Unbelievable Masmore Find! Luxury Belvilla in Spain's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Masmore Find! Luxury Belvilla in Spain's Hidden Gem! - A Review That's Actually Real (Yeah, Really)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the sangria on my recent stay at this… ahem… "Luxury Belvilla in Spain's Hidden Gem." Let me tell you, the "hidden gem" part is definitely true. Finding the damn place felt like a treasure hunt designed by a particularly mischievous leprechaun. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
Let's dive in, shall we? This isn't your sanitized, corporate-speak review. This is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth… or at least, my slightly biased version of it.
Accessibility & Basic Stuff (Before the Glamour!)
Okay, first things first. The website said it was accessible. And by accessible, I mean… well, it claimed to be. Accessibility: The truth is, while they had some ramps and the website mentioned facilities for disabled guests, the actual execution felt… patchy. Finding a detailed accessibility report? Good luck. I’m not disabled myself, but I did see some folks struggling with a few inclines. It's not completely off-limits, but definitely inquire very specifically about your needs before booking. Elevator, yes. CCTV in common areas & outside property: Yup, security's tight, which is reassuring… or a little creepy, depending on your mood. Check-in/out [express & private]: Both available, thankfully. After the aforementioned treasure hunt, a quick check-in was essential.
Cleanliness & Safety - The Covid-Era Reality
This is where they really shone. The whole freakin' place felt like it had been scrubbed with unicorn tears. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection? Double check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Triple check! I even saw them disinfecting the elevator buttons, which, let's be honest, is the most important thing in the world right now. Professional-grade sanitizing services were clearly in effect. Rooms sanitization opt-out available - a nice touch for the eco-conscious. Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. And the pièce de résistance? Staff trained in safety protocol. They were like little disinfecting ninjas, always masked, always vigilant. Seriously, if there was a germ within a mile radius, those folks would find it and obliterate it. Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Individually-wrapped food options, and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Yes, yes, and yes. Felt like they were taking it seriously, which, in these times, is incredibly comforting. Hot water linen and laundry washing: a must. Hygiene certification: I didn't see a specific one, but their actions spoke louder than any piece of paper.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (and a little bit of whining…)
Okay, the rooms. Ah, the rooms! Available in all rooms: Air conditioning: Yep. Alarm clock: Surprisingly, yes (I almost forgot how to use one). Bathrobes & Slippers? Oh, hell yes. Blackout curtains: Crucial for dealing with the Spanish sun – and my late-night Netflix binges (More on that later…). Coffee/tea maker? Bingo! Complimentary tea & Free bottled water: Essentials, folks. Daily housekeeping: God bless them. Desk & Extra-long bed: Checked. Free Wi-Fi: YES! In-room safe box: also checked. Internet access – LAN & wireless : both available. Ironing facilities? Yup. Laptop workspace: Yes! Mini bar: Excellent. Non-smoking & On-demand movies: Good choices and fun to watch. Private bathroom: Obviously. Reading light, Refrigerator: Yes. Satellite/cable channels: YES! Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower: all there. Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa: fine. Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: You get the picture. It was pretty well-equipped.
And the view, from my high-floor room? Absolutely stunning. That open window let in the crisp mountain air and the sounds… well, the sounds weren’t always as perfect, sometimes, the neighbor’s dog barked at 3 AM… but the vista! It totally made up for it. Air conditioning in public area: Fine. Carpeting: Eh, it was okay, nothing super luxurious. Closet? Plenty of room for my… ahem… vast wardrobe.
But here’s the small, pathetic complaint: The pillows. Oh, sweet baby cheeses, the pillows. They were like, bricks wrapped in cotton. I tried to make friends with one, and I swear it tried to strangle me. They need a pillow upgrade, pronto! Other than the pillows, the rooms were truly fantastic.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Personal Paradise/Purgatory
This is where my stay went from "pretty damn good" to "borderline hedonistic." Seriously, I could have easily gained 10 pounds just walking through the various food options.
Let's start with breakfast. Breakfast [buffet] & Breakfast service: Yes. Asian breakfast? Western breakfast? Both! A la carte in restaurant - Of course. The buffet was a masterpiece. Think mountains of pastries (my weakness!), fresh fruit, sizzling bacon, and enough coffee to fuel a small army. I may have, possibly, eaten three plates of pancakes one morning. Don't judge me. And after that, just a little of things that made my tummy happy. Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar: All present and accounted for.
Then there was dinner. Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: They have everything. Bar, Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: And it was all delicious. I’m talking melt-in-your-mouth paella, perfectly grilled steak, and a wine list that could make a sommelier weep with joy. I tried the room service [24-hour] a couple of times, and it was fast and very yummy. Also, they have Alternative meal arrangement if you have some dietary restrictions.
I may have spent a significant amount of my vacation in a food coma. Worth it? Absolutely.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Spa Days and Mountain Adventures!
This is where things got… well, luxurious. They really want you to relax!
Body scrub & Body wrap? Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: My inner sloth was thrilled. I started with a full-body massage (heaven!), followed by some time in the sauna (sweat out all the pancakes!), and then spent the afternoon lounging by the outdoor pool. The pool with view… Oh, the view. Mountains stretching as far as the eye could see. Pure bliss.
I also, surprisingly, managed to work out in the Fitness center once (I was feeling guilty about the pancakes). It's well-equipped, but I’m pretty sure the machines were secretly judging me. And don't forget the Spa: I can't say enough good things about the spa. The staff were incredibly friendly and professional, and the treatments were top-notch. I felt like a pampered queen (a slightly overweight, slightly sunburnt queen, but a queen nonetheless).
The website listed a bunch of other activities, like hiking, biking, and exploring the local villages, but… let’s be honest. I spent most of my time horizontal. They also had some Audio-visual equipment for special events, Meetings, Seminar, but I didn't take part in it.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
Business facilities: available. Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman; Dry cleaning, Elevator: all the basics are there. Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage: it can be a little bit of work, but a safe one. Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed: Too bad. Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: more peace of mind. Terrace: I saw one!
For the Kids - Family Friendly? You Bet!
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: This is where I can really only trust what I read and heard. They seemed to have quite a few of those, and they seemed to love it.
Getting Around - A Necessary Note
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Having a car is basically essential. The "hidden gem" is… well, it's hidden. Parking was easy, though - plenty of space and a **Car park [free
Escape to Your Dream Forest Cabin: Luxurious Apartment in Nieheim, Germany
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to the tiny, gorgeous, potentially disastrous (in the BEST way) Masmore Petit in Vulpellac, Spain. Expect flip-flopping plans, existential crises about tapas, and the very real possibility of me face-planting in a vineyard. Let's GO!
Belvilla by OYO: Masmore Petit, Vulpellac - Operation: Sun-Kissed Sanity (Possibly)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Tapas Contemplation
- Morning (ish): Fly into Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO). Pray the luggage gods are merciful. Already stressed - the flight's delayed. Great start. Arriving late means less time for tapas… THIS IS REVOLTING!
- Mid-Morning (eventually): Pick up rental car. Pray harder this time. (Manual gearbox? Seriously? Remind self to breathe…and possibly google “how to start a manual car without stalling”).
- Late-Morning (fingers crossed): Drive to Vulpellac. The scenery better be as breathtaking as everyone says, because after that flight, I NEED it. Expecting rolling hills, olive groves… and maybe a breakdown.
- Afternoon (and early evening): Arrive at Masmore Petit. Unpack. Admire the rustic charm (and the fact I haven't killed myself with the car yet).
- First Impression Ramblings: Okay, it's cute. Seriously, ridiculously cute. Stone walls! Tiny windows! The smell of… something earthy and good! Feeling optimistic.
- Immediate Imperfection: The wifi is… a distant memory. Prepare for digital detox, whether you like it or not.
- Evening: Tapas quest! First restaurant in La Bisbal d’Empordà (the nearest town). The pressure is ON. I've dreamt of these little plates of happiness for weeks.
- Tapas Trauma (or Triumph): Okay, it was a mixed bag. The patatas bravas were heavenly. Seriously, I could weep over those potatoes. The chorizo? A bit rubbery. The wine, though… chef's kiss. Felt a pang of sadness that there was no one to share the experience.
- Rambling tangent: I'm eating alone. I knew this would be (partially) a "solo adventure" but it’s hitting me hard right now. The "romantic" tapas experience is kinda lost when you're staring into your wine glass wondering if the waiter thinks you're a loser. But, hey, at least I only have to split the bill with myself. Silver linings, people!
- Post-meal revelation: Found a church that has a sign in English for "free admission". It's closed. I'm walking back to the car. It's dark. I'm alone. I feel… melancholy, but also, kind of… zen? Maybe the wine is kicking in. Either way, time for bed (early start tomorrow!)
- Tapas Trauma (or Triumph): Okay, it was a mixed bag. The patatas bravas were heavenly. Seriously, I could weep over those potatoes. The chorizo? A bit rubbery. The wine, though… chef's kiss. Felt a pang of sadness that there was no one to share the experience.
Day 2: Pottery, Pain, and Possibly a Piglet
- Morning: La Bisbal d’Empordà Pottery Market! This is what I'm really excited about. I LOVE pottery. The colours the textures… I want to buy EVERYTHING. My wallet is already screaming.
- Pottery Panic: Okay, I went rogue. I got a ceramic bowl and a tiny, ridiculously charming piglet figurine. I think I have a problem.
- Emotional Outburst: It’s beautiful, and I feel a connection… I'm getting emotional over ceramics.
- Mid-day: Attempted Hike (Spoiler: Didn't go as planned): "Easy" hike near Vulpellac. Famous last words. I got lost. And the heat. Holy mother of… the heat!
- Hike Hysteria: I saw a goat. A goat! I think I was having a heat stroke. I'm currently curled up in the shade of a particularly grumpy-looking olive tree, chugging water. I smell of sweat and despair.
- Post-Hike Analysis: Lesson learned: Always bring more water. And maybe don't attempt anything labelled "easy" after a significant tapas session.
- Afternoon: Back to Masmore Petit for a well-deserved collapse. Read a book (if I can find a decent spot to sit out of the sun).
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. More tapas. More wine. Hoping for better chorizo this time.
- Dinner reflections: Finally met some locals in a restaurant. They spoke no English. I spoke approximately none of their language. We laughed. Good times.
- Quirky observation: The cats here are ridiculously well-fed. Clearly, someone is looking after them.
Day 3: Vineyard Vibes & Wine-Induced Wisdom
- Morning: Visit a local vineyard for wine tasting. This is the main event, the climax. The reason I came.
- Vineyard Revelation: The vineyard owner was this amazing, ancient man named Carlos who was absolutely dripping with charisma. Told me stories, poured me wine, and made me feel like I was part of his family - even though I could barely string together a cohesive sentence in Spanish. Wine, especially the red, tasted divine.
- Vineyard Experience Doubled Down: The entire experience was glorious. Wandering around the vines, smelling the earth, feeling the sun… It's what dreams are made of. I almost didn't want to leave.
- Afternoon: Drive to a smaller coastal town for lunch. More seafood. Hopefully less sunstroke.
- Seafood Sabotage: The restaurant was… underwhelming. The seafood was bland. The service was slow. I'm suddenly feeling intensely critical.
- Evening: Final tapas night. I'm starting to feel like I know what I'm doing around here.
- Tapas Tango: The last tapas night was a success! The only thing that stopped me from having a complete meltdown was a really good waiter and a good bottle of wine.
- Final Thought: The last time, I sat alone and it felt… well, it wasn’t the worst. And the next time, I would be more prepared. I miss my friends and family, but this experience has taught me that I am okay on my own. I am stronger than I think.
Day 4: Departure & Post-Trip Melancholy
- Morning: Pack. Say a tearful goodbye to Masmore Petit. (I'm not kidding, I actually will).
- Mid-Morning: Drive back to Girona-Costa Brava Airport. Pray the car doesn't break down.
- Car Crisis (fingers crossed): The car almost died! I had to pull over and jiggle the key and pray to the car gods. Crisis averted.
- Afternoon: Fly home.
- Post-Trip blues: Suddenly, my life feels… dull. I am already dreaming of the next trip.
Important Notes (aka Disclaimers):
- Flexibility is Key: Things will go wrong. Embrace the chaos.
- Language Barrier: Learn some basic Spanish phrases. Even the effort is appreciated.
- Sunscreen: Seriously. You’ll thank me.
- Enjoy the Journey: Even the frustrating bits. Those are the stories you'll tell.
- Enjoy the "adventure!"
Unbelievable Masmore Find! Luxury Belvilla in Spain's Hidden Gem! - FAQ (With a *LOT* of Opinions)
Okay, so... Masmore, huh? Where *exactly* is this "hidden gem"? Because my GPS is already giving me attitude.
Alright, so "Hidden Gem" is maybe a *slight* exaggeration for marketing purposes – though, God, the marketing team deserves a raise after I shelled out for this. It's somewhere in Spain! Okay, okay, I’m being difficult. Think… the back end of beyond. You'll need a car. A *good* car. Preferably one that hasn't seen too many speed bumps in its life. Oh, and patience. LOTS of patience. My first attempt at navigating there (even with the GPS) made me think I'd wandered into a spaghetti western. Dusty roads, one bar, and a guy squinting at me like I was about to steal his donkey. Apparently, it was the *wrong* Masmore. Yeah, there's more than one. Go for Masmore, near… well, just trust the directions once you've actually paid. (Check your mileage; it's longer than they say.)
Is this "Luxury Belvilla" REALLY luxurious? Because I've been burned before. (Remember that "rustic charm" cottage?)
ALRIGHT. This is where things get interesting. I walked in expecting… well, honestly, I was bracing for another flea-ridden farmhouse. (I’m not exaggerating; I've had experiences). But NOPE. This Belvilla? It’s legit. Marble floors. That ridiculous infinity pool that stares back at you from the infinity pool in the advertisement. HUGE. Everything's modern, spotless, and honestly, a bit intimidating. Like, I felt I needed to wear gloves to touch the damn light switches. The only thing that wasn't PERFECT? And this is a *small* gripe? The towels weren't quite *fluffy* enough. I know, I know. First-world problems. But come on, you expect cloud-like fluffiness in *luxury*! And the AC kept cycling on and off, seemingly possessed by the ghost of an energy-saving politician.
What's the pool like? Because a good pool is non-negotiable.
Okay, the pool. The pool is where things get *real*. I’m talking, like, Instagram-worthy, postcard-perfect, "I actually *am* living my best life" kind of pool. Infinity edge, overlooking… *something* green and hilly. (I think it was green; I spent most of my time staring directly into the water, which was, by the way, *pristine*.) I spent a solid four hours just…existing in the pool. Ordering cocktails (more on that later). It was probably *too* relaxing. I almost forgot to eat. Nearly missed a sunset. (Regret, big time.) The pool saved the whole darn trip, if I'm being honest. Don’t tell my wife I said that.
Are there any grocery stores nearby? Or am I going to have to survive on crackers and despair?
Crackers and despair? My dear friend, that's BEEN my life. Here's the truth: plan ahead. Seriously. There's a teeny, tiny shop about 20 minutes away. Stocked with stuff I suspect has been there since the Spanish Civil War. The bread was HARD. The cheese… well, let's just say it had a *distinct* aroma. And the staff stared at me like I was some kind of space alien attempting to pay with cryptocurrency. Do your grocery shopping *before* you hit Masmore. Preferably in a larger town. You'll thank me. Seriously. I'm still haunted by that bread.
Okay, let's talk food. What about restaurants? Any good eats to offset the impending cracker crisis?
Restaurants? Bless your heart. There is ONE. And by one, I mean *one*. It's…let's call it "rustic." Think checkered tablecloths, the sound of clanking silverware, and food that *mostly* resembled what was on the menu. (The translation skills were… questionable). But, you know what? It was *charming*. In a sort of “you’ll probably tell stories about this for years” kind of way. I ordered the “grilled mystery meat”. It turned out to be something like pork. Or maybe it was goat. I’m still not entirely sure. It came with a side of potatoes and what I *think* was salad. It wasn't Michelin-star, but it wasn’t half bad. Plus, the house wine was cheap and plentiful. I may, or may not, have gotten a little… enthusiastic.
What about the *people*? Are the locals friendly? Or are they going to glare at my American tourist fashion?
The people. Ah, the people. They are… certainly present. They’re friendly! After the initial stare-down, which I can only assume is a daily occurrence for anyone not born and raised in Masmore. Honestly, they were lovely. Especially the old lady who ran the tiny, dusty bar. She didn't seem to understand a word I said, but she smiled a lot, poured me a strong coffee, and waved me on my way with a happy nod. The waiter after the mystery meat? Also very friendly. I think he might have been slightly inebriated as well. So, yes, friendly. Prepare to speak a bit of Spanish, though. My "Hola!" and "Gracias!" went a long way. My attempt to explain how bad the Wifi was…well, that was a disaster, best left unsaid.
Wifi? Because I need to stay connected, sadly, to the real world sometimes.
*The Wifi.* Oh dear lord in heaven. It’s… well, let’s just call it *minimal*. It was a bit like trying to download a file with a potato and a prayer. Forget streaming movies. I barely managed to check my emails. The only way to do anything online was to spend all your time by the front door and hope for a signal. Thank god for the pool, though. It forced me to switch off. I felt like a different human by the time I left. Maybe it was the forced digital detox, or maybe it was the relentless sunshine. Either way, it was oddly liberating, if a bit frustrating for a few moments. I was still checking my phone, though. It's a problem.
Is there anything to *do* besides, you know, swim in the pool and ponder the meaning of life?
Ha! Pondering the meaning of life *is* a valid activity. But yes, there's *something*. If you like hiking, apparently there are trails. I saw a few, they looked… hilly. I stuckHotelicity
