Escape to Luxury: Your Dream Chalet Awaits in Spa, Belgium!
Escape to Luxury: Spa, Belgium - When Dreams (and My Back) Met the Real World! (A Messy, Glorious Review)
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Okay, buckle up Buttercups, because this isn't your typical, pristine hotel review. This is the unfiltered, slightly-scatterbrained, and undeniably human experience of a stay at "Escape to Luxury: Your Dream Chalet Awaits" in Spa, Belgium. And let me tell you, it was…a journey.
First things first: the brochure photos? Gorgeous. The reality? Mostly lived up to the hype, with a few delightful wrinkles. We’re talking a proper chateau, nestled in those lush Belgian hills. Think chocolate, beer, and the faint promise of world-class pampering. I was so ready.
Accessibility: The Good and the "Almost"
Let's get the important stuff out of the way first. My plus-one uses a wheelchair, so accessibility was a must. We opted for a "Superior Accessible Room," and generally, it was pretty good. (Wheelchair Accessible, Facilities for disabled guests) The ramp leading up to the main entrance was wide and manageable. The elevator worked (thank the heavens!). (Elevator) Our room itself was spacious, with plenty of turning room, and while the bathroom technically met accessible standards, it felt a little…clinical. The grab bars were solid, but the overall aesthetic wasn't exactly "luxury spa oasis." More like "hospital chic." Minor gripe, but worth mentioning.
The hallways were wide, and we could navigate to the restaurant and the spa with relative ease. (Exterior corridor) However, it’s a mountainous area, so getting around outside the hotel for other adventures was tricky without a car. (Airport transfer)
The Wonderful World of Relaxing
The Spa, oh the spa. (Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view, Foot bath, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap) This is where "Escape to Luxury" truly delivers. The outdoor pool? Breathtaking. Imagine yourself, sipping something bubbly, gazing over the rolling green hills. The indoor pool? Equally stunning, but the water…was cold initially! (A minor panic attack ensued, but I toughed it out. For the review, obviously.)
I went all-in on the treatments. A body scrub, a wrap, a massage… My mantra became "treat yo' self." The massage was divine, especially after I’d spent all day trying to assemble Ikea furniture in the room (more on that later). The masseuse was a magician, kneading away all the stress, and probably all the tension from trying to be a decent partner. (Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool) The sauna and steam room were perfect for detoxing after my…ahem… research of the local Belgian beer scene.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Mishap)
The dining options were impressive. (Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Breakfast [buffet], A la carte in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Room service [24-hour]) They offered a buffet and a la carte options with a mix of cuisines. (Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant) Breakfast was a glorious affair. I’m talking pastries, fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order, the works. (Asian breakfast, Western breakfast) The coffee was excellent too, which was crucial. (Coffee/tea in restaurant)
The restaurant, however…ah, the restaurant. It's stunningly decorated. (Room decorations) But one night, the service felt a little…chaotic. Our waiter was lovely, but clearly overwhelmed. We waited ages for our food, only to have my partner's vegetarian dish arrive with what appeared to be a rogue piece of bacon garnish. Cue frantic apologies and a kitchen re-do. (Happily, they handled it gracefully.) (Alternative meal arrangement)
Rooms, Rooms, Everywhere Rooms (and a Flatpack Nightmare)
Our room, the "Superior Accessible Room," was initially impressive until we started the flatpack table. After a day of dealing with it, the hotel staff were genuinely happy to have saved us, and we were happy not to get our deposit back for leaving it. (Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens) It was clean, spacious, and well-equipped. (Air conditioning) The internet access was reliable. (Internet, Internet [LAN], Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) The bed was HUGE and incredibly comfortable. (Extra long bed) The bathroom was a bit bland, but functional. The view from the window? Sublime. (Window that opens) But here's where my inner control freak really shone: I’d brought a small table-top fan, in order to get some extra air circulating. It wouldn't fit. The table legs, that were supposed to go underneath the tv wouldn't fit. I gave up and just used it as a desk.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Shadow of Covid
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: Covid. "Escape to Luxury" clearly takes hygiene seriously. (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Front desk [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour]) Hand sanitizer was everywhere. (Hand sanitizer) Staff wore masks. The rooms were thoroughly cleaned (and smelled clean, which is a big plus). The dining areas were spaced out, and tables were sanitized between guests. They seemed to be taking it seriously–unlike some of the other hotels in Spa. Their whole team took a bunch of protocols. I felt safe, which is saying something.
The Little Extras (and a Few Quibbles)
The hotel offered several services. (Services and conveniences, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Bicycle parking, Business facilities, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Cash withdrawal, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Taxi service, Terrace, Valet parking, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center) The concierge was helpful, the laundry service was efficient. (Concierge, Laundry service)
My biggest complaint? The lack of a decent English-language TV channel. (Yes, I’m a creature of habit.) And the fact that the minibar wasn't quite cold enough for the local beer. (Again, priorities.) (Mini bar, Non-smoking)
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite the minor hiccups, "Escape to Luxury" is a fantastic hotel. The spa is world-class. The setting is idyllic. The staff, for the most part, are lovely, and the accessibility is good. If you want luxurious comfort and relaxation, or are trying to find a spot with family, then this is a definite contender. (Family/child friendly, Couple's room)
Final Thoughts (a little stream of consciousness):
Did I mention the robes? Fluffy, perfect robes. (Bathrobes) I lived in mine. The view from the terrace was sensational at night. (Terrace) It was the perfect setting for some wine. *Next time, I'm outsourcing the
Escape to Paradise: Heated Pool Villa near the Sea in Italy!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average "perfectly curated" itinerary. This is real life, Robertville style – a week in a chalet, near Spa, Belgium, with yours truly at the helm. Get ready for some… gestures vaguely… this.
Robertville Chalet Debacle: A Week of Belgian Bliss (and Mayhem)
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Cheese Caper
Morning (and by "morning," I mean whenever the hell I wake up after that red-eye): Landed in Brussels. Smooth(ish) flight. Except the guy next to me snored like a dying walrus and thought my armrest was his personal recliner. Seriously, people, personal space! Grabbed the rental car – a tiny, potentially haunted VW Polo named "Bertha." Pray for me.
Afternoon: Driving to Robertville. GPS is my overlord. Bertha is trying to climb the Ardennes mountains. The initial "wow" of the Belgian countryside faded into a desperate plea for a coffee shop and a clean loo. I'm convinced those picturesque villages are hiding a secret society of grumpy gnomes.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrive at the chalet! "Cozy" is a generous term. More like "charming-ish, with a distinct smell of old wood and… is that… mildew?" Unpack. Discover that the "fully equipped kitchen" is missing a can opener. Panic sets in. The grocery store is closing. Must acquire cheese. This is a mission of epic proportions.
Evening: The cheese! Found some amazing local cheese. Ate half of it in one sitting. Also, beer. Belgian beer. The kind that makes you want to write poetry and then immediately fall asleep face-first in a pillow. Mission successful! Except I can't find the remote for the TV. Is this a sign? Should I just, like, be? Never! (Later found it under Bertha's car keys).
Day 2: Water, Water, Everywhere (and a Tiny Misunderstanding)
Morning: Planned a hike around the Lac de Robertville. Looked at the map. Got lost within the first 15 minutes. It's beautiful, though. The lake, that is. My sense of direction? Less so. Nearly ended up in Luxembourg.
Afternoon: Found a cute little cafe near the lake and had a very strong coffee. Felt like I could conquer the world. Or at least the next few hundred yards of the trail.
Late Afternoon: Decided to try the dam, but I missed the sign that explained that there was no swimming. Was really embarrassing and I got yelled at by a grumpy man in a tiny boat for trying to take a dip from the dam's edge. (My bad). Found the right location just to get the scenery.
Evening: Back at the chalet. Tried to cook. Burnt the potatoes. Decided to order takeaway frites and a kebab from the nearest town. Regretted it immediately.
Day 3: Spa, Oh Spa, Where Art Thou? (And a Detour Into Chocolate Heaven)
Morning: Today's the day! Spa! The town Spa is known for its… well, spa. I'm imagining bubbling, luxurious waters, and pampered bliss! I am pumped!
Afternoon: Spa is beautiful. It's the kind of place where you immediately feel underdressed, even in your most casual clothes. Spent the entire session trying to look like I belonged there. (Spoiler alert: I failed). The spa itself was… intense. So much water. The massages were really good.
Late Afternoon: Driving back, the GPS took me on a "scenic route." Scenic, my foot! Narrow, winding roads are not scenic when you're terrified of heights and Bertha is determined to become a pancake. Eventually, a beacon of hope: a chocolate shop!
Evening: Chocolate. All the chocolate. The shop was amazing. Found a little chocolate shop just before driving back. The chocolate shop was worth the detour! I bought every flavor. My blood sugar level is probably through the roof, but I don't care.
Day 4: The Ardennes Adventure (and a Near-Death Experience with a Squirrel)
Morning: Decided to drive around the Ardennes forest. Spectacular! Did I mention the narrow, winding roads? It's a recurring theme.
Afternoon: Found a perfect little spot for a picnic. Until a squirrel decided my sandwich was its lunch. And fought me. I think I lost.
Late Afternoon: Visited a charming village. It looked exactly like a movie set. Got lost (again).
Evening: Dinner in a small restaurant. Ate something I couldn't quite identify. But it tasted great! (Probably because I was starving). Had a beer with the kindest waiter ever.
Day 5: Repeat Day 4 (but with More Beer)
Morning: More Ardennes. More breathtaking views. More almost-cliffside driving.
Afternoon: Found a different picnic spot. The squirrel didn't find me this time.
Late Afternoon: More charming villages. More getting lost.
Evening: Decided to have another dinner. Then, because I deserve it, I bought more local beer.
Day 6: Farewell, Robertville. (Sort Of)
Morning: Packing up. Bertha is looking sad to leave. I am a mess of clothes and souvenirs.
Afternoon: Drive to the next town.
Evening: One last meal. One last beer. One last cheese.
Day 7: Going Home.
Morning: Say goodbye with the memories.
Evening: Back to reality. Already planning the next escape!
Escape to Luxury: Your Dream Chalet Awaits (…Maybe?) - Let’s Get Real!
So, this ‘Escape to Luxury’ thing… is it *actually* luxurious? Like, *drool-worthy* luxurious?
Okay, let's be honest, marketing can be a bit… optimistic. “Luxury” is thrown around these days like confetti at a slightly disappointing wedding. But yeah, for the most part, it *kinda* lives up to the hype. I mean, the photos? They're stunning. Think roaring fireplaces, fluffy white robes, and views that make you momentarily forget you're slowly losing your mind (which, after the last year, is a big win!). The chalets themselves are seriously impressive. I spent about ten minutes just gawking at the kitchen when I was there, imagining myself as some kind of Michelin-starred chef (spoiler alert: I can barely boil an egg). It’s the little things that make the difference, though. Like, the ridiculously soft towels (took me a minute to find them, by the way – hidden in a drawer like a secret stash of pure comfort), or the welcome basket overflowing with local chocolates and champagne. *Chef's kiss* on that one. However, there *was* that one time the hot tub *didn't* heat up right away (more on that later… it involved a *slightly* panicked call to the concierge) - so maybe temper your expectations *slightly*... still, pretty darn luxurious overall.
What *exactly* is included in the price? 'Cause, let's be real, I'm not paying for a view if I have to scrub my own toilet.
Ah, the million-dollar question! Okay, so the basics are covered: accommodation, obviously. And it's not like a cramped hotel room; these chalets are SPACIOUS. Like, you could comfortably lose a small child (or your husband) in there. They *usually* include firewood for the fireplace (important for maximum hygge vibes), and most have fully equipped kitchens. They often mention housekeeping, which, honestly, is a *godsend*. Because cleaning up after a week of indulging in cheese and wine is not on my list of 'things I want to do on vacation.' But read the fine print! Some extras, like spa treatments or private chefs, are *definitely* not included and will cost you extra. Oh, and that concierge service? Also a separate cost, but *worth every penny*. Trust me. (See below for my hot tub debacle.) They're angels.
Spa, Belgium? I thought that was just a fancy word for… well, a spa. Why Spa?
Okay, history lesson incoming! Spa, Belgium, is *the* OG spa town. It’s where the word 'spa' *comes from*. Apparently, the Romans loved the natural springs there, and the whole area is steeped in history and, frankly, just *lovely*. It’s nestled in the Ardennes, which means rolling hills, lush forests, and that crisp, clean air that makes you want to spontaneously start doing yoga (or, you know, just have another nap). Plus, it's close to some charming little villages, which I *highly* recommend exploring, and you can easily hop over to Germany or Luxembourg if you fancy. So, Spa offers an actual experience, and you get a place to relax in a beautiful spot.
What activities are there besides, you know, breathing in the lovely air and not moving? I get bored… quickly.
Alright, adrenaline junkies (or at least people who like pretending to be)! There’s hiking, mountain biking (I’m more of a ‘stroll around the village and eat ice cream’ kind of person, myself), and of course, skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Spa has a famous race track, which is pretty cool, even if you're not a huge racing fan (the noise is...intense). There are also thermal baths, which is PERFECT for a day of pure relaxation. And, if you're feeling adventurous, you can explore caves, check out some castles...or you could just stay in your chalet, put on your fluffy robe, and watch Netflix. No judgment here. I've done both. In fact, on balance, I did the latter more! But the *option* is there!
Okay, so… the hot tub. Spill the tea. Was it as blissful as the pictures?
Ugh, the hot tub. Right. Okay, so the first night? Pure perfection. Stars twinkling, champagne flowing, the water at the perfect temperature… This was what dreams are made of! The second night… problem. The temperature gauge? Showing an extremely *unsatisfactory* number. Cue mild panic. My husband (who, bless him, is about as tech-savvy as a spoon) tried everything. "Have you pressed the *big* button?" he asked. No luck. So, I did what any sane person does in a crisis: I called the concierge. Now, I'm usually pretty independent, but this was a *serious* situation. I spent an hour on the phone, sounding like a panicked cat, and after many, many attempts and a lot of fiddling with the heating element myself, the hot tub heated up (eventually). So, yes, the hot tub was blissful… eventually. It was a *journey*. And after all that scrambling and screaming, it was the most glorious soak of my life! Totally worth it. (Note: I still can’t explain what was wrong with it.)
Any downsides? Because nothing's *perfect*, right?
Okay, let's get real for a second. It's not cheap. But you're paying for a luxurious experience. And, frankly, the peace and quiet were worth every penny. Also, driving around in that area can get a little… interesting. Narrow roads, hairpin turns… if you’re not a confident driver, prepare yourself. (My husband nearly drove us off a cliff, but we won't talk about that). The weather can be unpredictable, too. One minute it’s sunshine and rainbows, the next you’re knee-deep in snow. Pack layers! And, depending on the chalet, the Wi-Fi might not be the most reliable. (For me, that was a *feature*, not a bug. More time to relax, less time scrolling through Instagram! Win!). Oh, and I'm not going to lie, finding the chalet through all the twists and turns of the road can be confusing at first. But these are minor quibbles, really. Overall, a truly lovely experience.
Should I book this? Give it to me straight.
Look, if you're looking for a truly special getaway, and you're willing to splurge a little (or a lot!), then yes. Yes, you should absolutely book it. Even with the hot tub near-disaster, the questionable driving, the occasional unreliable Wi-Fi… the overall experience was amazing. The memories, the relaxation, the sheer joy of doing absolutely *nothing*… totally worth it. Just… maybe pack a travel sized bottle of patience, and be prepared to embrace your inner spa goddess (even if you accidentally set off the smoke alarm while attempting to cookHotel Finder Reviews
