Escape to Paradise: Stunning Golf Course Apartment in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie!
Sun, Sand, and…Sanitation? A Rambling Review of "Escape to Paradise" in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just survived – and kind of enjoyed – a stay at "Escape to Paradise," that golf course apartment in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. "Paradise" might be a slight exaggeration, but hey, after the year we've had, a decent apartment near a golf course is practically heaven, right? Let's dive in, shall we… and try not to get bogged down in the details, because honestly, my brain is still trying to recover from the French sunshine.
First Impressions (and a Quick Word on Accessibility - because, you know, life isn't always smooth):
Okay, so the name lures you in. "Escape to Paradise." Sigh. I envisioned myself sipping something fruity on a balcony overlooking emerald greens…and, well, the reality was a bit… less perfect, more real. My first thought was, "Did I bring enough sunscreen?" My second was, "Where's the freaking elevator?!" Because let's be real, the "apartment" felt more like a fancy hotel suite in a building.
Accessibility? Listen, while the building had an elevator, ( **Services and conveniences: *Elevator* *), I didn't scrutinize this. No need for a wheelchair, but I always appreciate the thought!*
The Vibe (and the Wi-Fi – Because, Priorities):
This place screams "trying really hard to be elegant." The Wi-Fi was STRONG – Available in all rooms, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events. Thank God, cause my phone is my lifeline. You know… gotta update my Instagram with photos of my boring life. It's all part of the experience, right? And if you're planning an event there, with all this Wi-Fi options, your Instagram game will be on point.
Relaxation Station (or, How I Tried to Unwind):
Okay, on the list of ways to melt your stress away, you have: Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap. Wow. I'm sweating just looking at the list. I did manage a quick dip in the OUTDOOR pool ( Swimming pool [outdoor]), which was pretty sweet, though I swear, the water was colder than my ex’s heart. I REALLY wanted to try the sauna, but never got around to it. Always next time, I keep telling myself. The 'fitness center' looked promising because I was on a mission to get my beach body in order. I even packed my gym clothes. But as I got there, and saw the treadmills and weights, I gave up. I would relax in my hotel room using my laptop. My version of "Fitness Center-ing" at an apartment hotel.
Cleanliness And Safety (The 2023 Edition):
Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. ( Cleanliness and safety, 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. ) Honestly, it felt like a freaking science experiment. Every surface gleamed, and I'm pretty sure they were using some kind of advanced UV light on me in the lobby. It’s comforting, sure, but also slightly terrifying. I mean, I want to feel safe, but do I need to feel like I’m being decontaminated? I half expected to see a hazmat suit-wearing guy handing me a mask from the first aid kit. It definitely gave things a sterile vibe, which is a blessing and a curse, I guess. I mean, nobody wants to catch the plague, but I missed the comforting lived-in-ness of a hotel.
Food, Glorious Food (or, The Existential Dread of the Buffet):
Alright, so here’s where things got interesting. The Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, 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, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant situation. It claims multiple dining options, and oh boy were there options on the menu. Breakfast was the usual continental drill, but they did have a Western Breakfast (score!) What they didn’t have was a decent cup of coffee. Seriously, I gave up after the second lukewarm, weak brew. So, I ended up having breakfast takeaway service every day… that I made myself. Which, frankly, kinda defeats the purpose of a vacation, but at least I got my caffeine fix. The Poolside bar? It was closed more often than it was open, which was a huge bummer. And the snack bar was just meh. I did try the soup, because, you know… gotta eat.
The Apartment Itself (aka My Temporary Cage):
Let’s talk about the Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, 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. Okay, the room was… fine. It was clean (see above, re: sterilization), spacious enough with a balcony – crucial for late-night quiet moments. Blackout curtains are a MUST, and these were great. The bed was comfortable, an extra-long bed. They had a mini-bar, which was a plus (even if the prices were scandalous). The separate shower/bathtub was nice. A coffee/tea maker was offered. The best thing was the closet. I've spent many hours there, trying to get ready. Overall, not a bad place to crash.
The Extras (or, What Else is Up?):
The hotel offered a bunch of “services and conveniences.” Air conditioning in public area to the luggage storage. They had a, Cash withdrawal as well as Meeting/banquet facilities. I didn't use any of them, but hey, they were there! The staff were polite, though a bit robotic at times. There was a [24-hour] front desk which made me feel extra secure. And a doorman, as if I was the Queen.
For the Kids? Well, there are Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, but I traveled alone, so I didn't test those out.
Getting Around (Because, You Gotta):
They offered Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. I walked. Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is a charming little town, but the hotel wasn’t right in the thick of things. Walking to the shops and beach was easy enough, though.
Final Verdict (aka, The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth…Mostly):
"Escape to Paradise" isn't a total bust. It’s clean, safe (maybe too safe!), and in a decent location. It's got all the basic amenities, and the golf course (which I never actually played on) is pretty. However, it lacks soul. It’s a bit corporate, and I could easily see it being the same anywhere in the world. If you’re looking for pure, unadulterated relaxation and a sense of place, you might be slightly disappointed. But if you want a functional, relatively comfortable base from which to explore Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, it'll do the trick. Just don't expect to find your personal paradise. You'll probably
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Oggebbio, Italy!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's perfectly-penciled itinerary. This is ME, battling jet lag, cobblestone streets, and my inner critic while trying to enjoy a damn vacation in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. And it's all happening in a "charming" (read: probably needs a good vacuum) apartment on a golf course. Wish me luck.
My Absolutely Unreliable Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France Itinerary (Or, "The Adventures of a Disorganized Tourist")
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread Before Dinner
- Morning (ish): Well, technically, it was "noon-ish" after a flight from… let’s just say, far away. The flight itself? A blur of tiny pretzels, questionable airline coffee, and the silent judging of the lady next to me who kept clipping her nails. (Seriously, lady? REALLY?) Arrive in Nantes, pick up the rental car (a slightly battered Renault, naturally named "Henri" – mandatory), and the drive to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. The GPS lady kept barking directions that sounded suspiciously like "turn left… or maybe right… oh, just wing it!"
- Afternoon: Finally, the apartment! Honestly, the golf course view is pretty epic. The apartment itself… well, "charming" is being generous. It smells faintly of old cheese and unspoken hopes. I spent an hour trying to figure out the coffee machine (still no luck). Then, the existential dread kicked in: Am I wasting my life? Why did I choose this shade of travel pillow? Do I even LIKE golf? My emotional state is currently "questionable."
- Evening: Dinner at Le Bistrot du Marin. Yelp reviews were stellar. Emphasis on were. I envisioned myself enjoying a divine seafood platter while watching the sunset. What I got was a slightly chewy (but delicious, to be fair) moules frites and a waiter who seemed to genuinely hate his life. The sunset? Blocked by a massive cloud formation. Still, the frites were glorious, and I spent a solid 45 minutes just staring at the sea. Overall, a solid, if slightly melancholic, start.
Day 2: Surf, Sand, & Possibly a Meltdown
- Morning: Woke up hungover from my excellent bottle of wine (don’t judge!). I actually forced myself to visit the beach. It was… well, it was a beach. Fine sand, crashing waves, the usual. I tried to be "one with nature" (like I saw in a movie). I attempted to learn to surf. (Spoiler: I can't.) Embarrassment level: Maximum. Sarcasm level: High.
- Afternoon: Okay, I really tried to learn how to surf. I booked a lesson and the instructor was this guy named Pierre, who had a permanent tan and a smile that suggested he'd swallowed the sun. He was patient, surprisingly funny, and didn't laugh too hard when I spent more time underwater than on the board. However, I did managed to, briefly, stand-up, and it was exhilarating! It was so unexpected, so utterly glorious, that I was grinning like a fool for the next hour, reliving the moment and almost forgetting I'd been eating sand a few minutes earlier.
- Evening: The surf lesson took the wind out of me. I was exhausted, sandy, and slightly sunburnt. Thought about the local restaurant, but the exhaustion set in. I ended up eating a baguette and cheese in my apartment while I watched French TV. The sheer chaos of the food choice matched the mood I was in.
Day 3: Markets, Misunderstandings, and Massively Overpriced Souvenirs
- Morning: The market! The famed Marché des Halles. I ventured forth, ready to embrace the local culture. Armed with my (bad) French, I attempted to buy some croissants (which I failed on). The stalls were overflowing with colorful produce, crusty bread, and the intoxicating smell of cheese. Got completely bamboozled by a vendor who insisted I needed a particular type of apricot jam. Bought three jars. Pretty good jam, actually. Still confused.
- Afternoon: The souvenir hunt began. I was determined to find the perfect trinket. After hours of wandering, I found a "charming" (there’s that word again) little shop selling handcrafted items. Everything was ridiculously expensive. I ended up buying a postcard of a seagull (because, you know, France). I still can't believe I did that.
- Evening: Spent far too long staring out at the golf course. There’s something soothing about the predictability of it all. Dinner? Pizza. Because sometimes, a girl just needs pizza.
Day 4: Golf, the Apparent Reason for My Existence
- Full day: I am forced to confront the reality that I am staying on a golf course, so I may as well try and play golf. I rented clubs and decided to embarrass myself publicly. The nice thing? I am now good friends with Henri, my rental car, because I spent two hours shouting at golf balls I was never going to reach. It was a glorious day out, and I think I am becoming good at golf.
Day 5: Departure… and a Promise
- Morning: Pack. Clean (ish) the apartment. Attempt to leave the coffee machine in better shape than I found it (didn’t happen). Drive Henri back to the airport. Wave goodbye to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, half-relieved, half-sad to leave.
- Afternoon: The flight home. Reflecting.
- Evening (and forever): I swear, I might actually come back. There were moments. There were the moules frites. There was the surf lesson. There was the postcard of the seagull. It wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was human. And, in its own chaotic way, it was kinda wonderful. I'll learn French. I'll get better at surfing. And I'll find a better travel pillow. Maybe.
Escape to Paradise: Your Chaotic Guide to That Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie Apartment! (Because Honestly, We Get It)
Okay, spill the tea! Is this place *actually* paradise? Like, are we talking swans and fluffy clouds paradise, or...
Alright, let's be real. Paradise? That's a hefty claim. Here's the deal: Yes, it's stunning. The golf course views? Majestic. You could genuinely spend hours just staring out the window, lost in a haze of green. I remember the first time, I almost tripped over my own feet trying to Instagram the sunrise. (Turns out, my phone's camera is definitely NOT paradise-worthy.) But, and this is a big but, remember those holiday brochures that always hide the reality? Things are not like the photos - not in the same way. There was one morning, around 5 am, and I didn't want to have a walk, and I was feeling a bit like a grumpy bear, that a golf ball bounced on the window - you know, at 5 am... Anyway, that was not paradise. Not at all.
The golf course. Is it, like, *right there*? Do I need to pack my clubs, or my flippers?... Or both?
Okay, the golf course is... *right there*. Seriously. It's like the apartment's super-cool neighbor. You can practically smell the freshly cut grass. And yes, pack your clubs! (Though, uh, fair warning: I may or may not have tried golfing once. Let's just say my swing resembled a confused windmill. And the bunkers? Let the game of hide-and-seek begin.) And, I'd suggest that you skip the flippers unless you're REALLY bad at golf. Because, let's be honest, you'll be on the course more than in the ocean.
The apartment itself, what can you tell me? Are we talking IKEA chic or a more 'French Chateau' vibe?
Hmm, good question. Let's split the difference. It's not a full-blown chateau (darn!), but it's definitely not an IKEA massacre. The decor is, well, let's call it 'charmingly eclectic'. You've got your modern conveniences (thank goodness for a decent coffee machine!), mixed with, shall we say, 'vintage' pieces that have seen a few… adventures. The last time I had a glass of wine, a beautiful antique table almost collapsed. Anyway, there are beautiful paintings hung on the walls and it would be a sin not to appreciate them. But don't expect everything to be perfect. Like, remember that time I dropped a whole jar of jam on the floor? Good times. That's how I got acquainted with their cleaning supplies.
Is it noisy? I need my beauty sleep, dammit!
Okay, noise levels. This is a tricky one, and it depends. During the day, golf chatter (which is surprisingly soothing, after a while! Unless you're the poor sap who shanked their ball into the shrubbery), and the occasional lawnmower symphony. But at night? It's generally peaceful. Mostly. I once, and this is embarrassing, was woken by a rogue seagull having a very intense conversation with the apartment's chimney. It was a *very* loud conversation. I spent the rest of the next day convinced it was the sound of the end of the world. So, earplugs might be a good idea, just in case. And maybe a spare pair of sunglasses… for the morning after.
Can I get decent coffee? Because if I can't, it's a deal-breaker.
THE COFFEE. Ah, the elixir of life. Yes, thankfully, the coffee situation here is… adequate. Not the best coffee I've ever had. (That accolade goes to the tiny cafe down by the beach, but I'm not telling you where *that* is, it's my secret!), but it's definitely drinkable. There's a Nespresso machine, so at least, you can start your day right. Just pack your own pods. And maybe a backup plan, just in case the machine decides to stage a rebellion.
What's the deal with the bathroom? Clean? Modern? Does it still have a toilet brush from the 80s? (Be honest!)
The bathroom… bless its heart. It's functional. It's clean. It's not exactly a spa retreat, but hey, it gets the job done. And yes, the toilet brush is… let's say 'vintage'. It's seen a few things. I wouldn't say it's from the 80s, more from the 90s or early 2000s. It's functional, but it's not exactly a talking point. I suggest you bring your own, if you're fussy. And for the love of all that is holy, check the water pressure *before* you hop in the shower! I learned that lesson the hard way...
Is there a balcony/terrace? And if so, is the view worth the price of admission?
Yes, there's a balcony! And the view? Absolutely worth it. It's where I spend most of my time when I'm not frantically trying to find a phone charger or wondering where I left my keys. Picture this: coffee in hand, the sun rising over the golf course, a gentle breeze… It's pure bliss! Now, be warned, there is a slight issue with the chairs, it would be a good idea to check that they are stable before sitting down, just in case.
Parking? Is it a nightmare? I hate circling the block for hours.
Okay, parking. This one depends on the time of year. In the off-season, it's a breeze. You'll probably have your choice of spots. During peak season, it can be a bit… competitive. Parking in front of the building is a lottery. Prepare for a bit of circling, especially on weekends. I remember once having to park, like, a mile away because some guy in a giant RV had taken up the entire street. (Seriously, what was he thinking?). And yes, prepare to get your walking shoes on in the summer!
Is there a grocery store nearby? Because my vacation diet involves cheese, wine, and copious amounts of bread.
Bless you. You are speaking my language. Yes, there are grocery stores nearby, thankfully. A few minutes' drive! You'll be well stocked withCozy Stay Spots
