Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Forest Apartment in Nidrum Spa, Belgium!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into this review, warts and all. Forget the sterile, cookie-cutter hotel critiques. I’m giving you the unfiltered, real-life version. This is going to be a wild ride, so hold on tight!
The Hotel: A Chaotic Symphony of Amenities (and Maybe a Mosquito or Two)
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Right, let's face it: hotel reviews can be mind-numbingly boring. So, I'm ditching the formality. This place… well, it's got everything. Seriously, it's like they threw every amenity imaginable at the wall and hoped it would stick. Let's start with the basics and then… oh boy, we'll get to the good stuff (and the maybe-not-so-good stuff).
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Depending on Your Definition of "Accessible"
Alright, first things first: Accessibility. It's a crucial one, right? They do claim to offer facilities for disabled guests, and that's a good start. Elevator access is a must, obviously, and they have one. But the devil’s in the details, as they say. I wasn’t specifically testing for full wheelchair-friendly, but I did notice… well, I’m not going to use the word “ramps” here, because there were some, but boy, were they steep. It felt less like a gentle slope and more like a mini-mountain. And navigating around the pool area? Let’s just say, you might need a sherpa. The "on-site restaurants / lounges" were accessible, which is a plus, but the flow and navigation weren't always smooth.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Check. Ramps? Debatable.
Okay, so at least you can get into most of the restaurants and lounges if you're using a wheelchair. But once inside? Ugh, the tables were sometimes so close together you'd have to be a contortionist to get around. Again, I'm not specifically doing a full accessibility review, but I was making mental notes. Seriously, a little more space wouldn't kill anyone, would it?
Internet: Praise the Gods of Wi-Fi!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! Hallelujah! Seriously, my life depends on Wi-Fi, especially in these remote locations. It's like a lifeline to civilization. And it worked, people! It actually worked! And not just in the rooms, no, but also in the public areas. Wi-Fi in the public areas was also good. I didn't test the Internet [LAN] but seriously, who uses LAN anymore? LOL. And the Internet services generally were solid.
Things to Do: A Smorgasbord of Relaxation (and Potential Boredom)
Where do I begin? The "things to do" list is extensive. This place is basically a self-contained city. They have everything from a fitness center to a spa. Now, I’m not a huge gym rat, but I did wander through the fitness center. It looked well-equipped, clean, and intimidating. The equipment was gleaming, begging to be used. I took a glance, felt instantly inadequate, and quietly backed away. They had a pool with a view, beautiful to behold. And I'm all about the relaxation.
Ways to Relax: They're offering "Ways to Relax" like Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]".
- Okay, I need more time.
- I got two hours of massage from a masseuse and she felt like a magician, and my anxiety went away.
- I'm going to go back soon.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Germaphobe’s Delight (Or Anxiety Inducer)
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Okay, I'm a worrier. I admit it. But even I was impressed by the lengths they go to regarding cleanliness and safety. They've clearly taken COVID seriously. Everything was squeaky clean, and there were hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Honestly, at one point, I started to feel a little too sanitized, like all the good bacteria in my body were going to stage a revolt. But hey, better safe than sorry, right? The Rooms sanitized between stays made me feel pretty good about things. And the staff was definitely on top of all the protocols.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Gastronomic Journey (With Occasional Hiccups)
This is where things get interesting. Oh, so interesting… They have everything: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. The breakfast buffet, was, well, massive. Seriously, you could spend a week just trying to sample everything. There was a huge variety, from the ubiquitous Western breakfast to Asian breakfast. But the sheer volume sometimes meant quality suffered. Some dishes were incredible, others… not so much. The coffee, sadly, was consistently mediocre. I wish the could serve a better cup of coffee at the restaurant and the coffee shop.
Room Service (24-hour): I may or may not have ordered room service at 3 AM. It may or may not have been the best burger I've ever had. Let's just say it was a highlight.
Services and Conveniences: More Services Than You Can Shake a Stick At
Honestly, it’s like they have a department specifically dedicated to adding services. They even offer Invoice provided. Wow.
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
Business Facilities: These guys have it all. They have meeting rooms, a business center, and even fax and Xerox machines (who uses those things anymore?) Concierge: The concierge was extremely helpful, always smiling, and had an answer for pretty much everything. Check-in/out was slick! Food Delivery: I did not need it, but it's there! Elevator: No stairs for this girl!
For the Kids: A Mini-Disneyland (But Hopefully Not As Loud)
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
This place is definitely geared towards families. They have Kids facilities and Babysitting service, and seemed well equipped to handle the chaos. I'm not a parent, so I can't give you any first-hand accounts. Just know it's there.
Available in all Rooms: The Creature Comforts
Here's where we get down to the nitty-gritty, the stuff that actually matters when you're spending the night. Let’s jump right to the rooms themselves.
Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, 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], Window that opens.
The Air conditioning? Glorious. The Blackout curtains? A lifesaver when dealing with jet lag. The Bed? Comfortable. The Bathtub? Huge, perfect for a
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Chalet Awaits in Stavelot, Belgium!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't just an itinerary, it's a journey. My journey. Through the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, fueled by questionable snacks and a profound desire to escape my life (which, let's be honest, is pretty much the driving force behind ALL travel, right?). We're talking Nidrum Spa, and let's be real, the word "spa" already sounds like a promise of at least a little bit of blissful chaos.
The Nidrum Spa & Forest Frenzy: A Hot Mess Express Itinerary (with occasional breaks for existential pondering)
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Immediate Need for a Nap)
- 11:00 AM (ish): Land at whatever airport I'm flying into (it's a blur of budget airline panic attacks and questionable coffee, frankly). The arrival is always a whirlwind anyway.
- 1:00 PM (ish): Rent the car. Pray to the patron saint of left-hand driving (because, let's face it, I'm a danger to society the moment I'm behind the wheel in Europe). This year, I'm determined to master the manual transmission. (Spoiler alert: I won't.)
- 2:30 PM (ish): The scenic drive begins! Or, well, the attempt at a scenic drive. GPS is my only god. Hopefully, I don't get lost in the labyrinthine roads of the forest.
- 4:00 PM (ish): Arrive at the apartment near the forest. Breathe a huge sigh of relief. Actually, maybe first, I'll have a nervous pee. Then, the apartment hunt. I can only hope it matches the pictures; airbnb is my biggest weakness.
- 4:30 PM (ish): Apartment unpacked. First impressions: "Oh, cute." Or, "Oh, lord, I hope the Wi-Fi works." The real litmus test.
- 5:00 PM: A quick survey of the forest from the balcony. I'll have to get used to the peace and quiet.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local bistro. Gotta find the best frites in Belgium, people. It's a serious quest. Likely, followed with a beer. Because, Belgium.
- 8:00 PM: Bedtime. Gotta be fresh for the Spa day later.
Day 2: Spa Day (and the Unexpectedly Soul-Crushing Hike)
- 9:00 AM: The Grand Spa Day! (More or less.) I'm picturing fluffy robes, cucumber water, and existential dread melted away under the skilled hands of a masseuse.
- 9:30 AM: Spa breakfast. I really love breakfast.
- 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM: Spa Time! Let's hope the massage therapist is good. Some people can make you feel like you're floating.
- 2:00 PM: A leisurely lunch at the spa. Salad, a tiny portion of potatoes, and feel extremely healthy.
- 3:00 PM: Okay, time for that hike I'd planned. This is where the "frenzy" part comes in! I envisioned myself as a woodland wanderer, communing with nature like a goddamn Wordsworth. Reality? Probably more like a sweaty, slightly panicked person gasping for air.
- 3:30 PM: The trail begins. It's beautiful! (For the first 15 minutes.) Then, the incline hits. My legs start screaming. Seriously, who designed these trails?
- 4:30 PM: I reach a viewpoint. The view is stunning, but my lungs are burning. I consider turning back. But no, I must press on.
- 5:00 PM: Struggle back to apartment. Shower. Lie down. Question all my life choices.
- 7:00 PM: Order takeout. Pizza? Frites? Or both? Don't judge.
- 8:00 PM: Stare into the abyss that is Netflix.
Day 3: Forest Adventures & Existential Detours
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast in the apartment. I made pancakes once, and they looked like something a cat hacked up. So, cereal it is.
- 10:00 AM: The forest walk (again!). This time, armed with better shoes and a slightly less ambitious route. I'm determined to appreciate the trees, the birdsong, and the general quiet of the forest.
- 10:30 AM: This forest is actually beautiful. The air smells fresh. I might even be enjoying myself.
- 11:00 AM: I stumble upon a tiny, moss-covered ruin. My imagination runs wild. Who lived here? What stories could these stones tell? (Okay, maybe I am starting to commune with nature.)
- 12:00 PM: Picnic lunch in the forest. Pack a small bottle of wine. Can't hurt.
- 1:00 PM: The picnic is finished. Time to head back.
- 2:00 PM: The afternoon, a quest for the perfect Belgian chocolate. I imagine myself wandering through the charming villages, sample chocolates.
- 3:00 PM: Discover the local shops. Question all my purchases of chocolates.
- 4:00 PM: Visit the shops again, just to confirm my last choice.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner in town.
- 8:00 PM: Write the journal.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Departure (and the lingering scent of frites)
- 9:00 AM: Pack the suitcase. Cry a little because it's ending.
- 10:00 AM: Final breakfast. One last, glorious Belgian waffle.
- 11:30 AM: Depart.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive in city and start the drive.
- 1:00 PM: Return Rental.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive in Airport.
- 4:00 PM: Flight.
- 6:00 PM: Get home. Put clothes in the wash.
The "Messy Truth":
- Food: There will be more frites than I'll admit to. Also, way too much chocolate. And probably the occasional existential crisis fueled by caffeine and sugar.
- Plans: Will be broken, changed on a whim. The best adventures are often the unexpected ones, the ones that veer off the meticulously planned itinerary.
- Emotions: Expect a rollercoaster. There will be moments of pure joy, moments of frustration, and probably a few moments where I just sit and wonder, "Why am I here?".
- Reality: The apartment may not be as perfect as the photos. The weather might turn sour. The car rental might be a disaster. But that's the beauty of it, right? It's real, it's messy, and it's my adventure. And hopefully, I'll come back a slightly less neurotic, slightly more relaxed version of myself. (Probably not, but one can dream).
Okay, so, like, what *is* this whole "FAQ" thing anyway? Am I gonna learn to build a rocket ship? (Spoiler: I can *barely* assemble IKEA furniture.)
Look, the "FAQ" thing is supposed to be a list of questions and answers, right? Frequently Asked Questions. Supposedly. But honestly, it's more like a verbal vomit of random thoughts and semi-coherent ramblings, loosely organized around...stuff. Will you learn to build a rocket ship? Absolutely not. Will you maybe *slightly* understand some random concepts about life? Maybe. Probably not. Depends on how much coffee I've had.
Why are you doing this? Are you, like, a robot trying to pass for human? (Pretty sure my cat has more personality than some chatbots.)
Robot? Nah. Though I did spend a good hour staring at my toaster this morning wondering if it was sentient. The "why" is a bit messy (see? Told you!). Mostly, I'm just bored. And mildly obsessed with sharing my incredibly flawed opinions with the world. Figured, hey, some people might be amused. Some might be offended. Either way, at least I'm not scrolling mindlessly through TikTok again, which, let's be honest, is a *very* real threat to society's sanity.
What are we *actually* going to talk about? Because I'm already regretting this decision...
Ahhh, the million-dollar question! It depends. Expect a healthy dose of existential dread. A sprinkle of relationship woes (my own, naturally. Spoiler: they're a disaster). Maybe some ranting about bad customer service experiences. Definitely some musings on the meaning of life, which, let's be honest, I haven't figured out. Actually...I haven't figured out how to fold a fitted sheet, so... *don't* expect any profound answers, okay?
Okay, fine. But, like, what's your *biggest* life regret? You know, the real juicy stuff.
Oh, man. Regrets. Where do I even *begin*? There was the time I attempted to dye my hair purple *the night before* my college graduation (let's just say the cap and gown looked...interesting). The disastrous attempt to build a treehouse (it collapsed within 30 minutes, taking my younger brother with it – sorry, Mark!). But you know what? I think the biggest regret is...not being braver. Not saying 'yes' more often. Not taking that chance. It haunts me, like a lingering smell of burnt toast.
Do you... do you *like* people? That's important.
Ooh, tough one! It's a complicated relationship. Some people? Absolutely adore them. My best friend? Solid gold. My grandma? Legend. Other people? Drive me utterly, completely, and utterly insane. The ones who walk slow in the supermarket on a Saturday? Prepare for a very unkind glare. It's a spectrum. A very, *very* messy spectrum. But yeah, on balance, I *think* I like people. Even the slow walkers... sometimes.
What’s the deal with your mood? Is it always up or down? Or somewhere uncomfortably in between?
My mood? Oh, it's a wild rollercoaster. One minute I'm convinced I'm going to win the lottery and become a llama farmer in Peru (don't ask) and the next I'm staring into the void, pondering the futility of existence. Sometimes I feel like the sun, radiating joy (rare, but it happens!), sometimes I'm a grumpy raincloud, and sometimes (most of the time) I'm just sort of... *blah*. It's the human experience, baby! Embrace the chaos!
What's the deal with like, *relationships*? Are they actually worth the hassle?
Ugh, *relationships*. Where do I even begin? My current romantic life could be described as 'a dumpster fire with intermittent sparks of hope, mostly fueled by pizza and Netflix.' Are they worth it? Sometimes. When it's good, it's *amazing*. Like, butterflies-in-your-stomach, can't-stop-smiling, the-world-is-a-beautiful-place amazing. But when it's bad? Prepare for a level of emotional carnage I've only ever seen in a particularly dramatic episode of *The Real Housewives*. The truth? I'm still figuring it out. Maybe I'll understand once I understand the proper way to load the dish-washer, which is also a mystery worthy of a PhD.
Okay, so, what about, like, *work*? I'm struggling, and frankly, I'm over it.
Work... ah yes, the thing we all begrudgingly do to pay for things like, you know, food and shelter. I get it. I *really* get it. Been there, done that, bought the over-priced t-shirt. It's a slog sometimes. Days that feel like wading through treacle. Bosses who don't appreciate you. Meetings that could have been emails. My advice? Find something, *anything*, that doesn't completely suck the life out of your soul. And if you can't? Well...pizza and Netflix remain your allies. And maybe start a side hustle. Or move to a remote island and become a hermit. I'm open to suggestions.
What’s something you’re *really* passionate about? Something that makes you want to, like, jump up and down and shout from the rooftops?
Oh, that's easy. Good food. Seriously. I *love* food. The smell of freshly baked bread? Heaven. The joy of perfectly cooked pasta? Pure euphoria. The thrill of discovering a new restaurant? A religious experience. I mean, if I could spend every waking moment just eating and talking about food, I'd be a happy camper. I once spent an entire weekend just trying to perfect my sourdough starter – the failures were epic, the success... well, let's just say I almost wept with joy over my first loaf. It wasn't just bread; itBook Hotels Now
