Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Spanish Masia Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Spanish Masia Awaits! - A Rambling Review (With Maybe a Few Too Many Opinions)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just spent a week at "Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Spanish Masia Awaits!" and, well, let's just say it was a rollercoaster of a stay. Prepare for opinions, tangents, and probably too much talk about the pool view. You've been warned!
SEO & Metadata (because apparently, that's important these days):
- Keywords: Spanish Masia, Luxury Hotel, Spa, Pool with View, Accessible Hotel, Family-Friendly, Restaurant, Spain, Vacation, Relaxing Getaway, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Best Hotels in Spain, Romantic Getaway, Business Facilities
- Metadata Description: A brutally honest review of "Escape to Paradise" – a Spanish Masia offering spa treatments, stunning views, accessible amenities, and… well, let's just say it's an experience. Unfiltered thoughts on food, service, accessibility, and the lingering scent of… something.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Because I Like to Start with the Hard Stuff):
The name itself… "Escape to Paradise." Pretty bold, right? Anyway, the drive up felt promising. Winding roads, olive groves… classic Spanish charm. The Masia (basically a traditional farmhouse) itself is gorgeous – think rustic stone, terracotta roofs, the whole shebang. First impressions are crucial, and I have to admit it, I was really charmed.
Accessibility: Now, here’s where things got interesting. They advertise accessibility. And, to be fair, the entryways were wide, and there was an elevator. But then you get to the details. The accessible rooms? Well, let's just say the "accessible shower" was more like a slightly wider shower with a grab bar and a very, very optimistic attempt at a low-sitting sink. The hallways, while theoretically wide enough, were sometimes a bit cluttered with… well, random things. I get it. They're trying. It’s maybe a 6.5/10 on the accessibility scale, and here are the main takeaways: this is the beginning, which is also good: the staff is always eager to assist if you need something.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges & Wheelchair accessible: The restaurant was indeed accessible via ramp and elevator, and service was always courteous. The lounges were accessible too, with good access to the bar.
Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food:
Okay, the food. This is where things got… diverse. Let's start with the good: breakfast. The buffet in the restaurant was pretty impressive. A real spread. Freshly squeezed orange juice, pastries, the works. Their Western breakfast was the star of the show. The Asian breakfast was less successful, but I won't hold that against them. My main gripe, however, was the inconsistency. One day, a sublime paella; the next, something that tasted suspiciously like airplane food. The Poolside bar was a lifesaver. The drinks were strong, the snacks were decent, and the view… oh, the view! The Happy Hour was pretty good and offered a good value.
Dining, drinking, and snacking
- A la carte in restaurant
- Alternative meal arrangement
- Asian breakfast
- Asian cuisine in restaurant
- Bar
- Bottle of water
- Breakfast [buffet]
- Breakfast service
- Buffet in restaurant
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Desserts in restaurant
- Happy hour
- International cuisine in restaurant
- Poolside bar
- Restaurants
- Room service [24-hour]
- Salad in restaurant
- Snack bar
- Soup in restaurant
- Vegetarian restaurant
- Western breakfast
- Western cuisine in restaurant
The Room (Oh, the Room):
My room was… a mixed bag. The Non-smoking room, thank goodness! It was spacious, with a Seating area and a Sofa, which was a nice touch. The Air conditioning was a godsend. Oh, and the View. Pure magic. But the Internet access – wireless was patchy (thank goodness I had my own mobile data!). The Slippers were thin. Honestly, I felt bad for my feet!
- Available in all rooms
- Additional toilet
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom phone
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Interconnecting room(s) available
- Internet access – LAN
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- On-demand movies
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Safety/security feature
- Satellite/cable channels
- Scale
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Visual alarm
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens.
Internet & Tech Troubles:
- Internet
- Internet [LAN]
- Internet services
- Wi-Fi in public areas
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
Alright, this is the moment where I confess: I needed the internet. Needed it bad. Work calls, family check-ins… you know the drill. The "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" tagline was somewhat… aspirational. Connection speeds were like molasses in January. Forget streaming anything. Working? A monumental task. I spent half my trip battling the phantom Wi-Fi. In the end, I wound up using my phone's hotspot most of the time. It was like being in a movie where the hero has to fight his way through a technological desert. 😬
Things to Do (or, How I Tried to Relax):
Okay, so I came for the relaxation. And I have to give them credit; they tried.
Spa & Relaxation:
- Body scrub
- Body wrap
- Fitness center
- Foot bath
- Gym/fitness
- Massage
- Pool with view
- Sauna
- Spa
- Spa/sauna
- Steamroom
- Swimming pool
- Swimming pool [outdoor]
- Ways to relax
The Pool with view? Absolutely stunning. Seriously, the pool itself isn't just a pool. It's an experience. The infinity edge seemed to melt into the valley below. I spent hours just floating, staring at the mountains. The Massage I had was pretty good. A few kinks worked out. But I have to pause and say: I loved the Sauna. I’m a sucker for saunas. The Steamroom was a bit… humid. The Gym/fitness center was functional, but a little undersized. Not bad, not great.
But I had a problem. The spa! Honestly, the thing that bugged me the most was the body wrap. It felt like I was wrapped up like a burrito. I swear I almost started sweating before they even began the treatment. And with the body scrub, my skin felt incredibly smooth after.
Cleanliness and Safety (Important in These Times):
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Cashless payment service
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Doctor/nurse on call
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Hot water linen and laundry washing
- Hygiene certification
- Individually-wrapped food options
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Professional-grade sanitizing services
- Room sanitization opt-out available
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Safe dining setup
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Shared stationery removed
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Sterilizing equipment
COVID is still a reality, and I'm always extra vigilant. Okay, I felt safe. The staff were masked and seemed to take things seriously. The Daily disinfection in common areas, the Anti-viral cleaning products – all good signs. They offered the Room sanitization opt-out available, which I thought was a nice touch. However, I did notice a lack of hand sanitizer refills in some areas.
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff You Didn't Know You Needed):
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange *
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. My brain is officially on "holiday mode" and ready to ramble. We're talking a Belvilla by OYO experience at Masia Can Roca de Dalt in Pontós, Spain. Let's see if I can wrangle this into a semi-coherent itinerary… or, let's be honest, more likely a delightful train wreck of a plan!
Destination: Masia Can Roca de Dalt, Pontós, Spain – A Potential Love Affair? (Fingers Crossed!)
Duration: 7 Glorious, Chaotic Days (or however long my sanity lasts)
Transportation: Let's Pray the Rental Car Doesn't Betray Us. (Seriously, I name my cars. This one's "Bertha" and I'm already nervous.)
Day 1: Arrival – Smacking My Lips and Praying for Paella
- Morning: Oh, the flight! Let's just say budget airlines and my bladder are NOT friends. Landed in Barcelona, already regretting that extra coffee. Now, the drive. Bertha's dashboard is an enigma wrapped in a riddle. (Apparently, I need to ‘pair’ my phone with Bluetooth, oh the horror… technology!)
- Afternoon: Found the place! Masia Can Roca de Dalt. Pictures… they never do it justice. Breath taken away! Just… wow. Stone walls, rolling hills, and the smell… the smell! I'm pretty sure it's a mix of sunshine, wild herbs, and pure, unadulterated happiness. Unpacked, mostly in a pile, because details. Exploring the grounds… I got lost in a field, and nearly tripped over a rogue chicken (they're judging me, I swear).
- Evening: First meal. This is where the excitement really kicks in. I'm picturing rustic charm and a feast. Praying the local restaurant in Pontós is open, and that they serve an authentic paella. If the paella situation is a fail, I fear for the locals. And after dinner: Star gazing. I'm told the night sky is phenomenal here. I hope my neck doesn't ache in the morning from staring up at the heavens.
Day 2: Exploring Pontós and the Nearby Villages – Soaking Up the Vibe (and Maybe Some Wine)
- Morning: Coffee on the terrace. Seriously, the BEST start to a day. Swallowing back the realization of how much laundry will be done the week after. Wandering around Ponte’s. So quaint, so charming! I'm a sucker for a cobbled street and a history. Need to find the local bakery. My "carb loading" ritual must be upheld.
- Afternoon: Drive to a neighboring village. Maybe Besalu! Those Romanesque churches are calling my name. I have this overwhelming feeling that I need to find a hidden gem: a tiny artisan shop, a forgotten café… you know, the stuff travel dreams are made of. And, of course, wine! Finding the local winery. It's an adventure, right?
- Evening: Home-cooked meal! (I may have stocked up on supplies.) I'm dreaming of simple, fresh ingredients. I have visions of olive oil, crusty bread, and the kind of tomatoes that explode with flavor. Pray for me, that I don't burn the food.
Day 3: Besalu and Volcano Park
- Morning: A return trip is mandatory! This medieval marvel demands more exploring. I'm talking stone bridges, narrow streets, and imagining what life was like back then. I'm a sucker for a good story! Getting the feel of a medieval society is important for me to grasp a good perspective.
- Afternoon: Volcano Park! This is a different kind of adventure. Hiking, fresh air, maybe even a picnic. I'm already packing snacks (chocolate, obviously). It's nature, it's exercise… it's everything I think I want.
- Evening: The evening is all about the sunset. We're talking a special location with a glass of wine and maybe some local cheese and cured meats. I was thinking a picnic. Maybe! A blanket, music… the works. Let nature embrace me.
Day 4: Girona – A City of Colors, Cobblestones, and a River Run
- Morning: Girona! This is the 'big city' foray. Walking the city walls and the Jewish Quarter. The photo ops will be endless. Can hardly wait for the charming places with hidden restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Afternoon: The Onyar River. Picturesque and Instagrammable! I am going to chase the light! This is what I'm here for.
- Evening: Tapas! Find a lively tapas bar. Try new foods. Engage with the local culture. Watch the world go by. I am so pumped!
Day 5: Beach Day? Beach Day (Unless the Weather Betrays Me!)
- Morning: Beach time! Coastal dreams. Let's hope the weather is perfect. Some sand, some sun, and hopefully a dip in the sea. Packing the sunscreen, the hat, and the general hope that I don't resemble a lobster by the end of the day.
- Afternoon: Beachside lunch. Seafood, please! Fresh and salty, and just the best! I don't need much and it is going to be the most beautiful experience ever.
- Evening: Another sunset. It's practically an art form at this point.
Day 6: A Day for Relaxation, Reflection, and Re-exploring
- Morning: Lazy morning! Sleep in! Do nothing at all, but relax. Walk the grounds. Breathe in the air. Read a book. Listen to some music. Just be present.
- Afternoon: Re-Exploration! Revisit a favorite place! Find something new. Take a different street. Look at the world like I'm seeing it for the first time.
- Evening: Cooking. I am going to get back at it. It's my last night. I need to make the most of this. Make something special. Maybe a regional dish.
Day 7: Departure – Sobs, Souvenirs, and a Promise to Return
- Morning: Packing. Ugh. The actual worst. Saying goodbye to Masia Can Roca de Dalt. Snapping that last photo. Remembering the smell!
- Afternoon: Back to Barcelona. Hopefully Bertha doesn't have any last-minute breakdowns. Handing back the rental car. Thinking of the next adventure.
- Evening: Flight home. Tears. Regret. Planning my next trip back. Already!
Messy Thoughts, Ramblings, and Imperfections:
- The Food: Seriously, I'm terrified of food poisoning. But I love experiencing new flavors. This is going to be a battle, I can already tell.
- Bertha: Will she make it? Will I make any wrong turns? Will she break down in the middle of nowhere? Only time (and a good GPS) will tell.
- The Laundry: Seriously. The amount of laundry I'm going to have to unpack is horrifying.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Expect highs, lows, and everything in between.
- People: I'm hoping to meet some interesting people. But I'm also perfectly content with my own company.
- The Unknowns: The best part! I fully expect things to go off-script. And that's okay. In fact, that's probably the point.
So there you have it. A hilariously flawed, totally subjective, and hopefully somewhat entertaining "itinerary." Wish me luck. I'm going to need it! And, if you see me, say hi! I'll probably be the one wandering around looking lost and overwhelmed… but having the time of my life.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Beachfront Holiday Home in Agon-Coutainville, France
Okay, So... What *IS* a Masia, Anyway? (And Why Should I Care?)
This Sounds Expensive! Can I Actually *Afford* "Paradise?" (Or Am I Doomed to Forever Scroll Through Zillow?)
Location, Location, Location! Where in Spain Are These Magical Masias Hiding?
What's the catch? There *has* to be a catch! (Besides the crumbling walls and potential donkey)
Okay, I'm *In*. How Do I Actually *FIND* This Dream Masia? (And Avoid the Scams?)
What are some common pitfalls or things to consider? I don't want to fall flat on my face (literally, or financially!)
