Belgian Spa Getaway: Luxurious Holiday House at a Horse Riding School!
Belgian Spa Getaway: More Than Just a Horse Ride – My Messy, Magnificent Experience!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just stumbled out of the most ridiculously decadent, surprisingly down-to-earth, and utterly Belgian experience of my life. Forget chocolate and waffles (though, yes, there were plenty!), this was a spa getaway snuggled right in the heart of…wait for it…a HORSE RIDING SCHOOL! Yeah, I raised an eyebrow too. But trust me, it works.
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Accessibility - The Good Stuff (and a Little Quirky Snag!)
Right, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. I have some mobility issues, and accessibility is a MUST. The good news? They seriously get it. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available, and from what I saw, the layout was pretty darn thoughtful. Wide doorways, easy maneuvering… all the good stuff.
- Accessibility: Excellent. Everything from the elevators (yes, actual elevators, not rickety lifts!) to the common areas felt designed with everyone in mind.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Bingo! They've got it covered. It's not just lip service; it's genuine care.
- Check-in/out [express]: Yep. Smooth sailing. Considering the vastness of the place, getting in and out was shockingly painless.
My slight snag? The path to the stables… it’s cobblestone. Beautiful, Belgian cobblestone, but a bit of a bumpy ride for a wheelchair. A minor quibble, really, considering the overall commitment to accessibility.
Rooms: My Personal Oasis (Almost!)
Okay, the luxurious holiday house? Oh, hell yes. My room felt like something out of a fairytale. Seriously. Think massive bed, fluffy bathrobes (a must for spa weekends!), a private bathroom with a separate shower/bathtub, and a window that opens (fresh air, people! FRESH AIR!).
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (yes, seriously!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (bliss!), Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, 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]. Basically, everything you could possibly need, and then some.
- Internet: Free Wi-Fi was blazingly fast, which was a lifesaver for those late-night email checks (don’t judge!).
- Room Sanitzation: The rooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between stays. And they even gave you the option to opt-out
- What I found was missing: A good old fashioned in-room safe box. Not a deal breaker.
My only (very minor) gripe? I almost lost my mind trying to figure out the TV remote. But that's probably more a reflection of my tech ineptitude than anything else. And hey – the blackout curtains ensured a sound sleep!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Waffles and Wellness, Anyone?
Oh, the food. Prepare to loosen your belt. This wasn't just a spa; it was a culinary adventure.
- Restaurants: Several choices. There's the main restaurant, plus a poolside bar for those lazy afternoons.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: I did not find any Asian cuisines
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Plenty to delight the palate
- Breakfast [buffet]: A magnificent spread. Waffles (obviously!), fresh pastries, cheeses, cold cuts, fruit…I could've stayed there all day!
- Breakfast in room: Available. Perfect for those days when you just want to be pampered.
- Restaurants, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: Everything was top-notch quality. The coffee was rich, the desserts were sinful, and even the soup was…well, memorable.
- Poolside bar: Drinks were generous and very delicious
- Drinks: Did I mention the bar? Excellent selection of Belgian beers (duh!), cocktails, and wines. And the bottle of water in the rooms…a welcome touch.
And here's a little anecdote: I was slightly hungover after a particularly joyful evening (don't judge!). I ordered room service [24-hour], expecting the usual sad, greasy fare. Nope. A perfectly poached egg, crispy bacon, and the best coffee ever arrived at my door. Saved. Me.
Ways to Relax: Spa-mazing!
This is where the magic really happens. The spa is pure, unadulterated bliss.
- Spa: Need I say more? Sauna, steamroom, swimming pool (both indoor and outdoor!), and a truly breathtaking pool with a view.
- Massage: Oh. My. Goodness. I opted for the deep tissue, and I'm pretty sure my muscles thanked me for the next week. The therapists were skilled and attentive.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: The spa offered a variety of treatments for the body, including Body scrub and Body wrap,
- Pool: I was in the swimming pool [outdoor] and the Swimming pool, it's fantastic.
- Foot bath: Absolutely amazing.
I spent a significant amount of time in the sauna. It was bliss.
Things to Do: Beyond the Spa (and the Horses!)
While the spa is the main draw, there's actually a lot to do.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: If you're the active type, they have a well-equipped gym. (I, however, preferred the spa.)
- Horseback riding: The clue is in the name, right? I, admittedly, didn't ride, but the facilities looked top-notch, and the riders seemed to be having a blast.
- Other activities: There are also a number of other activities near the house, even though I did not have the time to check them out.
Cleanliness and Safety: Keeping it Clean (And Safe!)
In these crazy times, safety is paramount. I was impressed.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! (Thank you, universe.)
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Everyone was masked, and they took precautions seriously.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: They gave you the option to opt out of room sanitization
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They take it seriously. They only use anti-viral cleaning products.
Services and Conveniences: They Think of Everything!
They really do. Truly.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was immaculate.
- Luggage storage: No problem.
- Car park [free of charge], Valet parking: Parking was a breeze, and free.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: All available.
- Food delivery: You can order food.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly: Yes, absolutely.
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Kids facilities: I didn't see anything specific for kids, but the overall atmosphere felt very welcoming.
The Quirks and the Imperfections:
Alright, I'm not going to pretend it was perfect. It's a real place, after all.
- The Cobblestone Path: As I mentioned, a bit of a challenge for those with mobility issues.
- The Remote (AGAIN!): Seriously, I thought I was going to lose it at one point.
- The Weather: The weather did not cooperate during my visit, but you cannot blame them.
Final Verdict: Go! Just Go!
Escape to Umbria: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Spello, Assisi!
Stavelot Shenanigans: A Belgitude Odyssey (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Mud)
Right, so I'm supposed to be on this super-relaxing spa and horse-riding holiday in Stavelot, Belgium. Emphasis on supposed. Let's be real, I’m more likely to resemble a muddy, grumpy gnome by the time this is over. Here's the messy truth, in all its chaotic glory:
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
- Morning (ish - I blame the red-eye): Arrive at this… charming… holiday house, the Chateau de Something-or-Other. It’s got that whole "charming, slightly dilapidated" vibe, which, admittedly, I'm prone to loving. I’m already regretting the sheer amount of luggage I brought. Like, seriously, who needs five pairs of riding boots? (Don't answer that.)
- Lunch (the “OMG I'm in Belgium!” course): The first meal! And it's… Belgian! Frites, obviously. But the mayo? Glorious, artery-clogging, life-affirming mayo. I may have actually moaned with pleasure. Which probably weirded out the other guests. Oh well. No regrets.
- Afternoon: The Tour, The Spa, The Utter Lack of French: A quick tour of the grounds, which are stunning. Verdant fields, the gentle murmur of a stream (and the distant rumble of my internal anxiety). Then, the spa! Oh, the spa. It promised tranquility. It delivered…slightly less tranquility. I got mildly lost, accidentally stumbled into a group of people wearing tiny white robes, and felt utterly out of my depth with the French instructions. "Relaxation" level: achieved, but at a cost. Later on, I discovered that I'd booked a massage for the wrong day, the lady at the spa just gave me a weird look the looked like I'd been an idiot.
Day 2: Saddle Sores & Existential Dread (and the Chocolate Shop!)
- Morning: Horsey Hell (But Also, Kind of Lovely): First riding lesson. I haven’t ridden since I was, oh, about twelve? Let's just say, my equestrian skills are…rusty. My horse, a majestic creature named Barnaby, clearly thought I was a complete buffoon. He spent most of the time trying to eat the grass instead of, you know, going anywhere. Managed not to fall off (a victory!), but my inner thighs are currently screaming in protest.
- Midday: Chocolate Therapy: The cure! Stavelot has a fantastic little chocolate shop. This is where I made a massive purchase, for reasons I can't fully articulate. But let's be honest, when in Belgium… Chocolate, oh, the chocolate. I bought a few of everything.
- Afternoon (and the ongoing misery): Spa Round 2! At least I have an appointment and was able to fully relax. I was so relaxed, I didn't even realize I had taken an afternoon nap.
Day 3: The Long Ride (and the Questionable Picnic)
- Morning: The Big One: A proper trail ride! I’m cautiously optimistic. Barnaby, surprisingly, seemed a little less determined to sabotage me. We rode through the forests, over hills. The scenery was breathtaking. I had moments where I actually felt a twinge of… joy? Maybe I’m becoming a horse person? (Don't tell anyone.)
- Lunch: Picnic Peril: The picnic. Oh, the picnic. It was supposed to be gourmet. Instead, the sandwiches were a bit soggy and the wasps were relentless. I spent half the time swatting angry insects and the other half trying not to drop my (delicious, but ultimately ineffective) apple. Note to self: Invest in wasp repellent. And possibly a sandwich press.
- Afternoon: The Wanderings of a Madman: Completely lost my bearings. I wandered off the trail, wound up in a field of cows, nearly got chased by a rather enthusiastic bull, and finally found my way back to the stables just as the sun started to set. It can be considered a successful day.
Day 4: Spa Take Two, and the Great Belgian Beer Experiment
- Morning: Decided to go to the spa again. It's a good idea to try to get my body back in shape for when it is time to go home.
- Afternoon: The Beer!: Belgium and beer are synonymous. I went to a local brewery tasting. Let's just say, things got a little… hazy. I learned a lot about the various types of Belgian beer, and even more about my own rapidly diminishing alcohol tolerance. Ended up sharing beer with a local.
- Evening: Attempted to watch a movie in French. Failed miserably, mainly due to the aforementioned beer.
Day 5: The Last Ride, the Sad Farewell, and the Promise of More Frites
- Morning: Barnaby Farewell: One final ride! Barnaby actually seemed to enjoy my company this time. Maybe we've developed a bond? Maybe he just realized I was harmless? Who knows. But it was…nice.
- Lunch: Last Frites: I had another round of frites. One last time. Or so I thought.
- Afternoon: Packing and Departure Anxiety: Packing is never fun. Knowing I have to leave this little slice of Belgian heaven is even less fun.
- Evening: Brussels-bound? Headed for Brussels. One last detour.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Snippets:
- Why is everyone in Belgium so polite? And so good at riding horses? This is intimidation!
- I'm pretty sure I saw a gnome sneaking around the holiday house. Either that, or the beer is finally catching up with me.
- The mud is a constant companion. It's in my boots, under my fingernails, and probably in my soul.
- I miss my dog. And my bed. But I'm also starting to think I could get used to this… mess.
- Belgium. I salute you. You are delicious, chaotic, and utterly enchanting. And I'll be back. Possibly with more riding boots. And maybe some industrial-strength wasp repellent.
Imperfections & Ramblings:
- I'm still not sure what I'm doing with my life.
- I dropped my phone in the trough (not a pretty sight).
- I'm pretty sure I need a vacation from my vacation.
- Did I mention the chocolate? It's important. Really important.
Final Verdict:
This trip has been a glorious, messy, wonderful disaster. Would I do it again? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Just… maybe next time, I'll bring my own sandwich press. And learn some actual French. And perhaps invest in a horse-riding lesson or two. And maybe, just maybe, try to avoid getting chased by any more bulls. But if I do get chased, at least the view is great.
Steffenshagen Sun Trap: Your Dream Terrace Apartment Awaits!
Okay, the *vibe*... Luxury at a *horse riding school*? Are we talking glamping or...?
The Spa – Is it legit? Massages, facials, the works? Spill the tea!
Horse Riding? I've never ridden a horse. Am I doomed?
The Food! Is it all just… hay and carrots? (Kidding… mostly.)
Give me the *down and dirty* on the downsides. Don't sugarcoat it!
Is it *worth it*? Would you go back? Spill the tea!
