Escape to Paradise: Ocean Star B&B Awaits in Kenting, Taiwan
Escape to Paradise: Ocean Star B&B Awaits - A Kenting Kicks-Off with a BANG (and a lot of Sunshine!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the glorious, gritty, sun-kissed truth about Escape to Paradise: Ocean Star B&B in Kenting, Taiwan. Forget those overly polished travel brochures – this is the real deal, warts and all (mostly glorious warts, mind you). I’m talking about a seriously chill place that's about as far away from a stuffy, sterile hotel experience as you can get while still feeling genuinely pampered.
First Impressions… And the Slight Panic Attack About My Luggage?
Driving up to Ocean Star, you’re greeted with… well, paradise. Think lush greenery, the turquoise gleam of the ocean, and a building that whispers "laid-back cool" rather than "corporate hotel chain." Now, I'm not going to lie, my first thought was, "Did I pack enough sunscreen?" (Answer: no, never enough.) Then, a fleeting moment of panic hit: "Did I actually remember to pack my… you know… necessary things?" (Again, no. Apparently, adult me is still terrible at packing.) But the friendly chap at the front desk, with a smile that could melt glaciers, quickly squashed any anxieties. Check-in was a breeze – seriously, the contactless check-in/out was a lifesaver after that long flight – and the whole vibe of "Welcome! Relax!" instantly washed over me.
Accessibility &… My Awkward Tumble (Sort Of!)
Right, let's talk accessibility. Ocean Star scores pretty well here. The elevator is a godsend, especially after lugging bags around. They boast Facilities for disabled guests and I did notice pretty wide doorways and ramps in the public areas. I can’t speak to the full extent accessibility but it did feel thoughtfully considered. Bonus points for the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property which gives that extra bit of reassurance of safety. Now, I’m not disabled, but… let’s just say I have a certain talent for tripping over air. I almost took a tumble on the way to the Swimming pool [outdoor] – a testament to my unmatched grace – but thankfully managed to catch myself. The point is, if I, a klutz, found the paths pretty manageable, you probably will too. Just watch out for rogue flip-flops!
The Room: My Secluded Oasis (and the Battle of the Blackout Curtains)
My room was a stunner. Seriously, they offered non-smoking rooms and all the usual goodies. Let's hit some specifics: Air conditioning in the room worked like a dream, thank goodness. They had Blackout curtains, however, those were a bit of a war. Every morning, I’d wake up in a sun-drenched haze, wondering why I couldn’t quite get them to cooperate. Maybe my skill? It's not their fault, I swear! Free Wi-Fi everywhere! And let's not forget the Free bottled water, a godsend after a day in the sun. They also have Towels, hair dryer, Slippers etc. – all the usual conveniences. The High floor was brilliant for the view! Plus I had a Private bathroom for peace of mind.
Food, Glorious Food (and That Memorable Breakfast!)
Okay, food time. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a thing. Think a glorious spread of Asian breakfast, alongside some Western breakfast options. And it had EVERYTHING. You want your Coffee/tea in the restaurant, you got it! Delicious cakes, fruits, eggs cooked in every way imaginable… and yes, the all-important bacon. Which, let's be honest, is the cornerstone of any good morning. I have a very particular memory of the scrambled eggs. Seriously, I became obsessed. So light, fluffy, and full of flavour. The A la carte in restaurant offered great choices in general and the Bottle of water was crucial when you wake up a bit sluggish! Ocean Star also boasts everything from a Snack bar to a Coffee shop to Restaurants.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… and My Sudden Obsession With Foot Baths
Kenting is, of course, a playground. Things to do? You name it, they've got it. Beaches (duh!), water sports, exploring the national park… you’ll never be bored.
But for those days when you just want to chill… Spa/sauna heaven awaits! A Pool with view is just magical.
And speaking of relaxation, let’s talk about the deeply underappreciated Foot bath. Oh. My. Goodness. After a day of exploring, my poor feet were screaming. The foot bath was a revelation. Seriously, I could have stayed there ALL DAY. I may have… ahem… snuck in a second session. Don't judge me! They have a Gym/fitness place, so if your into working out, then that's even more good news. They even offer a Massage! I didn't get to try it but I heard good things.
Cleanliness, Safety & The COVID-19 Comfort Blanket
Look, let's be real. We're all a little obsessed with cleanliness these days. Ocean Star? They get it. The place was spotless. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Room sanitization opt-out available, and Rooms sanitized between stays. The team were clearly trained in Safety protocol, and the whole place felt reassuringly safe. And the Daily disinfection in common areas was a huge relief. They really want you to let you relax.
The Small Stuff That Made a Big Difference
- Cashless payment service: Smooth and easy.
- Free car park [on-site]: Always a bonus.
- Concierge: They can help with pretty much anything.
- Daily housekeeping: Your room always feels fresh.
- 24-hour front desk: Someone's always there to help, what is awesome!
- Ironing service, Laundry service: You wouldn't expect this in a casual B&B, right?
The Emotional Verdict:
Ocean Star isn't about stuffiness or pretense. It's about sunshine, salty air, and a genuine feeling of relaxation. It's about feeling like you've actually escaped – from the everyday grind, from the stress, from the… well, from everything. Did I have a flawless experience? Nah. I’m clumsy at times, and those curtains had a mind of their own. But those little imperfections only made the experience more real, more human. Yes, there are a few hiccups… but overall, it's pure, unadulterated joy.
My Over-the-Top Recommendation (and My Amazing Deal for You!)
So, my verdict? BOOK IT. Seriously. You won’t regret it. Ocean Star is a gem.
And for my lovely readers, I’ve got something even sweeter!
Special Offer!
Book your stay at Escape to Paradise: Ocean Star B&B through my link and receive:
- 15% off your total booking price! (Seriously, that's a steal!)
- A complimentary welcome drink upon arrival (Because who doesn't love a cold beverage after a long journey?)
- Exclusive access to my personal Kenting "Must-Do" list (Your inside track to the best beaches, restaurants, and hidden gems! Seriously, you won’t find this anywhere else!)
Don't wait! Paradise awaits! Click here to book your escape now!
(Disclaimer: I may or may not have been secretly obsessed with the foot baths. You've been warned.)
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Ocean Star B&B: My Chaotic Kenting Adventure (aka, How I Learned to Love Stinky Tofu… Maybe)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your glossy Instagram itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. My Kenting trip, starting off with the Ocean Star B&B, was… well, it was a journey. Let's call it that. A journey filled with sunshine, questionable food choices, and the constant, delightful hum of scooter engines.
Day 1: Arrival & Awkward Introductions (and the Mystery of the Missing Toothbrush)
- 14:00: Flight landed Taipei, survived the immigration ordeal (a small victory, I swear!), and hopped on the High-Speed Rail. Let's be honest, that THING is smooth. Almost too smooth. Felt like I was floating above the world. Maybe that was the jet lag.
- 17:00: Arrived in Kaohsiung. Now the fun (and by "fun," I mean "scramble") begins. Taxi to the Kenting Express bus, which, by the way, is about as air-conditioned as a sweat lodge. I'm already glistening, and I’ve only been in Taiwan for, like, five hours.
- 19:00: Finally, finally, arrived at Ocean Star B&B. Honestly, it's cuter in pictures. Still, the view of the ocean? Stunning. Jaw-dropping even, except I'm too busy trying to locate my toothbrush. Seriously, where did it go? Packing fail number one.
- 19:30: Checked in with the owners, a lovely Taiwanese couple who speak… let's just say my Mandarin is as rusty as a pirate ship. We managed a confused exchange about the AC (which, thankfully, works) and the breakfast situation (mystery solved! It's included!). They seem nice. I hope.
- 20:30: Stroll through the Kenting Main Street. First impressions? A sensory overload of neon lights, hawkers yelling (mostly in Chinese - I'm lost), and the aroma of… something. Something pungent and… intriguing. I later learn this is stinky tofu. More on that later.
- 21:30: Wandered into a restaurant. My stomach growled like a grumpy teenager. Ordered what seemed like a safe bet: some kind of fried rice, which was delicious. However. I then ordered a drink. It might have been a mistake. It tasted like bubble gum and sadness.
- 22:30: Collapsed in bed. Jet lag won. Toothbrush? Still MIA. Ocean view, however, is truly spectacular.
Day 2: Beach Bliss, Scooter Mayhem, and the Stinky Tofu Challenge (I Failed)
- 07:00: Breakfast at the B&B. Surprise! Instant noodles and hard-boiled eggs. Not exactly gourmet, but hey, it's free. Plus, I managed to find my toothbrush! (Turns out, it was in the very bottom of my suitcase. Go figure).
- 08:00: Scooter rental! This is where my adventurous (read: reckless) side took over. The rental place guy gave me a quick lesson, in what felt like a non-language. "Go. Slow. No crash." Got it. I think.
- 08:30 - 12:00: Beach time! Started at Nanwan Beach. The water was crystal clear, the sand, silky. Spent a blissful few hours soaking up the sun and forgetting about the world (and my lack of scooter skills). Watched some surfers. Made mental notes to try surfing… maybe.
- 12:00: Lunch at a beachside cafe. Ordered… well, I can't even remember. Probably something deep-fried. Everything seems to be deep-fried in Kenting.
- 13:00 - 15:00: Scooter adventure! Tried to navigate the National Park. Got lost. Almost crashed. Saw some monkeys (which was cool!). Realized my scooter skills are, shall we say, "developing."
- 15:30: Back to Kenting Main Street. Now for the Stinky Tofu Challenge. I had to do it, right? The smell was… persistent. It was stalking me. Got a portion. Took a hesitant bite. My face contorted. I think my eyes watered. Nope. Hard pass. Couldn't do it. Gave it to a dog. He seemed happy. I was not. The shame.
- 17:00: Back to the B&B for a nap, needed to recover. Scooters are tiring.
- 19:00: Dinner at a random seafood place. Again, delicious. Maybe a little too much garlic, but who's counting? Finished with a beer to forget the stinky tofu.
- 21:00: Stargazing from the B&B balcony. Phenomenal! The Milky Way! Utterly breathtaking. Okay, all is forgiven, Kenting. You got me.
Day 3: Exploring the Coast, and the Ongoing Quest for Decent Coffee (and Possibly a Therapist)
- 08:00: Breakfast. Same as yesterday. I’m starting to plan my escape route from the noodles.
- 09:00: Scooter round two (yikes). This time I decided to be less reckless (or at least try). Headed north along the coast. Saw some amazing cliffs and dramatic scenery. Stopped at a lighthouse. Felt super touristy, but hey, I am a tourist.
- 11:00: The Coffee Debacle: The quest for decent coffee continues. Everywhere appears to be instant. I NEED CAFFEINE! Tried a cafe advertised as "Western style." Disaster. It tasted like burnt cardboard mixed with regret. My quest continues, and I might be starting to hallucinate.
- 12:30: Found this delicious small noodle house. All the menu was in Chinese, but I pointed at a picture and got what I wanted (I think…). The broth was incredible. Definitely a highlight.
- 15:00: Walked down to the beach, feeling better after the great noodles and the caffeine free zone.
- 17:00: Decided to embrace the chaos. Another stroll down Kenting Main Street, looking for a souvenir (still haven't found one!). The crowds. The noise. The smells (still stinky tofu, but I'm learning to tolerate it). I have a weird craving for it now.
- 19:00: Found a restaurant that served, I think, a burger, and a beer. Went.
- 21:00: Packing. Still no idea where that toothbrush went. Goodbye, Kenting. You were a wild ride. And I’m bringing that weird stinky tofu smell with me.
Final Thoughts (or, My Therapist's Bill)
Kenting. It's messy. It's chaotic. It's beautiful. It's frustrating. It's everything all at once. My scooter skills could use a serious upgrade. My Mandarin remains pathetic. I still harbor deep-seated fears of stinky tofu. But, honestly? I loved it. The Ocean Star B&B was a comfortable base (even if the breakfast wasn't exactly Michelin-star material). The beaches were incredible, the scenery was stunning, and the sheer energy of the place was infectious. Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe I'll even try that stinky tofu again… Just tell my therapist I sent you. And bring me some proper coffee next time.
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Escape to Paradise: Ocean Star B&B - Oh, Kenting! (Frequently Asked Questions, But Let's Be Real)
So, is this 'Ocean Star' place actually *Paradise*? Because, you know, marketing...
Okay, deep breath. Paradise? Look, it's not 'lost city of Atlantis' level of paradise. Let's be honest, "paradise" tends to be a spectrum, right? Ocean Star? It's got its moments, absolutely, *especially* if you snag a balcony room. Imagine this: that salty breeze, the sound of the waves… and then, bam! Someone's blasting K-pop from the next villa. (And you remember your headphones. You *always* forget your headphones. Ugh.) But on a good day, with the sun setting over the water, a cold beer in hand... yeah, it gets kinda close. Forget perfection. This is Kenting. Expect the unexpected (and a healthy dose of Taiwanese karaoke – that WILL happen!).
The rooms: Are they...clean? Like, *really* clean? Because I'm a germaphobe. (Don't judge.)
Alright, Mr./Ms. Clean Freak! Okay. They're *cleanish*. Look, Taiwan’s not like, say, Switzerland – it’s got that lovely tropical humidity working against it. You might find a tiny, adorable gecko on your wall (they eat the bugs, so…win?). I'm not saying it's a hospital operating room, but the sheets *seemed* fresh, the bathroom wasn't actively trying to kill me, and the air conditioning actually worked, which is a HUGE win in Kenting heat. Just pack some Clorox wipes. And hand sanitizer. And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case... (kidding! Mostly.)
What about the breakfast? Is it just toast and instant coffee, or is there actual sustenance for a hungry traveler?
Breakfast…ah, the breakfast. It’s included, which is a HUGE bonus. And it's better than toast and instant coffee, thankfully. Expect a mix of things. There’s often a selection of Taiwanese breakfast staples – porridge (okay, it was a bit bland the first day, but I fixed it with soy sauce. Don’t judge. Hunger is a powerful motivator.), maybe some cold cuts and cheese (nothing too fancy, mind you), sometimes some fried eggs (yum!), and they always had fresh fruit. Pineapple, mangoes… glorious and life-giving! The coffee? Well, it's not Starbucks, but it’ll jolt you awake. And sometimes they leave out little cookies. Little cookies… pure, sugary bliss. Breakfast is… decent. It'll get you going. Unless you are a breakfast fiend. In that case, bring your own bacon.
Can I *actually* swim at the beach nearby, or is it just for looking at? Because I *need* swimming!
Oh, the beach! The *beach*! Okay, so Ocean Star isn't *directly* on the beach, but it's a short walk. Think… five minutes? Maybe ten, depending on your pace and how distracted you get by all the tempting street food stalls. The beach? Pretty good. The water is generally clear and warm, but *beware* of the crowds. It's Kenting, after all. It can get packed, especially on weekends. If you are looking for a secluded beach experience, it’s not going to happen here. But get there early, claim your spot with a towel (the ultimate Taiwanese beach strategy!), and enjoy the sun, the sand, and the glorious ocean. Bonus points: they have some decent cafes near the beach, which you can use for your after-beach coffee-drinking and people-watching time.
Is there air conditioning? Because I'm melting just thinking about it.
YES, THANK GOD. The AC is your savior. Kenting is HOT. Humid. Sticky. You *need* air conditioning to survive. Ocean Star, bless them, understands this fundamental law of nature. It might not be the most modern, top-of-the-line AC, but it blows cold air. And that's all that matters. Pro-tip: Crank it up before you go to bed and then wake up in a perfectly chilled paradise. Just remember to cover yourself with a blanket, cause… that AC. Don’t forget to turn the fan on too, if you’re like me, you’ll need it for the extra chill-ness.
How do I get around? Do I need to rent a scooter? (I'm terrified of scooters.)
Scooters… ah, the bane and the bliss of Kenting. Yes, scooters are the preferred mode of transport. Yes, it looks terrifying at first. Yes, the traffic is… interesting. If you're comfortable on a scooter, go for it! The freedom is glorious. But if you're like me (terrified), there are alternatives. You can walk (for some things, but Kenting is spread out). You can take a taxi. You can get a tour bus. It's a little less convenient, but it saves you from certain death (or at least a few scrapes and bruises). My advice? If you are a confident rider, definitely rent a scooter. Otherwise, stick to taxis. They're relatively cheap. And alive.
What is there to *do* besides lie on the beach (which, let's be honest, I can only do for so long)?
Okay, beach bum life is good, but it's not *everything*. Kenting offers a ton of stuff, you just have to look. There's the night market, OHHHHHH THE NIGHT MARKET. Food, games, souvenirs, more food… be prepared to be overwhelmed (in a delicious way). There's Kenting National Park, with some great hiking trails (wear good shoes!). There’s snorkeling and diving (if you're into that, which I'm not, but apparently, it's good). You can go to the Eluanbi Lighthouse, a lighthouse at the very bottom of Taiwan, which is pretty cool. Basically, you can eat, drink, and be merry. Find your bliss! Just don't expect to be bored. Unless you *want* to be bored. In which case, bring a good book.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly, helpful, or do they just want to be left alone?
Okay, the staff… this is where things get a little… variable. Some are super friendly, always smiling, helpful with directions, and ready to recommendTrip Stay Finder
