Escape to Paradise: Sauna & Lake Views Await in Medemblik!
Escape to Paradise: Medemblik's Sauna & Lake Views – Or, My Attempt at Zen… And Failing Spectacularly.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just returned from, what I thought would be, a transcendental experience at Escape to Paradise in Medemblik. Spoiler alert: it was beautiful, but I’m pretty sure I spent half the time internally screaming. Let's break it down, shall we? And yes, I've already downed two coffees and am ready to spill the metaphorical tea.
SEO & Metadata (Because Apparently That Still Matters):
- Keywords: Medemblik hotel, sauna, spa, lake view, Dutch getaway, relaxation, wellness, wheelchair accessible, family friendly, luxury hotel, north Holland, staycation, Escape to Paradise Medemblik, spa hotel Netherlands
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Escape to Paradise in Medemblik, Netherlands! From the stunning lake views and heavenly saunas to the minor hiccups and my own neurotic tendencies. Discover whether this spa hotel lives up to the hype!
Accessibility:
Right off the bat, huge points for accessibility. Wheelchair accessible throughout the property? Yes please! And seriously, for someone who's been in places where "accessible" meant "barely," this was a breath of fresh air. The ramp leading to the lobby… smooth as butter. The elevators? Actually spacious. I didn't need a PhD in architectural engineering to navigate! They've got it dialed in, and it makes a massive difference if you're traveling with someone who needs it. I'm not personally a wheelchair user, but you can just feel when a place sincerely respects and celebrates the need for accessibility.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't explore these in depth as I was more focused on my quest for inner peace (lol). But the setup I saw looked promising. Wide corridors and tables that actually had space for leg room (shocking, I know!).
Cleanliness & Safety (And My Own Germophobia):
This is where things got delightfully… reassuring. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Yep, felt it. They were like, everywhere with the hand sanitizer and it was strangely comforting. Then there's the individually-wrapped food options. (Bless). Room sanitization opt-out available? I love it, they respect privacy.
Okay, confession time. I'm a recovering germaphobe. The pandemic really did a number on my already-sketchy sanity. So, the fact that they were going above and beyond on the hygiene front, felt like winning the lottery. I was even considering requesting the room sanitization opt-out available but I chickened out. I felt the need to make some kind of grand gesture, so I ended up spraying down the room myself anyway when I got there.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Lifeline):
This is where I spent a disproportionate amount of my time. Let's be honest. Relaxation equals good food, right?!
- A la carte in restaurant: The menu! Oh, the menu! I opted for the vegetarian restaurant and didn’t regret it. Though, my inner critic was quick to point out I was ordering a huge salad when the burger was probably better.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, the breakfast… that was the highlight. Breakfast [buffet] done right is a glorious thing, and this was glorious. Forget the Asian breakfast I just wanted the croissants. (See? My zen is already cracking.)
There was a poolside bar, and I totally intended to enjoy it, but I got so wrapped up in the sauna’s siren song I never made it. Regrets.
Coffee/tea in restaurant: They had good coffee. Solid. Essential.
Poolside bar: I never went. Too busy sweating and pretending to meditate. Next time.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (The Whole Point, Right?):
Alright, the reason we’re here. The heart and soul of this place. Brace yourselves…
- Sauna: Ah, the sauna. My primary objective. And it delivered. This was where things got a little… weird. Sitting there, trying to be in the moment, listening to the gentle hiss of the steam. Trying to not think about the fact that I’ve probably overbooked myself, or that email I forgot to send but… nothing. I was mostly successful. The sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steamroom combo was pure bliss. The whole complex was beautiful and the smell of the wood was amazing. I think I sweated out at least three pounds of anxiety.
- Pool with view: The outdoor pool overlooking the lake? Stunning. I spent a while just staring, trying to, you know, be present. I think I succeeded for about two minutes before my mind wandered back to that email.
- Massage: I booked a massage and it was… amazing. The therapist was a godsend. She managed to coax all the knots out of my shoulders. I'm pretty sure I snored.
- Gym/fitness: They have a fitness center. I looked at it. Then went back to the sauna.
Services and Conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, thank god.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Always a win.
For the Kids:
They have lots of stuff for the kids, but I paid like, no attention.
Available in All Rooms:
- Wi-Fi [free]: Duh.
- Air conditioning: Essential!
- Coffee/tea maker: Lifesaver.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key.
- Slippers and bathrobes: Luxurious.
- Bathrobes: I practically lived in it.
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge]: Bonus!
- Car park [on-site]: More bonus.
- Taxi service: For getting to and from the train station.
My Personal, Imperfect Takeaway:
Escape to Paradise is… wonderful. Truly. The views are breathtaking, the saunas are heavenly, the staff is lovely, and the accessibility is outstanding. Did I find my inner peace? Nope. But I did find a few hours of blissful heat, delicious food, and a renewed appreciation for the importance of clean towels.
Did I mention the lake views? Okay, I did. But truly, wake up every day to that view and tell me you didn't feel compelled to take in more air and be more present. The place is a perfect base to explore the Friesland region, especially if you're into water sports and/or just chilling.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just… maybe lower your expectations on the whole “Zen master” thing. And pack extra sunscreen. You'll need it.
Rijeka's HOTTEST Modern Apartment w/ Balcony - Viskovo Views!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is the Real Deal, a glorious, messy, slightly panicked (but mostly excited) blueprint for escaping to a house with a sauna near the IJsselmeer in Medemblik. Consider this my therapy, my public journal, and hopefully, a guide that won't leave you utterly lost in the Dutch countryside.
TITLE: Medemblik Mayhem: Sauna, Sunsets, and the (Possible) Demise of my Sanity
DAY 1: Touchdown & Trauma (of the Good Kind)
- 11:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Schiphol Airport. Now, I thought I was prepared. I’d downloaded the KLM app. I’d prepped a playlist full of “Ooh, Europe!” anthems. What I wasn't prepared for was the sheer CHAOS of getting off the flight. People were elbowing, luggage was being wrestled, and I swear I saw a rogue pretzel rolling across the floor like a tumbleweed. (Side note: Dutch pretzels? Questionable.)
- 12:30 PM: Train to Hoorn. Found the train station okay, that was a success! (Pat myself on the back). The train was surprisingly peaceful – a welcome contrast to the airport madness. Gazed wistfully out the window, trying to channel some serene, Dutch-landscape-admiration energy. Currently fighting a battle with my inner monologue, half of which is saying “Wow, fields!” and the other half screaming “ARE WE THERE YET?!”.
- 2:00 PM: Taxi to Medemblik. Okay, getting closer! I'd booked a taxi, which seemed sensible… until I started questioning my life choices in the back seat as the driver, bless him, attempted to have a full-blown conversation with the person who was on a constant call in the passenger seat. Anyway, that was the true immersion into the Dutch experience!
- 3:00 PM (approximately): SACRED HOUSE UNVEILING!! Arrive at the house. I'm expecting something charming, maybe a little wonky. What I actually found was… well, a house. A beautiful, slightly-too-perfect-for-me-to-believe-it's-real house. It was like something out of a magazine, complete with a ridiculously large sauna. Okay, sauna, I’m looking at you! Immediate emotional reaction: Giddy. Possibly bordering on a little bit verklempt (Yiddish word for 'choked up')… or something. Don't judge.
- 3:30 PM: House tour and unpacking. The house is, in a word, immaculate. Immaculate! I'm afraid to touch anything. I unpacked my suitcase, wondering if my travel-sized shampoo was acceptable.
- 4:30 PM: First tentative steps into the sauna. Okay, this is it. The moment of truth. I’m a complete sauna newbie. I've heard stories of people having near-death experiences. Should I start low and slow? Or go full-on Viking warrior? Decision made with a nervous gulp: Medium-ish.
- 5:00 PM: Sauna Sensation! Okay, so I did it! It was amazing. The heat enveloped me, melting away all the airport stress and the existential dread of being in a new country. I swear, I could feel my pores breathing. It was, without exaggeration, a religious experience.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset hunt. I grabbed a bottle of something that vaguely resembled wine (the label was in Dutch, so who knows?) and raced to find the best viewing spot. The sky ablaze painted, shades of orange, pink and purple. I took a moment to appreciate the moment.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. Managed to prepare myself a meal, It wasn't that photogenic, it was delicious. The sound of Dutch conversations drifted through the open window, adding the perfect soundtracks to my solo dinner.
DAY 2: Exploring the IJsselmeer & the Perils of Being a Tourist
- 9:00 AM: Alarm goes off! I have the feeling I should be getting up and getting ready for the day.
- 10:00 AM: Morning coffee. Made it and I was so happy.
- 11:00 AM: Attempt to cycle. I'm going to rent a bike and embrace the Dutch cycling culture! (Famous last words.) After a minor wobble and a near-miss with a tiny, adorable dog, I'm cautiously optimistic. The wind is whipping my hair around, I think I'm actually enjoying myself. Then I realise I've absolutely no idea where I'm going.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a waterside cafe. Ordered what I thought was a simple sandwich. Turns out, it came with a mountain of cheese that threatened to topple the entire structure. Survived, but my arteries probably didn't. People-watching is on point, though. The Dutch are stylish, and the boats are beautiful.
- 2:00 PM: Attempt to navigate a historic harbour town. Wander around, got lost, found a charming little shop that sold tulip bulbs. Consider buying ALL the bulbs. Restraint, people, restraint.
- 4:00 PM: More cycling (against my better judgement). Accidentally ended up on a gravel path. Bike almost died. My dignity, definitely did. Managed to make it back to the house in one piece.
- 5:00 PM: SAUNA ROUND TWO! Needed. Needed badly. The sauna's heat always restores my equilibrium. This time, I'm going to try to last longer.
- 6:30 PM: Sunset drinks (this time with a real wine). Sat on the deck, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Utter bliss. Think I might actually be falling in love with this place.
- 8:00 PM: Failed attempt at cooking dinner. The recipe was in Dutch. Enough said. Ended up eating bread and cheese. Again. Starting to feel like a true Dutch local now.
DAY 3: Medemblik's Charms & Departure Dread
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast in the beautiful kitchen. Look longingly at the sauna. I can't bring myself to go in a third time.
- 10:00 AM: Visit Medemblik's historic market. Fascinating! (And not actually as crowded as I'd predicted, thank god). Bought some cheese, fudge.
- 12:00 PM: A final walk along the IJsselmeer. Tried to memorize every detail, every smell, every sound. Knowing I have to leave is a bit of a heartbreaker.
- 2:00 PM: Packing. The most depressing part of the trip. Why does my suitcase always get magically fuller on the way home?
- 3:00 PM: Final, lingering gaze at the sauna. I'll miss you, you glorious, sweaty box of joy.
- 3:30 PM: Taxi to Hoorn. This time, I'm prepared for conversation.
- 5:00 PM: Train to Schiphol. Reflecting, I realize that the trip wasn't perfect. I got lost, ate too much cheese, and nearly died on a bicycle. But it was real.
- 6:00 PM: Departure. Another airport; another mad scramble. But this time, I'm leaving with a slightly sunburned face and a soul that is just a little bit calmer.
- 8:00 PM (ish): Flight. I'll be back. I know it.
Post Script: Going to try and book another trip. Maybe in the winter this time… when the sauna will feel even more amazing. Until then, tot ziens, Medemblik! I'll be dreaming of you and that ridiculously beautiful house. And, yes, maybe I'll learn some Dutch…eventually.
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Escape to Paradise: Sauna & Lake Views in Medemblik - FAQ (But Like, a Real One)
Okay, so you're thinking about Escape to Paradise in Medemblik? Good choice! (Probably). Let's get some things straight, answer the questions you *think* you have, and the ones you *should* have. This isn't a corporate brochure, alright? This is real life.
1. So, what *is* this place, exactly? Is it, like, magic?
Honestly? Kind of. Well, no, not *magic* magic. It's a sauna with lake views in Medemblik, which is a charming little town in the Netherlands. Think cozy cabin vibes, right on the IJsselmeer lake. You've got a sauna (duh), the lake (duh), and supposedly, a whole lot of relaxation awaiting you. I went expecting… well, I went expecting to sweat my face off and maybe get a little sunburn. The relaxation? Yeah, that was a bonus. And a much-needed one, lemme tell ya.
2. What's the sauna *actually* like? Is it… hot? (Duh.)
Okay, yes, it's hot. But, you know, *good* hot. Like a warm hug from a furnace. They've got different "aufguss" sessions (that's where someone whips around a towel, making the heat even more intense. Prepare for the heat, people. I went to one and almost jumped out – in a good way, the thrill was crazy! They also do infusions with essential oils, which sometimes smell divine. Like, I almost considered sticking around just to breathe that lavender air forever. (Almost. I do like to be able to *breathe* normally). Then there's the lake... Oh my god. Let's just say a cold plunge in the IJsselmeer is not for the faint of heart. I swore with every inch I went in. The air was cold, but that water... It cured everything, I swear.
3. Okay, the Lake. How cold is it *really*? Because I'm a wimp.
Look, I'm with you. I'm a certified wimp. I like my baths lukewarm, not Arctic. But, this… this is a core memory waiting to happen! It's bracing, it's shocking, it's a guaranteed "OH MY GOD, I'M ALIVE!" kind of experience. The first few seconds? Pure, unadulterated ice-cold terror. Your body screams. Your brain tries to negotiate. But then...after a few gasps, you get that incredible rush of pure energy. The world suddenly feels… crisp. The sauna feels even better after. I still get a shiver thinking about it, but in the *best* way. You should go with a buddy. That way somebody's got to pull you out of you freeze. Seriously, though, it's worth it. The cold water and the views of the lake? Just… wow.
4. What do I wear? Or, more specifically, what *don’t* I wear?
This is important! It's a textile-free zone. Like, seriously, naked. No swimsuits. No, not even the cute, barely-there bikini. The sauna is where the real liberation happens. Well, that's what they say. Okay, so you'll need a towel (or two), a robe for walking around, and some flip-flops. I'd also suggest water (dehydration is real, people) and maybe a book, or just to stare and absorb the scenery. Don't wear a lot of jewelry either. Those saunas get HOT. It's not a fashion show, it's a sweat lodge. So, the less you wear, the better. And honestly? After a while, you just stop caring. It's just… natural. (Okay, I might have blushed the first few times, but I got over it.)
5. What if I'm, you know, self-conscious? Like, really self-conscious?
Look, everyone is. Or at least, everyone *thinks* everyone is. But here's the secret: *nobody* cares. Seriously. Everyone else is just trying to relax and enjoy the heat. Also, nobody sees well in the heat. I mean, you are all on the same boat, naked and sweaty. After a while, you realize everyone's just… existing. It's actually quite liberating. And honestly? A little bit of vulnerability is kind of the point. Just let go. Embrace the weirdness. Nobody's judging. ...Mostly. I mean, I'm judging, but I'm writing a FAQ, so it's kind of my job. But you won't feel like you're being judged.
6. Food and drink? Can I bring a picnic or something?
They usually have options. (Check the details, obviously, but they had a basic menu when I was there. Simple things, not a gourmet experience, but fine for what you need.) You're going to need to stay hydrated! And they might not allow outside food and drinks, but they probably offer water or teas. So maybe sneak in a small, non-smelly snack. The main thing is, don’t be that person who brings a whole KFC bucket and starts chowing down in the middle of the relaxation zone. Just… don't.
7. How long should I stay? I have a limited attention span.
However long you want. A couple of hours? Fine. The whole day? Even better. Just go with the flow. Pop in and out of the sauna. Take a dip in the lake (if you're brave). Relax by the water. Read a book. Stare at the boats. Meditate. Try not to think about work. I stayed for like 4 hours the first time, and it still didn't feel like long enough. It really depends on how much you want to unwind. And don't rush, okay? It defeats the point.
8. What's the best time to go?
Honestly? Anytime. But if you want the true "escape," go during the week. Weekends are busier. The sunset over the lake is beautiful, so maybe aim for a late afternoon/evening session. Though… getting there early to watch sunrise from the sauna? That's calling my name. I haven't done it yet, but it's on my list. Just be aware that weather can change - the Dutch weather is famously… unpredictable. Even a drizzlyMegeve Chalet Escape: Fireplace, Mountain Views, Unforgettable Luxury
