Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Corralejo!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Corralejo! - A Review (with some serious rambling)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged from the Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Corralejo! experience – and trust me, it's a rollercoaster. First things first, this isn't just a hotel; it's… well, it felt like paradise at times and a chaotic holiday at others. Let's get into this glorious, messy review, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility: A mixed bag, but promising!
Okay, getting there was easy enough. Airport transfer? Smooth as silk. They even have… wait for it… a car power charging station! Score one for the future! Now, the accessibility stuff, I'm gonna be honest, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do have a wonky knee. The good news? There's an elevator, a win! They've got "facilities for disabled guests," which is good to see. But the devil's in the details, right? Specifics on how accessible everything is… that I'm missing. I'd give it a solid attempted accessibility, with a hopeful "call and ask" vibe for specific needs. They REALLY need to list this stuff out.
Cleanliness, Safety & COVID-19 Jitters (Thankfully Mostly Gone!)
This is where they really shine. I'm a germophobe, and I need to know I'm safe – especially after the last few years. The Escape to Paradise folks seem on top of things. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. This felt secure. The physical distancing was pretty good. I saw staff in masks and sanitizing stuff all the time. Even the kitchen & tableware were sanitized. They seriously have a Hygiene certification. They're serious about this stuff. And as someone who appreciates a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit, it made me feel safe and secure. Even the individually wrapped food options helped a bit.
The Rooms: My Tiny Oasis in Paradise
My room was a… room. Okay, okay, it was a perfectly functional space. Air conditioning? Yes, thank the heavens. Free Wi-Fi? Of course, and it's fast! (That's a massive win!) Blackout curtains? Glorious! (Because, you know, sleep.) Closet? Check. In-room safe box? Always a good idea. They have all the basics: a mini-bar, a coffee/tea maker, and even a desk if, like me, you sometimes have to do work on vacation. And the extra long bed was actually extra long! I'm pretty tall, and this was a big plus. I loved my room and the daily housekeeping.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: A Foodie Adventure… With a Few Hiccups.
Okay, food time! The main restaurant featured a buffet… which, admittedly, got slightly monotonous after a few days. But! They have all the bells and whistles! The breakfast buffet was decent, with both Western and Asian options. I mean, you can't expect Michelin-star cuisine at a buffet, right? They also have a la carte options, and I have to say, the Asian cuisine in the restaurant was surprisingly good. The coffee shop, the poolside bar, and the snack bar were great additions. And a bottle of water appearing as if by magic in your room? Always appreciated!
The biggest win? Room service – available 24-hours! This is a LIFESAVER when you've had one too many happy hour cocktails and just cannot face the buffet.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Poolside Bliss, and… More.
Alright, look, there are a lot of options here. The spa? Yes, please! (More on that later.) You have the pool with a view, the sauna, the steamroom – the works! They also have a fitness center! (Which, I'm ashamed to admit, I barely used, but it's there!). Fitness is key, but, ugh, the gym… However, I did spend a lot of time lounging by the swimming pool [outdoor]. Glorious. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. And that massage? Oh, that massage. (See "An Anecdote").
They had some interesting events as well. I saw that they had a Shrine, which looked very interesting on a spiritual level. I wish I had taken more time.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Concierge service? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Dry cleaning and laundry? Check. I mean, they had nearly everything! I especially loved the cashless payment service. So convenient! They even have a convenience store, which is great for those forgotten essentials (like, you know, chocolate). And the car park is free!
The Anecdote: My Near-Religious Experience at the Spa
Okay, so the spa. I booked a massage. I was stressed which is why I went. It was the Escape to Paradise signature massage. And let me tell you… it was transcendent. The masseuse was skilled, the music was calming, and the whole experience was a bubble of pure bliss. I legit almost fell asleep. I'm now convinced massages are the answer to all of life's problems. I could write an entire review just on the spa.
For the Kids: Are They Welcome?
They're family-friendly, which is great! Babysitting service is a big plus, and I saw kids facilities around. I didn't have kids with me, but the atmosphere was definitely welcoming.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer? Seamless. They also offer a Taxi service. The car park is free.
Overall:
Look, Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Corralejo! isn't perfect. But it’s a pretty good place to stay especially when you consider all the amenities. The staff were friendly, the place was clean, the food was decent, and the spa massage… the spa massage… it alone almost makes the whole trip worth it. They are also pet friendly.
My Offer (and Why You Should Book NOW!)
Here's the deal: If you're looking for a relaxing, fun, and generally easy vacation, Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Corralejo! is a strong contender. It's a great place to chill, with fantastic services. Book it. Seriously. You deserve that massage!
But Wait, There's More!
They often have special offers. Check their website now!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Bungalow Awaits Near Oosterschelde Beach!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average, perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-caffeinated account of my trip to Belvilla by OYO Casa A-A3 in Corralejo, Fuerteventura. Prepare for sand in the crevices, questionable decisions, and more emotional swings than a toddler at a birthday party.
PRE-TRIP PANIC & PACKING CHAOS (AKA, The Art of Forgetting Important Things)
- Phase 1: The Dream. Scrolling through Belvilla's website, picturing myself lounging on a sun-drenched balcony, sipping something fruity… Ah, bliss. Reality, as always, was a slightly less glamorous affair of me frantically folding t-shirts at 3 AM the night before the flight.
- Phase 2: The Checklist (That I Didn’t Actually Use). "Sunscreen! Check. Swimsuit! Check. Passport… oh crap, is it still valid??" (Thankfully, yes. This time.)
- Phase 3: The Pack-It-All Mentality. I swear, I packed enough clothes for a small African safari. Realistically, I wore the same two pairs of shorts and a slightly stained t-shirt for the entire week. Packing is always harder than it should be!
- Phase 4: The Airport Sprint. Always late, always running, always feeling like I'm starring in a low-budget action movie. Made the flight, miraculously. Minor victory!
DAY 1: CORRALEJO CONFESSION
- Arrival & Casa A-A3, The Good, The "Meh", and the "Where's the Remote?" Okay, the Casa itself? Pretty good. Loved the balcony! The wifi was…spotty. And the remote to the TV? Vanished into the ether. Spent 20 minutes searching every nook and cranny which ended in me just giving up. The initial thrill of being in a new place! A new adventure! Quickly faded into the slightly frustrating reality of the remote disappearing! Still, the sun was shining, so I couldn't complain too much.
- Unplanned Wanderings & The First Taste of Spain (and Regret). After exploring the apartment, I needed a coffee and a dose of reality. I found a cafe nearby and ordered something which turned out to be way stronger than I anticipated. Suddenly, everything was brighter, the palm trees seemed to be doing a funky dance, and I was convinced I could speak fluent Spanish. (I couldn't.)
- The Beach Beckons (and Nearly Eats Me Alive). Corralejo's beaches. Oh. My. GOD. The sand is like powdered sugar, the water clear, the waves…well, they're relentless. I spent far too long battling the surf, shrieking like a banshee, and getting sand in places I didn't know sand could get into. Worth it, though. Absolutely worth it. Even though I swallowed half the ocean.
- Late Night Tapas Trauma (and Triumph). Found a tapas bar, ordered everything that sounded vaguely appealing, ate way too much, and subsequently suffered a minor food coma. The garlic prawns, though? Divine. Worth the stomach ache. Even though the wine was a bit rough.
DAY 2: THE DUNES OF DELIRIUM (OR, Sand, Sun, and the Existential Dread of the Giant.)
- The Dunes! This was the "big" activity I had prepared for. I'd seen photos and was expecting something amazing. The reality exceeded all expectations and then some. The dunes were breathtaking. Giant, undulating mountains of sand stretching as far as the eye could see. I might have cried a little. Okay, I definitely cried a little. The sheer vastness of it all…
- The Hike That Crushed My Soul (Literally). So, I decided to "hike" across the dunes. I'm not a hiker, this should be noted. I lasted about two minutes before sinking knee-deep in sand and feeling like I was going to spontaneously combust from the heat. Every footstep was a battle. Every breath was a struggle. I felt like Sisyphus, only instead of a boulder, I was pushing…well, myself, through sand. It was a humbling experience to say the least.
- The Water's Embrace and Sand-Induced Bliss. After my sandy ordeal, the clear blue of the lagoon. Swimming in the crystal-clear water was the best after all that sand. The cold water. The feeling of weightlessness. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I floated there, staring at the sky, and briefly considered becoming a permanent resident of Corralejo.
- Dinner and Drinks Disaster, The "I Thought We Were Friends" Edition: Back in town for dinner and drinks at a bar. It started great with the food and the drinks and the atmosphere was perfect. Then, my "friend" showed up late and acted as if he was above everyone else, ruining the whole vibe and making for an uncomfortable evening. Some people have no class. The evening ended in a very sour mood. The restaurant was gorgeous, with a great view. But my evening was ruined.
DAY 3: A DAY of Regret and the Promise of Better Days
- Hangxiety and the Aftermath: Woke up still bummed from the night prior. I had to get myself out of it but I realized I messed up and had to get myself out of it.
- Trying To Connect with My Inner Peace: Went and got myself a massage and spent the afternoon with a walk by the beach and tried to find myself.
DAY 4: A Day of Reflection
- Spent the day reflecting, writing and realizing that I was having a good time.
DAY 5: The Island Tour Debacle (And the Accidental Iguana Encounter)
- The "Tour" I had booked an "island tour" expecting insider knowledge and cool spots. I was wrong. It was basically a glorified bus ride with a bored guide who kept mentioning things but never showing them.
- The Volcano That Wasn't (Worth the Climb) We were promised a volcano experience. We even got to see a volcano. But it's was a boring one.
- The Iguana of Doom (Or, My First Close Encounter). Randomly, while on my little adventure, I saw a massive iguana. It was huge and right in front of me. Then, it just turned and walked away as if nothing happened. It was cool.
- The Windsurfing Woe. I’d always wanted to try windsurfing, but after battling the waves on the first day and the general chaos of the ocean, I did not trust myself. Maybe next time.
DAY 6: The Perfect Day?
- The Beach Day (Round Two). I had learned from my near drowning experience. I had improved my knowledge of the waves! I got the perfect mix of sun, sand, and swimming. It was bliss.
- Foodie Paradise. I found a small restaurant and the food was incredible. I got some seafood and felt like I was in heaven. Life goals.
- The Sunset Spectacle. After a while, I just decided to go to the beach and watch the sunset. It's all I needed. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen.
DAY 7: The Parting Sorrow (and the Promise of a Return)
- Packing (Again, the Struggle is Real). Time to go. Packing was harder and with a bit of post-vacation depression setting in.
- Departure Dread. Every departure should be something great, and this one was. I was going to take another trip again to the beautiful Casa A-A3 Corralejo.
- The Promise of Return. I swear I’m coming back. Back to the beach, back to the sand, back to the slightly chaotic, but wonderfully liberating, experience that is Fuerteventura. Until next time… Adios, my sandy friends!
So, tell me about this "Escape to Paradise" in Corralejo. Is it *really* paradise? Because, you know…the internet lies.
Okay, okay, deep breaths. "Paradise" is a strong word, isn't it? Let's just say it *leans* heavily into paradise. And yes, the internet *does* lie. My own experience? Well, let's just say I went with a slightly jaded mindset, expecting the usual over-hyped package. I mean, I've seen "paradise" promised before, and often found a slightly moldy fridge and a screaming toddler at 6 AM. (Shudders) But Corralejo… it was different. The Belvilla villa itself (more on that later... the pool was glorious, by the way) was *part* of the allure, obviously. But the whole *vibe* of the place? Sandy beaches, seriously turquoise water, and enough sunshine to convince even *me* (a natural cave dweller) that going outside wasn't so bad. It wasn't perfection, mind you. We did have some grumpy neighbors who clearly hadn't had their morning coffee yet. But hey, the overall feeling? Pretty darn close to paradisaical, I'd say. Except for the initial "lost luggage" fiasco…(more on that later...). Let's just say, the reality definitely surpassed the expectation... sometimes.
Okay, you mentioned the Belvilla. What's the deal? Is it like, a hotel? A hostel? Should I be prepared for roommates?
Belvilla is a vacation rental company. Think of it as a portal to amazing villas, cottages, and apartments, each offering a private escape. In Corralejo, you're *mostly* looking at villas. Big ones. Seriously, the one we rented was a palace compared to my cramped apartment back home (which, admittedly, isn't saying much). No roommates! Unless, of course, you bring your own entourage (I did!). Think private pool, ample space, and the freedom to wander around in your PJs all day – or, you know, actually *do* something productive. Seriously, the privacy was a huge win. No loud hallway conversations, no slamming doors. Total bliss. Though I did get a little too used to not having to wear pants... a dangerous side effect, my friends.
The villa sounds great, but let's get practical. What was parking like? Did you need a car?
Parking…ah yes, the bane of my existence in most vacation spots. But in Corralejo, and specifically at our Belvilla, it was surprisingly painless! We had our own driveway, which was a godsend. No circling the block for an hour, no stressing about getting towed. Victory! And yes, you absolutely want a car. Corralejo town itself is walkable, but if you want to explore the stunning beaches further afield (like the incredible dunes – seriously, picture yourself in a movie!), or go to El Cotillo (which you SHOULD do, trust me), or even just hit up a decent supermarket, a car is essential. The freedom to explore at your own pace? Unbeatable. Plus, the roads were a dream. Little to no traffic. Pure driving joy (unless you’re me, and get hopelessly lost on day one. Let's just say, I blamed the GPS.).
Alright, food. Tell me about the food situation. Is it all just tourist traps and greasy fish and chips?
No, thankfully, it's NOT *all* tourist traps. Though, yeah, you *will* find those. But dig a little deeper, and you'll discover some absolute gems. The fresh seafood is incredible, obviously. We spent most of our evenings grilling fresh fish by the pool. Pure heaven. And that's where the Belvilla kitchen came into its own. And the tapas! Oh, the tapas. We ate our way through Corralejo. There was a cute little tapas bar, *somewhere* along the main street near the harbour (can't remember the name, sadly! Sorry!). The food? Amazing. The wine? Affordable. The atmosphere? Perfect for people-watching. Plus, the local markets offered some amazing fresh produce. We feasted on fresh fruit and veggies that tasted like the sun. So, while you *could* survive on fish and chips, you'd be missing out on so much. Just explore a little, be brave, and you’ll be rewarded.
What activities did you actually *do*? Besides, you know, lounging by the pool?
Okay, okay, guilty as charged. A *lot* of pool lounging happened. Like, a *serious* amount. But we did manage to peel ourselves away eventually. Firstly, the beaches. The North Shore beaches are iconic! White sand, turquoise water, perfect for… well, everything. Swimming, sunbathing, reading, building sandcastles (I might have done that)... just pure bliss. Then, we did a day trip to El Cotillo, a charming little fishing village. It’s even more relaxed than Corralejo (if that’s even possible!). We watched the sunset there. Absolutely stunning. Also, there's the surfing. I suck at surfing. I mean, I *really* suck. But I *tried*. And that's what matters, right? (Narrator: No, it's definitely not). The waves are pretty decent for beginners. Lots of surf schools, all happy to laugh at your attempts. Fun times.
Any downsides? Be honest. What went wrong?
Okay, deep breath. Honesty time. Yeah, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. (Though there was a *lot* of sunshine). One of the downsides? The initial 'lost luggage' situation. Yeah, my luggage went on a solo trip to… well, somewhere in mainland Spain. For three days. Picture it: me, arriving in Corralejo, exhausted from the flight, ready to dive into the pool…and I'm wearing the same travel outfit (which, let's be honest, wasn't my finest look). No sunscreen, no swimsuit, no toothbrush. Disaster. The Belvilla people were *super* helpful, thankfully, and the local shops were a lifesaver (thank goodness for sarongs!). But that first day was a lesson in patience and adaptability. Also... the wind. It can get *seriously* windy. Pack a windbreaker. Trust me. And, let's not forget the occasional squabble with someone over whose turn it was to buy the cervezas. Family dynamics, eh?
Okay, the lost luggage sounds terrible. Anything else that was unexpectedly… challenging?
Oh, the lost luggage… It wasn't just the immediate inconvenience. It’s like your whole sense of control is thrown into the washing mashine, and spun around. Imagine, after a long flight, all you can think about is your luggage. The contents! The *life* contained within. It wasn't just the clothes, it was *everything*, you know? My favourite book, the special sunscreenHotel Whisperer
