Escape to Paradise: Your Own Private Pool & Cottage in Provence!
Escape to Paradise: Provence Edition - My Messy, Wonderful Reality Check! (and a Whole Lot of Pool)
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Escape to Paradise: Your Own Private Pool & Cottage in Provence, and let me tell you… it was an experience. Forget polished travel brochures, this is the REAL DEAL. And by real, I mean messy, beautiful, slightly annoying, and utterly unforgettable. Let's dive in, shall we? (Pun intended, because, well, pool!)
Accessibility: The Good, The Bad, and the… Well, Mostly Good.
Listen, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I'm always mindful of accessibility. The website claimed facilities for disabled guests. Now, I didn't exactly go poking around with a tape measure, but I saw an elevator (victory!), access was generally pretty good, especially around the main pool (more on that later!). The cottage itself seemed pretty straightforward too – no crazy stairs or wonky thresholds. So, a thumbs up from this slightly paranoid-about-accessibility traveler. However, always double-check if you have specific needs. Don't just take my word for it!
On-Site Restaurants & Lounges & Eating My Weight in Croissants (and Possibly Regret?)
Alright, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, that's a huge part of the Provence experience, right? I'm a fan of "research" (read: eating everything).
- Restaurants: The main restaurant offered a mix of French and international cuisines. They had an "A la carte" menu, and honestly, some of the dishes were truly divine. I'm still dreaming about the bouillabaisse. But, and this is a big but, the pacing was… let’s just say "relaxed." You'll get used to it (eventually). They had Asian breakfast (I only saw the buffet, though), Western options and a veggie restaurant.
- Coffee Shop: The coffee was a lifesaver. Need I say more?
- Poolside Bar: Yeah, it was glorious. Picture this: sun beating down, a turquoise pool twinkling, and a perfectly chilled rosé in hand. Pure. Bliss. They had snacks, too. But the best thing? They were attentive. You didn't have to flag someone down for an hour. They knew you were thirsty. That, my friends, is a luxury.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Oh. My. God. The pastries! Croissants bursting with buttery goodness, pain au chocolat that practically melted in your mouth. I may or may not have eaten enough to fuel a small army. They had a "Breakfast takeaway service" if you were feeling particularly ambitious about your day.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Score! Because sometimes you just need fries at 2 AM. Or, you know, a glass of wine.
Wheelchair Accessible?: See Above!
As mentioned before, yes to generally accessible.
Internet: A Mixed Bag… But the Wi-Fi in My Room Was a Godsend (Thank God!)
Okay, let's be honest. Internet in Provence can be… temperamental. They offered "Internet," "Internet [LAN]," and "Internet services." The Wi-Fi in the public areas? Spotty. Sometimes, it worked; sometimes, it acted like it was dial-up in the 90s. But the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – that was a lifesaver. I could actually work (shudder) and stream my shows. So, pack your patience, but know you're covered in your private oasis.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Pool. The Pool. Did I Mention the Pool?
Okay, I'm going to get personal for a moment. My life is a tornado of deadlines and commitments. This place? This place was my escape hatch. And it all revolved around… THE POOL.
- The Pool with a View: Seriously. The pool itself was gorgeous, sparkling, and the water was a delightful temperature. It had a view out to rolling hills – the stuff of postcards. I literally spent hours just floating, staring at the sky, and letting the sun bake away all my anxieties. They offered a poolside bar (I mentioned that, right?).
- Spa & Spa/sauna & Sauna & Steamroom: Okay, so I'm not a big spa person. I'm more of a "sweat it out" type. They had the whole shebang.
- Massage: I did treat myself to a massage. And let me tell you, after all that croissant consumption, it was necessary. The therapist was fantastic (thanks, Sarah, wherever you are!). It eased all my knots, I felt more relaxed than I have in years.
- Gym/fitness: I didn't go. I may have been too busy swimming and eating. (Priorities, people!)
- Body scrub & Body wrap: Didn't partake. See above. But tempted
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
In this crazy, crazy world, safety is important. Here's what I observed:
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Well, it felt clean. My room was sparkling. I assume they're taking care of things.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I saw staff cleaning constantly.
- Hand sanitizer: Available everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed like they knew what they were doing.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: My room was clean. I may have found some stray hair but I'm sure they cleaned thoroughly.
- Cashless payment service: Good for convenience, and slightly terrifying for my wallet!
- Anti-viral cleaning products: (Trust me on this one, I used them!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Live, Eat, Repeat (and Maybe Regret)
I've already covered the restaurants and bar (see above) but let's recap:
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential.
- Happy hour: Always a good idea.
- Bottle of water: Hydrate, friends! Free bottled water was a small but much appreciated touch.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh, the desserts! Just… yes.
- Snack bar: A lifesaver for those between-meal cravings.
- Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant: A token nod to health… which I may have ignored.
Services and Conveniences: A Little Bit of Everything
This place had stuff. A lot of it.
- Air conditioning in public area: Thank goodness. Provence is HOT.
- Concierge: Helpful, but sometimes a little… French. (You know, the charming but mildly exasperating kind).
- Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal: Handy.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless. Amazing.
- Doorman: Made me feel fancy.
- Gift/souvenir shop: I bought a lavender sachet. Don't judge.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: Useful if you needed to freshen up your holiday wardrobe.
- Luggage storage: Helpful on arrival and departure day.
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
For the Kids: Family/child friendly… maybe?
While I didn't see any screaming toddlers, they offered babysitting, kids' meals, and some kid facilities.
Access & Safety & Security: All the Usual Suspects
- CCTV: Cameras everywhere, which made me feel safer.
- Security [24-hour]: Always a plus.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms: Basic safety stuff.
- Non-smoking rooms: Good for those of us who don't smoke.
Getting Around: Car is King
- Airport transfer: You'll need it! Book ahead… or be stranded in the French countryside.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: A car is pretty essential to explore the area. Parking was easy.
- Taxi service: Also available, as you'd expect.
Available in All Rooms: The Comforts (and a Few Quirks)
- Air conditioning Life-saver.
- Free Wi-Fi A godsend.
- Daily housekeeping - Made me feel like I was better than I am.
- Additional toilet, Additional toilet - Always appreciated!
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Nice touches.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea - Caffeine is important.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: If you have to work.
- Extra long bed: Comfortable!
- Fridge: Excellent for storing wine.
- **In-room
Alright, buckle up buttercups! 'Cause this isn't just a travel itinerary, it's a goddamn archaeological dig – a deep dive into the messy, glorious heart of my trip to that dreamy cottage in Oppede. And let me tell you, France, specifically Provence, will either break you or make you. Prepare for both.
The Oppede Odyssey: A Slightly Chaotic Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the "Almost Burn Down the Kitchen" Incident (aka, Welcome to France!)
- Morning (aka, the "Where's My Luggage?" Phase): Arrive at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). Pray to whatever god you believe in your checked bag made the flight. Rambling thought: Should have packed a toothbrush in my carry-on. Note to self for next time.
- Afternoon (aka, Hitting the Road): Rent the car. It's supposed to be automatic… but something is off with the clutch. Driving in France: It's like a video game, only with more aggressive roundabouts and less "lives." Found the cottage! Gorgeous. The pool already looks inviting. Actually the only thing inviting after the drive. Interior, even better. Now to unpack. Also some basic groceries and supplies.
- Evening (aka, the "Culinary Near-Disaster"): Attempt to cook dinner. Let's just say Gordon Ramsay would weep. I swear the recipe said "a pinch of herbs." I used a "mountain" of herbs. The smoke alarm nearly gave me a heart attack. French cheese, bread, and wine? Absolutely perfect. The dinner? An experience.
Day 2: Gordes, Ghosts, and Glorious Sunsets - The "Lost in Translation" Edition.
- Morning (aka, The "I Think I'm Getting the Hang of This" Driving Phase): Drive to Gordes, because, you have to. Perched high on a hill, it's all cobbled streets and postcard views. The locals seem unimpressed. I'm trying to find a cafe. I'm sure they are snickering at my terrible french. I just went in a store and tried to ask for a coffee with milk… it came out a mangled mess of words.
- Afternoon (aka, Artistic Appreciation and a Near-Miss with a Donkey): Visit the Sénanque Abbey. And try to find a lavender field (seasonal, I realize). Walk in the gorgeous setting. I also encountered a donkey on the road. He stared at me. I think he wanted a carrot. I had none. We both looked disappointed.
- Evening (aka, The "Sunset That Made Me Cry" Moment): Find a viewpoint. Gaze at the sunset. Watch the light paint the valley. Realize how insignificant all my daily stresses are. I'm a sucker for a good sunset. And this one was epic. Maybe that's the wine, though.
Day 3: Wine Tasting, Wandering, and the "Accidental Olive Purchase"
- Morning (aka, Wine Time!): Head to a winery in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Sample the wines. Feel slightly tipsy. (Hey, I'm on vacation!). Start to understand why people rave about French wine. Rambling thought: I should bring a case back… though my carry-on would explode.
- Afternoon (aka, Walking and Wondering): Wander through the town of Lourmarin. It's another pretty village. Discover a charming bookstore. Buy a book I probably won't read. I love the idea more than the action. Wander. Relax. Enjoy the feeling of… not having a to-do list.
- Evening (aka, Olive Oil Overload): Visit the local market. Accidentally end up buying like, 3 kilos of olives. "Just a few" turned into a culinary commitment. My baggage allowance is officially toast. But hey, you can't have too many olives, right?
Day 4: Avignon, Art, and the "My Feet Hurt" Award
- Morning (aka, History Hangovers): Day trip to Avignon. Climb the Palais des Papes. Try to imagine all the dramas that went down there. It’s massive. Now I'm hungry.
- Afternoon (aka, The Pont d'Avignon Dilemma): Walk across the famous bridge. Learn the song ("Sur le pont d'Avignon…"). Get my feet to be throbbing. Quirky observation: The bridge is smaller than I imagined. And yet, it's iconic.
- Evening (aka, Aching Feet and Dinner): Find a restaurant, hopefully one that doesn't require a PhD in French. Eat way too much. Collapse in bed. My feet are officially rebelling. This is the price you pay for adventure, I think.
Day 5: Relaxation Day, Pool Time and A Moment of Pure Bliss
- Basically, the whole day: Okay, so I dedicated an entire day of the trip to doing absolutely nothing. Well, maybe not nothing. Mostly, I did a whole lot of swimming. Lounging by the pool at noon. Reading. Napping in the sun. Strong Emotional Reaction - This is what dreams are made of! A little bit of journaling, making sure I did not get sun burnt, and enjoyed the moment. Messy structure and occasional rambles I remember seeing a dragonfly by the pool, and I wondered what it might be thinking. I watched the clouds. I felt pure bliss.
Day 6: The "Almost Missed My Plane" Frenzy (aka, Reality Bites)
- Morning (aka, Panicked Packing and Farewell Tears): Final morning. Wake up, realize I haven't packed. Ever. Scramble. Pack. Curse myself for buying that extra bottle of wine. Feel the weight of leaving. The clock ticked, the anxiety mounting.
- Afternoon (aka, The Speeding Ticket Scare): Rush to the airport. Get lost (naturally). Get a slight speeding ticket. Pray to the travel gods. Rambling thought: Next time, I'm leaving way earlier.
- Evening (aka, The "Goodbye France" Sigh): Board the plane. Look out the window. Take one last look at the beautiful scenery. Promise myself I'll be back. Maybe next time I'll learn some French. Maybe not.
Post-Trip: I will unpack all of the stuff I got, and look at the photos I took. I will be smiling and remember.
In Conclusion: This trip was not perfect. It was messy, sometimes stressful, and I definitely made a complete fool of myself more than once. But it was mine. And I loved every ridiculous second of it. Oppede, you beautiful, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable place. I will return, and I will get that donkey a carrot. Eventually.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Seafront Villa in Hippolytushoef, Netherlands!
Escape to Paradise: Your Own Private Pool & Cottage in Provence! - FAQ (Because Let's Be Honest, You Have Questions)
Okay, so "Paradise" - is it actually paradise? Because I've seen some photos...
Alright, let's be real. "Paradise" is a loaded word. And yes, the photos? Filtered a little (shhh, don't tell!). But look, *mostly*? YES. It's pretty darn close. Imagine this: You wake up, sun streaming through the shutters, birds chirping… no, not *just* chirping, a full-on avian concerto. You stumble out, hair a mess (because you're on vacation, duh), and BAM! Private pool shimmering, fields of lavender flirting in the breeze. The air smells like... well, *Provence*. It's a sensory overload, in the best way possible. I once actually cried – not from sadness! – but from pure, unadulterated joy the first morning. It was just... *too* much beauty. Don't expect a perfectly manicured garden, though. There's charm in a little bit of wild-ness. Let's call it "rustic elegance."
What's the deal with the pool? Because "private" sounds amazing. Is it *really* private? Can I skinny dip? (Asking for a friend...)
The pool is the HEART. Seriously. It's the reason you book this place. And yes, it's REALLY private. Like, no nosey neighbors peering over the fence (thank goodness!). You've got the whole glorious sparkling thing to yourself. Skinny dipping? Listen, I’m not judging. (Okay, maybe a little. I’m British, after all). But yes, the answer is basically YES. Do it. Live a little! Just maybe check for tiny, possibly aggressive, frogs before you dive in. I haven't personally seen them, but I've heard whispers... And for the love of all things holy, don't forget the sunscreen. Sunburn + Provence = not a good combo. Trust me on this one. I learned the hard way (and looked like a lobster for a week).
The cottage… is it actually *liveable*? I've stayed in some "charming" places before that were more "haunted dollhouse" than comfortable.
Right, okay, so the cottage... It's not the Ritz. It's not going to have all the mod cons of a brand new place. But it's charming AF (as the kids say, right?). It’s genuinely cozy. Think, exposed beams, a fireplace (perfect for those slightly chilly evenings in early spring/late autumn), and a kitchen that, while not enormous, has everything you need to whip up a proper French feast. Okay, maybe not a feast. I, personally, burnt the first few croissants I attempted. But the bread from the local boulangerie? Absolute perfection. And the cottage itself? It's got character, a history... It just *feels* lived in, not just for show. And the bed? Bliss. I slept like a log (after a couple of glasses of rosé, naturally). Just be prepared for the occasional spider. It's Provence, people! Nature is invited.
Food. Wine. Tell me EVERYTHING about the food and wine. Because that's basically the main reason I'm going, isn't it?
Oh, honey. You're speaking my language. The food is… well, it's the reason I booked it a second and third time. The markets! The *markets*! Picture this: rows and rows of glistening olives, sun-ripened tomatoes bursting with flavour, fragrant herbs, and the most beautiful cheeses you've ever seen. Seriously, I spent a solid hour just *staring* at the cheese selection one time. And the wine... Oh, the wine! Rosé flows like water (and should, frankly, on a hot day). The reds are incredible, full-bodied, and completely intoxicating (literally and figuratively). Get yourself to a local vineyard. Do a wine tasting. Buy ALL the bottles. I recommend the Côtes de Provence rosé. Trust me, it's life-changing. And the food? Simple, flavorful, fresh... a tomato and mozzarella salad after a day in the sun? Pure heaven. I once tried to recreate a ratatouille I had in a tiny village restaurant and it was an *abysmal* failure. But the effort? Worth it. The taste? Less so.
Are there any shops nearby? Because I can't survive on just wine and cheese (though I'd give it a good shot).
Yep! There are little villages scattered around, all within a short drive. You'll find boulangeries (hello, fresh bread!), little grocery stores for the essentials, and, if you're lucky, a quirky little boutique or two. Remember, you're not in a bustling metropolis; you're in the heart of Provence. So, embrace the slower pace of life. Don't expect everything to be open all the time. It's the charm, you know? Honestly, I actually *prefer* it. Less frantic, more… well, more *Provence*. Just plan ahead and don't leave that crucial baguette run until the last minute, because... well, that's how you end up with sad little stale breadsticks. Which happened to me more than once! Oops. But even the stale breadsticks… they're better in Provence.
What's the weather like? I'm envisioning sunshine and perfect temperatures, but I'm also a realist.
Sunshine? Oh, you betcha. Provence is known for its glorious sunshine. During the summer months (June-August), expect it to be hot and sunny. Like, *really* hot. Prepare for it! Think hats, sunscreen, and copious amounts of rosé by the pool. Spring and autumn are the sweet spots. The temps are milder, the crowds are thinner, and the scenery is just… *chef's kiss*. But! Do pack for all eventualities. Rain is a possibility, though rare. And evenings can get surprisingly chilly, even in summer. I made the mistake of not packing a sweater once and ended up wearing my (admittedly stylish) bath towel around the cottage for the first few nights. Lesson learned. And be prepared for the Mistral wind – it can really whip up! The wind can be a blessing (it provides a nice cool breeze in the heat) or a curse (it can make you feel like you're constantly wrestling your hair!). Embrace the unpredictable beauty of it all. That, my friends, is the essence of Provence.
Is there Wi-Fi? Because I'm going to be honest, I need to check my emails... but I also want to disconnect. The struggle is real.
Yes, there *is* Wi-Fi. But, listen. You *must* make an effort to unplug. Seriously. I know, I know, we all say it, but trust me on this one. The beauty of this place is the escape. The peace. The quiet. Put your phone away. Close your laptop.Hotel For Travelers
