A Relaxing Beachside Spa Getaway
Long Weekend Introduction and Arrival at the Spa Hotel
My long weekend started with a rush of excitement. My mom and her partner had arrived from Finland, and after a few days of juggling work and family time, we were finally ready for a much-needed escape. The plan? A luxurious stay at a beachside spa hotel, just a short drive from home—a little unconventional, perhaps, but we were all looking forward to the pampering and the beautiful sea views.
Checking in was smooth, though I did have a minor hiccup with our room reservation; twin beds instead of the double we'd requested. A quick adjustment and a ten euro payment later, we were settled into a nicely sized, modern room. The best part? The stunning sea view we’d paid extra for, even if it was slightly obstructed by some unfortunate glass art on the windows. Still, it was breathtaking.
Two minor disappointments did surface: the lack of slippers and bathrobes. I'd assumed those were standard spa hotel amenities, but live and learn! It meant a quick dash in clothes to the pool and a slightly less elegant post-swim exit. But those small gripes were easily outweighed by the sheer joy of being settled in for a relaxing weekend.
Spa Hotel Arrival and Initial Impressions
Arriving at the Intel hotel chain's beachside spa, the first impression was positive. It felt modern and inviting, a welcome contrast to the slightly frantic days leading up to our getaway. Checking in was quick, although securing the double bed we'd booked involved a minor payment adjustment. No big deal; it's all part of the process, right?
Our room was nicely sized and modern, with a gorgeous sea view – the main reason we'd splurged a bit extra. Unfortunately, some rather unfortunate glass art partially obstructed the panorama. Still, the view was breathtaking, and the minor annoyance was easily forgiven. A small mini-fridge was a welcome touch, perfect for storing drinks and snacks.
However, two small disappointments emerged. Firstly, the absence of slippers and bathrobes was a bit of a surprise. I assumed these were standard for a spa hotel; clearly, I needed to adjust my expectations. It meant a slightly less glamorous dash to the pool and back! Secondly, my mom and her partner's room happened to be on the exact same floor, a delightful coincidence.
Hotel Room Tour and Amenities Review
Our room was surprisingly spacious and modern, a welcome change after a busy week. The mini-fridge was a thoughtful touch, perfect for chilling drinks and snacks. And of course, there was that stunning sea view – the main reason for our splurge. It was breathtaking, even with the slightly annoying glass art partially obscuring it. A small price to pay for the overall experience, I thought.
However, two minor disappointments emerged. First, the lack of slippers and bathrobes. I know, I know – first-world problems! But for a spa hotel, I truly expected these little luxuries. It meant a less-than-elegant dash to the pool in my clothes. Second, securing our double bed involved a small extra charge (10 euros). It wasn't a deal-breaker, just a bit unexpected. Next time, I'll pay closer attention to the booking details!
Dinner at a Beachside Surf Club
After a refreshing dip in the hotel pool, we headed out for dinner. Our choice? A nearby surf club with a restaurant, boasting that laid-back beach vibe I adore. The location was perfect, right on the sand with the sound of waves a constant, gentle hum.
I opted for a chicken Caesar salad—delicious, though regrettably, my filming skills failed me at that crucial moment. My camera stayed stubbornly in my bag that evening; the joy of the moment, coupled with the enticing smells and tastes, overruled my usual documentary impulse. Live and learn, right?
Evening Spa Relaxation and Sunset Views
After a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, we decided to check out the hotel's top-floor spa. It was a fantastic choice. The views from the spa area were simply breathtaking, especially as we watched the sunset paint the sky with vibrant colours. A perfect end to a perfect day.
The spa itself was rather small, honestly. It featured a pool (smaller than the outdoor one), a sauna, and a steam room. A jacuzzi would have been a nice addition, I thought. But the stunning panorama more than compensated for the lack of a hot tub. We spent a good hour or so unwinding in the sauna and the steam room, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and the mesmerizing view.
Completely relaxed, we eventually headed back to our room, ready for a good night's sleep. The sunset had been a spectacular show, and the memory of those colours lingered long after the sun had dipped below the horizon. It really made our little staycation feel utterly luxurious, despite the minor glitches.
Hotel Breakfast and an Unpleasant Encounter
After a blissful sleep following our spa visit, we decided to indulge in the hotel breakfast. At €20 per person, it wasn't exactly cheap, but the promise of a leisurely start to the day was appealing. The breakfast itself was excellent; a generous buffet spread with fresh pastries, fruit, and various hot options. It was definitely worth the cost, even if it did make a dent in our budget.
However, our otherwise delightful breakfast was punctuated by a rather bizarre and unpleasant encounter. Finding a table for three proved unexpectedly challenging, and after securing a spot, we briefly left to retrieve our drinks. Upon our return, a man had inexplicably seated himself at *our* table—despite numerous unoccupied tables being available. Despite our polite attempts to explain the situation, his apparent language barrier (or perhaps stubbornness) led to a prolonged and frankly unsettling standoff. Even the intervention of two waiters, using Google Translate to communicate, failed to dislodge him.
Fortunately, a kind couple at a nearby table offered to move to allow us to combine their table with ours. We ended up in a different seat, but, honestly, the whole situation left a distinctly sour taste in my mouth. The man's lack of basic consideration was bewildering. While the whole incident was inconvenient, it underscored that even luxury getaways can sometimes present unexpected, and rather irritating, challenges.