Escape to Paradise: Stunning Beachfront Apartment in Rerik, Germany!
Escape to Paradise: My Slightly Chaotic, Utterly Stunning Beachfront Adventure in Rerik, Germany – A Review That's Probably a Mess (But Hopefully Helpful!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the "Escape to Paradise: Stunning Beachfront Apartment" in Rerik, Germany, and… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly paradise the entire time. More like a glorious rollercoaster of sun, sand, and the occasional existential question about whether I packed enough sunscreen. This is going to be a long one, so grab a coffee (or a beer, no judgment here), and let's dive in!
The Basics (And My Initial "OMG, This is Gorgeous!" Moment)
First off, the name doesn’t lie. The apartment is stunning. Right on the beachfront in Rerik, with what I’d describe as a "postcard-ready" view. The ocean? Crystal clear. The sand? Fine and inviting. My initial reaction? Pure, unadulterated "WOW!" It's a beachfront apartment, so naturally, Accessibility is key. Let's be honest, lugging bags down a flight of stairs after a long trip sucks for anyone, and I was thrilled to see an elevator! Made life infinitely easier.
The "Things to Do" & "Ways to Relax" (Mostly Relaxing, Mostly)
This place is practically begging you to unwind. They've got the swimming pool (outdoor, naturally, overlooking the ocean!), the sauna, the spa – the works. I, however, am not really a spa person. Tried the steamroom once, almost passed out from the heat, and vowed to stick to my own brand of relaxation: reading on the balcony with a large glass of wine and a healthy dose of people-watching.
They also highlight a fitness center and a gym/fitness area, which, if you're into that, are probably glorious. Me? I opted for long walks on the beach. Much more my speed.
The Food (Or, My Quest for the Perfect Breakfast)
Okay, food. This is where things got interesting. The apartment itself has a full kitchen (Sanitized kitchen and tableware items), which is great if you're into cooking. I, however, am not. I was fully expecting to be wined and dined! The Breakfast [buffet] was, well, a buffet. Decent, but nothing earth-shattering. They also offered Breakfast in room.
The restaurants in the area were a mixed bag. Some had gorgeous views, others not so much. I enjoyed a la carte in restaurant options. I would've loved to have tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant option but alas, it was not available. They did have a decent Coffee shop, which came in handy for those early morning caffeine cravings. There was a Poolside bar, which was very tempting. If you're a fan of salad in restaurant then rejoice, they had many options. I have to say I don't know if they had the best desserts in restaurant because I wasn't really paying attention!
Oh, and Room service [24-hour]! That’s always a win in my book. Though, the burger I ordered at 3 AM after a night of questionable decisions was not the best burger I've ever had. (But hey, it was there!)
The Room: My Little Beachfront Sanctuary
The apartment itself was lovely. The Air conditioning was a godsend, because the sun in Rerik can get intense. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! worked flawlessly, which was crucial for my Instagram addiction. And the extra long bed? Heavenly.
A few minor annoyances: Despite the Air conditioning, the apartment still got a little too warm during the day. The Bathrobes were nice, but not quite as luxurious as I'd hoped. And, though I love a good blackout curtain, they made it almost impossible to wake up naturally. But hey, I’m being nitpicky. Overall, the room was clean, comfortable, and, most importantly, had that knockout view!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (And Slightly Paranoid)
Let's talk about COVID, because, you know, it's still a thing. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I was relieved to see they were taking things seriously. They have a Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to cleanliness. Rooms sanitized between stays was a big plus. I also appreciated the Anti-viral cleaning products. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This place really tries to make things easy for you. They have a Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and even a Cash withdrawal. The Concierge was super helpful with everything from booking a taxi (Taxi service) to recommending local restaurants. They have a Gift/souvenir shop, which is good if you need a last-minute present for someone, but, let's be real, tourist traps are tourist traps. The Wi-Fi for special events might be useful for some people.
The "Getting Around" Game
Parking! The Car park [free of charge] was a lifesaver, because parking in Rerik can be a nightmare. They also had Car park [on-site], so I didn't have to worry. They have Bicycle parking, if cycling is your thing.
For the Kids (Because We Can't Forget the Little Ones!)
I didn't bring any kids with me, but I noticed they had Kids facilities and they seemed pretty family-friendly.
My Emotional Verdict: A Messy, Wonderful Experience
Look, "Escape to Paradise" wasn't perfect. There were a few hiccups, a slightly over-priced burger, and a whole lot of sand in my shoes by the end. But the view! The location! The sheer joy of waking up to the sound of the waves? That more than made up for any imperfections.
My overall rank? 4.5 out of 5 stars. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just maybe pack an extra bottle of sunscreen and a slightly more discerning palate. And definitely, definitely learn a few basic German phrases. You'll thank me later.
Escape to Tuscany: Unforgettable Stay at Belvilla La Logetta, Montepulciano
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sterile, perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, potentially slightly chaotic reality of my planned (or, you know, hoped for) trip to that Ferienwohnung in Strandnaehe in Rerik-Bastorf, Germany. Prepare for a bumpy ride.
My Messy, Wonderful, Probably-Going-to-Be-Late-For-Everything Itinerary: Rerik & Beyond (Or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Seagulls")
Pre-Departure Ramblings (aka, the "Oh God, Did I Pack Everything?" Phase)
- Month: July (God, I hope it's not raining the entire bloody time)
- Duration: One gloriously, potentially disastrous, week.
- Vibe: Seaside escape, small-town charm, potentially a lot of me, staring wistfully at the Baltic Sea while simultaneously trying to decipher German.
- Pre-emptive Panic: Already feeling the pressure. Did I remember the adaptor? Did I book the right train? Is my passport expired? (Checks passport. Phew.) Did I actually learn any German besides "Das Bier ist gut"? (Probably not. But I will try.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Tango (aka, "Why Did I Bring So Much Stuff?")
- Morning: Train from… well, wherever I'm actually leaving from. Praying the connection is smooth. I swear last time the train was delayed, I nearly lost it. I envision arriving in Rerik, slightly disheveled, probably covered in train grime, and desperately craving a coffee.
- Afternoon: The Great Ferienwohnung Quest! Picking up keys, navigating the charming (or, if I'm being honest, potentially confusing) backstreets of Rerik. Imagine this: me, battling my suitcase on cobblestones, muttering curses under my breath, and praying I don't get lost. The view from the Ferienwohnung better make this all worth it.
- Evening: Unpacking. Half the suitcase will probably stay there anyway. The important stuff: the Kindle, the emergency chocolate, the comfy pajamas. Then, a celebratory (and deeply deserved) Weissbier on the balcony, looking out at the sea. Maybe a little cry of joy. Maybe.
- Imperfection Alert: Expect a minor unpacking meltdown. I'm notorious for leaving things scattered around. Also, I'll likely be ordering pizza. Don't judge.
Day 2: Beach Day, Seagulls, and Existential Dread (aka, "Is This Real Life?")
- Morning: Actual, for real, beach time. Finding a prime sunbathing spot (away from the screaming children, please and thank you). Sinking my toes in the Baltic Sea sand. Reading a trashy novel. Heaven.
- Afternoon: A long walk along the beach. Staring at the seagulls. Contemplating the vastness of the ocean. Thinking about absolutely nothing at all. Or maybe everything. Probably something in between.
- Quirky Observation: Those seagulls! They're like the mafia of the bird world. They'll steal your sandwich in a heartbeat. I envision a major seagull standoff at some point.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Fresh fish, I hope. And a glass of crisp white wine. Hopefully, I can successfully order without embarrassing myself too much. Maybe a minor existential crisis over the lack of wifi. Then, a sunset stroll along the beach. Possibly crying again. I’m a sucker for sunsets.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure bliss. Followed by slight anxiety about the cost of said bliss.
Day 3: The Charm of Rerik and the Search for the Perfect Pastry (aka, "Carb Loading for the Soul")
- Morning: Exploring Rerik itself. Strolling through the harbor. Admiring the colourful houses. Wandering into random shops. Buying something completely unnecessary.
- Afternoon: The Great Pastry Quest! A pilgrimage in search of the perfect German pastry (a Berliner? A Streuselkuchen? The possibilities are endless!). I have heard rumours of a bakery on the harbour front. I will find it. I will conquer it.
- Rant Alert: Seriously, it's not a vacation without pastries. It is the foundation of a lovely day.
- Evening: Back at the Ferienwohnung. Maybe a quiet evening of reading, or writing in my journal. Or plotting my next pastry raid. The world may never know.
- Imperfection: There is a high probability I will get lost. I have a terrible sense of direction. But, hey, getting lost can be part of the adventure, right? (Right?!)
Day 4: Excursion to Kühlungsborn (aka, "Chasing Seaside Vibes, Volume Two")
- Morning: Train to Kühlungsborn. This is a bigger seaside town, with a beautiful pier.
- Afternoon: Exploring Kühlungsborn. Walking along the pier. Buying souvenirs (probably a ridiculously cheesy seagull ornament). People-watching. Perhaps even trying to learn some basic German small talk.
- Rambling Note: Okay, I actually love people-watching. It's like a free, live-action movie. The stuff you see! It's gold. I will note all the interesting faces, outfits, and interactions.
- Evening: Dinner in Kühlungsborn (hopefully a restaurant with a sea view). Before returning to Rerik.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I'm quite excited for this day. I love exploring towns and I definitely feel like Kühlungsborn will be just right for me.
Day 5: The Quest for the Best Fish, and the "What Even Is This?" Moment (aka, "Fish, Feelings, and Existential Confusion")
- Morning: Attempting to find the best fish restaurant in Rerik. Talking to locals. Googling. Reading reviews. The pressure!
- Afternoon: Having that perfect fish meal. Savoring every bite. Possibly crying again (or, okay, maybe just getting a little choked up).
- Doubling Down: I'm planning to go into a little deeper with my emotions. Take notes. Write a bit of a personal essay. Reflecting on the experience. This is where the real stuff happens.
- Evening: Back at the apartment. Watching the sunset. Probably feeling a bit melancholic, or maybe euphoric? Either way, it’s going to be raw.
Day 6: A Road Trip Maybe? (aka, "The Open Road… Or Just a Slightly Longer Drive?")
- Morning: Planning Phase: Researching nearby towns. What’s out there? Is there some new adventure just waiting for me?
- Afternoon: Renting a car (or, you know, attempting to). Driving in a foreign country, especially if the trains are not cooperating, feels… intimidating. Finding some beautiful scenic route and driving around.
- Evening: Returning to Rerik. Watching the sunset with a new perspective.
- Rambling: I'm not sure where this will lead. It's not a specific place. But that's what it's about, right? Discovery.
Day 7: Departure, Melancholy, and the Promise of Return (aka, "Goodbye, Seagulls. Until Next Time.")
- Morning: Last stroll on the beach. Feeling the bittersweet pang of leaving. Buying a cheesy postcard.
- Afternoon: Packing. Fighting the urge to stay forever. Saying goodbye to the Ferienwohnung. Train back…
- Evening: Reflection. Thinking about the memories made. Thinking about how to book next year's trip.
- Stronger Reaction: Okay, I'm going to cry. I always cry at the end of holidays. It’s a law of nature.
Final Thoughts (aka, "Post-Trip Therapy Before the Trip Even Starts")
- Expectations: Low. Anything beyond "surviving" is a bonus.
- Worries: Getting lost, getting a sunburn, running out of money, the seagull mafia, not being able to understand the language, the possibility of a major holiday meltdown.
- Hopes: Finding peace, discovering new things, eating all the pastries, making memories, and maybe, just maybe, learning a few German phrases beyond "Bier, bitte."
This itinerary is a work in progress. It will shift, it will bend, it will probably be completely ignored at times. But that’s the fun of it, isn’t it? The uncertainty, the spontaneity, the chance to make a complete mess of things and still have an absolutely fantastic time.
Wish me luck. And if you see a slightly frazzled person on a beach, muttering about seagulls and pastries, that’s probably me. Come say hi… and maybe share a pastry.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Heuvelland Holiday Home with Garden!
Escape to Paradise: Rerik Beachfront Apartment - Ask Me Anything (Well, Almost!)
Okay, so... "Paradise"? Is it *really* paradise? Don't lie to me.
Alright, alright, let's be real. Paradise is a big word. Did the seagulls wake me up at 5 AM? Yes. Was the wifi a little... 'optimistic' some days? Absolutely. But... (takes a deep breath, remembers the ocean view)... look, remember that time you tried to bake a cake, and the oven temperature was completely off, but it still tasted pretty good? This is kinda like that. It's *almost* perfection. The sunsets? Unbelievable. The sound of the waves literally lulling you to sleep? Divine. Did I spend one blissful afternoon just staring at the Baltic Sea, convinced I was a mermaid? Maybe. (Don’t judge me, the wine was involved.) So, yeah, it's pretty darn close. Consider it "paradise-adjacent."
The pictures are gorgeous. Is it actually *that* nice inside? Like, is the sofa comfy?
Dude, the sofa... okay, so here's the thing. I am a sofa snob. If a sofa isn't comfy, I'm out. Period. And this sofa? Let's just say I may or may not have spent a significant portion of my holiday permanently attached to that darn thing. Like, strategically positioned with a book, a blanket, and a cup of hot chocolate. It's that kind of cloud-like comfy. The apartment is lovely, no doubt. But that sofa... that sofa is the real MVP. It survived my Netflix binges, my emotional meltdowns over a particularly bad episode of "Bake Off," and countless naps. The space is clean, well-equipped, and modern, yes, all that. But the sofa, it's the anchor. The comfy, cozy anchor.
Okay, let's talk location. How close *is* close to the beach? Can you, like, *see* the water from the apartment?
You're basically tripping over the beach. I'm not even exaggerating. I swear I could open the window, toss a towel out, and be sunbathing in under a minute. You can see the water like, all the time. Whether you're eating breakfast, or enjoying a late-afternoon drink, or even just… breathing. It's glorious! Seriously, one morning, I was still in my pajamas and decided, "Hey, I'll just *pop* down to the beach for five minutes." Two hours later, I was still there, buried in the sand, building the most epic sandcastle (don't tell anyone, but it looked like a slightly wonky lighthouse). The proximity to the beach is genuinely awesome.
Rerik itself... is there stuff to *do* there? Or am I looking at a week of staring at the sea? Which sounds fine...
Okay, so, Rerik. It's not exactly bustling with nightlife (which, honestly, I loved!). But there's plenty to keep you occupied. Fishing trips, boat tours, delicious seafood restaurants. The charming little town square is just a short walk away, perfect for a leisurely stroll and some ice cream (go for the Stracciatella, trust me!). There are cycle paths, so you can go exploring. And if you're feeling adventurous, the bigger cities are accessible enough. Honestly, I’m more of a “stare at the sea” person, so I spent a lot of time doing exactly that. But it's a great balance of relaxation and accessibility. You can get as active, or inactive, as you like.
What's the kitchen like? Can I cook? (I'm a decent cook, but no master chef!)
The kitchen is well equipped! I cooked! You’ll be fine. It isn't super huge, and I'm no professional, but I managed. Like, I made a *whole* seafood pasta dish one night! (which, by the way, I also managed to burn just a *little* bit *sigh*). Had enough pots, pans, and utensils to get by. Of course, and this is just a minor thing, I did have a minor crisis finding a potato peeler on one particularly late evening. So, my advice is check where all the gizmos and gadgets are when you get there. But otherwise, totally doable. It has all the basics.
Is there parking? Because parking can be a nightmare.
YES! And thank goodness, because I've had parking nightmares. Usually, parking is provided. I'm pretty sure it's a dedicated parking space too. I remember, pulling up and relaxing, because I knew I didn't have to go hunting for anywhere to squeeze in my car. It's easy. It's a godsend. It's parking nirvana. Another thing, that makes this place almost paradise.
What about the downsides? There has to be *something* you didn't love.
Ugh, fine. Okay. Let me think. The seagulls. They do get a little... *loud* in the mornings. Especially if you're not a morning person. And that wifi? Yeah, sometimes, it was a bit... temperamental. I once swore I could hear it mocking me. Also, the shop down the street... it had a limited selection of imported snacks. I was DESPERATE for my favorite brand of crisps by the end of the week. My inner child was screaming. But those are small, trivial complaints. In the grand scheme of things, they’re... manageable.
Would you go back? Be honest, I need a real answer!
One hundred percent. Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. I'm already looking at dates for next year. I’m probably going to need to start doing my own dishes, because I’m going to be broke. It’s the perfect escape. The perfect place to recharge. And that sofa… I miss that sofa already. Seriously. If I could live there forever, I would. The memories, the sunsets, the sound of the waves. The blissful, almost-paradise. Go! Go now! Just… maybe leave me a week open, yeah?
Is it kid-friendly/pet-friendly?
I didn't see any kids or pets when I was there, which, as a solo traveler, I was quite happy with! However, I vaguely remember seeing some information about possible restrictions on pets. So, definitely check that before you book. I don't have kids, so I can'tStay While You Wander
