Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Houffalize Holiday Home Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Houffalize, You Beautiful Beast! (My Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from "Escape to Paradise," and "paradise" ain't always sunshine and rainbows, folks. But let me tell you, Houffalize… Houffalize is a whole other story. This review? It's gonna be a rollercoaster. Prepare for the ups, the downs, the "OMG I forgot to pack socks!" moments.
Accessibility: Where's the Ramp, Dude?
Let's be real, accessibility is HUGE for me. My grandma uses a wheelchair, always has. And I want to know, is this spot good for her? Yes! "Escape to Paradise" does offer a lot more than many places in Belgium. They have Facilities for disabled guests, and, at least according to the info, is Wheelchair accessible. HOWEVER, I didn't go with Grandma this time, so I can't vouch for the actual implementation. I'm talking real-world, tested-and-approved accessibility, not just a tick box on a brochure. Maybe someone else can tell us about the ramps and elevators later….
Cleanliness and Safety: Obsessively Clean (Thank God!)
Right, first impressions. When you walk in, you can IMMEDIATELY tell they are serious about cleanliness. Seriously, the place practically gleamed. This, my friends, is a must in these post-apocalyptic times. They are not messing around. They have a Hygiene certification. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, and even Sterilizing equipment! They have Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, for God's sake. I'm talking serious overkill, and I kind of loved it. I felt safe! Daily disinfection in common areas. Staff trained in safety protocol. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The only thing missing was a personal hazmat suit, but hey, I can bring my own next time.
I was also happy to see that they offer Room sanitization opt-out available (always like a little flexibility) they also have Individually-wrapped food options in the restaurant. They take care of Hot water linen and laundry washing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (Mostly!)
Alright, let's talk chow. The Breakfast [buffet] was a solid start. Okay, I admit it. I’m a sucker for a buffet, and this one was pretty decent, if a bit repetitive. I'm there for the croissants and more croissants, and maybe some (okay, all) of the smoked salmon. They also have Asian breakfast items for you. They offer a Breakfast takeaway service too.
The restaurants themselves had a pretty interesting menu, spanning both International cuisine in restaurant and Asian cuisine in restaurant options. I'm talking A la carte in restaurant dining. There's a Vegetarian restaurant option. They have a Western cuisine in restaurant (the burgers were divine, and so were the Desserts in restaurant). Coffee/tea in restaurant was available, and I'm pretty certain they had a barista-level coffee machine.
The Poolside bar? The best way to spend an afternoon, trust me. I got way too into the Happy hour, and spent an hour and a half chatting to the friendly bartender.
I have to mention, the room service [24-hour] came in handy. After a long day of trekking, it was great to order a pizza and watch a terrible movie. They also offered Bottle of water and a Snack bar.
Ways to Relax: Spa-tacular! (And a Little Over-the-Top)
This is where "Paradise" really starts to shine. The Spa is legit. There's a Swimming pool [outdoor], a beautiful Pool with view, a Sauna, a Steamroom, a Spa/sauna, and even a Foot bath. What can I say? I spent a lot of time in the Swimming pool.
I got a Body scrub and a Massage. The massage was AMAZING. I wanted to tell the masseuse to just keep rubbing my stress away forever. It was heavenly. I almost fell asleep. I also saw some guests going for a Body wrap and a Gym/fitness session.
Things to Do: Activity Overload!
Honestly, you could stay here for a week and still not do everything. They had a Fitness center, plenty of hiking trails, and even Bicycle parking (I'll save cycling for next time).
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges:
I didn't see any lounges, but there are restaurants both in and out.
Internet Access: Connected (Thank Goodness!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank god. I mean, I had an internet meltdown on the first day (don't ask), but the Wi-Fi was generally solid. They also had Internet access – LAN and Internet services, if you're old-school like that. There's also Wi-Fi in public areas.
Accessibility in Rooms: Cozy and Equipped
My room was a dream. I had Air conditioning, a comfy Sofa, and the best was the Window that opens. I had a Mirror, a Desk, a Hair dryer, and a Coffee/tea maker. I also had a Mini bar.
I loved the Blackout curtains! The Bathroom itself was great, with a Separate shower/bathtub and good Toiletries. Oh, and the Additional toilet was a lifesaver.
They had Alarm clock and a Wake-up service. I am a heavy sleeper, so this was used more than once.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
They thought of everything! Daily housekeeping, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Concierge, Front desk [24-hour] all making things easy. I even saw a Cash withdrawal option (for when your phone just won't play nice).
The Quirks (aka The Stuff That Made It Memorable)
Okay, remember how I said "paradise" wasn't always perfect? There were definitely some quirks.
One day, I went to the Gift/souvenir shop. I will not reveal the souvenir I got; it was pure impulse buying, and I blame the happy hour.
I also tried to figure out the Food delivery options. It was a bit confusing, but eventually, I got my pizza.
Extra rambles!
I don't know why, but I found the Car park [free of charge] oddly exciting. There's also a Car park [on-site].
They also have Facilities for disabled guests.
Conclusion: Go! But Manage Your Expectations!
"Escape to Paradise" is a fantastic place. It's a great base for exploring Houffalize and the surrounding area. So, would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY! Just go in with an open mind, embrace the imperfections, and prepare to fall in love with Houffalize. You'll need a vacation after your vacation, but it'll be worth it!
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- Primary Keywords: Houffalize, Hotel Review, Spa, Belgium, Accessible Hotel
- Secondary Keywords: Accommodation, Family-friendly, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Hiking, Swimming Pool, Sauna, Massage, Cleanliness, Safety, Belgium Ardennes
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- Title Tag: Escape to Paradise, Houffalize Review: Honest & Messy!
- Meta Description: My unfiltered review of Escape to Paradise in Houffalize, Belgium. Spa, accessibility, food, and the good, the bad, and the slightly bonkers!
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn’t your polished, Instagram-filtered travel log. This is me, elbows deep in Belgian fries and existential dread (kidding… mostly), detailing my Houffalize holiday home adventure. Prepare for a ride!
Houffalize Holiday Home: The Real Story (So Far)
Day 1: Arrival & Anticipation (and the Great Luggage Debacle)
- Morning: The drive! Oh, the drive. We were supposed to be all "open road, windows down, singing along to cheesy 80s tunes." Instead, it was a symphony of "Are we there yets?" and "Did I pack enough snacks?" Let's just say the GPS and I engaged in a passive-aggressive relationship for the better part of three hours. Finally! The house! It was… well, charming, in a slightly wonky, "lived-in-by-eccentric-wizards" kind of way. Garden? Amazing. The pictures didn't lie, like, for once this time! That anticipation feeling… it was electric! I could feel it in my belly, and it was making me need to pee every five minutes.
- Afternoon: Luggage. Oh, the luggage. Turns out, the car's boot (that's "trunk" for you Americans, I guess) wasn't quite as spacious as I'd remembered. Stuff everywhere. We played a very aggressive game of Tetris with suitcases, picnic hampers, and an inflatable flamingo (don't judge, it felt like the only thing resembling joy I could find). I ended up carrying the laundry basket in because it looked like the least heavy thing. The house keys were a quest itself; spent ten minutes trying to figure out which one went where.
- Evening: Settling in. The kitchen! I mean, I love cooking, but all these appliances confused me. My partner just turned to me and said, "We're ordering pizza. I can't." Can't blame him, that's what I did! (After all, it was what my belly wanted, too!) Then, there was the obligatory unpacking, followed by a brief, yet passionate, debate about who gets which room. I won, with a strategic combination of puppy dog eyes and a promise to "fold all the socks". Honestly, the first night was a blur of fizzy drinks and a desperate attempt to locate the Wi-Fi password (which, naturally, was written in cryptic symbols on a piece of paper hidden under a particularly dusty gnome).
Day 2: The Great Hike (and My Existential Crisis in the Woods)
- Morning: The "Plan". Hike in the woods! I'd seen some really beautiful photos online, and the idea of fresh air and exercise sounded…okay, I guess. We pack our water bottles, map, and granola bars. (I swear, I feel like I packed half the kitchen at this point!) However, It started with the map. Turns out, my navigation skills are about as good as a goldfish’s. Within 20 minutes, we were hopelessly lost. Lost!
- Afternoon: The woods. Ah, the woods. Beautiful, yes. Peaceful, maybe. But then I started thinking…about everything. Work, life, the meaning of it all. The trees seemed to mock me with their silent wisdom. A squirrel gave me the side-eye as if to say, "Get a grip, lady!" Honestly, the trees smelled like the perfume of wet earth and the air was crisp like, like, a cool breeze. It was gorgeous and overwhelming. I came to a very sudden realization…
- Evening: Back in Reality. I'd become overly dramatic in my own head for most of the day, but I realised the reality of what I had been feeling. That was a good thing! After finding our way out of the woods (a little too late for lunch), we did what any sane person would do: we found the nearest friterie and consumed a ludicrous amount of frites with mayo. So, yeah, the hike might've been less "Zen Master in Nature" and more "Lost in the Woods with an Existential Crisis," but hey, at least the frites delivered.
Day 3: Medieval Mayhem & The "Best Beer of My Life" (So Far)
- Morning: We visit the old town nearby. Beautiful. Cobblestones, medieval architecture, the whole shebang. I feel like I'd walked right into a fairytale, except I'd just come from the friterie and was already regretting the extra mayo.
- Afternoon: The Beer. Seriously, the beer. I'm not even a huge beer person, but this Belgium brews! The taste was so good, it was like a hug in a glass. I don’t know the names of the beers, but I know I almost cried when I finished the first glass! The memory of it… it still gives me goosebumps. After the third one I started laughing so hard I started to think I might be having a mental breakdown! Worth it.
- Evening: It's was a quiet end to the day, with a cheesy movie, popcorn and the beautiful view of the sunset.
Day 4: The Garden, The Sun, and the Quest for the Perfect Belgian Waffle (Still On)
- Morning: The morning was spent in the garden. It was peaceful and idyllic, and I watched the birds. The sun was shining; the air was fresh, and I felt like I could stay there forever. The garden was the place I felt like I got away from, got a little peace in.
- Afternoon: The Belgian waffle hunt continues! I swear, every place I’ve tried. This obsession of mine isn’t the way I want to spend my whole vacation, but, then again, I can think of things far less terrible.
- Evening: The search for the perfect waffle. I have lost hope, I fear, that I may not find the perfect waffle. At least, not on the trip!
Day 5: Au Revoir, Houffalize (and the bittersweet taste of freedom)
- Morning: The packing routine begins. Ugh, that feeling. Again. I swear, I have an idea of what I'm doing now. Packing has been much quicker! Although, the house, it's not in the same state as when we arrived. I think.
- Afternoon: The drive home. The memories! The laughs! And the promise of more frites in the future. I don't think I'd change that I am going home and going back to my life! It was everything it could have been.
- Evening: Home! The adventure is over, but the memories, well… they’re just beginning.
Final Thoughts (Rambling, Obviously):
This trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of chaos, moments of self-doubt, and way too many frites. But it was real. Raw. And, dare I say, wonderful. Houffalize, you weird, charming, beer-soaked place, you got a piece of my heart. And I, in turn, got the worst sunburn of my life. So, yeah. All in all, a success. Now, where's that pizza menu…?
Tavistock Holiday Home Paradise: Garden, Swim Centre & Plymouth Nearby!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Houffalize Holiday Home Awaits! (But Seriously, Read This First)
Okay, so... Houffalize? Where the heck is that? And is it *actually* paradise?
Right, first things first. Houffalize. Picture this: Belgium, smack dab in the heart of the Ardennes. Think rolling hills, forests that look like they jumped straight out of a postcard, and the kind of quiet that makes your ears ring (in a good way!). Paradise? Well, it’s not *exactly* white sand beaches and cocktails with tiny umbrellas. More like, a place where you can actually hear yourself think, breathe in the fresh air, and spend quality time with loved ones without the constant buzz of city life. I mean, I went there last year with my family, and let me tell you…finding a decent latte was a quest in itself (more on that later, trust me). But the beauty? Unforgettable. My kids, who usually have their noses glued to iPads, actually *played* outside! It was insane.
What's the deal with the house? Is it, like, a crumbling shack or a luxury palace? Be honest!
Look, I'm not going to lie. It's not a palace. It's a *charming* holiday home. Think cozy, comfortable, and with everything you actually *need*. Expect modern conveniences like a well-equipped kitchen (thank god! See: Latte Quest of 2022), comfortable beds, and a working shower (praise be!). The décor is… let's say it's not minimalist. There might be a touch of the previous owner’s personality lingering. (I swear, I think the previous owner was obsessed with porcelain ducks). But hey, that's part of the charm, right? It feels like a real home, not a sterile hotel room. And clean. It was surprisingly clean, actually. I'm a bit of a neat freak, so that was a major win. Also: wifi. Essential for uploading embarrassing photos of your family attempting to hike. (Don't judge me.)
What kind of activities are there to do in Houffalize? I don't want to be stuck bored out of my skull. (I'm easily bored.)
Bored? Nah, you won't be bored. Unless you *want* to be bored, which, let's be honest, sometimes that's the whole point of a holiday. For the outdoorsy types – hiking, biking, kayaking on the Ourthe river - it’s a dream! The trails are incredible. We almost broke ourselves trying to find that legendary waterfall – almost losing a shoe and a child in the process, but we succeeded! There's also the Bastogne War Museum (fascinating, even if you're not a history buff), charming little villages, and breweries (yes, please!). Evenings can be spent around the fireplace (if the weather's not too hot– which, let's be real, in Belgium is rarely a concern) with a good book or playing board games. We discovered a secret stash of playing cards left by a previous tenant and almost started a family civil war over Monopoly. Good times.
Can you tell me more about the house? Is it suitable for kids/pets/old people?
Okay, deep breath. Kids: Yes! (Mostly). The house is relatively child-friendly. There's a garden, and plenty of space for them to run around. The local park is close enough for a quick trip. However, it’s not completely baby-proofed, so be prepared to do some supervision. (My kids, bless their mischievous hearts, almost found that porcelain duck collection I mentioned. Disaster narrowly averted.) Pets: Enquire beforehand! The owners have restrictions. Old People: Accessibility is decent, but there are some stairs to consider. It's not a sprawling, single-story ranch. Think carefully if mobility is an issue.
What about food? Is it all just frites and waffles? (Not that I'm complaining…)
Well, yes, there are frites. And waffles. And chocolate. It's Belgium, people! But seriously, Houffalize has some lovely little restaurants serving traditional Belgian cuisine. Be prepared for hearty meals and perhaps a few too many delicious beers. There are supermarkets in the area where you can stock up on supplies – including, crucially, coffee. Because, trust me on this, the Latte Quest of 2022 taught me a valuable lesson: never underestimate the importance of caffeine. Oh! Don't miss the local bakery. Their bread is to die for.
How do I get there? Is it remotely accessible, or am I going to need a helicopter?
You probably don't need a helicopter. Driving is the easiest option. It's relatively easy to get to from major cities in Belgium and neighboring countries. Public transport is available, but it might require a bit of planning and a few connections. Just… Google Maps is your friend. Seriously. And make sure your car is reliable because scenic roads in the Ardennes are beautiful, but can be a bit… winding. And my GPS once took me on a "shortcut" that involved a goat path. Learn from my mistakes.
What's the cancellation policy? Because, you know, stuff happens.
I'm not a mind reader! I don’t know what the cancellation policy is! I’m assuming it’s explained when you book. Read the fine print. But *generally* speaking, most places are flexible, but you should always check before. No one wants to be stuck with a non-refundable holiday, just to watch the rain fall from your window. Life is unpredictable! But really, check. I’m not liable if you miss that detail and are stuck with a booking you can't use. Phew. Crisis averted.
What are the "quirks" to expect? Are there any hidden fees? Is there anything I should *really* know before booking? Spill the beans!
Alright, here's the lowdown on the little annoyances and the "oh, I wish I'd known that" moments. Hidden Fees? Probably not! Check. Quirks? Well, as I mentioned, the previous owner's penchant for porcelain ducks. Also, the Wi-fi can be a bit… spotty at times. (Remember the photos? Okay, maybe the internet was a blessing in disguise). The water pressure in the shower is what you'd expect of a vacation home. What you *really* need to know: Bring layers! Even in summer, the evenings can be chilly. And pack a decent flashlight. The stars in Houffalize are incredible, and you won't want to miss them, but navigating the garden in the dark can be… an adventure. AND, most importantly, stock up onHotel Bliss Search
