Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Garden Getaway in Beaumont-du-Perigord!
Escape to Paradise: My Chaotic, Wonderful, and Slightly Overwhelming Dream in Beaumont-du-Périgord! (A Review That's as Rambling as My Last Vacation)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL skinny on “Escape to Paradise” in Beaumont-du-Périgord, France. Forget those perfectly polished, PR-approved reviews. I'm here, after a week of serious pampering (and a few minor meltdowns), to spill the beans. Let's be honest, a dream garden getaway sounds idyllic, right? And, for the most part, it was. But, like any good adventure, this one had its share of bumpy roads (metaphorical and literal).
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag of Bliss and Bumps
Pulling up, the hotel DOES look like something out of a fairytale. Seriously, picture a sprawling, honey-colored stone building nestled amongst rolling hills of green. Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous! Now, the access… well, that's where things got a little…interesting.
(Accessibility): Okay, so "Escape to Paradise" attempts (and I stress that word) to be accessible. There's an elevator, which is a HUGE win. And, thankfully, the reception and some of the public areas are wheelchair-friendly. However (and it's a big one), navigating the sprawling grounds in a wheelchair was a bit of a workout. Some pathways were a little uneven gravel, and the occasional steep incline tested my biceps. I'm talking major quad burning. (Not the kind of workout I was expecting at a spa, mind you!)
(Wheelchair accessible): They try. Room accessibility was decent, but I had to request a ramp for the small step into my room. Which they provided promptly, and I felt a little guilty for having to ask after all. The staff were incredibly attentive, but there were definitely areas they could improve accessibility, though, like making the dining paths smoother. I really feel this is an important feature for a hotel.
The Spa: Where I Became One with the Lavender
Alright, let's talk about the good stuff. The spa! Oh, the spa! I'm still trying to peel myself off the ceiling after the amazingness of the experience.
(Spa): I spent a ridiculous amount of time in the spa. And I have absolutely zero regrets. It's a haven of tranquility.
(Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with View, Pool [outdoor]): The sauna was perfectly steamy, a great space to relax. The steam room, well, it felt like I was being gently encased in a cloud of eucalyptus. And the outdoor pool? Oh, honey, the outdoor pool! Infinity edge overlooking the stunning countryside. I practically drowned myself in relaxation. The best part? They have heated towels. Heated. Towels. My frozen little toes were eternally grateful.
(Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage): The massage therapists were divine. I opted for the full shebang: a body scrub (felt like shedding a layer of my life!), a body wrap (wrapped in seaweed and pure bliss), and a massage (basically, my muscles melted into a puddle of happy sighs). They really do know what they are doing! My favorite was a hot stone massage. Pure perfection.
(Gym/fitness, Fitness center): I actually used the fitness center once. It’s well-equipped, modern, and intimidating. I made sure to hydrate for my gym visit, but mostly looked around and then went to the pool.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Slightly Bizarre Moments)
The food… let's just say I put on a solid few pounds. Worth every bite. The dining options were extensive, and I, being the dedicated foodie, sampled EVERYTHING.
(Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant): They had a buffet option, an Asian cuisine restaurant, a vegetarian restaurant, a Western cuisine restaurant, and a restaurant offering a la carte. The choices were enough to make my head spin. (In a good way!) I mostly stuck with the Western cuisine, which was a symphony of flavors. But then the vegetarian in me forced me to try some of the Vegetarian options.
(Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast takeaway service): The breakfast buffet was insane. A literal feast! Freshly baked pastries, omelets made to order, mountains of fruit… I may have overindulged. And, yes, I grabbed some pastries to go, of course. (Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop): Good coffee, everywhere. Enough said.
(Dining, drinking, and snacking): A few nights I found myself at the bar, which was a perfect way to end the day. They made some mean cocktails (Happy hour was a lifesaver!) The snack bar was perfect for when I was too lazy to leave the pool.
(Room service [24-hour]): 24/7 Room service was a game-changer, especially when I felt I ate just too much.
(Bottle of water): Free bottled water everywhere, which was appreciated, especially with how much I was relaxing in the spa.
(Asian breakfast) I tried the Asian breakfast one morning, and I had to learn to love it quick.
(Alternative meal arrangement) I requested a special meal due to the sensitivity and they were awesome at making sure I was taken care of.
(Poolside bar) The poolside bar was the perfect place to get some fun drinks for relaxing.
Now, for the Slightly Less Perfect Bits… (Or, My "Oh Dear" Moments)
(Cleanliness and safety): The hotel was generally very clean, but I did spot a dust bunny or two in the corners of my room. It's no big deal, really! But it's worth mentioning. They did a great job with COVID protocols. Sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up, rooms were sparkling. I felt safe.
(Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment): All the COVID precautions were in place and were not too intrusive.
(Internet access, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!): The Wi-Fi was… a bit temperamental. It cut out on me a few times, which, let's be honest, is a crisis when you're trying to upload your Instagram photos of a perfectly poached egg. And that internet [LAN] - who uses that anymore?!
(Services and conveniences): The staff were super friendly, going above and beyond. Daily housekeeping was perfect!
(Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center): They had pretty much every service you could ask for.
(For the kids): They had a babysitting service and a kids meal, so it's family-friendly!
(Getting around) : Plenty of parking and even charging stations.
(Available in all rooms): All the rooms were well-equipped.
(Things to do, ways to relax): Plenty of ways to relax in this hotel.
(Room decorations): The decor was nice.
(Front desk [24-hour]): Someone was there to help at all times.
My Biggest “Oh Dear” Moment: One evening, I requested room service, and somehow, they sent me a completely wrong meal. It was a dish I'm pretty sure originated in a medieval dungeon. (I'm being dramatic, of course, but it was… not to my taste). I had to be the person to complain, which I HATE to do, but they were so apologetic and quickly replaced it with a delicious alternative.
In Conclusion: Worth It? Absolutely! (With a Few Caveats)
"Escape to Paradise" isn't perfect. It has its quirks and occasional hiccups.
(Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable) It's a non-smoking place.
(Couple's room): If you are going on a couple's trip, the room is pretty romantic!
(Air conditioning in public area): Air conditioning in public areas.
(Meeting/banquet facilities): If you are with a group, they definitely have meeting and banquet facilities.
But the stunning location, the heavenly spa, the delicious food (most of the time!), and the genuinely lovely staff make it worth it. It's a place where you can truly escape. Just bring an open mind, pack your patience (and perhaps a portable Wi-Fi hotspot), and prepare to be utterly pampered.
**My Rating: A solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Minus half a star for the occasional wonky Wi-Fi and the slightly uneven access
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Gravedona, Italy!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to embark on an utterly unfiltered, warts-and-all journey to my little slice of heaven in Beaumont-du-Périgord. This isn't your glossy brochure itinerary; this is the real deal, complete with existential crises over croissants and the crushing disappointment of finding another locked antique shop. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bread Hunt (aka Why I Love France)
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Bergerac Airport. (And breathe! The flight was delayed, of course. I swear, budget airlines are designed to test your patience. But hey, we made it!) Immediately, the air smells different. Cleaner? Sweeter? Maybe that's just the anticipation of baguettes.
- 10:30 AM: Car rental. Pray to the car gods. "Please, let it not be a stick shift!" (Spoiler: It was a bloody stick shift. But hey, learn something new, right? Right?)
- 11:30 AM: Drive. Scenic Route (I thought I was following the GPS. I was VERY wrong. Ended up on a gravel track that would make a Jeep blush. Gorgeous, though. Absolutely worth it. Until I really needed to pee.)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the holiday home in Beaumont-du-Périgord. Oh. My. God. It’s even better than the photos. Stone walls, roses cascading over the entrance, and a garden that just whispers "relax." (And the wine fridge. Don't forget the wine fridge.)
- 1:30 PM: Unpack. (In order to get settled, I need to unload my stuff.)
- 2:00 PM: The Great Bread Hunt begins. Seriously, this is serious business. The local boulangerie must have the perfect baguette. (Or at least a close approximation, because my French is, let's be honest, terrible. I get by with pointing, smiling, and hoping for the best)
- 2:30 PM: Success! Crusty gold in my arms. Now, to find the cheese… and the wine…
- 3:00 PM: Lunch on the terrace. Baguette, local cheese, a bottle of rosé. (The sun is warm on my skin, the birds are chirping, and I think I'm actually smiling. Like, really smiling. This is why I came.)
- 4:00 PM: Contemplate a nap. Strong consideration. Maybe…
- 4:30 PM: Nap. (I have decided to take a nap)
- 6:00 PM: First stroll through Beaumont. It’s charming. Really charming. Medieval streets, ancient buildings, and… (drumroll, please) …another closed antique shop. The disappointment is real, people.
- 7:00 PM: Drink. (Essential for coping with closed antique shops.)
Day 2: Market Mayhem, Château Dreams, and the Perfect Duck Confit
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. (I slept like a baby… mostly because I'd probably been drinking all day.)
- 9:00 AM: Attempt a decent coffee. (French coffee machines are like tiny, judgmental robots. I'm still learning the "right" way to talk to them.)
- 9:30 AM: Drive to the local market. (It’s early, it’s crowded, and the smells are incredible. I want to buy everything. But my French is still questionable.)
- 10:00 AM: Market mayhem. The produce is insane. Strawberries the size of my fist. Tomatoes that smell like pure sunshine. Bargaining with a farmer who speaks about as much English as I speak French. Still, I got a basket of goodies. Victory!
- 11:00 AM: Visit a Château. (Any Château. Doesn't really matter which one. They're all ridiculously beautiful and make me feel like I'm living in a fairytale… which also comes to an abrupt halt when you remember you have to do laundry later.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant. (Learning the menu is a challenge. Pointing and smiling will only get you so far. This time I’m desperate for a simple meal.
- 2:00 PM: Drive. (back to the house)
- 3:00 PM: Prepare for dinner. (The main event! The duck confit, that I’ve been dreaming about since booking this trip. I'm aiming for perfection.)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner! (Duck confit. Local wine. A star-filled sky. This is what living is all about.)
Day 3: Lost in the Dordogne and the Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing
- Morning: I am starting the day with a late start
- Morning: I’ll be taking a short nap
- Afternoon: I will go for a walk
- Evening: Enjoy life
Day 4: The Truth About Those Closed Antique Shops and Saying Au Revoir (For Now)
- Morning: Last-ditch attempt to visit those damn antique shops… (and a renewed sense of determination. This is personal now.)
- Afternoon: Packing. (The saddest part. The brief, idyllic bubble of French life is already bursting.)
- Evening: Final dinner. (A quiet contemplation of the amazing things I’ve done)
- Night: I take a glass of wine.
- Night: Sleep
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Goodbye to Holiday Home.
My final thoughts:
This trip wasn't picture-perfect. There were moments of frustration (the car, the language barrier), moments of silliness (me trying to parallel park in a village square), moments of pure, unadulterated joy (that first bite of baguette). It was messy. It was imperfect. It was real. And that, my friends, is what makes it unforgettable. I'm already planning my return. (And this time, I'm bringing a translator for the antique shops. Just saying.) Au revoir, Beaumont-du-Périgord. Until next time!
Francorchamps Spa Getaway: Unwind in Your Luxurious Belgian Sauna Home
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Garden Getaway in Beaumont-du-Périgord... or is it? A FAQ from YOUR (Maybe Slightly Biased) Resident
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise"... is it REALLY paradise? Because my last "dream vacation" involved a leaky tent and a family of wasps. Let's be brutally honest.
Alright, alright, let's get real. Paradise? Depends on your definition. No leaky tents, thankfully! The gardens? Stunning. Seriously, I spent my first afternoon just wandering around, mouth agape. Think Monet's garden, but with more squirrels and less perfectly manicured lawn. (And maybe less Monet, I'm no art historian.) The air smells like… well, *LIFE*. Roses, damp earth, sunshine… you get the picture. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. Are there downsides? Sure. Mosquitoes can be relentless in the evening, and the cobblestone paths? Killer in heels. (Learned that the hard way, trust me.) But, overall? Yeah, it’s pretty darn close to paradise... for a garden lover, anyway. If you hate flowers and the sound of birds, maybe reconsider. Seriously, the birds. They’re *loud*.
What's the vibe like? Is it all white linen and hushed whispers, or can I bring my beat-up journal and my loud laughter?
Absolutely bring the journal and the laughter! Thank GOD. No hushed whispers here. It’s definitely not stuffy. Think charmingly rustic meets effortlessly elegant. There are definitely people who dress the part - you'll see some perfectly coordinated floral ensembles, and I'm over here looking like I rolled out of bed. But the owners, bless their hearts, are all about making you feel comfortable. Think cozy rather than pretentious. You can definitely get away with your beat-up journal. I have three actually - one specifically dedicated to the local cheese shops (essential research, obviously). I saw a guy reading a David Foster Wallace novel last week! (He looked utterly miserable by the way, maybe gardens aren't for him). You'll feel welcome as long as you're respectful of the space and the other guests - I am personally very rude until my first cup of coffee, so they must be pretty tolerant! The owners have a really lovely dog, too... so I'd say the Vibe is: "laid back, but lovely."
Let's talk food. Is the food as good as the Instagram photos make it look? Because, let's be honest, those photos are *slick*.
Okay, the food… the food is REAL. The Instagram photos are accurate! (shocking, I know). Not just pretty to look at; it tastes AMAZING. Fresh, local ingredients, prepared with creativity and skill. The breakfasts... oh, the breakfasts. I dream about the croissants. Seriously. I'm considering relocating just for the croissants. One day I'm going to learn how to make them - so far all have been burnt offerings. And the dinners? Multi-course feasts that showcase the best of Périgord cuisine. (Duck confit, anyone?) I can't even pretend to be sophisticated enough to describe the flavors properly. I'm just going to say, "Yes. Eat ALL the things." There was this one time, they had this chocolate tart, oh god it was so good. I ate three slices. Don't judge me! That might have been the best bit of my life.
Okay, alright, what about the rooms? Are they as dreamy as the garden? I'm picturing a fluffy bed and a clawfoot tub... or are we talking more "rustic charm" with damp patches on the ceiling?
Dreamy indeed! Fluffy bed? Check. Clawfoot tub? Check, plus the best views. Damp patches? Nope. Absolutely not. The rooms are individually decorated with such care and attention to detail. Think antique furniture, plush linens, and views that will knock your socks off. My room had a private balcony overlooking the rose garden. I spent hours just sitting there with a cup of tea, watching the butterflies flit around. One night I almost missed the dinner, because I got completely absorbed watching those butterflies! It was magical. Each room is different, so while I can't promise *your* room will be *exactly* like mine, they are all gorgeous. The owners have impeccable taste (and obviously, a good interior designer!). It’s all very charming… like being in a fairytale. I swear I saw a fairy or two... don't tell anyone I said that.
What's there to *do* beyond staring wistfully at flowers? I get bored easily. Is there something to occupy us?
Staring wistfully is a perfectly acceptable activity! But yes, plenty to do. Beyond the obvious garden exploration (seriously, just wander!), there are cooking classes, wine tastings (essential!), and guided tours of the local villages. Beaumont-du-Périgord itself is utterly charming, and the surrounding area is filled with castles, vineyards, and hiking trails. I went on a truffle hunting expedition last year - it was hilarious (and I'm pretty sure I didn't actually find any truffles). There are also bikes to borrow... which I *intended* to use, but I spent so much time relaxing in the gardens, reading a book, and eating, that I just didn't get around to it! Oh, and there is the local market! The fresh produce is amazing - you'll want to go every day. There is a beautiful church near by, which makes for a great day out. The owners also have a really good book selection. But you can also do nothing! That's what makes this place so great.
I have some REALLY specific dietary requirements. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, Keto, etc. Will the kitchen cater for my needs? I don't want to be stuck eating salad for a week
Honestly? They're amazing. They *will* cater for you. Just let them know in advance. I've seen them working miracles! I am not particularly high maintenance, but I am allergic to mushrooms, and they were incredibly understanding and replaced them in every dish – even though I know they are a core ingredient in a lot of the local recipes! They’re all about making sure you have a wonderful experience, and that includes feeding you something delicious that aligns with your eating plan. They are accommodating, even if you show up with a bizarre list of food don'ts. Okay, yes, I know that is a lot of salad- I am not judging, but I had a salad last week that was absolutely fantastic. All in all: They will accommodate! Give them a heads up, and you'll be well fed.
Okay, I'm sold! How much is it going to cost, and am I going to go broke?
Okay, be warned. It's not cheap. It's an investment in your sanity, though! Prices vary depending on the season and the room, but expect it to be a splurge. Check the website for current pricing. Book well in advance! Seriously! I nearly missed my chance a few years agoOcean View Inn
