Escape to Paradise: Belgian Sauna Spa Getaway in Vielsalm!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the steamy, sometimes-awkward, and ultimately glorious world of "Escape to Paradise: Belgian Sauna Spa Getaway in Vielsalm!" Let's be real, the name alone promised a level of relaxation that I, a chronically stressed human, desperately needed. Did it deliver? Well, let's just say my blood pressure lowered enough for me to consider buying a beret.
Escape to Paradise: Vielsalm - My Hot Mess of a Getaway!
First things first: Accessibility. Look, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I appreciate a place that actually considers accessibility. They've got the basics covered - elevators, accessible rooms (hopefully, haven't seen them), and general infrastructure with a semblance of thought given to those with mobility issues. Solid start, but, and this is a big BUT, more details would have been wonderful. It's a good thing to have, not a great one if you lack specific information.
Internet, Glorious Internet! Oh, the modern necessities! "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" The siren song of a stressed traveler. And the reality? Pretty solid. I mean, I could actually work from my room without wanting to chuck my laptop into the nearest fjord (I may have considered this, at one point). There's also the "Internet [LAN]" option, if you're a relic from the 90s. Good on ya!
Things to Do (Besides Sweating Like a Pig)
Right, the real reason we're here: ways to relax. I practically lived in the sauna. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The steam rising, the scent of eucalyptus… it was like being hugged by a warm, sweaty cloud. Then there’s the steamroom, oh yes, a close second, same feeling, same joy. But the sheer array of options! The spas and spa/sauna combination was just…wow. I did a Body scrub and Body wrap, and for a few glorious hours, I wasn't me. I was a well-moisturized, seaweed-wrapped goddess.
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was calling my name, but the weather played a joke on us! So, the Swimming pool, indoor, felt like a safe and delicious sanctuary. And the Pool with view? Well, let’s just say I spent a lot of time staring out at the scenery, contemplating the meaning of life (and whether I should order another cocktail).
Now, the Gym/fitness center. Sadly, I'm allergic to exercise unless it involves lifting a fork. So, skipped it. But the Fitness center existed and seemed to be quite well-equipped, if you're into that sort of thing. And the Massage and Foot bath? Oh, heaven. Definitely.
Cleanliness and Safety - Did They Actually Sanitize?
Look, I'm a germaphobe disguised as a relaxed traveler. So, the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol all made me breathe a sigh of relief the size of a small country. The Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere. And the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items made me less nervous about eating all of the delicious food. They also implemented Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and Cashless payment service, so it felt as safe as one could ever feel, even though there might be a few issues here and there.
However… this is where my inner skeptic comes out. I had a peek into a room being cleaned, and while it looked clean, I couldn't shake the feeling that some things were missed. The Room sanitization opt-out available feels like a nice thought but it might imply a lack of attention in some cases. I may be overthinking it due to a lack of a detailed deep cleaning report, however.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Feed Me, Seymour!
Okay, the food. Where do I even start? Restaurants! There were several. With a Breakfast [buffet] that was a masterpiece of bacon and pastries. And the Asian breakfast was a great and unexpected touch. Coffee/tea in restaurant was a blessing. A la carte in restaurant: always great, the Western cuisine in restaurant was great. But mostly, it was about the Bar, and my love.
The Poolside bar was another highlight, offering cocktails that could make you believe in unicorns. The Happy hour was, of course, a necessity. And the service? Top-notch. Even when I accidentally spilled red wine on my favorite white shirt, they handled it with grace. (And the Dry cleaning service did wonders.) The Snack bar and the Bottle of water were always welcome.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
The Doorman was a gentleman, always with a smile. Luggage storage made my life easier. The Elevator was a lifesaver with all my bags (and the occasional post-sauna sluggishness). The Concierge was incredibly helpful, always ready with recommendations. Daily housekeeping kept my room immaculate. They offered Food delivery, but I was already too busy eating in the restaurants. The Cash withdrawal was useful. The Facilities for disabled guests, of course. And the Air conditioning in public area was great.
For the Kids - If You’re Travelling with Tiny Humans, Because I’m Not
They do offer Babysitting service and facilities for kids, I have no experience in it, but it's there. Which is nice even if I cannot talk about it.
Available in All Rooms - The Comfort Zone Essentials
Let's just say the Air conditioning worked, thankfully. Bathtub and Separate shower/bathtub were the definition of luxury. And Free bottled water was a lifesaver. The Blackout curtains made sleeping in a breeze, and the Bed? Oh, the bed. Like sleeping on a cloud of marshmallow fluff. The In-room safe box offered me peace of mind. The Mini bar was tempting. The Coffee/tea maker saved me from a caffeine-induced crisis. The Wake-up service was on point. And the Wi-Fi [free] – still a hero. The Hair dryer was a life saver, the Towels were fluffy, and the Bathrobes were something to look forward to.
The Anecdote:
I’ll never forget the time I was in the sauna. I was in a serious zen-zone, and the next instant I hear a loud splosh and an Englishman comes in with a big red face, walks in, and right as he is about to sit, he sits right on his reading glasses. I burst out laughing, right there in the sauna, disturbing the peace. He glared at me, I couldn’t help but snicker. He left in silence. It was a fantastic reminder of the unexpected joys of travel!
The Verdict:
"Escape to Paradise" definitely delivered on the "escape" part. It wasn't without its imperfections, but those imperfections just added to the charm. It's a place where you can truly disconnect, de-stress, and embrace your inner sloth. Would I go back? Absolutely, and I'm already checking flights! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find another sauna…maybe I'll take a new pair of glasses with me
Ostend Getaway: Stunning 6-Person Apartment!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary for Bedecked Holiday Home in Vielsalm, Belgium, is gonna be less “bullet points and perfect timing” and more “me trying to wrangle a chihuahua while simultaneously eating a waffle and weeping over a particularly beautiful sunset.”
The Vielsalm Vortex: A Messy Holiday Home Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Sauna Panic
14:00 (ish) - Arrival at the Bedecked Holiday Home: Truthfully, it was closer to 15:00. Google Maps lied. Or, you know, I lied. Got hopelessly lost in the winding Belgian roads, convinced I'd taken a wrong turn and ended up in a Hobbit village. Which, honestly, wouldn't be the worst thing. Eventually, though, ding ding, we're here! The house is HUGE. Like, "could-fit-a-small-army-and-still-feel-lonely" HUGE. Initial reaction? Pure, unadulterated joy (followed by a mild panic about the cleaning situation – more on that later).
15:30 - House Tour & The Quest for the Sauna: Okay, so the house looks AMAZING in the pictures. In reality? More “eccentric grandma who loves a good flea market.” Not complaining, mind you! It gives it character. Anyway, the important part: THE SAUNA. I'm picturing myself, a serene, glowing goddess emerging from a cloud of steam. Nope. My first mistake? Not reading the instructions. My second? Assuming I knew how to work a sauna. Cue the frantic Googling, the accidental button-pushing, and the eventual, deeply satisfying hiss of the rocks. Victory! Or so I thought…
17:00 - The Sauna Revelation (and the Mild Burn): I cranked that baby up to scorching. Turns out, my Scandinavian heritage doesn’t automatically grant me sauna expertise. I lasted approximately seven minutes before feeling like my eyeballs were melting. Emerged looking like a tomato. Lesson learned: start slow, you idiot.
18:00 - Dinner & Local Beer Misadventures: Found a local supermarket, grabbed some basics. And beer. This is Belgium, after all! I opted for something "light and refreshing." It tasted like… liquid bread. I swear, the Belgians are geniuses. And I'm a lightweight.
21:00 - Bedtime/Attempted Fireplace Fiasco: Exhausted from the sauna (and the beer), I attempted to build a fire. Let's just say I’m more adept at causing smoke alarms to go off than creating a cozy ambiance. Ended up reading in bed with a cup of tea, the smell of slightly burnt wood lingering in the air. Romantic.
Day 2: Hiking, Hamlets, and (Potentially) Murderous Sheep
09:00 - The Hike That Started (and Ended) Wrong: Woke up with a slight beer headache and grand ambitions. "LET'S HIKE THE BELGIAN COUNTRYSIDE!" I declared. Famous last words. Found a marked trail nearby. Except… the markings weren't always consistent. Ended up veering off into a field where I was confronted by sheep. I'm talking, "menacing glare, direct eye contact, potential wool-based murder" kind of stare-down. Backtracked. Fast.
10:30 - Quaint Belgian Village Exploration: Found myself in a tiny village. Cobblestone streets! Flower boxes! An old woman selling waffles from her window! I had to stop. The waffle was pure bliss. The old woman gave me judgmental look for my red face from the sauna.
12:00 - Lunch and Lost in Translation: Found a charming little café. I tried, bless my heart, to order lunch in French. It was a disaster. Ended up pointing at things on the menu and hoping for the best. Somehow, I got a plate of… something meaty with potatoes. Delicious, though. Even if I still don't know what it was.
14:00 - Back to the House - Sauna Round Two (and the Zen Attempt): This time, I started slower, as I promised myself. I spent a good hour just chillin'. Finally feeling the zen. The perfect moment, I thought.
17:00 - Game Night and Realizations: Found a box of board games. Attempted to play Scrabble. My vocabulary, it turns out, is embarrassingly limited. But hey, at least I got a good laugh.
19:00 - Dinner (and the Emotional Eating of Cheese): Had a big hunk of local cheese, some bread, and a glass of wine. Starting to accept this messy, imperfect existence.
Day 3: Departure - The Farewell and Forever in My Heart
09:00 - The Great Kitchen Purge: Time to clean the place. The house was a disaster, but in a cozy way. I left it in a state that I, personally, would consider "lived-in," but may not meet the Airbnb standards. Oh well…
11:00 - Final Sauna Session (Success!) This time, I nailed it.
12:00 - Heading Out! The goodbyes. The bittersweet feeling of leaving a place that, despite its quirks, had surprisingly grown on me.
14:00 - The Aftermath: Already plotting a return. This time, I'm bringing a better dictionary, a sheep-repelling spray, and a whole lot more Belgian chocolate.
Final Thoughts:
Vielsalm, you beautiful, chaotic enigma. Thank you for the waffles, the beer, the almost-murderous sheep, and the moments of pure, unadulterated joy. And yes, I will be back. Prepare yourselves.
Luxury Waxweiler Apartment: Town Center Charm!
Escape to Paradise: Belgian Sauna Spa Getaway – The REALLY Unfiltered FAQs!
Okay, spill the tea! Is this "Escape to Paradise" *actually* paradise, or just overpriced lukewarm water with a view?
Alright, alright, settle down. Look, "paradise" is a strong word. And honestly? My first thought when I saw the brochure was, "Please let it not be just a fancy glorified public pool." It's... complex. The views? Stunning. The Belgian countryside? Breathtaking. One minute I was practically weeping over the rolling hills, the next I was muttering under my breath about the price of a tiny bottle of sparkling water. So, is it paradise? Maybe… if your idea of paradise involves a fluctuating body temperature and the constant threat of losing your towel. But seriously, the sauna experience itself was amazing. The first time I tried the sauna I was sure I'd faint so I paced around nervously until I was ready to get into it. Once I did, it was lovely. I kept going in and out to cool off. It can still be stressful if you don't know what you're doing.
What’s the vibe? Is it all zen and chanting, or can I at least *whisper* about the weather?
Okay, here’s the tea, unfiltered: It's *mostly* zen. Think hushed tones, people contemplating the universe, and a general air of, "Shhh, I'm trying to de-stress." I, however, am a notorious whisperer. I can't help it! My friend and I, we’d be in the sauna, and I'd be like, "Wow, this is hot, huh?" And she'd look at me with this withering gaze that basically said, "Susan, for the love of all that is holy, *be quiet*." Luckily, the staff are pretty laid-back. They're more about gently guiding you towards relaxation than policing your whispers. But if you're a loudmouth, maybe choose a less crowded time. And for the love of all things holy, don't bring your phone in! I saw someone trying to sneak photos, and the collective eye-rolling was something to behold. It's about unplugging, people!
The saunas… are they actually good? Because I've been to some that felt like sitting in a damp cupboard.
Let me tell you about the saunas, because this is where it gets *really* interesting. They have a whole range. One was like stepping into a burning embrace, and I was terrified, and delighted, all at once. Another was a gentler, more herbal-scented haven. The problem? I’m a total sauna newbie. I'm used to the dry heat of a California summer, which is nothing! My first time in the hottest one, I swear I thought my eyeballs were going to melt. I bolted out and poured cold water on myself. My friend, however, was a pro. She'd sit there for like 20 minutes, calmly sweating while I was practically combusting. So yeah, the saunas are good. *Really* good. But respect the heat, folks. Don't be a hero. The Aufguss was an experience. You have to go in and out.
The food & drink situation… is it extortionate? Because fancy spas are notorious for that.
Okay, the food and drink... brace yourselves. Yes, it's a tad on the expensive side. You're paying for the ambiance, the serenity, and the privilege of escaping reality. Don’t get me wrong, the quality was great. The sandwiches were delicious, and the drinks were divine. The cocktails? Beautiful and potent. But my inner cheapskate kept whispering, "You could have bought a week's worth of groceries for that much, Susan!" Pro-tip: bring your own water bottle. Hydration is key, plus you'll save a few euros. Is it extortionate? Maybe. Acceptable? Yeah, probably. Just... prepare your wallet. I would have stayed longer if the prices were better.
Is it adult-only? Because I’m desperately trying to escape the screaming children.
YES! Praise the heavens, it’s adult-only. Thank. God. It's a sanctuary from the chaos of everyday life. Imagine: no kids splashing, no tantrums, no constant demands for snacks. Just peace, quiet, and the gentle sigh of a well-rested soul. Honestly, that alone is worth the price of admission. I actually relaxed! I could hear myself think! It was glorious. However, it does attract a certain demographic. I felt old, surrounded by young couples. Still, it was worth it.
What's the best part of the whole experience? Besides, you know, *not* being around screaming children…
Hmm… the best part… That's a tough one. The whole experience is designed to be a "best part." I'd say it was the feeling of *actually* switching off. That first moment you emerge from the sauna, skin glowing, feeling lighter than air, and then you just lie down in a hammock and stare at the sky. No emails, no notifications, no to-do lists buzzing in your brain. Just… *being*. It's the kind of feeling you can only get by getting away. And honestly, my friend and I needed it. She’d been stressed about work and I was busy doing too much. The whole thing was the best part.
Would you go again? Be honest!
Ugh. Let me think... Yes. Absolutely. Even with the little imperfections, and the cost, and the sometimes-overwhelming heat. I miss it! I miss the peace, the quiet, and the feeling of being utterly and completely pampered. I’d go back in a heartbeat. I just need to start squirreling away money *now* for the next trip. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally master the art of the sauna without feeling like a melted candle... Or I won't. Either way, it's a good time.
