Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Beauraing Chalet with Sauna!
Escape to Paradise: Beauraing Chalet - A Chaotic, Cozy Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a stay that was supposed to be luxurious, a true "escape to paradise" at the Beauraing Chalet. Did it live up to the hype? Well, let's just say it was… an experience. A glorious, messy, occasionally frustrating, and ultimately memorable experience. So, grab a coffee, because this review is going to be a wild ride.
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(Accessibility - The Good & The "Almost" Good): Right, the accessibility. This is important, and I'm happy to report they mostly got it right. The website advertised wheelchair accessibility, and yes, the entrance was flat and easy to navigate. The elevator worked (praise the travel gods!), and the common areas seemed pretty accessible. However… and there's always a however… the information was a little vague. The listing mentioned facilities for disabled guests, but what exactly that meant was a bit of a mystery until I was there. I later learned that they have a couple of rooms adapted for wheelchair users, but you’d need to call ahead and check if the suite matches your specific requirements. It's the little things—the shower grab bars that aren't quite sturdy enough, the lack of contrasting colors for people with low vision—that they might have overlooked during construction. They really tried, but more clarity upfront (and maybe a quick ramp here and there) could be a game-changer.
(On-site Accessible Restaurants & Lounges - The Verdict: Mixed Bag) This is where things got a little… uneven. "Accessible restaurants?" Technically, yes. The main restaurant was accessible, but navigating it with a wheelchair… well, let's just say I’m now intimately acquainted with the exact angle of that tricky turn with a low-hanging chandelier. And the lounge? Beautiful, yes. Easy to maneuver? Not so much. It was like a lovely obstacle course set up by someone who thinks a slight tilt is charming, not a mobility challenge.
(Internet – I Live for Netflix and Chill!) Okay, internet! Crucial. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" the website boasted. And you know what? It was true! Thank the digital gods. The Wi-Fi was surprisingly decent, which meant I could actually binge-watch that terrible reality show I'm secretly obsessed with (don't judge me!). There was also internet [LAN] if that’s your thing, but who needs that when you’re on vacation, right?
(Things to Do – Spa Day & Beyond - Pure Bliss & Occasional Chaos) Alright, where do I even begin? This place is designed to make you melt into a puddle of relaxation. Let's just say, they nailed the "ways to relax" part. The sauna was a highlight. Piping hot, perfectly aromatic, and big enough to not feel claustrophobic. Pure, sweaty bliss. I might have spent a little too much time in there, but hey, no regrets.
Then there's the pool with a view; absolutely stunning. But… here’s a small-ish gripe: the pool area, while gorgeous, was a bit small. More seating would benefit that area.
Now, let's talk about the spa. Oh, the spa! They had a dizzying array of treatments. Body scrub… I felt like a new human being! The massage was like a warm hug from Zeus himself. And the foot bath… Don't even get me started. I could've stayed in that foot bath for, like, a week. It was the most relaxing part of the trip, but I didn't notice any body wraps available, though the website claims they do.
The spa/sauna area was definitely a selling point. They also had a steamroom which I didn't get a chance to use.
Oh, and fitness freaks, don't worry, they had a fitness center with basic equipment… I am sure it was there! Probably.
(Cleanliness & Safety – A Deep Breath & a Sigh of Relief) Okay, in these pandemic times, cleanliness and safety are paramount. Thankfully, they took this seriously. I saw anti-viral cleaning products being used everywhere. There were multiple hand sanitizers scattered around, and staff were trained in safety protocol and the rooms sanitized between stays. I even saw actual sterilizing equipment (like, proper, professional-grade stuff). I was also relieved to see a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit on hand. This is reassuring, and made me feel safe during the stay. One small thing: I opted out of having my room sanitized every day. I liked that they offered that option. (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – An A La Carte Adventure!)
The food… well, it was an adventure. They had a restaurant offering à la carte options, and the Western cuisine was perfectly fine. They had Asian cuisine as well. Breakfast? They had Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and breakfast [buffet]. Now, the buffet was… interesting. I’m not a fan of buffets, but I'm also very hungry in the morning and at least there was a lot of choice and vegetarian options.
The bar served decent cocktails, and there was a poolside bar for those who can deal with the weather outside. One thing I missed was the lack of a coffee shop. I could have used a quick coffee when I didn't feel like sitting down for a full meal. They did have coffee/tea in the restaurant, of course.
The happy hour was a welcome touch, and I might have indulged a bit too much. There was also a snack bar, though I didn't have the chance to try anything from it.
(Services and Conveniences – The Little Things Matter!) They had a concierge who was lovely and helpful, even if he did occasionally stumble on his English. There’s daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, and laundry service. They had a convenience store if you forgot anything (like, say, a toothbrush… which I may or may not have done). There was also a luggage storage, cash withdrawal, and currency exchange.
One thing that was REALLY useful was the car park [free of charge]. Finding a free parking spot isn't always easy in Belgium, so that was a huge plus. They also had car park [on-site] and valet parking.
(Available in all rooms – The Comfort Zone) Okay, finally, the room itself. Comfortable, definitely. The air conditioning was a godsend in the summer heat. The blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in. There were bathrobes (yay!), slippers, and all the usual toiletries. The free Wi-Fi was a sweet bonus! And I really appreciated the reading light, the coffee/tea maker.
The bed was comfy with an extra long bed. The sofa would be great for reading. The soundproofing was excellent.
Minor gripes (because no place is perfect!):
- Some of the "luxury" touches felt a little… dated. Like, the decor could use a refresh.
- No real "WOW" factor in the room design. Spacious, clean, and functional, but not exactly Instagram-worthy, unfortunately.
The Verdict – Is It Worth It?
Look, the Beauraing Chalet isn’t perfect. It has its quirks and, occasionally, its frustrations. But overall, it was a fantastic experience. The spa is worth the price of admission alone. The staff, despite a few language hiccups, were genuinely kind and helpful. And the feeling of being utterly relaxed and pampered? Priceless. Would I go back? Absolutely, even if I have to navigate a few slightly wonky turns along the way. Because sometimes, even with a few bumps in the road, escape to paradise is exactly what you need.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (deducting a half-star for those wonky accessibility turns and slightly dated decor!)
Durbuy's Dreamiest Cottage: Garden Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your grandma's perfectly planned travel itinerary. This is… my itinerary for a ridiculously luxurious chalet escape in Beauraing, Belgium, complete with a sauna. God, I needed this. Seriously.
Itinerary: Chalet Chaos in Beauraing (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sauna)
Day 1: The Great Escape (and the Early Onset of Hangry)
- 10:00 AM: Flight leaves. The worst feeling is the impending doom that I will be stuck with one of those seat mates who think the arm rest is only theirs. "Ugh, sorry, are you using that one?" the person across the aisle asks. No, I'm not. I'm just going to stare at it. "I'm sure, no problem at all". I am such a pushover.
- 11:00 AM: Arriving at Brussels. The flight wasn't too bad. The food smelled awful. What is it with airplane food? It’s like they actively try to make it unappetizing. I am so hungry.
- 12:00 PM: Renting a car. Fingers crossed I don’t get a lemon. Praying to the GPS gods that they grant me clear directions. Driving in Belgium shouldn't be tooooo bad, right? I hope. Maybe.
- 1:30 PM: Finding a sandwich shop on the way to Beauraing. "Bonjour!" I'm terrible at French. The sandwiches are pretty good and I get a coffee. Is this what it's like being European? Because, I like it.
- 3:00 PM: Arriving at the chalet! Oh. My. God. It's even more breathtaking than the pictures. Seriously. The wood, the view, the… sauna? Yes. We are LIVING, people.
- 3:30 PM: Unpacking. I always overpack. I have a suitcase full of "maybe" outfits and enough books to fill a small library. I never read any. The real star of the show? My favorite, ridiculously oversized hoodie. Comfy is key.
- 4:00 PM: Exploring the chalet. The kitchen is gorgeous, the living room has a fireplace, and the sauna is calling my name. I can already feel my stress melting away.
- 4:30 PM: Sauna time! Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I swear, I could live in a sauna. I think I will.
Day 2: Beauraing Bliss (and the Case of the Missing Cheese)
- 9:00 AM: Waking up to… silence. Pure, glorious silence. I almost cried from happiness.
- 9:30 AM: Coffee and croissant from the local bakery. I will be back every day. It is now officially an addiction.
- 10:30 AM: Hiking (attempt). Okay, so I got lost. But the views were stunning, and the air smelled incredible. It's a win, even if my sense of direction is apparently non-existent.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in Beauraing. The local restaurant, supposedly "charming". The food took forever to arrive. It's good, but not great. I'm too hangry to care.
- 2:30 PM: Cheese shopping! Okay, so I was supposed to buy a selection of artisanal cheeses. I got distracted by the chocolate. I might have bought more chocolate than cheese. I regret nothing.
- 4:00 PM: Cheese and wine on the balcony. The view is incredible. Someone, pinch me.
- 6:00 PM: Sauna round two. More bliss. I'm probably going to emerge looking like a prune at this rate, but I don't care.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the chalet. I was planning on making a gourmet meal. Ended up eating cheese and crackers. I told you I got the cheeses and the chocolates!
Day 3: Waterfalls & Wanderings (and the Realization That I Need This)
- 9:00 AM: Pancakes. Because, why not?
- 10:00 AM: Visiting the waterfalls. It's so beautiful that I forgot to take any decent photos.
- 12:00 PM: The cathedral. I walked around the cathedral, in a state of awe.
- 1:30 PM: Back to the chalet. More cheese, more wine. Did I mention this place is perfect?
- 3:00 PM: Sauna, naturally.
- 5:00 PM: Reading. Just me, my book, and the crackling fireplace. I actually am able to unwind.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Takeout. I was planning on cooking, I got tired. No regrets.
Day 4: Departure (and the Deep, Soul-Crushing Sadness)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast at the chalet. I’m already dreading leaving.
- 10:00 AM: Final sauna session. Savoring every second. I'm going to miss this so much.
- 11:00 AM: Packing, with lingering reluctance.
- 12:00 PM: Head to the car and head to the airport.
- 3:00 PM: Brussels traffic. I'm already plotting how to come back.
- 5:00 PM: Boarding. I already miss my little chalet.
- 6:00 PM: Flight home. I will be back.
Reflections:
This trip was… perfect. Messy, imperfect, and utterly, undeniably perfect. Beauraing, you've stolen my heart. And the sauna? Well, let's just say I'm already plotting my next visit. This was a reminder. I need to slow down. This was a reminder to say yes when I was able to say yes and to not push that. This was a reminder. I feel like I just remember everything and I love it. I have to go, I have to experience more.
Escape to Paradise: Belvilla's Stunning Pontevedra Villa Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Beauraing Chalet FAQs (Because Let's Be Honest, You Have Questions)
So, "Luxurious" is a Strong Word, Right? Like, Is It Actually *Luxury* Luxury?
Alright, buckle up. "Luxury" is definitely a subjective thing. And honestly? At first glance, I was a *little* skeptical. Picture this: I'd just driven for, oh, about six hours (traffic, you know the drill), and I'm pulling up, expecting some ridiculously grand chalet, like straight-out-of-a-catalog deal. Turns out, it's more like... refined rusticity? It's got charm, I'll give it that. Think plush sofas you can actually *sink into*, a fireplace that's begging for marshmallows (which, by the way, you MUST bring), and enough space to actually *breathe*. Is it a palace? Nah. Does it *feel* luxurious after the stress of modern life? Absolutely. Think more "cozy elegance" rather than "bling bling." My opinion? Totally worth it. The views alone? Chef's kiss.
But here's a little imperfection to make it real. The towels? They were fluffy, yes. But the thread count wasn't quite what I’d expect for ultra-premium. Tiny, tiny detail. But there you have it, a tiny mark. The real luxury is that feeling when you're there, stress melting away bit by bit.
The Sauna: Is It Actually Good? I've Been Burned (Literally and Figuratively) Before.
Oh, the sauna. My *obsession* with saunas is well-documented. I've been chasing that perfect heat for *years*. The Beauraing sauna? Okay, listen. It's good. Like, *really* good. It’s got the classic wooden paneling, the perfectly placed rocks, and the kind of heat that just *melts* away all the tension you didn't even realize you were holding. I had some moments of, shall we say, *over-enthusiastic* sauna use, and I'll be honest, I maybe-possibly-kinda-sorta overdid it one evening. Ended up feeling like a slightly-toasted marshmallow... But the next day? Pure bliss. My skin felt amazing. My brain felt... fuzzy in a good way. So yeah, the sauna is a winner. Just pace yourself, my friend. Learn from my slightly-crisped mistakes.
And a quirky confession: I spent a good hour just staring at the wood grain. It was oddly hypnotic. Proof that relaxation really is the name of the game.
What's the Deal with the Kitchen? Is It Actually Equipped for Cooking? I'm Not Just Talking Microwave Meals.
Okay, the kitchen. This is a big one for me. I'm a foodie, and I *need* to cook. I'm not just talking about heating leftovers! The Beauraing kitchen? It's a solid effort. Not a professional chef's setup (sadly), but definitely well-equipped. There's a decent oven, a good-sized fridge (crucial! Wine needs to be cold!), and enough pots, pans, and utensils to whip up a decent feast. I cooked a frankly *epic* pasta dish one evening (a little too much garlic, maybe, but hey, it was delicious!).
Here's the thing, though. I am a bit of a klutz. I managed to shatter a wine glass. Woops! Nothing major, and they are very accommodating and understanding. So now, I'm pretty sure there's a spare wine glass in some cupboard somewhere with my name on it.
Pro tip? Bring your favorite knives. You know, the ones you *actually* trust. And don’t forget the olive oil!
Is it Really in the Middle of Nowhere? Because I *Do* Need Wi-Fi. And Coffee Shops. And Civilization, Eventually.
Haha, yes, it's a bit remote. Which, honestly, is a *massive* part of the charm. Picture this: waking up to nothing but birdsong, the freshest air you can imagine, and a view that makes you kind of want to cry (in a good way). It's an escape. A *real* escape. But yeah, civilization. It’s there, but you need to commit a bit.
Wi-Fi? Yes, thankfully. It’s good enough for checking emails, posting pictures, and the occasional streaming binge. Don’t expect lightning-fast speeds, but it works. Coffee shops and civilization, you’ll need to drive. There are some lovely little villages nearby, but you're not popping down to Starbucks on a whim. Embrace the quiet! But also, maybe pack some instant coffee, just in case.
What's the Outdoor Space Like? Is it Just a Deck, or Something Actually Worth Hanging Out In?
The outdoor space? Okay, this is where the chalet *really* shines. There's a deck, yes, but it's *so* much more. Think breathtaking views, a dining table perfect for al fresco meals (and let me tell you, eating breakfast with that view? Priceless), and plenty of space to just... *be*. There's a little garden area, some sun loungers, and a feeling of complete and utter serenity. Remember the marshmallows mentioned earlier? The fireplace is in the garden. And honestly I never thought it would get that cold out there to use the fireplace. But I was dead wrng. And for me, that was a dream come true. It's a space to unwind, read a book, drink wine, and just soak it all in.
One morning, I swear I saw a deer. A real-life deer! Just casually strolling past. It was magical. And this is what sets it apart, the outdoor space. It’s a complete immersion in nature.
Is it Pet-Friendly? Because My Furry Overlord Demands to Know.
This one, I don't have a personal answer. I am not a pet owner. I am a cat loving human, but that doesn't count for any other pets. But I’m sure the information is available on their website, where I was hoping to find the answer as a guest! I did see some other visitors with dogs and they seemed to be having a lovely time. Please, PLEASE check the official website! But, in my experience, the area *seems* incredibly pet-friendly. Lots of walking trails, open spaces, and general good vibes for furry friends. Just, you know... double-check.
What's the Best Time of Year to Visit? I’m a Weather-Dependent Human.
Okay, the weather.Book Hotels Now
