Kenting's BEST Kept Secret: Shen's Unforgettable Homestay!
Kenting's Best Kept Secret? Shen's Unforgettable Homestay: A Review (With a Side of Me Getting Lost in My Thoughts)
Okay, okay, buckle up. I'm back from Kenting, and I'm still slightly sunburnt and utterly floored by Shen's Unforgettable Homestay. Forget your cookie-cutter hotels, this place is a vibe. And I'm not just saying that because they gave me way too many complimentary pineapple smoothies (though, that definitely helped).
First Impressions & Accessibility: Not Quite Perfect (But Honestly, Pretty Damn Good)
Let's get this out of the way: Shen's isn't perfectly wheelchair accessible. While they do have some facilities for disabled guests (a big plus!), it's not a 100% guarantee. I noticed the elevator was there (yay!), and they've clearly put thought into it, which is more than a lot of places can say. So, check directly with them to be sure if accessibility is a must for you if you are need it.
Cleanliness and COVID? They Take it Seriously!
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, I admit it. But even I felt safe here. They're all over the anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizers everywhere, and daily disinfection like it's going out of style. They even give you the option to opt-out of room sanitization – which I appreciated, because sometimes you just want to breathe your own air, you know? The staff were all masked-up and genuinely seemed to care. Kudos to them – it’s a reassuring feeling.
Rooms: Cozy, Comfy, and Full of Little Surprises!
My room? Perfection. Okay, maybe not perfection, but close. Let me paint you a picture: I had a massive bed with so many pillows I could have built a fort. Seriously, a fort! [Anecdote: I may or may not have actually built a small pillow fort and watched a guilty amount of on-demand movies. Don't judge me, I was on vacation!]. The blackout curtains were a godsend (sunrises are gorgeous, but I like my sleep!). They had all the essentials: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi (which, thank God, was FAST, both in the room AND in the public areas), a safe box (for my… valuable… collection of seashells), and even a coffee/tea maker! The little details made all the difference: fluffy bathrobes, complimentary bottled water (which I inhaled), and a little desk where I could (attempt to) work while staring at the ocean. They definitely know what they are doing in terms of comfort!
The Food: Oh. My. GOD.
Okay, I'm going to gush. The food at Shen's… is another level. Forget your sad hotel breakfasts, this is a culinary experience.
- Breakfast: Buffet Brilliance & Beyond The breakfast buffet was a glorious spread of Asian and Western delights. The Asian breakfast was a revelation. I'm talking fresh noodles with all the fixings, savory congee with little crispy bits, and dim sum that was actually good. They had everything from fluffy pancakes to savory congee, and local specialties like sweet potato porridge. They know how to properly cater to vegetarians and vegans, and they're happy to accommodate dietary preferences. It was my favorite meal of the day. [Anecdote: I might have, possibly, maybe, definitely eaten three bowls of that Taiwanese breakfast congee. Don't tell anyone.]
- Restaurants & Dining Experiences: There's a restaurant (or several), a poolside bar, and a coffee shop. Everything is made to perfection. They offer alternative meal arrangements, and they had a delicious Vegetarian restaurant. The best part? They provide a breakfast take-away service!
- Coffee/Drinks: The coffee shop and bar were well-stocked and offered great coffee.
Things to Do (and How to Relax): A Smorgasbord of Options
Shen's doesn't just have things to do, it is a thing to do!
- Relaxing Bliss: This place is designed for relaxation. They've got a spa, sauna, steamroom. If your idea of relaxation isn’t a cold beer by the pool, then you are doing something wrong. I spent a solid afternoon by the infinity pool with a view (absolute heaven). They offer massages, body wraps, and body scrubs.
- Fitness Fanatics Welcome: if you need to train as you travel, great news! They have a fitness center/gym, which I unfortunately did not use (priorities, people!).
- For the Kids - Always great! They have great facilities for the kids.
- Poolside Bar: I spent an afternoon by the pool with a view (absolute heaven).
Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything!
This is where Shen's truly shines. They offer everything.
- The Basics: 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage – you name it, they've got it.
- The Extras: Currency exchange, car park (on-site and free!). They have meeting facilities, a convenience store (for those emergency snack runs), and a gift shop. Airport transfer is available, and they certainly take care of the little details that make a vacation special.
Overall Vibe of Shen's:
Shen's is not just a place to stay; it’s an experience. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the location is close to everything while still feeling like a peaceful escape. They are certainly a hotel chain, though with an intimate feel.
My Rambling Thoughts & Small Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect, Right?)
Okay, here's the slightly messy, unfiltered part. There are, of course, a couple of things that weren't perfect.
- The "gym" could be better equipped, but hey, I wasn't there to work out.
- I really wished they have a shuttle bus for certain specific trips, I love not driving as I travel.
But honestly? Those are minor quibbles. The sheer joy I experienced, the delicious food, the beautiful views… it all outweighs any small imperfections.
Final Verdict:
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. Shen's Unforgettable Homestay lived up to its name. It's a place I'll be dreaming about for a long time. If you're heading to Kenting, do yourself a favor and stay here. Just… maybe don't tell everyone about it. Let's keep it as Kenting's best-kept secret for a little while longer. You won't regret it. And tell them Emily sent you. You won't score free pineapple smoothies, but maybe you'll get a smile!
Ram N Residency: Pondicherry's BEST Kept Secret (Luxury Awaits!)
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going to Kenting, Taiwan, and staying at Shen's Homestay. Prepare for a glorious mess of sun, sand, and probably a whole lotta overthinking.
Kenting Shen's Homestay: A Journey (More Like a Chaotic Waltz) of Sunburns, Sand, and Self-Doubt
Day 1: Arrival – The Great Unpacking and the Beach That Almost Broke Me
- 15:00 - Arrive at Shen's Homestay. Check-in. Attempt (and fail) to look flawlessly put-together after a long flight. Okay, so the airport shuttle was… an experience. Let's just say the driver was a fan of aggressive honking, and my luggage apparently prefers to live on the back of motorcycles. Shen's, though! The place is charming, a little ramshackle (in a good way!), and the air smells vaguely of jasmine. The owner, bless her, had the sweetest smile and a genuine "welcome, you look tired" vibe.
- 15:30 - Unpack. Contemplate life choices in front of a slightly dusty wardrobe. Seriously, why do I always pack too many shoes? And how did that questionable t-shirt even get in my suitcase? This is where the existential dread usually kicks in. Am I doing the right thing? Should I have stayed home and organized my sock drawer? Nah, Kenting, baby!
- 16:00 - First Beach Reconnaissance – Navigating Sand and Self-Consciousness. Off to Nanwan Beach! Sunscreen = applied (maybe a little too liberally). Beach = beautiful, turquoise water, perfect sand. Me = battling the internal monologue. "Do I look okay in this swimsuit?" "Is everyone judging my pale legs?" "Why can't I just relax?!" God, I hate this. I got about five steps into the sand before a rogue wave nearly took me out. Humiliation level: Expert Mode. Sat down to watch the waves and sulked.
- 18:00 - Sunset Drinks and Dinner. Discovering the joys of Taiwanese Night Markets Finding some of the best drinks at the night market. The atmosphere was buzzing – a symphony of sizzling food, shouted sales pitches, and an endless parade of humanity. I got some fried squid (a little too chewy – rookie mistake), then some grilled sausage (amazing!), and a mango smoothie that dissolved my stress like a champ. Watched the sunset over the horizon and finally started to feel the tension melt away.
Day 2: Underwater Adventures (and the Fear of Sharks)
- 09:00 - Snorkeling Tour. Convincing myself I'm a graceful aquatic creature. Okay, so I'm not. Turns out, I'm a flailing, panicky mess when faced with the ocean's depths. The water was clear, the coral was vibrant, and the fish were… well, they were judging me. Especially the ones that nibbled at my toes. The guide kept flashing these encouraging "thumbs-up" signs, which felt sarcastic.
- 11:00 - Post-Snorkel Trauma Recovery – Sand, Sun, and Self-Doubt Revisited. Back on the beach, trying to shake off the existential dread caused by the vastness of the ocean. Decided to bury my face in the sand. Then I remembered my sunburn. Cried for a hot second.
- 13:00 - Lunch at a Local Restaurant. Discovering the power of Taiwanese Rice Bowls. Found this tiny little place away from the main tourist drag. The food was heavenly. A simple rice bowl with braised pork and pickled vegetables – the kind of flavor that makes you want to hum. I ate in silence, which was exactly what I needed.
- 15:00 - Hike up to the Guanshan Sunset Platform. The views were stunning, absolutely stunning. The hike itself? Brutal, in the blazing sun. Felt like I was being slowly roasted. Reached the top, gasping for air and sweating like a pig. But the sunset, oh man, the sunset. It was pure, unadulterated beauty. Worth every single bead of sweat.
- 19:00 - Night Market Round 2: Trying My Luck at More Food and Karaoke Found some of the best snacks, chicken feet. I also have a karaoke set up, but I can not sing.
Day 3: Motorbike Mayhem and the Quest for the Perfect Souvenir
- 09:00 - Motorbike Rental. Channeling my inner rebel (or at least trying not to crash). Okay, this was terrifying. The motorbike was tiny, the traffic was… intense, and my driving skills were apparently nonexistent. I lurched and wobbled my way through the streets, clinging to the handlebars for dear life. Managed not to kill anyone, which I consider a major victory.
- 09:30 - Exploration – Heading toward Eluanbi Park. Attempting to enjoy the scenic route while simultaneously fearing for my life. Eluanbi Park, where the wind is strong enough to whip you off your feet. The lighthouse was pretty, but I was too busy scanning the horizon for rogue scooters.
- 12:00 - Souvenir Shopping. The eternal struggle of finding something meaningful. I found the worst souvenirs ever, so I decided to buy the most popular ones.
- 13:00 - Beach Time, Again. Accepting My Fate (and the Sunburn). Back to the beach! This time, I just sat and watched the waves. Realized that maybe, just maybe, I was starting to get it. This wasn't about perfection.
- 16:00 - Packing. Preparing for departure and already feeling the melancholy creep in. Saying farewell to Shen's Homestay. Packing is always bittersweet. I'm ready to go home, but I'm also sad to leave. The beach, the food, the warm hospitality… it all felt like a dream.
- 18:00 - Enjoying a final Taiwanese meal. Reflecting on a trip that’s changed who I am. As my trip comes to an end, I was fortunate. The food was amazing and I have a better understanding of the world.
Quirks and Ramblings:
- The mosquitoes. They are relentless. Seriously, bring bug spray.
- The stray dogs. Adorable, friendly, and always looking for a snack.
- The language barrier. Embrace the chaos. Learn a few basic phrases, and rely on smiles and gestures.
- My emotional state. A rollercoaster. But that's okay. It's part of the adventure. Kenting, you glorious mess. I’ll be back.
Shen's Unforgettable Homestay: Let's Get Real (FAQ Edition)
Okay, let's ditch the Instagram filters, shall we? "Unforgettable"? Yeah, it's that. But not in the perfectly-manicured way you might expect. Primarily, it's *Shen*, this whirlwind of energy and, honestly, sometimes a bit of chaos. She’s the heart and soul, and the whole place revolves around her. Forget sterile hotels; this is a *lived-in* experience. Like, really lived in. You're not just a guest; you're kind of adopted for a few days.
It's the stories, the laughter. Shen's got tales that'll make you snort your coffee out your nose (and trust me, her coffee is STRONG). One time, she chased off a stray dog that kept barking at a guest's scooter... with a *bamboo stick*. Hilarious, and a little terrifying, but that's Shen. She's fiercely protective, a tiny, bubbly warrior. And the location? Forget the busy main strip. Shen's is nestled in a more quiet and laid back area - a real slice of local life. You probably will have to find your own way to the main beach - but is it worth it?! Absolutely!
The food... oh, the food. Listen, if you're expecting Michelin star presentation, you're in the wrong place. It's home cooking, Taiwanese style, and it's *abundantly* delicious. Think mountains of fresh fruit, maybe a tiny, adorable fish she caught that morning, and enough rice to feed a small army.
Now, about those Tums...look, I'm not a doctor, but I’m prone to a sensitive stomach. I overindulged on some of the delicious street food one night, and ended up... well, let's just say Shen gave me some kind of homemade herbal tea that smelled like dirt but actually worked wonders. Lesson learned: trust Shen's remedies. She knows her stuff. But yes, maybe bring a small stash of your own just in case! I've never eaten so many papaya's in my entire life!
Let's get real again. Luxurious? No. Comfortable, clean, and charming? Yes. They're not the Ritz-Carlton, people. You're not paying Ritz-Carlton prices. Think cozy, with a touch of, let's say, "rustic charm." The beds are comfy enough, the air conditioning works, although I remember one night where the fan was a little bit loud and I couldn't sleep. The bathroom? Functional. It may have some old-school charm, but its all apart of the experience! Its not a spa, its a home, and you will definitely feel at home.
But honestly, you're not spending your time in the room, are you? You're out exploring Kenting, talking to Shen, eating, laughing. The room is just a place to crash after a day of adventures. And a place to sleep after a night of...well, you'll see.
Prepare. Seriously. Shen *loves* karaoke. It's not an option; it's a requirement. And she wants *everyone* to sing.
My visit? I arrived. I was tired. I wanted to take a nap, and I thought I could sneak away. No such luck. I got roped into a duet with Shen, who, bless her heart, has a voice like a siren. She didn't speak much English, I don't speak much Mandarin, but by the end of the night, we were belting out some terrible Taiwanese pop song, and it was the best, most absurd, and ridiculous experience. Oh - is it fun? Yes. Is it embarrassing? Probably. Will you remember it forever? MOST DEFINITELY! So loosen up, pick some songs, and embrace the glorious chaos. You might surprise yourself.
Okay, full disclosure. The area is nice and quiet. It's further away from the main tourist spots, which, honestly, is a *huge* plus. Getting around is easy, rent a scooter! But don't worry - Shen can help you arranging that, too. She'll give you directions to hidden beaches and the best local food stalls. She can also help you with a myriad of other things.
You'll need to plan to get there and move around - it's not next to everything. But that's part of the magic. It forces you to slow down, see the *real* Kenting, and connect with the community (and Shen!). I would say be prepared to use a taxi or scooter for any of your daily requirements and to get around. But do you have a choice? It's Shen's world, and you're just living in it. And you know what? You wouldn't want it any other way.
This is where it gets complicated. She's a force of nature. Imagine a tiny, energetic hummingbird, fueled by endless cups of coffee and a deep love for life. She's a bit of a chatterbox (in the best way), overflowing with stories and laughter. She's also incredibly stubborn. If she says you're going to eat something - you're going to eat it. And if you don't like it? Well, she'll find a way to make you enjoy it.
She's fiercely loyal and protective. She'll remember your name, your allergies, and your favorite drink by the end of the first day. She's almost motherly in a way, constantly worrying about you, making sure you're fed, happy, and having the time of your life. I once witnessed a teenager coming down with a cold; Shen, without batting an eye, brewed some special tea and forced her to drink it. It worked! The teenager came back to the dinner table smiling and laughing. She'll make you laugh (and maybe cry, from joy, of course). She's a genuine human being with a huge heart, and that's what makes Shen's place so special.
Yes! Yes! YES! But, with a caveat. If you're expecting a hyper-organized, kid-centric resort, maybe not. But if you want an authentic experience, where kids can run around, explore, and be treated like part of the family, Shen's is perfect.
Shen absolutely loves kids - and they love her. She'll find ways to entertain them, get them involved in the cooking, and make them feel like they're part of the adventure. Just be prepared for some chaos! Sometimes, it's the beautiful, wonderful chaos. I saw one kid with a face full of what looked like mango. Shen just looked at him - smiled, and started to laugh! Then she had the kid help clean up.
