Benidorm Bliss: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits (Costa Blanca Escape!)
Benidorm Bliss: Don't Let the Name Fool You (Costa Blanca Escape - Maybe?) - An Utterly Unfiltered Review
Okay, so "Benidorm Bliss"? That's a bold claim, right? Like, bliss in Benidorm conjures images of sunburned Brits desperately trying to find the last Full English before the market closes. But, hey, Belvilla promises a "dream Costa Blanca Escape!" So, naturally, I packed my bags (and a healthy dose of skepticism) and dove headfirst into this Benidorm adventure. Let's be honest, the sheer volume of stuff this place claims to offer is intimidating. Buckle up, because this is gonna be a long one. I'm diving in headfirst.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Sadly:
Alright, let's be real, accessibility is hugely important, and frankly, this is where my rose-tinted glasses started to fog over a little. The listing claims "Facilities for disabled guests" and offers an Elevator which is a good start. But without any more info, it feels like a half-hearted effort, and you just know that "facilities" could mean anything from a slightly wider doorway to a full-blown accessible oasis. More transparency and detailed descriptions are absolutely needed here, Belvilla. It's 2024, and accessibility is not a fad!
Getting Around (and the Annoying Little Hiccups):
- Airport Transfer: Yes, they offer one, which is a massive plus. Saves you the stress. But be very specific about pick-up times; they’re not always on the ball. I might have spent a slightly panicked hour pacing outside the airport. Just a thought: maybe a sign with my name on it next time?
- Car Park [free of charge]: Score! Free parking is always welcome, especially when you're trying to find a place to park after a long flight. The on-site car park was easy enough to find.
- Car park [on-site]: Helpful! But be prepared to battle for a spot if you arrive late.
- Taxi service: Available, which is good, especially if you like to party a bit.
- Valet parking: Nope. Not here. Which, you know, is fine. I'm perfectly capable of parking my own car. Though by the end of the trip, my parking skills felt like a masterclass in Tetris.
Room Rundown: Pretty Good, But…
Okay, the rooms. This is where things got interesting. In theory, the "Available in all rooms" list is impressive. But let's break it down:
- Air conditioning: Lifesaver. Absolutely essential in the Spanish summer.
- Alarm clock: Useful, but I used my phone - because, ya know, modern times and all that.
- Bathrobes: Nice touch. Felt a bit like a celebrity.
- Bathtub: Yes! Great for a luxurious, long soak after a day of sunbathing.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for beating the Spanish sun's morning assault.
- Carpeting: Meh. I prefer tiled floors, but it's not a deal-breaker.
- Closet: Plenty of storage space.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: I live on coffee. This made my morning.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always spotless, and the staff were lovely.
- Desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, Hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available: The basics, pretty much.
- Internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linen, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom: Standard stuff, but all good.
- Reading light: Essential for late-night bookworms (like me!).
- Refrigerator: Key for keeping those sangrias chilled.
- 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. All pretty much what you expect.
The "But" Moment:
- The "Extra Long Bed" didn't quite feel extra-long. It's like they stretched it a little but didn't go all the way. Still comfy, but if you’re over six foot, you might feel the squeeze.
- Soundproofing: Not perfect. I could occasionally hear the neighbors, which is always a bit awkward. Especially when they are clearly practicing their karaoke.
Dining, Drinking and Snacking – The Fun Stuff:
This is where Benidorm really shines, right? Well, let’s see:
- Restaurants (plural!): Good start.
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Holy moly. That's a lot of options.
- The Buffet: I might have gone a little crazy at the buffet. It was a good buffet. They have a variety of dishes. It’s a great way to start the day.
- Poolside bar: Essential. Sipping a cocktail by the pool is the definition of a vacation.
- Room Service: Fantastic for those lazy, don't-want-to-leave-the-room kind of days. I ordered pizza… twice. No regrets. You can even get your breakfast delivered!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Promises, Promises!
Alright, the spa. Now, this, my friends, is where the "Bliss" of "Benidorm Bliss" could come into play. Here's what's offered:
- Body scrub, body wrap, fitness center, foot bath, gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. A long list, a very tempting list.
- The Spa: The spa itself was amazing, a total oasis of calm. The massage was heaven. The outdoor pool had an excellent view, and it was the perfect place to unwind. The sauna? Pure bliss.
- The Fitness Center: I did use it… once. Maybe twice. It's there if you're that kind of person.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Important Bits
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, 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, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Seems they are taking safety seriously. It’s a definite plus and it makes you feel safer.
Services and Conveniences – Useful Stuff:
- Air conditioning in public area: Necessary.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Didn't see any, but good to know!
- Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, 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. A truly comprehensive list of amenities.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. Great for families.
The Nitty Gritty – Security and Other Details
- Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
The Verdict: Benidorm Bliss? Kind Of…
So, did I find "Benidorm Bliss"? Well, it wasn't quite the unadulterated nirvana I had envisioned. There were the minor hiccups, the occasionally less-than-perfect experience, and the feeling that accessibility could be significantly improved.
But, the good stuff massively outweighed the bad. The spa
Escape to Tuscany: Stunning Panorama Views at Belvilla's Partitoio!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your sterile, paint-by-numbers itinerary. This is my potential Benidorm beatdown, courtesy of Belvilla by OYO. Prepare for the glorious mess of my reality.
The Benidorm Binge: A Belvilla Breakdown (and Probably a Breakdown of ME)
Day 1: Arrival of the Slightly Stressed Tourist
- Time: 10:00 AM (ish). Emphasis on the "ish."
- Event: Touchdown in Alicante! God, I hate airports. So many smells, so many stressed-looking people clutching duty-free bags like life rafts. Pray to the travel gods my luggage survives. (Actually, I'm praying more to the caffeine gods, because… well, you'll see.)
- Transportation: Ryanair, budget-friendly (read: cramped and potentially delayed), into Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC). Then, assuming I can navigate that airport clusterf**k, the dreaded taxi ride. Taxi drivers in Spain are typically either saints, or terrifying speed demons. Crossing my fingers for the saintly one.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild panic, bordering on existential dread. Also, excitement! Benidorm! Sun, sand, questionable fashion choices… I'm ready for it. (After a coffee, at least.)
- The Belvilla Reveal: Okay, this is where it gets real. Finding the Belvilla by OYO place. Let's hope "central location" means central, not "a 45-minute hike with a suitcase uphill in the blazing sun." My biggest fear? A description like "charming, rustic" translates to "falling apart, infested with spiders." Please, no spiders.
- Lunch: Once settled (fingers crossed!), a tapas run. The mission? Find the best gambas al ajillo and drown my travel anxieties in garlic-infused deliciousness.
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure I saw a woman in the airport wearing a leopard-print jumpsuit… with a fanny pack. This is going to be good.
- Afternoon: Exploring. The beach! The promenade! The absolute chaos! I anticipate a sensory overload of sun, noise, and questionable tan lines.
- Dinner: Seafood paella, obviously. Gotta get my fill before the inevitable food poisoning (hopefully, I'm being dramatic). Find a place with outdoor seating, watch the world go by, and try not to judge (too much) the people-watching.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Seriously Questionable Decisions
- Morning: Beach time! Mandatory. Slather on the sunscreen (at least I hope I did). I'm envisioning myself lounging, reading a book, sipping something fruity. The reality? Probably getting sand in my sandwich and yelling at seagulls.
- Transportation: My own two feet. Let’s see if I can make the walk back and forth to the beach, or if I’ll need a taxi just for the energy to get back.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated relaxation… until I realize I forgot my hat. Or sunglasses. Or my sanity.
- Quirky Observation: I’m currently in the state of ‘tourist’. I’ll be the one staring at the people with all the beach gear, just to realize the things that I’ve forgotten.
- Lunch: Casual beachside bar. More tapas, because, Spain. Possibly some sangria (or three).
- Afternoon: A walk. Exploring potentially the same places I went on the first day, and finding something new. Or, a water park (tempting, but also terrifying).
- Dinner: This is where it gets… interesting. Maybe a British pub? (Don't judge! Sometimes, you just crave a bad burger and a pint of something vaguely resembling beer.) Or, try to find a tucked-away restaurant for a truly authentic experience.
Day 3: A Deep Dive, a Dive
- Morning: Okay. It’s time. I’ve been too scared to do it, but it's time. A scuba diving experience! I’m excited! And terrified! I'll be honest, I’m a bit claustrophobic. Under the ocean? In a tank? Maybe a solid amount of alcohol before to help. (Don't worry, I'll follow all safety regulations… probably.)
- Transportation: The diving operator will probably pick me up. Let's hope they don't mind a slightly panicky client.
- Emotional Reaction: A rollercoaster. Anticipation, fear, excitement, the urge to throw up. This is living…right?
- Quirky Observation: I am NOT going to be the one who throws up. I am NOT the one who throws up. Repeat as needed.
- Lunch: Post-diving meal. Something hearty. Something I can actually keep down.
- Afternoon: Sunbathing and relaxation is in order. After a dive in the ocean and all the stress from that, this is the perfect way to relax.
- Dinner: Tapas tour! A dedicated tapas crawl, hitting up as many little bars as possible. The goal? Quantity and quality. (And avoiding any regrettable decisions fuelled by too much vino Tinto.)
Day 4: Rest and Recuperation
- Morning: Sleep in! Unless, of course, the jet lag hits me like a truck. But the goal is a leisurely, breakfast-in-bed kind of morning.
- Transportation: Whatever gets me to coffee and pastries ASAP.
- Emotional Reaction: Ah, pure bliss. The feeling of not having to do anything. (Unless, you know, I need to find the laundry…)
- Quirky Observation: Is it even possible to truly relax on vacation? Or am I destined to be a perpetually stressed-out tourist?
- Lunch: Something easy. Something light. Something… maybe not tapas. (Shocking, I know.)
- Afternoon: Explore the old town! Get lost in the narrow streets, admire the architecture, soak up the atmosphere. Maybe buy some souvenirs. (Or, more likely, spend an hour in a shop that seems to promise anything and everything at a discounted rate, and not buy anything.)
- Dinner: A “nice” restaurant. Time to get slightly dressed up, and maybe try a fancy seafood dish. Celebrate the last night (or, at least, the last night before I have to pack and go).
Day 5: The Bitter Farewell (and Airport Mayhem)
- Morning: Pack. It’s the worst part. Packing up all the memories (and the questionable souvenirs).
- Transportation: The dreaded taxi ride back to the airport. Please, no delays. Please, no lost luggage.
- Emotional Reaction: Sadness. But also, relief. And a tiny bit of excitement for the next adventure (although, I may need a vacation from this vacation).
- Quirky Observation: I bet the leopard-print jumpsuit lady is on my flight back.
- The Airport: I imagine a free for all of people pushing, shoving, and rushing to catch their flights. The chaos here is real. The airport, and the trip, will be over soon.
- Flight: Finally, heading back. It's done. I survived.
- Conclusion: Benidorm, you crazy sun-drenched, tapas-filled, slightly-overwhelming-but-ultimately-awesome place. I'll be back… eventually. Probably with a bigger suitcase and a slightly stronger constitution for sangria. Stay weird, Benidorm. And pray for me.
Benidorm Bliss: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits (Costa Blanca Escape!) - Because Let's Face It, We All Need a Holiday!
So, Benidorm... Why Benidorm? Isn't it, you know, a bit... loud?
Okay, let's be honest. My initial reaction to "Benidorm" was the same as yours. Visions of hen dos, fluorescent cocktails, and a continuous karaoke soundtrack. But I *needed* sunshine, and the reviews for this Belvilla villa were fantastic. Plus, my friends were already booked, and peer pressure is a powerful thing, right? And you know what? Benidorm, in all its slightly gaudy glory, completely won me over. It's... well, it's *alive*. A total sensory overload. And honestly, after the year I'd had, the loud, brash, slightly cheesy energy was exactly what I needed. Plus, the villa was *gorgeous* - seriously, scroll down... you'll see! Think less "Carry On Benidorm," more "luxury escape with a side of amusement." It's a *vibe*.
Tell me about the villa itself! Is it... clean?! Because, you know... holiday rentals can be a gamble.
Okay, okay, deep breath. The villa. *The villa*. It was... pristine. Seriously. Clean as a whistle. I'm a total clean freak, and I'm telling you, it was spotless. And spacious! We're talking multiple bedrooms, a massive living area, a kitchen that actually made you *want* to cook (almost!), and a private pool. THE POOL! I spent hours in that pool, floating on one of those inflatable flamingo things. Pure, unadulterated bliss. They even had a welcome pack with a bottle of local wine and some snacks. Small touches, but they said, "We got you." And let me tell you, after the travel chaos getting there (more on that later... ugh!), "We got you" was exactly what I needed.
What about the location? Was it easy to get around? Away from the chaos, but close enough to the fun?
This is where things get interesting... and a tiny bit frustrating. The villa was in a quieter area, which was exactly what we wanted. Peaceful evenings with the sound of crickets was amazing after the first day of chaos. However, getting around without a car was... challenging. Taxis could be unreliable, and the bus system, bless its heart, seemed to run on Spanish time - which, let's be honest, means whenever it felt like it. We ended up renting a car for a few days, which was a lifesaver, but the parking situation in Benidorm is akin to a Hunger Games competition. So, yes, it was away from the main drag, which was a *good* thing, but transport required some planning and patience...lots and lots of patience. Seriously, I lost my cool at the car rental place once. Twice.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because, let's be real, we all need to post our poolside selfies.
The Wi-Fi was… adequate. Let's just say it wasn't the fastest I've ever experienced. It was good enough for checking emails and posting the *occasional* Instagram story. But trying to stream a movie late at night? Forget about it. Or, you know, prepare for a whole lot of buffering. On the plus side, it forced me to, *gasp*, disconnect a little. I actually read a book! Remember those? They're like, paper rectangles filled with words. Crazy, right? Still, a stronger Wi-Fi signal would have been appreciated. Especially when I was trying to upload that *perfect* picture of me, lounging by the pool, looking effortlessly glamorous. *Sigh*. Priorities, people.
So, you're saying the whole holiday wasn't *perfect*? Shocking! What were the downsides?
Okay, let's be brutally honest. It wasn't *all* sunshine and sangria. There was the car rental drama (as I mentioned before). There was the aforementioned Wi-Fi. And, the biggest downside: a rogue mosquito who decided to make my ankle its personal buffet. I'm talking a bite that itched like the very fires of hell. For DAYS. I nearly scratched my own leg off. Pro-tip: bring a *serious* mosquito repellent. And maybe a hazmat suit. And maybe just move to Mars. (kidding... mostly.) Also, one day the washing machine broke. Minor issue, honestly, but it was the day I really needed to was the laundry. These are minor issues, though.
Tell Me More About The Pool. I Know You Mentioned It, But I Need The Details!
The pool. Oh, the pool. Can I just say, it single-handedly saved my sanity? It wasn't just a pool; it was a shimmering, turquoise *oasis*. The size was perfect – big enough to actually swim laps (which I did… eventually, after the Mojitos wore off), but small enough to feel private and intimate. The water was crystal clear, perfectly cool on the scorching afternoons. And the seating area around it? Perfection. Sun loungers, plenty of shade from the parasols, a little table to place your drink... it was pure, unadulterated relaxation. I swear, I spent a solid three hours one day just floating gently on the flamingo, gently bobbing on the water , staring up at the ridiculously blue sky. I lost track of time. I think I even fell asleep, which resulted in a slightly sunburned nose, but, you know... worth it. Honestly, the memories of the pool are what I will remember forever. It was the escape within the escape. I’d book again purely for the pool. The pool *was* the holiday.
Would you book it again? Seriously. Be honest.
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Despite the mosquito, the car rental drama, and the iffy Wi-Fi, the Benidorm Bliss Belvilla was a fantastic experience. The villa was stunning, the pool was legendary, and Benidorm itself... well, it grew on me. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just… you know… with a *lot* more mosquito repellent, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, and maybe a personal taxi driver. And definitely, most importantly, back to that amazing pool...
