Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in La Escala, Spain!
Escape to Paradise: La Escala Belvilla – Or, How My Dream Vacation Almost Became a Nightmare (and Then a Dream Again!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to unleash a review of the Belvilla in La Escala, Spain, and let me tell you, it's been a journey. This wasn't just a vacation; this was supposed to be the escape. You know, the one you spend all year fantasizing about, picturing yourself lounging by the pool, sipping something icy, the salt air on your face… yeah. Let’s just say, it had its moments. And some of those moments involved me nearly losing it in the lobby.
Accessibility: (Mostly) Good, But…
Okay, let's start with the basics. Accessibility. Crucial, right? Well, the website definitely said wheelchair accessible, but… (deep breath). There were elevators, which was the big tick. The ramps outside seemed okay, though I didn't actually need a wheelchair – just to be clear – I’m assessing the accessibility for everyone here, which, if you're booking for someone who is or may need these facilities, it's a very important thing to check. The rooms themselves were pretty spacious…except the ones that had a balcony, which was a problem. The space was a bit tight. So, while technically accessible, it's not perfectly accessible. And if you're relying on complete ease of movement, call ahead and double-check.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: (Needs Work)
Here's where things started getting… less dreamy. The main restaurant’s entrance seemed fine, but the tables were packed a tad too close together. A wheelchair user (or someone with mobility issues) might find navigating a bit of a challenge, especially at busy times. (And trust me, it was busy.) The poolside bar? Same story. Tight spaces. Lovely views, though. Just maybe a little less lovely if you're trying not to bump into everyone.
Cleanliness and Safety: (The Heroes!)
Alright, this is where the Belvilla really shone! Seriously, these folks were on a mission. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and even room sanitization opt-out available? These guys were serious about making us feel safe. They had hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol, and they weren't just saying they were, they were! I felt genuinely comfortable. They even had sterilizing equipment, which, admittedly, I didn’t see in action but the thought made me feel safer. The sanitized kitchen and tableware items were spotless. Kudos to the housekeeping team! I also spotted individually wrapped food options which was a small detail, but a massive one in my book. Oh, and physical distancing of at least one meter! They actually enforced this, which, in the current world, is a godsend. And the daily disinfection in common areas! That helped me relax from all the other slightly chaotic elements.
Rooms: (Comfortable, with a Few Quirks)
The room? Pretty good, actually. I had an air conditioner, which was vital because Spain is hot! I appreciated the blackout curtains – essential for a lie-in. The free Wi-Fi worked flawlessly (thank goodness). There was a desk for… you know, pretending to work. I was grateful, for the daily housekeeping which made everything easier. Bathrobes, Slippers, and Complimentary tea, were all lovely additions, and there was even a refrigerator for keeping the wine cold (a very important detail). But… the best part? Definitely the balcony! Until I realized how the door locked… but more on that, later.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Mixed Bag, but Mostly Delicious)
The food? Oh, the food! Let's just say, I ate everything. The breakfast buffet was a feast (but, again, a little crowded). The Asian breakfast (I know, random, but delicious!) was a pleasant surprise. I gorged myself on the buffet in restaurant and sampled the desserts in restaurant. The restaurants themselves? Several options. A la carte in restaurant (fancy!), buffet in restaurant (stuff your face!), and… well, you get the idea. The salad in restaurant was beautifully presented, and there was even soup in restaurant. The poolside bar, was brilliant. The bottle of water delivered to the room! The only bummer? The happy hour drinks weren't exactly… happy hour prices.
Things to Do (or, How I Spent My Vacation… Mostly Relaxing):
I'm not a huge activity person. But there were plenty of options. Spa/sauna, Spa, a pool with a view (the view, by the way, was stunning). The fitness center… well, I looked at it. That's about it. I was more inclined to ways to relax, such as the massage (Oh, that was a dream). The steamroom was heavenly, the sauna was hot. I even considered a body scrub and a body wrap, but then I remembered I was on vacation and decided to… do nothing. This felt like a win.
The Incident: (When My Dream Almost Shattered)
Okay, so back to that balcony door. Remember? After a lovely day by the pool, feeling completely blissed out, I went to lock the balcony door. Click. Locked. But… wouldn’t open again. Not from the outside. Not from the inside. I was trapped. On the balcony. In the dark. With no phone. My inner monologue went something like this: “Oh. My. God. I am going to be stuck here all night. I’m going to be rescued by a passing seagull.” (Dramatic much?)
I started yelling. Loudly. Turns out, the wall separating me from all the other rooms was a serious sound barrier. Then, I heard a soft voice and found a lovely old lady on the balcony next door who gave me the magic word, which was the "reception" call number. (Still yelling by now). To their credit, the hotel staff were amazing. They got it sorted fast. I got a free bottle of wine, which I promptly guzzled on the, now safely accessible balcony, while watching the stars.
This is where the "Dream Again" part of the review, comes in.
What Saved the Day:
How could they possibly save the situation? They fixed the door. Apologized profusely. Gave me that wine. They’d done all this before and this was their specialty. And, more importantly, their attitude. They were genuinely concerned. They were apologetic. They cared. This wasn’t some generic corporate apology. It was heartfelt. That’s what changed everything. That’s what made me laugh about it later. That’s what made me give them five stars despite feeling momentarily stranded on a balcony.
The Verdict:
Would I go back? Absolutely. La Escala is stunning. The Belvilla, despite the minor hiccups, offers a fantastic experience. The staff are lovely, the food is delicious, and the safety protocols kept me feeling comfortable. And honestly, the whole balcony incident? It just made the story more memorable. It added a bit of character, a bit of… well, adventure.
Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Knocking off half a star for that balcony door!)
SEO & Metadata:
- Title: Escape to Paradise: La Escala Belvilla Review – Honeymoon, Family, Vacation
- Keywords: La Escala, Belvilla, Spain, vacation, review, hotel, spa, pool, accessible, family friendly, dining, seafood, relaxation, safety, COVID-19, balcony, incident
- Meta Description: My honest review of the Belvilla in La Escala, Spain! From pristine cleanliness to delicious food to a balcony nightmare turned hilarious redemption. Highlights and insights for families and travelers. Essential information regarding accessibility, family friendliness, and safety precautions.
- Focus: La Escala Belvilla Review
- Additional Tags: #LaEscala #Spain #Belvilla #VacationGoals #TravelReview #SpaLife #AccessibleTravel #FamilyVacation #COVIDSafe #HotelReview #HonestReview #TravelBlog
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a week in La Caleta, Spain, chez Belvilla by OYO. Let's be honest, the whole "luxury villa" thing had me picturing myself lounging in a silk robe sipping something terribly expensive. Spoiler alert: the reality was more "sweaty tourist attempting to navigate a rental car the size of a small aircraft." But hey, that's life, and it's usually far more entertaining than a perfectly curated Instagram feed.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Olive Oil Debacle (aka: The "Welcome to Hell" Moment)
Morning (ish): Barcelona Airport - Chaos. Absolute beautiful chaos. Finding the rental car was a Herculean task. Then, the car itself. A beast! I swear it was designed to terrify. But finally, we're on the road!
Afternoon: The scenic drive to La Escala was, well, scenic. Twisting roads, glimpses of the turquoise sea… I was almost zen. Almost. Then the satnav decided to send us down a dirt track that a goat would think twice about. Let's just say, the "luxury villa" vibe took a serious hit.
Evening: La Caleta! It's…lovely. The view from the terrace is seriously stunning, overlooking the bay. We unpacked, fighting off the urge to spontaneously combust from the heat, and then… the kitchen. Oh, the kitchen.
- The Olive Oil Incident: It started innocently. I was trying to make a simple pasta dish. Found the olive oil, which… was sealed so tightly I had to get both arms wrapped around the bottle and practically wrestle with it. Then, success! It popped open, and a glorious, verdant stream of olive oil gushed out, coating everything. The countertops, the new shirt (a limited edition from the last sale) even the ceiling. I looked like a glistening, olive-oil-drenched statue. Panic, lots of paper towels and a near-breakdown. Lesson learned: kitchen prep is a WAR.
- Dinner: Finally, we salvaged the pasta. It tasted amazing, maybe because it was the first meal of the trip. We sat on the terrace, watching the sunset. It's good. We survived.
Day 2: Beach Day Bliss & The Mystery of the Unexplained Footprints
- Morning: BEACH DAY! The beach at La Escala is beautiful, golden sand, crystal-clear water. We found a spot, unloaded our mountain of beach paraphernalia (sunscreen, towels, and an entire library). Then, we attempted to swim. The waves were surprisingly strong, and I'm pretty sure I swallowed half the Mediterranean Sea.
- Afternoon: Sunbathing. Napping. Repeat. Honestly, the sun did a number on me. I woke up with a faint sense of existential dread (and a sunburn, naturally).
- Evening: Exploring La Escala town. It does not get old. The restaurants lining the harbor looked amazing, so beautiful and with the smell of fried fish. We ended up getting the most delicious tapas. We also noticed some weird, giant footprints in the sand near our villa. Someone must be getting tired of it because they are getting too large to be human-like. We'll look into it.
Day 3: Cadaqués & The Art of Getting Lost (and Found)
- Morning: A day trip to Cadaqués, the coastal town that has inspired artists such as Salvador Dalí. The drive was beautiful. Twisting roads. The scenery.
- Afternoon: Cadaqués. The town itself is gorgeous - white-washed buildings, winding streets, and a harbor filled with boats. We spent an hour walking around getting lost in the narrow streets. Seriously, I swear I saw the same shop three times. And that's before the REAL getting lost began. We found the Dalí Museum - it was strange, inspiring, and made my brain hurt in the best way.
- Evening: Heading back to the villa. We stopped for a drink at a little tapas place on the way. That was the plan at least. Getting back to the villa… that was a whole other adventure. Turns out, getting back to the villa from Cadaqués at night is an exercise in faith and blind luck. We were driving in circles for hours only to have to turn around and go the way we just came.
Day 4: Roman Ruins & Cooking Classes Gone Wild
- Morning: Roman ruins. I'm not a history buff, but these were pretty impressive. Big stones, archways, and the lingering feeling that if I just dug a little deeper, I'd find a priceless artifact (spoiler alert: I didn't). The ruins were very crowded which was a serious bummer.
- Afternoon: The cooking class. This was supposed to be a highlight. Learning to make authentic Catalan dishes! We're cooking our own paella! Sounds great, right? Wrong. The teacher spoke a mile a minute in a language I didn't understand, I butchered half the vegetables, and the paella…well, let's just say the dog, bless her little heart, loved it.
- Evening: Wine, good company and a lot of laughs. We're going to perfect that paella.
Day 5: Kayaking & The Near-Death Experience of the Seas
- Morning: Time for some adrenaline! Kayaking in the bay. The water was so clear, and the coastline was beautiful, perfect, serene…until the wind picked up. Then, it was a struggle. I'm pretty sure I almost capsized three times, desperately paddling to stay afloat.
- Afternoon: Back on land, a much-needed rest. I also did some shopping and got some new clothing since the last ones were forever soiled by the olive oil.
- Evening: Paella round two, now it tasted pretty great and we actually finished the whole thing.
Day 6: Empúries & The Beach Again (Because Why Not?)
- Morning: Exploring Empúries, the Greek and Roman archaeological site. More old rocks, but this time with a stunning view of the sea. The history of the site wasn't as crowded as the Roman ruins, with the sun blazing down on our heads.
- Afternoon: You know how sometimes a bad thing makes you realize you can still enjoy life? Yeah, the beach. This time, we brought more beach gear as well as new sunscreen.
- Evening: Packing. Then, one last sunset on the terrace. Tears. The good kind.
Day 7: Departure & The Bitter Farewell
- Morning: Last breakfast. One last pan con tomate (my new obsession). One last look at that incredible view from the terrace. That view, that's what I'll remember.
- Afternoon: The drive to Barcelona airport. Tears. Sadness. I really don't want to leave the villa.
- Evening: Home. And already dreaming of the next adventure.
Final Thoughts:
La Caleta at Belvilla by OYO. The perfect spot, the beautiful scenery, the charming town. Yes, some mishaps, but the trip was a reminder that sometimes the best memories are made when things don't go according to plan. And the olive oil stains? Those are a badge of honor. Now, where's the next adventure? Because I'm already planning it.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Privas, France Holiday Home with Pool!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in La Escala, Spain! ...Maybe? Let's Talk.
Alright, alright, La Escala... is it *really* paradise? I saw the photos... they looked staged. Tell me the *truth*.
Okay, deep breaths. Paradise? Look, nobody delivers *actual* paradise, okay? The photos on the Belvilla site? Yeah, they're probably touched up, like my Tinder profile. But La Escala? It's got a shot. Really, *really* good shot. I mean, the air... it actually *smells* different, like salt and sunshine and... something cooking that I *think* was paella but could have been anything. And the sea! God, the sea. Blue, like... well, like the perfect Instagram filter *wishes* it could be.
The *truth*? It's not perfect. The "cobblestone streets" sometimes feel more like a medieval torture device on your ankles in flip-flops. And remember that charming little bakery in the brochures? Expect a massive queue at peak season. But honestly? Those imperfections? They make it *real*. They make you feel like you're actually *living* instead of just posing for a brochure.
Belvilla... are they legit? I've heard horror stories about rental companies. Do I have to worry about hidden fees and... bedbugs? *shudders*
Okay, so let's get real: bedbugs are a legitimate fear. Always check the mattress! (I'm not even kidding, I've learned the hard way.) As for Belvilla... look, I'll tell you my experience. I booked a place, a little stone thing with a balcony overlooking... well, *something*. It worked. The photos were... mostly accurate. There was a misunderstanding about the cleaning fee, which I grumbled about (loudly, probably in a stressed-out hybrid of English and panicked Spanish), but it got sorted.
Hidden fees? Yeah, they exist – read everything, then read it again. Bedbugs? I can't guarantee anything, but the place I stayed in was *mostly* clean. My advice? Take a good look at the reviews, and if the reviews are all glowing, treat it with a healthy dose of skepticism. But if there are a few niggles, then you know the place will *atleast* be Real.
What about the *actual* Belvilla? The house itself...? Were you, like, thrilled? Disappointed? Tell me everything!
Okay, the house. Ah, the house. It was... *characterful*. That's the polite word, right? Let's be brutally honest... the bathroom? Tiny. Like, *really* tiny. I'm not a large person, but I felt like I was showering in a phone booth. But then... the view! From that balcony... *chef's kiss*. Seriously, it was worth the sardine-can shower.
And remember that charming little courtyard in the description? Perfect for a romantic evening with a bottle of wine and... wait for it... *mosquitoes*. Seriously, those little buggers were relentless. So, pack the bug spray. Seriously. I ended up looking like I lost a fight with a swarm of angry wasps. But hey, at least the stars were beautiful.
One more thing: I'm a coffee addict, and the coffee maker was that old percolator kind. You wouldn't think it would be a problem, would you? But the first morning... Disaster (probably due to a hangover from the delicious Sangria). Undrinkable sludge. So, I had to go on a *quest* for a decent café, which led me down some charming little back streets, and, eventually, to the *best* croissant I've ever tasted. So, maybe the imperfect house wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
La Escala specifically... what's the *vibe*? Is it all tourists and overpriced tapas, or is there some actual Spanish *soul* left?
Okay, La Escala. It's a *mix*. Definitely a mix. Touristy? Yes. Are there overpriced tapas? Sadly, yes. But... and this is a big BUT... there's *soul*. There has to be. The people? They were generally lovely, even when I butchered their language. The local market? Stunning. The actual taste of the fish is so good, and it makes all the ready-made sauces that you are used to make you feel ill. And the little bars where the locals hang out? They’re gold. That’s where you find the *real* food, the *real* stories, the *real* Spain.
I remember one night... I tried to order a beer (again, my Spanish is atrocious). And the waiter – a grizzled, amazing man with a twinkle in his eye – just started laughing. Then, he brought me a beer anyway. And we managed to have a conversation, mostly through gestures and laughter, about the weather, the sea, and the utter stupidity of tourists (myself included). It was perfect.
Food! The *food*! Tell me everything. What do I *have* to eat?
Okay, food. Prepare to loosen your belt. Seriously. You *have* to eat the paella. But be warned: they're not all created equal. Do some research, ask the locals (in broken Spanish, of course!), and you'll find a gem. The seafood? Obvious, but it's *amazing*. Seriously, the freshest, most flavorful fish I've ever had. And the *jamón*... oh, God, the *jamón*. I may or may not have eaten an entire leg (kidding... mostly).
And the bakeries! The pastries are divine. I’m still dreaming of those croissants. And the *vino*? Affordable, delicious, and readily available. You've been warned. I came back a few kilos heavier, but hey, it was worth it. Because if you didn't try the food, did you even go?
Okay, so tell me straight up: would you go back?
Without a doubt. Yes. Absolutely. Even with the tiny bathroom, the mosquitoes, and the potential for a questionable cleaning fee. La Escala has a way of getting under your skin. It’s not perfect, but that's exactly what makes it perfect. Yes, absolutely I would go back. I am already looking at dates. See, I could sit here and tell you all about the places to see, the food to eat, and the wine to drink but honestly, my favorite memory is just walking the streets. That is what matters. And that's what I will do again.
So book the Belvilla, pack your bags (and your bug spray), and prepare for an adventure. Just remember... embrace the imperfections. They’re the best parts of the story.
Packing Essentials - Don't forget!
- Bug Spray (Seriously, I can't stress this enough)
- Sunscreen (Protect that lovely skin)
- A good adapter (for your devices)
- Basic Spanish Vocabulary (Even aHotel Search TodayBelvilla by OYO La Caleta La Escala SpainBelvilla by OYO La Caleta La Escala Spain
