Belgian Bliss: Indoor Pool & Spa Villa Awaits Your Escape!
Belgian Bliss: Indoor Pool & Spa Villa – My Escape (and Slight Meltdown!) Review!
(SEO/Metadata: Belgium, Villa, Spa, Indoor Pool, Luxury, Relaxation, Accessible, Wheelchair, Family Friendly, Review, Travel, Hotel, Wellness, Romantic Getaway)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Belgian Bliss Villa. This place… well, it promises bliss, and it delivers… with a few bumps in the road, mind you. Let's just say my "escape" was more like a delicious Belgian waffle, a little lopsided, but ultimately satisfying.
First Things First: Accessibility - Crucial, and Mostly Good News! (Except…)
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate a hotel that gets accessibility. The Belgian Bliss Villa scores pretty well here. They tout Wheelchair accessible features, and from what I could see (I noseyed, alright?), things like ramps and elevators (we're talking Elevator here!) were in place. The website also mentions Facilities for disabled guests. Fantastic! However… and this is a BIG however… getting specific details before booking was like pulling teeth. I tried to confirm specific room layouts for wheelchair users, and the response was a bit vague. "We have accessible rooms," they said, but I didn't feel 100% confident they knew exactly what I needed. (Grade: B+ for effort, but could be much better on pre-booking information.)
COVID-Conscious & Clean? (Hoping So!)
Look, in this post-pandemic world, hygiene is king. The Belgian Bliss Villa (thankfully!) seems to take it seriously. They list Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment. That's a lot of checkmarks. The room sanitization opt-out available option is great, for those who are less worried. (Grade: A- for effort. Fingers crossed they’re actually DOING it!)**
The Rooms: Oh, the Rooms! (and the Lack of a Good Nap!)
Alright, let's talk about the heart of the beast: the rooms. My room – thankfully Non-smoking, because ugh – was a thing of beauty. We're talking Air conditioning, a Desk, In-room safe box, a Refrigerator, Seating area, a Sofa, and the glorious extra long bed, which was perfect for a serial bed-hog like myself. The Closet was ample… and the Closet was a source of mild drama. I swear, I spent ages rummaging for an extra blanket! There wasn't one. Which, for someone who gets cold easily, was a minor tragedy! The Separate shower/bathtub situation was delightful, but I couldn't quite get the water temperature right. It was either arctic or scalding. Sigh. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver. I wanted a decent nap, but even with the Alarm clock, I almost didn't make it out of bed! (Grade: A for aesthetics, but a B for functional details – could use more blankets!)
Wellness & Relaxation – Where the Magic REALLY Happens! (Or Should Have!)
This is where they really try to shine! The Belgian Bliss Villa is ALL about chillaxing. They have a Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, and a Swimming pool [indoor]. I was practically vibrating with anticipation! I hit the Sauna first. That was heaven. Pure, concentrated heat melting away all the stress. Then, it was time for the Swimming pool. Gorgeous. A Pool with a view – that was what I needed after a long day of exploring nearby Belgium cities.
I'm a huge fan of a good Massage. I booked a full body massage, and, wow, it was amazing. The therapist was intuitive, and really worked out all the knots. She could probably write a dissertation on my stress levels! They offer a Body scrub and Body wrap too, and I confess, I almost fell for them. (I'm a sucker for pampering!) (Grade: A+ for the spa experience. Seriously. Book a massage. Do it now!)
Food, Glorious Food! (and the Mystery of the Missing Chips!)
Okay, food. This is where things got… interesting. They offer a decent range of dining options, including Restaurants, a Poolside bar, a Snack bar, and Room service [24-hour]. Breakfast [buffet] was standard, with Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options. The Breakfast takeaway service was especially handy. But I did notice a lack of chips on offer anywhere!
I tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant. I'm always up for trying new things! They also do A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant, so everyone will find something to enjoy. The Poolside bar was perfect for grabbing a quick drink. I'm a sucker for a good Happy hour, and they delivered. Overall, the food was good. I just wish they'd offer regular chips! (Grade: B+ for the variety, but points deducted for the missing chips obsession.)
The Annoyances & Quirks (Because No Place is Perfect!)
Look, let's be real. No place is perfect. Here are my teeny-tiny gripes:
- The Wi-Fi: They promise Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and for the most part, it was decent. But occasionally, it sputtered and died, causing moments of pure panic (I needed to check my Instagram, people!). The Internet access – wireless, Internet, Internet [LAN], and Internet services were all there, but not always reliable.
- The Signage: Getting around could be a bit confusing. More (better) signage, please!
- The Noise: Even with Soundproof rooms, you could still hear faint noises at times. I think my neighbor was tap dancing.
For the Kids & Being Social:
The Belgian Bliss Villa has Babysitting service, and the website states the villa is Family/child friendly, [and] Kids facilities. They also have Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Meetings, Seminars,… and things to do. So, if you are here with family or in a corporate event, you'll find a good venue for the activities.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite the minor hiccups, the Belgian Bliss Villa is a fantastic escape. The spa alone is worth the price of admission. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday with an indoor pool, this is your place. (Final Grade: A-! Highly recommended.)
Escape to Umbria: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Spello, Assisi!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're not just planning a trip, we're building a goddamn experience. We're talking Belgium, baby, and a villa with an indoor pool and a spa? Honey, prepare to get pampered to a pulp. This is going to be messy, honest, and probably full of me crying over a particularly delicious waffle.
The "Indulgence Overload" Itinerary: Villa in Belgium (Because Why Not?)
(Okay, let's be real, the budget is… flexible. We're aiming for "luxe," people. Think "barely functioning champagne budget.")
Day 1: Arrival & Brussels Buzzkill… (Or Delight!)
- Morning (Arrive & Chaos): Brussels Airport. Ugh, airports. Always a clusterfuck, aren't they? Pray to the travel gods that my luggage arrives in the same hemisphere as me. (Pro-tip: pack essentials in carry-on. Learned that the hard way after a very awkward week in Italy last year with only a neon pink thong and a bottle of sunblock. Let's just say, I made friends.)
- Mid-morning: Okay, taxi is here. Driving to the villa, which is, like, a whole thing. Hopefully, it's as gorgeous as the photos online. I'm envisioning myself draped in silk, sipping something fizzy, and possibly surrounded by a small army of ridiculously attractive butlers. (A girl can dream, right?)
- Afternoon: First Impressions & Initial Panic: Arrive at the villa. Breathes deeply. Okay, it's even more stunning than the photos. Indoor pool? Check. Spa? Check. BUT…wait, is the wifi working? Because if I can't Instagram this gloriousness immediately, what's even the point?! (I am, clearly, a product of my generation.)
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Brussels City Centre (Maybe…): I'd planned on hitting Brussels city centre – maybe Grand Place, the Manneken Pis (is it as disappointingly small in real life as I've heard?), and a chocolate shop or two. But honestly, I'm more tempted to just collapse on a lounger by the pool and order room service. Decision, decisions… I might just chuck the itinerary out the window. The day depends on the wifi. If it works, Brussels here I come.
- Evening: Dinner & The Existential Dread of Being Alone in Luxe: If I brave Brussels, dinner will be at a fancy restaurant. If not, it's room service and Netflix. I'm already feeling the strange dichotomy of extreme luxury and the, you know, alone aspect. Will I find myself talking to the potted plant? Possibly. Will I cry into my foie gras? Highly probable.
Day 2: Spa Day & Waffle Wonderland
- Morning: Right, spa time! Massages, facials, the works. Hoping the masseuse is kind, because I'm a notoriously difficult person to massage – I giggle, I twitch, I probably snort. This is the part where I transform into a Zen goddess, finally, a peace feeling within.
- Mid-day: After the spa, it's waffle time. I am not joking. This is a core tenet of the trip. I will eat ALL the waffles. With ALL the toppings. Whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fresh fruit… I might even try one of those savory waffle creations. I will develop a slight sugar coma. This is a promise. Finding the perfect waffle place? This will be an arduous, delicious quest.
- Afternoon: Pool Time! Swimming laps (maybe. More likely, floating dramatically). I will probably feel a little guilty about how much I'm enjoying this. Am I shallow for loving this? It's going to be perfect. Time to take some Instagram stories.
- Evening: Second Day Dinner & Wine: I'm thinking of a fancy French bistro for the dinner time. Will be great. Or I can always go for the villa. I'm trying to make this a perfect, ideal trip, but I'm not sure if it'd really be the best time for this as I travel alone.
Day 3: Bruges & Chocolate Dreams (And Possibly a Canal-Side Sob)
- Morning: Bruges - The Fairytale City… with a Price Tag: Take a day trip to Bruges. That's the plan, anyway. I've seen the pictures! Cobblestone streets, canals, quaint little houses… sigh. Hopefully, it's not overrun with tourists. (I am a tourist, after all. The hypocrisy, it burns!)
- Mid-day: Chocolate Apocalypse & Canal-Side Meltdown: Okay, Bruges will be beautiful. But there's a lot of chocolate involved. We're talking chocolate shops on every corner. I will buy a ridiculous amount. I will probably eat half of it before noon. I might have a minor breakdown of some sort on a bridge, overwhelmed by the beauty of it all.
- Afternoon: The canal boat trip. I'm fully prepared to get weepy. I cry at commercials! This will destroy me.
- Evening: Return & Villa Relaxation: Back to the villa. This evening will be dedicated to wine and pizza. I'll probably collapse into bed early, exhausted from all the beauty and chocolate. Maybe I'll actually read a book instead of doom-scrolling through Instagram. (Ha!)
Day 4: Departure & The Post-Vacation Blues
- Morning: One last glorious breakfast, fueled by waffles and a healthy dose of self-pity that this is all ending. Stroll through the villa, making mental notes of the things I'll miss the most (the pool, the spa, the lack of responsibility).
- Mid-day: Airport. Ugh, again. Trying to be positive and not panic about delays, lost luggage, and the inevitable realization that real life is awaiting.
- Afternoon/Evening: Flight home. Trying to maintain the Zen state I briefly achieved during the spa day. Failing miserably, probably. Preparing myself for the inevitable post-vacation blues. Already dreaming of the next trip.
Important Considerations (aka, the Messy Bits):
- Weather: Belgium's weather is notoriously fickle. Pack layers. And a raincoat. And maybe a sunhat. Just in case.
- Language: Learn a few basic French or Flemish phrases. It'll make you sound slightly less like a clueless tourist. (But let's be honest, you are a clueless tourist.)
- Food Sensitivities: I'm a vegetarian. Which is fine, Belgium has great fries, but I have to be careful to not go full carnivore.
- Loneliness Factor: Traveling solo can be fantastic, but also… lonely. Bring a good book, your favorite comfort movie, and be prepared to make friends (or not!). It is what it is.
- The Budget: Don't even think about looking at your bank account statement until you're safely home. Ignorance is bliss.
Final Thoughts (and a Plea): I want this trip to be fantastic. Really, really fantastic. I want to revel in the luxury, eat all the waffles, and have a good time. Hopefully, I won't embarrass myself too badly. And if I do, well, at least I'll have a good story (or several) to tell. Wish me luck, because I'm going to need it.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Lichtenhain Apartment w/ Private Pond!
Belgian Bliss: FAQs – Buckle Up Buttercup, You're Gonna Need 'Em!
So, like, what *is* Belgian Bliss anyway? Just a fancy name for a glorified swimming pool?
Alright, pool sounds cool. But the "spa" bit? What's the deal with the spa facilities?
Is it kid-friendly? Because, you know... kids.
The photos look amazing! Is the villa as good in reality?
What's the food situation like? Is there a restaurant? Do I have to cook? Please tell me I don’t have to cook!
Anything else I should know? Hidden fees? Unexpected surprises? Regrets?
