Belgian Paradise: Private Pool & Deer Park Await Your Family!
Belgian Paradise: My Family's Wild Weekend (and Why I Need a Vacation from the Vacation!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. I'm back from "Belgian Paradise" – and let me tell you, paradise is a relative term when you're wrangling three kids and trying to remember where you parked the car full of snacks. But hey, I promised you an honest review, and honest I shall be. This place… well, it was an experience. Let's break it down, shall we? And forgive me, this might jump around a bit. My head still hasn't fully defrosted from the Belgian waffles.
Accessibility: Okay, so I’m not sure I’m the best judge here, not having any mobility issues myself. But from what I could see, they ticked the boxes. An elevator (a lifesaver with all those suitcases!), facilities for disabled guests listed and everything seemed pretty level. Plus, 24-hour front desk, always a plus when you're wandering around at 3 AM, wondering if you actually locked the door. (Spoiler alert: you probably didn't).
Cleanliness and Safety (Covid Era - Ugh!): My inner germaphobe was on high alert, naturally. I mean, we’re still living through this pandemic, right? They seemed to take things seriously. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere (thank god), staff wearing masks, that anti-viral cleaning stuff smell that’s so strong you can practically taste it, and they even offered the option to opt-out of room service. That last one was a selling point. I’m all about minimal interaction, especially when I'm wearing my pajamas. They claimed daily disinfection in common areas, but I confess, I didn't exactly stick around to witness it with my own eyes. I was too busy chasing monkeys around the (extremely clean) indoor pool. Also, the sanitizing of the kitchen stuff was nice to know.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet Battle Royale! The food! Oh, the food! Let's start with the breakfast buffet. It was… well, vast. A glorious, overwhelming array of choices: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, everything in between. I'm talking waffles, Belgian waffles, the kind that make you want to move to Belgium and become a professional waffle consumer. And the coffee? Strong enough to jumpstart a dying racehorse. My kids, however, were fixated only on the sugary cereals and… well, let’s just say the buffet resembled a small tornado within minutes of opening. The staff seemed used to it though, which is highly comforting lol. The place also had a restaurant open for a la carte meals. I thought, "this is perfect." But after the buffet, anything else just seems… less.
The poolside bar was a saving grace. Seriously. Cold beer, quick service, and a stunning view (more on that later). The pool itself might have been better than the buffet.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Sauna to Serenity…ish? Now, the selling point: the private pool. And yeah, it was as good as it sounds. Lush, private, and… well, let’s be honest, the kids spent most of the time splashing each other and reenacting scenes from Finding Nemo. But occasionally, when the stars aligned, I managed to enjoy a few glorious moments of peace, gazing at that pool with a view. The sauna, the spa, the steamroom… all tantalizing promises of relaxation. I didn’t get around to using them, busy as I was, but the idea of a sauna was soothing enough, while I was trying to find some peace. There was also a fitness center, a total waste of my time, but I'm sure some people loved it.
The "Fitness Center" was calling to me. But then I remembered, I was on vacation. So my workout involved hauling luggage, chasing small humans, and negotiating snack distribution. That would be my workout for the next week.
For the Kids: Chaos, Mayhem, and the Occasional Squeal of Delight! This place is definitely family/child friendly. Babysitting service? Check. Kids’ meals? Check. Dedicated kids' facilities? Nope. But again, the pool was pretty much enough for our kids. They were in heaven. The deer park was even more of a hit, although I'm pretty sure my oldest is now convinced he's a deer whisperer.
Things That Annoyed Me (Because Honesty!):
- The "Internet": Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! My life! But the "sometimes the internet works" internet. I'm not sure what happened, but it was a struggle. I could not even watch a show.
- The "Room Decorations": It was fine, but basic. I guess you are not paying much attention in a place like this.
- The Price: It was on the pricier side. But, you're paying for the private pool and a chance to actually switch off and calm down.
- The Constant Noise: The problem with a place that's family-friendly is that it's noisy. Screaming kids, doors slamming, a general hum of activity. I wanted silence.
- Did I mention packing and unpacking?
The Upsides (Because I Do Like to be Fair):
- The Deer Park: Seriously stunning. Wild, lovely. Magical.
- The Pool: Yes, the pool again. It's that good.
- The Staff: The staff were really, really lovely. Always smiling, always helpful, They seemed to understand the chaos of families.
- The Vibe: It's a relaxing place. The views are amazing.
Rooms, Rooms, Everywhere: As the review states above, I was focused on the pool area. The rooms were your usual fancy type with a few things to note. Air conditioning was a godsend. The high floor was nice, as you can see the views. The private bathrooms were fine. Each room had a desk, which was helpful, when I wanted to catch up with work, and a shower, which was very important.
Random Quirks & Observations:
- They had a shrine. I have no idea why.
- The "happy hour" was less "happy" and more "slightly less expensive drinks."
- I saw a couple of people who appeared to be on a proposal spot.
- We forgot our toothbrushes
Getting Around:
- The airport transfer was good.
- The car park [free of charge].
- There was a Taxi service.
The Verdict:
Would I go back? Probably. Despite the meltdowns, the chaos, and the occasional urge to hide in a cupboard with a bottle of wine, there were enough moments of genuine relaxation to make it worthwhile. And that private pool? Absolutely worth it. Just remember to pack earplugs, a sense of humor, and maybe, just maybe, a personal masseuse.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Cottage Awaits in Lake Waimes, Belgium!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, slightly chaotic, and probably stain-marked (because, kids) world of… Houffalize, Belgium! Specifically, in a holiday home, with a private pool, and – the kicker – near a deer park. This is going to be a trip. Prepare for the mess.
The Great Houffalize Holiday: A Messy, Honest Itinerary (Subject to Change, Possibly Hourly)
Day 1: Arrival, Disbelief, and Questionable Beer Choices
Morning (8:00 AM - Uh, Whenever We're Actually Ready): The "Departure Panic" commences. Screaming kids, forgotten passports (always!), and the frantic hunt for the goddamn phone charger that, I swear, was RIGHT HERE five minutes ago. Packing is a performance art of Tetris and sheer, unadulterated stress. Finally, after guzzling coffee like it's water and yelling at a stray suitcase, we’re off.
Afternoon (Post-Travel Trauma): Drive to Houffalize. It's long, I tell you, long. Arguments about the radio station, the inevitable kid vomiting (always!), and the sinking dread that you've forgotten something crucial. We arrive. And…Wow. The holiday home is actually… real! And the pool looks… bigger than expected! Pure, unadulterated joy. Until we realize the keys are missing from the information pack. I'm already envisioning a stay in a roadside motel. But no, the owners are super nice. They show up and hand us the keys. Disaster averted for today!
Evening (Beer, BBQ, and the Deer Park Dilemma): Unpack. Get the kids into swimwear. Figure out the pool filter (probably wrong). Beer. Ah, Belgian beer. Starting with a "Dubbel" (delicious) and then… well, the "Tripel" kicked in a bit later. Maybe too later. We fire up the BBQ (slightly charred, but hey, we're trying!) and, and there is a massive power cut. I am seriously losing it, but the kids, they see this as an adventure. Well, at least their lack of phone chargers will force some conversation, which I did not expect. So maybe this is a win. Finally the power came back.
Day 2: Poolside Paradise (Mostly), and the Deer Park Chase (Maybe Not)
- Morning (The Hangover, the Kids, and the Chlorine): Miserable. The Tripel has turned on me. The kids are bouncing off the walls. The pool is calling, but I’m pretty sure my head would explode. Coffee, copious amounts of it, are required. We spend hours in the pool, which is as it should be. We are seriously sunburnt.
- Afternoon (The Deer Park: A Romantic Illusion?): The Deer Park. Sounds lovely, right? Like, Bambi frolicking through dappled sunlight? Wrong, wrong, wrong. This is a real park. The deer are actually wary, and mostly hide. The kids are bored. I am slightly terrified of the signs about wild boar. Picture this: a sweaty, slightly grumpy dad, desperately trying to entertain two underwhelmed offspring whilst simultaneously dodging the (potentially) dangerous wildlife. It's not pretty.
- Evening (Games, Pizza, and the "Almost Burn Down the Kitchen" Incident): Pizza night! (Frozen, obviously. Who has time for homemade pizza on holiday?) Games. Laughter. And then…. the smoke alarm. I may or may not have left the pizza in the oven for approximately 15 minutes too long. The house still stands. We consider it a victory.
Day 3: Adventure, Caves, and the "I Lost My Sunglasses" Melodrama
- Morning (The Spa Experience): Relax at home, the house pool. The Spa, is a short drive. We decided to go there so we could relax and get ready for the rest of the week
- Afternoon 4.00 P.M. (The Bastogne War Museum): The Bastogne War Museum is a war museum. I didn't really understand it, but the kids were entertained. I am now thinking of a trip to the sea, if the kids will let it.
- Evening (Back Home, Pool, Lights, and BBQ): Back to the house. We are ready for a BBQ, but the wind is blowing hard and the fire is hard to get going. Eventually we succeded. After, the kids asked if can play the pool under the night lights. It was great, we all really had fun this day, the best day ever.
Day 4: Relaxation and Planning
- Morning: Relaxation time! Sleeping, taking a long shower. Cleaning the house. I am starting to love this house.
- Afternoon: We have a meeting together. Lets talk about some places we could visit next time. The kids told about a park we should visit, and I think that it's a great idea.
- Evening: We did what we always do on evenings. BBQ, Pool, Drinks, and the kids dancing on the karaoke, it was hilarious.
Day 5: Departure (Probably with Tears)
- Morning (The Post-Holiday Depression Begins): The dreaded packing. The final splash in the pool. The heartbreaking realization that the holiday is almost over.
- Afternoon (The Drive Home): The long drive. Car snacks (mostly crumbs). Radio arguments re-emerge. The kids are silent. I think that we had the best time ever.
The End?
And there you have it. A taste of the Houffalize holiday experience. It's not perfect. It's messy. It's chaotic. It's probably going to leave me exhausted. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Except maybe a fully stocked bar. And a chauffeur. And… oh hell, let's just say it was (mostly) brilliant.
P.S. I'm pretty sure I lost my sunglasses. And possibly my sanity. But the memories? Priceless. Except for the beer bill. That's definitely… painful.
Escape to Austria's Alps: Stunning Studio Apartment on Lake Turrach!
Belgian Paradise: Let's Get Real (and Possibly a Little Messy) About That Private Pool & Deer Park!
Okay, the pool... is it *actually* as dreamy as it looks in the photos? 'Cause, you know... Photoshop.
Alright, let's talk pool. Look, the pictures? They *are* pretty. Like, Instagram-worthy "look at me, I’m living my best life" worthy. And yeah... it *is* a lovely pool. But here's the real tea: the water? Brrr. It's Belgium. Even in supposedly "sunny" July, that water will shock you awake. My kids, bless their hearts, lasted approximately 17 minutes before declaring they were "turning into human ice cubes" and begging for towels. And the *wind*! Oh, the wind. You’ll be battling rogue pool noodles all day.
My advice: Bring a wetsuit (kidding... mostly). Definitely bring *loads* of fluffy towels and maybe a hot tub budget you don't actually have for afterward. And lower your expectations for endless, sun-drenched lounging. Think more "refreshing dip followed by shivering and hot chocolate." Honestly? It's still a beautiful spot. Just...realistically beautiful.
The Deer Park! Does it involve, like, actual deer? Can my kids pet them? (Because, let's be honest, that's what they *really* want to know.)
Yes, there are deer! (Phew!) And yes, they are mostly *actual* deer. You know, the brown, four-legged kind. Now, can your kids *pet* them? Well… maybe. It depends on your definition of "pet." My experience? The deer are generally quite shy. They tend to stand a good distance away, assessing the situation with those big, soulful eyes. My son, bless his heart, tried to sneak up on one, armed with a carrot. Result? The deer bolted. He cried. I had to explain to him that, sometimes, even the most charming carrot-wielding strategy fails in wildlife encounters.
Expectation management alert: Think less "Bambi petting zoo" and more "observing majestic creatures from afar." Bring binoculars! And maybe a backup carrot for the inevitable tears. And sunscreen. Always sunscreen. (I learned that the hard way. My shoulders still bear witness.)
What's the vibe like? Is it a relaxing escape or more of a family-chaos-fest?
It's... a mix. A beautiful, often hilarious, sometimes slightly stressful mix. It *can* be relaxing. (I managed to sneak in a solid 20 minutes of book reading while basking in the non-existent sunshine, once… before a screaming match about who got the last biscuit erupted.) The property is stunning - gorgeous views, tons of space. Even the house is cozy. But with kids? Let's just say that the "peaceful retreat" aspect is… somewhat dependent on the age and mood of your offspring.
Prepare for: Kids running wild, spontaneous water fights (thanks, the pool!), requests for snacks every five minutes, and the occasional existential crisis (mine, usually, brought on by the sudden realization that I hadn't showered in two days and the deer were judging me). But mostly, it's good. Really good. The memories? Priceless. The laundry? A nightmare.
Is it easy to find? I have a terrible sense of direction. And what's the deal with groceries?
Finding it? Okay, so my wife is the navigator in our marriage. I'm more of a "point and ask, are we there yet?" type. But even *I* managed to get us there, eventually. Just follow the directions carefully. The last stretch is a bit winding, and it feels like you’re driving down a secret passage to a hidden world. Which, honestly, kind of it is.
Groceries? Ah, yes. The grocery run. Plan ahead! There's a supermarket a reasonable drive away, but you don't want to spend half your trip in a supermarket. Bring basics with you, enough to get you started, and then a good supply of snacks. Trust me on the snacks. Happy kids = happy adults. And you may want an extra bag of chips and snacks. And maybe two cases of beer. Just in case. The last thing you want is to drive again to the nearest supermarket.
What sort of activities are there, besides hoping the deer come close, and shivering in the pool?
Okay, so, activities. Besides freezing your rear in the pool and hoping to catch a glimpse of a deer? The countryside is beautiful, and you can cycle around, hike (there are some pretty amazing trails close by), or visit nearby towns. There's a barbeque grill, which is great if you're a fan of charred meat (I am). But most importantly, there's the house itself, which is gorgeous. Seriously, it's warm, and big, and lovely. You can spend hours in there playing board games, reading, or just relaxing. Or the kids can make a Lego volcano on the floor.
Honestly, my family wanted to go to a theme park, and that was a total disaster. Let me tell you. We went to one and it was a mess. The traffic, the queues, the price of a burger... I was about to quit. So, Belgian Paradise, it's also a good excuse to *not* go to these places.
I need to know about the kitchen! Is it well-equipped? Because a poorly-equipped kitchen is my nemesis.
The kitchen. Ah, the heart of the holiday (for me, at least!). Is it well-equipped? Yes! It boasts all the usual suspects: fridge, oven, microwave, coffeemaker (essential for this tired parent!). Pots, pans, cutlery, plates - all there. There's even a dishwasher, which is a gift from the gods.
I brought my favorite chef knives. You know, the real deal. Just in case. I recommend bringing a good knife, and, most importantly, a bottle opener. You do *not* want to be stuck with unopened beers and a bottle of wine. And definitely bring some good coffee beans.
