
Kota Kinabalu Infinity Pool Getaway: 5-Pax Luxury Stay @ Sutera Avenue!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average fluffy hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the Kota Kinabalu Infinity Pool Getaway: 5-Pax Luxury Stay @ Sutera Avenue! and I'm bringing all the messy, glorious truth. Ready? Here we go…
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Title: Kota Kinabalu Infinity Pool Getaway: Sutera Avenue Review - Luxury, Views & Real Talk! (5-Pax!)
Keywords: Kota Kinabalu, Sutera Avenue, Infinity Pool, Luxury Stay, 5-Pax, KK, Borneo, Hotel Review, Family Trip, Accessible Hotel, Best Views, Spa, Fitness Center, Restaurant Review, Malaysia Travel, Things to do Kota Kinabalu
Meta Description: Honest review of the Sutera Avenue 5-Pax Luxury Getaway in Kota Kinabalu. Infinity pool perfection? Accessibility? Food? I'm dishin' the dirt (and the deliciousness) – the good, the bad, and the utterly Instagrammable!
The Arrival – Accessibility and First Impressions (and a Mild Panic):
Okay, so first things first: Accessibility. This is important, and it's where things got off to a slightly wobbly start. The listing claims facilities for disabled guests, elevators are present (thank GOD!), but…let's just say navigating the common areas with a wheelchair or mobility issues might require a bit of pre-planning. The walkways are a little narrow in spots, and I'm not entirely sure how easy it would be to navigate the pool area solo. It definitely seemed more geared towards able-bodied guests. (Accessibility: Mixed bag. Elevators = YES. Perfectly accessible everywhere? Nah.) That being said, the front desk staff were incredibly helpful and eager to assist. And the Check-in/out [express] option was a godsend, especially after the long flight!
Now, the vibe when you walk in? Definitely "wow" factor. The lobby is sleek, modern, and smells of… well, expensive things. Think glistening marble, and friendly smiling faces. They have Doorman and Security [24-hour], which adds a sense of security!
Room Revelations (and a Bed That Almost Made Me Cry):
We booked the 5-person suite, naturally. (Non-smoking rooms are available, which is a huge plus for a sensitive nose!) The first thing I noticed? The view. (Pool with view!) Jaw. Dropped. We were pretty high up (a High floor), and the infinity pool stretched out before us like a shimmering invitation. The room itself was HUGE. (Extra long bed was a lifesaver!) Multiple bathrooms, a proper living area with a Sofa and plenty of space to spread out (essential when traveling with a family that’s prone to squabbling). (Air conditioning in all rooms made the Sabah heat manageable!)
The bed. OH. MY. GOD. The bed. It was heavenly. I almost wept with joy as I sank into the pillows. Okay fine, I did weep a little. After a long day of travel, that bed was a life-saver. (Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens…basically, ALL the things!) The included Bathtub was perfect after a long day!
Food, Glorious Food (and a Minor Calamity with the Curry):
Right, let's talk about the sustenance. Dining, drinking, and snacking: we’re here for it! There are multiple Restaurants on site, and we tried most of them. A la carte was usually the way to go, but we did brave the Buffet in restaurant one morning. Let me tell you, the Asian breakfast was incredible! I’m talking steaming bowls of congee, spicy noodles (a must!), and an assortment of local fruits. Western breakfast options were available (because teenagers), but honestly, stick to the local fare.
We also ate at one of the Vegetarian restaurant. There are also a Snack bar, Poolside bar, and Coffee shop.
Okay, story time: One night, I ordered some curry from the Room service [24-hour]. I was STARVING. The curry arrived. It looked divine. I took a bite. And…it was nuclear. Like, I’m pretty sure it could have fueled a small rocket. My mouth was on fire! I called room service in a panic, expecting them to apologize and offer me a bowl of ice cream. Instead, they offered me water. Water! I kid you not. Luckily, they did send up a replacement curry (less fiery this time). (Alternative meal arrangement: Somewhat hit-or-miss. Definitely clarify the spice level!)
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (Infinity Pool Heaven and Fitness Fail):
The swimming pool [outdoor] is, without question, the star of the show. The Pool with view is spectacular. Seriously. Infinity pool goals achieved. We spent hours lounging around, taking photos and just generally feeling smug. (Happy hour at the poolside bar was a definite bonus!) Be warned, though, it can get crowded at peak times.
They also have a Fitness center. I, being the ambitious over-planner I am, thought I’d squeeze in a workout. Let's just say my gym visit was short and sweet. I was far more interested in the pool, and the gym could definitely benefit from an update!
They have a Spa/sauna. Though some of the treatments were, unfortunately, not available at the time.
Cleanliness and Safety (The Sanitization Saga):
Okay, COVID. Let's address the elephant in the room. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of cleanliness and safety. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.) There were hand sanitizers everywhere. Staff were wearing masks and were diligent about cleaning. I appreciated the effort, it gave me peace of mind.
Services and Conveniences (The Usual Stuff, Plus a Few Surprises):
The usual suspects are present and accounted for: Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage, Currency exchange, Concierge, etc. They even have a Convenience store, which is handy for snacks and essentials. I particularly appreciated the Cash withdrawal service. (Breakfast in room was a real treat!)
They offer Babysitting service, which is good if you're traveling with kids and want to escape for a romantic dinner. They also provide Taxi service. There are even Facilities for disabled guests!
Quirks and Imperfections (Because Nothing is Perfect):
- The lighting in the room was a bit…moody. Fine for a romantic getaway, maybe not so great for putting on makeup.
- The internet was reliable for the most part, but there were a few moments of “spinning wheel of death” frustration. (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services).
- The elevators, while present, could be a little slow at times. Don't get antsy!
- There was a distinct lack of plug sockets near the bed (my phone died more than once…tragedy!). (Socket near the bed. Nope!)
The Verdict – Yay or Nay? (And Would I Go Back?):
Overall, I'd give the Kota Kinabalu Infinity Pool Getaway at Sutera Avenue a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The infinity pool? Unforgettable. The rooms? Luxurious and comfortable. The staff? Friendly and helpful. The food? Mostly delicious, with a few fiery hiccups. The accessibility? Needs improvement.
Would I go back? Absolutely. I'd book that 5-person suite again in a heartbeat. Just promise me you'll bring your own curry, and maybe an extra charging cable.
Kaohsiung's Urban Jungle: Uncover Taiwan's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly planned itinerary. This is reality, Sabah-style, and it’s gonna get gloriously messy. We (that's me, plus four other unfortunate souls who thought I'd be organized) are hitting Kota Kinabalu, aiming for the infinity pool at LSS Home Stay @ Sutera Avenue, and praying we don’t kill each other before we even look at a beach.
The Absolutely-Maybe-Sort-Of-Kinda-Plan (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Apartment Hunt (aka, The “Where Are We Even Sleeping?” Saga)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Okay, so "morning" is a loose term. We're flying in. I envision us disembarking, breeze in our hair, sunshine on our skin. Reality? We're probably going to be a sleep-deprived, grumpy gaggle of humans, fighting over overhead bin space. Expect a delayed flight (it's practically a law of nature at this point).
- (Approximately) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Land in KK! Breathe in that humid, tropical air. Immediate gut reaction? "This is NOT what I packed for." Praying for the airport transfer to go smoothly. I booked it, but my track record with bookings is… let's just say, "optimistic."
- (Approximately) 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check-in attempt. This is where things usually fall apart. Fingers crossed (and toes, too) that the LSS Home Stay actually exists, that we have the right key, and that the infinity pool isn't just a mirage in a brochure. Anxiety intensifies. My travel companion, Sarah, is already complaining about the lack of "proper coffee." Bless her.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch/Grocery Shenanigans: Assuming we've successfully navigated the check-in (miracle of miracles!), food is a priority. We’ll probably hit a local place nearby. Hoping for some delicious, affordable nasi lemak. Grocery store run to stock up on snacks, water, and maybe a celebratory bottle of something, just in case we actually made it.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Apartment Reconnaissance and Pool Worship (aka, OMG, The View!)
- The Infinity Pool Debacle: This is the whole point. We get to the infinity pool. I’m picturing us lounging, cocktails in hand, Instagramming like pros. But I also know there will be:
- Someone hogging the best sun lounger (it's me, I’m the someone).
- At least one person dropping their phone in the pool.
- A heated debate about the proper way to order a Singapore Sling.
- (Probably) A kid cannonballing into the pool and splashing the heck out of us - I am so ready.
- Apartment Inspection: Explore the apartment. Hopefully, it's as beautiful as the pictures (and doesn't smell like old socks). We are going to establish a very clear 'no-dirty-dishes" policy.
- The Infinity Pool Debacle: This is the whole point. We get to the infinity pool. I’m picturing us lounging, cocktails in hand, Instagramming like pros. But I also know there will be:
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Free Time/Chill/Meltdown Prevention: This is crucial. Give everyone time to unpack, decompress, and maybe take a nap. I need a nap.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Sunset Drinks & Dinner Quest (aka, Where’s The Food?)
- Sunset Spot Search: We'll try to find a bar with a killer sunset view. (Google Maps, you're my only friend.) I'm aiming for something with a laid-back vibe and maybe a happy hour.
- Dinner Debrief: Dinner is a gamble every day. We're aiming for the Kota Kinabalu waterfront to try out the local cuisine. Hope it's good. Hope it’s edible. Praying there's no durian. (I can't stand it, and the smell clings to everything. It's my nemesis).
- 8:00 PM onwards: Collapse. Probably scrolling through Instagram, lamenting the fact that I didn't pack enough sunscreen. Hoping to avoid a full-blown argument before sleepy time.
Day 2: Beaches, Islands, and…Possible Meltdowns
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up. Assuming we’re all alive. (I have low expectations at this point.) Coffee, possibly a continental breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Island Hopping Adventure (Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park): Here's the itinerary that is most likely to be a total cluster. We are hoping to go to these:
- Island Selection: We are going to pick a few islands. I'm secretly hoping for Sapi Island to be a part of the adventure, it's got a solid rep.
- Snorkeling/Scuba: Hopefully, the water is clear and full of fish. I can't swim like, at all. I am hoping there are floatation devices available.
- Lunch Time: Eating lunch at the island café. Praying for fresh seafood (and not food poisoning).
- Beach Relaxation: Sunbathing, swimming, and generally enjoying the stunning scenery. (Hopefully, my sunburn isn't too bad).
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the apartment and freshen up. It should be a quick shower.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner and Night Market (aka, I See Food!): We are going to go to Filipino Market. Hoping for amazing food. I want to try everything.
- 8:00 PM onwards: More collapse. Maybe some card games. Avoiding any conversation that could start a fight.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion (and Goodbye, Sweet Infinity Pool)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast and Packing
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Cultural Exploration:
- Visiting the Sabah State Museum: See the local culture and history.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch: At a local restaurant.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Last-Minute Souvenir Hunting & Final Pool Dip (If We Have Time and Energy):
- Souvenir hunt: We are at a local shops to buy gifts.
- Last Dip: If time allows and the pool is free, one last swim in that glorious infinity pool.
- 4:00 PM onwards: Departure: Head to the airport. Hopefully, the flight is on time. Praying we don’t leave anything vital behind.
The Fine Print (aka, Things That Could Go Wrong):
- Transportation: Public transport is a bit of a wild card. We might end up haggling with taxi drivers, getting lost, or both.
- Communication: My Bahasa Malaysia is non-existent. Expect lots of pointing, hand gestures, and hopefully some friendly smiles.
- Budget: We (hopefully) will stick to a budget. But…
- Personalities: Traveling with a group is an exercise in tolerance. I'm already anticipating squabbles over where to eat, what to do, and who forgot to pack the sunscreen.
- Food: I will eat everything. Except maybe the durian.
- The Infinity Pool: Will it live up to the hype? Will we actually make it to the pool every day? The suspense is killing me!
Overall Vibe: Expect a mix of breathtaking moments, moments of pure chaos, and maybe a few tears (from laughter, or from sheer exhaustion). This isn’t a five-star, perfectly polished experience. This is real, messy, and hopefully, unforgettable, Kota Kinabalu. Wish us luck. We're gonna need it.
Pattaya Paradise Found: Luxury Pratumnak Pool Villa Awaits!
Kota Kinabalu Infinity Pool Getaway: 5-Pax Luxury Stay @ Sutera Avenue - Your Burning Questions Answered (and My Ramblings!)
1. Okay, so, "Luxury Stay." Is it REALLY luxury? Like, legit, avoid-the-cheap-stuff luxury?
Alright, honest moment. Luxury in Kota Kinabalu? It's a scale. Sutera Avenue? Definitely leans towards the upscale side. The *apartment* itself? Spacious. Clean. Modern fixtures. That infinity pool view? Swoon-worthy.
But, here's the *slight* catch – it’s not the *Bel-Air* kind of luxury. Think more like... a really, really well-appointed, perfectly Instagrammable condo. The towels weren't threadbare (thank GOD), the beds were comfy. We had a bit of a problem with the air conditioning in one room – a proper sweatbox! We flagged it to the management, who, bless their hearts, sent someone up ASAP. It was fixed within a couple of hours. But still, little hiccups happen.
Would I call it "palatial"? Maybe not. But for the price, and the location? Definitely a win. Besides the pool view makes up for any small niggles.
2. The Infinity Pool! Spill the tea! What's it *really* like? Is it crowded with tourists?
Oh, the pool! The central point of focus for our entire bloody trip. It's gorgeous. Truly. The photos don't lie. Imagine, shimmering water stretching out to the horizon, overlooking the city and the ocean. Pure bliss… for about two hours of the day. Then the masses descend.
Okay, so, here's the deal. The *best* time? Sunrise. Absolute magic. We were there with just two other people. The water was still cool and the sun’s reflection on the city was stunning. We jumped in the next day at 11AM and saw about 20+ people. We stayed for about 30 mins and decided to cut our losses. The pool can get crowded, especially on weekends. It's a popular spot, understandably. If you want to avoid the scrum, get there early, or plan for a late-afternoon dip. We went at sunset once, and while the colors were incredible, it was shoulder-to-shoulder with selfie-takers and shrieking kids. So, yeah, plan accordingly. Take an early morning dip if you can.
3. 5-Pax? Space-wise, is it *actually* comfortable for five adults? Or would we be stepping on each other’s toes?
Okay, so the apartment will *say* it can sleep up to five, and it *technically* can. But listen up, because I'm giving you the truth. Our group of five adults? We made it work, but it was... cozy. One couple had the master bedroom (blessed, wonderful people). The second bedroom slept two and the sofa (yes, couch) was pulled out for the fifth person.
There’s a decent-sized living area and the kitchen isn't tiny. There's *enough* space to comfortably hang out. But don’t pack a hundred suitcases. You won't be dancing a jig in the living room without bumping into furniture. It's perfect if you're all relatively close, which we are. But if you're expecting a sprawling mansion vibe? Manage your expectations. It is more of a 'comfortable condo' than a 'private villa' with room for everyone.
4. Location, Location, Location! Sutera Avenue... is it a good spot for exploring Kota Kinabalu? Easy to get around?
Location? Spot on. Sutera Avenue is gold. You're basically in the heart of the city but far enough away from the noise. It’s really close to Imago shopping mall, so you can get anything you need: groceries, coffee, a desperate need for retail therapy after the pool gets overrun.
Getting around? Grab is your BEST FRIEND. Seriously. Cheap and plentiful. Taxis are available too, but Grab is easier and cheaper. Walking? Depends on where you’re going and how much you like heat. The waterfront is walkable, but it takes about 20-30 minutes. We walked once or twice, and it was an experience. I'm a sweaty mess now.
So, yes, excellent location. Very accessible. Easy to get to the main attractions. Do yourself a favor and download the Grab app *before* you go.
5. What’s the kitchen situation like? We wanna stock up on snacks and breakfast stuff! Any tips?
The kitchen is decent, as mentioned before. It had all the basics. A fridge, microwave, a stovetop, all the core bits and bobs. We stocked up a ton of snacks at the supermarket in Imago. We also planned to cook a couple of dinners but it took us ages to figure the stove out.
There are restaurants everywhere to be honest. You will want to at least try a local restaurant. The food is delicious there!
6. Are there any hidden extra charges we should be aware of? Any nasty surprises?
Okay, this is important. Read the fine print! We had to pay a small fee for the parking. Other than that, everything was straightforward. Always double check the booking details and communication from the host.
But, honestly, it was easy. No major price shocks.
7. What about the Wi-Fi? Is it reliable? Because, you know... social media... and keeping connected to the real world.
The Wi-Fi? It was alright. Not blazing fast, but functional. I was able to stream Netflix, which is a major win in my book, and upload photos to Instagram. We had a few hiccups. But overall, it worked well enough. Good enough for us to not lose our minds. Be prepared for it to slow down during peak times.
I'd suggest maybe downloading some movies or shows *before* you go, just in case. But, yeah, it's decent. No major meltdowns in the Wi-Fi department. Mostly.
8. Any tips for making the most of the trip? Things you wish you knew before you went?
YES! So many things!
- **Go to the pool at sunrise.** Seriously. Do it. It's a transformative experience.Serene GetawaysLSS Home stay @ Sutera Avenue Infinity pool 5 pax Kota Kinabalu MalaysiaLSS Home stay @ Sutera Avenue Infinity pool 5 pax Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
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