Amsterdam Oasis: Stunning House w/ Dishwasher - Uitgeest!
Amsterdam Oasis: A Review That Actually Feels Real (Uitgeest, You Dirty Little Beauty!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Amsterdam Oasis in Uitgeest (yes, Uitgeest!) and my brain is still buzzing. And let me tell you, this place is way more than just "Stunning House w/ Dishwasher" – though, let's be honest, the dishwasher is a godsend. I'M NOT WASHING DISHES ON VACATION, PERIOD.
Accessibility: A Mixed bag, but Mostly Good Vibes
First off, I need to say, this wasn't a trip where I needed extensive accessibility. BUT, I did take a look around, and the info online seemed pretty accurate. I saw the mention of Facilities for disabled guests, and I did notice the Elevator – a huge plus if you're hauling luggage (or, you know, just don't feel like stairs). It's crucial, right? Because getting back home from a good time already hard enough.
The Vibe: Relax, But Don't Expect Utopia
This place tries to do it all, and sometimes, in the pursuit of everything, it loses a little personality. But that’s what makes this place so interesting, isn’t it? The Pool with view is pretty damn gorgeous, by the way. Made me want to stay in the water all day. I definitely could have spent a whole afternoon there just… existing.
Relaxation & Wellness: Spa Day, Anyone? (But Maybe Manage Your Expectations)
Okay, let's be real. When I saw the Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, and the list of potential pampering options, I started dreaming of a week filled with bliss. The Massage was… fine. Not the life-altering experience I'd built up in my head, but hey, a massage is a massage, right? I did try to take a soak in the Foot bath, but the water wasn’t as hot as I expected. What was with that? They also offer Body scrub and Body wrap, which I didn't even go for because, let's face it, I'm a lazy vacationer. But hey, the option is there! And the Fitness center? Looked well-equipped, even if the thought of exercising on vacation made me want to hide under the duvet.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: The Foodie's Rollercoaster
This is where things get… interesting. There's a lot on offer. A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, options galore! Which made me, a guy who loves food, very happy and I was going to make the most of it. The Asian breakfast was a highlight. I had the best dumplings I ever had, really great. The Poolside bar? Yes, please! Although I'm pretty sure I only had one drink there. The Coffee shop was great for a quick pick-me-up. The Restaurants themselves were a bit of a mixed bag. Some dishes were AMAZING (seriously, the desserts here are worth every calorie). Other times, things were just okay. I definitely preferred the 'International cuisine' option, but I guess I just didn't feel adventurous enough. Still, having the options available is great, right? Having one of those Bottle of water as I went back to my room after dinner.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Kitchens and…My Anxiety.
Let's address the elephant in the room: COVID. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer galore… they're taking it seriously. Which is good. Really good. But also…my anxiety was whispering in my ear the whole time. Are my hands clean enough? Did I touch my face? Did I wash my hands long enough? It’s just too much. I understand, they're trying to provide assurances of safety, and I greatly appreciate it. But the sheer volume of precautions actually had the opposite effect on my (already precarious) peace of mind. But hey, the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were reassuring.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the (slightly) Clunky
They've got everything, the Concierge was helpful – always there with a smile. The Daily housekeeping was excellent, and hey, I didn't have to make my bed! The Laundry service was a lifesaver (especially after…ahem…that red wine incident). The Doorman was pretty good, as well. But there are a few hiccups. The Food delivery service was a bit slow. And the Internet – wireless was…well, it got spotty at times. I'm not gonna lie, as a blogger who needs to upload the pictures of the day right away. That’s annoying.
For the Kids: Seems Good, Doesn't Know For Sure
I didn't have any kids with me. So I didn't use the services of the Babysitting service. But the Family/child friendly sounded promising.
Available in all Rooms: Comforts and Quirks
Air conditioning? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Check. I was grateful for both. The Bathtub was a nice touch after a long day. I had the Alarm clock set to alert me in the morning, but there was something wrong with the Soundproofing of my room as I had to wake up before it even went off. I did appreciate the Free bottled water as well, especially since I went out a little bit too hard the night before.
The Room Itself: My Own Little Fortress of Solitude (with a Few Minor Issues)
My room (a Non-smoking, thank God) was generally great. The Bed was comfy, the Linens were fresh, and the Blackout curtains were a lifesaver (especially after that aforementioned red wine incident). The Refrigerator was a HUGE bonus for the quick snacks. HOWEVER, my Bathroom phone didn't work (who even uses those anymore?). And one of my Reading light was broken, which sucked because it’s important while in the Sofa when you're not looking at the Mirror. Still, it was an above-average experience. I felt spoiled.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy (Mostly)
Airport transfer arranged by the hotel. Bicycle parking. Car park [on-site]. All good. Having a Taxi service available was also nice.
The Bottom Line: Worth it? YES (With a Few Caveats)
Amsterdam Oasis in Uitgeest is a pretty great place. It's not perfect. It has its quirks. But that’s part of its charm. It's a solid choice for a relaxing getaway, especially if you're looking for somewhere with a lot of options and a decent spa. Just be prepared for a few minor inconveniences and maybe pack your own bubble wrap just in case. Overall, I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. And yes, I'd go back. Especially for those desserts.
Unbelievable Masia Vinaixa Escape: Your Dream Peniscola Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, clinically-sterile travel itinerary. This is me throwing together a trip to the Netherlands, and trust me, it's going to be a beautiful, chaotic mess. Let's face it, if you want perfection, go hire a travel agent. This is raw. This is real. This is… well, let's see how it pans out, shall we?
Project: Nice House, Dishwasher, Uitgeest (Close to Amsterdam!) - My Sanity's Escape Plan
(Pre-Trip Rambling - AKA, the "Existential Dread" Phase)
Right, so the plan is to snag a nice house in or near Uitgeest. Beautiful, isn't it? A nice house with a dishwasher! Because, honestly, after a day of touring, the last thing I want to do is stand in front of a sink full of greasy plates. This trip is about self-care, people. And maybe, just maybe, avoiding the soul-crushing monotony of my usual routine. Amsterdam… well, that's the icing on the stroopwafel. I've always thought it sounded like a place of pure, unfiltered fun. Can it possibly live up to the hype? Probably not. But I'm going to give it a damn good shot!
(Day 1: Arrival & Uitgeest Charm Offensive)
08:00 - 10:00: Flight departs. Ugh, airports. Enough said. Pray to the travel gods my luggage doesn't decide to take a solo trip to the Bahamas. I will spend all flight time praying for the best.
10:00 - 12:00: Touch down at Schiphol Airport (hopefully not in tears). Grab pre-booked rental car. Deep breaths. Driving in a new country. Wish me luck. I will probably need it.
12:00 - 14:00: Find the house! Let's hope the address isn't a cryptic riddle. A quick grocery run. Dutch cheese. Must have. Oh, and coffee. LOTS of coffee. Because jet lag is a beast. And I'm already running on caffeinated survival instincts.
14:00 - 16:00: Unpack. Admire the dishwasher. Yes, I'm this excited about a dishwasher. Sue me. Settle in. Take a deep breath, think about how the next days are going to be beautiful. I'm thinking about the canals, the people, the good food, and all the rest. This needs to be a win.
16:00 - 18:00: Explore Uitgeest. Stroll along the canals. Okay, okay, just try to be charming, Uitgeest. Impress me. Maybe find a cozy cafe. If there are even a bunch.
18:00 - 19:00: Dinner. Probably Dutch cuisine, or something. I'm open to anything. It's a new start.
19:00 - 21:00: Relax. Get used to the idea that I'm not at home.
(Day 2: Amsterdam – A Day of Bikes, Bridges, and (Hopefully) Not Getting Run Over)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Coffee. More coffee. Amsterdam bound!
- 10:00 - 12:00: Bike rental. This is the most famous part of Amsterdam. If you can't do it, you are not a real tourist. Navigate Amsterdam's bike lanes. Pray. I am terrified of bikes, but hey, when in Rome… or Amsterdam, I guess. Wish me luck. I am going to need it.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch. Maybe a broodje with herring? Or, you know, maybe I will just take the "safe" option.
- 13:00 - 15:00: Canal cruise. Embrace the beauty. Hopefully fall in love with the whole thing.
- 15:00 - 17:00: Explore the Jordaan district. Wander. Get lost (in a good way). Discover hidden courtyards. Hope I can find nice places like this one.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Dinner. Authentic Dutch food. If I haven't spent all day biking I will be happy. The food could be perfect.
- 19:00 - 21:00: Evening Stroll on the canals. Lights. Night. Sounds like a cliche. I am still going to do it, isn't it?
(Day 3: Windmills, Cheese, and the Undeniable Dutch Charm)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Coffee, again. I'm starting to think my blood is 50% caffeine.
- 10:00 - 13:00: Zaanse Schans. Windmills! Cheese factories! Clomp-y wooden shoes! I am going to make them all.
- 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch in Zaanse Schans. Cheese sandwiches are a must. If you're not getting a cheese sandwich in Zaanse Schans, what are you even doing?
- 14:00 - 16:00: Cheese tasting! Oh, the glorious kaas. I'm going to become a cheese connoisseur in a matter of hours, I know it.
- 16:00 - 17:00: Souvenir shopping. I need something to prove I was actually here. A miniature windmill? Giant wooden clogs. I am going to buy everything.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Back to Uitgeest.
- 19:00 - 21:00: Dinner at home. Or, if I'm feeling adventurous, in Uitgeest.
(Day 4: The Anne Frank House (and the Aftermath of Emotional Overload)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Coffee. Feeling a bit of a hangover from all the cheese.
- 10:00 - 12:00: Anne Frank House, if I've managed to snag tickets (because, good God, those things are harder to get than a date with Brad Pitt). Okay, look, this will be tough. Prepare for tears. Prepare for intense sadness. Prepare to have your worldview absolutely rocked.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Walk around. Let things sink in.
- 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch. I might not be up for much food, tbh.
- 14:00 - 16:00: Museumplein. Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum? Decisions, decisions… or maybe I'll just collapse on a bench and stare at the sky.
- 16:00 - 18:00: Explore another neighborhood. I'm thinking something light in mood.
- 18:00 - 19:00: Dinner. Comfort food. Big portion.
- 19:00 - 21:00: Try to process everything. I'm going to need a bit of a reset after that.
(Day 5: Day Trip or Rest?)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Coffee. Do I stay in the house?
- 10:00 - 12:00: This day is a total wildcard. Maybe a day trip to Harlem? Or, and this is a strong maybe, spend the day in pijamas.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch. Something easy. Something that doesn't require effort.
- 13:00 - 17:00: Reading. Enjoying the peace.
- 17:00 - 18:00: Dinner. I don't want to go out. I want to stay safe at house.
- 18:00 - 21:00: Watching a film? Relaxing?
(Day 6: Goodbyes (or, the "I Don't Want to Leave" Phase)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Coffee. A very long coffee.
- 10:00 - 12:00: Last stroll. Just one last look at the beauty.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch.
- 13:00 - 15:00: Get the luggage, pack, and prepare for the return (I'll cry).
- 15:00 - 17:00: Head to the airport.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Wait
Amsterdam Oasis: Stunning House w/ Dishwasher - Uitgeest! (The Glorious, the Murky, the Maybe-a-Mistake)
Okay, spill. Is this place *actually* stunning? Like, Instagram-filter-worthy stunning?
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Stunning" is a marketing term, you know? Like, they probably had a professional photographer in there, angles, lighting... But yeah, it *is* pretty darn nice. Seriously. The pictures? Not a total lie. That living room? Glorious. Sunlight pouring in, bouncing off the (probably fake) fireplace. I spent like, a whole afternoon just staring out the window, sipping coffee, pretending I was in some kind of Dutch Vermeer painting. Okay, maybe not *Vermeer*, but you get the idea. It's definitely better than my cramped, slightly moldy apartment back home. Which, by the way, is the ONLY reason I booked the darn place. I was *desperate* for a vacation.
Uitgeest? Where the heck is that? Did you get lost?
Uitgeest. Population: Apparently a secret. It's… outside Amsterdam. Like, *way* outside. Okay, okay, it's a train ride. And yes, I *did* get slightly, momentarily, panic-attack-inducingly lost at the station. The Dutch language? It’s like a throat-clearing contest I'm perpetually losing. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? (Insert nervous laugh here.) And honestly? Uitgeest is charming, in a "it's-where-the-locals-actually-live-and-you-can-get-away-from-tourists" kind of way. Plus, the train ride is gorgeous. Canals, cows, windmills… it’s basically a postcard. Until you end up crammed in a carriage with a gaggle of school kids on a field trip. Then it's just noise and sugar-fueled mayhem.
The Dishwasher! Did it live up to the hype? Because honestly, that's the MOST important thing.
The dishwasher… oh, the dishwasher. Okay, so I'm a terrible cook. Like, truly awful. But the *idea* of having a dishwasher? Pure bliss. I'm talking no more mountains of dirty dishes accumulating in the sink, silently judging me. It was… glorious. Seriously. I actually *enjoyed* cooking (well, warming up pre-made meals, but still!). Plus, the dishwasher was whisper-quiet. I was so paranoid about the noise as I was staying. I guess I was just too used to old dishwashers. It worked like a dream. Pure, water-and-soap-powered magic. However, one minor, teeny, tiny, insignificant (or so I thought at the time) problem: my overzealous love of "Jet Dry". It had an overflow issue at one point. I'm blaming the Dutch water pressure!
Is it actually a *house*? Did you have any issues with neighbors being noisy?
Yes, it's a proper house! Two stories, a garden... the works. The neighbors? Surprisingly quiet. I'm used to hearing my neighbor through the walls every morning. I did hear the sound of dogs barking a bit when I opened the windows for air, but that's just a minor thing to me. I'm sure they were well behaved. One morning, I heard a choir singing, which was actually quite nice. It had a lovely sound to it. I suspect that the family was probably doing a choir practice, which was pretty interesting. As for the house itself, it had a real homey, welcoming feel to it.
The garden! Did you actually *use* it?
The garden...ah, the garden. It was nice, like, really really nice. I am not a garden person in general. But it was there. Well-maintained. Filled with flowers and everything looked so nice. I think. I mean, I saw it. I'm pretty sure I was too busy with my sightseeing and other activities to actually spend a lot of time in it. I think I did sit there one afternoon, sipping coffee, reading my book, when It got kind of cold, and quickly ducked back inside. I did, on the other hand, witness an amazing sunset in the garden, and it was one of the best sunsets I've ever seen.
Any cons? Tell me the *truth*!
Okay, the truth. There were, like, a *few* minor things. The Wi-Fi was a bit… spotty. It was probably the location. Dutch houses are pretty far apart, and I guess the Wi-Fi just couldn't reach it. I’m not saying it was *bad*, but I spent a fair amount of time staring at loading wheels. But that's just a small thing. It also turns out, Dutch windows are extremely effective at letting in light. Fine when it is the sun, but less fine when it is *also* letting in the streetlamps at 4 in the morning. I had to get up multiple times in the night to pull the curtains. My biggest regret? Not staying *longer*.
Would you recommend it? Honestly?
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. Despite the minor Wi-Fi issue, being momentarily directionally challenged, and the brief Jet Dry incident, I would go back in a heartbeat. It was a perfect little haven. Clean, beautiful, and it felt like home, even for a few days. Plus, the dishwasher! I'm already plotting my return. Just need to brush up on my Dutch first... and maybe buy a map. And maybe learn to cook.
