Escape to Paradise: Awoo Resort's Magical Bomdila Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Awoo Resort's Magical Bomdila Awaits! (A Seriously Honest Review…and Maybe a Little Obsessed)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Awoo Resort in Bomdila. Forget those perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this review is coming at you raw, unfiltered, and probably a little too honest. This isn't your grandma's cookie-cutter hotel review; this is real life, folks. And I've got thoughts.
First Impressions: Bomdila Bound! (And a Slight Panic About Mountain Sickness)
So, Bomdila. Let's be real, it's a haul. Getting there feels like an adventure in itself, which, frankly, is kind of awesome. The sheer remoteness adds to the charm. That also meant, for me, a slight, nagging fear of altitude sickness. But hey, the promise of paradise kept me going!
Accessibility: Wheelin' and Dealin' (Mostly!)
Okay, let's talk accessibility. This is important. Awoo Resort does offer facilities for disabled guests, which is a HUGE plus. While I didn’t personally need these, I peeked around and found a general sense of consideration. This is a mountain resort, so don't anticipate 100% seamless perfection, but the effort is there, and that's what matters. I'd suggest contacting them beforehand to discuss specific needs, because that's always the best route.
The Rooms: Cozy Nests in the Clouds (and My Love Affair with a Comfy Bed)
The rooms themselves? Honestly, fantastic. They are all the things you want when far away from your normal routine:
- 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, Safety/security feature, 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 "extra long bed" deserves a separate award. I'm a tall person, and finding a bed that actually fits me is a rare joy. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I got some serious sleep, people. Seriously, I dream about that bed now. The blackout curtains were also a lifesaver. And the free Wi-Fi? Crucial. Even in paradise, you gotta stay connected (for, you know, work…and Instagram).
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (Seriously Important)
Awoo Resort slays in this department. They’re taking Covid seriously. Everything from hand sanitizer everywhere to daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol. It made me feel genuinely safe. I appreciated the fact that you could also room sanitization opt-out available, even though I didn't. Professional-grade sanitizing services and Anti-viral cleaning products are also good signs. Also, there's a doctor/nurse on call, a first aid kit, and 24-hour security. Which is always great, especially in a remote area.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (with a Few Hiccups!)
Alright, the food. This is where things get a little…mixed. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was fantastic! I inhaled the momos. Seriously, they were divine. Divine. The Asian breakfast was also a winner: hot, tasty, and exactly what I needed to fuel my adventures. But while I was hoping for more diverse options, I was glad for alternative meal arrangement and salad in the restaurant.
The Poolside bar was a nice touch, perfect for a post-hike cocktail. Plus, they have a seriously good happy hour. And the bottle of water was always appreciated.
The breakfast [buffet] was okay; nothing to write home about, but had breakfast service, coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant, and the staff was fantastic about keeping it stocked and clean. I was disappointed at not seeing the vegetarian restaurant that was listed. I did not see a menu with A la carte in restaurant, but staff was willing to customize.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Spa Day Bliss (and a Near-Death Experience on a Treadmill!)
Okay, the spa. Let's talk spa. It's… chef's kiss. The spa/sauna combo was heavenly. The massage was utterly fantastic. Seriously, I felt every knot in my back melt away. I would have happily stayed there all day. They also have a steamroom, foot bath, body scrub, and body wrap, perfect for those looking to relax.
And the swimming pool [outdoor] with pool with view? Majestic. I spent hours just staring at the mountains. It’s truly magical.
The fitness center was a little…functional, shall we say. The treadmill I used had a few questionable noises and it almost threw me off. I mean, I'm all for rustic charm, but not when it comes to my cardiovascular health! Gym/fitness is available, though.
Services and Conveniences: Everything You Could Need (and a Few Surprises)
Awoo Resort is great when it comes to getting you to their resort with airport transfer, and for getting around, there's a taxi service and car park [free of charge]. They also offer valet parking.
The concierge was amazing. Super helpful with arranging excursions and anything I could ever need. The doorman was friendly and always there to help with anything. The gift/souvenir shop was perfect for picking up something to remember the trip. Daily housekeeping was also a godsend.
Getting Around: Bomdila and Beyond (and the Glorious Lack of Traffic!)
Driving around Bomdila is much easier than your big city. You can easily get a taxi service, car park [on-site], and car park [free of charge], car power charging station. However, with the bicycle parking and exterior corridor, you're good. I was glad to see elevator, and that means more places for guests, like those with disabilities!
For the Kids: Family Fun (or Peace and Quiet?)
While I didn't bring any kids, I noticed the resort is definitely family/child friendly. They have a babysitting service and kids meal which is fantastic if you need it!
Internet: Connected in the Clouds (Mostly!)
The free Wi-Fi in the rooms was a game-changer. The Internet access – wireless was also incredibly useful. I never bothered with the Internet access – LAN.
My Quirky Takeaways (and Why You Should Book…Maybe)
Here's the truth: Awoo Resort is a bit rough around the edges. It’s not the slickest, most polished hotel you'll ever see. But that’s what makes it truly special. It’s got character, charm, and a genuine warmth that you won’t find in those sterile, chain hotels.
I fell hard for that bed. The spa treatments were divine. The momos…I still dream about the momos.
So, should you book?
YES! But with a few caveats. Come with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to embrace the imperfections. Bomdila is a world away from the ordinary. And Awoo Resort, with all its quirks, is the perfect basecamp for exploring this slice of paradise.
Final Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 stars (minus half a star for the questionable treadmill!)
Now, go book your trip! And for goodness sake, get a massage. You deserve it.
Bibione Balcony Bliss: Unbelievable Garden Views Await!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect travel itinerary. This is real life, Awoo Resort Bomdila style. And let's be honest, it's going to get messy.
Awoo-some Adventure: My (Potentially Disastrous) Bomdila Bonanza
Day 0: Pre-Trip Panic and Packing Procrastination (aka The Night Before)
- Time: 9:00 PM - Midnight (ish, who’s counting?)
- Location: My apartment, looking like a bomb exploded.
- Activity: Packing. Or, more accurately, attempting to pack. The last time I went anywhere remotely cold, I ended up shivering through the Himalayas in a single, flimsy t-shirt. Horror. This time, layers. Visions of frostbite danced in my head. Did I have enough socks? (Spoiler: no. I never do.) The existential dread of forgetting my travel adapter loomed large. Found a rogue, half-eaten bag of chips. Ate it. Fuel for the journey, right?
- Emotional State: Panic. Pure, unadulterated panic. Followed by the guilty pleasure of procrastinating by reorganizing my spice rack. Priorities, people.
- Pro Tip: Pack early. I will never learn.
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude, and a Himalayan Headache (or, Hello, Bomdila!)
- Time: 6:00 AM: Wake up feeling vaguely hungover despite not having drunk anything. Thanks, anxiety!
- 9:00 AM: Plane to Guwahati. The flight was delayed. Of course, it was.
- 1:00 PM: Arrived in Guwahati
- 5:00 PM: Reached Bomdila
- Location: Awoo Resort, Bomdila. Finally!
- Activity: Reached Awoo Resort and got the room, the altitude was a killer. The resort was charming, but oh god, the climb out of the taxi. Felt like I was carrying the weight of the world (or at least, my massive backpack) on my shoulders. The view? Absolutely breathtaking. The air? Thin enough to make me question my life choices.
- Quirky Observation: The yak butter tea. It was… an experience. Let's just say it was a love-hate relationship. Love the warmth, hate the… texture.
- Emotional Reaction: Initially, euphoria. Followed swiftly by a pounding headache that told me I was officially at altitude. Tried to blame it on the yak butter tea, but I think the air was the real culprit.
- Minor Details: The staff at Awoo were genuinely lovely. Always smiling, always helpful. They clearly understand the altitude struggle. They probably see a lot of red-faced tourists.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort restaurant. Tried the Thukpa. It was spicy, tasty, and exactly what I needed. Passed out early.
Day 2: Monasteries, Momos, and a Brush with Enlightenment (Maybe)
- Time: 9:00 AM: Actually woke up feeling… okay! Altitude victory!
- Location: Dirang Monastery and Bomdila Monastery.
- Activity: Tour of Bomdila Monastery. The colours! The incense! The chanting! It was… intense. I found a quiet corner to sit and just breathe. Suddenly, I’m contemplating my life choices. (Just kidding… mostly.)
- Followed up by a visit to the Dirang Monastery. Much the same, but the monks were a bit… more relaxed. Maybe it was the altitude?
- Messy Moment: I tried to take a picture of a monk. He caught me. Awkward eye contact. I mumbled an apology. He just smiled. Karma, I guess?
- Food, Glorious Food!: MOMOS! Steamed, fried, vegetable, chicken – I tried them all. Delicious. Absolutely. My only regret is that I didn't order more.
- Emotional Reaction: Inspired. A sense of peace. Followed by a craving for more momos.
- Rant Alert: Why aren’t there more momo places in the world? It's a travesty, I tell you!
- Evening: Sunset views. Absolutely stunning. The sky exploded in colours. Stood there, staring, feeling a profound sense of… gratitude. Then remembered I hadn't bought water for tomorrow. Panic.
Day 3: Tawang! (Or, The Journey to Tawang) – And The Great Road Blockage of '24
- Time: 6:00 AM: Up before the sun. Because travelling in India is an exercise in early-morning starts.
- 7:00 AM: Departed from bomdila.
- Location: The road to Tawang. (which, let’s be honest, is an adventure in itself.)
- Activity: The drive. This is where things went south. Road was blocked due to landslide. Had to take a detour. Which meant… more winding roads. More altitude. More motion sickness.
- Emotional Ramblings: The landscape. Jaw-dropping. The roads? Terrifying. The driver? Seemed unfazed; in and out of traffic. I’m pretty sure I aged a few years during that drive.
- Food, Glorious Food, Part 2: Stopped for lunch at a roadside Dhaba. The food was simple, but the view was incredible.
- Messy Moment: I forgot my sunglasses back at the resort. Bright, sunny day. I look permanently squinty in all the photos. Learn from my mistakes, people!
- Evening: Reached Tawang. Checked into the hotel. Exhaustion. Pure, unadulterated exhaustion. Ordered room service. Fell asleep before the food even arrived.
Day 4: Tawang Monastery & The Art of Doing Nothing
- Time: 9:00 AM: Stumbled out of bed, ready for some adventure.
- Location: Tawang Monastery.
- Activity: Tawang Monastery. The monastery itself was immense, the views, even better. Saw a group of monks playing a game of football. The juxtaposition was incredible.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of prayer wheels. You couldn’t walk anywhere without bumping into one. I did… several times. (Note to self: improve spacial awareness.)
- Messy Moment: Got caught in a sudden downpour. Ended up soaked to the bone, huddled under a rickety awning with a bunch of other tourists. Laughter ensued.
- Emotional Reaction: A sense of peace washing over me. The sheer scale of the place. The sound of the prayers. There's truly something special about this place.
- Evening: Decided to relax. Did nothing, Just sat in a coffee shop and read a local book.
- Food, Glorious Food, Part 3: Finally, I was able to try the "Thukpa" at the nearby shops.
Day 5: Heading Back…and Reflecting (aka The End of My Bomdila Bonanza)
- Time: 8:00 AM: The drive back to Bomdila.
- Location: The same roads, with a new perspective.
- Activity: Another long drive. This time, I felt a little better prepared. Armed with snacks, headphones, and a healthy dose of self-acceptance.
- Emotional Reaction: Bittersweet. Sad to be leaving, but also looking forward to a proper shower.
- Rambling: Took some time to reflect on the trip. I was challenged and was amazed at some of the wonderful nature around.
- Minor details: The people. The kindness, the smiles, the resilience. They made the trip, the most.
- Evening: Reached Guwahati. Goodbye, Assam! Goodbye, Bomdila! 'Til next time. Hopefully with more socks and a better travel adapter.
Final Thoughts (aka Epilogue)
Bomdila, you were a challenge. You were exhausting. You were beautiful. You were… unforgettable. And, yes, I’m already plotting my return. Maybe I’ll even bring extra yak butter tea next time. Just kidding… maybe.
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