Escape to Paradise: Belgian Sauna & Pool Getaway in Waimes!
Escape to Paradise: Waimes Edition - My Sauna & Pool Getaway (Prepare for an Over-Share)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the steaming hot tea on Escape to Paradise: Belgian Sauna & Pool Getaway in Waimes! This place…it's not perfect, but that’s part of the charm (and occasionally, the chaos). Let me paint you a picture, from the perspective of someone who needs a getaway and, frankly, deserves a damn good spa day after the week I had. This review is gonna be a rollercoaster, with more ups and downs than a Belgian waffle on a sugar rush.
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Arrival & First Impressions: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Bewildering
Getting there was already an adventure. Waimes is beautiful, sure, rolling hills and all that jazz, but the GPS? Let's just say it enjoys sending you on scenic detours. Thankfully, the hotel offered Airport transfer, which, in hindsight, would have saved me a lot of existential dread at a roundabout. But hey, I arrived! And the first thing you notice is…well, it's big. And it's trying very hard to be luxurious. The lobby is all brushed chrome and hushed tones, and the 24-hour front desk is a blessing. Let's be real, I needed a stiff drink (or, you know, a bottle of water) after that drive. And the Doorman offered a helping hand with my luggage. Score!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, but with Heart (and Elevators!)
Now, a HUGE win for me, and something I actively researched: Facilities for disabled guests ARE available. They've got an Elevator, and that's already a massive plus. I didn't personally need a wheelchair-accessible room (thankfully!), but I peeked at one, and it looked promising. The hotel chain seems to understand the importance of inclusivity, which gets a big thumbs up from me.
However, the accessibility outside the rooms? That’s where things get a bit… inconsistent. I saw some ramps but navigating the outdoor spaces could be tricky. And while there's a car park [free of charge] (woohoo!), getting to the pool area from certain parts could be a bit of a trek. Overall, they're trying, and I really appreciate the effort, but there's definitely room for improvement.
The Room: Plush, But Did They Forget the Personality?
My room? Pretty standard, but very comfortable. Air conditioning (essential!), a mini bar (hello, life-saver!), and a coffee/tea maker that got serious use. The free Wi-Fi in the room was a lifesaver (yes, I use the Internet a LOT). The desk was functional, and I had a decent laptop workspace to finally reply to those emails I was supposed to be ignoring.
The bathroom was clean, with a separate shower/bathtub (always a good thing). But I found it all a little… sterile. Clean, yes. Luxurious, yes. But also…lacking a soul. It was the kind of room you'd expect in any mid-range luxury chain. No quirky touches. No wow factor. Just…efficient. They provide bathrobes and slippers, and a hair dryer which is always convenient.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Waffles, Wine, and…Waffles (Almost)
Okay, the food. This is where things really started to get interesting. Restaurants are a plenty. They offer A la carte in restaurant (yay for choices!), but there's also a Buffet in restaurant (double yay, but don't expect Michelin star). They also had Vegetarian restaurant options (bless!). But oh, the Happy hour at the Poolside bar was a highlight! I mean, a cocktail with a view, after having just spent a good session in the Steamroom? Heaven.
BUT, and this is a huge but, the service at the restaurant was…uneven. One day, I was practically whisked away to my table with a smile. The next, I was fruitlessly waving my hands for 20 minutes before getting someone’s attention. The food itself was decent, mostly International cuisine in restaurant, with some local Belgian specialties thrown in. But nothing truly blew me away.
I did manage to sample some international options including Asian cuisine in restaurant. The Asian breakfast had an element of surprise.
AND, the Breakfast [buffet] was huge. They have Breakfast service, Western breakfast, and Asian breakfast as well, so they cover a range of people’s needs. They did provide options for Alternative meal arrangement.
They also offered a Coffee shop which was welcome. The Poolside bar was what I needed.
Then, the real kicker: After indulging in the Sauna, I really felt that I need some snacks. But finding a snack that wasn’t overly expensive was tough. The Snack bar was a life saver.
The Spa & Relaxation: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
Now, this is where Escape to Paradise really shines. The Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool are the main attractions, and for good reason. The saunas are hot, clean, and wonderfully relaxing. I spent a solid hour in one, slowly steaming my worries away.
The Pool with view is breathtaking (particularly at sunset). I mean, seriously, floating in a warm pool, looking out at the rolling hills? Pure bliss. Pure Instagram fodder. I did feel a little bit like a beached whale, but the water was glorious, and I eventually managed a few clumsy laps.
I even treated myself to a Body scrub and a Massage. Both were wonderful. It was an expensive treat, yes, but worth every penny. I needed that massage. My shoulders hold more tension than a rubber band factory. After, I felt like a new human. Maybe. Okay, a slightly less stressed human.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
In terms of cleanliness, things were generally OK. Lots of Hand sanitizer everywhere. And I definitely saw staff cleaning and disinfecting the Daily disinfection in common areas. They even had Anti-viral cleaning products. The Staff trained in safety protocol was also visible. The rooms, too, were thoroughly Rooms sanitized between stays. I also noticed they had Cashless payment service which made things easier.
However, let’s be honest, even with all the precautions, I'm still a little paranoid about germs. But hey, that's my problem. The hotel itself seems to be taking things seriously, which is reassuring.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool & Sauna (If You Can Be Bothered)
Honestly? I spent 90% of my time in the Sauna and Swimming pool [outdoor]. I did catch a glimpse of the Fitness center, which looked well-equipped, but let's be real, I'm on vacation. However, there are some other options if you're feeling ambitious. The area is beautiful for hiking and exploring. Unfortunately, I had no energy for that at all.
Services & Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Necessary
They have a lot of services! The 24-hour front desk is a godsend. Daily housekeeping kept things tidy. I used the Laundry service, which was expensive but convenient. They also offer Currency exchange, a Cash withdrawal service, the Luggage storage, and Ironing service. They also have a Convenience store in case you forget something, and a Gift/souvenir shop. They cater for Meetings, but I avoided all of those.
Final Verdict: Worth the Escape? (Spoiler Alert: Mostly Yes)
Look, Escape to Paradise: Belgian Sauna & Pool Getaway in Waimes! isn’t perfect. It’s got a few rough edges, and it’s not exactly bursting with personality. But it delivers on its core promise: relaxation. And after the week I had, that's exactly what I needed.
The Sauna and Pool with view are worth the price of admission alone. The staff, for the most part, are friendly and helpful (even if service can be a little inconsistent). And the location is stunning.
Would I go back? Probably. Especially if they promise me a lifetime supply of delicious cocktails at the Poolside Bar. Maybe, if they let me skip breakfast so I can sleep in, and they make the place feel a tiny bit more human. In the meantime, I'm still dreaming of that massage… and that view. Just, you know
Escape to Paradise: Sauna & Beachfront Luxury at Hazenborgh, Callantsoog!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a weekend at the Luscious Holiday Home Pool Sauna in Waimes, Belgium. Forget those pristine, perfectly-planned itineraries you see on the internet. This is going to be a glorious, chaotic mess. Prepare yourselves.
Luscious Holiday Home: The Waimes Wrangle (A Weekend of Woe and Wonder)
Friday: Arrival & the Great Fridge Reconnaissance
14:00 - 15:00: The Mad Dash & the Wrong Turn: Okay, so getting there was already a disaster. We're talking wrong turns, the GPS lady giving up mid-sentence (classic!), and a car full of snacks that were already half-eaten before we even hit the highway. Seriously, I think my friend Sarah ate a whole bag of crisps out of sheer boredom. We might need to replace her.
15:00 - 16:00: The Grand Luscious Entrance: Finally! We arrive! The house looks stunning in the photos, right? Well, it is… mostly. The pool? Glorious. The sauna? Promising. But first impressions? A slightly musty smell that I’m convinced is whispering tales of previous guests and untold stories. I'm already picturing myself as Miss Marple, investigating the lingering scent of… something.
16:00 - 17:00: The Fridge Inspection & Emergency Snack Procurement: The first order of business, obviously, is the fridge. Gotta assess the situation. Half-empty ketchup bottles, a suspiciously-looking jar of something labeled "Pickled Onions," and… is that a single, lonely carrot? This is not going to cut it. We immediately launch Operation Snack Acquisition. Off to the local supermarket! I am particularly excited to buy some local Belgian beers.
17:00 - 18:00: Unpacking, House Warfare, and The Search for the Toilet Paper: Seriously, why is toilet paper a universal scarcity? We rummage through every single cupboard and bag, leaving a trail of strategically placed clothing and accessories in our wake. I swear, someone hid the good stuff.
18:00 - 19:00: Dinner Disaster & the First Beer (or Three): Okay, so the kitchen is gorgeous, but the gas stove is having a personality crisis. After a near-disastrous attempt to make pasta (I burned the garlic, naturally), we switch to cheese and crackers. The Belgian beers, however, are divine. Redemption! We sprawl out on the sofa, full of cheese, fizz, and the general sense of "we made it!"
Friday Evening: Sauna Shenanigans & Midnight Musings
19:00 - 21:00: Sauna Session 1: The Learning Curve: The sauna is amazing. The heat is intense, the wood smells divine, and we're all ridiculously self-conscious about how we look in our bathrobes. I'm pretty sure I saw my friend, Mark, actually start to sweat his socks off. We all start to get competitive, who lasts the longest? the most sweat? which is of course, the stupidest game ever.
21:00 - 22:00: Pool Party… Sort Of: The pool is a little chilly, but we're determined. Picture us - soggy, giggling, and fully convinced that we’re the most glamorous people in the world. We spend about an hour splashing before the cold starts to seep into our bones. Time to retire, wet and slightly disappointed.
22:00 - Late: Philosophical Pondering & Sleep: Sitting in the living room, with the sound of rain drumming against the window, we suddenly start to wax philosophical. We've gotten used to the musty smell. We get the fire place going and the ambiance is set. Someone starts musing on the meaning of life; it gets very deep, very fast. I, however, am already drifting off to sleep amidst the chaos.
Saturday: A Day of Adventures (and Possibly Misadventures)
09:00 - 10:00: The Late Start & Coffee Crisis: We wake up late. The coffee machine is being temperamental. We're all grumpy. Someone, I won't say who, accidentally puts salt in the coffee instead of sugar. More frustration is the name of the game.
10:00 - 12:00: The Waimes Wander & Chocolate Consumption: We venture out. Waimes is a charming little town, but we spend more time looking for a decent bakery than actually enjoying it. We find a chocolate shop, and, well, let's just say it didn't last long.
12:00 - 13:00: Lunch Mishap & Outdoor Melodrama: We find a local restaurant with views, but the service is slow. I mean really slow. The food is good, but the wait nearly broke us. Over dramatic, but after nearly starving, this is my immediate reaction.
13:00 - 16:00: The Grand Pool Resurrection & Intense Relaxation: Back at the house! This time the pool is at the perfect temperature. We spend the entire afternoon basking in the sun (when it decides to peek out from behind the clouds), splashing around, and just generally embracing the zen.
16:00 - 18:00: Sauna Session 2: Redemption & Revelation: The sauna is going to be amazing. I can feel it in my soul. I'm going to be zen. I'm going to relax. I'm not going to play any stupid games. But then, of course, my brain decides to play games. My friend, Chloe, and I end up in a heated discussion about whether pineapple belongs on pizza (I’m firmly Team No). Afterwards, we are suddenly very, very tired.
18:00 - 20:00: The BBQ Blues & Dinner-Related Dramatics: The BBQ is another story entirely. One of us (me, probably) forgets to buy lighter fluid. Chaos ensues. After another failed attempt, we order pizza. Everyone is relieved.
20:00 - Late: Movie Night & the Great Sleep Deprivation: As soon as the pizza is gone, everyone falls asleep at the sofa again.
Sunday: Goodbyes, Guilt, and the Long Drive Home
09:00 - 10:00: The Sad Farewell & Rapid Cleanup: We're all slightly hungover and desperately trying to pack. We attempt to clean the house, and do a terrible job of it. There's a faint smell of pizza and lingering despair. I will probably leave a sock behind.
10:00 - 11:00: One Last Sauna & Pool Dip (Because Why Not?): A final, quick sauna session and a bracing dip in the pool – a last-ditch attempt to rinse away the weekend's sins. It works… sort of.
11:00 - 12:00: Departure & Melancholy: We reluctantly say goodbye. The house is probably still whispering its secrets. We drive away filled with a mixture of joy, exhaustion, and the creeping feeling that we’ve left something behind.
12:00 - onward: The Long Drive & Post-Holiday Blues: The drive home is filled with a shared silence and the quiet contemplation of life choices. I realize I need more vacations. And probably a therapist. But at least I have some great memories, some questionable tan lines, and a fridge full of half-eaten snacks.
Final Verdict:
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Even with the chaos, the mishaps, and the questionable life choices, it was an incredible experience. The Luscious Holiday Home, with all its quirks, became the perfect backdrop for a weekend of laughter, friendship, and utter madness.
Rating: 10/10 (Would recommend, with a strong warning about the toilet paper situation.)
Bergen aan Zee Paradise: HUGE Terrace & Ocean Views!
So, *Escape to Paradise*... What's the *actual* place like? Is it actually *paradise*? (Spoiler: Probably not.)
Is it actually clean? I'm a bit of a germaphobe (or at least, I *like* to think of myself as one.)
What are the saunas *actually* like? I've heard conflicting things.
Are the other guests... civilized? What's the etiquette like?
What about the food? Is it worth it?
How's the pool? Is it worth getting wet?
Can you share A SINGLE specific experience at Escape to Paradise? A really good one? Or maybe a bad one?
Is it worth the price? Is it worth the drive?
