Escape to Paradise: Forest Getaway w/ Pool (Ommen, Netherlands)
Escape to Paradise: Forest Getaway w/ Pool (Ommen, Netherlands) - My Messy, Honest Take
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from Escape to Paradise, that little slice of heaven (or maybe purgatory, depending on the day) nestled in Ommen, Netherlands, and I've got opinions. Lots of them. More like, a whole chaotic, unorganized brain-dump of them. This isn't your sanitized, brochure-perfect review. This is the real deal.
First Impressions - Did I even find it?
The website promised "Escape to Paradise." My GPS promised a winding, tree-lined road that I was pretty sure didn't exist. (Accessibility note: the roads getting there were… well, let's just say I'd be sweating bullets if I relied on a wheelchair getting to it). You finally arrive and it is pretty stunning, gotta admit. Think: lush green, the scent of pine, and that promise of a swimming pool shimmering in the distance. I mean, the vibe is right.
The Room - My Tiny, Temporary Kingdom (and its Quirks)
Alright, let's talk the rooms. They’re loaded with amenities, seriously. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Bless. Free Wi-Fi? Oh, absolutely. I was, of course, immediately spamming social media. Internet access – Wireless was a lifesaver. What's up, world?! I did spy Internet access – LAN too. Old school! I guess they're ready for the digital dinosaurs.
So, the room itself was a decent size, the bed was comfy, and there's air conditioning (thank GOODNESS, because the Netherlands can surprise). You've got your closet, desk and seating area. They didn't skimp on the amenities either. You got your coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, free bottled water (needed that, Dutch water can be a bit… different), and even slippers. I like slippers. Really.
Now, the quirks. My room on a high floor, which was nice for the views. Though, the elevator was a bit… slow? Like, take-a-nap-and-check-your-email slow. The bathroom was surprisingly nice, with a separate shower/bathtub (essential for bath-lovers like myself) and hair dryer. What bugged me was the water pressure! The water barely trickled out of the shower at some points, it was more of a Shower than an experience.
Cleanliness & Safety - Sanitized to the Max (Maybe a Little Too Much?)
Okay, let's talk COVID times. They were serious about safety. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available. They were everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol – yup. Hand sanitizer stations? Everywhere. And they provided plenty of towels.
I get it, but sometimes it felt a little…clinical. I started to sanitize my hands before touching the TV remote. It was like living in a highly-sanitized bubble. I suppose better safe than sorry, which in turn, allowed me to feel safe enough to properly relax.
Things to Do (or, How I Avoided a Boredom Apocalypse)
Here's where things get interesting. They've got a ton of options. Pool with view? CHECK. Swimming pool [outdoor & indoor]? Double check! (Though, to be honest, I'm more of an indoor person, especially when the weather's Dutch-y). And the sauna, steamroom, spa? Basically, a small slice of Finnish heaven! (or, as the Finns call it, hell).
I booked a massage, which was fantastic – I’m gonna go with the Spa/Sauna experience as my favourite thing from the whole trip, the masseuse was amazing. The Body scrub (which I didn't try) and Body wrap were tempting, but maybe another time.
They also have a fitness center where I attempted to work off a few of the Stroopwafels I'd been inhaling. Note to self: Stroopwafels are an addiction.
Beyond the spa, there are a few other options. Bicycle parking is there, as is car park [free of charge]. I'd have to say if you're planning on exploring the surrounding area, you'll be taking advantage of either of those choices.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious, But Slightly…Limited?
Food. A crucial element. They had a restaurant with a la carte, buffet, and even Vegetarian restaurant options. The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty decent. They even had Asian breakfast! Impressive. However, the options are limited and become very repetitive. And there was one day where the eggs tasted suspiciously… plastic-y? (I'm exaggerating, I’m sure).
They also have a poolside bar, which is a real win for chilling with a drink. They had a coffee shop, too, for my caffeine addiction.
And the room service? Room service [24-hour] is a blessing, especially when you've spent all day at the pool.
Services and Conveniences - The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Helpful
They offer a ton of services.Daily housekeeping was on point. Laundry service? Much needed after my disastrous attempt at hiking through some mud. The Concierge was genuinely helpful, always willing to assist with directions or restaurant recommendations.
There's a convenience store for snacks (yay!), a gift/souvenir shop (perfect for the "I-forgot-to-buy-a-present" panic), and luggage storage.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly, But…
I didn't travel with kids, but the Kids facilities looked decent, with a Babysitting service available, and Kids meal.
Accessibility - Mixed Messages
This is where things get a bit tricky. While they list Facilities for disabled guests, I'm unsure of the extent. Elevator might be slow. Room decorations were nice but don't add to the experience. Exterior corridor made the walk to the spa a bit chilly, but the Fire extinguisher and smoke detector helped me feel safe.
The Verdict - Paradise? (Mostly)
So, would I recommend Escape to Paradise? Yeah, probably. It's a lovely place for a weekend getaway, offering a good mix of relaxation, service and amenities. But remember to bring some earplugs if you're a light sleeper. And lower your expectations a bit on the food. And if you're picky about water pressure, maybe bring your own showerhead.
It's not absolute perfection, it's not paradise. But it's a damn good escape. And sometimes, that's all you need.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is a chronicle of my potential trip to a holiday home by the forest in Ommen, complete with a pool, and a little Putten on the side. Prepare for a rollercoaster, folks. My brain is about to explode with planning, maybe some existential dread, and definitely a rogue craving for stroopwafels.
The Rough Draft: Ommen & Putten Romp - A Messy Adventure (Potential Dates: Let's say, early September? Gotta check the weather, which is already stressing me out)
Phase 1: Pre-Trip Panic & Parcel of Expectations (The week before, probably filled with existential dread)
- Monday: Okay, okay, booking the damn holiday home. This is where it all starts, the precipice of holiday JOY or utter disaster. I've been staring at Booking.com for hours. Forest in Ommen, pool…sounds idyllic. Hold on, what if it's full of spiders? The thought is already making my skin crawl. Gotta check the reviews. (One star: "The pool had, and I quote, 'a distinct algae problem.'"). NOPE. BACK TO SEARCHING.
- Tuesday: Victory! Found a place! Holiday Home by the forest, check. Pool, CHECK. Photos look…promising. TOO PROMISE-Y? The anxiety is rising. Packing. Oh god. Packing. I'm the queen of overpacking. Need to find that book I bought about Dutch cycling. Am I seriously going to cycle?
- Wednesday: Grocery list. The most important aspect of ANY vacation. Snacks. Must. Have. Snacks. Stroopwafels (obvs). Cheese. Gouda? Edam? Maybe a local cheese shop? Wine. Definitely wine. Okay, and some actual food. Maybe.
- Thursday: The great packing purge. Staring at the suitcase. Contemplating life choices. Is this waterproof jacket REALLY necessary? Probably not. But what if it RAINS? Then I will suffer! Maybe I should bring the entire wardrobe?
- Friday: The last-minute scramble. Print the itinerary. (LOL, I'm a liar, there is no itinerary yet). Check for trains. Download music. Panic. Pack the car. Wait, have I even checked the car?! Probably low on air and the windows are dirty. I really should get that fixed.
- Saturday: The day of departure. Final checks, locks, and "Did I turn off the iron?" panic. My blood pressure is already through the roof.
Phase 2: Arrival & Initial Forest Impression (Ommen, Days 1-3, Assuming I Actually Make it)
- Day 1 (Saturday, or, Let's Just Get There): Driving. The dreaded, endless driving. The car is packed to the brim. My partner, bless his soul, is driving, trying to be cheerful. I'm alternating between maps and scrolling through ominous weather forecasts. We find the place, the key situation, house in the forest… Is it as amazing as the photos? Or am I about to be a contestant on a Dutch version of "Cabin Fever"? Unpack. The absolute bane of my existence. Take my first look at the pool. Cross fingers for no algae. Unpack the wine. Crisis averted. Drink wine. Celebrate surviving the drive.
- Day 2 (Sunday, Inhaling Nature): The Grand Forest Exploration! Actually get dressed this time. Walk through the forest. Smell the air. Wow, it really does smell like…forest! Try to identify a bird. Fail. Try to find mushrooms for my partner for dinner. Fail. Feel a profound sense of peace. This might actually be good. Consider trying to sketch it. Realize I’m not an artist.
- Day 3 (Monday, pool time, and all of the anxieties!): The pool! The moment of truth. It's clean! (Thank god.) Spend half the day in the pool. Sunbathe. Read my book. Get interrupted by the sound of the neighbors. What are they talking about? Should I eavesdrop? Worry about getting sunburned. Apply more sunscreen. And again! And again! Am I even applying it right? The sun goes behind a cloud. Existential dread sets in again. Snack time. More cheese.
Phase 3: Day-Trp into madness - The Great Putten Excursion (Day 4, maybe):
- Day 4 (Tuesday, Putten-Mania!): Okay, time to get out of the forest! Drive to Putten. Check the map. Twice. Visit a market. Hope I don’t get lost. Attempt to communicate with the locals in my terrible Dutch. They’re being polite, but I can sense they're laughing internally. Buy some cheese, because, well, cheese. Maybe the cheese is a symbol. Of hope? Happiness? Or just my crippling dairy addiction? Look at the sea. Contemplate life. Get ice cream! Realize that putting the itinerary out of the window is the best thing to do!
- Lunch (and the great misunderstanding): We're trying a local spot. I attempt to order something. Utter chaos. I mangle the pronunciation. The waiter looks confused. I swear, I was going to attempt to order the Bitterballen. End up getting something completely random. But, you know what? It was actually delicious. Lesson Learned: Don't overthink it. Just embrace the chaos!
Phase 4: Relaxation, Redemption & Retreat (Ommen, Days 5-7, if I don't run away)
- Day 5 (Wednesday, cycling… maybe, if the mood strikes…): Cycling. Okay, I bought that cycling book ages ago… Maybe I'll rent a bike. Maybe I'll just sit on the porch and drink coffee. It's a real debate. Possibly a gentle bike ride through the countryside? Picture: me, wind in my hair, gliding effortlessly… Reality: me, sweating, swearing, and nearly running over a duck. Coffee it is, I guess.
- Day 6 (Thursday, Back to the Pool, or, the slow slide into bliss): More pool time. Re-reading my book. The book must be getting quite weathered. Contemplating the meaning of life. Or just what I'm going to have for dinner. I realize how much time is left. And the panic subsides. Try to do nothing. This proves harder than expected.
- Day 7 (Friday, The Goodbye): Last swim in the pool. Trying not to think about leaving. Packing (again, ugh). Walk through the forest one last time. Already missing the trees. Say goodbye to the holiday home. Promising myself I'll return. The drive home. Okay, this part is easier than coming here.
Phase 5: The Aftermath (The Future is Uncertain)
- The Aftermath: Back to reality. But with the lingering scent of forest and chlorine… and the memory of all that cheese. Start planning the next adventure. Because I'm officially addicted.
Okay, so, yeah, that's the plan. Kind of. It will probably involve more stroopwafels, some existential crises, and a whole lot of me just winging it. Wish me luck. And if you see a frantic woman flailing through the Dutch countryside, that’s probably me.
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Escape to Paradise (Maybe?): Forest Getaway w/ Pool - The Unofficial FAQs
(Ommen, Netherlands) - Prepare yourself for the truth, folks. The *real* truth.
So, is it *actually* paradise? Like, did I just stumble onto some secret utopia in the Dutch countryside?
Alright, let's dial back the brochure hype, shall we? Paradise? Depends. Did you bring a tiny, laser-focused group of perfectly behaved children? 'Cause if so, maybe. For the rest of us…it's…charming. Like a slightly eccentric aunt's summer cabin. The forest is gorgeous, no lie. The *smell* of pine needles? Chef's kiss. But paradise implies a certain level of, I don’t know, *effortlessness*. You’ll be wrestling with the Wi-Fi, which will cut out at the *worst* possible moment, like when you’re trying to stream that crucial football match. Don’t expect the Golden Gate Bridge, but do expect golden sunlight, and maybe, just maybe, a moment or two of actual peace.
That pool. *Is* it as amazing as it looks in the photos? I have visions of effortless laps and cocktails...
Okay, the pool. The pool. Let's just say my expectations were... inflated. The photos are, shall we say, *optimistic*. It's perfectly fine. Clean enough. Definitely a refreshing dip on a hot day. But those languid poolside shots? Highly staged. Forget effortless laps unless you're a goldfish. Real life involves battling the wind, dodging rogue leaves, and (on my trip, anyway) a rather insistent wasp who clearly thought I was its new best friend. I spent more time swatting insects than swimming. The cocktails? Make ‘em yourself! There's no poolside bar, sadly. Consider it a DIY paradise. I brought my own blender and made the worst, but also most enjoyable, Piña Colada of my life.
What's the deal with the kitchen? Is it fully equipped? (I can't live without my coffee maker!)
Kitchen? It's… functional. Think: "Sufficient for simple meals, but don't expect to bake a Michelin-starred soufflé." Okay, let's delve deeeep into this kitchen. The coffee maker is there, thank the heavens. God, that was a lifesaver. Check for weird appliances, like I did. I found a pressure cooker and after my dad told me the story of his childhood one, I was ready to bring it out. But I didn't. I was too scared! You'll find the basics – pots, pans, a spatula that's seen better days. Bring your own decent knives, because the ones there… well, let's just say they're more decorative than deadly. And don't rely on the dishwasher. Some of the plates were still, shall we say, 'showing character' after a cycle. It's the kind of kitchen where you'll bond with your fellow travelers while doing dishes. It’ll be a memory.
The location? Is it easy to get around? I want to explore!
Ommen is lovely! (I think. I mean, I *saw* it, sort of.) The location is... remote. Think winding scenic roads, not speedy highways. You'll *need* a car. Biking is awesome, of course, because Netherlands. But be prepared for a bit of a drive to major attractions. Everything has to be a little scenic route! I was determined to go to a cheese farm, and the journey felt like an epic quest. The GPS on my phone seemed to have a mind of its own. Getting lost? Part of the adventure, darling! Embrace it. You might discover a hidden gem – a tiny bakery, a random art gallery, or in my case, an amazing place to get pancakes!
What about the bedrooms? Comfortable? Private? Because sleep is sacred.
The bedrooms… okay, they’re generally good. Basic, but functional. Now, I can get *very* specific here. The mattress in one of the rooms was slightly…springy. Not in a fun, bouncy way. More of a "suspiciously well-used" springy. The pillows? Probably seen more action than I have in the past year. Bring your own if you're picky. Another room had this amazing view of the sunrise! But, alas, you can hear the birds. A LOT. Like alarm clock birds. Early alarm clock birds. Bring earplugs. Seriously. And don't forget, you are in the Netherlands, so, uh, bring a bathrobe for the morning! Trust me on this one.
Any hidden costs or things I should be *really* aware of?
Hidden costs… hmmm. There are those annoying cleaning fees. Then, there's the "this-is-a-forest-so-expect-bugs" fee. Bring bug spray. Seriously. And maybe a decent first-aid kit. I got a nasty scrape from a rogue branch while attempting to look cool by the pool. Oh! And firewood. If you like a good fire, budget for that. Plus, the nearest grocery store isn't exactly around the corner, so plan your meals accordingly. Stock up on snacks! I'm not even ashamed to say I bought so many stroopwafels I looked like I was smuggling them. Oh, and one more thing. The Wi-Fi... it’s like a moody teenager. It works. Sometimes. Don't depend on it for anything important.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Honestly? Yes. Despite the minor imperfections, being in the forest was actually…amazing! I loved it. You could feel the breeze, and the way the light hit the trees made the whole place feel a little magical. It’s not a *perfect* getaway. You'll probably have your moments of mild frustration. You might miss your super-fast internet. But you'll also remember the quiet mornings, the laughter around the (slightly wonky) picnic table, and the incredible sunsets over the trees. And you get to tell the story. See, that’s the best part.
Okay, *one* last question: Any tips for making the most of the experience?
Okay, listen up. My *most* important tip: embrace the chaos. Pack a sense of humor. Bring games. Bring a good book (because the Wi-Fi WILL fail you). Seriously, bring a book. And don't be afraid to do absolutely nothing. Just sit. Breathe. Listen to the birds (even the annoying alarm-clock ones). Explore. Get lost. Make memories. And maybe, *just maybe*, you'll rediscover a little bit of your own inner paradise tooSave On Hotels Now
