Escape to Serenity: Huizhou's Double Moon Zen Apartment Awaits!
Escape to Serenity: Huizhou's Double Moon Zen Apartment - Did it Actually Deliver Serenity? (A Rambling Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from "Escape to Serenity: Huizhou's Double Moon Zen Apartment," and let me tell you… it was an experience. Forget perfectly polished travel blogs, this is the messy, honest truth, sprinkled with a healthy dose of "did I really just spend that much money?"
SEO & Metadata Kicks-Off:
- Keywords: Huizhou, Double Moon Zen Apartment, Serenity, China, Spa, Swimming Pool, Zen, Review, Accessible, Wheelchair, Internet, Wi-Fi, Restaurant, Fitness Center, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Cleanliness, Dining, Breakfast, Room Service, Accessibility, Safety, Family-Friendly, Couple's Retreat, Huizhou Hotels.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Double Moon Zen Apartment in Huizhou! We dive into accessibility, the spa, the food, the actual zen, and everything in between. Find out if "Serenity" is more than just a marketing ploy. Expect some laughs and some "OMG, DID THAT REALLY HAPPEN?!" moments.
First Impressions - Getting There & The "Zen" Facade (Accessibility – The Real Deal?)
Alright, so "Escape to Serenity" – sounds blissful, right? I pictured myself floating in a pool of jasmine tea, writing poetry while a gentle breeze whispered secrets. Reality hit me like a humid Guangdong monsoon the second I stepped out of the airport… (and then the actual monsoon arrived.)
- Airport Transfer: They do offer airport transfer. Thank god. Navigating Chinese airports alone is a sport for Olympians. It was surprisingly smooth and the driver was polite, even if my Mandarin is… well, let’s just say it needs work.
- Accessibility (The Big One): Now, I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I'm very cognizant of accessibility issues since I travel with someone who needs it. The website, and I mean, the website, promised "facilities for disabled guests." Well, let's just say the "facilities" are… patchy. The elevators were decent, the ramps were present, but some pathways to, say, the spa were definitely not designed with smooth rolling in mind. This is crucial for anyone with accessibility needs, and honestly, it's a black mark for a place promising "serenity." 😕
- Front Desk (24-Hour): Helpful and friendly, bless them. Always a plus.
- The "Zen" Vibe: The lobby looked the part - minimalist, lots of wood, dim lighting. But… the sound of a vacuum cleaner at 7 am? Kinda shattered the illusion a bit. Sorry, Double Moon, you can't always control the chaos.
Rooms – The Good, The Confusing, and the "Where's the Plug?"
Okay, moving into the actual room. I splashed out for a… I honestly can't remember the name, but it was meant to be "luxurious."
- Available in all rooms (the basics): Air conditioning (thank GOD), alarm clock (useless for me, I'm a morning person), bathrobes (yes!), bathroom phone (???), bathtub (yes, and glorious after humid days), blackout curtains (essential!), closet (decent size), coffee/tea maker (good start!), daily housekeeping (spot on!).
- The "Wow" Factor (and the not-so-wow): The bed was HUGE and comfy, I'll give them that. The view was… well, okay. It looked out at… more buildings. Not exactly the panoramic vista of cascading waterfalls I'd imagined. And getting the perfect temperature? Took a lot of fiddling with the A/C. It wanted to be either an icebox or a sauna.
- Internet Access – Wireless (Free Wi-Fi): Free Wi-Fi! And it worked, which is more than I can say for some places. I still wish they had a LAN port though, sometimes I just want to plug in, ya know?
- Seating area: Decent
- The Little Annoyances: The placement of the sockets! Seriously, they were in the most inconvenient spots. My phone, my laptop, my life depended on the sockets and they decided to play hide-and-seek. Also… the mini-bar selection was disappointing, like they couldn't be bothered.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Question Mark):
Okay, time to talk food because, let's be honest, I live to eat!
- Restaurants (plural!): They boasted several restaurants. Asian cuisine, international cuisine, even a vegetarian option (score!).
- Asian Cuisine: Delicious! (Okay, maybe I’m biased, I LOVE Asian food, but trust me, it was good.) I had some incredible noodles, some amazing dumplings (I think I ordered those every day), and the duck was… well, I’m hungry just thinking about it.
- International Cuisine: A bit hit-and-miss. The pasta was… not great. I think they were trying, but it just wasn't up to par. Though, the pizza was surprisingly good.
- Breakfast: The breakfast buffet was… okay. A good mix of Asian and Western options. The coffee was weak, though. Seriously, how hard is it to make decent coffee?! The best part? The breakfast takeaway service! I was able to grab a quick bite before heading out.
- Room Service (24-hour): Always a winner. Perfect for those late-night snack cravings. It actually had a decent selection!
Things To Do & Ways To Relax – Did I Find My Serenity? (Spoiler: Maybe… Sort Of…)
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/Pool with a View: This is where the "Escape to Serenity" promise should have been delivered. And, well… it was a mixed bag.
- The Spa… Letdown: The massage was… fine. Not life-altering, but relaxing. The body scrub was a bit rough (ouch!). The steamroom was good, the Sauna was good.
- The Pool with a View: The pool was beautiful. A shimmering oasis, overlooking… more buildings. Still, it was a refreshing escape from the humidity.
- Fitness Center/Gym/Fitness: I glanced in (okay, maybe I just walked past it), it looked clean and had the usual equipment. I'm on vacation, people!
- Body Wrap: Never tried it.
- More "Things to Do" – Or Rather, Things They Claimed To Do: I was hoping for some organized cultural excursions, maybe a tea ceremony, some yoga. The website mentioned things. They didn't happen! It was disappointing to find they weren't available.
Cleanliness & Safety - How Safe Did I Feel?
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products: Good sign! It gave me some peace of mind.
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas & Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: I liked seeing the daily disinfection!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Check.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocols: They seemed to care.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind is a beautiful thing.
- CCTV: The CCTV was present but it felt a little Big Brother-ish at times.
- Fire extinguisher/Smoke alarms: Check.
Services and Conveniences - The Extras
- Luggage storage: Always helpful.
- Concierge: Helpful but not super knowledgeable about local hidden gems.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Currency Exchange: Another bonus.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service: I used them!
- Car Park: Free!
- Babysitting service: Didn't use it, but good for families.
The Verdict: Did I Really Escape to Serenity?
Okay, the truth? No. Not entirely. "Escape to Serenity" had moments of true relaxation. The food was good, the pool was lovely. However, the accessibility issues were a real downer. The promises of activities didn't fully deliver, and there were definitely some "meh" moments. I guess, for me, serenity is a bit like that perfect cup of coffee: elusive and something you have to work to get right.
Would I go back? Maybe. If they improved the accessibility situation, stepped up the activity game, and made that coffee stronger, it would be an absolute contender. In the meantime, I did have a pleasant stay, and Huizhou itself is worth a visit. Just don't go expecting perfection. Real life isn't perfect, and neither is a Double Moon Zen Apartment, no matter what the website says. 😉
Uncover Malacca's Secrets: Be Our Guest & Explore Paradise!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't going to be your sanitized, Instagram-filtered travel itinerary. This is…well, this is me trying to survive a few days in Huizhou, specifically at the Double Moon Zen Service Apartment. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions (mostly "hangry" and "slightly bewildered") and observations that may or may not make sense. Here we go… (deep breath)
Huizhou, China: Double Moon Zen & Chaos (A Very Honest Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Mandarin Mystery
Morning (ish): Landed in Shenzhen. Long flight, questionable airplane food (mystery meat, anyone?), ready for a nap. The connecting train to Huizhou? Well, let’s just say attempting to read Mandarin while sleep-deprived feels akin to trying to herd cats. Signage was…suggestive. I ended up accidentally ordering a suspicious-looking breakfast pastry. Ate it anyway. Regrets? Maybe. No. Actually, it was kinda good. Like a slightly sweet, flaky…thing.
Afternoon: Arrived at the Double Moon Zen Service Apartment. Honestly? Pretty stunning. Like, seriously, they weren't kidding about the "Zen" part. Minimalist chic, amazing views, and a tiny balcony that made me want to spontaneously burst into a yoga pose (which, knowing me, would end in a tumble). Checked in, got the key, and promptly got lost finding my room. Seriously, the hallways are like a maze designed by a sadist. Almost walked in on a couple enjoying a romantic tea ceremony. awkward.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Decided to be brave and explore the surrounding area. Found a local market. Holy moly. The smells! The sounds! The…things I couldn't identify! Tried to buy some fruit. The stall owner stared at me, I stared at the fruit, she pointed, I pointed, she laughed, I bought some mangoes that I think were mangoes. They were delicious. Victory! (Small victories are EVERYTHING when traveling.)
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, after a lot of pointing and gesturing like a caveman. Ordered something that appeared to be noodles. Ended up being noodles swimming in chili oil. My mouth is currently on fire, my eyes are tearing up, and I think I’m slightly regretting this whole "trying new things" thing. But hey, at least I survived. For now. Back to the apartment for what I desperately hope is a peaceful night's sleep.
Day 2: The Lunar Lake Lullaby & My Spiritual Crisis
Morning: Woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed despite the chili incident. Went to the in-house gym, where I was the only person. Realized I have no idea how to use any of the equipment. Looked at the treadmill, panicked, and decided to do some very slow, very awkward stretches in the corner. Found myself staring out the window, contemplating the meaning of life, the universe, and why my hair refuses to cooperate with any humidity level.
Midday: Decided to visit West Lake. I should note this is the Lunar Lake. Beautiful. The water was still and glassy, the boats were like little paper swans, the air had a hint of incense. I walked around it for 3 hours. I just sat down. I felt…calm. Like, genuinely, truly calm. Maybe this "Zen" thing is rubbing off on me. Maybe I should embrace the inner peace while avoiding more spicy noodles. The experience was… well, here, let me tell you it in detail.
Alright, picture this: a perfect day, a sky as blue as a postcard, the scent of lotus flowers tickling your nose. I hired a little boat where the boatman and I enjoyed the water and the silence. At first, I was very hesitant, I was afraid the whole time to tip over, but now. as I was taking in the view, I felt serenity. The reflection of the willow trees in the still water of the lake was absolutely breathtaking, really. It made me think of how I was getting lost in life, and I was like, "Wow". I felt this strange feeling of deep peace and tranquility. Like all the worries of the world had melted away. I sat there, breathing deeply, just letting the moments wash over me. I closed my eyes, imagined myself as a Lotus flower, I was calm, I was at ease, I was happy. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I also saw a guy who was fishing in the lake, he was so passionate about what he was doing. It made me feel connected to the natural world.
Afternoon: Back at the apartment (after getting slightly lost AGAIN). Had to take a nap. All that peace and quiet is exhausting, apparently. Started feeling a weird sense of existential dread. Is this what enlightenment feels like? Because I'm not sure I like it.
Evening: Ordered room service. Play it safe tonight, right? Ordered dumplings. They arrived steaming hot. They were delicious. The existential dread is fading, temporarily. Watching a Mandarin-dubbed version of a sitcom I don't understand. Feeling like the only human on earth.
Day 3: Farewell (and a Slightly Regretful Shopping Spree)
Morning: Last day, ugh. Went back to the market. This time, I was armed with more Mandarin phrases (thanks, Duolingo!). Managed to buy some tea and a questionable-looking tea pot. The tea is delicious. The teapot? Jury's still out.
Midday: Went shopping. I should not be left alone with a credit card in a foreign country. Found a shop selling silk scarves. Bought ALL the scarves. Also bought some jade. Did I need jade? No. Do I look like I know what I'm doing? Also no. But they're pretty. And I'm blaming it on the Zen-ness.
Afternoon: Checked out. Said goodbye to the Double Moon Zen Service Apartment, it's many corridors and mysterious smells. Got a taxi to the train station. Realized I've left my silk scarf in the apartment. Sigh. Send my email to the apartment.
Evening: Waiting for my train. Slightly sad to be leaving, slightly relieved to be heading home. Reflecting on my time in Huizhou. It was messy, it was confusing, it was hilarious, and, surprisingly, it was kind of beautiful. I learned some Mandarin (sort of), ate some questionable food, embraced the chaos, and survived. And I'm pretty sure I'm slightly more zen (or at least, less stressed about my hair). Maybe I'll come back someday. Maybe I'll even figure out how to use the gym. Until then, Huizhou, you crazy, beautiful place. Goodbye!
Escape to Serenity: Huizhou's Double Moon Zen Apartment Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Totally Honest FAQ
Okay, so what *is* this "Double Moon Zen Apartment" thing, exactly? Sounds a bit... pretentious.
Alright, alright, before you roll your eyes and picture monks chanting in matching robes, let's be real. It *does* sound a bit fancy, I'll grant you that. Basically, it's an Airbnb (yes, I'm a complete hypocrite, I know!) in Huizhou, China. "Zen" probably means minimalist decor and some vague promises of inner peace. Double Moon? I have *no* idea. Maybe the landlord was really into moons? I'm not sure. The pictures looked really nice, though. Think: clean lines, big windows, potentially yoga mats strategically placed. You know, the usual insta-bait.
Is Huizhou even worth visiting? I’ve never even heard of it.
Huizhou... okay, this is where things get interesting. Before I went, I knew *nothing*. Now, I'd say... it's got its charms. Think of it as the slightly less-touristy cousin of other more famous Chinese cities. Beautiful scenery, ancient villages, the typical delicious food (more on that later, trust me I feel the need to talk about the food more). It really depends on what you're after. If you want to be surrounded by screaming tourists and neon lights, probably not the place. If you want a glimpse of REAL China, a slower pace, and a chance to actually breathe? Give it a go. Just... manage your expectations, okay?
The apartment itself... was it actually *zen*? Did you achieve inner peace? Spill the tea!
Haha! Okay, so the Zen thing… I'm not sure. Look, the apartment *looked* amazing in the photos, okay? Huge windows, a balcony overlooking some lush greenery. Seriously, postcard material. But let's just say my quest for inner peace was slightly hampered by: 1) A slightly leaky tap that dripped like a metronome of existential dread. 2) My phone, a non-stop notification machine that's totally *un-zen*. 3) My own brain, which spent most of the time obsessing about whether I’d accidentally booked a scam. And I swear, the neighbor's dog was an absolute nightmare. I think it was trying to communicate with me, in a yappy, incessant, almost-threatening way, but my Mandarin is, shall we say, *rusty*. The apartment? It was nice. Did it transform me into a serene, enlightened being? Absolutely not. Did the view help? Yes. Did I feel a smidge of peace? Okay, maybe a smidge. But definitely not the full-blown Zen experience they were selling.
What were the biggest pros and cons of the experience? Be brutally honest!
Alright, here we go, the REAL tea.
Pros:
* The view from the apartment was legitimately stunning. Seriously, Instagram-worthy. I spent a ridiculous amount of time just staring out the window. No regrets.
* The food! Oh, the food! Huizhou cuisine is amazing, especially the local stews and noodle dishes! I ate things I couldn't even identify, and it was ALL good. Okay, maybe a little spicy.
* The peace and quiet (when the dog wasn't barking). It was a nice break from the chaos of city life.
* The price - pretty affordable! (Especially compared to the other listings - I was looking for a while.)
* My Mandarin came back, even if it was just to order the best food.
Cons:
* The leaky tap! Seriously, that got me down. Drip, drip, drip... it's the sound of my money being wasted on this trip.
* The dog. Can't stress this enough. The dog. (I think it was a chihuahua. I could be wrong. It looked menacing, though.)
* The lack of English menus. Prepare to get lost in translation. Embrace the adventure! (And use Google Translate a LOT).
* My internal monologue. Let's just say it's not always a calming companion. That's Zen-adjacent, right?
* The trip felt a bit short. Maybe I needed more time to reach enlightenment? Or maybe my flight was just booked for too little time? I feel cheated.
Okay, seriously, the food. Tell us more! What should I eat?
FOOD! YES! Okay, hold on. Deep breaths... This is a core memory. First, find a local restaurant (the smaller, the better). Look for the *stinky tofu*. Yes, I know it sounds intimidating, but trust me. Eat it. Embrace the aroma. It's a Huizhou staple, and it's surprisingly delicious. Don't be afraid to order things you don't recognize. Point at pictures. Use Google Translate. You'll be rewarded. The stews are rich and flavorful. The noodles are a carboholic's dream. And the dumplings? Heaven. Absolutely, undeniably, pure heaven. Oh, and the tea! Don't forget the tea. It's everywhere, and it's amazing. I think I had more tea than water. My body’s probably 90% tea and I’m not complaining.
Would you go back?
HMMM... that's a good question. Am I completely zen? No. Did I have a fantastic time? Yes! The Double Moon apartment itself? Maybe not again. But Huizhou? Absolutely. I wouldn't say no. Maybe next time I'll bring earplugs and a really good book. And maybe I'll hire a dog whisperer. And I'm totally getting that stinky tofu again. YES! Maybe I’ll find another place to get my Zen on, but honestly, I was just happy with the experience. I still might go back. I'm not sure. Ask me later!
Any tips for travelers going to the area?
Alright, here's the TL;DR version.
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases. Seriously. It'll save you a world of trouble (and embarrassment). “Ni hao” is your friend. Also, learn how to say “wo yao” (I want).
- Download a translation app. Google Translate is a lifesaver.
- Pack light. You'll be walking a lot. And the stairs. Don’t forget about the stairs!
- Bring earplugs. Just in case. The dog. The leaky tap. You get the idea.
- Embrace the unknown. Get lost. Try new things. Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
- Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. Huizhou is a gem and I'm pretty sure you should visit the area now, too.
And most importantly: Relax. And don't take yourselfHotel Hide Aways
