Lanzarote Paradise Found: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits!
Lanzarote Paradise Found: My Dream Belvilla Almost Made It… (A Frankly Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans on my recent stay at that promising Belvilla property in Lanzarote - the one that promises "Paradise Found." And honestly? Well, it almost delivered. Let me tell you, packing a bag, hopping on a plane, and dreaming of sun-drenched bliss is easy. The reality? A whole other beast.
(SEO & Meta Stuff, Don't Worry, We'll Get Over It):
- Title: Lanzarote Paradise Found Review: Belvilla's Promise vs. Reality
- Keywords: Lanzarote, Belvilla, Vacation Rental, Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurants, Family Friendly, Wi-Fi, Reviews, Travel, Canary Islands, Spain, Holiday
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of a Belvilla property in Lanzarote! Accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and the all-important vibe – I've got it all, including the good, the bad, and the slightly-burnt-by-the-sun ugly. Prepare for a rollercoaster!
(The Accessibility Angle - Because Let's Start With the Important Stuff)
Right, let's get this straight. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do know a thing or two about accessibility, because a little bit of that stuff matters. This Belvilla was mostly okay. The website promised facilities for disabled guests, which is a big plus. But I’m just saying, check before you book. Things can get complicated really fast.
- Accessibility: Mostly there. I mean, it was advertised as accessible, and I saw elevators, so that's a win, right? (It's the little wins, folks!)
- Wheelchair Accessible: Well, it appeared to be. I didn't personally test it with a wheelchair - but the common areas seemed promising.
- Elevator: YES! (Important for weary travelers with luggage, and for those needing accessibility.)
(The Hotel’s Vibe – The Things They DON’T Tell You)
Okay, so picture this: you've just arrived, the sun's beating down, you're starving, and you’re ready for that promised dose of chill. Did Paradise Found deliver? Well…
(On-site Restaurants/Lounges – Food, Glorious… Well, Mediocre?)
- Restaurants, Restaurants, Restaurants: They advertised quite a few. And to be fair, there were restaurants. BUT, and this is a big but, the food situation was…let’s say, variable.
- Asian Cuisine: This was advertised, but honestly, the "Asian" influence felt more like "vaguely-oriental-ish." I ordered a Pad Thai that tasted suspiciously like ketchup-infused spaghetti. My expectations were high and I was let down.
- Vegetarian Restaurant: Again, advertised! Which is great for me! But the options were, how do I put this delicately? Limited. One night it was just pasta with…well, more pasta.
- Poolside Bar: The saving grace! Drinks were flowing, the sun was setting, and I could pretend the world was perfect.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Fun (and Frustration))
- Breakfast Buffet: Standard. Didn’t blow my socks off, but it filled the hole. PRO TIP: Go EARLY. The vultures descend on the buffet by 9 am.
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant: Essential. Survived on caffeine, lots of caffeine.
- Bar: Good! And the bartenders were legends. They had seen it all, I'm sure.
- Poolside Bar: Again, a lifesaver. Pina Coladas, all day, every day. Pretty perfect, really.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Never actually used it. I have a feeling it would have been more disappointment fuel.
(The Spa and Relaxation Zone – Where I Almost Ascended… Then Came Down)
Okay, the spa. This was a major selling point for me. After months of stress, I needed to melt into a puddle of blissful nothingness!
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: They had it all! They really did!
- Body Scrub/Body Wrap: Ooh, yes please! I went full indulgent, and the scrub? Divine! The wraps? Also, really nice.
- Massage: Oh yeah, baby.
- Pool with View: YES! The pool was beautiful, and I swear, I floated there for hours just staring at the ocean, trying to forget the ketchup noodles.
- Sauna: I needed the heat, the detox, the cleansing.
- Steamroom: Even better!
- Fitness Center/Gym/fitness: I actually DID go to the gym. Once. The equipment was decent, but the atmosphere felt a bit sterile.
(Cleanliness and Safety – Trying to Feel Secure in Uncertain Times)
- Anti-viral cleaning products/Daily disinfection in common areas – This was VERY reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Good, I mean, good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Phew!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it.
- Safe dining setup: Looked okay.
(The Room – My Personal Oasis… Mostly)
Okay, let’s be honest. The room was pretty great.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES!
- Air conditioning: Required for sanity.
- Blackout curtains: Bless their soul!
- Coffee/tea maker: Thank the gods!
- Mini bar: Filled with… well, stuff. (Expensive stuff, but stuff.)
- In-room safe box: Perfect for hiding my passport and… chocolate.
- Additional toilet: Bonus! The other bathroom was nice, but a second loo? A luxury.
- Towels: Soft!
- Bathroom phone: Didn't use it. Who even uses bathroom phones anymore?
- Bathtub They had a tub.
(Getting Around – A Note on Freedom)
- Taxi service: Available.
- Airport transfer: Easy peasy.
- Car park [free of charge]: Great!
(For the Kids – Paradise for ALL? (Maybe))
- Babysitting service: Didn't need it personally, but it's a definite perk for families.
- Family/child friendly: Seemed to be.
- Kids facilities: Looked decent, from what I saw.
(Services and Conveniences – The Little Extras)
- Concierge: Helpful but often busy.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. My room was always spotless.
- Laundry service: Didn't use it, but good to know it’s there.
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
- Currency exchange: Handy.
(Now, for the Rambling, Emotional Bit…My Lanzarote Diary)
Right, here’s where things get a little messy, folks. Because hotel reviews aren't just about the amenities, are they? They're about the feeling. The vibe. And this Belvilla? It had moments. Glimpses of paradise. And then… well, then things got a little…real.
I felt a bit like Goldilocks.
What wasn't so gold for me:
- Getting lost in the hotel one too many times.
- That "Asian Cuisine" episode.
- The sheer difficulty of getting a decent sunbed. (They were all reserved by 7 am!)
- The weirdly aggressive bird that kept squawking at the pool.
What was gold for me:
- That utterly perfect massage.
- The sunset views.
- The blissful silence on my balcony in the early morning.
- The bartenders.
- The possibility of paradise.
Overall Verdict:
Look, was it perfect? Nope. Did I have an amazing time? Absolutely. It was a good trip. It wasn't paradise found, but it was a damn good effort. If you're looking for a solid base in Lanzarote, with some good amenities and the promise of relaxation, this Belvilla is worth considering. Just adjust your expectations slightly, pack an adventurous spirit (and maybe some instant noodles for a backup meal), and be prepared to hunt for that perfect sunbed. Because, even with the imperfections, a little dose of Lanzarote sunshine is always a good thing.
And that, my friends, is the honest truth.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Sicily!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're diving headfirst into my totally disorganized, probably-going-to-be-a-disaster, but hopefully incredibly fun itinerary for Dersu Lanzarote, Belvilla by OYO. Let's just say, planning isn’t exactly my forte. More like… optimistic suggestion-ing. And let the chaos… commence!
Day 1: Arrival – Where’s My Sanity?
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Arrecife Airport (ACE). Pray the luggage makes it. Seriously, I once lost a suitcase full of Hawaiian shirts in… well, I'd rather not say. But let's just say, it involved a very grumpy airline and a lot of online shopping for emergency underwear.
- The Great Car Hire Hunt: Navigating the car hire situation. This is where I start losing my mind a little already. Remember to check the car for existing damage, insurance, fuel and everything else.
- Anecdote: Last time, the car rental guy tried to upsell me on a convertible. Me, in a remote location? No thanks.
- Afternoon: Check into Belvilla’s Dersu Lanzarote. Okay, fingers crossed this place is as lovely as the photos. My expectations are always ridiculously high, which sets me up for inevitable disappointment. But hey, a girl can dream of a pool and a view, right?
- Quirky Observation: I'm convinced all rental properties have that generic, faintly-plastic smell. It's the smell of vacation, I guess.
- Evening: Unpack (maybe). Explore the villa. Marvel at the lack of actual shops or places to eat. This is where panic might set in. Where are we going to eat? Is there an online supermarket delivery system?
- Emotional Reaction: I'm simultaneously excited and terrified. This is what I do; I make things more difficult than they need to be.
Day 2: Beach, Sun, and the Existential Dread of Sand
- Morning: Hit the beach! I'm thinking Playa Blanca. Because everyone raves about it. Swim, sunbathe, attempt to read a book and get hopelessly sunburned.
- Messy Structure: Okay, so I'm not a beach person. I hate sand. It gets everywhere. In my hair, in my swimsuit, in my… well, you get the idea. But I'll force myself. For the views!
- Lunch: Find a chiringuito (beach bar). Order something vaguely seafood-y. Then immediately regret ordering something vaguely seafood-y. I’m so bad with food.
- Opinionated Language: The food better be good, after all that!
- Afternoon: More beach (sigh). Build a pathetic sandcastle. Give up because the wind kicks up.
- Evening: Sunset viewing. Find a spot overlooking the ocean. Snap a million photos. Post them to Instagram. Pretend I'm a travel blogger.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Sunset is perfect. Everything is good. For like, ten minutes.
Day 3: Volcanic Wonders and Questionable Choices
- Morning: Timanfaya National Park. This is a must-do. Seeing the volcanic landscape is what really makes you feel like you're on the moon.
- Rambles: Okay, so volcanoes are scary and beautiful. But the thought of eruptions always makes me feel a bit… tiny. Is it the end of the world? Probably not, but the thought lingers.
- Lunch: Pack a picnic. Try not to spill hummus on the volcanic rocks. Fail.
- Anecdote: One time, I dropped my entire lunch at the Grand Canyon. Hummus and cliffs don't mix.
- Afternoon: Drive to El Golfo and see the Green Lagoon. It's turquoise and stunning. Stare at it admiring.
- Evening: Dinner in a local restaurant that's not too fancy. Try to order something other than pizza. Fail.
- Messier Structure: Okay, I'm craving pizza. I always crave pizza.
Day 4: The Art of Relaxation (and Mild Injury)
- Morning: Pool day at the villa. Read a magazine. Listen to the birds. Maybe learn how to actually swim properly.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: Okay, so the pool is the main selling point with this villa, so I'm making it my mission to ENJOY it. Even if it means I have to spend a whole day fighting off my inner anxiety.
- Lunch: Make a sandwich. Eat the sandwich. Feel the weight of the world lift off my shoulders.
- Afternoon: Gentle walk or hike. Something easy. Avoid any potential for falling over.
- Quirky Observation: I will almost certainly trip. It's a given with me.
- Evening: Attempt to cook a meal. Probably burn something. Order takeaway as a backup plan.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The thought of cooking fills me with dread!
Day 5: Markets, Museums, and the Impending Doom of Departure
- Morning: Visit a local market. Buy some souvenirs (that I'll forget about).
- Lunch: Eat at a restaurant in the market. Order whatever the locals are having (hopefully).
- Afternoon: Visit a museum. Pretend to be cultured. Actually be bored.
- Evening: Sunset drinks somewhere fabulous. Reflect on how quickly time has flown. Start to panic about packing.
- Messy Structure: Okay, this is when the "going home" anxiety sets in. Was it a good trip? Did I do enough? Is this all there is?
- Rambles: I’m going to miss the warmth. I'm going to miss the ocean. I’m going to miss the… okay, I won’t miss the sand.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I don't want to go home!
Day 6: Departure - Leaving Lanzarote.
- Morning: Last chance to swim in the pool. Pack. Clean the car.
- Lunch: Have a lovely late lunch and then feel hungry again.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport (ACE). Say goodbye to a lovely week of adventures.
- Evening: Back home back to the grind. Look at the pictures. Post something witty for Instagram. Start planning the next trip.
So there you have it! A slightly-deranged, totally-unrealistic, and hopefully entertaining itinerary for my trip to Dersu Lanzarote. Wish me luck! I'm going to need it.
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Lanzarote Paradise Found: Ask Me Anything (Seriously!)
Okay, Okay, Lanzarote... Belvilla... Is it *really* paradise? Or just Instagram lies?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because the truth is… it's complicated. Paradise? Well, compared to the grey skies and perpetually-drizzly weather back home? YES. Compared to, like, the Garden of Eden with unlimited freshly squeezed orange juice and zero mosquitoes? Ehh, maybe not. Lanzarote *is* stunning. The volcanic landscapes are out of this world; driving around and seeing the colors change as the sun sets… that's pure magic. And the Belvilla? Honestly, it mattered *what* Belvilla you're talking about. I stayed in a Belvilla last month, and it was a mixed bag in the best way possible!
Let me tell you about my first adventure to Lanzarote: it was supposed to be my dream holiday. The photos promised a villa with a pool, a view of the ocean, and tranquility. And you know what? The pool WAS there! It was also icy cold, and no one told us how to get it heated. The view? Gorgeous, when the local cats weren’t napping in the shadow. Tranquility? Let's just say the neighbor's rooster had a 5 AM wake-up call that was... enthusiastic. And the WiFi? Forget about it. I mean, I was looking at the world from the couch for an hour.
So, paradise-ish? Totally. Without a perfect execution? Absolutely. It’s the imperfections that make the whole thing memorable, yeah?
What's the deal with Belvilla? Are they reliable? Is it all a scam?
Reliable? They’re... mostly. Let's be brutally honest here: no company is perfect. Belvilla, being a HUGE platform, connects you with rentals managed by various folks. I've had smooth sailing experiences and ones that involved a frantic phone call and a slightly panicked email. But, to be fair, there are a fair few reviews to read before you book, so trust what people are saying.
My advice? Do your homework. Read the reviews. Read *all* of them, good and bad. Look for patterns. If everyone's complaining about the leaky faucet or the lack of hot water, believe them! I once read a review that said "Bring your own coffee maker." Damn straight, I did. Saved my sanity. And ALWAYS have a backup plan. Just in case.
Scam? Rarely. More often, you're dealing with things like vague descriptions, or a local property manager who doesn't respond to emails until after you’ve already had your first sunburn.
Okay, let's get practical. What kind of Belvilla villa should I look for in Lanzarote? (Pool, Views, etc.)
Oh, this is where it gets fun! Firstly, a pool is a MUST if you have the budget. The Lanzarote sun is intense, and a dip in the pool is pure bliss. *However*, check the pool size and depth. One villa I booked, the pool was basically a glorified bird bath. I'm serious. And the "ocean view"? It was technically there, but you had to squint past the neighbor's bougainvillea bush.
Views. Absolutely. Volcanic views? Spectacular. Ocean views? Even better. But here's a pro tip: if the villa is surrounded by other villas, you're probably NOT getting total privacy. Do a Google Maps street view check *before* you book. Trust me on this. And air conditioning. Essential. Unless you enjoy being a sweaty mess.
Then there is the location. Some areas are windy (perfect for windsurfing), others are quieter. Consider what kind of holiday you want. Do you want to be near the nightlife? Or somewhere remote and rural? I'm a big fan of the quieter spots, but that's just me.
What are the must-do things in Lanzarote? Should I even bother with renting a car?
Oh, the must-dos! Let me rant! (in a good way) You HAVE to see Timanfaya National Park. It's like being on another planet. Seriously, mind-blowing. Take a guided tour, the bus will let you experience some unique demonstrations. Then there's Cueva de los Verdes (the volcanic caves). Absolutely fascinating. And the Jameos del Agua? Those are a little more… Instagrammable than the rest, but still pretty cool. And the beaches? The Papagayo beaches are amazing (but can get crowded). Puerto del Carmen beaches are another option.
And renting a car? YES. A thousand times, yes! Unless you want to be stuck relying on buses and taxis. Lanzarote is small enough that you can drive from one end of the island to the other in a couple of hours. You'll want the freedom to explore. Plus, driving around is just beautiful, the roads are easy to handle. Just be prepared for some narrow roads and occasional "sheep crossings". Seriously – they're everywhere. I recommend a small, easy-to-park car. And DO NOT, under any circumstances, drive up the winding road to the Mirador del Rio in a giant SUV. Learned that the hard way.
What about food? Any recommendations? Do I need to cook every meal?
Food! Ah, the lifeblood of any good vacation. No, you absolutely do not need to cook every meal. Unless you *want* to, of course. Luckily, Lanzarote has a great selection of restaurants.
I’m partial to the fresh seafood. Look for the "pescaderias" – fish restaurants! They're usually amazing. Tapas are a must – patatas bravas, garlic prawns, all that goodness. The local wine is also worth trying, but be warned, some of it is *very* strong. They do amazing things with potatoes as well - a lot of the local food is simple, fresh, flavorful.
But YES, you'll probably want to cook some meals. Most Belvilla villas have kitchens. Shop at the local supermarkets for fresh produce and local ingredients. Making your own breakfast on the balcony, with a view and a cup of coffee? Priceless. And if you get really ambitious, try your hand at paella! (Just don't burn it like I did the first time...)
Any packing tips? What should I definitely bring (and what should I leave at home)?
Packing! Okay, deep breaths. Lanzarote is a relatively casual place. You don't need to bring many fancy clothes. Swimsuits, sandals, a light jacket (for the evenings, and potentially the wind). Sunscreen (bring A LOT), sunglasses, and a hat are ESSENTIAL. And a reusable water bottle – stay hydrated!
Leave at home? High heels – unless you're planningAround The World Hotels
