Unbelievable Antequera Escape: Belvilla's Casa de la Monja Awaits!
Unbelievable Antequera Escape: Belvilla's Casa de la Monja Awaits! - A Rambling Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a whirlwind tour of Casa de la Monja, Belvilla's offering in the heart of Antequera, Spain. Forget the polished travel brochure prose, this is the real deal – warts, wins, and all. I'm talking honest-to-goodness, messy, and utterly human review. Prepare for some rambling… and maybe even a tear or two. (Mostly from laughing.)
Metadata - Because apparently, the robots need to know:
- Main Keywords: Antequera, Casa de la Monja, Belvilla, Spain, Accommodation, Review, Spa, Pool, Accessibility, Luxury, Family-friendly, Romantic Getaway
- Secondary Keywords: Andalusian, Holiday Rental, Historic Building, Wellness, Relaxing, Food, Dining, WiFi, Parking, Facilities, Cleanliness, Safety
First Impressions (and the Search for the Holy Grail… aka Wi-Fi)
Finding Casa de la Monja… well, that’s the first adventure. Google Maps led us astray, possibly because we were already running on "holiday brain." Eventually, after some frantic U-turns and a near-miss with a particularly stubborn olive tree, we arrived. The building itself is stunning. Seriously, postcard-worthy. It’s a former convent, hence the name, and it oozes history and character. Immediately, you feel a sense of… anticipation. You know, the kind where you're thinking, "This is going to be good."
The first thing I did, after the obligatory "oohs" and "aahs" over the architecture, was hunt for the Wi-Fi. (Shameful, I know, but hey, the internet waits for no one!) My initial panic set in. Yes, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was listed, but initially my devices stubbornly refused to connect. Eventually, after a bit of (okay, a lot of) fiddling, I got a signal. Phew. The modern world had not quite deserted me.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag
Now, let’s talk accessibility. This is crucial for me, and it's where things get a little… nuanced. The website does mention facilities for disabled guests. However, given the nature of an older, converted building, perfect accessibility is, understandably, a challenge. There’s an elevator, which is a huge win. But some areas might require a bit of maneuvering, and the cobblestone streets around Antequera… well, they’re not exactly wheelchair-friendly. So, while the property tries, a truly fully accessible experience might require further investigation and communication with Belvilla beforehand.
The Room – My Sanctuary (and Occasional Battlefield)
Our room? Gorgeous. Seriously, like something out of a magazine. High ceilings, exposed beams, a massive bed… I felt like a queen. The bathroom? Luxurious, with a separate shower and bathtub (perfect for soaking away the stress of… everything). Available in all rooms is a understatement. Everything is available in the room! I even had the free bottled water, so I could start to hydrate after the long travel.
Now, the imperfections. The soundproofing, while generally good, occasionally let through the joyous shrieks of children in the pool (more on that later). And that alarm clock? I am convinced it was a ticking time bomb set to detonate at 6:00 AM sharp. I swear it tried to send us across the water, but with a bit of perseverance, I made it and hit snooze more than once. It all added to the charm, I guess!
Food, Glorious Food! (and the Quest for the Perfect Croissant)
Let’s talk grub. The listing mentions Restaurants, Breakfast in room, Breakfast service, Asian breakfast (huh?!), and Vegetarian Restaurant. The breakfasts were a highlight. Buffet-style, with a good selection of pastries, fresh fruit, and… well, you know, the things that make holiday mornings glorious. The restaurant was also very good, with a mix of local and international cuisine. The international cuisine was not even the reason I went but I have to admit it was pretty good.
My mission during this trip: find the perfect croissant. The search continues. (Spoiler alert: I am still searching. The ones here were, however, very good.)
Poolside Bliss (and the Intrusion of Tiny Humans)
The swimming pool. Oh, the swimming pool. Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], it was all true. Picture this: the Andalusian sun, a cool drink, and… ah, I’d better stop and take a breath to prepare myself for the worst. The pool was wonderful, the air was hot and inviting, but it’s very family-friendly. While this is great for other guests (most of them, at least), I love to have some me-time and relax. It was a bit of a chaotic symphony of splash and shrieks. Don't get me wrong, kids are great, but sometimes… you just want peace. You know?
Ways to Relax (and the Spa Experience - Let’s Just Say It Was a Journey)
Spa, Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Massage, Steamroom… Casa de la Monja knows how to soothe the soul. I went for a massage. It was… interesting. The masseuse was lovely, genuinely so, but the pressure wasn't quite what I expected, and I think she might have fallen asleep at one point? Shh, don't tell anyone, but it was still relaxing. The steamroom was definitely a hit!
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe in a Post-Pandemic World
I was very careful about the cleanliness and safety. You can't be too careful post-pandemic. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, you name it, and Casa de la Monja had it. Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt safe, which is a hugely important factor when you're trying to unwind.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Ironing service… the list goes on. The staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating. They were like, "What can we do to make your stay more fabulous?" And I was all like, "Bring me more croissants!" (Okay, I didn't actually say that, but I definitely thought it.) I particularly appreciated the Contactless check-in/out – efficient and reassuring in these times.
Family-Friendly – For Those Who Like That Sort of Thing
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal… As I mentioned earlier, this place is a haven for families. Plenty of kids, plenty of noise, a constant buzz of activity. If that's your thing, go for it! If you're seeking solitude and a swimming pool, well… prepare to embrace the joyous chaos.
Getting Around – Don't Even Think About The Parking
Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service… Getting around Antequera is relatively straightforward. Parking at the hotel itself was generally easy, but finding spots in the town centre could be a bit of a challenge.
My Verdict – Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. Despite the minor foibles, Casa de la Monja is a truly special place. It’s got character, charm, and a certain je ne sais quoi that’s hard to resist. It's well worth it, the location is fantastic, the staff are delightful, and the overall experience is memorable. Just go in with your eyes open, a healthy sense of humour, and a very determined quest for the perfect croissant!
Emotional Rating: Definitely a happy camper. 8.5/10 (Room for improvement, but genuinely delightful.)
Escape to Tuscany: Luxurious Belvilla in Vergemoli Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, brochure-perfect itinerary. This is my itinerary, the one that almost got eaten by a rogue tapas plate, the one that involved a near-meltdown over finding decent coffee… and, you know, Belvilla by OYO Casa de la Monja in Antequera, Spain. Let's see if I can even remember where I was supposed to be going… and when.
Day 1: Antequera Arrival & Staring Blankly at a Church
- Morning (Approx. 10:00 AM): Arrive at Malaga Airport (AGP). The airport chaos was the first test. Finding the rental car was a comedy of errors, involving a stressed-out rental agent, a dodgy map (because who am I kidding, I still use paper), and a moment of sheer panic over whether or not I'd chosen automatic. (I hadn't. But got the hang of it… eventually.)
- Mid-day (Approx. 12:30 PM): Drive to Antequera. The drive itself was scenic, kinda. Endless olive groves… after a slight detour that involved me accidentally driving right through a tiny village with a one-way system. Note to self: GPS, you're my friend.
- Early Afternoon (2:00 PM): Check into Casa de la Monja. Okay, truth bomb: it's gorgeous. Seriously. That courtyard? Divine. The whole place felt like stepping into a slightly crumbling, but utterly charming, movie set. Now, I’m a sucker for character, and let me tell you, this house has it in spades. Finding the key was a saga, though. Instructions? Vague. Searching in the designated spot? A treasure hunt. My inner Indiana Jones was briefly ecstatic before I was just hangry.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Okay, let's be honest; that first hour? Spent staring at the church across the street, the Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor. Trying and failing to decipher all the historical significance. My brain just went, "Pretty! Okay, now where's tapas?"
- Late Afternoon (4:30 PM): Tapas Time! Found a little place called "El Angel." Ordered everything on the menu, probably. Chorizo, patatas bravas (slightly under-cooked, but I was too tired to care), and some mystery meat that honestly might have been horse. Delicious either way, because wine. The perfect cure for jetlag and navigational debacles.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Wandering around Antequera – saw more churches. So many churches my head was spinning. This is the point I got distracted by a cat. Then another cat. Antequera's got a serious cat game.
- Evening (8:30 PM): Dinner at a restaurant I can’t remember the name of. Probably ate far too much. Slept like a log.
Day 2: El Torcal & That Time I Almost Got Eaten by a Rock Formation
- Morning (9:00 AM): The coffee hunt from hell. Seriously. I expected Spain to be swimming in good coffee. Turns out, finding a decent one in Antequera was a Herculean task. The first place I tried tasted like dishwater. The second? Lukewarm. I was bordering on actual rage. Eventually, I stumbled upon a cafe that saved my life. Black coffee, finally!
- Morning (10:30 AM): El Torcal Nature Reserve. Oh. My. God. This place. The rock formations. Breathtaking. Alien. Utterly bonkers. I spent a good hour just wandering around, gawping at the giant, eroded limestone sculptures. I swear, I saw a camel, a whale, and a giant sentient potato. Okay, maybe not the potato.
- Mid-day (1:00 PM): Okay, I'm gonna say something controversial here: El Torcal is better than Stonehenge. This is my hill, and I'm dying on it. The sheer scale of it just blew my mind. I swear, I almost climbed on a formation that looked just like Godzilla.
- Mid-day (1:30 PM): Lunch at the visitor center. Pretty basic, but the view was… unforgettable. Ate my sandwich while pondering the meaning of life, the universe, and whether or not the rocks were secretly whispering secrets.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Back in Antequera. I tried to shop, failed. The shops were closed for siesta, which is both incredibly charming and incredibly annoying when you're trying to buy souvenirs.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Did I mention the cats? Found more cats. Photographed more cats. Became convinced I needed to open a cat sanctuary in Spain.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Saw the Alcazaba… okay, fine, it was impressive. Steep climb, hot sun. Worth it for the views.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner somewhere… more tapas. More wine. More deliciousness. Found a bar with live music. Sang terrible karaoke. Regretted it in the morning.
Day 3: More Churches (Yes, Really) & Leaving… with a Sigh.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Another coffee run. Did I find something better? Nope. Still coffee-challenged.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Visited a church, now I'm not even going to bother looking up what it was, too many churches.
- Mid-day (12:00 PM): Packing time. I always pack too much. Always. But I was pretty sure I'd need those extra socks.
- Mid-day (1:00 PM): One last tapas lunch (obsession! I need help!). A sad farewell to the tiny olives and the amazing ham.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): The drive back to Malaga. Traffic wasn't terrible.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Airport chaos.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Flight… and a teary wave goodbye to Spain.
Final Ramblings (and Total Honesty):
Antequera? Beautiful. Casa de la Monja? Absolute perfection (especially the courtyard). The food? Amazing. The coffee? A tragedy. The memories? Priceless. I mean, who needs perfection when you have stories? This trip wasn't about ticking boxes; it was about experiencing, getting a little lost, embracing the chaos… and, okay, maybe finding a cat to cuddle. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just… next time, I'm bringing my own coffee maker. And a stronger sense of direction.
Luxury Notre Dame de Bellecombe Apartment: Breathtaking Views Await!
Unbelievable Antequera Escape: Belvilla's Casa de la Monja Awaits! ... or Does It? (A Totally Honest FAQ)
So, Casa de la Monja... Sounds fancy. Is it *actually* fancy? Like, am I gonna accidentally spill wine on a priceless antique?
Okay, let's be real. Fancy is relative. This ain't the Ritz. It's more… rustic-chic meets Spanish grandmother's house. Think: exposed beams (which are *gorgeous*), maybe a slightly wonky tile or two (adds character, I swear!), and furniture that clearly has stories to tell. My first impression? "Wow, this is… charming. Then, I spent the next hour carefully navigating the furniture, fearing I'd knock something over. I blame the sangria. No priceless antiques were harmed in the making of my vacation, but I came *close* with a particularly rickety table. So, fancy-ish. Definitely Instagrammable. Just… watch the elbows.
Belvilla makes it sound all dreamy and romantic. The reality check, please! What was the *biggest* surprise about the house?
Good question! The brochure photos, bless them, are usually heavily filtered. My biggest surprise? The slightly… *spirited* shower. Let's just say the water pressure was a suggestion, the temperature a gamble (mostly cold), and the whole operation felt less "luxurious spa" and more "intense character-building experience." Honestly, it added to the charm. After the initial 'WTF?!', it became a running joke. "Right! Another shower, another adventure!" It's unforgettable, in a good way... eventually.
Antequera itself - worth the trip? Is there anything to *do* there apart from lounging by the pool (if there *is* a pool)?
Absolutely! Antequera is AMAZING. Forget the pool (more on that later) and get out there! It's like a hidden gem, so much history. The Alcazaba (fortress) is breathtaking, the Dolmens are mind-blowing (seriously, Google "Dolmen of Menga" – you'll be impressed), and the town square... oh, the town square! It's perfect for people-watching with a *caña* (small beer) and some tapas. Seriously, get the *molletes* (local bread) – you will not regret it. The only bad thing? My Spanish is, well, *terrible*. But the locals are incredibly patient and friendly. So, yes, go! Just brush up on your survival Spanish – "una cerveza, por favor" is a good start.
Speaking of the pool... (Is there a pool? Please tell me there's a pool!)
Okay, this is where things get *interesting*. The listing *claimed* a pool. When we arrived, there *was* a… I'll call it… *water feature*. It was more like a slightly oversized bird bath. Think of it as a *potential* dipping area... if you were a particularly small, motivated person. The disappointment was real. My expectations were shattered. Pool slides, ice-cold cocktails, hours of lounging... *gone*. Instead, we improvised. We went to the local public pool, which was actually great (and way bigger!). So, yes, there *is* a pool... sort of. Manage your expectations, people. Seriously.
What about the kitchen? Did it have everything I need or am I doomed to eating only tapas (which, let's face it, might not be *that* terrible)?
The kitchen! Ah, the kitchen. It's perfectly serviceable. Sufficient, even. Don't expect a Michelin-star setup, but you'll find the basics. Pots, pans, a questionable amount of knives (bring your own good one!), and, thankfully, a coffee machine. That coffee machine was a lifesaver. I think it became my best friend, and the provider for 6 more friends. There’s also, strangely, a microwave--always a plus. But listen, you *are* in Spain! Embrace the tapas! Explore the local markets! Cook if you want, but seriously, don't be afraid to eat your way through Antequera's deliciousness. Best advice? Learn how to say "uno mas por favor!"
Any annoying quirks about the house? Tell the truth!
Alright, you want the truth? Okay, here it comes... The Wi-Fi was a bit… *patchy*. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. You're basically forced to detox from your phone, which, actually, wasn’t the worst thing. Also, the keys… God, let's talk about the keys. They were a *nightmare*. Like unlocking a medieval vault. Prepare for a vigorous jiggling, and potential for minor existential crises. And the spiders. There were spiders… *sometimes*. But hey, at least they were small and probably as confused as I was. The only thing that stopped me from enjoying being there was my own fear of spiders. But it was also just the little things. The little things, and that one weird sound the washing machine made. Other than that, perfecto!
Would you recommend Casa de la Monja? Be brutally honest!
Okay, here's the deal. Despite the 'water feature' and the slightly unpredictable shower, I loved it. I *really* did. It's got character, charm, and a location that's hard to beat. It's not perfect, but that's what makes it *memorable*. If you're looking for a perfectly polished, sterile experience? Maybe not. But if you want an authentic taste of Andalusian life, a chance to explore a beautiful region, and a place to create some seriously funny memories… then, yes. Absolutely, yes. Just remember to pack your sense of humor, your patience, and maybe a good book for when the Wi-Fi gives up the ghost. And maybe bring a really good shower head. (kidding. maybe.) Book. It. You won't regret it. Eventually. After you've gotten over the pool thing.
