Son Baulo Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Majorca!
Son Baulo Paradise: Majorca – My Dream Belvilla… Or Was It? (A Rambling Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the sangria on my experience at Son Baulo Paradise in Majorca. Belvilla promised a dream, a slice of heaven, a place where worries melt faster than ice cream in the Majorcan sun. Did it deliver? Well, let's just say it was more like a slightly melted ice cream… with a few unexpected sprinkles of reality.
SEO & Metadata Shenanigans (Because I'm Supposed To):
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest (and often hilarious) review of Son Baulo Paradise in Majorca. We dive into accessibility, amenities, dining, and that elusive "dream Belvilla" experience. Prepare for a rollercoaster!
First Impressions & the Great Accessibility Question:
So, landing in Majorca, the sun blazing, the air thick with the scent of… well, probably sunscreen and good times. Son Baulo Paradise was supposed to be my haven. The first thing I did was search for accessibility. I needed it to be wheelchair accessible due to some mobility issues. The website promised a lot! (Spoiler: they mostly delivered).
- Accessibility: Okay, here's the messy truth. Wheelchair accessible? Mostly yes. Ramps were in place, though some were steeper than I'd have liked. The elevator worked, which was a HUGE win (praise the heavens!). The lobby was spacious, the rooms… well, we'll get to the rooms. It wasn't perfect, like not every pathway was perfect, but it was definitely better than some places I've been to.
- Check-in/out [Express]: This was actually pretty slick. Contactless check-in/out? Yes, please! They were clearly on it, what with the COVID times. That really made me feel safe.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Fair, but still a little bit lacking. I could see where they could add more improvements.
Rooms – The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Moldy (Maybe?)
Right, the rooms. The website photos were idyllic. In reality? Well…
- Available in all rooms: Things like air conditioning, alarm clock, and an in-room safe were there. Nice to have.
- Internet Access - Wireless: Wi-Fi was free and, honestly, pretty decent. I managed to stream a few movies on a lazy afternoon.
- Air Conditioning: Crucial. Absolutely crucial in Majorca. This worked, phew!
- Extra Long Bed: It IS what you want after a long day in the sun.
- Internet access – LAN: The LAN cable was actually there, which was cool.
- Non-smoking: A HUGE plus for me.
- Shower: The shower pressure was decent.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I really appreciated this in light of COVID-19.
- Smoke detector: Makes you feel safe.
- Soundproofing: It was alright.
Okay, now the less rosy stuff. The room was clean, but… there was a faint, faint smell of damp. Like a whisper of potential mold. I’m probably being overly sensitive (it could have just been the humidity!) but it kinda stuck with me. The decor was… a bit dated. Think: Early 2000s hotel chic. The view? Let’s just say it wasn’t the postcard perfect vista I was hoping for. Still, the bed was comfy, and the basics were covered.
Dining, Drinking, and the Quest for a Decent Cocktail
- Restaurants: The hotel had a few restaurants, so you can enjoy your stay.
- Poolside bar: A MUST-HAVE. I mean, what's a holiday without a cocktail by the pool?
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet was a highlight. A glorious spread of pastries, fruit, and the holy grail of holiday breakfasts: fried eggs cooked just how I like them.
- A la carte in restaurant: The food quality could be a bit random. One night, the paella was divine, the next, it was… well, let's just say it wasn’t love at first bite.
- Happy Hour: Happy hour was a lifesaver. Cocktails were… variable. Some were fantastic. Others? Let's just say the barman needed a bit more practice.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Day Success (and Sauna Shenanigans)
- Spa/Sauna: Okay, the spa! This was where Son Baulo almost redeemed itself completely.
- Body scrub & Body wrap: I indulged in both and felt utterly pampered.
- Pool with view: Stunning. Absolutely breathtaking.
- Sauna: The sauna was a small thing, but I really enjoyed it.
- Steamroom: I am not a fan of steamrooms.
The pool with a view was gorgeous, overlooking the ocean. I spent hours there just staring at the waves. That alone almost made the trip worth it!
Cleanliness & Safety – COVID Times & My Constant Sanitizer Obsession
- Anti-viral cleaning products & Daily disinfection in common areas: Clearly, they were on it. I still felt safe.
- First aid kit & Hand sanitizer: The presence of hand sanitizer everywhere was reassuring (I’m still slightly COVID-paranoid, sue me!).
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff were fantastic. Always masked up and friendly, trying their best to keep things clean.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: They even gave you the option to opt-out of room sanitization, which I thought was great for privacy.
Services & Conveniences – A Mixed Bag
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms were always clean.
- Elevator: Bless the elevator!
- Luggage storage: Excellent.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Good for some event hosting.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes!
- Laundry service: Expensive, but useful.
- Food delivery: Excellent to have!
- Business facilities: I used the Xerox/fax in the business center.
For the Kids & the Family Friendly Factor
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Kids facilities & Kids meal: They had these options.
Final Verdict: A Dream… with a Few Quirks
So, was Son Baulo Paradise my dream Belvilla? Not exactly. It was a solid, generally well-run hotel with some serious perks (the pool, the spa, the generally good accessibility) and a few niggles (the occasional damp smell, the hit-or-miss food).
Would I go back? Maybe. If I was after a relaxing break with good access, and a decent spa, and didn't mind a few minor imperfections, then absolutely yes. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't paradise in the truest sense, but it was a decent, generally enjoyable experience that I'll probably look back on fondly. Just make sure you pack your own extra-strong air freshener, just in case. And learn to make your own cocktails. Just in case.
Escape to Basque Paradise: Your Dream Holiday Home Awaits in La Bastide-Clairence!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we are finally going to Majorca. Belvilla by OYO Son Baulo, here we come! This isn't just a trip; it's a potential comedy of errors, a possible sunburn symphony, and hopefully, a deeply delicious dive into Spanish life. Here's the (loose, very loose) plan, punctuated by my perpetually chaotic brain:
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Curse of the Unpacked Suitcase
- Morning (Because, who am I kidding, I'm probably late): Flight from… well, let's just say "the mess that is my life" airport. Praying the plane doesn't fall apart, and even more importantly, that my luggage actually makes it to Majorca this time. Last time, let's just say I spent a day in Amsterdam in my airport sweats. Lesson learned? Maybe.
- Afternoon: Landing! Breathe it in! Actually, breathe out first. That pre-flight anxiety is a killer. The rental car… fingers crossed it isn't a rust bucket. The drive to Son Baulo (thank you, GPS, you glorious, slightly sassy machine) is probably going to be filled with frantic map-checking and me yelling, "Are we there yet?" every five minutes.
- Evening: HOLY MOLY, the Belvilla. Hope it's as advertised (read: clean-ish). The unpacking… that’s going to get messy. My suitcase and I have a complicated relationship. It hates me. I hate it. We'll battle it out later. Right now, the urgent matter is hitting the local grocery store. Paella ingredients? Check. Wine? Double check. (Priorities, people!) Dinner… probably a slightly disastrous attempt at Spanish cooking, followed by immediate collapse into bed from travel exhaustion. Hopefully, I can resist the urge to binge-watch Netflix. Maybe. Probably not. Don't judge me.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (with a Side of Sand-Related Trauma)
- Morning: Beach time! Son Baulo beach, here I come! I'm envisioning myself lounging on a gorgeous sunbed – maybe I’ll even read a book. Reality? Probably dodging rogue sandcastles built by tiny, ruthless children, and fighting the urge to cover myself in sunscreen every 15 minutes.
- Afternoon: Okay, I'm a mess. Got a bit too much sun – a flamingo might be jealous of my lobster-red shoulders. Scrambled back to the apartment and tried to put some aloe vera on the burns. This is what happens when you're too engrossed in people-watching (an elderly lady doing water aerobics in a tutu, bless her heart). Back to the beach, cautiously. This time, I'm wearing more sunscreen than a Kardashian. Maybe some gelato to soothe the trauma? Double, triple check!
- Evening: Found a charming little Tapas bar near the beach. Ordered everything. Ate everything. Regretted nothing. Except maybe wearing linen pants (they're so impractical). The sangria was seriously good though. And the music? Oh my god, the music. Some random Spanish guy was playing the guitar. It was magic! I may or may not have started crying during a particularly soulful flamenco tune. Don't tell anyone.
Day 3: Exploring and Existential Angst (a Tourist's Diary)
- Morning: Today’s mission: Explore! Driving along the coast, probably getting lost at least twice because my sense of direction is… well, it’s a work in progress. Thinking of visiting a local market (hoping that I won’t embarrass myself trying to speak Spanish). Maybe a charming old town tucked away somewhere. Maybe (probably) will end up buying too many souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Oh, the old town! Stunning! Seriously. The architecture, the cobbled streets, the little shops selling handmade ceramics… swoon. Got horribly lost, but managed to find my way to this little cafe. Ordered the most amazing cortado. Sat there for an hour just watching the world go by. Suddenly hit me: I have NO IDEA what I’m doing with my life. Am I happy? Am I living my best life? Am I a complete idiot for ordering that many pastries? All the big questions, man.
- Evening: Return to Son Baulo feels like coming home. Maybe even more tapas, because, why not? Stargazing on the balcony with a glass of wine. Attempting to learn a few Spanish phrases ('Por favor', 'Gracias'). And feeling a strange sense of peace, despite all the inner turmoil.
Day 4: The Caves of Hams (and the Case of the Missing Memory Card)
- Morning: Today is all about mystery and beauty: the Caves of Hams. Deep inside, I'm half-expecting to find a hidden pirate treasure or something (don't judge; I love a good adventure). The stalactites and stalagmites will probably be breathtaking. Also – and this is critical – remember to bring the memory card for the camera. (See previous trip-related traumas).
- Afternoon: Well, the caves were amazing! Genuinely awe-inspiring. But that memory card? Missing in Action. Probably left it back at the Belvilla. Ugh. At least I still have my phone camera. Still, gutted. Went to a local restaurant for lunch and got the special. It was all very local and very Spanish.
- Evening: So, the memory card turned up. (Found it on the kitchen table). Celebratory drink time! Went to a bar with live music, attempted to dance, failed miserably, but laughed a whole lot. This trip is a rollercoaster. A messy, imperfect, beautiful rollercoaster.
Day 5: Goodbye, Majorca (Until Next Time!)
- Morning: One last stroll on the beach. Trying to savor every moment. Packing (a terrifying experience, as always). Saying goodbye to the apartment.
- Afternoon: The flight home. Trying not to dwell on the fact that I have to go back to reality. Processing the trip. So much. So. Much.
- Evening: Home sweet (slightly chaotic and overwhelming) home. Majorca, you beautiful beast, I will miss you. Until next time… and hopefully, next time, I won't forget anything essential! (But let's be real, probably I will.)
So, Son Baulo Paradise? What's the *actual* deal?
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Paradise" is a strong word, right? Let's just say Son Baulo, in Majorca, is a cluster of Belvilla villas. It's the kind of place you book, brimming with *hope* for a sun-drenched, sangria-fueled getaway. And look, sometimes... it delivers. Other times? Well, let's just say the air conditioning unit sounds like a dying walrus. More on that later.
Is it actually *near* the beach? Because the pictures always lie.
Okay, this is HUGE. YES. It's *pretty* close. Like, a manageable stagger after a few poolside cocktails. Son Baulo beach itself is… fine. It's sandy, it's got the Mediterranean winking at you, but its beauty isn't jaw-dropping. Think perfectly acceptable, not postcard-worthy. There was this one time though, I was determined to wake up and see the sunrise over the bay. But in reality, that meant dealing with the family of pigeons that was determined to wake up before me and the sea that was still asleep. I gave up on that one.
What's the drill with the villas themselves? Are they actually nice?
This is THE gamble. It really depends on the *specific* villa you get. They vary wildly. Some are gorgeous, all gleaming white and smelling of fresh lemon. Other ones? Well, let's just say they've got a certain… *rustic charm*. My last experience? The kitchen faucet *literally* fell off when I turned it on. There were a few choice words... But the pool was amazing. And the view was, thankfully, distracting! Check the reviews, READ THE FINE PRINT, and pray to the villa gods!
Okay, pool time! Are the pools as good as they look in the photos?
Pools... ah, the pools. The *reason* you book these villas. And yes, they usually are. You know, except for the occasional rogue leaf, a screaming toddler (sometimes mine), or a particularly stubborn bit of sunscreen that won't wash off. BUT. The sheer bliss of having your own private pool, the sun beating down, a cold drink in your hand… it's heavenly. That said, I will never, ever forget the great mosquito-related incident of '22.
Are there restaurants/shops nearby? Getting groceries is a must!
Yes! And this is where Son Baulo wins. You're not totally isolated. There are restaurants, bars, little shops selling everything from inflatable flamingos to slightly stale bread. The market is decent, and you can definitely stock up on tapas ingredients. There's often that sense of having to leave your bubble, because how else are you going to find the most authentic paella in the area?
What about activities? Is there anything to *do* besides swim and drink?
Majorca, my friend, is bursting with things to do. Rent a car and EXPLORE. Caves, hiking, boat trips, the charming old town of Alcúdia is nearby. You’re a short drive to some other amazing beaches. Though, honestly, I often found myself just content with a good book, the sound of the pool pump, and a sneaky afternoon nap. But, hey, your mileage may vary! My friend, obsessed with snorkeling, found some amazing spots just a short drive away (and now I'm jealous). Me? I was perfectly content with a very large sangria and a good book.
Is it noisy? I hate noise.
Depends. It's generally quieter than being in, say, central Barcelona. You might hear the hum of the pool pump, the occasional car, or, if you're unlucky, your neighbor's karaoke night. Some villas are closer to roads than others... so check a map! Our last trip had a family next door who seemed to run a 24/7 disco... We just kept filling our ears with the sound of the waves, and the silence that comes with having *all* the food in the house and only the sound of your own stomach.
Ok, let's talk about the mosquitoes. I heard they're vicious.
Oh, the mosquitoes. They *can* be. Bring DEET. Lots of it. Citronella candles, mosquito coils, the works. They're particularly active at dusk, so close the windows! I kid you not, one year, I had the most epic mosquito bite battle of my life. I was convinced a whole army of them was after me. I swear I was the only one they went for. It was like I was a walking buffet. I looked like I had chicken pox. Seriously. Prepare.
Is it worth the money?
That's the million-dollar question, eh? Honestly, it depends on your expectations. Are you expecting perfection? You might be disappointed. Are you looking for a relaxing, potentially imperfect, yet utterly memorable holiday with the sun, sangria, and maybe a few mosquito bites thrown in? Then, yes, it's probably worth it. Just don't forget the bug spray, and maybe pack a sense of humor. And be prepared for the unexpected, like the time the power went out for twelve hours... at least we got a lot of reading done! And the sunrise over the bay. Still waiting for that.
