French Riviera Dream: Stunning Thenon Pool Villa Awaits!
French Riviera Dream: Stunning Thenon Pool Villa Awaits! - A Review That's Actually Real
Alright, buckle up, because I just got back from the French Riviera, specifically a stay at the "Stunning Thenon Pool Villa" and I'm here to tell you – it was intense. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds, I'm giving you the raw, unfiltered truth (and maybe a few too many photos, let's be honest).
First Impressions & The "Accessibility" Shuffle… Or Lack Thereof
From the get-go, let's talk Accessibility. The website said "facilities for disabled guests," but honestly? That's a vague promise. Navigating the villa complex involved more stairs than I'd anticipated. My husband, bless his heart, ended up carrying my suitcase up the stairs a few times, which wasn't ideal (apologies to his back). While they technically had an elevator, it felt a bit clunky and slow, and didn't necessarily lead everywhere you'd want to go. Someone who is fully wheelchair-bound would probably find this a bit of a challenge. (Accessibility: 5/10 – Needs more concrete improvements, guys!)
Online / Internet Woes (Because, Let's Be Real, We Need It)
Okay, internet. The website shouted about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet, Internet [LAN]. and Wi-Fi in public areas, and while the Wi-Fi was free, it was… temperamental. Sometimes it was lightning fast, streaming like a dream. Other times? I was getting dial-up flashbacks. I'm a blogger, people! I NEED to upload my amazing photos of the view from the balcony. Seriously, I lost about an hour (maybe more) that could have been spent sipping rosé troubleshooting my Wi-Fi. I had to end up going and working around the pool area, so that was great. (Internet: 7/10 – Good when it works, a royal pain when it doesn't!)
Things to Do (More Like, Things You Can't Help But Do)
Let's face it, the French Riviera screams "relaxation". And the Thenon Pool Villa, with its Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view" and Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom certainly delivers on that. The pool area…oh, the pool area! The photo on the website doesn't even do it justice. It's absolutely breathtaking. Jumping in was an experience in itself and I was instantly relaxed, taking in view of the landscape. The Fitness center, Gym/fitness was decent (though I admit, I mostly stuck to the pool and the occasional afternoon nap). The Body scrub and Body wrap sounded tempting, but between you and me, I was mostly content with the aforementioned pool and a good book. (Ways to Relax: 9/10 – Pool, view, and the general air of "don't do anything" wins!)
Cleanliness and Safety (COVID's Legacy)
Okay, the Cleanliness and safety was a big deal for me. Let's face it, 2020 changed everything. I felt pretty reassured. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available. The staff were all masked up and trained, and there were hand sanitiser stations everywhere. They had Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol. The whole thing wasn’t perfect, but they were clearly making a huge effort, which is more than I can say for some places I've seen. (Cleanliness & Safety: 9/10 – They took it seriously, which made me feel more relaxed.)
Food, Glorious Food! (And a Few Minor Hiccups)
Now, for the real meat and potatoes – the Dining, drinking, and snacking. This is where things got a little…complicated. The Breakfast [buffet] was…fine. The usual eggs, croissants, pastries. Asian breakfast + cuisine was an option which was a nice touch. But let’s be honest, after a few days I started craving a proper full English. I mean, you're in France! Shouldn't every day be a gourmet experience? One morning, I ordered Breakfast in room – a definite plus – a very lovely spread on the balcony. The Poolside bar was amazing - it was so convenient. And the Room service [24-hour] came in handy when I was trying to work late in order to use the internet! The A la carte in restaurant was excellent, but sometimes felt weirdly formal. It was so nice to try some Asian cuisine in restaurant. The Vegetarian restaurant was super convenient, since I didn't want to eat meat every day. They had Happy hour, and a decent Buffet in restaurant. and the occasional Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant too. I'd give the food an 8/10. (Dining, drinking, and snacking: 8/10 – Good variety, but could be more consistently fantastic!)
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
The Services and conveniences were pretty legit. The Air conditioning in public area was a lifesaver. The Concierge was super helpful with everything from arranging a taxi to recommending restaurants. The Daily housekeeping was efficient and the rooms were spotlessly clean. The Dry cleaning and Laundry service were handy, but a bit pricey. I loved the Safety deposit boxes and the Luggage storage. All in all, a solid offering. (Services & Conveniences: 8/10 – Thoughtful and efficient.)
For the Kids (I Didn't Bring Any, But Still…)
Not that I have kids, but the fact that they had Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal is great if you needed it. This is a great place for families!
In-Room Amenities (The Nitty Gritty)
Let's take a look at the details of the room: The Additional toilet, 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 a lovely room: the Air conditioning worked wonders, and the bed was blissfully comfortable. There was a mini bar, but I'm not sure the price was worth it. There was everything you could need. (In-Room Amenities: 9/10 – Comfortable, well-equipped, and felt luxurious.)
Getting Around (And Escaping the Villa!)
They organized Airport transfer and Taxi service, which was convenient. There's Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking, but I didn't have a car, so didn’t use it. It was just a short taxi ride to the nearest town.
Quirks and Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect)
Okay, here’s where things get real. The biggest issue was with the Check-in/out [express]. Despite arriving at a perfectly reasonable hour, there was a bit of a mix-up with our room, and we had to wait for about an hour in the lobby. Annoying. The website had also been unclear about the location - it was a bit more isolated than I expected. (Note to self: always double-check the map!).
And then there was the thing with the pool towels… one day they were magically adorned with a bright pink stain, courtesy of some mysteriously vanished sunscreen. I had to request a new one. Small stuff in the grand scheme of things, but these little glitches are what make an experience memorable (and make for good stories).
Overall Impression: Worth It?
Despite the Wi-Fi struggles, the minor accessibility issues, and the occasional hiccup, I had an amazing time. The Thenon Pool Villa is a beautiful place with a stunning view. Plus, you've got the whole French Riviera at your fingertips! If you can handle a few small imperfections and don't mind climbing some stairs, I'd still recommend it. Just remember to pack a sense of humor, a good book, and maybe a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, just in case. Final Verdict: 8/10 (Would definitely go back, but maybe with a bit more planning and a better appreciation for the quirks!)
Unbelievable Belvilla Deal: Antequera Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your typical pristine itinerary. This is a Thenon, France, trip with the emotional baggage, the misplaced socks, and the half-eaten baguette crumbs. Prepare for chaos!
The Absolutely Unreliable Travel Itinerary (Thenon, France - Expect the Unexpected)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Pool Panic
Morning (Like, REALLY morning): Ugh. Travel. The bane of my existence and yet, here we are. Flight landed, bags (mostly) retrieved, and the car rental place? Total car-astrophe. They gave me a tiny Fiat. A Fiat in the French countryside?? I feel like a sardine in a tiny tin can. But, we're on the road! Driving on the wrong side of the road always gives me a mini heart attack, even though I know it's the right side.
Afternoon: Arrive at the "Magnificent Holiday Home with Pool." Lies. All lies. Just kidding! It's actually pretty spectacular. The view from the terrace? Holy moly. Think postcard-worthy. The pool… well, that's where the panic sets in. Looks pristine, but I’m pretty sure I left my goggles on the other side of the world. And what if there's a rogue frog? I panic. I consider not going in. But I have to. This is the whole reason I booked the place!
Evening: Dinner at the house. Attempt to cook. Emphasis on "attempt." I’m a disastrous cook. Pretty sure I set off the smoke alarm. Fortunately, the local wine is amazing, so it's all good. Sitting on the terrace, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, feeling a strange mix of joy and absolute, utter exhaustion. That feeling of being completely useless is part of the charm I suppose.
Day 2: The Périgord Noir Charm & Medieval Mayhem
Morning: Today, we try to be cultured! Drive to Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval town. Googlemaps lied (as Googlemaps is wont to do). We actually had to go around that roundabout. Sarlat is gorgeous. Cobblestone streets, ancient buildings… I immediately start imagining myself as a medieval peasant. The peasants probably didn’t have this much caffeine in their system, though. Buy some local cheese (a pungent one, naturally) and a baguette. Embrace the carb life!
Afternoon: Attempt to channel my inner tourist at the "Eyrignac Manor Gardens." Gorgeous, yes. Overwhelming? Also yes. So many perfectly manicured hedges. I start to get a little twitchy, maybe because all the people are dressed so nicely and my clothes are currently covered in cheese crumbs. Contemplate hiding behind a giant topiary. Decide against it.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. The food is incredible. The waiter? Kind and patient with my atrocious French. Realize I'm developing a serious crush on French waiters. Consider moving to France…until I remember my terrible French. Dessert is profiteroles. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The wine is flowing, the laughter is loud, and I'm feeling… happy. Really, truly happy.
Day 3: Market Mayhem & River Reflections (and the Great Duck Conundrum)
Morning: Head to the weekly market in a nearby town (don't remember the name - shocker). Smells amazing. Overwhelmed by the choices. So many olives! So many cheeses! Purchase way too much food. Realize I'm now a walking, talking charcuterie board. Accidentally buy a whole duck. A whole duck. What was I thinking? I'm an awful cook! This is going to be a disaster.
Afternoon: Decide to take a boat trip on the Dordogne River. Stunning. The castles along the riverbank are incredible. I spend the whole time daydreaming about being a princess (who can't cook duck). The light on the water, the gentle breeze… it's pure magic. I consider just moving into one of those castles and becoming a recluse. Seems like a plan.
Evening: The Great Duck Conundrum. I try. I really try. The duck looks at me. I look at the duck. I consult Google. I mess it up. Completely. The duck is… well, let's just say it's not a masterpiece. We end up eating the baguette and cheese. Best meal of the trip, honestly.
Day 4: Cave Adventures & Chocolate Dreams
Morning: Visit the Lascaux caves. So much awe. The paintings are incredible. The sheer age of them… it's mind-blowing. But it’s also incredibly crowded. I try to be respectful, but I keep bumping into people. Then I get shushed for being too loud. I consider screaming (but I don't, mostly).
Afternoon: Chocolate-tasting! What could possibly go wrong? Everything. I spend way too much money on chocolate (worth it). Realize I have a serious problem. Devour half a box of truffles in like, two minutes while secretly hiding the evidence from the rest of the group.
Evening: A quiet night at the house. Reading, drinking wine, and contemplating whether or not to try cooking the rest of the duck. I probably won't.
Day 5: Farewell, Thenon (Slightly Sad, Mostly Exhausted)
Morning: Pack. Ugh. Packing. The worst. Find one missing sock. Decide to leave the other one because it's probably lost forever. Reluctantly clean the house. Leave a trail of crumbs.
Afternoon: Final dip in the pool. The frog did not appear, thankfully. Say goodbye to that amazing view. Feel a pang of sadness. France, you are beautiful, messy, and utterly exhausting.
Evening: Fly home. Already planning my return. And maybe a cooking class. Maybe. After I tackle that duck. Just kidding. Maybe.
This itinerary is a suggestion. It’s flexible. It’s imperfect. It fully captures the chaotic beauty of a vacation, filled with moments of awe, moments of utter frustration, and a whole lot of questionable decisions. God, I can't wait to do it all again!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Texel Beach House Awaits!
Okay, so, French Riviera Dream – Sounds Expensive. Is it, like, REALLY expensive? Like, "sell my left kidney" expensive?
Alright, let's rip this band-aid off. Yeah, it’s not exactly a "budget backpacking through Europe" situation. I mean, the French Riviera? Glamour and glitter are practically in the air. This villa... look, it’s a splurge. Definitely a *splurge*. I remember convincing myself it was "an investment in my sanity." (My bank account still gives me side-eye about that one.) Depends when you go. July and August? Prepare to weep. Shoulder seasons? Slightly less weeping... but still weeping a little. Think of it as an experience. A very, very, *very* expensive experience. If you're expecting thrifty, maybe check out hostels. (Just kidding... mostly.)
The Thenon Pool Villa... What's the deal? Is it *actually* as gorgeous as the pictures? Because, you know, Photoshop.
Oh, the pictures. Yeah, they're pretty. BUT the reality? Honey, the pictures barely scratch the surface. Imagine sunshine. Okay, now imagine it dialed up to eleven. That's the villa. The pool? Crystal clear, shimmering, basically begging you to cannonball in. (Which I did. Repeatedly. After a couple of glasses of rosé... or five. No judgment.) The views... Ugh. Don't even get me started. I spent a solid hour, just... staring. Like a love-struck teenager. The whole place is just *breathtaking*. Except for that one tiny, almost invisible crack in the patio... But you'd have to be looking *really* hard.
What's the location like? Is it secluded or are you tripping over tourists every five seconds?
This is where it gets *good*. Or, at least, good for you. The location is a dream. Hidden away, up in the hills, giving you that coveted privacy. You won't be dodging selfie sticks or battling for sunbeds. It's basically a little slice of heaven, tucked away from the madding crowd. That said, driving down to the coast for groceries is a bit of an adventure. Winding roads, sudden hairpin turns... you'll need your wits about you and maybe a Dramamine. But hey, the views make it worth it. (And the adrenaline rush keeps things interesting, right?)
Can you cook there? Do they have a decent kitchen? Because, let's be honest, I'm not eating out every night. My bank account can't handle that!
The kitchen? Oh, you can COOK there. It's like... a chef's playground, actually. Fully equipped. Honestly, it's nicer than my kitchen at home. And I love my kitchen at home! But this one... marble countertops, fancy appliances... it's a dream. I made pasta. LOTS of pasta. I burned some pasta. It was okay. I tried bouillabaisse. It was a disaster. But hey, at least I tried! Pro tip: Learn some basic French phrases. Especially "Où est le meilleur boulanger?" (Where is the best bakery?). You'll thank me later. And maybe bring some good olive oil. (Just a suggestion.)
What about the staff? Is there staff? Are they hovering, watching every move? Or are they, like, unicorns of discreet service?
Okay, about the staff. They WERE amazing. The best kind. They were there when you needed them – cleaning, stocking the fridge, whispering sweet nothings about fresh towels. Discreet service? Absolutely. Unicorns? Probably. But, I remember my husband, bless his heart, he tried to "help" the cleaning lady one day. Big mistake. I swear, I saw the hint of a silent scream. (He now only makes coffee in the morning. Safe.) Basically, let them do their magic. Trust me, it's worth it.
So, like, is it romantic? I'm talking honeymoon, anniversary, "let's rekindle the flame" type romantic... Or is it just a really nice place?
Oh, it's *romantic*. Absolutely. The sunsets alone... forget it. You'll be swooning. I mean, I went with my husband, and even *he* got all gooey-eyed. (And he usually can't tell the difference between a margherita and a margarita.) Candlelit dinners on the terrace, wine by the pool, just... pure bliss. One night, we sat by the pool with a shared bottle of wine, and watched the stars. It was as close to perfect as things get. It was so perfect, that honestly, it scared me. What if this was as good as it gets? That thought was actually pretty scary. But, also, just, you know, romantic.
Okay, spill the tea. What was your FAVORITE thing about it? The absolute highlight?
Oh my god, the *sound*. This is going to sound weird, but hear me out. The sound of the cicadas. The *constant* buzzing, that sound of the French countryside, filled the air all day. It was everywhere. Annoying at first? Maybe. But then, you got use to it. Then, you get addicted. It became an integral part of the experience. It was the voice of the place. The soundtrack to the sunshine. The constant murmur of the cicadas became my anchor. I used to sit by the pool, sipping my coffee, and just listen. It was... hypnotic. Okay, I'll admit it, I'm getting all choked up now. Because when I got home, the silence was deafening. I missed it. I miss it now. The cicadas. The damn cicadas. The absolute highlight. I'd go back just for that sound. It's an absolutely perfect piece of music.
Any downsides? Did anything go wrong? Come on, don't be all sunshine and rainbows...
Okay, alright. Imperfections. Because yes, even paradise has a few cracks. The Wi-Fi was a bit spotty sometimes. Like, "trying to upload a photo from the dark ages" spotty. Not a deal-breaker, but frustrating when you're trying to post a selfie with the pool. There was also the occasional mosquito. Those little vampires. Bring bug spray. Seriously. And, okay, maybe the neighbor's dog barked a bit at night. But honestly? Those are minor quibbles. The biggest "downside"? The moment you have to leave. Because, seriously, leaving... it's the worst part.
Would you go back? And if so...Hotels In Asia Search
