Escape to Enchanting Sellerich: Your Dream Forest Holiday Home Awaits!
Escape to Enchanting Sellerich: My Honest-to-Goodness Dream Forest Holiday Home Review (with a Side of Imperfection)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the freshly brewed coffee from the in-room maker – more on that later!) on Escape to Enchanting Sellerich: Your Dream Forest Holiday Home Awaits! This place… well, it's something. It's a feeling. It's a whole dang experience. And, as I'm sure you've guessed by now, it's not perfect. But that's what makes it real, right?
(Metadata for the SEO nerds, because apparently, they're important: Sellerich, Enchanting Sellerich, Forest Holiday, Luxury Hotel, Spa, Wellness, Accessible Hotel, Family-Friendly, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Germany, Travel Review, Romantic Getaway, Pet-Friendly (sometimes!), Cleanliness, Safety, COVID-19 Protocols, Things to Do, Relaxation, Bavarian Alps )*
Let's dive right in, shall we?
First Impressions (and a Near-Disaster with the Luggage)
Driving up to Sellerich, my jaw literally dropped. Verdant forest, crisp mountain air, the whole shebang. The "Enchanting" part? Not overhyped. It’s legit. The exterior itself is traditional, which suits the place, and gives you a sense of the traditional Bavarian experience.
The check-in? Contactless – a lifesaver after a long drive. (I swear, technology is a gift and a curse!) I managed to fumble the tablet thingy – almost lost my details – but hey it was a Contactless check-in/out experience! But the doorman helped, and he seemed genuinely happy to welcome us.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, but Mostly Good
So, my partner uses a wheelchair, so accessibility is HUGE for us. Sellerich mostly delivers. The elevator is essential (duh), and the main areas are definitely navigable. The rooms themselves… well, the one we had wasn’t specifically designed for wheelchair users, but we made it work. The Facilities for disabled guests are there, in principal; the room itself was fine, if a little tight. There were no major problems.
On-Site Grub (and the Endless Buffet
Okay, people, the Dining, drinking, and snacking situation is a vibe. First off, the Breakfast [buffet] is legendary. Forget the Asian breakfast! This place owns the Western spread. I’m talking the desserts in restaurant and the coffee/tea in restaurant are great! The Buffet in restaurant wasn't just about quantity. It was about quality. The Soup in restaurant was always perfect to warm you up from the cold weather. They even had little Individually-wrapped food options, which I loved. Salad in restaurant was a nice healthy choice to have with the Western cuisine in restaurant, and the Desserts in restaurant left you wanting more!
There's a few Restaurants to choose from. The A la carte in restaurant is a good option, but the Alternative meal arrangement and the Breakfast takeaway service is available if you want to eat in your room.
The Poolside bar is genius after you've just been in the Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Bottle of water that they gave you as you arrived was appreciated, and I would be remiss if I didn't give a shoutout to the Room service [24-hour].
Wellness & Relaxation: My Inner Zen Got a Makeover
I'm not a spa person, usually. But this place… it gets to you. The Spa/sauna is phenomenal. I swear, I spent a solid hour in the Sauna, just melting. There's a Pool with view which leaves you feeling at peace (because you're literally looking out from the pool at beautiful scenery) The Steamroom was good, too. I even did a… Body scrub. (Don't tell anyone, but I actually enjoyed it!). The Massagem was worth it, and I ended up really enjoying all of the relaxation opportunities. I can't say I tried the Body wrap, but it's there if you're that way inclined. The Foot bath did sound interesting, but I didn't get around to it. Oh, and they have a Fitness center - Gym/fitness - I'm not sure I saw it.
Rooms: Cozy, with a Few Quirks
Our room (an Exterior corridor room, I think) was pretty spacious and the View was insane. I mean, the kind of place that you can spend all day looking out the Window that opens. Air conditioning was a godsend, and the Blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in. The bed was Extra long - which was perfect for my partner. The Wake-up service was convenient, and the Non-smoking policy was great.
Now, here are the quirks. The bathroom was… a little dated. The Shower water pressure wasn't amazing, and the Additional toilet, while appreciated, was in a slightly awkward spot. But the Bathrobes were fluffy, the Slippers were comfy, and the Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker were always appreciated. Did I mention the mini-bar? Well, don't spend too much time in there, because it can put a dent in the wallet.
Cleanliness & Safety: They Take it Seriously (Thank Goodness!)
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so the Cleanliness and safety were a massive deal. Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays… it felt safe. I loved seeing all the Hand sanitizer stations and the staff wearing face masks. Staff trained in safety protocol, Anti-viral cleaning products… it all contributed to that feeling of security. They even had Hot water linen and laundry washing! They're Hygiene certification is well-earned!
For the Littles (and Big Kids at Heart)
I didn't have my kids with me, but I noticed plenty of Family/child friendly facilities. The Babysitting service is there if you need it. The Kids meal looked decent.
Things to Do (Beyond Napping & Spa-ing)
Okay, so this is where it gets a bit varied. The Things to do are very dependent on the season. In the autumn, they have hiking and biking - but you're in the mountains, so get ready for that. The Things to do, ways to relax are well covered in the hotel.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter The Luggage storage, Dry cleaning, and Laundry service are there to use if you wish. There is Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange if you need it, and Convenience store is on site.
A Few Things That Could Be Better (Because Honesty is Key!)
- Internet: The Internet access – wireless in the rooms was a bit spotty at times Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a slight exaggeration. The Internet itself was generally slow, and the Internet access – LAN was non-existent.
The Verdict: Worth the Trip (With a Few Caveats!)
Look, Escape to Enchanting Sellerich isn't flawless. But its imperfections are what make it charming. It's a place where you can truly escape. It's a place where you can breathe, relax, and reconnect. It’s romantic. It’s family-friendly. It's a little bit of heaven, nestled in the heart of those majestic mountains. Just go… and pack your patience (and maybe an extra charger for your phone).
(Disclaimer: My experience is based on a personal visit, and opinions are entirely my own. Your experience may vary. But, honestly, I think you'll love it.)
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Portuguese Estate Home Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average pristine, bullet-pointed travel itinerary. This is me, in Sellerich, Germany, trying to wrangle a holiday home, a forest, and my own chaotic inner world. Prepare for rambling, opinions, and probably some seriously questionable decisions.
The Sellerich Sauna Saga: A Messy, Emotional Odyssey
Day 1: Arrival - "Oh God, Did I Pack the Right Socks?"
- 14:00 - Flight (or, more accurately, the soul-crushing experience of airport security). Ah, the ritual humiliation of taking off your shoes, spilling your overpriced travel-sized shampoo, and awkwardly clutching your boarding pass as if it were a life raft. Successfully navigated. Found my flight without tripping over my own feet, an accomplishment in and of itself.
- 17:00 - Car Rental Debacle. "Compact car," they said. "Perfect for the winding roads of the Eifel region," they said. Lies! It turns out the "compact car" is closer to a go-kart, and the winding roads are a test of spatial awareness I clearly failed years ago. Several near-misses with oncoming tractors. Mental note: Master reverse parking before the next adventure.
- 19:00 - Sellerich Holiday Home - First Impressions. The house… well, it's got character. Let's call it "rustic charm." The key was hiding in a pot shaped like a gnome, which felt deeply German. The first thing I did? Check to see if the Wi-Fi worked. (It did, hallelujah!) Then I unpacked, which involved a lot of questioning my life choices and the mysterious absence of my favourite comfy sweater.
That Sauna That Almost Didn't Happen…
20:00 - The Sauna Revelation - or, "Where Did I Put the Towels?!" Okay, here's where things get interesting. This holiday home has a sauna. A SAUNA! My inner Viking practically howled with joy. I’d pictured steaming bliss, maybe a light schnapps, definitely some ethereal music. Reality? First, I spent half an hour failing to decipher the German sauna instructions (apparently, "Aufguss" is not a cute woodland creature). Second, I couldn't find my towels. I'm talking a full-blown, panicked search. I turned the place upside down, feeling like a cartoon character. Eventually, I found them. They were, of course, hidden in the most obvious place. Third, the sauna was a bit…temperamental. It took ages to heat up. By the time it was ready, my anticipation was at fever pitch.
21:30 - Sauna Debauchery (and Mild Panic) The moment of truth. Stepping into the sauna felt like entering another dimension. The heat hit me like a wall. My brain felt like it was softening. I poured some water on the stones (Aufguss!). I then did the dumbest thing: I looked at the temperature gauge. It was, like, 90 degrees Celsius. My heart started to thump like a drum solo. I'd read about sauna strokes, you know? A tiny, irrational voice in my head started screaming, "Get out! Get out!" I wanted to experience it with a great appreciation. I forced myself to stay, thinking about the mental health benefits of this sauna.
21:45 - Sauna Surrender. I lasted maybe fifteen minutes. Okay, maybe twelve. I stumbled out, dripping like a melted ice cream cone, and practically dove into a cold shower. I felt…alive. And slightly embarrassed about my lack of sauna stamina.
- 22:00 - Dinner. Eating the local food, even though I'm a terrible cook.
Day 2: Forest Frenzy - "Lost in the Woods (and Loving It)"
- 09:00 - Forest Hike of Wonder. That forest. Oh, the forest. Towering trees, a carpet of moss, sunlight dappling through the leaves… it was like something out of a fairy tale. Except, instead of finding a handsome prince, I found a slightly overgrown path and near-constant bird song. I got genuinely lost. I'm talking full-on, map-in-hand, "where the hell am I?" lost. And you know what? It was glorious. The quiet, the smells, the feeling of being gloriously, beautifully nowhere. My anxieties and worries seemed to dissolve into the air like mist.
- 12:00 - Lunch with a view. Preparing some snacks in the house and take it to the forest.
- 14:00 - Beer and Local Delights in Sellerich Village. Wandering the tiny village. Met a nice fellow at the local pub, shared some tales, and tasted their favorite local brew. It was delightful, the best part was, nobody cared about my poor German.
- 17:00 - The View.
- 18:00 - Dinner. Back in the house, cooking my meal of the day.
Day 3: The Grand Departure - "Goodbye, Gnome"
- 9:00 - Morning Brew. Time to enjoy a morning coffee and review the last two days.
- 12:00 - Last stroll through the forest. A final walk with the forest.
- 15:00 - Heading Back. Final time to pack the car, ready to leave.
Notes from the Field (aka, My Random Thoughts):
- The Germans love bread. Seriously, they may or may not have a bread for every mood.
- I need to learn more German. I can say "thank you" with a modicum of confidence. Everything else is interpretive dance.
- The forest is good for the soul. End of analysis.
- I'm not a sauna master. Not even close. But I'm getting better.
- I would go back. The gnome was a bit unsettling, the sauna a trial, but the forest? Pure, unadulterated magic.
This is how it went, the memories and emotions still fresh. I can't wait to do it once more.
Austrian Alps Sauna Escape: Luxurious Stumm Holiday Flat!
Escape to Enchanting Sellerich: Your Dream Forest Holiday Home Awaits! - ...Or Does It? Your Burning Questions Answered (With a Sprinkle of Real Life)
Okay, so you're thinking about Sellerich, eh? The brochure makes it sound like some sort of woodland utopia – babbling brooks, fairy lights, possibly unicorns. (I’m still holding out hope on the unicorns, to be honest). Let's get real and unravel this whole Sellerich thing. I've been through the wringer (figuratively and, at one point, literally - thanks, rogue puddle!), so I've got some answers for you. Buckle up.
1. What *Actually* is Sellerich like? (Beyond the Photos?)
Alright, let's start with the elephant in the forest (or, you know, a slightly grumpy badger). Sellerich is… well, it's a forest. A *lovely* forest. Think majestic trees, that *smell* - oh, the smell! Fresh, earthy, like a thousand tiny pine needles are high-fiving your nostrils. BUT. And there's always a but, isn't there? You're not just getting a tree hug, you're getting the whole shebang. Dampness. Bugs. The occasional inexplicable sound that has you convinced a werewolf is sharpening its claws outside your window at 3 AM. (That was probably just a squirrel. Probably.)
The photos? They’re… *optimistic*. The brochure showed a pristine, sun-drenched deck. Reality? More like a slightly mildewed deck that’s seen better days. Still, that deck! One glorious afternoon, it was the place I perfected my "doing nothing, just existing" routine (with a book and a questionable amount of cheese). Seriously though, bring bug spray. And maybe a hazmat suit... just kidding (mostly).
2. How Do I Even Get There? (And Will My Car Survive?)
Getting to Sellerich is an adventure in itself. The directions are… well, they're "suggestions," let's put it that way. My GPS gave up the ghost about halfway there. That’s when the real fun began! Winding, pothole-ridden roads. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I lost a hubcap. (Rest in peace, little friend.) If your car’s seen better days… maybe rent something tougher. Or, embrace the spirit of the place and drive a vintage, ridiculously charming Defender. (I saw one. I almost wept.)
Pro-tip: Download offline maps. Because, trust me, your phone service will be about as reliable as a politician's promise. And stock up on snacks! A *massive* detour (thanks to the lack of road signs) landed me in a tiny village with a single, perpetually-closed bakery. Learn from my mistakes, people.
3. What If I'm Completely Useless Outdoorsy? (Me, Basically?)
Listen, I consider "identifying a tree" to be a major accomplishment. If you're not the Bear Grylls type, fear not! Sellerich is still for you. Think of it as a gentle immersion. You can sit on the deck (see above), drink something questionable (like the local wine, which I'm still not sure what it was made of), and listen to the birds (or, let's be honest, the occasional chainsaw). Hiking trails exist, and *are* somewhat marked, but feel free to walk at your own pace, get lost, and blame the map. One of the best days I had was when I ditched the hiking plans, set up a hammock, and basically disappeared into a book for ten hours. Bliss.
You can always hide in the cabin with a good book, that's a perfectly viable option. I did it a lot! Don’t feel pressured to climb a mountain. Although, seeing the sun set *through* the trees from the top of a slight incline was worth the mild sweat. It's supposed to be a *holiday*, after all.
4. The Cabins. Are They Actually Cozy? Or Just "Rustic?"
Okay, this is subjective. "Rustic" often translates to "slightly drafty and has a questionable plumbing system." But, here's the thing: many of the cabins ARE pretty darn cozy. Stone fireplaces, comfy sofas (once I kicked a rather aggressive spider off of mine), wooden beams that smell of… wood. The charm factor is definitely there.
HOWEVER… (yes, another however). Check the listings carefully. Some are newer and more modern. Others are… well, let's call them "vintage." Inspect the photos closely. Read the reviews. Ask about the heating (trust me on this). My first cabin had a fireplace that required a PhD in Fire-Starting. That was a chilly night. But the second was perfect. Warm, inviting, and perfect for curling up with a mug of something that isn't local wine.
5. Food! What About Food? (Because I Can't Live on Badger Berries.)
The nearest supermarket is probably a decent drive. Plan ahead. Pack everything. Seriously, everything. I made the mistake of thinking I could "wing it" on the first trip. I dined on instant noodles for three days. (Not my proudest moment). Stock up on groceries, and get your picnic gear ready. The forest is the perfect backdrop for sandwiches, because when nature isn't trying to kill you, it provides the perfect vibe!
There might be a little village pub that has the basics. (Think hearty, not haute cuisine). And of course, you can always try foraging (if you know what you're doing. Seriously, don't eat random berries. Unless you *like* hospitals.) On my last trip, there was this tiny little shop down the road. Amazing cheese and local baked goods! I may have bought everything. Because hey, holiday calories don't count, right?
6. Is It REALLY Relaxing? Or Just More Work?
This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? It *can* be incredibly relaxing. I'm talking about soul-soothing, recharge-your-batteries kind of relaxing. You can disconnect, breathe in the fresh air, and remember what it’s like to feel *nothing*. It's about shedding that constant stress in your life, and immersing yourself in nature.
However… there's a definite potential for it to be more work. You might have to deal with the aforementioned bugs. The unpredictable weather. The somewhat archaic amenities of the cabin. The fact that your phone will inevitably lose signal at the worst possible moment. (My boss, a great person, was completely unreachable.) But, if you embrace the chaos, learn to laugh at the imperfections, and accept that things won’t always go to plan – it can be a genuinely restorative experience.
And the squirrels! Seriously, watch out for those squirrels. They're evil. (Just kidding... mostly.)
Comfort Inn
