Escape to Paradise: Stunning Noord-Holland Home Near Bergen!
Escape to Paradise: (Almost) Heavenly Noord-Holland Home Near Bergen! - A Review That's Unfiltered (and a Little Bit Rambly)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the (organic, locally sourced, probably ethically made) tea on "Escape to Paradise: Stunning Noord-Holland Home Near Bergen!" – a name that promises nirvana, and, let's be honest, I needed some. Life, you know?
Metadata/SEO Goodies (because obviously, that's important these days!):
- Keywords: Noord-Holland, Bergen, Netherlands, Hotel Review, Spa, Swimming Pool, Accessible Hotel, Family Hotel, Pet-Friendly (kinda!), Luxury, Relaxation, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Bergen aan Zee, Coast, North Holland, Dutch Getaway, Weekend Trip, Getaway, Holiday, Vacation.
- Meta Description: My honest review of "Escape to Paradise," a supposed haven in Noord-Holland. I dig deep into accessibility, the spa, the grub, the rooms, and whether it truly delivers on its promise of escape. Spoiler alert: it's complicated.
- Title: Escape to Paradise: Honest Review & A Little Chaotic! Noord-Holland Home Near Bergen
First Impressions: Paradise Lost and Found (Potentially)
The photos? Gorgeous. The website? Slick. The price? Let's just say it made my wallet weep a little. I was expecting paradise. The kind where fluffy clouds hand you cocktails and everything smells faintly of freshly baked stroopwafels.
Accessibility: Navigating the Labyrinth (and My Own Expectations)
Okay, here's where things get… interesting. "Escape to Paradise" does list Facilities for disabled guests, which is a HUGE plus. They also have an elevator, which, as someone who's battled hotel stairs with luggage more times than I care to admit, is a godsend. However, after that, things get less clear. Information on specifically which rooms are Wheelchair accessible is vague. I suspect, like many places, they offer accessibility, but you really need to investigate before booking and verify everything to be sure it fits your needs. I did not check on-site the restaurants. I will add that there is CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, so they seem to make security a priority.
Food, Glorious Food (with a side of "Did I Order That?")
The dining situation is where things got a little…scattered. They claim Restaurants and offer Room service [24-hour], which is a win. Breakfast [buffet] is a thing, theoretically offering a Western breakfast. Honestly, I was mostly excited about the possibility of an Asian breakfast if available. And, yes, they have a Coffee shop!
The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, thank god. I require caffeine to function. The buffet? A bit of a mixed bag. Some items were delicious, others were… less so. The fruit salad I think was fresh? The scrambled eggs were suspiciously yellow. Okay, I'm being overly critical, a bit hangry probably, but I was anticipating something magical. In my hungover state, the Bottle of water they provided in the room was a literal lifesaver. As for Desserts in restaurant and Salad in restaurant? Yep they had them… in theory.
The Spa & Relaxation - Oh, the Bliss (Mostly)
Now, THIS is where "Paradise" almost delivered. The Spa/sauna situation was amazing. They have a Pool with view, a Sauna, a Steamroom, and – glory be! – a Foot bath. I spent approximately three hours alternating between the sauna and the pool, emerging feeling like a wrung-out noodle in the best possible way. I didn't try the Body scrub or the Body wrap, because, well, I felt lazy and just happy being in the water. The Massage I got was excellent. Pure, unadulterated bliss. It's actually the memory of the massage that I can recall with the most clarity, the feeling, warmth, and pressure.
The "Things to Do" & The (Nonexistent) Kids
They have a Fitness center which I bravely ignored. Things to do are listed, and, yes, the beach is close. But my goal was to just… be. I’m not a huge fan of the beach personally, but if that's your thing, you are in luck! Also, I didn't evaluate "For the kids" as I'm a solo traveler with no children.
Cleanliness, Safety & The Covid-19 Shuffle
They have Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff are clearly taking things seriously, with Staff trained in safety protocol. There's Daily disinfection in common areas, and they use Anti-viral cleaning products. I felt relatively safe. Rooms sanitized between stays. Room sanitization opt-out available. Good to know! The fact that they use Cashless payment service is a plus.
The Room: My Personal Fortress (Mostly)
Here's where I got a little nitpicky (sorry, not sorry). The Non-smoking rooms were a must, thank goodness. They also had all the basics: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (who uses those?), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (essential!), Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, and Hair dryer. The Bed was comfy. But there are Additional toilet which is handy. Let's just say, I didn't test the Bathroom phone.
Services & Conveniences: The Details (That Matter)
They offer the standard stuff: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning. They had a Gift/souvenir shop (tempting, but I resisted). They have Facilities for disabled guests, which is great, even if the specifics aren't crystal clear. Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes all there.
The "Getting Around" Shenanigans
Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, and Valet parking. Easy peasy.
Final Verdict: Is It Paradise? (Spoiler: Not Quite)
"Escape to Paradise" is a good hotel. The spa is fantastic, the rooms are comfortable, and the location is lovely. But it's not quite the unadulterated paradise the name promises. There are some imperfections (the food, the lack of detailed accessibility information). If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with a fantastic spa, it's absolutely worth considering. Just manage your expectations, pack your own stroopwafels, and maybe bring a translator for the Asian breakfast menu (if they have it!). I'd go back for the spa, but next time, I'll pack my own snacks.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 fluffy clouds (with a slightly over-yellow scrambled egg)
Medieval Chinon Castle Apartment: Your Fairytale Loire Valley Escape!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your Grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is a trip to Nice and then… well, mostly Noord-Holland and Bergen aan Zee, Netherlands. And let me tell you, the planning? A complete cluster. So here goes, with all the glorious messiness intact:
THE GRAND (MAYBE) PLAN: Nice, Noord-Holland, and Bergen aan Zee (In Theory)
(Quick Side Note: I'm the type who packs three weeks' worth of clothes for a weekend. So, adjustments are EXPECTED.)
DAY 1: NICE! (Kinda)
Morning (Let’s be optimistic here, shall we?): Wake up! Ah, a glorious start, but the moment I try to make some coffee, the stupid coffee maker decides to stage a revolt, and it's all downhill from there!
Afternoon: Arrive at Nice Airport. The only thing I did correctly was getting to the airport.
Evening: Get lost immediately. My GPS is, apparently, a sadist. Eventually stumble upon my accommodation - likely a charming, crumbling beauty, right? (Fingers crossed it has Wi-Fi and doesn't smell suspiciously of damp cheese.)
DAY 2: NICE-ISH (aka Maybe a Beach)
Morning: Intend on wandering the Cours Saleya flower market. Will probably end up completely overwhelmed by the crowds and the floral onslaught. Will definitely buy something I don’t need. A ceramic snail, perhaps? Classic.
Afternoon: BEACH! Goal: Achieve a semblance of relaxation. Reality: Swallowing a mouthful of seawater while chasing a rogue beach ball and battling wind.
Evening: Stumble upon a Michelin-star restaurant (lol, highly unlikely) and struggle to decipher the menu. Most likely end up ordering something completely unexpected.
DAY 3: ADIEU NICE! (for now)
Morning: Try one last time to have a relaxed breakfast. Fail gloriously. Packing up my suitcase to go back to the airport, because apparently, I did not book a long enough stay in Nice.
Afternoon: Arrive to the Haarlem train station and feel the cool welcome of Noord-Holland.
Evening: Find a place to crash in Haarlem. Feel the bliss and gratitude of a warm shower and a real bed.
DAY 4: HAARLEM HANGOUT (My favorite. In theory.)
Morning: I'm craving the Dutch pancakes.
Afternoon: Trying out the Frans Hals Museum. I love art, but I also have a tendency to zone out. So, expect an internal monologue consisting of: "Ooh, pretty colors… wait, what was that painting about?" and "Is that a rogue dust bunny?"
Evening: Wandering alongside the Bakenessergracht, looking at the houses, sipping a coffee at a cafe…
DAY 5: BERGEN AAN ZEE! (The beach part, finally!)
Morning: Train to Bergen aan Zee! The journey will be a chance to finally finish the book I’ve been lugging around for months.
Afternoon: BEACH! The dunes! The sea air! The seagulls with sticky fingers (I’m looking at you, you feathered fiends!). Goal: Embrace the beach bum life. Reality: Probably end up sunburned, sandy, and slightly in love with the North Sea.
Evening: I'm hoping to eat at a restaurant by the sea.
DAY 6: BERGEN AAN ZEE DEEP DIVE (aka, Doubling Down on Bliss)
Morning: Wake up with a glorious sea view (fingers crossed, again!). Coffee, a walk on the beach, and trying to actually swim in the icy water.
Afternoon: Windsurfing or Kitesurfing lesson! (Famous last words, I know). Expectation: Graceful gliding. Reality: Flailing around like a beached whale, swallowing more seawater, and possibly attracting the amused attention of passing seals.
Evening: Restaurant and maybe a walk along the beach. Feeling hopeful.
DAY 7: FAREWELL (or, maybe 'see you later'?)
Morning: One last dramatic beach walk to capture those final moments…
Afternoon: Train to Amsterdam Centraal. Will be late probably. More chaos.
Evening: Flight Home. (Hopefully with all limbs and sanity intact.)
RAMBLING THOUGHTS, RANDOM ANECDOTES, AND GENERAL NONSENSE:
Packing: Did I mention I overpack? I’m the king (or queen) of "just in case…" I'm convinced I'll need a ball gown for a casual afternoon stroll.
Language: I’m going to be butchering the French and Dutch languages. Prepare for a lot of hand gestures and bewildered stares. My primary language will likely be the universal tongue of bewildered tourist-ism.
Food: I'm going to eat all the things. From croissants (in Nice) to stroopwafels (in the Netherlands). My taste buds are ready for a party. My waistline? Not so much.
Emotional Reactions: There will be tears (maybe the good kind, maybe the "I lost my passport!" kind). There will be moments of pure, unadulterated joy. And yes, there will be moments of absolute travel rage. It's all part of the adventure.
The Imperfections: This itinerary is less a rigid plan and more a loose suggestion. I thrive on spontaneity (read: chaos). I’m okay with missing something. It’s the unexpected moments – the wrong turns, the chance encounters, the utterly ridiculous situations – that often become the best memories.
Expectations vs. Reality I'm expecting things to go wrong. A lot of things. And I'm completely okay with that. In fact, I’m already mentally preparing for the delightful disasters that await. Because isn’t that what makes travel so utterly, gloriously human?
One Last Thought: I just hope I manage to find my way back home.
So, here we go. Wish me luck (and maybe send some duct tape and a phrasebook). This should be fun! (Famous last words…)
Hot Tub Heaven in L'Alpe d'Huez: Your Dream Apartment Awaits!
Okay, spill the beans! Is this "Escape to Paradise" *really* paradise? My expectations are…a bit high, you know?
Alright, deep breaths. Paradise? Look, it’s not like I've personally seen the pearly gates, but... it's *damn* close. Seriously. The name isn't just marketing fluff, although, let's be honest, it probably is partly that. I mean, it's in Noord-Holland, near Bergen, so you're already winning. You have the coast, the dunes, the charming villages...it's picture-perfect. I went last year with my partner and our dog, and the dog probably had a better time than me, she just kept fetching sticks, this is the only downside of it, you have to fetch the sticks all the time while enjoying paradise.
Now, the house itself...it's gorgeous. Like, "Instagram-worthy, make all your friends jealous" gorgeous. Big windows, cozy fireplaces, a kitchen that actually makes you WANT to cook (which, confession: I mostly don't, but I *tried*). The garden? Forget about it. That's where the dog spent 90% of her time. It's the most relaxing that I had in years. Is it perfect? No, because nothing is. The Wi-Fi dropped out once, which almost sent me into a full-blown existential crisis (because, work). And I stubbed my toe on a rogue coffee table leg in the middle of the night. But those are minor glitches in an otherwise blissful existence.
What’s the *actual* location like? I'm envisioning a secluded cabin in the woods... or maybe right on the beach?
Okay, reality time. "Escape to Paradise" isn't *right* on the beach, which is probably a good thing because the salty air eats away at everything. It's close, though. A very manageable walk to the dunes and then, boom, beach. Think: golden sand, crashing waves, seagulls being annoying. And if you're lucky (and I was!), you might even spot a seal. My partner nearly lost his mind with excitement. He started calling it his spiritual animal or something.
It’s nearer to the village of Bergen, which is super charming, with cafes and shops... the perfect place for a coffee, a pastry, and people-watching (my favorite hobby). There's also a supermarket, which is essential for stocking up on snacks and ignoring those pesky cooking urges. The house itself is in a nice, quiet residential area. It's not a secluded cabin, but it feels private enough. You're not crammed next to other houses, so you can actually relax without feeling like you're living in a fishbowl.
Is it really dog-friendly? My furry friend is… high-energy. And sometimes... a bit *much*.
Oh, yes. The dog situation is key. If you're bringing a dog, this place is a *winner*. The garden is fenced, which is a huge relief. No constant anxiety about your furry escape artist making a break for it. There are walking trails everywhere, which is a must for a high-energy dog. You can do long walks in the dunes or along the beach (on-leash is required in certain areas, so check the rules). Believe me, my dog, who's a lunatic, was utterly exhausted by the end of each day. Win-win! I could finally read my book in peace. Or I could finally binge the series I was looking at.
Pro-tip: Bring your own doggy bed and bowls. And maybe a few extra poop bags. You can never have enough. Also, be prepared for a sandy dog. Everywhere. It's just a fact of life at the beach. I was still finding sand a month later. I mean, it's still nice though.
What about the inside of the house? Is it well-equipped? Comfortable? Don't want to rough it!
Comfortable? Oh, honey, it's like a hug in a house. The sofas are plush, the beds are dreamy (I slept like a log!), and the towels are fluffy. The kitchen is very well-equipped, but as I mentioned earlier, I'm not exactly a culinary genius. There's a Nespresso machine, though, which is essential for my survival. And a dishwasher, which is even more essential. There is a fridge. A freezer, that is very important.
The decor is a mix of modern and cozy, with lots of natural light. It feels like a proper home, not just a sterile rental. There’s a fireplace, which is brilliant on a chilly evening. We spent one evening curled up in front of it, drinking wine, and listening to the rain. The sound of the rain, that is relaxing. I can still remember it!. The only thing I missed was a bigger bath. I do like long baths. But that is really nitpicking, to be honest.
Okay, what about the drawbacks? No place is perfect. What's the catch? Spill the tea!
Alright, truth bomb incoming. It's not *all* sunshine and rainbows. Here’s the unvarnished reality: the Wi-Fi, as I said, was a bit dodgy at times. Made working a drag. Not ideal if you need to be online all the time. But hey, maybe that's a good thing; a forced digital detox. Another small gripe? The parking. It’s not a *huge* issue, as there is free parking nearby, but you might have to walk a little bit. Which, if you're me, is a good thing, but I wasn't as motivated after coming back home tired.
And let’s be honest, the price isn't exactly budget-friendly. It's an investment in your sanity and your sanity in turn can be worth the price. But you're paying for luxury and location. And it's honestly worth it. Seriously. If you're looking for a cheap holiday, this ain't it. But if you're looking for a special getaway… go for it! You won’t regret it.
What's the one thing you remember most vividly? The most "wow" moment?
Okay, this is easy. I was on the beach, and the sun was setting. The sky was a canvas of oranges and pinks. And I had a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. My dog was running around, chasing the waves. My partner was laughing. And I was just...there. In that moment. It felt like everything was *right*. Like all the stress and worries of daily life had just melted away. I literally almost cried, that's how good it was. And as I was crying, I realised, that I had a big smile in my face too. It was perfect...and I am not a person that easily says that.. It's not a moment I'll ever forget. That's what "Escape to Paradise" did for me.
Is it very far from Amsterdam? I'm thinking of doing some day trips too!
