Escape to Paradise: Luxurious De Veluwe Villa w/ Dishwasher!
Escape to Paradise? More Like… Escape to Almost Paradise: De Veluwe Villa Review (Dishwasher Included!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from "Escape to Paradise: Luxurious De Veluwe Villa w/ Dishwasher!" and let me tell you, the reality was…a little more complicated than the brochure promised. Like, less "paradise," more "charming, slightly quirky Dutch countryside experience." And yes, the dishwasher was a lifesaver. More on that, later.
First, the Basics (and the Accessibility Soapbox)
Let's start with the nitty-gritty. This place claims to be accessible. Let's be frank: it's a mixed bag. The elevator was a godsend, and having an elevator is a HUGE win, especially if you have mobility issues (like I did!). Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is promising, but I didn't delve too deeply into specific accessibility features beyond the elevator. I did notice facilities for disabled guests listed, but I don't have firsthand experience to fully assess them. Important to verify specifics with the villa directly before booking.
Accessibility: 6/10 - Potential for improvement. The elevator is a huge plus, but more in-depth accessibility info needed.
Internet & Tech Woes: Or, How I Learned to Love (and Hate) Wi-Fi
Alright, internet. We're talking about a modern necessity these days, right? The listing brags about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access. The Internet access – wireless was mostly reliable… unless you were trying to stream that one show (you know the one, the binge-worthy guilty pleasure). Then, cue the buffering wheel of doom. Internet access – LAN was an option, but who unpacks a LAN cable these days? I mean, I could have, but…lazy vacation vibes were on high alert. Thankfully, the Wi-Fi for special events was reliable, but I didn’t exactly have a special event on this trip.
Internet: 7/10 - Mostly there, but occasional streaming hiccups. Bring a good book. Or a VPN, maybe.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Sanitization Symphony
This is where De Veluwe actually shines. Given the current climate (you know, the one with the invisible, spiky things), I was relieved. The Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly in use. I could almost smell the hygiene! Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Yep. The staff were diligent about the Hand sanitizer situation, and I felt pretty safe overall. They also had Hot water linen and laundry washing, and I do like my linens extra clean. I chose to opt out of the Room sanitization opt-out available, because I wanted to be extra safe, so I could see the sanitization process. They had a First aid kit, but I never needed it. They had Doctors and nurses on call, but I was perfectly healthy while I was there. And of course, the staff were trained in the safety protocols.
Cleanliness & Safety: 9/10 - Top marks for hygiene. Made me feel far more relaxed about, you know, life.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Get ready for this one. The food situation at De Veluwe was…complex. Let's start with the positives: the Asian breakfast was actually really good. A welcome change from the standard continental fare (though I wasn't able to sample the Western breakfast), and the Coffee/tea in restaurant was good and plentiful. I definitely enjoyed a coffee or two. The Restaurants offered a couple of good experiences, one that I'll be reliving for weeks. And yes, there’s a restaurant.
However, there were some downsides. Getting a vegetarian option was a real struggle. I'd actually consider the vegetarian restaurant to be average at best. The A la carte in restaurant was hit or miss. Also, breakfast wasn't included, which I found a bit frustrating.
The Poolside bar was lovely for a sundowner, and the Bar offered a decent selection. However, the Happy hour deals were… a little underwhelming. The Bottle of water was much appreciated.
Dining: 6/10 - Decent overall, but the vegetarian options and included stuff need a serious revamp.
Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Sauna Dreams
Now, the spa stuff… this is where De Veluwe almost delivers on its "luxurious" promise. They have a Spa, a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Swimming pool with a view. I enjoyed a pleasant massage (a massage), which was divine, and I enjoyed the steamroom as well. (And hey, the bathroom was stocked with complimentary Bathrobes!)
Overall, the experience was enjoyable. It could be a lot better, especially with the current facilities.
Ways to Relax: 7/10 - Spa amenities are promising, but the execution could use some polish.
For the Kids: Family Fun
I didn't travel with kids, but the villa seemed well-equipped. There are Babysitting service (which is always good to know), and they are definitely Family/child friendly. I wasn't able to enjoy any of the Kids facilities, but I saw that they were there.
For the Kids: 8/10 - Seems well-suited for families, though I didn't experience it firsthand.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and the Big Ones)
This is where De Veluwe shows its true colors. The Concierge was super helpful. The Dry cleaning and Laundry service were lifesavers (especially after that particularly muddy bike ride). The Daily housekeeping kept the place sparkling. And the Car park [free of charge] was a welcome relief from exorbitant parking fees. I also enjoyed the Terrace while I was there.
Services and Conveniences: 8/10 - Efficient and helpful. A solid performance.
Available in all rooms: The Essentials
My room had all the necessary amenities, including Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, a Coffee/tea maker, plus a desk, a Free bottled water, a Hair dryer and so much more.
Available in all rooms: 9/10 - Comfortable and well-equipped. Not much to complain about.
Getting Around: Pedal Power and Parking Perks
They provided Car park [free of charge] - A huge plus! They even had Bicycle parking, which was perfect for exploring the Veluwe.
Getting Around: 9/10 - Easy peasy.
The Dishwasher… and the Verdict!
Here's the thing: "Escape to Paradise" isn't quite paradise. It's more like a comfortable, well-appointed base camp for exploring a beautiful region. The occasional streaming issues and the hit-or-miss dining were minor annoyances, but the cleanliness, the helpful staff, and (yes, I'm going back to it) the dishwasher, made it a worthwhile experience. My stay was enhanced by the presence of the dishwasher, which made everything more convenient.
Overall Score: 7.5/10 - A solid choice, especially if you prioritize cleanliness, convenience, and having a dishwasher in a villa. It's not perfect, but it's got a certain Dutch charm. I would definitely return. And, I'd probably pack my own streaming device, just in case.
Escape to Your Own Belgian Sauna Paradise: Renovated Vielsalm Apartment!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a trip to De Veluwe, Netherlands – and let me tell you, this isn't going to be some perfectly curated Instagram grid. It's going to be… well, me. And that means messy, opinionated, and probably involving copious amounts of stroopwafels. We're staying in a luxurious villa, complete with a dishwasher (PRAISE ALL THINGS HOLY!), so expect some serious relaxation. But also, expect me to get lost, get hangry, and possibly accidentally set off the smoke alarm with my experimental cooking. Here's the (loose) plan:
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Dishwasher Debut
14:00 - Arrival! Okay, first things first: the drive. Ugh, the drive. I’m terrible at directions. Every turn is a gamble. Thankfully, GPS, bless your robotic little heart. Once there, after a minor panic about the key fob (me: "Is this it? Is this the end?" Villa: "Nope, just the gate.") we’re in! The villa is… well, it’s ridiculous. In a good way. Like, imagine a Pinterest board exploded in a good friend’s home.
15:00 - The Dishwasher Reveal. First priority: locate the dishwasher. I practically skipped into the kitchen. Honestly, I think I’m more excited about this machine than I am about the actual vacation. (Dishwashers, am I right? Savior of sanity.) Let's just hope I can figure out how to actually use it.
16:00 - Villa Exploration and Gawk. We'll unpack and then do a serious walk-through. We'll admire the roaring fireplace (because, cliché, and I love a roaring fire.) and the floor-to-ceiling windows (because, nature!) And I am secretly hoping there’s a bathtub big enough to swim in.
17:00 - Snack Attack and Nature Walk Fail. Dutch food? I've never actually eaten Dutch food. So, I raided my travel bag of snacks. This is where the hunger kicks in. I’m thinking stroopwafels, probably. We decide to take a short stroll in the woods nearby. "Short". Famous last words. Fifteen minutes in, I'm convinced we're hopelessly lost, tangled in a web of tree roots and my own existential dread. Note to self: pack emergency snacks.
19:00 - Cooking Attempt #1 (with Dishwasher Trial Run). Ah, dinner. Time to conquer the kitchen! Okay, here is where things get real. I figured I'd keep it simple, a nice pasta dish. And then I realized I'd forgotten half the ingredients. So, we improvise. This is when I'm hoping the dishwasher magically cleans all the mess. Here's hoping the smoke alarm is on good terms with us.
21:00 - Fireplace Fun & Nightcap. After nearly burning down the villa (kidding! Mostly.) we'll enjoy the fireplace with a glass of wine. This is where the real relaxation begins. I'll probably ramble to my travel companion about my life, my fears, my love of chocolate-covered pretzels.
Day 2: Bikes, Bears, and Bitter Memories
09:00 - Bike Ride of Doom (and Delight). We rented bikes! The plan: a scenic cycle through the Veluwe National Park. The reality: I'm pretty sure my handlebars are trying to escape. I also spent a solid fifteen minutes just trying to figure out how the gears work. We will probably get lost again. It's inevitable. But the scenery is supposed to be stunning. I'm praying I don't fall into a ditch of mud.
11:00 - Hoge Veluwe National Park (The Kröller-Müller Museum). Okay, this is the serious bit. A museum with a massive Van Gogh collection. Here's hoping my inner art critic can actually appreciate things. I'll make sure to take the most smug art-gallery photos possible.
14:00 - Picnic Mishap. We pack a picnic lunch. Sandwiches, fruit, the works! Except, I clumsily drop half the sandwiches in the grass. Ants. Everywhere. Let's just say the idyllic picnic scene quickly devolved into a battle against tiny invaders.
15:00 - Hike to nowhere and Squirrel Therapy. Deciding the bike ride was too risky for a second day in a row, we are back to walking. This time, it's the trails. We'll ramble, admire the trees, and secretly judge all the other hikers who look so much more put-together than us. I’m hoping to spot a wild boar. Or, at the very least, a cute squirrel. Maybe.
17:00 - Relaxation Time! (and possibly the sauna). Hot tub! Is it? I hope there is. This is where I indulge. Maybe try too much of it.
19:00 - Dinner Out (and the memory of a former Dutch Dinner) So, no cooking tonight. It's a local restaurant. I'm remembering the last time I've been to this country, a Dutch pancake, where I did not feel well afterwards… I hope this will not happen this time!
Day 3: Farewell (and the Dishwasher's Legacy)
09:00 - Last Morning Rituals. The final breakfast. The final coffee. The final struggle to pack those oddly-shaped souvenirs. I swear, I'll learn the KonMari method one day… maybe.
10:00 - Park Hike, Take Two. One last walk around. This is the bittersweet moment where you realize the vacation is ending, but the prospect of returning to your own bed is also quite appealing.
12:00 - Packing and Cleaning (The Dishwasher's Swan Song). Time to face the inevitable: packing. And (GASP!) cleaning the villa. The final test: can the dishwasher successfully clean all the dishes? The pressure is on.
14:00 - Farewell, Veluwe! Time to say goodbye. I'll probably get emotional. Or, at the very least, slightly melancholic. This vacation felt like a great escape. Maybe I'll be back. In the meantime, it's time to return to civilization.
Notes:
- This itinerary is subject to change. Heavily subject to change.
- I fully intend to mispronounce Dutch words. I’m sorry, in advance.
- I'm not afraid of looking foolish. In fact, I embrace it.
- Expect to see me, mostly, embracing the freedom of a vacation with very little structure.
- Wish me luck. And, for the love of all that is holy, wish me luck with that dishwasher!
Escape to Paradise (Hopefully): Your Veluwe Villa Questions, Answered (With a Side of Reality)
Okay, Dishwasher! Tell Me Everything! (Is It REALLY a Dream?)
Alright, let's tackle the elephant in the room, or should I say, the *dishwasher* in the villa. Yes, it *has* a dishwasher. Thank GLOB! Because honestly, after a day of hiking and gorging ourselves on stroopwafels, the LAST thing I want to do is hand-wash a mountain of dirty dishes. (Unless the dishwasher is broken. I'm getting ahead of myself.)
I've stayed in places before… I won't name names, but let's just say the "dishwasher" was a sink full of lukewarm water and a rusty sponge. This Veluwe villa... it's a different ballgame. Think sleek, modern, probably even got a setting for "delicate crystal." (I won't be testing *that* setting, though. My clumsy hands and expensive glassware don't mix well, I once broke a wine glass just looking at it.)
What's the Wi-Fi Like? Because, You Know... Life Happens (even in Paradise)
Wi-Fi. The modern-day lifeline. Look, let's be real: "Paradise" means different things to different people. For some, it’s disconnecting. For me? It's a *mix*. I need to check my work emails (sigh), post ridiculously envy-inducing pictures of myself on Instagram, and, you know, occasionally order pizza because cooking is hard. And frankly, let's get real: even in a "luxurious" villa, sometimes you just want a greasy, cheesy slice of heaven.
The listing *says* it's good. I've been burned before. "Good Wi-Fi" can mean anything from "barely functional" to "suffocatingly slow". I'll be honest, I'm expecting a connection good enough for streaming a movie, maybe even a video call, maybe even upload those enviable photos of the amazing landscape of De Veluwe. If I can't, well, I'll be *very* cranky. And probably writing a strongly-worded review. (Don’t tell the owner that, though, I’m usually a very nice guest… usually.)
The Location, Location, Location... Right In The Middle of Nowhere? (Or Is it Close to Actual Civilization?)
De Veluwe. Beautiful, yes. Remote? Probably. That's the vibe I'm getting. I *want* to be "in the thick of nature." I want to breathe the fresh air. I want to see deer frolicking (okay, maybe not frolicking, but at least standing still for a photo).
But... and this is a big BUT... I also want to be able to get a decent cup of coffee without driving two hours. Or a croissant. All those things. So, the listing mentions charming villages and shops are within easy reach. "Easy reach" could mean anything. "Easy reach" for a Dutchman is probably a lot further than "easy reach" for a city dweller like me. I'm calculating drive times in my head. And secretly, I'm already researching the best bakery in the area. (Priorities, people!) I'll update you. Wish me luck.
Is it Really "Luxurious"? (Because I've Seen "Luxurious" Before...)
Ah, the million-dollar question. "Luxurious." That word is thrown around like confetti. I've stayed in "luxurious" hotels that had stained carpets and a minibar stocked with stale peanuts. So, my expectations are, shall we say, *tempered.*
The photos look amazing, though. Think sleek, modern, maybe even a fireplace (I'm a sucker for a fireplace). But the *true* test of luxury is in the details. Are the towels fluffy? Are there enough outlets to charge all my devices? Is the coffee machine easy to use? (I can't emphasize this enough.) Is the mattress comfortable? The devil is in the details. Watch this space for an unvarnished review, folks. I'm expecting something more than basic luxury but not too much. I am not afraid to admit that I need this vacation.
About Those Bikes...Are They Actually USEABLE? (And How Much Do I Need to Worry About Getting Lost?)
Free bikes! My first thought: YES! My second thought: Are they rusty, rusty, rusty death traps? I'm a *terrible* cyclist. Like, I almost took out a small child on a bicycle path last year. (Apologies, little Timmy!) So, I'm hoping they're in good condition. And preferably, with gears that, you know, WORK. I'm also picturing myself getting hopelessly lost in the Veluwe forest. (I have a terrible sense of direction.)
The listing mentions cycling trails. Hopefully well-marked cycling trails. I'm going to need a map, a compass, and maybe a rescue beacon. Or, you know, just a very, very good GPS on my phone. Regardless, a good bike and navigation are vital. I'm picturing myself coming back from a long ride, sun-kissed, invigorated, and feeling totally smug. Or, maybe I'll be covered in mud, eaten alive by bugs, and hopelessly lost. Knowing my luck, it's probably a bit of both. Should be Fun!
What Should I Pack? (Because I'm Over-Packer, and Need Help!)
Okay, packing. My Achilles' heel. I'm the queen of overpacking. I pack for every possible scenario, even the ones that are highly unlikely to occur. (Like needing a ball gown while hiking.)
So, here's my *attempt* at a more realistic packing list, based on the villa listing and my own neurotic tendencies: Comfy clothes (obviously), hiking boots (essential), rain gear (because Dutch weather), a swimsuit (even though the listing *doesn't* mention a pool, just in case), a book (or three), a good coffee mug (priorities!), phone chargers (plural!), insect repellent (those Veluwe bugs…!), sunscreen, a small emergency kit, a bottle of wine (or two), and...well, probably more. (I'll let you know if I actually wear half of it. Spoiler alert: I won't.) I'm packing a spare toothbrush. Just in case. You never know.
