Unbelievable Jacarilla Getaway: Belvilla's Casa Frambuesa Awaits!
Casa Frambuesa: My Jacarilla Dream? (Or Was It a Jam Session?) - A Belvilla Review That's Actually Real
Okay, so picture this: me, frazzled travel writer, finally escaping the digital hellscape that is "life" and heading to Unbelievable Jacarilla Getaway: Belvilla's Casa Frambuesa Awaits! (that mouthful of a title still makes me giggle). The website promised a Spanish escape, a splash of color, and maybe, just maybe, a break from the relentless ping of notifications. Did Casa Frambuesa deliver? Buckle up, buttercups, this is gonna be a bumpy ride.
Accessibility - The Rollercoaster of Inclusivity (and My Bladder):
- Wheelchair Accessible? While the listing hints at it, this is where the "unbelievable" started to feel…unbelievable in a slightly less positive way. I’m not wheelchair-bound, but I value ease of movement, and there were a few…challenges. Some uneven paving stones around the property and a slightly awkward step into the main entrance. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely something to consider. I hope they make updates on their site.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Similar to the above, there was a general tone of wanting to be inclusive, but more detail regarding the nature of these facilities and specific considerations would be helpful.
Internet Access - The Digital Tether (or Lack Thereof):
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: Hallelujah! After the initial thrill, however, the Wi-Fi proved to be… temperamental. Worked fine for a while, then decided to take a siesta whenever I needed it most (naturally). LAN cable? Found it buried in a drawer, gathering dust. So, yeah, technically internet access, but more like a digital game of hide-and-seek.
- Business facilities: (Xerox/fax in business center, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Projector/LED display, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Wi-Fi for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Seminars, Invoice provided.) This is a great offering; I am sure it can be helpful.
Cleanliness and Safety - The Germaphobe's Guide to Chill Mode (Mostly):
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Okay, this was good. Really good. Casa Frambuesa clearly took cleanliness seriously. I felt safe, which is honestly a huge factor these days. Big thumbs up.
- COVID specifics: (Room sanitization opt-out available, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Cashless payment service) Were all on point, and honestly, made me feel at ease.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach's Solo Show (Mostly, Again):
- Restaurants: I'm not sure if they have restaurants. The listing is a mix of conflicting ideas.
- Room service [24-hour], Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service: (Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Bar, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Bottle of water, Coffee shop, Happy hour): This is where things got a little… interesting. Room service? No. Breakfast takeaway? Also, no. The only options were whatever I could scrounge up at the local shop. This is where a "quirky" observation comes in handy - the kitchen was stocked (with the equipment for a simple breakfast, I thought), but the ingredients or full options were lacking. So it ended up being a lot of cheese and crackers. Which, let's be honest, is sometimes a perfectly acceptable meal.
- The Poolside Bar Fiasco: One evening I ventured to the poolside bar, which turned out to be more of a… thought. No staff. No drinks. Just a forlorn, slightly sticky counter and the faint echo of laughter from the previous guests. After a long day of not drinking at a bar, I grabbed a glass of water and a book and went back to my room.
- The "Essential Condiments" Conspiracy: Okay, I'm going to get really honest here. Essential condiments were listed. I searched high and low for the salt, pepper, and olive oil. Where were they? They might have disappeared in the great condiment heist.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Finding My Inner Zen (Eventually):
- Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap: My oh my! The pool was beautiful, perfect for a refreshing dip in the sunshine. The sauna was a steamy delight. Didn't try the spa - wanted to relax, not stress out over choosing what to relax with.
- My "Body Rejection" Experience (with my own body): My first day, I dove headfirst into the pool. I attempted the Body Scrub, but I gave up the idea after finding nothing of that sort.
- The "Way to Relax" - My way: Most of my days were spent with a book and a drink by the pool.
Services and Conveniences - The "Almost" Perfect Package:
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, 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: This place had everything.
- Contactless check-in/out: Super smooth. No drama, no fuss. Very appreciated.
- Daily housekeeping: Immaculate. My room sparkled, and the towels, oh the towels, were fluffy clouds of comfort.
- The "Missing" Convenience Store: There was a convenience store listed, but actually getting to the one was a hike (at least in my mind). This is perfect for any vacation.
Available in All Rooms - The Comfort Zone Staples:
- 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: Everything needed for a comfortable stay. The blackout curtains were a godsend, allowing for glorious sleep-ins. Extra long bed? Score! The coffee/tea maker was put to good use after the morning hikes.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly Vibes:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn't have any kids with me (thank goodness), but the listing shows this is family-friendly.
Getting Around - The Jaunt Around Jacarilla:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: The free parking was a lifesaver. Driving was easy.
- The Taxi Temptation: I contemplated it, but then decided to walk around the city.
Things to Note:
- Pets Allowed? The listing has a weird note on pets, "Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed" - What the actual heck does that even mean?!
- Proposal Spot/Room Decorations: Romantic options are listed, so if you plan to pop the question, this would be a good place! Make sure to check with them.
Final Verdict: The Jam Session with a Side of…Cheese and Crackers?
Casa Frambuesa was a mixed bag, to be honest. Beautiful location, spotlessly clean (which is hugely important), and boasting some seriously appealing amenities. However, the inconsistencies with the dining, the slightly wonky Wi-Fi
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Ski Chalet Awaits in Ellmau, Austria!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't just a trip to Casa Frambuesa in Jacarilla, Spain; it's an emotional rollercoaster fueled by bad coffee, existential dread, and the lingering suspicion that I packed too many shoes. Here we go, my shambolic Belvilla itinerary:
The "Frambuesa Frenzy" – A Jacarilla Jamboree (and Minor Meltdown)
Day 1: Arrival! (Mostly)
- Morning (8:00 AM - "ish"): Wake up. Or, more accurately, claw my way out of the sleep-induced coma that is pre-vacation anxiety. My flight to Alicante leaves in, like, hours. Panic sets in. Did I forget my toothbrush? Passport? My entire personality? (Debatable.)
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Airport chaos. Security lines that snake like a particularly grumpy anaconda. I swear the TSA agent gave me side-eye for my "Bring Me Sangria" t-shirt. Found my gate! Found my gate! (Repeat 5 times. I'm prone to losing things.)
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Land in Alicante! The sun practically punches you in the face with its joyful rays. Rent a car. (Praying the rental company doesn’t think I’m a complete buffoon, which is a solid bet.) The drive to Jacarilla? Beautiful, mostly. Some dodgy roundabouts. My inner monologue starts to resemble a toddler's tantrum – "Are we there yet? I'm hungry! This is boring!"
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrive at Casa Frambuesa! Finally! Oh… it's even cuter than the pictures. Seriously, the pink paint alone could cure depression. The air smells of… something. Lavender and hope? I'm not quite sure, but I like it. Check-in is painless (thank God). Unpack. Find the coffee machine. Make coffee. It's… weak. My heart sinks a little. Spain, you’re already testing my limits.
- Evening (7:00 PM Onwards): Explore Jacarilla. Walk around; aimlessly, because I just wanna get a hang of it. First impressions: quiet. Delightful. I'm already picturing myself becoming a local eccentric, wearing a floral dress and gossiping with the town's elderly population. Head back to Casa Frambuesa and have the first meal. Start a journal (which usually ends in a half-written sentence and a doodle).
Day 2: Market Mayhem and Paella Perfection (Or, The Great Rice Incident)
- Morning (9:00 AM): The coffee situation remains dire. I vow to hunt down a proper café.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Visit the local market. Oh my GOD food! So much deliciousness. Olives, cheeses, cured meats, and enough fruit to make a fruit salad big enough to feed a small army. I buy everything. Absolutely everything. My bank account weeps. I stumble back to Casa Frambuesa laden with provisions, feeling like a conquering hero… or a slightly overwhelmed grocery shopper.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Paella! I attempt to make paella. It's… ambitious. The rice, despite following the recipe perfectly (or so I thought), turns into a sticky, clumpy mess. It's a disaster. But! (Here comes the positive spin!) It's still edible, and the chorizo is amazing. I laugh at myself, convinced my future career should involve a small restaurant where the only thing on the menue is paella (because that is the only thing I now know how to make).
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): A much-needed siesta. The Spanish know how to live. I embrace it.
- Evening (7:00 PM Onwards): Stroll through the town. Watch the sunset. Feel the peace. This is what it's all about, right? Maybe I can handle this whole "relaxing on vacation" thing. Or perhaps not. I'm still haunted by the great rice incident.
Day 3: Exploring the Costa Blanca: The beach!
- Morning (9:00 AM): I wake up feeling much better, despite the persistent lack of decent coffee.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Drive to the coast. I go to Torrevieja. The beach is beautiful, and the water is so clear I feel like I can see the bottom. I spend the whole time swimming. I'm so happy.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Eat some seafood at a small restaurant.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): I find the best ice cream of my life and go back to the beach.
- Evening (7:00 PM Onwards): Head back to Jacarilla and fall asleep immediately.
Day 4: The Great Day Trip Debacle (or, When I Got Lost and Loved It)
- Morning (9:00 AM): More coffee. Still bad. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I'll try to find a decent coffee machine later.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): I decide to tackle a day trip. I pick a town - Murcia! It is a beautiful town, and I have a great time walking around and getting lost.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch in a local restaurant. Again, so much good food. My pants are already a little tighter. Worth it.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): I get totally lost trying to find my way back, which I think is what I truly love when I'm traveling. I stumble upon a little church (or a chapel? I'm not even sure), and the silence is just… incredible.
- Evening (7:00 PM Onwards): I get back to Casa Frambuesa. I'm exhausted, in the best possible way.
Day 5: Rest Day, or the Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing (and Loving It)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Okay, the coffee is STILL an issue. I'm going to invest in a French press. This cannot go on.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Walk around the garden. I read my book. Take a nap on a hammock.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Make something to eat, I will try something simple, no paella.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): I go to the local bar and meet some people. At first, I'm nervous because I'm not good at the language, but it turns out they don't mind, and we have a great time.
- Evening (7:00 PM Onwards): I go back to Casa Frambuesa. And again, fall asleep immediately.
Day 6: Farewell, Frambuesa! (Sob)
- Morning (9:00 AM): I’ve purchased a French press. Finally! The coffee is drinkable! Maybe even… good? It’s a miracle! I savor it.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Pack. Cry a little bit. I don’t wanna leave! The quiet, the charm, the pink walls… it's been a magical escape.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): One last walk around Jacarilla. Say goodbye to the friendly locals. Promise I'll come back.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Head to the airport. This is still a bittersweet moment - I'm a little sad to be going home.
- Evening (5:00 PM Onwards): The flight home. Reflect on the trip. Realize I probably spent too much money on olives. Start planning my next adventure.
Post-Trip Debrief:
- Overall Mood: Elated. Exhausted. Slightly less anxious. Already missing the pink house and the scent of lavender (even if it's probably just potpourri).
- Highlights: Paella (despite the rice incident!), the beach, getting lost in the streets, the general feeling of being far away, and drinking too much sangria.
- Lowlights: Coffee. The sheer volume of shoes I brought. Missing the Spanish language.
- Lessons Learned: Learn some basic Spanish phrases before your next trip. Pack
Unbelievable Jacarilla Getaway: Casa Frambuesa - Seriously, What's the Deal?
Okay, spill the beans. Is Casa Frambuesa *really* as amazing as the photos make it look? (Asking for a friend...who's me.)
Alright, buckle up Buttercup. The photos? They're… well, they're mostly accurate. The pool? Glorious. That giant paella pan? Yeah, you're gonna want to learn how to use that thing. The sunsets? Forget about it. They'll melt your face right off. But here's the REAL tea: Casa Frambuesa isn't just about the Instagrammable moments. It’s about the *experience*. My first thought on arrival? "This place is bigger than my apartment, and I’m pretty sure a small family of squirrels could live comfortably in the garden." It's… expansive. In a good way, mostly.
Let's talk practicality. Groceries? Wi-Fi? Dealing with the Spanish heat? Gimme the hard truths!
Okay, LISTEN UP. Groceries: Jacarilla's got a charming little market. Think fresh produce, crusty bread… the works. Though, I confess, I may have panicked on the first grocery run and bought approximately twelve kilos of oranges. (Don't judge. They were gorgeous.) Wi-Fi? Present, mostly. It occasionally throws a hissy fit during peak siesta hours (typical). The heat? Embrace it. Honestly, the pool is your best friend. Oh, and the air conditioning? Pray it works. Ours hummed bravely but occasionally gave up the ghost. Minor setback, really. Think of it as adding to the 'rustic charm.' (Said with a slight eye twitch.)
Describe the pool. Because that's, like, the *most* important thing.
The pool. Oh, the pool. Picture this: crystal-clear water, shimmering under the Spanish sun. It's… big. Big enough to do actual laps, which I, in my infinite wisdom, attempted… once. Turns out, swimming laps in the Spanish heat after a morning of excessive orange consumption is *not* a recipe for success. (Moral of the story: pace yourself, and maybe eat something *other* than oranges.) The pool also had those fancy sun loungers. Seriously, I practically lived on one for a week. Pure bliss.
The location? Is Jacarilla actually... interesting? Or just a convenient base?
Look, Jacarilla… is… quaint. Let's just say it's not exactly Ibiza. But that's its charm! It's quiet. Peaceful. Perfect for escaping the crazy of… well, everything. Plus, you're within easy striking distance of some truly *amazing* places. We took a day trip to Murcia. The architecture? Stunning. The food? To die for. (Seriously, the tapas. I'm still dreaming about the tapas.) And then there's Orihueula… Okay, I got a little lost in Orihuela. But that was part of the adventure, right? (Right?) Being lost and eating icecream... not a bad way to spend a afternoon, I'll say.
Casa Frambuesa: Is it family-friendly?
From what I saw, YES. There's space. There's a pool (again, vital). There's a big garden for letting the kids run wild and burn off energy. It could get boring for teenagers if they're glued to their phones and don't want to explore the world. But hey, they chose that. It's also the perfect place for parents wanting a break to actually breathe. We didn't have kids with us (ahem, by *choice*), but I saw potential!
Anything that *really* annoyed you (be honest!)?
Okay, full disclosure: the mosquitos. They are relentless. They operate with military precision. Bring DEET. Seriously. Slather yourself in the stuff. I’m convinced they’d evolved to be impervious to any human attempt at protection. And the key... it's one of those old-school ones. I'm still convinced it has a mind of its own. The lock was a bit difficult. And I might have locked myself out... once. (Or twice… Let's just say I got to know the neighbors).
Would you go back? Would you recommend it?
Go back? In a heartbeat. After the horrors of the mosquitos and the existential angst of the key, I'd do it again. This place? It's… magical. It's imperfect, it's quirky, and it's brimming with charm. It’s the kind of place you go to escape the real world and find… yourself. Or at least, find yourself staring at the sunset over a giant pool, wondering if you can *possibly* eat another orange. So, yeah. Highly recommended. Just… pack the bug spray. And maybe a back-up key, too. And possibly some courage, because this might change your life. Possibly. No promises. But probably.
