Escape to Paradise: Belvilla Pruneda II Nava Spain Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? Belvilla Pruneda II Nava, Spain: A Review That's More "Real Talk" Than Brochure
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average glossy-eyed hotel review. I just got back from Belvilla Pruneda II in Nava, Spain, and let me tell you, it's an experience. More of a rollercoaster, honestly, with some truly breathtaking highs and a few…well, let's just say "character-building moments." So, grab a coffee (or a strong Spanish cortado, if you're feeling adventurous) and let's dive in.
First Impressions & The "Accessibility" Blues (Or, My Knees Hate Me)
Right off the bat, let's address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. The ad copy says it's "accessible," but let's be very clear: It isn't. Seriously. The grounds are beautiful, yes, but the cobblestone paths and the sheer amount of stairs involved made my aging knees weep. Forget the "accessible bathroom" promised in the brochure. My friend, bless her heart, practically had to carry me up some of those hills. Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely not. Facilities for disabled guests? Minimally, and I'm being generous. This is a major sticking point, folks. If you need serious accessibility, walk away now. Seriously. Don't say I didn't warn you.
The Room: My Tiny Castle (with Wi-Fi, Hallelujah!)
Once you finally conquer the Everest of steps to get inside, the rooms are… well, decent. Air conditioning? Check. Air conditioning in public areas? Another check. Thank the heavens because it was scorching! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The savior of modern life, you have my gratitude. Internet access [LAN]? I'll be honest, I didn’t even bother with the LAN… who uses those anymore? It's 2024, people! Free bottled water? YES! Blessings.
My room had a separate shower/bathtub, which was a nice touch for those post-hike muscle aches, and the bathtub was a perfect spot for a relaxing bath. The blackout curtains were a godsend, especially after a long day exploring. Daily housekeeping kept things spick and span, and I have to give them props for that. My room got a little sanctuary. The Internet access - wireless was clutch. Though the signal sometimes felt a bit like a faint whisper on a windy day. Still, at least there was something. The little refrigerator was my best friend, filled to the brim with local cider and that glorious water. Bathroom phone? Honestly, don't remember, but the fact that I can't recall it means that it didn't exactly revolutionize my life, did it?
Oh, and one more thing: the view from my window. Pure heaven. Lush green hills and quaint little villages. Made all the stair-climbing almost worth it (almost).
Amenities: Spa Dreams Shattered (Mostly) and Food Adventures
Now, let’s get to the fun stuff: relaxation. The brochure promised a Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage, and a Fitness center. Reality? Well, let's call it "rustic." The Spa, when I finally located it, was more of a small, slightly-damp room with a couple of massage beds. The Sauna was definitely there but not quite the gleaming, pristine spa sanctuary I was envisioning. The Steamroom, well, it was a steam-ish area, but not quite the luxe steam bath I was hoping for. The Massage was…interesting. The therapist wasn't quite a miracle worker (she was lovely, just, perhaps, still honing her craft), but it was still nice to have my muscles kneaded. There was a Pool with view though! Which was absolutely amazing and made up for a lot of the aforementioned shortcomings! So, a definite win there.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (with a Few Hiccups)
Food-wise, Belvilla Pruneda II offers a mixed bag. Let's start with the good: the Western breakfast was a decent spread, with some really good pastries. The Buffet in restaurant option was convenient. The A la carte in restaurant was a nice touch too, though I only took advantage of it a handful of times. The best meal I actually ended up getting was at a local restaurant. Also, a big shoutout to the Poolside bar, which was my go-to for a cold drink and a bit of people-watching. The Coffee shop was a lifesaver for those early-morning caffeine cravings (and yes, they served a proper Spanish café con leche). The Restaurants there weren't amazing, but the quality was sufficient. The Desserts in restaurant? Delicious.
Now for the less-than-stellar. The Room service [24-hour] was apparently available, but the menu was…limited. The Soup in restaurant was somewhat disappointing. And the Vegetarian restaurant options were, sadly, a little lackluster. I swear, I ate the same grilled vegetables three times. I would have to rank the Asian cuisine in restaurant as "meh."
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Era Realities
Cleanliness and safety were definitely prioritized, which was reassuring, especially given the current climate. There was Daily disinfection in common areas, and I saw staff regularly using Professional-grade sanitizing services. The Staff [were] trained in safety protocol, and the Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. The Rooms [were] sanitized between stays, though I didn't exactly see a hazmat suit show up before I got in. The Cashless payment service was a welcome convenience. And, though I didn't need it personally, it was comforting to know there was a Doctor/nurse on call.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Exploring the Asturian Magic
Okay, the hotel might have its quirks, but the location? Absolutely stunning. Things to do are endless. Hiking, exploring local villages, visiting the coast, and simply soaking up the Asturian charm. I spent a day getting lost in the winding streets of Oviedo, and I highly recommend it. I went on a Bicycle parking adventure to the coast and it certainly got my heart pumping. I took a dip in the swimming pool in the morning for a refreshing start. There's also a Terrace to enjoy the weather.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and The Bottom Line
So, would I recommend Belvilla Pruneda II? Well, it depends. If you're looking for absolute luxury and faultless accessibility, run far, far away. If you’re looking for a charming, slightly-rough-around-the-edges experience with an absolutely breathtaking setting and a healthy dose of Spanish charm, then maybe. Just be prepared for those stairs!
Overall, it's a place with character, a place that makes you feel like you're escaping the ordinary. It's not perfect, but in its imperfections, it feels… real. It's a place where you'll remember the view from your window, the taste of the local cider, and the fact that you finally conquered those ridiculous stairs. It’s a place that will make you smile, even when you're swearing under your breath at the lack of accessibility.
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Escape to Paradise: Cozy Dutch Meadow Haven in Spijk!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-coiffed travel itinerary. We're going to Pruneda II, in Nava, Spain, courtesy of Belvilla by OYO. And trust me, we're gonna need all the help we can get. This is going to be… an experience.
The Official/Unofficial Pruneda II Debacle Itinerary (AKA Pray for Us)
Day 1: Arrival & Panic Buying (Plus, Maybe Some Cheese?)
- Morning (or whenever the flight decided to actually land): Land in Asturias. Pray the luggage made it. It's happened before, you know. The sheer panic when you can't find your bag… it's a primal fear. I'm already sweating.
- Afternoon: Pick up the rental car. This is where things always start to go sideways. Remember that time in Italy? The tiny Fiat? Anyway, hoping for something…substantial. Then that drive. Oh god, the drive. Navigating Spanish roads is a skill I have precisely zero expertise in. Pray for GPS. Pray for patience. Pray for… well, everything.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrive at Pruneda II. Deep breaths. Check-in. Pretend everything's fine, even if the "authentic charm" is masking the smell of damp wood. Unpack. Immediately start the hunt for the Wi-Fi password, because, let's face it, that's the real emergency.
- Evening: Grocery run. Okay, this is crucial. Gotta score some local delicacies. The plan? Cheese. Lots of cheese. Maybe some chorizo. And bread. And wine. Seriously, a serious amount of wine. Figure out the local shops. Get lost. Panic slightly. Realize the supermarket is closing, and the bread selection is dire. Settle for something… resembling bread. Hope for the best.
- Anecdote Alert: Remember that time in France when we tried to find a bakery? We drove around for three hours, arguing about which direction was the best. Ended up at McDonald's. Don’t want to repeat that performance. If they do not have bread, I'm going to have a breakdown.
- Night: Feast. Eat cheese. Drink wine. Watch whatever Spanish TV we can find. Attempt to decipher it. Laugh hysterically at our pathetic attempts at understanding. Crash.
Day 2: Exploring the Gorge (And Possibly Regretting That Wine from Last Night)
- Morning: Wake up. Regret the wine from last night. Coffee. A lot of coffee. This is vital to the mission's success. Breakfast: Bread. The questionable bread. More cheese. More panic about the grocery store from yesterday.
- Late Morning: Drive to the Desfiladero de las Xanas gorge. Hike! I saw pictures, it looks amazing. Hopefully, the hiking isn't too strenuous, because, you know, the aforementioned wine. And the potential for questionable bread.
- Quirky Observation: I bet the views are going to be spectacular. Unless it rains. Which it probably will. Because life. I do not like rain when I'm hiking.
- Afternoon: Hike. Get lost. Argue about whose fault it is that we're lost. Find the path. Possibly get rained on. Take a million photos. Complain.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Return to Pruneda II. Stumble around, tired and probably a little bit muddy. Shower (hopefully with decent water pressure). Consider whether or not to call it a night, but realize that the next day will need to be planned.
- Emotional Reaction: I will love the hike or I will hate the hike. There is no in-between. And honestly, I think I'm excited. Maybe. Actually… no, I'm just ready for a nap.
- Night: Dinner at a local restaurant. A search must be made. Find the best place. Expect the best, then expect the worst. Eat too much. Talk about the hike until everyone else wants to run far, far away. Go back to Pruneda II, and collapse.
Day 3: The Cider Route & the Search for Sidra
- Morning: Wake up. The pain of the hike is gone. The regret, sadly, is not.
- Late Morning: Drive to the cider route. This is going to be epic or a total disaster. No in-between. Cider houses. Tasting. Hopefully, not driving.
- Afternoon: Cider tasting. Learning to pour the cider properly is crucial. Do the locals actually taste it, or do they just drink it? Find out. Possibly slurping the cider on the floor? Decide I like it, decide I don't like it, decide to just drink it all. Laugh hysterically with the locals.
- Messy Structure Rambling: This is going to be great. I think. Cider? Always good, right? Until you can’t walk. Then you need to plan the next day better. Maybe more cheese at the grocery store? Maybe the grocery store will have bread this time? Maybe it will rain tomorrow? Oh, god, I need to pack my rain jacket.
- Late Afternoon: Get back to Pruneda II. Crash.
- Evening: Try to cook a real meal. Probably burn something. Order pizza.
Day 4: Repeat Days 2 & 3, With More Cheese and Less Shame. (Or maybe explore the local market?!)
- Repeat and Repeat. And Pray.
- Consider a day trip, but honestly at this point, I'm just going to want to chill at the house and… relax.
- Really, Just Breathe.
Day 5: The Realization That It's Almost Over (And the Panic Sets In)
- Morning: Wake up. Look around. Realize how soon our flight is. Remember how much fun or how much disaster happened.
- Afternoon: Prepare to leave. Pack. Scramble to find all the souvenirs. Take a deep breath.
- Evening: Last meal. Drink. Say goodbye to Pruneda II. Wonder if we'll ever return.
Day 6: Departure and the Post-Trip Blues
- Morning: Drive to the airport. Say goodbye.
This itinerary is a mess, it's fluid, and it's probably going to change. But that's life, right? Embrace the chaos. Drink the wine. Eat the cheese. And for the love of all that is holy, pray the Wi-Fi works. Wish me luck. I’ll need it.
Monschau Garden Escape: Your Dream Apartment Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Belvilla Pruneda II Nava, Spain - Oh, the Questions! (and the Answers, Sometimes)
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place Actually "Paradise"? Because Marketing Lies, Y'know.
Alright, deep breath. Paradise, huh? Let's be honest, the brochure probably shows a photo that's been Photoshopped within an inch of its life. And I'll admit, when you first arrive, you're a little...underwhelmed. The road up? Twisty. The GPS? Probably lying to you. The first time I went (and let me tell you, there *was* a first time…I'm addicted now), I was driving and feeling like I'd stumbled onto the set of a low-budget horror film. But then… you actually *get* there. And then, you crack a cold Estrella Galicia on the patio, look out at the rolling green hills, and think, "Okay, maybe… *maybe* they weren't lying completely."
So, is it pure, unadulterated paradise? No. Is it utterly gorgeous, peaceful, and the perfect escape? Abso-freakin'-lutely. Especially if you love the sound of cowbells and the smell of freshly cut grass… and potentially a tiny bit of dampness (it's Asturias, after all!).
The House Looks Nice in Pictures... But What's the Real Deal? (Like, Are the Beds Comfortable?)
Okay, the pictures are… mostly accurate, I gotta say. Belvilla does a decent job. The house itself is charming. Think rustic, with exposed beams and a stone fireplace that will make you feel like you've teleported into a cozy fairytale. And yes! The beds are actually *good*. I'm a notorious bed snob, I have to admit. I've suffered through so many rock-hard hotel beds! (Seriously, some hotels… you're better off sleeping on the floor.) This place though, you'll sleep like a log. Honestly, I could probably sleep through a hurricane in those beds. And that, my friends, is saying *something*.
My one (minor, *minor*) gripe? The shower pressure. It's not exactly a power wash. But hey, you're in the Asturian countryside, not some swanky spa. Embrace the trickle! You'll be clean, eventually. And honestly, after a day hiking, the gentle shower feels rather luxurious, in its own, understated way.
Is it Actually Remote? I Don't Want to Be Stuck in the Middle of Nowhere!
Yes. And no. It's remote-ish. It's not like you need a 4x4 and a sherpa just to get groceries. Nava itself is a small town, and you'll find basic supplies there (a decent supermarket, a *very* good bakery… seriously, try the empanada. You’ll dream about it.). You'll need a car… *definitely* a car. Public transport is… well, let's just say it's an adventure I haven't entirely braved. Expect windy roads. Expect beautiful scenery. Expect to get a little lost at some point. It's part of the charm, trust me.
What's really "remote" is the feeling of utter peace you get there. You can actually *hear* the silence. It's glorious. You're away from the noise and the flashing lights of the world. It’s a big selling point for me and one that I'd struggle to let go of in the hustle and bustle of daily life. So, yes, remote enough to recharge, but with enough civilization nearby to keep you from losing your mind (or running out of coffee).
What's the Food Like? (Because, Let's Face It, That's Important.)
Oh. My. God. The food. Asturias! Prepare to gain a few kilos. And you *won't* care. It’s hearty, it's delicious, and it's all prepared with love. Think: fabada asturiana (a bean stew that'll warm your soul), fresh seafood, amazing cheeses, local cider (sidra) that you *absolutely* have to learn to pour properly (it's an art form!), and the best pastries you'll ever put in your mouth.
There's a fantastic restaurant in Nava, Restaurant El Gaiteru. You *must* go! It is quite the place to be. The food is amazing and the staff are delightful. I can almost taste the fabada just thinking about it. They really make you feel like you're part of the family. Forget Michelin stars; this is comfort food heaven.
My *only* warning: Portions are generous. Pace yourself. Or, you know, just loosen your belt a notch. No judgement here. I’m usually the one who says "just one more bite"... and then "okay, one more slice of that cake too..."
Are There Things to Do Besides Just, You Know, *Be*?
Yes! Relief! Okay, so, yes, you *can* absolutely just *be*. And you probably *should* at least once during your stay. But if you're like me and have that slight underlying twitch of needing something to *do*, then there's plenty to keep you busy.
Hiking! Glorious hiking trails abound. Seriously, the views are breathtaking. The Picos de Europa National Park is nearby, a must-see. You can visit the charming coastal towns of Llanes or Ribadesella. There is kayaking, horse riding, vineyard tours and many more activites.
But let me tell you about my *favorite* activity: wandering around Nava, getting lost in the tiny streets, and stumbling upon a bodega for a lunchtime cider and some tapas. It's pure bliss. Pro-tip: learn some very basic Spanish. It makes the experience... well, less awkward. Though, the universal language of pointing and smiling works wonders too. And remember, it's perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to take a mid-afternoon siesta. This is Spain, after all!
What if I mess something up? I'm a bit of a klutz, you know.
Okay, first off, that's totally relatable. We've all been there. Look, the house is pretty sturdy. I'm not going to promise you you'll *never* break something, because let's face it, accidents happen. But the house is designed to withstand a bit of wear and tear. If you do happen to break something, just try to let it not be too much of a big deal. Keep it simple, and have a good laugh about it!
I remember during one of my first visits, I managed to smash a glass. A fairly expensive one, I think. My partner was mortified. I was slightly embarrassed, but mostly just amused at my own clumsinessSave On Hotels Now
