Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Sauna Houseboat in Leeuwarden, Netherlands!
Escape to Paradise: A Sauna Houseboat in Leeuwarden - My Slightly Chaotic Adventure (and Totally Worth It)
Okay, so picture this: you, me, a luxury houseboat bobbing gently on the canals of Leeuwarden, Netherlands. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it mostly was. Let me tell you, the “Escape to Paradise” sauna houseboat isn't just a name; it's a promise… a promise they come pretty darn close to keeping.
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- Title: Escape to Paradise Sauna Houseboat Review: Leeuwarden Luxury & Lounging
- Keywords: Leeuwarden, Houseboat, Sauna, Netherlands, Luxury, Spa, Review, Accessible, Wheelchair, Wi-Fi, Restaurant, Pool, Fitness, Relaxation, Couples Retreat, Dutch Experience, Floating Hotel
- Meta Description: Dive into my brutally honest review of the "Escape to Paradise" sauna houseboat in Leeuwarden! Learn about accessibility, the incredible sauna (duh!), dining, amenities, and whether this floating paradise is worth the splurge. Prepare for some hilarious (and maybe slightly embarrassing) anecdotes!
First Impressions - Getting There, Getting In…
Alright, so first off: the location. Leeuwarden itself is charming, a quaint Dutch city perfect for a weekend getaway. Finding the houseboat? Easy peasy. The directions were clear, and the canal… well, the canal was glorious. Now, let's be real, I am no supermodel, and trying to navigate a suitcase across a floating dock? Let's just say I almost ended up taking an involuntary dip in the canal. Luckily, the doorman wasn't there to witness my graceful entry, and the check-in process was smooth, thank goodness for contactless check-in! It was a lifesaver, because I knew I would have looked goofy trying to get my suitcase up the ramp.
Getting Around: They had free onsite parking, which was a huge plus, and honestly, a lifesaver because finding parking in Dutch cities can be… well, let's just say it's an art form. And if you're feeling adventurous, they also offer bicycle parking! Though, I'm not sure I’d trust my coordination on a bike after a trip to the sauna. The taxi service and airport transfer options are also convenient.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good
This is important, so pay attention, folks! This houseboat is listed as having facilities for disabled guests, and there's an elevator, very useful if my luggage wasn't so heavy, phew! The exterior paths were fairly accessible (though those docks can be a touch wobbly, wheelchair users, take note!). However, the website wasn't crystal clear on the specifics. They’ve got an elevator, which is awesome, but confirm ahead of time if specific room types are fully accessible. That said, I didn't have any issues myself, but I'm also not navigating a wheelchair, so… consult before booking if accessibility is a major concern.
The Room - My Floating Cocoon (And the Epic Bed!)
Walking into the room… Oh. My. Goodness. It was like stepping into another world. Seriously. Another world. The decor was sleek, modern, and incredibly calming. (Insert heart eyes emoji here).
- Available in All Rooms: They really thought of everything! Of course: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone (yes, really!), bathtub, blackout curtains (essential for sleeping in!), carpeting, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea (always a good sign!), daily housekeeping, desk, extra-long bed (because, let's face it, I need space to sprawl!), free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies (binge-watching, here I come!), private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale (gulp!), seating area, separate shower/bathtub – HEAVENLY, shower, slippers (yes!), smoke detector, socket near the bed (bless!), sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm (just in case), wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a window that opens. Seriously. They thought of EVERYTHING!
- The Bed: Now, about that bed… it was like sleeping on a cloud made of marshmallow fluff. Seriously, I sunk right in. Extra long? Yep. Enough space to starfish? Absolutely. I could have stayed in that bed… forever. Forget the sauna, I could have just lived in that bed and been perfectly content.
- The Extras: Loved the little touches: the complimentary tea and coffee, the little chocolates on the pillow (a classic!), and the incredibly fluffy bathrobe. The room also had a seating area, perfect for… well, sitting and staring out at the canal.
The Amenities – Sauna, Spa, and Serious Relaxation
Okay, let's get to the good stuff: the sauna. The sauna. It's the whole point, right? And it delivered. Big time.
- Sauna: A traditional Finnish sauna, and it was HOT. Like, "sweat-dripping-down-your-back-and-loving-every-second-of-it" hot. The perfect way to unwind and forget about all your worries. (And maybe feel a little bit glamorous while doing it.)
- Spa/Sauna: The focus is definitely on relaxation. They have a pretty impressive spa offering.
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: Sadly I didn't go in here, but it looked INCREDIBLE from the outside!
- Gym/Fitness: The gym didn't look overly impressive – it’s a small space but it provides the basics. I still didn't try it out, I was busy being lazy, and being lazy is a sport I compete in!
- Massage: Now, this is where I hit a snag. I booked a massage, only to find out it wasn’t available when I wanted it! That was a bit of a bummer, but a lesson learned: book those spa treatments in advance!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Delicious Adventure (Mostly)
- Restaurants: They have a restaurant and a poolside bar, which made life incredibly easy. I'm incredibly lazy when I'm on holiday.
- Breakfast: I opted for the breakfast buffet. Honestly, the buffet was… solid. Nothing mindblowing, but a decent selection of continental breakfast items, plus some hot options. The fresh pastries were a highlight.
- Room Service: The 24-hour room service was an absolute godsend. I may have, or may not have, ordered a pizza at 2 AM. (Don't judge me!)
- Happy Hour: I really enjoyed the happy hour.
Cleanliness and Safety - The New Normal
Let’s be real, in post-pandemic times, we all care about this stuff. "Escape to Paradise" seemed to take it seriously. They had all the usual precautions: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocols, and daily disinfection. The rooms were cleaned thoroughly between stays. I felt safe and reassured.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things
- Concierge: Super helpful and knowledgeable. They arranged a bike tour for me!
- Daily Housekeeping: The room was always spotless. This is so important when you're just trying to relax.
- Laundry Service/Dry Cleaning: For the more practical travelers
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities: The houseboat offers a variety of options for hosting private events.
- Food Delivery: Incredibly useful when you don't want to leave your room.
- Gift/Souvenir Shop: The store does sell local products.
Things to Do - Beyond the Sauna
- Things to do: Leeuwarden is a lovely city to explore. Walk along the canals, visit a museum, browse the shops.
- Ways to Relax: Besides the sauna, they have a pool with a view, and a pretty decent gym.
- For the kids: While I didn't have any kids with me, they do offer babysitting services and family-friendly accommodations.
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because Perfection is Boring, Right?)
Okay, so it wasn't all sunshine and roses. There were a few minor things. The Wi-Fi, while free, was a little spotty in certain areas of the room. And the soundproofing, though decent, didn’t completely block out the occasional passing boat. (Which, honestly, added to the charm, I think.)
The Verdict - Worth the Escape to Paradise?
Absolutely. Despite a few minor hiccups, this houseboat is a truly special experience. It's a perfect spot for a romantic getaway or a solo retreat. The sauna is incredible, the rooms are gorgeous, and the location is unbeatable. If you're looking for a unique and luxurious escape, "Escape to Paradise" is definitely worth the splurge!
Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars! (Minus half a star for the slightly unreliable Wi-Fi and massage
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Chalet Near Malmedy, Belgium!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my gloriously messy, beautifully imperfect houseboat adventure in the Netherlands. Don't expect a perfectly manicured travelogue, folks. This is more like a drunken diary entry – with more exclamation points! And probably a lingering aroma of stroopwafels. Here we go…
The Great Goengahuizen Getaway: A Messy Itinerary (with a Side of Sauna Bliss and a Dash of Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Awesome Boats
- 10:00 AM: Flight lands at Schiphol. Breathe. Deeply. I'm always a nervous wreck before trips. Did I pack enough socks? Did I leave the oven on? Did I remember to feed the goldfish? (Spoiler: I didn’t. The goldfish are probably plotting my demise as we speak.)
- 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Train to Leeuwarden. Ah, Dutch trains. So efficient, so… Dutch. I spent half the journey trying to master the art of the stroopwafel, resulting in crumbs EVERYWHERE. My fellow passengers were thrilled.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Quick lunch in Leeuwarden. Found a charming little cafe, ordered a broodje with everything. Okay, maybe I over ordered. My stomach is already rebelling. But hey, gotta fuel the adventure!
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Taxi to Goengahuizen. Finally! The houseboat! The photos looked idyllic. I, however, apparently have a knack for finding the least photogenic angle. My initial reaction? “Oh. Huh. It's… smaller than I thought.” But, hey, charm is in the details. And details, it had!
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpacking (mostly). Panic set in. Where's the wine opener? What if I get seasick? Did I remember to pack… a decent book? The real essentials, people! Found the wine opener! Victory!
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Exploration! Walk around the houseboat. I swear, the views from the kitchen window are breathtaking. The wind is making beautiful music with the sails nearby. Found a little wooden dock and sat down. Feeling the tranquility. This is what I came for! Watched the sunset. Gorgeous!
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Ate the leftovers. The bread got a little, well, rock. But it's was still delicious!
- 8:00 PM onwards: Stargazing. Attempted to capture this moment with my phone. Failed miserably. Even the stars were laughing.
Day 2: Sauna Sensations and the Search for Stroopwafels (Again)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up to the sound of… silence. Bliss. Brewed coffee (finally mastered the machine). Coffee and the serene atmosphere! Perfect start.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Sauna time! The Leeuwarden Sauna was AMAZING. Seriously, the best sauna experience. I spent a good chunk of time debating if I should go for the traditional nude or the more modest approach. I went for the modest approach.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Post-sauna bliss. Wandering Leeuwarden. Stumbled upon a quaint little market.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Great Stroopwafel Hunt, Part 2. Determined to find THE perfect stroopwafel. Ended up buying at least three (because, research!). The winner? Still undecided. The judges (my taste buds) are split.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back on the houseboat. Contemplating life, the universe, and whether I should attempt to pilot this vessel. Decided against piloting. Maybe tomorrow?
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Cooking dinner on the houseboat. Actually, the fridge had all the ingredients. Had the first try, not the best but totally okay.
- 7:00 PM onwards: Reading. Ah, the sweet, sweet escape. Felt very peaceful. But then the wind picked up, and the houseboat started making creaking noises. Pretty sure ghosts are involved.
Day 3: Farewell (and a Few More Stroopwafels)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up to rain. Classic. Brewed more coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last-minute packing. Found more stroopwafels. (You can never have too many). Realized I was a bit disorganized, but who cares!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Final houseboat moments. Sat by the window. The water. The space. It was all amazing.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Taxi back to Leeuwarden. One last look at the pretty landscapes.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Leeuwarden one last time. Tried to find some quirky souvenirs.
- 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Train ride back to Schiphol.
- 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Schiphol. Flight. Goodbyes. Thinking about all those stroopwafels, and that incredible sauna.
- 7:00 PM onwards: On the flight.
Reflections and Ramblings:
So, there you have it. My houseboat adventure. It wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was a touch chaotic. And it was utterly, gloriously me. I laughed, I ate too much, I worried needlessly, and I embraced the imperfection of it all.
The sauna? Divine. The boat? Charming. The stroopwafels? Still searching for the ultimate one.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Just maybe I’ll learn to pilot the houseboat next time… or at least figure out how to feed goldfish. Peace out!
P.S. If you happen to be in Goengahuizen, check out the bakery! Their bread is to die for. And if you see a lone, slightly unhinged traveler desperately searching for the perfect stroopwafel, please, point me in the right direction. My taste buds (and sanity) depend on it!
Escape to Paradise: Your Hot Tub Haven in Bunjevci, Croatia!
Escape to Paradise: Sauna Houseboat FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, You Probably Have Questions!)
Seriously, What *IS* This Place? It Sounds... Fancy.
Okay, picture this: You're in the Netherlands, Land of Windmills and Delicious Stroopwafels. Now, imagine that, *but* you’re on a houseboat. A *luxurious* houseboat. Then, to top it all off, this isn't just any houseboat, it's got a freaking *sauna*. I mean, seriously, a sauna on a boat! It's called "Escape to Paradise" and honestly, the name is selling itself a little short. It's more like "Escape to Bliss, Possibly Followed by a Mild Existential Crisis Brought on by Sheer Relaxation."
Is Leeuwarden Actually "Paradise"? Because I'm picturing white sand beaches and palm trees...
Leeuwarden is... charming. Let's go with that. It's not the Maldives, okay? But it's got its own special kind of appeal. Think canals, historic buildings, lots of bikes, and a general sense of "gezelligheid" (that lovely Dutch word for cozy). Walking around is truly enjoyable. Would I call it Paradise? Well, not in the way you're imagining. The real paradise part? That sauna. That houseboat. They're your little oasis. I should know; I spent an entire afternoon in the sauna, and let me tell you, the outside world completely melted away. I might’ve even dozed off a little... don't tell anyone.
The Sauna... Is It Actually Good? (Because I've been burned before by subpar saunas.)
Oh, the sauna. Now, this is where it gets interesting. Let me put it this way: I'm a sauna snob. I've been to saunas that were hotter than the surface of the sun (and less pleasant). I've been to saunas that felt like a slightly warmed-up damp closet. This sauna? This sauna was *chef's kiss*. The perfect temperature, the lovely wood smell, the gentle hiss of the water hitting the stones... Pure, unadulterated bliss. I spent probably half the day in there. Okay, maybe a little more. There's a cold plunge too (gulp!), which I tried... once. It was invigorating, which is a nice way of saying "shockingly cold." It was a good thing! Otherwise, you might lose total track of the time. I didn't even want to get out. I was so relaxed, I almost missed my restaurant reservation. Almost.
How does this houseboat *work*? Like, does it move? And how do you get water and electricity?
Okay, so, the houseboat isn't exactly a cruise ship. It's docked. Permanently, as far as I could tell. You're not going to be sailing dramatically down the canals. Which, honestly, is probably a good thing, since it would wreck the calm. As for water and electricity, it's all modern amenities, don't worry. You have running water, which is a godsend after the sauna. And you have electricity to charge your phone (because, let's be real, we're all addicted). I did, however, find out that if you forgot to bring your own adapter for a USB connection, you're going to have a lot of reading to do and no phone to fill the hours. Ugh! I almost went stir-crazy. Learn from my mistake! Bring at least two.
Is it Romantic? Because I'm thinking of surprising my... significant other.
Oh, absolutely. It's *designed* for romance. Think cozy blankets, flickering candlelight (or, you know, dimmable LEDs, which is probably safer on a boat), and that whole sauna-for-two thing. I saw a couple there during my trip. They seemed utterly blissed out. I'm talking holding hands, whispering sweet nothings, the works. Made me a bit jealous, to be honest. If you're looking to impress someone, this is a good bet. Just make sure they like saunas. If they don't, well, that's a dealbreaker, isn't it? Also, plan ahead. The Dutch have a funny system of ordering food. We don't always get it right on the first try.
What if I get seasick? Because I'm not exactly a seasoned sailor.
You'll be fine. The houseboat is, as I mentioned, docked. It doesn't move. Unless a rogue swan decides to ram it (unlikely). You're not going to be battling the waves. So no worries about seasickness. The most rocking you'll experience is from the gentle sway of the canal, which is barely noticeable, honestly. I actually got a bit of a rocking-boat effect after the sauna. Didn't help with the lack of coffee, either!
Can I Cook? Because I'm not one for eating out every night.
Yes! There's a kitchen. It's perfectly functional, not huge, but perfectly adequate. You can cook. You can make a delicious meal. You can even attempt to impress your significant other with said cooking skills. I, however, opted for the easy route and ordered takeout. Mainly because I was too busy in the sauna. But if you're the cooking type, go for it! Just maybe check the local grocery store's hours, because I ended up walking for miles in the rain looking for some eggs... and gave up. So, learn from my mistake!
Is it Expensive? Be Honest.
It's not cheap, let's put it that way. It's a luxury experience. But... is it worth it? Yes. Absolutely. If you're looking for a special occasion, a romantic getaway, or just a chance to completely unwind and forget about the world, then yes. It's an investment in your sanity. Think about it this way: how much is your sanity worth? And that sauna... oh, that sauna is priceless.
Are there any downsides? Be super honest!
Okay, let's get nitpicky because that's just how I am. The access is a little tight. The steps down to the sauna (the best part, remember?), are a little narrow. You'll be ducking your head like you're playing the whole time. This is the only real downside I could think of. It's not major, but just be careful if you're clumsy like... well, like me. Also, getting into town requires a solid walk. The city itself does have charm but it's a bit of a trek.
Would you go back?
In a heartbeat. I'm already plotting my return. I'm thinking next time I bring my own coffee, a friend, a book and spend the ENTIRE time in the sauna. Maybe, just maybe, I won't even leave. It's my happy place. Go. Seriously. Just go. Before I book it again.
