Nava's Hidden Gem: Plunge into Luxury at Pruneda Mansion's Stunning Pool!
Nava's Hidden Gem: A Pruneda Mansion Plunge - Where Luxury Tries to Hide, But Can't Quite
Okay, so I just got back from a stay at Pruneda Mansion, touted as Nava's Hidden Gem… and let me tell you, the "hidden" part is a bit of a stretch. It's more like, "luxury-that-wants-to-be-exclusive-but-kinda-shouts-about-it-from-the-rooftops" – and that, honestly, is part of the charm.
Let's start the stream of consciousness with the pool. That pool. That’s the whole reason I booked the bloody thing. And honestly? It’s stunning. A glorious, shimmering expanse of blue, perfectly mirroring the mansion's architecture. (Okay, I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for a pool with a view.) The photos? They don’t even do it justice. You know those Instagram pics where you think "Wow, that’s been heavily filtered"? Well, this one actually looks better in reality. It's a genuine "wow" moment. You step out, and it just hits you – seriously, the view alone could probably solve world hunger. I spent, like, half my trip shamelessly sprawled on a ridiculously comfortable sun lounger, sipping something fruity from the poolside bar.
And, yeah, okay, here's where the slight kink in the perfectly manicured image appears: the poolside bar service was… well, let’s just say it could’ve been snappier. Sometimes, it felt like I was waiting for a lunar eclipse, not a mojito. But when the drink did finally arrive, it. Was. Perfect. And the little snacks? Actually delicious. They had this insane salad with locally grown tomatoes and the freshest mozzarella, I could have lived on it. Seriously, I nearly ordered a whole mountain of it – so much for my attempt at self-control. I think I went through about six of them.
The whole swimming pool experience became a bit of an obsession. One day, I'm floating, barely moving, and this older couple, clearly smitten with each other, are in the pool behind me. The man, bless his heart, is trying to get her to do this weird back float thing. She's struggling, the water splashing, and she accidentally kicks him…right in the face! He actually laughs! They’re both laughing and trying again. It was so gloriously imperfect and human, a total contrast to the polished facade. I wanted to shout, "THIS is what travel is about!" instead I just smiled, got out of the water, and ordered another mojito.
Okay, okay, getting back on track.
Accessibility, well, it’s worth noting. From what I saw, the elevator seems to be the only option, and there seemed to be facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't actively investigate it. I'd suggest a closer look at their website for specifics, though.
Cleanliness and Safety: This is a big one these days, isn't it? They were definitely serious about this. Staff members were everywhere with their spray bottles and cloths, constantly sanitizing. I saw them doing daily disinfection in common areas, and the room itself was pristine. They even had anti-viral cleaning products in the room. I did not opt-out of room sanitisation and it was like walking into a completely fresh room, you know, the smell of clean. The hand sanitiser was abundant. It felt safe, which is a real plus. I didn’t see any sterilizing equipment that I remember, so I would assume they have a professional service that handles it.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Beyond the pool bar, there are a handful of restaurants. The Western cuisine was the big draw for me, but I did dabble in the Asian cuisine one evening. It was pretty good, although the wait staff seemed a bit on the formal side. The breakfast buffet was… well, let’s just say it was a buffet. Lots of options, mostly tasty, but nothing that knocked my socks off. I may have had a few too many of those mini croissants. I love coffee/tea in the restaurant, I can not live without it, but it was a bit of a struggle to get someone’s attention when I needed a refill. The room service [24-hour] was a godsend at 3 am when I couldn’t sleep. I'm not a big soup person, but the soup in the restaurant was said to be amazing.
My Room. Oh, my room! It had air conditioning (thank god!), a desk, a seating area that was perfect for staring out the window and brooding, a complimentary tea/coffee maker, and a refrigerator to keep my midnight snacks cold and delicious. The bed was an absolute cloud. I sank into it every evening. The bathroom was spacious, with a great separate shower/bathtub. There were bathrobes, and slippers. The internet access – wireless worked flawlessly in all the rooms.
Services and Conveniences: The Pruneda Mansion definitely delivers on the bells and whistles. Daily housekeeping was impeccable. They had a concierge who was very helpful, a gift/souvenir shop, and luggage storage. The staff trained in safety protocol, made me feel like I was in good hands. One morning I woke up and needed an ironing service, which came fast and efficiently!.
For the Kids: I didn’t travel with kids, but they seemed to have some things on offer: a babysitting service, some kids facilities, and kids meals. I wasn't watching it closely, so I can't tell you more.
Things to do (besides swimming and staring at the water):. The gym/fitness center looked decent, although, let’s be honest, I didn't exactly use it. I did wander around the grounds, which were quite beautiful, with a lovely terrace. There were shrines, for the religious, I guess.
Accessibility (again, because it's important): The elevator was good. The fact there was an exterior corridor rather than a long internal one, was great for air circulation which is a good thing.
Getting Around: I don't remember if they offered car power charging stations, but there was a car park (free of charge). They had a taxi service and airport transfer.
The Imperfections Come Out
Okay, so the hotel definitely had its moments. Here's where the "hidden gem" part felt a little misleading:
- The "Private" Check-In/Out: They've got a dedicated area for it, which is nice, but sometimes the line was longer than expected.
- The "Express" Check-Out: I had to chase down someone to get my bill. Not terribly express, but hey…
- The "Soundproof" Rooms: I could hear the other guests coming from the next rooms.
- The Staff - While all the staff were super accommodating and friendly, even with the language barrier, the service was slow at times.
Overall: Despite the occasional hiccups, Pruneda Mansion is a lovely place. It strikes a good balance between luxury and, well, being a little bit quirky. It's not perfect, but it's real. Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially to swim in THAT pool one more time. And maybe this time, I'll get a dozen of those salads!
Metadata & SEO:
- Keywords: Pruneda Mansion, Nava's Hidden Gem, luxury hotel, swimming pool, spa, fine dining, accessible hotel, family-friendly, [City/Region Name], hotel review, travel, accommodation, vacation.
- Page Title: Pruneda Mansion Review: Plunge into Luxury & Uncover Nava's Hidden Gem (But with a Twist!)
- Meta Description: Honest review of Pruneda Mansion: Stunning pool, luxe vibe, and a few quirky imperfections. Find out if this "hidden gem" is worth the hype! Includes accessibility, dining, and safety insights.
- Internal Links: (Link to other reviews of Nava's Hidden Gems, a blog post about pool etiquette)
- External Links: (Link to Pruneda Mansion's official website, TripAdvisor listing)
- Image Alt Text: [Pool at Pruneda Mansion], [Breakfast buffet at Pruneda Mansion], [Couple at Pruneda Mansion Pool], etc.
- H1 Heading: Pruneda Mansion: A Deep Dive (Literally!) into Luxury and Imperfection
- H2 Headings: (Use the categories above as H2s, e.g., Cleanliness and Safety, Dining, etc.)
- Focus Keyword: Pruneda Mansion Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram itinerary. This is the real deal, a hot mess express of a vacation plan for Pruneda Mansion (with that glorious pool!), Nava, Spain. Prepare for rambles, opinions, and the distinct possibility of me forgetting to pack underwear.
Pruneda Mansion: Operation Relaxation (and Maybe Disaster)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (and Maybe Some Sangria)
- Morning (aka "The Rush"):
- 6:00 AM: Alarm screeches. I swear, I hate packing more than I hate tax season. Frantically shoving clothes into a suitcase that's clearly too small. Forgot my travel pillow. Already regretting this.
- 7:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Praying it doesn't rain. (Asturias weather… unpredictable.)
- 10:00 AM: Flight. Praying I don't get stuck next to a snorer or a chatty Cathy. Headphones. Noise-canceling. Essential.
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrive in Asturias! Hooray! Breathe in the air! (Also, find a toilet immediately.)
- Afternoon (aka "Finding the Mansion & Questioning My Life Choices"):
- 2:00 PM: Rent-a-car pickup. Praying I can remember how to drive stick. (Narrator: She can't. It's going to be a bumpy ride.)
- 3:00 PM: The drive to Nava! Landscapes of green and hills, maybe some cows, hopefully no wrong turns. (Google Maps, I beg you, don't fail me.)
- 4:00 PM (fingers crossed): ARRIVE AT THE PRUNEDA MANSION! Oh. My. God. Pictures didn't do it justice. It's even more ridiculously gorgeous in person. I can practically feel my blood pressure dropping.
- 4:30 PM: Unpack. Briefly question the clothes I brought. Realize I did forget the underwear. (Dammit.)
- 5:00 PM: The pool! First dip! (Screaming internally with joy.) This justifies all the stress. Pure bliss.
- 6:00 PM: Settling in. Maybe a walk around the grounds. Find out where the wine opener is.
- 7:00 PM: Prep my first Tapas - Dinner.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner Time! I've got some jamón ibérico that I bought at the airport. Maybe some local cheeses. And a bottle of Rioja. (Or two. It's vacation, right?)
- 9:00 PM: Start to look over my first day journal.
Day 2: Exploring Nava & Fumbling with Spanish
- Morning:
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Feel incredible. The bed is like a cloud. Drink a coffee.
- 10:00 AM: Stroll into Nava town. (Get slightly lost. Admire the friendly locals I completely understand. )
- 11:00 AM: Tapas tour around the town! Try the cider (Asturias is famous for it!). Prepare for the inevitable spillage. (Maybe buy a bib?)
- Afternoon:
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local sidrería (cider house). Practice my terrible Spanish. (Get laughed at. Laugh along.)
- 2:30 PM: Visit to the Museo del Queso y la Sidra (cheese and cider museum). (Probably end up sampling more than appreciating.)
- 4:00 PM: Find a bookstore. Browse for a book. (English preferred, my Spanish is a disaster.)
- 5:00 PM: Return to the mansion. Pool time! Sunbathing! (Remember to wear sunscreen. Seriously, idiot.)
- Evening:
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Maybe try cooking something. Probably burn something. (But hey, at least I tried.)
- 8:00 PM: Evening walks. Stargazing (hopefully).
- 9:00 PM: Journal and relax.
Day 3: Day Trip to the Coast (and Possibly Getting Lost)
- Morning:
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. (Maybe make a run for pan con tomate and coffee. Simple pleasures, people. Simple pleasures.)
- 10:00 AM: Drive to the coast. Head to Ribadesella, a beautiful coastal town. (Google Maps, don't fail me AGAIN.)
- Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM: Explore Ribadesella: Visit the famous Tito Bustillo Cave (prehistoric rock art). Marvel at the ancient artwork and feel a profound connection to our ancestors. (Unless it's crowded. Then, just try to elbow your way through.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch by the sea. Seafood! (Drool.)
- 2:30 PM: Walk along the beach. Stroll along the paseo marítimo (seafront promenade). (Get sand in everything. It's inevitable.)
- 4:00 PM: Hike to a cliffside viewpoint. (Try not to trip. I'm clumsy.)
- 5:00 PM: Drive back to the mansion.
- Evening:
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Maybe grill something. (Pray the grill works.)
- 8:00 PM: Relax. Maybe watch a movie. (Or just stare at the stars. So many stars!)
- 9:00 PM: Maybe a copa of something. (You know, for relaxing.)
- 10:00 PM: Start planning my next trip, or just stare at the pool.
Day 4: Swimming Pool Day and Culinary Attempts
- Morning:
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in and drink more Coffee!
- 10:00 AM: Pool time! Sunbathing! (Remember to wear sunscreen. Seriously, idiot.)
- Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM: Prepare my favourite traditional Paella, try my best!
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. Enjoy the paella and drink some nice wine.
- 3:00 PM: Pool time! Relaxing in the pool enjoying the day!
- 5:00 PM: Rest at the mansion.
- Evening:
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Maybe grill something. (Pray the grill works.)
- 8:00 PM: Relax. Maybe watch a movie. (Or just stare at the stars. So many stars!)
- 9:00 PM: Maybe a copa of something. (You know, for relaxing.)
- 10:00 PM: Start planning my next trip, or just stare at the pool.
Day 5: Departure (and the Sweet Sadness)
- Morning:
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Soak it all in.
- 10:00 AM: Pack. (With less panic this time… well, maybe.)
- 11:00 AM: Final walk around the mansion. Take a deep breath. (Say goodbye to the pool. Sob slightly.)
- Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM: Drive back to the airport. (Hopefully, without incident.)
- 3:00 PM: Drop off the rental car. (Cross fingers I didn't scratch it.)
- 4:00 PM: Airport security. (Pray I don't set off any alarms.)
- 6:00 PM: Flight home. (Reflecting on a near-perfect week. Remembering to pack underwear next time.)
- 7:00 PM: Arrival.
- 8:00 PM: Rest time and start planning my next trip.
Okay! That's a start. This itinerary is more like a roadmap with potholes, detours, and the occasional scenic overlook. I'll refine it as I go, and I'll probably add more details (and complaints) later. I hope this is what you were looking for. Don't forget to bring some extra underwear (just in case. Seriously.).
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Bungalow Awaits in Noordwijkerhout!
Pruneda Mansion Pool: Deep Dive into MY Mind (And the Water!)
Okay, seriously, is this pool *really* as amazing as everyone says?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this is where I gush. Yes. YES! Honestly, the pictures? Don't even do it justice. I saw a picture beforehand and thought, "Meh, nice pool." Then I WALKED in. *WHOA.* It's not just a pool, it's an *experience*. Imagine yourself floating in a turquoise lagoon, the sun kissing your skin, the gentle breeze whispering secrets... okay, I'm starting to sound like a brochure. But seriously, it's got a vibe. Like, a serious, "I'm a movie star and I deserve this" kind of vibe. It’s the kind of place where you *almost* feel guilty for relaxing, like you should be doing something important, but then… *you* just… *don't*. And you surrender to the delicious nothingness of the moment. Did I mention there's a swim up bar? Because, YES. And the cocktails? On point. I may or may not have had three Mai Tais. Don't judge. The sun was hot.
What's the "hidden gem" part about it? Is it actually hidden? Do I need a secret decoder ring?
Hidden... well, not *literally* hidden. You can't stumble upon it, like some secret speakeasy. But, like, it’s a little more… *exclusive*, let’s say than your average public pool. You gotta be 'in the know' or, you know, book a stay at the Pruneda Mansion. It’s not like a super-secret society with handshakes and passwords (thankfully - my coordination is terrible). However, it adds to the mystique, right? Knowing you're escaping the hordes of screaming kids splashing chlorine everywhere is a definite plus. That alone makes this place a gem. No handshakes, just a fantastic experience and a solid chance for not dealing with noisy kids. Win-win, really.
Is it kid-friendly? Because *shudders*…
Okay, so I'm gonna be a little *honest* here. I *love* kids. In theory. From a distance. And honestly, I was *so* relieved to see there were no little ones running amok around the pool. This is not a splash-and-splatter zone. This is more of a "sip a fancy drink, contemplate the meaning of life, and occasionally dip your toes in the water" zone. So, if you're looking for a kid-friendly, inflatable-toy-fest, then, um, *not* this place. But if you're craving a peaceful retreat… oh, baby, *this* is your jam. Trust me. I was ready to spontaneously combust with joy. Seriously, consider me sold.
Let's talk about the swim-up bar. Spill the tea (or, you know, the cocktails)! Are the drinks good? Are prices insane?
Oh, the bar! This is where things get *real*. So, the drinks. Exquisite. I'm serious. They are doing something *right* here. I might have to go back for a "research trip" to confirm. They were inventive, well-balanced, and *potent*. Okay, maybe *too* potent. One of the reasons I may have had three Mai Tais… I was a little *fuzzy* on the way back to the room. Oops. But hey, it's all part of the experience, right? As for the prices... yes, they're higher than you'd pay at your local dive bar. But (and this is a big BUT), you’re paying for the ambiance, the service, the *experience*. It's not cheap, but it's worth it. Think of it as an investment in happiness! And a potential investment in a good time… and maybe a slight headache the next morning. But hey, as I had already stated, totally worth it.
How's the overall vibe? Is it stuffy and pretentious? Or chill?
Okay, this is where I feel *really* passionate. I'm not a fan of stuffiness. And honestly, I was a little worried. A fancy mansion, a gorgeous pool… you expect a certain level of... well, snootiness. The good news? Completely wrong. It's effortlessly *chill*. The staff are friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there. The other guests? A mix of people, all just trying to enjoy themselves. There was a guy reading a book (goals!). A couple of folks just chatting. Me, getting slightly tipsy on Mai Tais. The music was perfect: a low hum of chill beats, nothing too loud. If it *hadn’t* been chill, I would have left. Honestly. I’m not about that pretentious life. But it *was* chill. It was blissful. It was… perfect.
Okay, so it sounds amazing. Any downsides? Gotta have *something*, right?
Alright, alright, fine. I'm not *completely* blinded by the glitter and the cocktails. I'm not gonna lie, the price tag for the whole experience had me pause for a second before I gave in to the temptation. Again, well worth it, but it's not exactly budget-friendly. Also, there was this one tiny, itsy-bitsy… *annoyance*. The sun. I'm serious. The sun was relentless. And I forgot sunscreen. Doh! I ended up a lovely shade of lobster. Lesson learned: Remember the sunscreen, people! And maybe, just maybe, pace yourself with the drinks. But honestly? Those are minor quibbles. Tiny, insignificant specks on an otherwise radiant paradise. I'd go back in a heartbeat, even with the potential for sunburn. It’s *that* good.
Tell me more about the pool itself! Is it just a square box, or is there anything *special* about the design?
Oh, the pool! The pool *itself* is… well, it's an architectural masterpiece. Okay, I'm exaggerating (slightly). But it's not *just* a pool. It's integrated perfectly with the surroundings. It's not a cookie-cutter rectangular deal. It's got this *amazing* infinity edge that overlooks… something. I am not entirely sure what I was looking over, but it *felt* important while I was there. The tiles! The gorgeous blue tiles! They sparkle in the sun. And the depth? Perfect for floating, for swimming, for… well, basically, for *everything*. And the swim-up bar? Genius! It gives you all kinds of options. Also, there were, I think, some sunken chairsHotel Explorers
