Escape to Paradise: Eco-Bungalow in 2 Dutch Nature Reserves!
Escape to Paradise: Eco-Bungalow in 2 Dutch Nature Reserves! - A Review (With Digressions!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Escape to Paradise. Two Dutch Nature Reserves? Sign me UP. And let me tell you, the promotional photos? They don’t even begin to capture the… well, everything. This review? It’s gonna be less a perfectly polished brochure and more… my brain, post-vacation bliss and a healthy dose of slightly bewildered observations.
SEO & Metadata (because, you know, the internet):
- Keywords: Escape to Paradise, Dutch Nature Reserves, Eco-Bungalow, Netherlands, Sustainable Travel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible, Family Friendly, Relaxing, Clean, Safe, Eco-Friendly, Dutch Vacation, Luxury Bungalow, Wifi, All-Inclusive, Spa, Fitness, Restaurant, Bar, Eco-Retreat.
- Meta Description: A wildly honest review of Escape to Paradise, the eco-bungalow nestled in two gorgeous Dutch Nature Reserves. Learn about accessibility, food, safety, activities, and find out if it’s really the paradise they claim! Expect rambles, opinions, and all the messy details!
First Impressions & Arrival (A Little Messy, Just Like Life):
The drive in felt like teleporting. One minute, you're navigating the charming, slightly bewildering, very Dutch roundabouts (seriously, is there a secret signal? I still haven't figured it out), and the next, BAM! Lush greenery, the scent of pine, and… a slightly wonky sign that promised "Paradise." Okay, I thought, let's see about that.
The check-in was… contactless, thankfully. After dealing with those roundabouts, I needed a break from people. They’ve got this whole system down, which is good! We got our key and then, the bungalow. Oh, the bungalow. So cute! So… small. But charming! And eco-friendly! I love that. I really do.
Accessibility (Navigating, and My Lack of Grace):
Now, this is important. I think there's more details about accessibility. They say it is wheelchair accessible. They're right, mostly. The pathways were relatively smooth, and the main areas seemed okay. BUT, and this is a big BUT, the bathroom. Let me tell you, the shower… it had a slight ramp. A very slight ramp. I probably should have tried it while sober. I nearly ate it. Thank god for the grab bars.
So yeah, accessible, but maybe not the most accessible. Be warned, those with serious mobility issues, especially in the bathroom, do a deeper dive. You might wanna call first.
Cleanliness & Safety (Thank Goodness for Sanitizer!):
Okay, I’m a bit of a germaphobe, sue me. I was thrilled to see the levels of safety they put in. They have all the features, hand sanitizer everywhere. Even though I opted out of room sanitization because I figured they wouldn't sanitize my mess anyway. Haha!
Also, I saw the daily disinfection happening. Staff wore masks. Everyone was pretty serious about it, which made me feel secure (and a little bit judged for my constant hand washing, but hey, better safe than sorry!).
The Room (Cozy… and Well-Equipped):
Okay, so, all the rooms had everything. They even had an alarm clock. Who uses an alarm clock on vacation? Well, me, apparently, after I slept through my spa appointment, not getting a wake-up call.
The blackout curtains were a godsend. Essential, because Holland… light. The mini-bar was stocked with all sorts of interesting little things. The air conditioning? A lifesaver. And I loved the bathrobes. I lived in that thing the entire time.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking (Food Glorious Food… And Booze!):
Alright, let’s talk food. I'm a sucker for breakfast, so I went for the buffet because I didn't feel like breakfast in my room and all the choices you could want. Pastries, eggs, fruit… the works. It was pretty delicious.
The restaurants? They had a great selection. I went for the international cuisine because the waiter pointed out the Asian cuisine was good and I’m not very adventurous. I was impressed! Everything was fresh. The poolside bar was a lifesaver, especially during happy hour (which, let's be honest, was most of the afternoon for me).
- A Quick Side Note about the Coffee: The coffee in the restaurant… was so-so. The coffee shop? Surprisingly good! Go figure.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (Spa Day… Almost!):
This is where Escape to Paradise really shines. The spa. I mean, the Spa! I booked an appointment for a massage as soon as I got there. They have a pool with a view of the reserve, a sauna, a steamroom and, well, everything.
I didn't get the body wrap. I'm not sure what kind of wrapping I needed. But I did spend a significant amount of time in that sauna, sweating out all the stress of… life.
Fitness Center (I Tried…):
Ha. Yeah. I saw the fitness center. I intended to go to the fitness center. I did not. I blame the pool, the spa, and the lovely Dutch beer. But it was there, and it looked… well-equipped.
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things that Matter):
They had literally everything. Concierge, laundry service, dry cleaning, daily housekeeping, even a shrine. I didn't actually see the shrine, but it was listed! And the Wi-Fi? Strong. Free in all the rooms. Crucial. I also needed the iron. Because I'm fancy.
For the Kids (Family Friendly, Indeed!):
They claim to be family-friendly, and yes, they were. I saw a lot of families! There are babysitting services available. There are kids' facilities. Lots of activities.
Getting Around (Roundabouts, Again!):
They offer a car park free of charge! I’ll take that. Public transport looked pretty tricky, so I was glad I just parked and stayed put.
Final Verdict (Paradise…ish?):
Escape to Paradise? It's a solid contender. Is it perfect? No. Nothing is. But the location is stunning, the resort is well-maintained, and the overall vibe is incredibly relaxing – especially in the spa. The details like extra long beds, and free wifi are amazing! Just be mindful of the accessibility situations, and you'll be fine.
Would I go back? Absolutely. But I'd probably skip the roundabouts and get someone else to drive. And maybe, this time, I won’t miss my spa appointment. I rate it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Escape to Paradise: Your Luxurious Belgian Sauna Awaits in Somme-Leuze!
Okay, strap in buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going to Goeree-Overflakkee, Netherlands, in search of sustainability, beautiful chaos, and hopefully, a decent cup of coffee. This is less “travel guide,” more “panic-fueled, slightly-caffeinated adventure.”
Goeree-Overflakkee: Bungalow Bliss and Nature Shenanigans (the “maybe we'll stick to the plan, maybe not” edition)
Day 1: Arrival – And the Great Luggage Crisis of '24
- Morning (ish, let's be real): Arrive at Schiphol Airport. Oh my god, the airport itself is a work of art…a work of art full of people who clearly know what they're doing and me, clutching my boarding pass like it’s a winning lottery ticket. Flight was…uneventful. Except for the screaming baby. Bless his little heart. I swear I've aged a decade just from that transatlantic flight.
- Mid-Morning (after a coffee rescue mission): Pick up the rental car. Pray to the car gods the GPS works, because my sense of direction is legendary…mostly in a "getting lost" kind of way. Fingers crossed it's not one of those tiny European cars I can barely fit in. (Update: It’s a ridiculously small car. I feel like a beached whale behind the wheel. At least it gets good gas mileage, I guess?)
- Afternoon: The Bungalow, the Bliss, and the Mild Panic: Drive to our sustain-ably built bungalow. (We’re aiming for the "eco-chic" vibe, not "shack in the woods." Although, let's be honest, at this point, I’ll take anything with a roof.) CRITICAL FAILURE: Someone packed the wrong adapter. No phone charging. No coffee machine. Panic levels rising. Good thing there are two bathrooms, because I'm going to need them both right now.
- Late Afternoon: Unpack (or, more accurately, attempt to unpack). Discover that my suitcase apparently vomited clothing all over the place. Seriously, how does one pack so poorly? Maybe I should just live in this floral-print dress for the next week. Also, find the bungalow. It's gorgeous. Truly amazing. Double bathroom score! (Still no coffee though…)
- Evening: Grocery run to the local supermarket. Attempt to decipher Dutch grocery labels. End up buying a suspiciously large amount of cheese. (I mean, when in the Netherlands, right?) Convince myself I need stroopwafels. The justification? "It's research, of course."
- Dinner: Something simple. Something involving cheese. Something that might not require emergency room intervention later. Hope for the best.
- Evening Entertainment: Attempt to read a book. Fail. Scroll endlessly on phone (thank goodness for the car charger!). Fall asleep mid-sentence. Dream of coffee.
Day 2: De Kwade Hoek Nature Reserve - Mud, Marsh, and Moments of Awe
- Morning (after finally scrounging up some instant coffee): Drive to De Kwade Hoek Nature Reserve. This is where things get real. Armed with my binoculars, a vague idea of the walking trails, and an overly optimistic attitude.
- Rambling Observation: The air smells…clean. Like, ridiculously, unbelievably clean. It's a stark contrast to the city air I'm used to. It's intoxicating.
- Mid-Morning: Walking the trails. Get lost (shocking, I know). Actually, it's less "lost" and more "exploring a different, possibly unauthorized, area." Spot some birds! (Pretty sure I'm looking at a duck, but hey, it's a bird.) Feel a sudden urge to become a birdwatcher. (That feeling will pass).
- Lunch: Picnic by a canal. Get attacked by a rogue seagull. Lose sandwich. Question all life choices.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring the reserve. The sheer scale of the landscape is mind-blowing. Realize I’m profoundly grateful for this moment.
- Perfect Moment: The wind is whipping, the sun is breaking through the clouds, and I'm standing on a salt marsh, surrounded by reeds and the sound of the sea, and I feel completely and utterly at peace. I think I might cry.
- Evening: Cook a (hopefully edible) dinner at the bungalow. Contemplate my life choices again. Successfully charge my phone (victory!). Review photos. Sigh at the lack of "Instagram-worthy" landscape shots because I'm too busy experiencing it to take them.
Day 3: Brouwersdam - Beach Bums, Boogie Boards and Wind-Battered Bliss
- Morning: Head to Brouwersdam. The coast! The promise of salty hair and wind-burned cheeks! This is what I came here for!
- Mid-Morning: Walk along the beach. The wind is insane. Almost get blown away. Laugh maniacally. Feel utterly alive.
- Anecdote: I attempt to take a selfie, only to have the wind wrestle my phone from my grasp and fling it towards the North Sea. I narrowly snatch it back, covered in sand and looking like I've just wrestled a lion.
- Lunch: Find a beach bar. Order fries. (It's the law.) Watch the kite surfers. Marvel at their skill and secretly wish I could do that.
- Afternoon: Rent a boogie board. Attempt to body surf. Fail hilariously. Get pummeled by waves. Swallow half the ocean. Come out grinning like an idiot. It was, without a doubt, my favorite part. Ever.
- Evening: Drive back. Head to a local restaurant. Eat something delicious and Dutch. Attempt to learn some Dutch phrases. (My pronunciation is terrible and hilarious.) Consider buying a house here.
- Dinner: Order "bitterballen." Discover I have a new favorite food.
Day 4: Grevelingenmeer – Watersports, Wonder, and the Unexpected
- Morning: Visit Grevelingenmeer lake, a haven for water sports. Consider paddle boarding or kayaking. Chicken out and decide to walk.
- Mid-Morning: Walk along the lake, looking for seals. (Unsuccessfully.) The water is calm, the view is beautiful. Again, I wonder if I’ve accidentally stumbled into paradise.
- Lunch: Have a picnic.
- Afternoon: Rent a Bike, Explore the coastline. This place is just beautiful!
- Evening: Rest/repeat a previous experience/look ahead at what is coming up.
Day 5 – 7: The “Flexible as Rubber Band” Portion of the Trip
- The Deal: This part of the trip is now essentially a choose-your-own-adventure story. We’ve got some options, but honestly? I’m leaning into the whole "winging it" thing. Because you know what? Life, like travel, is best when it’s a little messy.
- Possible Activities:
- Return to De Kwade Hoek (because I'm now borderline obsessed).
- Explore other villages in Goeree-Overflakkee.
- Visit a museum. (Maybe.)
- Just…sit. And stare at the sea. And breathe.
- Seek out more stroopwafels. (Definitely.)
- The constant: I'm keeping the bungalow. The views. The two bathrooms. The feeling of freedom. And definitely the cheese.
- Final Ramblings:
- This trip is already exceeding my expectations.
- The Dutch people are incredibly kind.
- I’m probably going to come back with more stories than photos. And that’s completely okay.
- I’m starting to understand why people fall in love with this place.
- (I'm seriously considering buying a bike. This is dangerous.)
- The End (…until next time!)
Important Note: This itinerary is subject to change. Things might get bumped. Plans might be abandoned. My mood may fluctuate wildly. But one thing's for sure: it's going to be an adventure. And I'm bringing my stretchy pants.
Unbelievable Chalet in Alpe d'Huez: Fireplace, Mountain Views, Book Now!
So, is this place *actually* paradise? Or is it just... a bungalow?
Alright, let's be real for a second. "Paradise" is a BIG word, right? And yeah, technically, it's a bungalow. A *nice* bungalow, mind you. But real paradise? Nah. Not without some seriously strong coffee and maybe a flamethrower for the mosquitos (seriously, those things... a story for later).
The truth is, "paradise" is a little, well, *aspirational*. It's more like a slice of really lovely peace, away from the constant hum of city life, which is a bloody good thing when you can't work the blender.
Okay, spill. Tell me about these "nature reserves." Are they, like, *full* of nature?
Full? Honey, they are *overflowing*! I'm talking a deluge of green. Seriously, the photos don't do justice to how... green... it is.
Think: Bike rides where you *almost* get taken out by a rogue swan (it was glorious!), bird song that'll drive you nuts (in a good way, sometimes) and a general feeling of being swallowed whole by the natural world. It's less "hiking" and more "being gently, happily, invaded by flora and fauna."
I spent a whole afternoon just watching a family of ducks. They were having a crisis about what to eat. It was the best soap opera I've ever seen.
The Eco-Bungalow... Sounds fancy. Is it, like, a treehouse with WiFi?
Treehouse? Not quite. WiFi? Ugh, sometimes. Let’s call it “rustic chic meets conscious living.” It's eco-friendly, which is great for the planet and also means you can feel *slightly* less guilty about inhaling all the stroopwafels.
Expect solar panels (which, hey, are cool until it rains for four days straight and you can't charge your phone), composting toilets (which, again, are cool in theory but can get a little… *aromatic*), and a general sense of 'being off-grid.' Remember that blender I mentioned earlier? Yeah...
Mosquitos! You mentioned them, did I hear that right? Are we talking "Mild Annoyance" or "Apocalypse"?
Apocalypse. Seriously. We're talking biblical plagues of tiny, bloodthirsty vampires. Take EVERYTHING they tell you to take for mosquito protection, and then double it. Triple it! Bring the heavy artillery. I mean, I'm talking industrial-strength bug spray, mosquito nets worthy of a pharaoh, and maybe a personal air defense system. They're relentless! I swear, one of them was buzzing in my ear *as I typed this*.
This isn't a drill. Prepare accordingly. Or, if you're like me, resign yourself to being a walking, twitching, itchy buffet.
What's the food situation like? Is it all kale and twigs?
Okay, listen. I love kale. I truly, deeply, do. But sometimes a girl needs a decent pizza. The bungalow I stayed in had a kitchen, which was great... until I realized I'd forgotten to stock up on basic essentials. Yes, I had some kale, but I was not prepared.
Plan ahead! There are shops nearby but it's not like you can just wander into a 24-hour supermarket at 3 AM. Bring snacks. All the snacks. And coffee. Dear sweet, caffeinated, life-giving coffee.
Is it good for kids?
Ah, the million-dollar question! It *could* be. It would depend on the kids, and how much you value your own sanity. If your kids are the adventurous sort, nature-loving, happy to be outside, or are perfectly content to sit and read books all day... then yes. It’s brilliant!
If you're dealing with screen-addicted, easily bored, sugar-fueled little terrors, then maybe... rethink it. The lack of instant entertainment *could* lead to some serious parental stress. Maybe practice some "nature appreciation activities" at home, first. Just saying.
Okay, the bikes! How good are they, and what do I need to know?
The bikes are… well, they’re bikes. Dutch bikes, which are awesome for cruising around those flatlands. But listen. Bring a cushion. Really. Your rear end will thank you. And make sure you learn how to change a tire *before* you go. (Trust me on this one. I had a puncture halfway through a lovely ride, and let me tell you, repairing a tire in the middle of nowhere is not my idea of fun). You'll have a lot of open roads to explore, and plenty of time to contemplate the meaning of life while you are stuck on the side of it.
Would you go back?
Honestly? Yeah. Absolutely. Despite the mosquitos, the iffy wifi, the tire puncture incident… I'd go back. The peace I felt when I turned off my phone, and the silence of nature? Worth it, as long as I prepare for the apocalypse, and bring a proper chair for the bike. It’s a chance to unplug, to reconnect with something bigger than yourself. And besides… I still have some unresolved ducks-in-crisis drama to follow.
