Escape to Paradise: Your Private Garden Awaits in Villefranche-du-Périgord!
Escape to Paradise: Villefranche-du-Périgord - My Unfiltered Take (Warning: May Contain Enthusiasm!)
Okay, so I've just gotten back from a trip – not just a trip, but a journey – to this place called "Escape to Paradise" in Villefranche-du-Périgord. And honestly? I'm still unpacking the sheer experience. My brain's a bit of a jumbled mess of croissant crumbs, pool reflections, and a lingering scent of something vaguely…lavender-y. This review? Think of it as the therapy session for my holiday hangover. Buckle up, buttercups.
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Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and My Knee is Screaming!)
Right, let's get straight to the point: Accessibility is a thing these days, and it matters. I'm not disabled, but my knackered old knee (long story) makes me keenly aware of ramps, elevators, and the general layout of a place. "Escape to Paradise"… well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. There's mention of "Facilities for disabled guests" but how accessible remains a mystery. The website mentioned a few things, but honestly, I didn't see a clear breakdown. The general vibe screamed "charming old French building." which doesn't always translate to "user-friendly for wheelchairs." My advice? Contact them directly. Ask the tough questions. Don’t assume. My knee and your peace of mind will thank you.
Rooms: My Little Fortress of Solitude (Until the Mosquitoes Arrived).
Okay, the rooms! Finally! I snagged a non-smoking, high-floor room (which, side note, is crucial if you're like me and have the lung capacity of a goldfish). It had all the goodies: air conditioning, a comfy bed (extra long!), a mini-bar (naturally), and a stunning view. The kind of view that makes you forgive the fact that you left your phone charger in the car. Seriously, though, those views were worth the whole darn trip.
The Little Things That Made a Difference:
- Free Wi-Fi: Because, come on, it's 2024! Especially considering I worked from there for some of the time.
- Free bottled water: A lifesaver after a long, hot day exploring the village.
- Bathrobes and Slippers: Felt like instant movie star status! And the slippers were heavenly.
- Blackout Curtains: Crucial for those long, lazy mornings and to keep your partner asleep when you're not.
- In-room Safe Box: Peace of mind for my valuables - and that stash of emergency chocolate I tucked away.
But, Let's Talk Imperfections. (Because Perfection is Boring, Right?)
- The Mosquitoes: Oh, the mosquitoes! They were relentless. And I'm not exaggerating. I'm pretty sure they held a convention in my room. I'd suggest packing a killer repellent.
- Opening Window: Yes, a window that opens. But the mosquito situation made that a risky proposition.
- No On-Demand Movies: Seriously? In this day and age? I'll be honest, a movie night at 3AM was my guilty pleasure at home.
- Slightly Weak Internet: It wasn’t terrible, but maybe not strong enough for intense video calls.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Perspective (and My Obsessive Washing!)
Okay, let's be real. The whole pandemic thing has made us all a little… vigilant. And by "vigilant," I mean I now approach every surface with the suspicion of a CSI investigator. "Escape to Paradise" gets a thumbs up. They had "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, and "Rooms sanitized between stays". I appreciated the effort, but I still carried my own wipes. Call me paranoid, but I'm not taking any chances.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Love Affair (and the Wine Headache!)
Right, let's talk about the delicious stuff. This is where "Escape to Paradise" really shines.
- The Restaurants: There's a choice of restaurants, plural – one international cuisine and one vegetarian, plus room service. I went full-on gluttony, of course. The à la carte menu at the main restaurant was a delight, and the vegetarian options were surprisingly good. The salads were fresh, the soups were comforting, and the desserts…oh boy, the desserts. (My waistline is not a fan).
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag for me. I have an Asian background, and the Asian Breakfast options were so-so. And the Western breakfast was a good, but not necessarily creative, so you might think about the breakfast in room option.
- The Poolside Bar: This was my happy place. Cocktails were expertly crafted, the staff were friendly, and the view from the Poolside bar was… well, you get it.
- Happy Hour: Yes, they had happy hour. Need I say more? It was the perfect way to end the day.
- Room Service (24-hour): Utterly sinful, and completely necessary after a long day doing…nothing!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Spa, Oh, The Spa!
This is where "Escape to Paradise" truly lived up to its name. I mean, it's right there in the name, isn't it?
- The Pool with a View: Magnifique! The view was postcard-worthy. The water was refreshing. Perfect for a pre-lunch dip.
- The Spa: This is where my soul went to melt. Honestly, it was divine. I indulged in a massage (pure bliss!), a body scrub (exfoliated my worries away!), and a sauna (sweat out all the sins!). They have a Spa/Sauna and a Steamroom which is great. There's even a Fitness center, which I avoided like the plague. (Hey, I was on holiday!). They also have a Foot bath, which was surprisingly lovely – and the Body wrap. Truly, the best spa experience of my life.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Make a Difference
- Concierge: Super helpful with recommendations and booking services.
- Daily Housekeeping: Always a treat to come back to a clean room!
- Laundry Service: Essential if, like me, you tend to spill things down your shirt.
- Car Park [free of charge]: Huge bonus! Parking can be a nightmare in some places.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Perfect if you're hosting something. (I wasn't, but it's good to know!)
- Elevator: Praise the heavens! (Especially for my dodgy knee)
For the Kids and the Family (I’m Not a Parent, But I Saw Some!)
- Family/child friendly: Yes.
- Babysitting service Yes
- Kids meal Yes
- Kids facilities Yes
I didn't have any kids in tow, but I did witness some very happy families enjoying the place. The whole vibe felt very welcoming to children.
Getting Around: The Transportation Tango
- Airport transfer, Car park [on-site] & Car park [free of charge]: They did offer transport options. Getting around was easy, especially with the free parking.
My Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely, without a doubt. Despite the mosquitoes (seriously, someone needs to declare war on them) and the minor grumbles, this place is a winner. "Escape to Paradise" is a genuinely beautiful hotel with stunning views, fantastic food, and a spa that will make you feel like a new person. It’s not perfect, but that’s what makes it charming. It's a place where you can truly unwind, recharge, and escape the everyday grind. Just remember the mosquito repellent, and maybe pack a knee brace (just in case).
Final Score: 4.5 stars (minus half a star for the mosquitoes!)
Escape to Paradise: Your Private Crete Villa Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, the messy, glorious, hopefully-not-too-disastrous adventure of a holiday in a secluded French holiday home near Villefranche-du-Périgord. Prepare yourself for existential crises, questionable food choices, and the inevitable language barrier gaffes.
The "Oh God, Did I Pack Enough Socks?" Villefranche-du-Périgord Debacle: A Very Realistic Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival! (And Mild Panic)
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up to the shrill, unrelenting alarm clock. The dreaded "I-Should-Have-Gone-To-Bed-Earlier" feeling is in full swing. Last-minute frantic bag-packing of toiletries and other essentials and then a race to the airport.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Arrive in Bordeaux Airport. Immediately feel like I'm in a Wes Anderson movie, but everyone is far too busy to notice my attempt at "French Chic" (read: slightly disheveled). The rental car pick-up is surprisingly smooth… until I realize I have absolutely no idea how any of the buttons or the GPS system work. Deep breaths. Pretend you know what you're doing.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The drive. Oh, the drive! Rolling hills, picture-perfect villages, and the constant nagging worry I'll end up on the wrong 'autoroute'. Google Maps bless its digital soul. I'm convinced the French have a secret speed limit for scenic drives (which seems to be 25 mph).
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): FINALLY. We arrive at the holiday home. It's… lovely. The garden IS as idyllic as the photos, even though the neighbour's rooster is already making its opinions on the day very clear. The house is charming, but also, let's be honest, slightly dusty. Who are we kidding, VERY dusty. Start the unpacking, and discover I am missing my favourite mug. The world is ending. Dinner: cheese, bread, and attempting to decipher the French instructions on the microwave. Fail spectacularly. Order pizza.
Night (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM): Wine. Lots of wine. Stargazing. The existential dread of being alone in a foreign country, slowly fading. Attempt (and fail) to speak French to a passing cat. Sleep. (Eventually)
Day 2: The Périgord Market (and Bread-Based Regret)
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up to the Rooster's encore performance. Curse. Then, tentatively, start making coffee. The coffee maker might also be dusty. Breakfast. Find the forgotten mug. The gods have smiled upon me.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Villefranche-du-Périgord market! Armed with a phrasebook and a healthy dose of optimism. Wander through the stalls, feeling completely overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of produce. Buy WAY too much bread. Like, enough bread to feed a small army. Later, I'll regret this. But for now, the bread is my best friend.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Attempt to create a "picnic" with my mountain of bread, some cheese, some olives (which, frankly, look rather intimidating), and a dodgy-looking tomato. Eat everything in the garden, mostly because I'm starving.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Drive to a nearby "château." Try to be cultured. Pretend to understand the history. Secretly think everyone in the château had VERY good taste. Spend a good 10 minutes staring at a very old suit of armor, wondering if it would fit. (It would not.) Decide I prefer gardens to castles. Then, start a "treasure hunt" with a very old map and try to find a secret route. Fail.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Return home. Realize I bought too much bread. Again. Worry if I'll be able to fit it into my suitcase. Make some terrible attempts at an omelette, but the food taste still is the best, the food is still great just because of my effort. Spend the rest of the evening pondering life, the universe, and whether or not to learn French verbs. (Spoiler: still no.)
Night (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM): Read a book. Fall asleep.
Day 3: Dordogne River Day (and the Great Kayak Kayastrophe)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Decide to kayak down the Dordogne River. The guidebook said it was "easy." They lied. Load the car, feeling confident, then quickly realize I'm wearing the wrong clothes.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunching at the riverbank. Attempt to avoid my bread mountain. Eat a baguette. Wonder if France has a bread addiction problem of some kind.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Launch the kayak. Immediately feel a wave of panic. I am not a kayaker. The river is beautiful, but I'm probably more likely to end up face down in the water than enjoying the scenery. Paddle. Struggle. Get stuck on a branch. Get slightly less stuck on a branch. Tip over. Flail around. Somehow, manage to remain upright. Eventually, make it down the river, soaked, exhausted, and with a newfound respect for the river's current and more importantly for the way the French make Kayaks easier to use.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Arrive home, feeling proud of myself. Have a long, hot shower. Feel very, very good. Watch a movie.
Night (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM): More wine (needed). Start planning the next day, which is more important.
Day 4: The Truffle Hunt and the Culinary Disaster (aka the "Truffle-tastic" Debacle)
Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Wake up, ready for action. Today, we hunt for truffles! Book a "truffle experience" with a local farmer. This is going to be so cool.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive at the truffle farm. Meet the farmer, who speaks very little English, but whose dog seems to understand everything. The dog is adorable. Truffle hunting is harder than it looks. Spend most of the time tripping over roots and wondering why I thought this was a good idea. The dog, however, is a truffle-finding genius. We find truffles!
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): The truffle farmer prepares a truffle omelette. It's divine. The freshest eggs, the earthy scent of the truffles… culinary heaven. (I immediately start planning how to smuggle a truffle back home.)
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Determined to replicate the truffle omelette magic, I buy some truffles (expensive!) and return to the holiday home. The instructions are slightly vague and the French language is failing me. I burn the omelette. Completely. The kitchen smells of smoke. I vow to never attempt truffle-anything again.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Sulk. Eat bread. Consider ordering pizza.
Night (9:00 PM - 11:00 PM): Watch a movie. Try to figure out how to get my clothes out of the suitcase.
Day 5: The "Au Revoir" (and the Panic of Leaving)
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Wake up. Last day!! Start packing. Realize I somehow have MORE stuff than when I Arrived. How is this possible? The bread mountain shrinks, but the cheese stockpile grows.
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): A final wander through the garden. Take pictures. Feel a pang of sadness. Actually, a big pang of sadness. I don't wanna leave.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Last lunch with bread and cheese in the garden. Sigh. Look up at the sun and feel like I will not never see it again.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Drive to the airport. Return the car. Try not to think about how much I'll miss France. Fail.
**Evening (4:00 PM - 9:
Escape to Paradise: Your Private Garden Awaits in Villefranche-du-Périgord - FAQs (and Me rambling on about it)
What *is* this "Escape to Paradise" thing anyway? Sounds… cheesy.
It’s advertised as a romantic getaway. I went with my sister. We fought over the coffee maker. So, make of that what you will.
Tell me about the garden. Is it actually… paradise-y?
And let me tell you about the little patio, it was really the best part.
Is it kid-friendly?
I also remembered that the owners had some outdoor table tennis there. Could be fun but, I don't like that.
What about the inside of the gîte? Comfortable? Modern? Basic?
Okay, I must digress, the wifi was a bit spotty. But, I didn't go there to be online! Just a bit frustrating when you're trying to book wine tours.
Is the location good? What's nearby?
The only problem? Driving there is a pain. The roads are narrow, twisty, and you might get stuck behind a tractor. Prepare yourself for some serious driving time. But seriously, a bit of a drive is worth it.
Food, Glorious Food! What are the dining options like? (Is it all foie gras?!)
One restaurant in Villefranche-du-Périgord deserves a special mention. It's this little place, tucked away, and the food was *divine*. Best meal I had all trip. Wish I remembered the name, now.
Any downsides? Be honest!
Would you go back? And would you recommend it?
But seriously, book it. You won’t regret it. Unless you have a serious caffeine addiction and can't deal withHotel Safari
