We wanted to spend some quality time together "bonding" and my daughter did all the research online looking for the "perfect" place. She suggested Como Shambhala Estate (CSE) to me, but I was not sold on the idea and definitely not convinced that a "jungle" would cut it for me.
Whilst I was in NZ the week before, she sent me a text to say that she has made an executive decision and that we are booked into CSE for a whole week. A whole week??? I was dreading coming to CSE even though I have read all the good reviews on TripAdvisor.
When we arrived, it was close to midnight, so everything was in darkness and being tired and sleepy does not help. We were allocated the Wanakasa Residence, in a terrace suite so it made it even worse as I am recovering from a fractured femur and the stairs leading to our room would be a nightmare to climb up and down everyday for the next 7 days.
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| "Mt Agung" @ Como - stairs leading down to our terrace suite in the Wanakasa residence |
However, once we entered the room, I had a good vibe that I was in for a treat for the next few days to come. I could not wait for the break of dawn. When I drew the curtains one by one, I was mesmerised by the jungle!!!
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| Our jungle treehouse @ Como Shambhala |
It got better as the hours and days went by .... the estate grounds are immaculate, the staff are super friendly and helpful, and who needs a PA/Butler when on holidays??? Martini organised us so well that even we surprised ourselves that we want to wake up at 6am to get ready for an estate walk. I hardly ever walk much especially after I broke my leg ..... but there is something "magical" about CSE .... it must be in the jungle air .... it makes you do a lot of unexpected things!!!
Although my leg is not the best, I managed to do the estate walk. There are steps/stairs everywhere and easily more than 1000s of them all over the property. The Spring pool area is out of this world. It is so tranquil and breathtaking and the inviting water in the Spring pools are very invigorating.
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| The sacred Spring water supply .... so clean, so fresh, so out of this world! |
On our last day at Como, we had a picnic there and then on the way up, we stopped over at the "jungle pavilion" again for our last warm mud/muscle treatment.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the facilities of the aqua therapy pool which is of world class standards.
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| Aqua therapy pool - truly relaxing |
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| Tucking into my picnic basket ... |
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| Our colourful healthy and satisfying picnic basket |
We had a spa treatment every single day alternating sessions of 1hr and 2hr sessions daily. Some days we had it down by the "jungle pavilion" a very special set up with views to the mountains and river.
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| Soaking in our frangipani outdoor spa pool after our warm wraps! |
We love to indulge and pamper ourselves, and if you love massages/facials/warm wraps as much as we do, this is the best place to be!!! Everyday, we walk out feeling like we are on "cloud 9'' and every masseuse performs well here.
I class myself as a "foodie" and both restaurants produced food of fine dining standards. Preparation was very consistent as I ordered some of my favourite dishes a few times over the 7 days and the kitchen even made "grass" aka salads taste amazing! Guilt free indulgence at its best!!!
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| One of my many favourite desserts from the Como menu |
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| Grilled Salmon with Pesto |
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| Grilled lobster Balinese style |
Back in Melbourne now after a week in "jungle paradise". What can I say except that CSE does live up to all the hype you read in TripAdvisor and it has certainly ticked all the boxes for me!!! I highly recommend CSE to all my family and friends and hope to return again soon.
I cannot remember all the names, but everyone was excellent, even Dr D, the Ayurvedic doctor. .... but special thanks to Ferry, Martini, Made for showing us his family home, and the ever so smiling and friendly Redana. I cannot commend their wonderful service enough!!!
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| My special doggie bag ... |
It is not just the Estate itself, but all the staff in CSE that made our 7 days in the jungle feel like we were in paradise! Absolutely loved it and it was a wonderful experience!!!
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| Two happy glampers having a swinging time in the jungle paradise! |
I am very happy my daughter chose Como Shambhala Estate for us as we both had an amazing time together and for anyone thinking of going to CSE, it is a no brainer.... just do it!!!
