Escape to Paradise: Stunning Noordwijkerhout Holiday Home with Garden!
Escape to Paradise: Noordwijkerhout… My Rollercoaster Romance with a Holiday Home
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real deal on "Escape to Paradise: Stunning Noordwijkerhout Holiday Home with Garden!" Forget the brochure fluff, I'm about to spill the tea, and trust me, it's scalding in one area and lukewarm in another. Let's get messy, shall we?
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First things first: Accessibility. They say wheelchair accessible. And, well, they're not lying, technically. The main areas mostly were. Mostly. Getting to the bloody elevator (yes, there is one!) felt like navigating a particularly challenging maze. One time, I swear, I almost lost my footing on a slightly uneven tile. Cue dramatic sigh. My companion, bless her heart, had to practically scoot me across a threshold. It's not a dealbreaker, but don't expect it to be a perfectly smooth ride for anyone with mobility challenges.
Wheelchair Accessible? Mostly, with a side of semi-adventure.
Now, let's talk Internet. Thank the internet gods! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! The Internet itself was…decent. Stable enough for video calls (crucial, obviously, for me, and my cat-related emergencies), and they even had Internet [LAN] if you're into that old-school wired thing. My only gripe? The connection sometimes felt like it was dialed up from the dark ages.
Internet services? Check. Fast enough? Meh.
But hey, at least I could post my epic selfie with the garden! Which, by the way, was actually stunning. The little terrace was where I spent most mornings, fueled by coffee and existential dread. The garden, and more specifically, the little table on the patio, was my happy place.
Things to do: Okay, the list is long. Let's start with ways to relax. Oh, did they have 'em! This is where it got interesting.
The Spa: Okay, let me tell you about the spa. I'm a sucker for a sauna, a steamroom, and a massage. They had all of these! But, and this is a big BUT… the whole experience felt, well, a bit clinical. Don't get me wrong, everything was clean (thanks to the Anti-viral cleaning products, the Daily disinfection in common areas, and the Professional-grade sanitizing services), and they had all the bells and whistles: Body scrub, Body wrap, the whole shebang. But it lacked soul. It was like a perfectly executed robotic massage. My Spa experience felt like it was almost too sanitized. Did I enjoy my Foot bath? Yes. Did I feel truly relaxed? Not entirely. I wanted a bit more vibe. More, I dunno, "rustic chic," less "sterile futuristic."
Spa/sauna, Swimming pool, Pool with view… all present and accounted for. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Fitness Center: I am not a gym person. But even I ventured in here, and it was surprisingly well-equipped. Gym/fitness available for the fitness fanatics.
Next, Dining, drinking, and snacking: The Restaurants situation was a mixed bag.
Restaurants: There were multiple! The main restaurant offered A la carte in restaurant, a Buffet in restaurant (good for the desperate, excellent for the hungry), and options like Western breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant, and Asian cuisine in restaurant. The food itself? Sometimes excellent, sometimes… not. The Asian breakfast option was a revelation, the desserts in restaurant were sublime. But, the soup in restaurant tasted like dishwater on one occasion.
And the Service: The bar, the Poolside bar, the Coffee shop, all were available, and the staff were lovely, always polite. But, well, there was a definite language barrier sometimes. Ordering a simple coffee felt like negotiating world peace.
Room service [24-hour]? Yes, that was awesome.
Cleanliness and safety: They were trying. They really were. Everywhere, the Hand sanitizer was readily available, and the whole place reeked of cleaning products (might be a bit of a scent-overkill, though). Hygiene certification. Check. Staff trained in safety protocol. Probably. They were definitely cautious. And the Room sanitization opt-out available! That's a nice touch.
Rooms: My room (the Non-smoking one, obviously) was…adequate. The Air conditioning worked, which was crucial because the summer heat in the Netherlands is… intense. And it was hot! But the decor was a bit… underwhelming. Functional, not fabulous.
Available in all rooms: Oh, the basics were there: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Hair dryer, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wi-Fi [free], etc. But, it all felt a little… standard.
Services and conveniences: They had everything! Concierge, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage. It was all perfectly efficient. But again, a little… soulless.
For the kids: They are family-friendly. With Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and a Kids meal. So, that is something to consider if traveling with children.
Getting around: Car park [free of charge], so that's fantastic.
Check-in/out: The Check-in/out [express] was efficient, but I would recommend the Check-in/out [private] so you get more one-on-one with the staff.
The Verdict:
"Escape to Paradise" is a decent holiday home. It's safe, relatively comfortable, and has all the necessary amenities. But it lacks a certain… je ne sais quoi. A touch of personality. A dash of whimsy. It's the kind of place that's perfect if you want a functional, efficient, and (mostly) accessible base. But if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, a place with a bit of magic, you might want to keep looking. Still, I might go back. The garden… the garden might entice me again.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Room for improvement.
Tenerife Paradise Found: 2-Pax Romantic Retreat at Belvilla La VicarA!
Okay, buckle up buttercup! This isn't your meticulously planned, perfectly-Instagrammed vacation. This is my trip, and it's going to be gloriously, wonderfully, messily real. We're off to Noordwijkerhout in the Netherlands, hoping to find a little bit of heaven in a holiday home with a garden. Here's the unvarnished truth, a pre-trip diary entry of sorts…
Pre-Trip Anxiety & Delusions of Grandeur: The Itinerary (Maybe) – Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands – July 2024
Day 1: The Great Dutch Migration (and Possibly a Meltdown)
- 6:00 AM: Wake up. Or rather, try to wake up. My internal clock is currently set to "perpetual panic," which doesn't bode well for international travel. Coffee, a strong brew that tastes suspiciously of burnt toast.
- 7:00 AM: Finish packing… I think. I swear I packed sunscreen and a hat, and now I can't find them. Where did the spare glasses go?
- 8:00 AM: Airport chaos. I've decided I'm definitely overpacking, so I'm going to try and fit my entire wardrobe into my carry-on. Oh no, I forgot my toothbrush. At least I have my neck pillow.
- 10:00 AM: Successfully navigate security (miracle!). The flight, a blurry, slightly smelly experience. I'm seated next to a guy who insists on telling me about his stamp collection. He's charming, but I'm also hoping he's asleep for most of the journey.
- 1:00 PM (Amsterdam Time): Arrive at Schiphol Airport. My brain is officially mush. It's a maze of tulips and cheese, and I'm pretty sure I'm already lost.
- 2:00 PM: The rental car! A tiny, suspiciously Dutch-looking vehicle. I'm praying I can remember which side of the road to drive on. (Note to self: review driving rules again).
- 3:00 PM: The drive. Oh boy. I'm on the Autobahn. Fast and furious, here I go. Stop and get some coffee from a vending machine. It's not great, but it will do.
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at the holiday home! Fingers crossed it's as idyllic as the pictures. Or close. Remember to check for bed bugs. Seriously, bed bugs are my biggest fear.
- 4:30 PM: Drop the luggage and start exploring the house. The Garden… wait a second is that… a gnome? There IS a gnome. He knows I'm here.
- 6:00 PM: Unpack. (Or at least, attempt to.) Discover that my carefully packed "emergency chocolate" has melted into a sticky, delicious mess. Crisis averted. Also, where's the wine opener!?!
- 7:00 PM: Grocery shopping! I'm going to attempt a Dutch cheese and bread shopping experience. I'm expecting to get lost, though. My dutch is non-existent.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner and bed. It's been a long day. And if I get a good night's sleep, I'll start to believe I'm still not really here.
Day 2: Windmills, Waterways & a Potential Existential Crisis
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Toast with Dutch cheese (thank God for the cheese). Contemplate life. Specifically, why I haven't learned to speak Dutch.
- 10:00 AM: Cycle Ride to the beach. Attempt to ride the bike. Wind is strong and it blows me back. Almost went into a ditch.
- 11:00 AM: Time to relax on the beach. The wind is blowing sand at what seems like light speed. I can't feel my face.
- 12:00 PM: The wind calms down and the sun shines in. This is what I came for.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Where in the world is the right place… oh the cafe? Got it.
- 2:00 PM: Take in the view. This is amazing.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the house for a well deserved rest.
- 4:00 PM: Dinner.
- 5:00 PM: Bed
Day 3: Tulip Frenzy & Existential Angst (Redux)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. More coffee. More existential dread.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Keukenhof Gardens! I've seen the photos, I've dreamed of it… This will be the big day!
- 10:30 AM: Parking is a nightmare. I'm battling the Dutch drivers. I think I've cut someone off.
- 11:00 AM: Keukenhof! And… it's a riot of color. Tulips in every shade imaginable. My eyeballs are happy. My soul, slightly less so – overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of it all.
- 12:00 PM: Get lost in the gardens. Accidentally wander into a display of dahlias. Decide dahlias are underrated.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch amidst the flowers. A small picnic I'd made, and I didn't get anything on my shirt. Amazing!
- 2:00 PM: More tulips! Try to take artistic photos. Fail.
- 3:00 PM: Souvenir shopping. Buy a miniature wooden shoe. Question my life choices.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the holiday home. The tulips are still dancing in my head. This is what made the trip worth it, right?
- 5:00 PM: Dinner. Attempt to cook something Dutch. Realize I'm better at ordering in.
- 6:00 PM: Attempt to have a relaxing bath. The water's suddenly cold. Groan.
- 7:00 PM: Bed. With slightly more appreciation for the Dutch.
Day 4: Bruges (Yes, I Know It's In Belgium, Bite Me)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. I'm still here. Okay, I needed to be brave.
- 10:00 AM: Day trip to Bruges! Cross the border, drive to Belgium!
- 11:00 AM: Struggle to find parking. Realize it's the same everywhere.
- 12:00 PM: Bruges! Picturesque canals. Chocolate shops everywhere. I wander wide-eyed, a tourist cliché, a happy one.
- 1:00 PM: Find the best chocolate shop in Bruges. This is it, the best chocolate shop in the world. I bought all of it.
- 2:00 PM: Food. Fries. Belgian waffles. Beer. Embrace the sugar rush.
- 3:00 PM: Boat trip. I feel like I'm in a fairy tale, or a postcard. Is it too late to elope?
- 4:00 PM: Stroll the streets and just enjoy it. Buy more chocolate. I do not have any regrets.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the car, drive back to the Netherlands
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and bed
Day 5: Noordwijkerhout Exploration & Garden Therapy (And Possibly, More Gnome Encounters)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. No existential dread today. Just the lingering scent of tulips and a vague craving for Belgian chocolate.
- 10:00 AM: Explore Noordwijkerhout! Actually, really explore it.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the local market. Buy some cheese. Maybe some stroopwafels. Stare longingly at the fresh flowers.
- 12:00 PM: Walk. Get lost. Discover a charming little cafe.
- 1:00 PM: Cafe Lunch. Eat a sandwich, watch the world go by.
- 2:00 PM: Garden Therapy. Sit in the garden. Meditate. Attempt (and fail) to identify the various plants. Admire the gnome. Is he judging me? Probably.
- 3:00 PM: Read a book. The wind blows the pages. Laugh.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the house. Realize I've run out of coffee.
- 5:00 PM: Make dinner.
- 6:00 PM: Watch TV.
- 7:00 PM: Bed
Day 6: Pack, Reflect, and Face the Inevitable
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. The holiday home feels… different. It's beginning to feel more like home.
- 10:00 AM: Pack. With slightly more efficiency this
Escape to Paradise: Noordwijkerhout Holiday Home - Yeah, Let's Talk About It! (Because, Really, You Have Questions)
So, is this place REALLY as amazing as it looks in the photos? (Because, you know, Instagram...)
Okay, let's be honest. The photos? They're good. They're REALLY good. And, in my humble (and slightly cynical) opinion, they don't quite capture the *feeling* of the place. Look, I'm a sucker for a good filter as much as the next person, but the photos… well, they're maybe a little *too* perfect. Like, pristine. Like, "no one has EVER spilled coffee on that gorgeous white sofa" pristine. And trust me, I'm the kind of person who *will* spill coffee on a gorgeous white sofa. Twice. (Don't judge. I was tired.)
But here's the thing: the reality? It's even *better*. Yeah, the sofa *might* be slightly stained (just kidding... maybe). But the general vibe? Pure, unadulterated relaxation. The garden? Breathtaking. You can actually *hear* the birds chirping, which is a novelty if you live, like I do, in a concrete jungle where the birds sound more like angry pigeons having a territorial dispute.
The air… fresh. The silence… golden. Honestly, after a couple of days there, I seriously considered burning all my work clothes and taking up residence in a hammock. (Don't worry, I didn't… yet.)
Is the garden really as big as it looks? I need space for my dog/kids/obnoxious relatives.
Okay, let's talk garden. It's *not* a lie. It's a proper garden. Like, the kind of garden where you can actually get lost. I mean, maybe not *lost* lost, but you can definitely wander around for a good half hour, pretending to be a botanist and trying (and failing) to identify the various flora. I spent a solid afternoon just lying on the grass, staring up at the sky. It was… restorative.
Now, for the practicalities: Yes, your dog will love it. (Unless your dog is a tiny, grumpy, indoorsy chihuahua. Then, maybe not.) My dog, a giant, slobbering labradoodle named Winston, almost had a heart attack from pure joy. He ran, he sniffed, he rolled in things… He had the time of his life. (And yes, I had to pick up after him. It's the law, people!)
As for kids… yeah, they'll be thrilled. Lots of space to run around, build forts, and generally wreak havoc. (Which, let’s face it, is the whole point of having kids, right?) Obnoxious relatives? Well, that's a tough one. The garden *is* big enough to strategically place them at a safe distance, near the bird feeders, where they won't bother anybody, and where you can enjoy your peace and serenity again. Just kidding (sort of!).
What's the kitchen like? Because, you know, food is important. And I'm a terrible cook.
The kitchen... Ah, the kitchen. Okay, I'm not gonna pretend to be a gourmet chef. I'm more of a 'microwave-and-hope-for-the-best' kind of person. But! Even *I* managed to whip up a passable meal in this kitchen. It's well-equipped. Seriously, you'll find everything you need. Pots, pans, a ridiculously sharp knife (careful!), and even a fancy coffee machine that made me feel like I was staying at a boutique hotel.
Now, the important part: Dishwasher. Yes. A glorious, life-saving dishwasher. Thank the heavens. Because after a day of exploring the surrounding area, the last thing you want to do is spend an hour scrubbing dishes. Trust me on this one. I'm speaking from experience.
Oh, and there's a good supermarket nearby, so you can stock up on all the essentials (and by essentials, I mean snacks. Lots and lots of snacks.) Honestly, even if you're a terrible cook, you can still have a great culinary experience, because you’re on holiday, right? Take-aways exist for a reason!
Okay, real talk: is it actually *clean*? Because I have a weird phobia of dust bunnies.
Cleanliness? Yes. Absolutely. I'm a bit of a clean freak myself (don't tell anyone!), and I was thrilled. The place was spotless. Like, "I could eat off the floor" (although I didn't, because, ew) spotless. The bathroom? Sparkling. The bedsheets? Fresh and crisp. No dust bunnies in sight. (Phew!) This is a serious win, people. A very serious win. It's a huge relief when you arrive and feel like you're in a hotel, not a badly-maintained motel. So, breathe easy, fellow phobics - you'll be fine on the cleanliness front.
What's the area like? I want to know if there's any fun stuff to do besides look at the garden (tempting as that is).
Alright, so the area... Noordwijkerhout itself is charming. Really charming. Think quaint shops, friendly locals, and the general feeling of "Ah, this is the life." You *are* practically on the doorstep of the Keukenhof Gardens, which, even if you're not a huge flower enthusiast (I wasn't, before I went), are *amazing*. Seriously, go. Just go. The colours? Unbelievable. The sheer scale? Jaw-dropping. Bring your camera, and some tissues, because the beauty might make you cry. Even for a cynical person like myself.
The beaches... oh, the beaches! The Dutch coastline is stunning. Windsurf, bike ride, just sit and watch the waves. It's a perfect vibe. And of course, Amsterdam isn't too far away, for a day trip filled with museums, canals, and questionable street food (try the stroopwafels though... seriously good.)
Okay, a bit of a story time: One day I was biking along the coast -- the sea, the sun, everything just perfect, right? Wrong. My chain fell off. In the *sand*. Which meant it was a complete nightmare to get back on. All I’m saying: bring a maintenance kit if you’re planning on biking!
Is there Wi-Fi? Because, you know, the world keeps turning, even when you're on holiday.
Yes, thank goodness. There is Wi-Fi. Reliable Wi-Fi. I mean, I tried *not* to check my emails. I really did. But when anMountain Stay
