Escape to Bliss: Luxurious Farmhouse Sauna in the Belgian Ardennes
Escape to Bliss: My Ardennes Adventure (Spoiler: It was Bliss, Mostly)
Okay, buckle up, because I just returned from Escape to Bliss: Luxurious Farmhouse Sauna in the Belgian Ardennes, and my brain is still churning like a particularly enthusiastic butter churn. This isn’t going to be your typical dry, bullet-pointed review. This is going to be like… well, like me after spending a week sweating and soaking and, okay, maybe having a bit too much Belgian beer.
First Impressions (and a Tiny Panic Moment):
The drive through the Ardennes is already Instagram-worthy – rolling hills, forests that seem to breathe, and little villages that look like they've been plucked straight from a fairytale. Finding the place itself? A bit of an adventure, let me tell you. GPS had a little hiccup (maybe because I was using my overly-romanticized idea of a "country road" to guide me) and I ended up doing a panicked U-turn on a VERY narrow lane with a minivan barreling towards me. (Note to self: Check for wider roads next time.)
But then… I arrived. The farmhouse. Gorgeous. Timber beams, a ridiculously charming stone facade, and an air that just smelled of relaxation. I took a deep breath and thought, "This is it. I am finally going to unplug, de-stress, and become one with nature… or at least, with a really fancy sauna."
Accessibility - (Mostly, but Read Carefully!)
Now, I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't give a comprehensive review on that front. But from what I could gather, accessibility is a bit… nuanced. They DO have facilities for disabled guests, an elevator (thank goodness!), and some rooms that are probably more suitable (I would call ahead and confirm details – don’t count on my hazy memory!). The website talks a good game about accessibility, but best practice would be to call the resort and check what is most important to you.
The Heart of the Matter: Relaxation & Pampering (And Did I Mention the Sauna?)
Okay, let’s be real. I came here for the spa. And the sauna. And anything involving hot water and a complete escape from my inbox. I was not disappointed.
The sauna is, well, it’s practically legendary. More than just a sauna, it's an experience. You can literally feel your worries melting away with every bead of sweat. The wood-burning stove adds a rustic, earthy scent that's utterly intoxicating. Seriously, I spent SO much time in there. It’s basically my personal therapy session. After a couple of hours I felt like a limp noodle, but a gloriously happy, relaxed noodle. They also have a steamroom, which is great for a different kind of heat experience.
And then there's the pool with a view. Oh. My. Goodness. It's an outdoor pool, so I'm guessing it would be stunning in summer – but on a chilly autumn day, it felt like pure, unadulterated luxury. The spa also offered a range of treatments, and I, of course, had a massage. Just the right amount of pressure, just the right amount of lavender oil, just the right amount of “I don't want this to end.” They also offer body scrubs and body wraps, but I was so happy in the sauna I figured I'd try that next time.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Bliss)
Food is important when you're maximizing relaxation. And, thankfully, Escape to Bliss delivered.
The restaurant is cozy and inviting, with plenty of options. I was a sucker for the Asian cuisine, which was a surprising (and welcome) find in the middle of the Ardennes. The a la carte menu has a good, but not a HUGE, range. They also offer alternatives for different diets, and the quality was exceptional. However, the service was sometimes a TINY bit slow. I was SO relaxed, I couldn't care much. Even the simple things, like the bottle of water they left in the room, felt like a luxury. The poolside bar was great for a quick beer and a chance to soak in the sunshine (or at least the vague notion of it).
The breakfast buffet was… well, it had everything. Buffet in restaurant, western breakfast, Asian breakfast. I think I tried most of it. The coffee shop had the best lattes I've ever had!
Cleanliness and Safety (Post-Pandemic Reality Check)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. Escape to Bliss seemed to be taking things seriously. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and rooms sanitized between stays. Things felt safe, they have daily disinfection in common areas, and the anti-viral cleaning products really helped me relax (not that I needed any help!). They also offered room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. They even use professional-grade sanitizing services. I felt confident that they were doing everything they could to keep guests safe without sacrificing too much on the overall experience.
My Room: A Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? It was lovely. Non-smoking, of course. It had every amenity you could imagine - a hair dryer, a safe box, a coffee/tea maker, etc. They also had a slippers, which are an essential luxury! I loved the wake-up service (because I had a lot of napping to do!). I had a private bathroom, which was super clean. The shower was fabulous. It was all a bit… perfect. (Except, maybe the slightly wonky Wi-Fi, but I didn’t really go there to check my emails, did I?) The window that opens was actually necessary for my personal air control and letting in that fresh Ardennes air.
The Niggles (Because Perfection is Boring):
Look, it wasn't perfect. The Wi-Fi – as I mentioned – was a bit spotty. The service in the restaurant, while friendly, could be a tad slow at times. And one morning, there was a minor plumbing issue in my bathroom. But honestly, those are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things.
Things to Do (Beyond the Sauna, Shockingly!)
Okay, so I spent most of my time horizontal and blissed out. But, if you DO feel the urge to move (and honestly, I did, eventually), there's stuff to do. The hotel offered details of local routes, and they have bicycle parking. The Ardennes is amazing for hiking, biking, and just generally wandering around in a state of peaceful contemplation. They have car park [free of charge] so definitely bring your car.
The Verdict: Go. Just Go.
Seriously. If you need a break, a reset, a total escape from the grind, Escape to Bliss is it. It’s not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a chance to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and, of course, with a seriously amazing sauna.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. In fact, I'm already checking my calendar. Now, if you will excuse me, I'm off to book another massage.
Mackinaw City's BEST Kept Secret: Court Plaza Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously organized travel itinerary. We're going to Gouvy, Belgium, to a cozy farmhouse with a sauna. And trust me, by the time we're done, it won't be “cozy, tidy, and perfectly planned” – it’s going to be a chaotic, delightful, and utterly human experience.
Gouvy Getaway: A Messy, Glorious Adventure
(Okay, I'm calling this "The Brusque Brochure"… because who actually sticks to these things? Let's be honest.)
Day 1: Arrival… or the Great Train Debacle (and the Sauna's Calling!)
- Morning (Like, REALLY morning… because RyanAir): Depart from [Insert your cursed departure airport here]. Already, the stress levels are spiking. Did I pack enough socks? Is this carry-on really small enough? Forget it. I'm tired, I'm hangry, and the prospect of lukewarm airplane coffee is the only thing keeping me moving.
- Anecdote: Last time I flew RyanAir, I swear the flight attendant tried to sell me a timeshare in the Azores. I politely declined, but the trauma is still there, lurking.
- Afternoon: Train to Somewhere, Then Bus to… Somewhere Else: So, we were supposed to take the train directly to Gouvy. "Supposed to" being the operative phrase. Turns out, Belgian train strikes are a thing. A BIG thing. After an hour of frantic translation on my phone (thank you, Google Translate, you glorious savior), we're rerouted onto a bus. A BUS. Which, of course, breaks down halfway there. (I'm not making this up!)
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, deep breaths. Deep breaths. This is fine. EVERYTHING is fine. (My inner monologue is screaming in a different language). At least, the tiny old Belgian lady next to me is offering me chocolate. Score!
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Farmhouse Check-in and Sauna Anticipation: Finally, after the bus (that smells suspiciously of old cheese) we arrive at the farmhouse. It's… charming. Rustic. Potentially haunted. (In the best way). The owner, a kind woman named Elodie, greets us with a smile as wide as the Belgian countryside. The air smells of woodsmoke and… is that Belgian fries? My stomach rumbles.
- Quirky Observation: The house… is not as "cozy" as the pictures suggested. It’s lived in. Like, REALLY lived in. And I love it!
- Evening: The SAUNA! (Hopefully, it's Working): Unpack. Explore. Drink coffee. And then… the main event. The sauna! I've been picturing this for weeks. The promise of heat, steam, and pure, unadulterated relaxation.
- Opinionated Language: If this sauna isn’t hot enough to melt my existential dread, I’m marching right back to the bus station.
Day 2: Nature, Noms, and Maybe a Meltdown.
- Morning: Breakfast of Champions (aka Belgian Waffles): Okay, Elodie has outdone herself. Waffles. With ALL the fixings. Chocolate sauce, whipped cream, fresh berries. I need a nap after the waffles.
- Rambling: I'm starting to understand why Belgians are so happy. It’s the waffles. It has to be.
- Mid-Morning: Hiking (or, The Day I Almost Died of Overenthusiasm): Apparently, there are walking trails nearby. So, armed with optimism and a less-than-stellar map (thanks, Google Maps!), we set off. The scenery is gorgeous. Absolutely stunning. Until we get "lost." (Let's be honest, I got us lost.)
- Imperfection Alert: I forgot to wear proper hiking boots. And I tripped over a root. And, well, let's just say my dignity is currently residing somewhere in a muddy field.
- Emotional Reaction: Panic. Fear. The sudden, overwhelming urge to go back to the waffles.
- Lunch: Picnic with a View (and a Pack of Hungry Cows): Well, it was supposed to be a picnic. Until we were slightly upstaged by a group of very interested cows. Who, let’s be honest, looked ready to steal my sandwich.
- Afternoon: Gouvy Town Exploration (Or, The Day I Found the BEST Chocolate): We venture to Gouvy itself. It's…small. But charming. The shops are charming, the people are charming, and, oh my GOD, the chocolate!
- Doubling Down on Experience: I spend HOURS in the chocolate shop. I sample everything. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate with nuts, chocolate with caramel, chocolate with… wait, is that a chocolate-covered potato chip? I need it. I NEED it.
- Evening: Sauna Round Two (and maybe a bit of wine): Back to the farmhouse. Back to the sauna. Back to… Bliss. (and maybe, just maybe, a glass of local wine.)
- Opinionated Language: This is the life. This is what I came for.
Day 3: Farewell, for now (and a little more chaos).
- Morning: Lazy Breakfast and the Farmhouse Feeling:
- Messy Structure Alert: We're leaving today, But before we hit departure, we should take the time to sit, stare around and just enjoy.
- Minor Category: Some local cheese will be the perfect way to end things. Also, maybe take photos of the farmhouse, the nature, the sauna.
- Mid-Morning: Souvenir Shopping and last-minute Belgian Fries: Okay, one final mission: find some souvenirs. And of course, another round of Belgian fries. Because… fries.
- Afternoon: Departure (and Prayers to the Travel Gods): The train, the bus, the plane… again. Fingers crossed.
- Final Emotional Reaction: A mix of sadness (leaving this beautiful place), relief (surviving the Belgian transport system), and overwhelming chocolate saturation.
And that’s it. The Brusque Brochure. The real truth. Remember this is not about the destination, it is about the journey, the people, the experience, and everything that comes with it. Because life is messy, and travel should be too.
Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla in Bucine Awaits!
Escape to Bliss: Your Guide to Ardennes' Farmhouse Sauna (and a Little Bit More)
Okay, seriously... Is this place *actually* as amazing as it looks in the photos? I'm skeptical.
Alright, look, I'm usually the first to roll my eyes at perfectly curated Instagram feeds. And yes, the Escape to Bliss pictures? They're gorgeous. But here's the real deal: it's *better*. I went in with expectations already sky-high, expecting... well, expecting to be disappointed. You know? Prepare for disappointment, and then you're pleasantly surprised. But this place, man... The farmhouse itself is just *stunning*. Think raw, cozy, rustic chic. Like, if Joanna Gaines designed a sauna, it would be this. And the sauna itself? Oh, the sauna. That glorious, heat-soaked box of pure relaxation. I spent a good hour in there one afternoon, just sweating out all the *stuff* – the work stress, the existential dread… all of it. It was brilliant. Actually, I think I fell asleep at one point. Woke up feeling like I'd been reborn. So, yeah, it's pretty darn amazing.
What about the sauna experience itself? Is it a complete novice-friendly, or should I have some experience? I'm a bit of a sauna noob.
Sauna newbie? No worries! They give you a whole little booklet, "Sauna for Dummies" basically. (Okay, maybe not, but it's close!). They walk you through everything. I, personally, am a sauna expert, obviously. (Kidding! I'm a total amateur!) But even *I* learned a thing or two. They have different types of infusions and what to do with the ladle. The first time, I was a little nervous about the heat. But once you get used to it, it's just... bliss. Seriously. Bliss. Just remember to hydrate! And maybe don't try to be a hero and stay in there for hours on end. Unless, of course, you *want* to feel like a well-done steak. Your call.
Food! What's the deal? Is it all just… bland health food? (Please say no.)
Alright, let's talk food. This is where things get interesting. They *do* lean towards healthy eating, but it's not a joyless, kale-and-tofu situation, thank goodness. They focus on local produce, and everything is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented. I went with my friend, and we are HUGE dessert people. It wasn't the biggest dessert selection in the world (I'd have loved a *massive* chocolate cake, let's be honest), but the apple crumble we had was insane -- crispy, sweet, warm... Just perfect after a sauna session. My friend had a little meltdown about it (she *loves* apple crumble) and ordered two!
Tell me about the location. It *is* in the Belgian Ardennes. Is it... remote? Like, "lost in the woods with no Wi-Fi" remote?
Okay, yes, the Ardennes. It *is* remote. And yes, the Wi-Fi is... spotty. (Prepare yourself for a digital detox!) Which, frankly, is part of the charm. Getting away from the constant notifications and the endless scrolling felt like a genuine gift. You're surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and the kind of quiet that makes you actively *listen* to nature. You can hear the birds, the wind. No car horns, no sirens. Just… peace. I'm a city person, and it took me a day to get used to the silence, but once I did? Heaven. Bring a good book (or three, because you WILL find yourself reading more than you think). And maybe some noise-canceling headphones if you *really* can't handle the void of ambient sounds. But honestly, embrace the silence. It's good for the soul. And yes, there's a little village nearby which is very picturesque, great bakeries, and the people were super nice.
Is it a couples' getaway destination, or more like a girls' trip vibe? Or can I... go alone?
Honestly, it's versatile. Romantic couple? Perfect. Girls' trip? Amazing. Solo escape? Even *more* amazing, I think. I went with a friend, and it was perfect for us. We drank wine, gossiped, and had the best time, but I could totally see myself going back completely alone. Imagine: you, a sauna, and absolutely no one to judge your love of cheese. Pure bliss. You could read a book, nap, stare at the fire... Do *whatever* the heck you want. It’s the ultimate "me time" destination. And even if you are with someone, you'll find it easy to just... be. To relax, to connect, or to just enjoy some precious silence. Seriously, consider the solo trip. Just, maybe, pack a good book. And some wine. (You know, for research purposes.)
Okay, okay, I'm sold. But... what if the weather's terrible? Ardennes weather, right?
Ah, the weather. Yes, the Ardennes. Let's be honest, it's not exactly known for consistent sunshine. The weather can change in a heartbeat. We went in October, and it rained a lot. Like, a *lot* a lot. But you know what? I loved it. The rain just added to the cozy, hygge vibe. Lying in a warm sauna while the rain drums on the roof? Pure, unadulterated joy. And! even if the sun *does* come out, they have a gorgeous little outdoor area to relax post-sauna. So, even if you're not a huge fan of rain, it’s fine. Seriously, the rain just kind of… enhances the whole experience. It adds to the feeling of being tucked away, safe and warm, and miles away from your everyday life. Just remember to bring a good umbrella and maybe a waterproof jacket, just in case, which I didn't, and had to buy a new one! Ugh!
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks: Did you have any *bad* experiences? What was the worst thing?
Alright, gotta be honest here. The worst thing? Well, two things, actually. First, I had to leave! (Seriously, that's the biggest negative.) I wish I could have stayed for at least a week. And second... Okay, here's the completely embarrassing truth: I locked myself out of my room one morning when grabbing a coffee! I had to go all the way to reception to find the owner. The walk was long, and I was so annoyed with myself. I was wearing my robe too! Ugh! But, even that didn't ruin the whole experience. I recovered... so that's about it. Overall, it was a pretty flawless experience, which is rare for meStay Classy Hotels
