking the rice terraces. Success!
- Afternoon (The "Can I Eat This?" Culinary Adventure):
- Lunch: This is where things got…interesting. We wandered into a local restaurant in the village. The menu? All in Chinese. The waiter? Smiling, but not terribly helpful. We pointed at a few dishes, crossed our fingers, and hoped for the best. Result? A mixed bag. Some absolutely delicious, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. Others? Let's just say they were… educational experiences. (Think: a lot of things I couldn't identify.) Emotional Reaction: a mix of "OMG this is delicious" and "what did I just eat?"
- Afternoon Stroll & Initial Panic: We decided to explore the rice terraces. The scenery was mind-blowing, truly. But, let's be honest, hiking uphill in that humidity? A workout! There was a moment where I thought I might spontaneously combust. My water bottle became my best friend. I felt the pure panic wash over me, as I realized, I am not made for hard walks.
- Evening (Sunset Serenade & Existential Dread)
- Sunset Viewing: We snagged the perfect spot for the sunset. It was the kind of sunset that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The sky exploded with color.
- Dinner: The hotel restaurant offered pretty delicious food, and I actually got the chance to eat it without feeling the panic of eating "unknown dishes".
- The Existential Moment: As the sun dipped below the horizon, I had a moment of pure, unfiltered bliss. I looked out and thought, "This is it. This is living." Then, a mosquito landed on my arm, and I remembered that insects are a persistent plague. Still, the beauty of the place, the food, the people, the memories, it will always remain, no matter what.
(Day 2: The Deep Dive & Full Immersion)
- Morning (The Hike of Destiny):
- The Long Hike: We decided to tackle a longer hike through the rice terraces. I swear, they get steeper with every step. My legs were screaming. I needed to stop every ten steps. But the views? Oh, the views were worth it. We passed farmers working the fields. They looked at us, gave us smiles, and kept working. My appreciation for their hard work grew with every step. Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure the local dogs are in better shape than I am.
- Mid-Hike Fuel: We packed snacks, and I'm so thankful that we did. A random little stand sold fresh fruit. I swear, that pineapple tasted like straight-up sunshine.
- Personal Failure: I, yet again, failed to master the art of not-sweating.
- Afternoon (Food Exploration & Cultural Immersion):
- Food Tour: We booked a food tour through the local village. It was an absolute delight. We wandered through the narrow streets, tasted local delicacies (yes, including the questionable ones from day one!), and learned about the food culture. It turns out, there's a whole world of flavors I'd never even imagined. My tastebuds went into overload in the best way possible.
- The Tea Ceremony: I feel like I'm growing old as a result of the constant tea consumption, which isn't a bad thing, as I love tea.
- Evening (The Evening of Unexpected Events):
- The Unexpected Rain: A torrential downpour arrived out of nowhere. We were stuck in the village. It was gorgeous, though. The rolling mountains had a mystical quality to them.
- The Karaoke Incident: Someone, and I'm not saying who, may or may not have indulged in a karaoke session in a local bar. Let's just say my Mandarin has… improved… dramatically. And let's also say that my singing voice is better suited for the shower.
- Late Night Revelations: We ended the night by sitting on the balcony, watching the rain. It was calm, peaceful, and perfect. I had a quiet moment of appreciation.
(Day 3: Departure & The Post-Travel Blues)
- Morning (The Slow Farewell):
- Final Breakfast: We savored a last delicious breakfast, one last taste of happiness.
- Final Gaze: I spent a long time just looking at the rice terraces, trying to etch them into my memory. I felt a pang of sadness knowing I was leaving. "I will be back."
- Transportation Debacle 2: Electric Boogaloo: I'm going to be honest, the journey back to the airport was even wilder than the trip in. We found a new driver. (He, once again, was a little too loud on the horn for my liking.)
- Mid-day (The Goodbye):
- Guilin Departure: The flight back was uneventful. I already missed everything.
- Emotional Reaction: Post-Travel Gloom: I couldn't shake the sadness of leaving. I was already planning my return. I felt like a small piece of me was staying behind in those gorgeous terraced fields.
- Afternoon/Evening (The Return and Reflection):
- Arrival Home: Home was nice, but it felt a little dull compared to the vibrancy of the Longji Star-Wish. I promptly began looking at photos and dreaming of my next adventure.
- Reflection & Recommendation:
- Would I Go Back? In a heartbeat. Absolutely, a thousand times yes.
- Advice: Pack comfortable shoes, embrace the mess, and be prepared to have your mind blown. This place is truly magical. You may get exhausted, you may sweat, you may eat something weird (or more likely, many weird things). But through it all, you'll experience a journey that is unforgettable.
- Final thought: The Longji Star-Wish Resort isn't just a destination; it's an experience. It's raw, it's beautiful, and it's messy -- just like life itself. Go. Just go. And then tell me all about it.
Oh. My. Gawd. Longji Star-Wish Resort: FAQ - My Brain Just Exploded (and I'll Tell You Why!)
1. Is Longji Star-Wish REALLY as incredible as the pictures?! Photoshop, right?
Okay, SO. I went in expecting a photo op factory. Seriously, I had my influencer-cynical hat ON. And... well, let's just say I spent the first hour wandering around, mouth agape, muttering "Is this Real Life?" Yes, people, it IS real. The terraced rice fields? Even MORE dramatic in person. The mist clinging to the mountains? Soul-stirring. The resort itself? GORGEOUS. (And they're not paying me to say that, though I totally wouldn't say no to a free stay next time!)
Look, the photos capture the *beauty*, but they can't capture the FEEL. The quiet. The air. The sheer, overwhelming *peace*. Okay, maybe I got a little misty-eyed. Don't judge me!
BUT! Let’s be honest. The photos DO miss some things. The occasional slightly dodgy wiring. The one time the shower *decided* to be a fire hose of vaguely tepid water. Seriously though, it was so worth it.
2. The Rooms: Are they ridiculously overpriced or actually worth it? Spoilers: tell us about the bathtub!!
Okay, let’s talk about the money side of things. This ain't budget travel, folks. But. And it's a BIG BUT (and I cannot lie) the room was worth every single penny. I mean... the view from my balcony? Breakfast in my room? Seriously, do I need to elaborate?
Now, about the bath... Oh. My. God. The bathtub was an EXPERIENCE. Huge, soaking tub. The view from it? The rice terraces stretching out forever. I swear, I spent about three hours in there, with bubbles, a book (that I barely read, because, well, the view!), and the lingering scent of something ridiculously fancy that the hotel provided. I'm still slightly traumatized by how good it was.
Sidenote: The robes were fluffy. The slippers were amazing. I may have stolen a pair, but don't tell anyone! (Okay, fine, I *bought* another pair, I loved them that much.)
3. What's the food like? Is it just fancy Instagram fodder or actually tasty?
Alright, the food. Here's the deal. It's a mixed bag. Some dishes, *chef's kiss* perfection. Fresh, flavorful, locally sourced. The rice noodles? Divine. The tea? Exquisite. Others? Well...let's just say my inner picky eater had a few moments. I vaguely remember a dish that resembled something…that tasted of, I don’t know. Not great?
I mean, the presentation was always stunning. Like, art on a plate. But sometimes, I just wanted a big bowl of plain old deliciousness. The breakfast, however, was another story. Glorious spread. Everything was unbelievably fresh. And the little buns…I died and went to bun heaven.
Pro-tip: Order EVERYTHING with rice noodles. Just trust me on this one. And don't be afraid to ask for extra chili sauce. They understand.
4. Is it easy to get to? I don't want a massive travel headache
Getting there? Um… It's a bit of a mission. Prepare for travel. Prepare for the road to be a little bumpy. But honestly? The journey is part of the experience. And the resort can arrange everything (and I'm talking from the airport to any tour you could possibly want) make it doable, so you don't have to stress and then you’re whisked away in a pretty, air-conditioned vehicle. Just relax, take some deep breaths, and try not to spill your coffee everywhere, like *I* did.
Word of warning Google translate is your BFF. Learn some basic Mandarin. Smile. Be patient. You'll get there. And trust me, it’s worth it.
5. What's there to DO at the resort? Beyond staring at the view (which, let's be honest, I'd probably be happy with). And are the Spa Treatments worth the money?!
Okay, so the view IS the main attraction. Prepare for that. But there’s more! The resort has a pool (which I somehow missed...too busy bathing!), walking trails, and opportunities to explore the local villages. And honestly, just wandering around the resort, soaking it all in, is an activity in itself.
SPA TIME! Absolutely YES. The massages were pure bliss. One was actually so intense I thought I might spontaneously combust. The other was more of a gentle… glide. Both, incredible. The setting? Peaceful and serene. The products? Luxury. The price? Ouch. But I have zero regrets.
Important! Anecdote incoming: I went on a hike with a local guide, and I saw the most *amazing* waterfall. I had to pick up a few souvenirs. Then, I went back to my room, and... the serenity of the view made me feel… whole again. So yes, do stuff, but also make sure you just… exist.
6. Are there any downsides? Because nothing's perfect.
Okay, let's be real. Nothing is perfect. Here's the lowdown. The staff spoke limited English, which made communication… interesting. The prices, as mentioned, are eye-watering. The Wi-Fi? Sometimes… dodgy. And, I swear, I saw a cockroach in my room on the second day. (I may have screamed. Loudly. Then drank more wine to calm down.)
And…the one thing that really bugged me? I was *so* relaxed, on some level. I forgot I was supposed to be taking pictures. I was so in awe of the view I barely took any pics. Oops. My bad.
7. Would you go back? And when can I book my trip?
ABSOLUTELY. In a heartbeat. I'm already checking flights. Those rice terraces are calling my name. The bathtub is calling my name. The fluffy robes. Okay, I need to go back. NOW.
This isn't just a trip; it’s an *experience*. It’s a soul-reset. It’s a “OMG I’m so stressed, I need a vacation” button that you press, and *poof*, you’re transported to a place of pure, unadulterated beauty. Do it. Go. And let me know when you're going so I can be jealous.
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