Escape to Paradise: Villaz Villa, Ardeşen, Turkey - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into my recent (and utterly delightful, mostly) experience at Escape to Paradise: Villaz Villa in Ardeşen, Turkey. This isn't your dry, robotic hotel review; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with my caffeine-fueled ramblings and a healthy dose of "OH. MY. GOODNESS." So, grab your Turkish delight (or your favorite snack – I'm not judging) and let's begin!
First, the name… "Escape to Paradise." Talk about setting the bar HIGH. Did it live up? Well, let's just say I'm still dreaming of the pool with a view – more on that later.
Accessibility: The Initial Hurdle (And Victory!)
Right off the bat, I need to address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. Look, I'm a fairly able-bodied person, but I always try to keep inclusivity in mind. The website made some vague promises about "facilities for disabled guests," but that's a broad term. I am extremely disappointed that there is no information about wheelchair accessibility. That's a major flaw, it sounds like there is no wheelchair accessibility! Ugh.
Internet, Glorious Internet! (And the Occasional Glitch)
Alright, because this is Turkey, and I was trying to stay connected, let's talk about Wi-Fi. The website boasted "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" YES! And I can confirm, it's true. It worked…most of the time. There were moments, admittedly, when my Instagram feed looked like a digital desert. Internet access – LAN was also available. Let me tell you, sometimes, I was very thankful (and not just for work stuff). I was able to stream movies, connect with my family, and just…exist.
The Room: My Cozy Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, so, my room. The basic necessities of my room included extra-long beds, I loved it! The bed also had a socket near the bed – super convenient. There was a desk, a coffee/tea maker, and a fridge. Oh, yes, they had complimentary tea. I needed the caffeine! The air conditioning was a lifesaver during the day. The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping. I also took advantage of the included hairdryer.
There was also a private bathroom with a separate shower/bathtub, which was really nice. They have all the necessities, like: bathrobe, slippers, towels, and toiletries.
I also had amazing views from my window! It opens, and although there was no balcony, it's ok.
Oh, The Things To Do! (And the Things I Did)
Now, this is where things get really interesting. Escape to Paradise is NOT just a place to sleep; it’s a full-blown experience.
- Swimming Pool and Spa Bliss: Listen, the outdoor swimming pool… it's stunning. The "pool with a view" isn't just marketing fluff; it truly is. It was the perfect setting to lounge around at. After, I went to the sauna. Then, I got a massage. Bliss. I’m not usually one for the whole "spa" thing, but honestly, I was completely sold after that massage. My shoulders, my back… all that tension just melted away. I definitely could get used to the routine.
- Fitness Center? Maybe Next Time: I meant to hit the gym. I really did. But then the pool, the spa, the sunshine… you get the picture. Maybe next time I'll actually break a sweat.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure: Now, let's talk food, because, frankly, it’s a major part of the whole “paradise” equation. I’ll say it again, the Asian Cuisine in the restaurant was fabulous.
- Breakfast Bonanza: The Breakfast [buffet] was a feast. Everything you could possibly want. The Western breakfast and Asian breakfast were great. The coffee was strong, the juice was fresh, and the variety… well, let’s just say I may have overindulged a few times.
- Dinner Delights: Ah, the restaurant… the main restaurant. They had a buffet in restaurant and also an A la carte in restaurant options. And a Vegetarian restaurant. I even tried the soup in restaurant. It was delicious.
- Poolside bar: Ah… the poolside bar. The poolside bar offered the perfect cocktails, the perfect setting. I was very happy.
- Room Service: Yeah, I did that, too. Sometimes, a girl just needs a snack in her robe, ya know? (Totally 24-hour room service as well!)
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind
Given the current climate, safety is paramount. I was extremely delighted to see how they performed. The staff was trained in safety protocol, they have hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, and they follow a strict cleaning protocol. They use anti-viral cleaning products, and everything is sanitized.
So, the Verdict?
Did Escape to Paradise live up to its name? Mostly, yes. The scenery, the spa, the food… all top-notch. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall vibe was relaxed and welcoming. I'll definitely be back, but maybe I'll pack my own wi-fi booster.
My Offer to You: Escape to Paradise – Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Are you craving a getaway that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and utterly pampered? Look no further than Escape to Paradise: Villaz Villa in Ardeşen, Turkey!
Here's what makes this offer irresistible:
- Stunning Scenery: Wake up to breathtaking views every morning!
- Luxurious Spa Experience: Melt your stress away with a massage!
- Amazing Restaurant: Experience the best buffets and a la carte options!
- Impeccable Cleanliness: Relax and enjoy a safe setting.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected and share your amazing experiences online!
- Everything you need: Air Conditioning, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security features, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
But hurry! This offer won't last forever!
Book your Escape to Paradise today! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!
BGC's BEST 2-Bedroom Corner Unit at Avant: Unbelievable Views!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're hitting the ridiculously gorgeous, and probably slightly muddy, trails of Villaz Villa Ardeşen Pazar, Turkey. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds - this is gonna be a glorious, chaotic, and hopefully hilarious journey. Prepare for the unexpected. Prepare for me to probably lose my phone. Prepare for me to fall in love with a stray cat. Let's go!
Villaz Villa Ardeşen Pazar - The Unedited Adventure (Good Luck)
Day 1: Arrival and Utter Bewilderment
- Morning (like, REALLY early): Arrive at Trabzon Airport (TZX). Jet-lagged. Disoriented. Praying my luggage made it. Okay, luggage found! Relief! Now, where’s that pre-booked transfer? (Cue me staring blankly at a sea of Turkish men, all seemingly expecting someone else.) Finally, success! A minivan… looks suspiciously like it might have been used for transporting livestock at some point. But hey, it's an adventure!
- Quirk: The driver, a lovely man named Huseyin, kept offering me freshly baked bread. I, in turn, kept attempting to communicate with my basic, rusty Turkish sprinkled with a healthy dose of hand gestures. It was a communication masterclass in awkwardness.
- Emotional Reaction: Initial fluster. Then, sheer amazement at the dramatic, green, misty mountains swallowing the roads. This is why I travel. This is why I leave the comfort of my couch.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: The drive to Villaz Villa. The scenery is just breathtaking. The Rize region is a photographer's dream. Rolling hills, tea plantations cascading down slopes like emerald velvet, a river that looks suspiciously like it's having an identity crisis (Is it turquoise? Emerald? It's constantly changing!).
- The "Almost Disaster": At one point, Huseyin, bless his heart, took a wrong turn. We ended up on a dirt track. It was narrow. And it had a sheer drop on one side. My anxiety spiked. I swear, I almost saw my life flash before my eyes, which would have been a truly tragic way to go – missing out on all the delicious Turkish pide.
- Opinionated Language: The views were absolutely stunning. Like, punch-you-in-the-face beautiful. The kind of beauty that makes you want to spontaneously break into a bad rendition of "The Sound of Music."
- Afternoon: Arrive at Villaz Villa. Finally! Whew. The villa itself is charming. Rustic, with wooden beams, a fireplace, and a balcony offering THOSE VIEWS.
- Messier Structure: Unpack, or rather, attempt to unpack. The suitcase erupted. I swear, I think I packed everything. And I mean everything. First impressions are good. Everything looks clean and tidy. I'm happy. But wait; where's the wi-fi password? Is it inside that tiny bottle cap?
- Minor Category: Exploring the house. Feeling relieved that the bed is soft. And that the bathroom is clean, thank God!
- Evening: Dinner at the Villa. Home-cooked Turkish food? Yes, please! Some delicious soup, kebabs, rice, and a salad. It's all incredible, but I'm too tired to remember all the names. I'm also convinced that the portions here are designed to feed entire villages.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated contentment. This is the life. A full belly, fresh air, a cozy bed, and the promise of adventure. I'm already starting to feel my stress melt away.
- Quirky Observation: The local people are so welcoming. From the drivers, to the waiters, everyone is so warm, full of smiles and kind gestures.
Day 2: The Tea-Planting Pilgrimage and a Serious Coffee Crisis
- Morning: Wake up! The sun is streaming through the window, bathing everything in a golden glow. Breakfast on the balcony, overlooking… you guessed it… more incredibly gorgeous scenery. Cereal, bread with honey, some eggs, and tea.
- Late Morning: Guided tea plantation tour. Get ready to find some joy. We have to see this. I want to touch the tea plants. I want to know everything about them. The guide is absolutely brimming with information.
- Doubling Down on the Tea Experience: Walking through the rows of tea plants is sensory overload. The scent is intoxicating. The leaves are a vibrant green. I learn all about the different varieties of tea, the harvesting process, and the importance of tea in Turkish culture. I even give it a try. I am awkward, but I participate. I try carrying some tea leaves. I am amazed by the work.
- Messy Anecdote: My well-intentioned but clumsy attempt at helping pick tea leaves resulted in me accidentally stepping on someone's prized harvest basket. The farmer just chuckled. He offered me tea. I drank it, and I was very grateful to him.
- Afternoon: Visiting the Rize city. It's a lovely coastal town to explore.
- Opinionated Language: I find a nice spot for a coffee. They call it "Türk Kahvesi" - Turkish Coffee. I love the stuff, and this is the best I've ever had. I love the taste, and the vibe
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Trying to order is a hilarious mix of pointing, broken Turkish, and the waiter's immense patience. I'm sure he thinks I'm insane.
- Emotional Reaction: Laughter. So much laughter. I am utterly and completely charmed by this place. The food. The view. The people. Everything is spot on.
- Quirky Observation: Dinner. I feel like I'm in a movie. And the waiter is a supporting actor.
Day 3: The Kaçkar Mountains and The Great Muddy Foot Odyssey
- Morning: Early rise! (well, relatively early, for me). Today: Kaçkar Mountains! This is what I came for. Hiking! Spectacular views! Fresh mountain air! (And hopefully, no wrong turns this time).
- Messy Structure: Pack a backpack. Water, snacks, camera (essential), and a first-aid kit (because I, predictably, will always manage to injure myself somehow). Realize I forgot sunscreen. Panic. Apply copious amounts of hotel-provided moisturizer as a last-ditch defense. (Not ideal, but whatever!)
- Mid-Morning: Drive towards the mountains. The road becomes increasingly winding and bumpy. The scenery becomes even more stunning. I'm practically drooling.
- Lunch: Picnic Time. I find a nice spot alongside a stream. I enjoy some bread, cheese, and some tomatoes. Bliss.
- Afternoon: Hiking through the Kaçkar Mountains. The landscape is breathtaking. The air is crisp. I'm feeling amazing.
- The Great Muddy Foot Odyssey: My "hiking boots" (more like vaguely sturdy sneakers) fail me. A river crossing. I slip. I end up waist-deep in mud. My clothes are ruined. My dignity is slightly dented.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Initially, the usual panic. Then, uncontrollable laughter. I am covered in mud. I look like a swamp monster. But I'm also smiling ear to ear. This is the adventure I crave.
- Evening: Back to the villa. Salty, dirty, exhausted, and ecstatic. A hot shower is a gift from the gods. Dinner is simple, but delicious. I am already dreaming of coming back to explore some more mountains.
Day 4: The Day of Rest, Relaxation, and Random Stray Cats
- Morning: Sleep in! Finally. The body needed that.
- Afternoon: Spend some time in the sun. Relax and enjoy the surroundings. Read a book. Drink some tea. Do absolutely nothing.
- Late Afternoon: Meet the local stray cat. There's a stray cat. He, or she, is beautiful and is very interested in food. The cat is orange. I will name him Marmalade.
- Messier Structure The cat. Marmalade. He's absolutely gorgeous, and he's now decided that I'm his personal food dispenser. (I'm weak. I crumble. I give him tuna.) He sits on my lap. He purrs. I fall in love with Marmalade. I am probably going to try and smuggle him back home.
- Emotional Reaction A profound connection. Cats are amazing.
- Evening: Quiet evening at the Villa. Dinner at home. A simple, and relaxing meal.
Okay, spill: Is "Escape to Paradise: Villaz Villa" in Ardeşen *actually* paradise? Because the brochure is lying to me, right?
Alright, alright, let's be real. Brochures... they're designed to make you *dream*. And yeah, the photos of Villaz Villa are gorgeous. But trust me, when you actually *arrive*... it's a serious "whoa" moment. The air just feels different, you know? Fresher. Damp, in a good way. The mountains are so close you feel like you could reach out and touch them. We got there late, after a *nightmare* connecting flight through Istanbul (don't get me STARTED on Turkish traffic!), and honestly, I was hangry and grumpy. My husband, bless him, was trying to keep the peace. Then we rounded the final bend, and bam! The villa. And suddenly, ALL the travel stress melted away. Seriously, magic. Paradise-adjacent, definitely. Maybe even better.
The photos show a pool... is it as good as it looks? Is it *cold*? Because I'm a wimp.
The pool... the pool is where I spent approximately 70% of my waking hours. NO JOKE. Look, I'm a heat-loving lizard. I go from "delighted" to "miserable" in about five minutes. But this pool? Phenomenal. It's actually the *perfect* temperature. Not ice-bath cold (thank GOD!), and not lukewarm like some sad hotel pools. I swear it’s some kind of mountain-water magic. The view from the edge is just… breathtaking. You're staring out at the valley, these lush green hills. I could have stayed in that pool forever. Okay, maybe not *forever*. I did need to refill my cocktail. But seriously, 10/10 pool experience. My only complaint? I wish they had a swim-up bar. They *really* should consider that. Think of the possibilities!
Where is this place, exactly? I Google-Mapped it, but Turkey is HUGE. How do I even *get* there?
Ardeşen is in the Rize Province, which is up in the northeast of Turkey, near the Black Sea. It's *gorgeous*, absolutely. You'll likely fly into Trabzon Airport (TZX) – a lovely little airport – and then you'll need to arrange transport to the villa. Now, listen, a rental car is *highly* recommended. The region is so stunning, and you'll wanna explore. Driving in Turkey is... an experience. Let's just leave it at that. But the roads around Ardeşen are pretty manageable. Just, you know, be prepared for some hairpin turns and maybe the occasional sheep crossing the road. Actually, we saw a LOT of sheep. Like, "ewe-topia" levels of sheep. Good for photo ops though! Seriously, plan your route in advance, download offline maps (trust me on this), and maybe pack some Dramamine if you get carsick. The drive is beautiful, but can also be a bit... "twisty."
Is it... isolated? Like, am I going to be totally cut off from civilization? I like my groceries and wifi, okay?
Okay, good question. Yes, it's *relatively* secluded. Which is part of the charm, honestly. You won't be tripping over other tourists. But you're not *completely* remote. You're a short drive to Ardeşen town, which has markets, restaurants, and all the essentials. The villa itself has decent wifi. Not super speedy for streaming, maybe, but enough for checking emails and posting your envy-inducing vacation photos to Instagram. Which, let's be honest, is what really matters. We had a few issues with the wifi on the first day (typical!), but the owner, bless her heart, sorted it out immediately. She seemed genuinely concerned, which was really nice. So, "remote, but not *too* remote" is the answer. You get the peace and quiet, but also the ability to run for ice cream when the mood strikes. Which, for me, was frequently.
Describe the villa! What are the rooms like? Is it clean? (Because I'm a bit of a neat freak.)
Okay, the villa. Beautiful, honestly. It's a mix of modern and traditional. Lots of wood, which I adore. Everything felt really spacious. They had a HUGE kitchen. I actually cooked a meal or two! (Don't get too excited, it was pasta. I'm a cook, not a chef). The bedrooms were comfortable, the beds were amazing. I slept *so* well. Seriously, the best sleep I've had in ages. And yes, it was immaculately clean. I'm talking spotless. Everything smelled fresh, the bathrooms were perfect. They must have some serious cleaning fairies on staff. Or at least, a very, very thorough cleaning crew. One tiny, tiny, *tiny* thing... the lighting in the master bathroom was a little dim. I struggled a bit applying my makeup at first. Minor quibble! Don't let that deter you. It's a gorgeous villa, inside and out.
Is there a kitchen? Can I cook? I don't want to eat out every night.
Yes! A fully equipped kitchen, and it's beautiful! Seriously, I was so impressed. Stove, oven, refrigerator... everything you need. They even had a blender, which, let's be honest, is crucial for those poolside cocktails. Lots of pots and pans, cutlery, plates, the whole shebang. We actually went to the local market in Ardeşen and bought a bunch of fresh produce (tomatoes! cucumbers! everything!) and cooked some meals. It was lovely. Made us feel like locals (well, kind of). They have a dishwasher, which is a HUGE win. Because let's face it, washing dishes on vacation is the absolute pits. Just be aware, the grocery store selection in Ardeşen isn't what you'd find in a major city. But you can find everything you need. Just be prepared for some *very* friendly shopkeepers. They're so nice, it's almost overwhelming. Almost.
What about restaurants? Is there good food nearby? I'm a foodie, you know.
Oh, the food. Okay, so. Turkish cuisine is AMAZING. Seriously, I could write a novel about it. The restaurants in Ardeşen are mostly local, which is what you want. You'll find a lot of traditional dishes – *mıhlama* (a cheese fondue-y thing, HEAVEN), *laz böreği* (sweet pastry, also heaven), fresh seafood from the Black Sea. Everything is flavorful, fresh, and prepared with passion. Don't be afraid to try new things! I'm usually a picky eater, but I ate everything! The portions can be HUGE, so be prepared to share or be ready for leftovers. We had one incredible mealTrip Hotel Hub
