1. Enjoy the sea breeze
A simple worry-free 45min boat ride, with none of the hassle of flying (security, liquids, sharp objects, early arrival before departing etc).
2. Transport provided
Ferry, transfer and hotel are all included. Meet and greet service by their friendly GOs and GEs (guests are known as GMs). They also take care of boarding tickets, land transportation, luggage to room and all. If you're lucky and not going at peak time, you can get an early check in (10am) and late check out (1pm). Just nice for taking the first ferry in, and the late afternoon ferry out. If you have a big group, there is likely to be a group of GOs standing at the reception with cold towels and drinks to welcome you. Or loud happy music with clapping and cheery well-wishes and reminders to "come back next week" when you leave.
3. Everything's included
Leave your credit card in the room. Payment is only needed for the spa, external golf course and the shops. If you want you can get a special in-house card so that it can all be charged to the room. Otherwise, everything including sports activities, food are all included. It's really such a relief and different mindset to wander around wallet-less and not worry or think twice before ordering some food or drink.
4. Stuff yourself silly
International buffet spread which changes every meal. Snacks and mid-day meals available from the restaurant. Drinks and basic alcohol are free flow at the various bars, including the one by the beach. Try not too get yourself drunk too early in the day and miss out on the activities available. The GO's are a friendly bunch and will join you at your table if they see empty spaces. Large groups (10?) will get "VIP" treatment and have a table reserved.
5. Beach & Pool
Choose between the rows of deck chairs laid out on the private soft sandy beach, or the ones around the 2 infinity pools. "Ride" the waves by floating in the clear blue waters (borrow a lifejacket for extra buoyancy/safety), or build a sandcastle with the fine white sand. Or pretend to be swimming in the pool while checking out the lifeguards. If you brought your kite along, you can fly it at one end of the beach. The extremely helpful GOs will show you how to get it into the air and its really amazing how high it can go!
6. Sports activities
Huge selection of activities all included in the packages, with tuition included for some of them. Try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or kayaking. Or borrow a ball to play beach volleyball in the sand. If you have the guts, try hanging upside down (without screaming) while swinging on the trapeze, or do a back flip when dismounting. See how good a hunter you would have made at the archery range. Or borrow racquets/balls for tennis, squash, basketball, badminton at the sports center. If you really must, check out the gym or yoga classes, or vent your frustration at the golf range by seeing how far you can drive. Table tennis and pool tables are also available near the main bar / swimming pool.
7. Organised activities
There are programmes and competitions throughout the day, although you're likely to be too busy doing your own thing. In the evenings, around 9pm there's usually a major event/show at the mini-amphitheatre (eg fashion show, air guitar performance...). Usually performed by the GOs, but if you're game, the GMs and kids also have a special section to take part! This is followed by a 30-45min dancing/performance kind of thing by the GOs at the main bar. Just follow their lead, shake your hair loose and dance along. Just a casual fun event. Around 10pm, sometimes there's karaoke (good selection of English and Korean songs) or the disco will start.
8. SPA
If you're like me and don't exercise at all throughout the year, you'll probably be aching away after all the sports activities there are there. Take a breather and relax at the spa (extra charges apply). The spa can't be considered "cheap" at about $150 for a 2 hour massage (already including special offers), but it was an excellent way to end off the trip before catching the late afternoon ferry back. Book in advance!
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