Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Wooded Getaway in Steenwijkerland!
Escape to Paradise? More Like a Wobbly Embrace: A Review of Steenwijkerland's Dream Wooded Getaway! (With a LOT of Rambling)
(SEO Keywords: Steenwijkerland, Escape to Paradise, Wooded Getaway, Netherlands, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Sauna, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Family Friendly, Review, Vacation, Relaxing, Free Wi-Fi)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this review isn't going to be all perfectly manicured hedges and gushing superlatives. We're diving headfirst into my experience at "Escape to Paradise" in Steenwijkerland, and trust me, it was…an experience. Let's just say it’s less "paradise found" and more "paradise, with some slightly wonky bits."
First off, the name. "Escape to Paradise"…that's a BIG promise. I’m picturing shimmering turquoise waters and a never-ending supply of tiny umbrellas in my cocktails. Were my expectations a little too high? Possibly. Did I still have a (somewhat) enjoyable time? Mostly, yes. Let's get into the nitty gritty, shall we?
The Good Stuff (and the Almost-Good Stuff)
- Accessibility: This is where they really shine. They say they're accessible, and, frankly, they are. (Wheelchair accessible, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests). The ramps were smooth, the elevators were wide enough for a wheelchair and a small parade, and the general layout was thoughtfully considered. Big thumbs up from this slightly clumsy traveler! It was a relief, no exaggeration, to move around without feeling like I was constantly dodging obstacles.
- The Spa & Sauna Scene: Oh. My. Goodness. (Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view, Massage, Body wrap, Body scrub). Talk about a way to unwind. The sauna was legit – hot, steamy, and perfect for sweating out all the stress of…well, everything. The pool with a view? Stunning. Seriously, I could’ve stared at that view all day, lost in the trees and the crisp air. The only downside? The robe situation. Let’s just say, one of the robes was…well, let’s just say it resembled more of a tea towel than a proper spa garment. Made me laugh though!
- The Food (Mostly): Okay, the food was a mixed bag. (Restaurants, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant). The breakfast buffet was gloriously chaotic, which I love - piles of pastries, perfectly scrambled eggs, and all the coffee you could possibly want. I was in heaven. The a la carte menu was hit and miss – I ordered something I thought was going to be a delicious soup and ended up being slightly underwhelmed. But hey, you can't win them all, right? Oh, and the poolside bar deserves a special mention. Perfect for cocktails - especially during happy hour (Happy hour), and a great place to just…be.
- Tech & Convenience: The free Wi-Fi (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events) was a lifesaver! Especially since I had to do some (ugh) work while I was there. The rooms were very well equipped too (Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens).
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Life Isn't Perfect)
- The "Dream" Element: Okay, remember that “Escape to Paradise” thing? Yeah, the dream factor was a little muted. The rooms, while comfortable (Carpeting, Closet, Interconnecting room(s) available, Linens), didn’t exactly scream “luxury.” Felt a bit… hotel-ey. I guess that’s what happens when a hotel is still kind of a hotel.
- Cleanliness & Safety (Mostly Solid, But…): They took the cleaning protocols seriously (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, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment). Though, I did notice a rogue cobweb in my room, which, honestly, is just a minor detail, I will not be deterred.
- The “Adventure” (or lack thereof): The "Things to do" seemed a bit…limited. If you're hoping for a bustling nightlife or a thrilling adventure, you might be out of luck. This spot is definitely more about chilling, which is fine. I just wish there'd been a little more to…well, do.
My Biggest Moment (and Why It Matters)
Okay, this is where it gets a little personal. I am, shall we say, directionally challenged. The first day, I got hopelessly lost trying to find the pool. I walked in circles, passed the same potted plant five times, and almost walked into a startled goose. I was completely defeated, about to give up when a staff member, I believe his name was Jan, just smiled and showed me the way. He could have just pointed, but he didn’t. He walked with me, chatted, and was just…really kind. It was such a simple thing, but it made a HUGE difference. This small act of kindness is what really made me feel connected to the experience.
Final Verdict (With a Teeny Bit of Waffling)
Look, "Escape to Paradise" in Steenwijkerland isn't a flawless utopia. But it is a genuinely nice place to stay. It's accessible, it's relaxing, the spa is amazing, and the staff is unbelievably helpful - even when you are utterly lost. However, if you're expecting a fairy tale, you might be disappointed. This is more like a pleasant, slightly quirky, and genuinely charming escape. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Yes, with the caveat that it's less shimmering paradise and more… a really comfortable, slightly odd, and ultimately delightful haven.
Rating: 4 out of 5 slightly wobbly stars.
Escape to Your Own Private Oasis: Sauna Apartment in Buschenhagen!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-polished travel brochure. This is me, tripping over my own feet (metaphorically… and maybe literally, knowing me) in the Netherlands, trying to live in a group home nestled in the woods near Steenwijkerland. Let’s see if I survive… and maybe, just maybe, have a good time.
My Utterly Unprofessional Steenwijkerland Adventure: A Messy Narrative
Pre-Departure Panic & Packing: (Hours before… and hours after… I should have been ready)
- The Meltdown: Three hours before my flight, I realized I hadn't even looked at my passport. Found it. Phew! Then, of course, the suitcase refuses to close. I’m pretty sure I could build a small city with the contents of my bag, but I'm stuck with this tiny little thing.
- Packing Philosophies: I'm an over-packer. This is a given. I pack for every possible weather scenario in every possible country. I'm also a sentimental hoarder. So, there's a comfort object (a slightly-worn plush otter named "Otterly") and a book I've been "meaning" to read for three years.
- Last-Minute Panic Grocery Run: Gotta have snacks. MUST. HAVE. SNACKS. Dutch cookies are on the list. And stroopwafels. Gotta try those. Maybe some cheese. No, wait… I forgot the adapter for my charger! Cue more hyperventilation.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread… in the Woods!
- The Flight: Actually went surprisingly smoothly. I even managed to watch a whole movie without crying (miracle!).
- Train to Steenwijkerland: Lovely. Quiet. Cows. So many cows. I'm mildly terrified of cows. They have horns, people!
- Arrival at the Group Home: Woods-Adjacent Wonderland: Okay, so it's not a real group home in the sense of like, a bunch of people living together full-time. More like a beautiful, rambling house in the woods, rented out. I was expecting… well, I'm not even sure what I was expecting. Maybe a hobbit hole? The woods are just there, whispering secrets to the wind. The air smells like pine needles and damp earth. It's… a little overwhelming, actually. And isolated. This could either be heaven or the set of a horror movie. I'm leaning towards the latter right now.
- The Room: My Tiny Dutch Sanctuary: The room's small, but it's got a window that looks straight out into the woods. Perfect for creepy-crawly animal watching! (I mean… nature watching!). There wasn't a lot of room for my city-load of "essentials", I have to say.
- Dinner Disaster: The "Instant" Noodles Incident: I was starving. I found a package of instant noodles in the cupboard and was so ecstatic. But I realized I'd forgotten to grab a fork -- or a knife -- or a spoon. I ended up eating them with a chopstick I found floating in the sink. It wasn't pretty.
- Evening Ramble: The Twilight Zone of the Woods: Okay, first impressions: I'm probably going to get eaten by something. The woods are dark at night. I swear I saw eyes glowing in the bushes. And I'm pretty sure I heard whispers. Maybe I'll just stay inside and watch Dutch television.
Day 2: The Steenwijkerland Stroll (and My Inability to Navigate)
- Breakfast: Bread and (Suspect) Jam: The bread was actually really delicious Dutch bread. But the jam? I'm pretty sure it's a mystery concoction. Tasted like… something. I couldn't quite place it. Didn’t make me sick, so that’s a win, I guess.
- Attempted Exploration: I decided to be brave and venture into the town. I found a cafe that made great espresso. The people were super nice.
- The Hiking Trail Debacle: So, I thought I'd be all outdoorsy and follow a hiking trail. I had this image of myself, all windswept hair and philosophical thoughts. Instead, I got lost. Miserably lost. The map made zero sense. I’m now convinced the local council is deliberately trying to confuse tourists. I'm also pretty sure I walked through a cow pasture.
- Emotional Reaction: I’m pretty sure I cried a little. Okay, a lot. The woods are beautiful, but I’m starting to think I’m a city mouse trapped in a beautiful, leafy prison.
- Dinner: Tacos and a Netflix binge: Ended the day with tacos and a Netflix binge. Taco ingredients were from the local supermarket, and I did not get lost! (Success!)
Day 3: Doubling Down on the Woods (and My Love-Hate Relationship with Nature)
- The Morning Routine: Okay, the isolation is starting to get to me. I have to remind myself I like being alone, and to not be pathetic.
- The Woods: Take Two: I decided to give the woods another chance, but this time with a plan: stay on the path. Walk far enough so I could see a thing or two, and then turn back before the existential dread sets in.
- The Bridge: The Unexpected Beauty: The path led to a little wooden bridge. The water was crystal clear – I could see fish swimming! And a few ducks. This was beautiful. Very pretty. Nature is… neat. I was starting to feel okay about my choices.
- The Squirrel: My New Best Friend (Maybe?): A squirrel came right up to me and ate a piece of bread out of my hand! I think that's a good omen. Maybe the woods aren't out to get me after all. Maybe I'm starting to get the hang of this!
- Afternoon Trip and Dutch Food: I found a small town outside Steenwijkerland to shop around in. I stumbled upon a bakery. I bought a fresh krentenwegge (Dutch bread). It was absolutely divine and I could cry from happiness at how good it was.
- The Aftermath: Back to Base: Back at the house, I did a ton of chores and took an earlier night for sleep.
Day 4: The Canal Cruise and the Search for Dutch Charm
- The Canal Cruise: A Floating Dream (and a Bit of Seasickness):** I booked a canal cruise in another small town, thinking it might give me a different perspective on the Netherlands. It was… beautiful, I guess? The houses were charming, and the canals were lined with pretty flowers. But… the rocking motion was a little much for my stomach. I’m not going to lie, I spent significant time looking for dry land.
- Dutch Charm: Found (Maybe): I saw a cute little antique shop and was able to grab a few souvenirs. I found some old wooden shoes (clogs?), cute little windmills, and some Dutch pottery. I found it all.
- Dinner Debrief: Lonely Hearts Club: Okay, so I'm starting to miss my friends and family. I ended up spending the evening video calling everyone, drinking way too much wine.
- Bedtime: It was a long night, so I went to sleep!
Day 5: Departure (and a Tentative Goodbye to the Woods)
- Packing: The "Stuff I Don't Need" Paradox: The suitcase closes this time! Victory! I still have a ton of stuff I didn't use, of course. Why do I do this to myself?
- Final Woods Walk: (Maybe) Nostalgia?: I decided to take one last walk through the woods. The trees seemed to hug me with the last bit of goodbyes. Did I actually enjoy it? Well, a little. I’m still not sure if the woods love me back, but I’m less terrified of them. (Progress!)
- The Train Ride: Looking at Scenery: I took a train to the airport. I am looking at the fields, cows, and Dutch houses. A last look at this beautiful country!
- The Flight Home: What Now? I'm on the plane now, and I'm incredibly tired. I'm going to sleep and think about my adventure. And the instant noodles. And the woods. And maybe, just maybe… I'll come back. Who knows?
Post-Trip Reflections (Too Soon?):
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost, felt lonely, and nearly starved. But it was real. I saw the cows. I ate the questionable jam. I cried in the woods. And in the end, I survived.
Would I recommend this specific itinerary? Maybe not. But would I recommend traveling? Absolutely. Even when it's messy, imperfect, and filled with instant noodles, there’s always something to be said for getting out there and seeing the world (and maybe getting a little lost along the way).
Now, where did I put those stroopwafels…?
Willingen Wonderland: HUGE Balcony Apartment Awaits! (Germany)
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Wooded Getaway - Steenwijkerland FAQs (…and My Thoughts)
So, what *is* this "Escape to Paradise" thing, anyway? Seriously, is it even Paradise?
Okay, okay, settle down. "Escape to Paradise" is, in essence, a collection of charming, eco-friendly cabins nestled in the heart of Steenwijkerland, a gorgeous part of the Netherlands. Think lush green forests, winding walking paths, and a general vibe of "chill out and forget about your emails." Is it *actual* Paradise? Well… no, I mean, I didn't see any pearly gates. There was a leaky faucet in my cabin, actually, but more on that later. But seriously, the atmosphere is incredibly relaxing. It's the kind of place where you can genuinely *hear* yourself think (or, in my case, hear the incessant chirping of a bird outside my window at 6 am – rude!). So, Paradise-adjacent? Definitely. Stress-free zone? Sign me up. And that’s saying a lot, because I am a walking stress ball.
What kind of accommodation are we talking about? Is it luxury glamping or… something else?
They’ve got these cute little cabins – varying sizes, depending on your needs. Think Scandi simplicity meets rustic charm, but with a Dutch twist (they’re *very* efficient with space!). Don’t expect marble bathrooms and jacuzzis. Expect, instead, cozy bedrooms, well-equipped kitchens (the *coffee* maker was a godsend after that early bird symphony!), and – crucially – a lovely, private porch. The "eco-friendly" part is legit, too. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting… all that good stuff. It’s definitely not roughing it, unless you consider forgetting your phone charger roughing it. Which, realistically, I do now. Ah!
"Steenwijkerland"… where *exactly* is that? And is it easy to get to? I hate travel!
Steenwijkerland is in the province of Overijssel in the Netherlands. Think central-ish, a good chunk north of Amsterdam. Which, yes, means getting around is a breeze. Actually, I drove there – it was easy peasy. The roads are good, the signage is clear, and even I, a person who gets lost trying to find her own kitchen, managed to arrive without incident. Though, a quick anecdote: I *did* take a wrong turn once and found myself staring into the soulful eyes of a cow. Let's just say the cow seemed as confused as I was. Public transport is also an option – there are train stations nearby. Check their website for specifics, though – I'm not gonna be your personal travel agent!
Okay, sounds nice… but what's there *to do*? I get bored easily!
Ah, the crucial question! Listen, if you're expecting Vegas-style nightlife, you will be majorly disappointed. This is about *slowing down*. But don't worry, you're not going to be twiddling your thumbs. There are endless walking and cycling trails through the forests and along the canals. You can rent bikes at the reception– which I highly advise, because the air is *amazing*. Then there is Weerribben-Wieden National Park nearby; basically, marshland paradise. You can kayak, boat, or just wander and admire the scenery. There are cute little villages to explore, with cafes and artisan shops. *Plus* (and hear me out) I discovered this *amazing* little bakery in a town called Blokzijl. Their pastries...oh my god. Honestly, it almost justified my entire trip by itself. I may have gained several pounds. I may have gone back every day. No regrets!
Are the cabins *really* eco-friendly? That's important to me (and honestly, I'm starting to feel guilty about my carbon footprint).
Yes! They genuinely seem to make an effort. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, responsible waste management… the whole shebang. They even have a little info display in the cabin that gives you all the details. I applaud it because I *swear* the air feels cleaner there.
Is the food good? I'm a foodie!
Inside the cabins, you can prepare your own meals. The kitchens are adequately equipped, nothing fancy, but totally functional. There's a small shop on site where you can grab some key ingredients. As I mentioned, the real star is Blokzijl. It's the most charming place to sit by the canal and enjoy food.
What about Wi-Fi? I need to stay connected (unfortunately).
Wi-Fi is available, but I'd say "spotty" is an accurate description. Which is a good thing, overall, because my phone habits during my trip became far, far more productive. I got *so* much reading done. Embrace the digital detox! (Though, let's be honest, you'll probably sneak a peek at your phone occasionally. We all do.)
Anything I should be aware of before I go? Things they *don't* tell you?
Okay, here's the unfiltered truth. Firstly, the cabins are close to nature, which means… insects. Mosquitoes, especially. Bring bug spray. Seriously, slather it on. Secondly, the aforementioned leaky faucet in my cabin. It was a minor annoyance, but hey, it happens. However, it's not a dealbreaker. Thirdly, the parking. Spaces are, shall we say, cozy. Don't take your monster truck. Finally, the silence. It's... intense. If you're used to constant city noise, it might take a day or two to adjust. But trust me, you *will* adjust, and you'll love it. The isolation is what makes it magic. Bring a good book. And a sense of adventure. And bug spray.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Absolutely. Leaky faucet and all. The peace, the quiet, the pastries… it's a perfect escape. If I could, I'd go back tomorrow and spend my days in Blokzijl. Paradise? Maybe. Bliss? Definitely.
