Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Holiday Home in Cara, Korcula!
Escape to Paradise: Cara, Korcula – Did It Actually Live Up To The Hype? (Spoiler: Mostly, But…)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans – and the Malvazija – on "Escape to Paradise" in Cara, Korcula. This place… well, it sounds dreamy, doesn't it? Your dream holiday home, they say. And the website? Oh, the website! Sun-drenched photos, promises of unparalleled relaxation, the works. But did it actually deliver? That, my friends, is the question, and I, your humble traveller, am here to provide the (slightly messy, probably rambling) answer.
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First Impressions & The Accessibility Gauntlet (or, "Will This Wheelchair Make It?")
Let's be honest, one of the biggest question marks, for me, was the accessibility. My partner uses a wheelchair, so "accessible" isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity. "Escape to Paradise" does claim to offer facilities for disabled guests. We’ll cut straight to it, it's a qualified yes. The ramps were present, praise be! And the elevator to the upper floors was a lifesaver. The rooms were, on the whole, pretty spacious and maneuverable. But the details… Ugh. The bathroom door was a bit narrow, and the shower – well, navigating the shower was an Olympic sport requiring a very specific skillset. No grab bars, and the floor got slicker than a politician's promise. Let’s just say we made it work, but "fully accessible" is definitely pushing it. Maybe "partially accessible" is a more accurate description. Don't get me wrong, it was better than many places we’ve been to, absolutely, but it still needs some work.
(Accessibility - Verdict: Good effort, could be better. Emphasis on "could". Needs a serious bathroom upgrade.)
Internet, Glorious Internet! (And Other Modern Necessities)
Okay, let’s get real for a sec. We're all addicted to the internet. I mean, even on holiday, we need our fix, right? "Escape to Paradise" advertises free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and the promise was kept. (Thank god!) The Wi-Fi itself? Pretty reliable! I managed to stream my guilty pleasure, a particularly cheesy Croatian drama, without too much buffering. There was also LAN access, which felt a bit archaic, but hey, options are always good. Wi-Fi in public areas was also available – and, again, reliable. So, thumbs up for staying connected to civilization, even when trying to – you know – escape it.
(Internet - Verdict: Solid and reliable. Modern-day needs met.)
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - A Culinary Adventure (Mostly, With a Few Hiccups)
This is where things get interesting. The restaurant boasts a la carte menus, a buffet, and even an "Asian breakfast" option. (More on that later.) The poolside bar was a godsend. Seriously, nothing beats lounging by the infinity pool (more on that later too!), sipping on a perfectly made cocktail, and doing absolutely nothing. Happy hour was, naturally, the happiest hour.
The food? Mixed bag. The buffet was a bit…meh… It was adequate, the usual suspects, but nothing to write home about. I did, however, adore the breakfast takeaway service when we wanted a morning in bed. That was a touch. As for the Asian breakfast attempt? Well… it was an attempt. Let's just say it wasn't quite authentic. My partner, however, quite liked it (He's less of a snob), so who knows?
The Western cuisine in the restaurant was, mostly, excellent. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the local wines were divine. (Malvazija, I tell you!) However, I have to mention one minor complaint: The service could be painfully slow at times. We ordered a bottle of wine that took almost 40 minutes to arrive. It drove me nuts. But the food was genuinely good, so I forgave them… eventually.
(Dining - Verdict: Good overall, with some minor service speed issues. Stick to the Western stuff and the poolside bar. The cocktails are amazing.)
"Ways to Relax" – A Deep Dive into the Spa & Fitness (Spoiler: Pure Bliss… Mostly)
Okay, this is where "Escape to Paradise" really shines. The spa is, in a word, gorgeous. I spent a shameful amount of time there. The pool with a view is simply breathtaking. Seriously, you could spend hours just staring at the Adriatic Sea. The sauna brought me back to life after days spent on the beach. Honestly, escaping the world to soak in the steam room was an almost religious experience. They had a gym/fitness center which didn't tempt me whatsoever, but my partner used it and gave it a respectable thumbs up. The massage was divine. I opted for the body scrub and the body wrap, and walked out feeling like a new woman (albeit one with slightly less money in her pocket). There was even a foot bath, which I missed initially but made the best of after my second massage. Absolute bliss.
(Spa & Relaxation - Verdict: Phenomenal. Truly lives up to the "Paradise" part of the name. Treat yourself! And definitely try the massage.)
Cleanliness & Safety - Sanitized & Secure (With a Few Quirks)
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is paramount. "Escape to Paradise" seemed to be taking it seriously. They had anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and hand sanitizer everywhere. It felt safe. Our room was sanitized between stays, and the staff followed safety protocols. They even offered room sanitization opt-out (which, let's be honest, I found a little silly, but hey, options!). The staff wore masks, and the dining setup was safe dining. So, on the whole, it felt clean and safe. They had a doctor on call, first aid kits, and a 24-hour front desk. The 24-hour security was comforting, too. They even had CCTV in common areas and outside the property.
Now, for a quirky little observation: I noticed professional-grade sanitizing services. But here comes the rub. The level of attention to detail was quite variable. One day our bathroom was cleaned so thoroughly it was gleaming. Other days? "Adequate." It was a bit inconsistent, which was the only thing stopping me from giving them a perfect score on this front.
(Cleanliness & Safety - Verdict: Generally excellent, with a few minor inconsistencies in execution.)
For the Kids (And the Grown-Up Kids Too!)
This place seemed genuinely kid-friendly. There were kids' facilities, babysitting services (if you are brave enough to trust unknown people with your offspring), and even kids' meals. While this wasn't my primary focus, I certainly noticed the happy families enjoying themselves.
(For the Kids - Verdict: Looks like a good choice if you're travelling with little ones.)
Services & Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter (And the Ones That Don't)
They had a convenience store, a concierge, currency exchange, daily housekeeping (which was pretty good but not amazing), dry cleaning, elevators (praise!), facilities for disabled guests (qualified yes, but not perfect!), food delivery, a gift/souvenir shop (inevitably), luggage storage, a terrace, a smoking area (thank god!), a front desk (24/7) and laundry service. They even had a doctor/nurse on call (though hopefully you won't need them!).
The business facilities looked good (I peeked!), but I wasn't there for business. The ironing service was slow.
(Services & Conveniences - Verdict: Comprehensive, covering most needs. Some services could be a bit faster.)
The Nitty-Gritty: Rooms, Amenities & Getting Around (And My Personal Ramblings…)
The rooms themselves were spacious and well-appointed, with air conditioning, black-out curtains (essential for those afternoon naps!), a mini bar (always welcome), and a safe. The internet access in the rooms was, as mentioned, excellent. They even had a desk for those of you who insist on working (I’m judging you). The bed was HUGE, and the pillows were heavenly. I loved the coffee/tea maker. They provided bathrobes and slippers, which is such a nice touch. The soundproofing was fantastic.
I did find a few small imperfections. My shower had no window, and my room wasn't cleaned one day due to an accidental misunderstanding, or so I was told. But hey, nobody's perfect, and the staff quickly rectified the situation.
Getting around? They offer airport transfer (a lifesaver!), bicycle parking, free on-site car parking, and taxi service and valet parking.
(Rooms, Amenities & Getting Around - Verdict: Generally excellent. Minor issues, but nothing that seriously detracted from the experience.)
**The Verdict: Escape to Paradise
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Ski Chalet Awaits in Ellmau, Austria!
Korcula Chaos: My "Charming" Holiday Home Adventure (and Possibly a Breakdown)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-filtered Instagram travel diary. This is the raw, the real, the slightly-panicked account of my trip to Korcula, Croatia. Specifically, the supposedly "charming" holiday home with a pool. Charming, eh? We’ll see about that.
Pre-Departure: The Unseen Frenzy
- Week Before: Pack. Panic. Realize I’ve probably overpacked for a zombie apocalypse, let alone a week of sunbathing. Google "How to fold a Speedo in one second." Fail. My suitcase looks like a garbage explosion.
- Day Before: Final supermarket sweep. Buy enough snacks to survive a nuclear winter. Consider pre-emptive stress-eating. Devour half a bag of gummy bears while staring blankly at the fridge. Suddenly remember I need to print out the ferry tickets and a map of Korcula. The printer, of course, chooses this moment to stage its own digital rebellion, spewing out error messages and vague threats. Screaming into a pillow might have happened.
- Departure Day: Ferry to Croatia! (Maybe?)
- 6:00 AM: Wake up, or rather, drag myself out of bed. My alarm is set to "apocalyptic siren," which, looking back, wasn't the best choice. Coffee is essential; without it, I’m pretty sure I’m incapable of human interaction.
- 7:00 AM: Rush to the ferry terminal. Traffic is, naturally, gridlocked. Curse the gods of public transport and contemplate buying a jetpack. (Note to self: Research jetpack prices. Probably more realistic than the ferry being on time.)
- 9:00 AM (Supposedly): Ferry time! Wait. Delayed. Again. Learn to channel inner zen. Fail. Start calculating the exact moment I can legally start drinking on Croatian soil.
- 12:00 PM: Finally board the ferry. The sea air is… well, it's salty, which is a good start, I guess.
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrive in Korcula town. It’s breathtaking. Actually, it's stupidly beautiful. Medieval walls, terracotta roofs… I start to think this whole trip might be worth the pre-trip carnage.
Day 1: The "Charming" Home and Poolside Dreams (Shattered)
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at the "charming" holiday home. "Cozy" is the word they used in the advertisement. "Cramped" and "potentially haunted" are the words that spring to my mind. The pool is… well, it's there. Looks a bit smaller than advertised, and the "crystal clear" water seems to have a distinct green tinge. Oh dear.
- 2:30 PM: Unpack. Discover the "charming" closet is smaller than my dog's kennel. Clothes are now residing in a precariously balanced pile on the only available chair.
- 3:00 PM: Attempt to swim in the pool. The water is freezing! And slippery. Almost trip over a rogue inflatable flamingo. Curse myself for bringing it. Curse the pool. Curse… pretty much everything. Realize I'm already developing a complex.
- 4:00 PM: Venture into Korcula town. Wind through the narrow, winding streets. Get delightfully lost. Discover a tiny gelato shop. Eat two scoops of pistachio gelato and feel my stress levels melt slightly. This, I think, is a good idea.
- 6:00 PM: Attempt to cook dinner. The "fully equipped kitchen" is, in reality, equipped with approximately three rusty pans and a knife that looks like it’s been fighting a war. Give up and order pizza. The pizza is delicious. Everything is forgiven. (For now.)
- 8:00 PM: Sunset cocktails on my "charming" patio. The view? Spectacular. The mosquitoes? Relentless. End up barricading myself indoors. Consider using the inflatable flamingo as a shield.
Day 2: Island Exploration & Pirate Tales (Mostly Drinking)
- 10:00 AM: Finally, I actually sleep enough with the help of earplugs. Explore old town and a few shops of local products.
- 12:00PM: Hike up to the top of the hill to see the panoramic view of the island. The hike is ridiculously steep. My legs are screaming. But the view… HOLY MOLY. Worth it. Absolutely worth it. Almost. Pretty sure I saw eagles.
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Allegedly House of Marco Polo (or at least where he was born). The guide seemed half-asleep like he's been doing this for a while. Wander around the house in a daze trying to imagine this guy going around the world.
- 4:00 PM: Boat tour! Everyone recommended it so I had to go. The boat is rickety. The choppy waves are making me a bit seasick. But the captain is a seasoned pirate. He seemed charming. He regales us with tales of pirates and local legends. He also offers us unlimited local wine. This is probably a mistake.
- 8:00 PM: Eat too much seafood. Drink more wine. Start to feel like a pirate myself. Attempt to sing sea shanties. Fail miserably. Consider starting a pirate band.
- 10:00 PM: Stumble back to the "charming" home. Fall asleep fully clothed in my clothes. Dreams of pirates, gelato, and slightly less green pools.
Day 3: Sun, Sea, and Existential Dread (and More Wine)
- 10:00 AM: Wake up with a throbbing headache. Realize I may have overdone the pirate-style revelry. Curse myself for not drinking more water. Or any water.
- 11:00 AM: Attempt to sunbathe by the pool. The sun is fierce. Apply sunscreen. Apply more sunscreen. Apply sunscreen until I'm practically a glistening, SPF-50 beacon.
- 1:00 PM: Decide to deal with my emotional and mental state at the beach. I'm a mess. But the water is crystal clear, and the sun is warm. It’s… alright. Maybe even… good?
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at a seaside restaurant. Freshly caught fish, grilled to perfection. Salty air, warm sun, and the gentle lapping of the waves. For a fleeting moment, I think I might actually be happy.
- 3:00 PM: Existential dread sets in. Contemplate the meaning of life. Wonder if I'll ever be able to afford a vacation that doesn't involve a "charming" holiday home. Realize I'm probably just sunburnt.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the "charming" home. Attempt to read a book. Can't concentrate. The pool is still green.
- 6:00 PM: Another pizza, because, hey, it's delicious. Call a friend. Whine for an hour. Feel slightly less alone.
- 7:00 PM: Crack open a bottle of local wine. Decide to embrace the mess. The "charming" home is what it is. The pool will probably never be crystal clear. And I, well, I’m still me, and at least I'm here. Maybe this whole trip isn't a disaster after all. Maybe.
(The rest of the week unfolds in a blur of minor catastrophes, moments of joy, and continued reliance on pizza and wine. The pool remains green. The mosquitoes reign supreme. But amidst the chaos, a strange sort of peace descends. Korcula, despite its imperfections, manages to work its magic. And maybe, just maybe, the "charming" holiday home starts to grow on me. Perhaps. We'll see how it goes.)
Final Thoughts:
- The "Charming" Home: Let's just say it has character. A lot of it. And some of it is probably a little bit moldy.
- The Pool: I didn't change much. I still wonder if it's safe.
- Korcula: Utterly, ridiculously beautiful. Go. Just go. And pack earplugs. And maybe a hazmat suit. But definitely go.
- Me: Still standing. S
Escape to Paradise: Cara, Korcula - The Honest FAQ (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, so "Paradise" sounds… loaded. Is the "Escape to Paradise" place *actually* paradise?
Alright, let's get real. Paradise? Look, it *is* gorgeous. Stunning views of the Adriatic, the air smells like pine and freedom… blah blah. But no, it’s not some Disneyfied version of paradise. It’s got its quirks. The WiFi? Sporadic. Like a moody teenager. The little village of Cara? Adorable… but not exactly a hotbed of nightlife. You might get lonely. I totally did one night, staring at the stars and wondering if I'd packed enough cheese. Don't get me wrong, it's *amazing*. But expect earthly imperfections. Like the occasional rogue ant. Or the fact that the nearest decent coffee is a scenic, but definitely longer, drive. Paradise-adjacent, perhaps?
So, where *is* this "Cara" place on Korcula Island? And is it hard to get to? Be honest.
Cara is nestled inland on Korcula Island. Finding it is half the adventure. Actually, scratch that. Finding it is mostly a test of your GPS and your patience. You'll probably miss a turn. I did. Twice. Ended up down a dirt track convinced I was about to be eaten by a pack of goats. They just stared. They knew I was lost. The roads are… narrow. Think "one car width, with the occasional oncoming bus." Embrace the slow life. It's part of the charm. You'll fly into Dubrovnik or Split, then ferry to Korcula town (which is BEAUTIFUL, by the way. Take a photo of the Old Town!) and then it’s a drive. Factor in extra time for “scenic stops,” a lot of them. And get ready for that hairpin turn that you *swear* is going to send you straight into the sea. Okay, dramatics over. Mostly.
The house itself – what’s it like? Is it a crumbling ruin? Or a soulless modern box?
Okay, "house" is perhaps an understatement. It’s more like a…well, it depends. There are several houses. The best ones are charming, stone-clad, with terracotta roofs. Think rustic elegance, but you’re not going to find a butler or a heated toilet seat. Expect character. I stayed in one with a huge terrace that was basically *begging* you to drink wine and watch the sunset. And you *should*. It had a fireplace, big enough to roast a small ox (though I didn't. I preferred the local olive oil and bread). But, and this is important: check the features *very carefully*. Some might have a bit of a… "lived-in" feel. Quirks, like a slightly wonky shower or a door that sticks . Think of it as part of the experience. The "anti-minimalist" experience. If you're after clinical perfection, this *might* not be the place for you. Okay, maybe it’s a bit of a cliché… but those views make up for almost anything.
What's the food situation like? Any good restaurants?
Oh. The food. This is a big one. Honestly? Amazing. Fresh seafood, incredible olive oil, sun-ripened tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes. *Proper* tomatoes. Cara itself is small, so options in the village will be limited. You’ll probably want to cook at home, which is actually part of the fun. Hit the local markets (ask where they are – the locals are lovely and helpful, even when you butcher their language). Stock up on fresh fish – grilling that on your terrace while the sun sets? Pure bliss. Korcula town has a much wider selection of restaurants. You can find everything from traditional konobas (family-run taverns) to fancier places. But don't get too bogged down in reviews. Just wander. Explore. And if you see a place buzzing with locals, go there. You won't regret it. (Unless you're allergic to seafood. Then you might. Sorry.) The local wine? Just… try it. All of it. "Grk" is a Korcula specialty. Be warned, it's dangerously drinkable. And the ice cream? Oh god, the ice cream… forget about it. You’ll gain weight. You'll regret nothing. I practically *lived* on ice cream for a week. No regrets. Seriously.
What is there *to do*? Because I can't just sit around eating ice cream and drinking wine all day… can I?
Well… you could. And honestly, some days, that's exactly what you *should* do. But okay, there's more. Beaches are a must. There are some truly stunning ones (like the ones around Lumbarda, which you HAVE to see). Kayaking along the coast is incredible. You can explore hidden coves and jump into the turquoise water. There's hiking, too, if you're feeling energetic. Explore the town of Korcula – history, culture, great restaurants. Visit the wineries – seriously, Grk wine. And the olive oil! Day trips to other islands are doable. But mostly? It's about *being*. Slowing down. Reading a book. Chatting with the locals (even with my terrible Croatian, they always tried to understand, bless them). I spent a whole afternoon just *staring* at the sea, letting my worries drift away. It was… needed. You might rediscover the joy of doing absolutely nothing. And that’s okay. More than okay. It's essential.
Is it family-friendly? Or more of a romantic getaway kind of place?
I think it can be both, actually. Depends on the house you pick and what you're looking for. Some villas are great for families, with space for kids to run around and play. Think splash pools, big gardens, that kind of thing. There are some activities aimed at families nearby. However, if you want a truly secluded romantic break, it’s perfect. Think sunset dinners, long walks on the beach, sharing a bottle of wine on your terrace. The silence is glorious. Just bring bug spray! And a good book. Or your partner. Either works.
What about the mosquitoes? I'm a mosquito magnet.
Oh. The mosquitoes. They’re real. I repeat, THEY'RE REAL. I am also a mosquito magnet. Honestly, I think they could smell me from across the island. I’m talking about days of itchy misery. Weeks! Seriously, pack industrial-strength mosquito repellent. Even the locals agreed to this. It is *essential*. Bring those little plug-in things for the bedroom. Consider mosquito nets. Basically, go prepared to battle the tiny bloodsuckers. Buy the good stuff! Don't be cheap. You will thank me later. And keep your windows closed after dark. Trust me on this. Avoid a mosquito apocalypse. I speak from experience.
Is it safe?
