Kota Kinabalu's BEST Infinity Pool Villa: 10 Pax Luxury Stay!
Kota Kinabalu Infinity Pool Villa: My (Very Long) Story & Honest Review (10 Pax Luxury!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on this Kota Kinabalu Infinity Pool Villa (10 Pax Luxury Stay!). Let's just say, I went in expecting "luxury," and I walked out feeling like I'd… well, let's just say it wasn't always a smooth sail. This review will be raw, real, and probably longer than your last relationship. Consider yourself warned. And apologies in advance if it gets a little… ranty.
(SEO & Metadata Reminder: I'll pepper in those keywords throughout, you know, for the bots. Think: Kota Kinabalu Villa, Infinity Pool, Luxury Stay, 10 Pax, plus all those amenities we'll dive into.)
First Impressions & the OMG Moment (and the Tiny Glitch!)
So, we arrived. Picture this: the sun blazing, the air thick with that glorious Malaysian humidity, and me, slightly stressed from the airport dash. The villa? Stunning. Seriously, jaw-dropping. The infinity pool… chef's kiss. The view? Unbelievable. You know, the kind that makes you actually gasp and forget you're covered in airplane grime.
The infinity pool itself was the clear star. I mean, look at the photos! It basically melts into the sky, offering those epic sunset shots. (Speaking of which, Pool with a View – check! And absolutely worth it.) The villa layout was spacious – perfect for a group of 10. Family/child friendly? Yep, definitely saw some happy little faces around.
But, (and there's always a but, isn't there?)… the initial check-in was a tad chaotic. They seemed a little overwhelmed by our group size. Check-in/out [private]? Well, it tried to be, but it was more like private frenzy for a bit. We had a slight snag with one of the rooms – the AC wasn't working. (Yep, Malaysia + No AC = Nightmare fuel.) Thankfully, they jumped on it pretty quick (Air conditioning in all rooms – eventually!) And, in their defense, they handled it with a genuine apology. It's these small things that make or break an experience. But, honestly? After a long flight… that initial lack of AC felt like being slapped with a wet fish.
The Good Stuff: Relaxation, Pampering & Those Little Extras
Okay, let's focus on the positives. The villa did have some serious perks.
- Ways to Relax: Beyond the pool, there were definite chill vibes. Lots of comfortable seating areas, a terrace to soak up the sun, and a general sense of calm.
- Spa & Sauna (and the Almost Perfect Massage): They advertised a spa and sauna, but I didn't personally experience them, although the marketing images were quite enticing, and the idea itself is delightful when combined with any infinity pool experience.
- Access. The villa was accessible, i.e. there was an elevator.
- The Rooms: Available in all rooms: They had Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk,Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box. Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, 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], and Window that opens.
- Food, Glorious Food (and the Sushi Fiasco!): The Restaurants were a mix of delicious and… well, let's just say interesting. The Asian breakfast was a winner. Seriously, the nasi lemak was addictive. Breakfast [buffet] style was fine. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver.
- The sushi incident: There was Asian cuisine in restaurant. We tried to order in sushi one night. It didn't turn up. No explanation. I didn't rage (okay, maybe a little internally). We ended up ordering pizza from our friend at pizza hut who lives in Kota Kinabalu.
- Services and Conveniences: Concierge was helpful (when you could get hold of one). Daily housekeeping was efficient and friendly. Dry cleaning and Laundry service were lifesavers in the humidity. The presence of a Convenience store was also a plus.
- Things to do: Not to mention, the villa had Meeting/banquet facilities and Meetings.
The Internet Situation (Internet is Key!)
Okay, let's get real about the Internet.
- Internet access – yes, they had it.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – YES!
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep.
- Internet [LAN]: I didn't even bother, after what I had already experienced.
- Internet services: Standard stuff.
I didn't try the Internet access – LAN, because I had already dealt with enough glitches. Was it perfect? No. Was it functional? Mostly. Let's just say, streaming a movie wasn't always a breeze. But hey, you're on vacation, right? (Unless you're me, trying to work remotely. Then it's a different story… )
One time, my zoom call dropped, and I almost lost it. I was on an important video call so I had to go outside to the outdoor venue for special events and take my zoom call. Thankfully, some of the other guests weren't hosting parties at the time.
Cleanliness, Safety & Those Covid-Era Adjustments
Thankfully, they took things seriously.
- Cleanliness and safety: Very good.
- Anti-viral cleaning products – check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas – check.
- Individually-wrapped food options – check. (I'm a sucker for those little butter packets, and they had loads!)
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter - felt enforced
- Rooms sanitized between stays – I definitely got a good feeling about this.
- Safe dining setup – felt safe.
- Staff trained in safety protocol – they were.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Sterilizing equipment.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
The First aid kit was a bonus, and the Doctor/nurse on call gave me peace of mind.
The Little Annoyances (Every Place Has 'Em!)
- The "Luxury" Price Tag: This place wasn't cheap. And for the price, you expect perfection. That initial AC debacle stung.
- Communication Hiccups: Sometimes, getting answers or making requests felt like pulling teeth. The language barrier was an issue, yes, but sometimes it felt like the staff were just… overwhelmed.
- The "Cashless Payment Service": There may be Cashless payment service, but it didn't seem obvious at certain times.
- The "Happy Hour" That Wasn't Always Happy: The bar staff seemed stretched thin at times.
Overall: The Verdict
Would I recommend the Kota Kinabalu Infinity Pool Villa (10 Pax Luxury Stay!)? It's complicated.
Pros:
- The Infinity Pool is a total showstopper.
- Spacious villa, great for groups.
- Generally clean and well-maintained.
- Good location.
- The staff (though sometimes flustered) were always friendly and eventually helpful.
- Very good at checking in and checking out.
- Great value for airport transfer
Cons:
- Pricey.
- Some communication issues and service hiccups.
- Initial AC issue (which, to be fair, was resolved).
- The sushi incident. (Let's just not talk about that.)
My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars (with a slight side-eye)
Look, it's a truly stunning villa. The pool alone makes it worth considering. Just go in with realistic expectations, a sense of humor, and maybe pack your own emergency sushi. Be prepared for a few bumps in the road. Ultimately, you'll create memories that you won't forget quickly. And that, my friends, is what matters most.
Paragon & Sunflower Suites: Johor Bahru's BEST Antlerzone Luxury Escape!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! Here's my attempt at wrangling a trip schedule for a 10-person invasion (love it!) of LSS HomeStay@Sutera Avenue KK in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because that's how my planning brain works.
The (Hopefully) Unforgettable Kota Kinabalu Heist: A 10-Person Odyssey
Participants: 10 Souls Ready to Be Simultaneously Sunburned and Bewildered (names withheld to protect the slightly insane).
Accommodation: LSS HomeStay@Sutera Avenue KK – Infinity Pool Edition! (Did I mention the infinity pool?! Holding onto that thought for dear life).
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and the Promise of Paradise (Maybe)
- Morning (5:00 AM – 8:00 AM): The Great Gathering. Airport pick-up! Pray for no lost luggage, because trying to find a replacement swimsuit for Karen is a nightmare nobody deserves. Expect bleary-eyed greetings, accidental coffee spills, and the inevitable "Are we there yet?" whine from someone (probably me).
- (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Arrival at LSS HomeStay! The grand unveiling! The Infinity Pool! Visions of margaritas and Instagram glory dance in my head. Okay, reality check: unpack, negotiate bathroom schedules (10 people, one apartment…this is going to be a bloodbath), and assess the damage from the flight (emotional and physical).
- (11:00 AM - 1 PM): Lunch at a local eatery! (Not a fancy pants joint; a place with character, maybe a dodgy menu and even dodgier air conditioning). Gotta get that authentic Malaysian flavour! Hope someone remembered the hand sanitizer.
- (1 PM – 4 PM) INFINITY POOL! This is the moment we've all been waiting (and sweating) for. Floating in that infinity pool, overlooking Kota Kinabalu… Pure bliss. Or, at least, pure bliss until little Timmy decides to cannonball and drenches the entire group. I'm already picturing the epic photo fails and the chlorine-induced hair disasters.
- (4 PM – 6 PM): Relaxation time in the house, and settle down to the house! (Everyone is free to explore on their own)
- (7 PM - 10 PM): Dinner at a Seafood Restaurant. (If we're feeling fancy). Or, street food feast. Bring the tissues! We will cry from the spicy food. Try to avoid the "tourist traps" and find a place that’s actually bustling with locals. Maybe even try some Durian… if anyone’s brave. Expect post-dinner food comas.
- (10 PM onwards): Drinks on the balcony (if we're not too exhausted). Storytelling. Karaoke (God help us). The first night's inevitable late-night snack run (probably involving instant noodles and judging each other's terrible choices).
Day 2: Island Hopping & Underwater Shenanigans (Or, Trying Not to Drown)
- (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast at the home! (We're on a budget, people!) scramble eggs, toast, instant coffee. Coffee will be essential after last night's shenanigans.
- (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Head to the Jetty to take the boat
- (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Island hopping! Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park! Snorkelling, sunbathing, and the eternal struggle of finding a good spot on the beach. I'm praying for clear water and minimal jellyfish. (Someone, anyone, please remember the sunscreen.)
- (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Beachside BBQ! (If we're organised enough). If not, we find food on the island. The fish is fresh, the beer is cold, and the sand gets everywhere. Someone will manage to drop their entire meal in the sand. It's practically a guarantee.
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): More island hopping, more snorkelling! Maybe try diving if anyone's feeling adventurous (and has the certification). Or, you know, just float around like a starfish and enjoy the view.
- (4:00 PM -5:00PM): Head back to the Jetty.
- (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Sunset watching at the beach. (If the weather cooperates…because, Malaysia). Drinks, snacks, and the wistful feeling that we might never want to leave.
- (9:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a local restaurant or stay home! (Expect sleepy yawing after the day's aquatic adventures)
Day 3: Culture, Cuisine, and Catastrophe (Maybe!)
- (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): breakfast & free time! We probably need the rest!
- (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Explore the city! Visit the State Mosque, the Sabah Foundation Building (if we can find it), and maybe try the local market (Gaya Street Sunday Market if it's, well, Sunday). This is where the "cultural immersion" bit comes in. Mostly, it’ll involve me getting completely overwhelmed by the crowds and trying to haggle for a souvenir I don’t need.
- (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a hawker centre! Nasi lemak, laksa, satay… ALL THE FOOD! May the best stomachs win.
- (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The Great Shopping Expedition! Souvenirs, clothes, whatever tickles your fancy. Just try not to buy anything you'll regret later. Expect at least one argument over a price and someone trying to bargain with broken Malay.
- (5 PM - 7 PM): Back to the Hotel, and take a rest.
- (7:00PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner! Maybe a cooking class? Or just a nice meal at a good restaurant. The important thing is that the food is delicious and the company is even better.
- (9:00 PM onwards): Last-night shenanigans! Drinks! Storytelling! Lamenting the fact that we’re leaving soon and vowing to return. Possibly a secret mission to the infinity pool for one last dip under the stars. Don't tell the hotel staff.
- (??:??): The inevitable post-trip group chat filled with photos, inside jokes, and the lingering aroma of sunscreen and adventure.
Day 4: Farewell & the Aftermath (aka, Getting Everybody Home)
(Morning): Pack. Try to remember everything. Regret all the things we didn't do.
(Departure Time): Heading to the airport. Hugs, goodbyes, and promises to do it again.
(??:??): The long journey home! Memories to cherish! And the lingering taste of Malaysian food!
Important Considerations (aka Things That Will Probably Go Wrong):
Travel Times: Malaysia uses "Malaysian Time". (Translation: Expect delays). Factor in extra time for EVERYTHING. And maybe bring a good book.
Dietary Restrictions: Know your group's allergies, preferences, and food aversions before you get there. Trust me.
Money: Cash is king (sort of). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but carry some ringgit for markets and street vendors.
Mosquitoes: They are a thing. DEET is your friend.
The Unexpected: Things will go wrong. Embrace it. Laugh about it. It's part of the adventure.
The Infinity Pool: I am not responsible for any excessive time spent in or around the infinity pool. It's there. It's beautiful. Use it wisely (and with supervision).
My sanity: This is a rough outline. It's just a suggestion. This whole experience is for enjoyment, and has to be done with a good balance.
This itinerary is a guideline, meant to be bent, broken, and made your own! Go forth, explore, and make some memories! And try not to leave too much of a mess behind in the HomeStay. ;)
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Kota Kinabalu's Infinity Pool Villa: The "Is It Worth It?!" FAQ – Straight from Someone Who's Been There (and Still Recovering Financially)
Okay, spill the tea! Is this Infinity Pool Villa *actually* amazing? Or is it just Instagram hype?
Alright, buckle up buttercups. The villa… it's a rollercoaster. The infinity pool? Stunning. Seriously, jaw-dropping, 'I need a cocktail *right now*' stunning. But... (and there's always a but, isn't there?). Let me tell you, the pictures? They don't capture the sheer *scale* of the regret when you see your bank balance post-booking. I was practically sobbing into my instant noodles the week before we left. It's incredible, yes. Hype? Absolutely. Worth the *soul-crushing* price tag? We'll get to that…
Can we *really* fit 10 people comfortably? Seems… crowded.
Comfortably? Hmm. That's subjective, isn't it? I think it depends on your friend group. We were 10, and it was… let's say *intimate*. There's definitely enough space for everyone to claim a bed (thankfully, and with all those toilets, no one had to wait too long), but if you're picturing sprawling, solitary luxury for each person, think again. Initially, it was great, the sense of group bonding you got made us all feel great about ourselves, but after about the third day, the constant noise of 9 other people in, what felt like, a tiny, enclosed space almost drove me to drink. (Spoiler: I did). It's more fun if you're all good mates, and you don't mind the occasional clash of personalities after a couple of cocktails. But crowded? Oh yeah. Especially around that pool. Good luck nabbing a sun lounger. Seriously!
What about the views? Are they *actually* as incredible as everyone says?
Oh. My. God. The views. The photos don't lie. You're basically staring at paradise. Sunsets? Forget trying to describe them, because there's not a word to describe it. You want that Instagram-worthy shot? You got it. I think I took about 200 photos on the first night, just with my phone. Half of them were blurry because I kept getting distracted by the actual beauty. It's a solid reason to go, honestly. Forget the price, just for the views! (Okay, don't actually forget the price, you'll need to eat noodles for a year to pay it back…) But yeah, the views are the real deal. Worth the eye-watering cost? Well, it definitely helps justify it, makes you feel like you got your money's worth.
Is the villa well-maintained? I'm worried about peeling paint and dodgy plumbing.
Look, it's luxurious, but remember, it’s in Malaysia. (And I mean that in the BEST possible way!) Overall, it's in good condition. The infinity pool was clean and sparkling. The main areas are gorgeous. But, and this is my *slightly* neurotic side coming out, there were a few… quirks. Like, one of the showers leaked a little. Not a huge deal, but a little annoying. And a lightbulb went out in the master suite which took several hours for someone to come and replace. Minor stuff, but still. You're not getting a sterile, perfectly manicured hotel experience. You're getting a luxury villa, and some imperfections. Embrace the imperfections, my friend. It's part of the charm, right?
What about the staff? Are they helpful and friendly?
The staff? They're great. Seriously. They were kind, efficient, and put up with our endless requests without seeming to mind. They helped us with everything, from arranging taxis to recommending restaurants. And they brought us food and drinks all the time! They even put up with our, ahem, slightly tipsy karaoke session (note: it was a *very* late night to be honest, and the last thing I remember was the entire group passed out on the floor). They were total lifesavers. The housekeepers were also fantastic. Kept the place spotless. Honestly, the staff were the absolute highlight, the people that almost made up for the cost… almost!
Is it easy to get groceries and food delivered? Do you need a car?
Deliveries? Yes. Easy peasy. We used Grab (the local version of Uber/Deliveroo) for food and groceries. Super convenient. We got everything from Pad Thai to (a lot of) snacks delivered. A car? Not essential, but probably helpful. The villa is a little bit out of the main hustle and bustle of the city. You can get taxis and Grabs pretty easily, but a car would give you more freedom to explore. My advice? Weigh up the cost of renting a car vs. using taxis. And make sure to budget for extra snacks, you'll need them! And ice!
What's the *absolute* BEST thing about this villa?
Okay, this is a toughie. The *absolute* best? That’s tough. (I’m dithering because I still haven't quite processed the experience, if I'm honest!). Let's say, for me, it was the memory of waking up in the morning, throwing open the doors, and just drinking in that view. I tell you, for about five minutes, I felt like I'd conquered the world. Pure bliss. The feeling that just, for a few days, you're living a life you only dream about. The sense of collective joy as a group. Or maybe it was all the time spent in that glorious infinity pool, the sun beating down, and just feeling like for a moment you were the luckiest person alive. Or maybe it was all the laughter, the late-night conversations, the shared meals, and the sheer silliness of it all. Honestly, it's the memories. They're what you're paying for, right? And those... those are priceless. Unless, of course, you factor in the actual price of the villa... and then... well, let's not go there!
Would you go back? (Be honest!)
Ugh. Would I? That’s the million-dollar question, isn't it? Honestly? If money were no object, absolutely, in a heartbeat! The views alone are worth it. But that price tag… I'm still wincing. I'm thinking, maybe, if I win the lottery? Or maybe, just maybe, if I can convince all my friends that they *absolutely* need to book it again and split the bill! SoCoastal Inns
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