Escape to Paradise: Romantic Hellendoorn Cottage with Sun Shower!
Escape to Paradise: Hellendoorn Cottage - More Like Romantic Almost Paradise (But Still Pretty Damn Good!) - A Messy Review
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and probably some coffee) about "Escape to Paradise: Romantic Hellendoorn Cottage with Sun Shower!" I’ve got to be honest, the name set my expectations sky high and, well, let’s just say paradise is a journey, not a destination, and this cottage was somewhere in the general vicinity of “pretty darn lovely.”
First off, accessibility. My partner uses a wheelchair, and this was a HUGE factor for us. The website promised it was accessible, and thankfully, they mostly delivered. While it said wheelchair accessible, I should preface this by saying there was a tiny, but definitely noticeable, lip at the front door. Nothing major, but it makes those first impressions a little wonky. Inside, though? Mostly smooth sailing. Plenty of space to maneuver, wider doorways, and an accessible bathroom with grab bars. Score one for inclusivity! They also have an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. Accessibility gets a solid… 4 out of 5 stars. Could be perfect, but the entrance lip just took the edge off.
Rambling About a Moment of Pure Bliss (and a Bit of Frustration): The Pool with a View
This is where it all started to hit the high notes - or at least, it nearly did. The pool with a view… OOOOH, the dream! Perched up high, overlooking the gorgeous foresty landscape. The idea was to watch the sunset while sipping a cocktail. In reality, it was a bit more… interesting.
We got there just as the sun was starting its descent. Picture it: me, trying to find the perfect Insta-worthy angle, my partner expertly handling the camera. The pool itself was crystal clear and oh-so-inviting. The view? Spectacular. Seriously, I could feel my shoulders relax just from looking at it.
But here’s the mess: someone (me, probably) forgot the sunscreen. Within 30 minutes, I was a lobster. And the poolside bar? Well, the snack bar was closed, and ordering drinks was a bit of a trek. It wasn't exactly "cocktails at sunset" - it was more like "sweating, slightly burnt, and desperately searching for a cold drink" but even that was still pretty bloody great.
Then, just as I was about to give up on the golden hour glow, a waitress, bless her heart, appeared with a bottle of water and a knowing smile. Suddenly, everything was alright. The sunset still managed to put on a show (even with my red face!), and the view? Still the best part of the whole damn experience. That moment nearly made up for the lack of a perfectly curated cocktail experience. It was messy, imperfect, and wonderfully… human.
(Rambling Over)
Let’s get back to the actual things you'll find in my opinion.
Spa Goodness – With a Side of Mild Disappointment
The "Romantic" promise of the cottage included a spa, with a sauna, steam room, and… spa/sauna. I mean, who can turn down a bit of pampering? The sauna was great… hot and steamy, just like it should be. But the steam room? Well, let's just say the steam wasn't quite steaming enough. A little more oomph needed in the steam department but the intentions were good. The whole spa thing, however, gets a solid three out of five… The Sauna and the intention were there, and that's what counts, right?
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Quirks!)
Dining was a mixed bag. There were restaurants, a bar, and a la carte options. The Asian cuisine was surprisingly good, and I loved the coffee/tea in the restaurant. The breakfast buffet was great, but the Western breakfast was a little underwhelming. (I’m looking at you, slightly rubbery scrambled eggs). I did appreciate the vegetarian restaurant options, though.
Room service was available 24 hours, which came in handy for those late-night snack cravings. You also could order a breakfast in room type of service! The staff was really really eager in safety protocols with hand sanitizer, daily disinfection, and individually wrapped food options.
Also, I have to give a shoutout to the desserts in the restaurant. I'm not usually a dessert person, but the chocolate cake was seriously divine. Chocolate cake, and happy hour? A+!
The Little Things & The Not-So-Little Things:
- For the Kids: They advertised "family/child friendly," and the babysitting service and kids meal options were helpful.
- Room Vibes: Our room had air conditioning (essential!), a safe (a must!), and a seating area perfect for lounging around. The bathrobes and slippers were a lovely touch. The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleep-ins. I always appreciate a free Wi-Fi, and the bed was comfy.
- Cleanliness & Safety: They took hygiene certification seriously. The staff were trained to staff trained in safety protocol and a doctor/ nurse on call. They also used professional-grade sanitizing services and had anti-viral cleaning products.
- Things to Do: They had fitness center, and gym/ fitness.
- Hotel Stuff: Front desk was 24-hour and there's a convenience store! A cash withdrawal was great also because you can cashless payment service.
The Small Annoyances:
- The soundproofing wasn’t perfect. There was a family playing in the pool until late one night, and it did get loud.
- We had to ask for more towels a couple of times.
- There were no pets allowed! This was a massive disappointment.
The Verdict:
"Escape to Paradise: Romantic Hellendoorn Cottage with Sun Shower!" is not perfect. It's messy, sometimes a little bit frustrating, and nowhere near the pristine paradise the name implies. But it's also damn enjoyable.
It's a place where you can relax, have fun, and make some memories. The pool with a view alone is worth the trip. (Just remember the sunscreen!). I'd go back? Absolutely. Would I tell my friends? Definitely. Just warn them to temper their expectations a little. It's not perfect, but it's perfectly charming.
Final Grade: 4 out of 5 stars. (Minus one star for the entry lip, the underwhelming steam room, and the lack of pet-friendliness. Otherwise, it was really great!).
Luxury Poolside Flat in Moliets-et-Maa: Your French Riviera Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your cookie-cutter itinerary. This is the real Hellendoorn experience, complete with the potential for misplaced socks, existential crises over stroopwafels, and enough "oohs" and "aahs" to make you think I've secretly signed up for a choir. This is my personal romantic cottage escape in Hellendoorn, Netherlands… attempted.
Hellendoorn Heist: A Romantic Cottage Adventure (with probable chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Cottage Search (and my soul-searching over snacks)
Morning: The blasted Dutch weather. Supposed to be sunshine and rainbows, but the sky is a bruised purple and threatening to unleash a torrent. That's fine, I'm a romantic, I can handle a bit of dramatic scenery. Or at least, I can try to. Train journey from wherever-I-was-before (honestly, the blur starts here, don't judge). Feeling slightly less than glamorous (hello, travel-induced bedhead and questionable fashion choices). Arriving at Hellendoorn station – feels quaint, like stepping into a children's storybook… except for the ominous clouds.
- Quirk: I’m convinced my luggage is a rebellious entity with a mind of its own. Always packing the wrong things. Forgets essential items. You know, important stuff like a proper rain jacket since I’m apparently heading straight into a monsoon in the Netherlands.
Midday: The Great Cottage Hunt begins! This is where the romantic ideal meets reality. Booking the cottage was so easy, but finding it in the Netherlands countryside? Not so much. (GPS, you are my frenemy). This is where the first real challenge begins.
- Anecdote: Okay, I'll admit it. When I finally found the cottage, I may have squealed. The photos online didn't do it justice! But… here comes the "but." The keys were… well, not where they were supposed to be. Cue frantic phone calls, trying to decipher Dutch instructions, and nearly hyperventilating. Finally got the keys - pure victory!
Afternoon: Settling into the cottage. Oh my god. It's charming. Think wooden beams, a fireplace that promises warmth, and a view that screams "escape." This place is pure cottage core, and I'm HERE. FOR. IT. Unpacking and attempting to make coffee (thank God for instant).
- Rambling Thought: Why is it that unpacking feels like an Olympic sport when you're traveling? So much decision-making about which of your clothes goes where. It's like my clothes have a whole life of their own while traveling. And do I even need the third pair of jeans? The eternal question.
Evening: First meal: cheese, bread, and some really questionable supermarket wine. But hey, it's romantic, isn't it?
- Imperfection: The wine tastes like disappointment and regret. Ah well, the cheese is good. Might sneak in some stroopwafels into my calorie count, just to be safe.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling a strange mix of excitement and a tiny, creeping loneliness. It's beautiful here, but I still miss my cat, Mittens. (Don't tell anyone I said that.)
- More Opinionated: God, I need to learn to pack better wine. Seriously.
Day 2: Sun Shower Sensations and Dutch Delight (with a side of existential pondering)
- Morning: The much-anticipated sun shower! The cottage website promised a "unique outdoor bathing experience." And oh my god, it DELIVERED. Standing under warm water, surrounded by nature and the gentle hum of the countryside. I started to feel like I was connected to something bigger. (Suddenly, I'm a philosopher.)
- Doubling Down: Seriously, this sun shower… Pure bliss. I stood there for ages, completely forgetting about my to-do list, my emails, and the fact that I really needed to learn Dutch. It was transformative. Definitely the highlight of the trip so far.
- Midday: Exploring Hellendoorn village. Wandering around the local shops, gawking at the quaint buildings. Trying (and failing) to understand the Dutch language.
- Quirky Observation: The cycling culture here is… intense. People of all ages whizzing by on bikes. I’m slightly intimidated.
- Afternoon: Going for a hike in the Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park. The hills were alive! Mostly with my huffing and puffing. The scenery truly is breathtaking.
- Emotional Reaction: Just pure joy at the simple beauty of the landscape. All that stress, all that chaos, feeling like it was miles away.
- Evening: Cooking (attempting) a Dutch meal. Learning how to make stamppot (mashed potatoes with various vegetables). The result? Edible, mostly.
- Messier Structure: The stamppot was a mess. And a minor kitchen disaster, I won't lie. Burnt potatoes? Check. Over-salted? Double check! But, honestly? It tasted fantastic. Because it was mine.
- Anecdote: After dinner, I tried to build a fire in the fireplace. Let's just say… smoke filled the room. I may have set off the smoke alarm. Oops.
Day 3: Windmills, Water, and Whispers of Departure (And a Last-Minute Panic)
- Morning: A visit to a nearby windmill, and taking some photos near a quiet canal. The history of this place is palpable.
- Rambling Thought: Seeing the windmill was so great, it made me realize how many windmills I've taken for granted in my life. I should visit more of them!
- Midday: A slightly unplanned venture. Getting lost trying to find this cute little cafe, but stumbling upon the most adorable little bakery. It’s like the universe is trying to fatten me up. I’m not complaining.
- Imperfection: My sense of direction is, again, awful. But the journey was worth it. The pastries were heaven.
- Afternoon: This is the moment where I finally realized just how great it is to feel alone. The world isn't going to end, even if there's nobody else around.
- Emotional Reaction: A pang of sadness hits me. It's time to leave.
- Evening: Packing. Feeling a mix of melancholy and gratitude. This cottage, this tiny slice of Dutch paradise, has given me something I desperately needed. A restart.
Day 4: Departure
- Morning: Leaving the cottage. Taking one last look at the view, promising myself I'll be back.
- Opinionated Language: Ugh, packing. Leaving. I hate both.
- Midday: Train back to reality.
- Imperfection: I've probably left something behind. Socks? The keys? Who knows.
- Afternoon: Arriving back home.
The Verdict:
Hellendoorn got a hug from me, and taught me a couple of things. I definitely needed this. I made some memories, even with the near-disasters and the dodgy cooking. The sun shower? A game-changer. And I now know cheese and stroopwafels are the only true loves of my life. In short: It was a romantic cottage adventure, messy and wonderful.
And that, my friends, is the messy, imperfect truth. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to make some more stamppot.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dreamy Achterhoek Farmhouse Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: (Mostly) Romantic Hellendoorn Cottage FAQs - Raw & Real
Okay, so "Paradise" is a *strong* word, right? What's the REAL deal with the Hellendoorn Cottage?
That Sun Shower sounds amazing! Is it really as good as the pictures? (And does it *really* get hot?)
What about the kitchen? Can you actually *cook* there?
This sounds remote. What about Wi-Fi and Phone Signal? Are we talking survivalist levels of isolation?
What if Something Breaks?
Speaking of the area, what's there to *do* around Hellendoorn?
Is it really romantic? I'm planning a proposal! (Or just a chill weekend)
Final verdict: Would you recommend the Hellendoorn Cottage?
