Escape to Bliss: Your Luxurious Farmhouse Wellness Retreat Near Maredsous, Belgium
Escape to Bliss: My Farmhouse Wellness Retreat Near Maredsous – Or, How I (Almost) Found Nirvana (and Ate a LOT of Soup)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Escape to Bliss, that "luxurious farmhouse wellness retreat" near Maredsous, Belgium. And let me tell you, the marketing copy seriously undersells the experience. Seriously. It's like describing a diamond as "shiny."
SEO & Metadata (Before I Forget!)
- Keywords: Escape to Bliss, Maredsous, Belgium, Wellness Retreat, Farmhouse, Spa, Sauna, Massage, Wheelchair Accessible, Accessible, Luxury, Relaxing, Retreat, Belgium Hotels, Spa Hotels Belgium, Foodie, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dog-friendly, Belgium Getaway, Maredsous Abbey, Ardennes
- Description: Honest review of Escape to Bliss, a luxurious wellness retreat near Maredsous, Belgium. Details on accessibility, dining, spa, and overall experience, including the good, the bad, and the surprisingly delicious soup!
Accessibility – The Bare Bones…But Surprisingly Smooth
First things first: accessibility. I’m not a wheelchair user myself, but I always check this stuff. Escape to Bliss touts itself as accessible, and from what I saw, they’re mostly right. Almost everything felt thoughtfully considered. Elevators, wide doorways, and ramps where needed. They even had accessible rooms. Bravo! The main areas – the restaurant, the spa, the outdoor pool – were all easy to navigate. I did spot a couple of minor bumps – a slight lip at the entrance to the outdoor terrace, for example – but nothing that would completely derail a wheelchair user's experience. They're trying. And in my book, that counts for a lot.
Wheelchair Accessible? YES… with a few tiny caveats.
Dining: The Soup Odyssey (And the Occasional Snag)
Alright, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, a wellness retreat without killer food is just…a slightly less fun exercise class, right? Escape to Bliss boasts a veritable feast of dining options. Restaurants? Plural! They have a main dining room that's pretty stunning, with huge windows looking out over… well, let's be honest, it was mostly rain when I was there (hello, Belgium!). But the view during the brief, sunny moments, was fantastic!
Now, the food itself… it's a mixed bag, in that deliciously Belgian way. They offered Western and Asian cuisine, and everything in between. One thing’s for sure: these folks love soup. And, I confess, I became a soup convert. The French onion soup? Divine. The creamy tomato? Comfort in a bowl. Seriously, I think I consumed enough soup to float a small yacht.
There were a few hiccups. The "alternative meal arrangement" they talk about? They did seem attentive to dietary needs, with vegetarian and gluten-free choices available, but one night my gluten-free pasta arrived with… croutons. Not ideal! And sometimes, the service could be a little slow. But the staff were always, always friendly and apologetic. They clearly care.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Mostly good, with a dash of "learning curve."
Spa, Sauna, and the Quest for Inner Peace (or at Least a Good Nap)
Okay, this is where Escape to Bliss really shines. The spa is incredible. Think hushed tones, flickering candles, and that delicious smell of eucalyptus that just melts away your stress like butter on a hot croissant.
The Pool with a View is magnificent (even when the view is shrouded in mist), the sauna is proper, Scandinavian-style hot, and the massage…OH, the massage! I opted for the "Deep Tissue Bliss" package, and I’m pretty sure I levitated by the end of it. The therapist was a genius. She worked out knots I didn’t even know I had!
Massage: Absolutely Phenomenal! Worth the price of admission alone.
The Foot bath was a total delight too.
Steamroom: A perfect place to sweat it all out.
Body wrap & Body scrub: So refreshing!
Fitness Center: Not a gym rat - but I took a quick look - it seemed quite well-equipped.
Now, about the "Steamroom"…Let's just say I got a bit… claustrophobic in the steam room after 20 minutes. I was also a little too hot and needed to cool off quickly, so that was the end of that.
Cleanliness and Safety: More Sanitizer Than You Can Shake a Stick At (Which, You Know, Is a Good Thing!)
Post-pandemic, safety is paramount, right? And Escape to Bliss takes it seriously. There's sanitizer everywhere – at the entrance, in the rooms, by the elevators. The staff all wear masks, and everything is meticulously cleaned. I felt safe, even with my slight germaphobia.
The Anti-viral cleaning products are a big Plus!
Essential condiments are also available.
Daily disinfection in common areas.
Rooms sanitized between stays.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Hand sanitizer is also another plus!
Staff trained in safety protocol.
Safe dining setup.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
Rooms: The Art of the Cozy Cocoon…and The Great Blackout Curtain Dilemma
My room… Ah, my room. It was lovely. Impeccably clean (thanks, daily housekeeping!), spacious, and beautifully decorated. The bed was a cloud. Seriously, I think I could have slept for a week.
I had a non-smoking room and yes, it was indeed nice.
I had Air conditioning and it was working.
There were bathrobes & slippers.
Internet access - Wi-fi, Wi-fi free, and LAN
Free bottled water and a coffee/tea maker!
The bathroom was well-appointed, with complimentary toiletries (and the all-important hairdryer!). The only slight niggle? The Great Blackout Curtain Dilemma. They were amazing at keeping out the light, but a tad difficult to operate. One morning, I wrestled with them for a good five minutes, feeling like I was in a slapstick comedy.
Rooms sanitized between stays, so you know it's safe.
Things to Do (Besides Eat Soup and Get Massaged)
Look, this is a wellness retreat, so you're supposed to relax. And I did, a lot. But if you're the type who gets itchy feet, there are options. They have a fitness center!
The Gym/fitness room is great.
They have bicycle parking!
Things to do, ways to relax, they got it.
For the Kids (Maybe Not the Main Focus)
I didn’t travel with kids, but Escape to Bliss does have some kids facilities and babysitting service. I’d be tempted to bring the kids, but I was there to seek bliss, and kids might disrupt my path to nirvana!
Services and Conveniences: A Few Perks (and a Few Misses)
They offer pretty much every service you could need: laundry, dry cleaning, luggage storage, concierge service, and even a convenience store (which I may have visited for emergency chocolate acquisition purposes).
Daily housekeeping and 24-hour front desk!
Food delivery and room service [24-hour].
Services and conveniences, they definitely provide a lot of options.
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Car power charging station!
On the other hand, my request for a wake-up call (don't judge me, I'm on vacation!) seemed to get lost in the ether. And the "gift shop" was a bit…limited.
The Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely! (With a Few Caveats)
Escape to Bliss is, overall, a fantastic experience. It's a little slice of heaven, especially if you're looking to de-stress, recharge, and eat your weight in delicious soup.
What I loved: The spa, the massages, the food (especially the soup!), the friendly staff, and the general feeling of tranquility.
What could be improved: The occasional service hiccups and the sometimes-tricky blackout curtains.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just, maybe, I'll pack my own croutons. And I'll definitely make sure to hit up that pool with a view again.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (minus half a star for the crouton incident).
Luxury Sauna House in Lübberstorf, Germany: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously-planned spreadsheet of doom. This is a soulful attempt at a wellness-adjacent farmhouse escape in Belgium, and trust me, it's going to be a glorious, chaotic mess. Consider yourself warned.
Farmhouse Fiasco & Wellness Woe: Maredsous Edition
Day 1: Hitting the Ground (and Probably My Head) in Belgium!
Morning (Probably 9:00 AM, maybe): Flight delayed. Shocker. Already plotting my revenge against whatever airline decided to use a tiny prop plane for a transatlantic hop. My mood? Let's just say I'm currently the human embodiment of a grumpy Brussels sprout.
- Anecdote: On the flight, next to me was a guy who kept loudly complaining about the lack of legroom (same, buddy, same). He also kept ordering "non-alcoholic" cocktails, which he then proceeded to chug with the gusto of a dehydrated camel. I'm pretty sure he was not feeling well.
Afternoon (Whenever We Actually Land): Rental car pick-up. Pray to the automotive gods for me. I'm convinced driving on the "wrong" side of the road is a personal affront to my sanity.
- Quirky Observation: Belgium! It smells faintly of waffles and existential dread. (Okay, maybe I'm projecting a little). Driving can be challenging, even if you know what you are doing. But at least the road signs are pretty to look at.
Late Afternoon/Evening (Around 5:00 PM, if I'm lucky): CRASH AND BURN Arrival at the farmhouse. I'm picturing rolling hills, a cozy fire, and immediate zen. Reality will probably involve a leaky faucet, a grumpy sheep (who, let's be honest, I'll probably name Mildred), and my complete inability to figure out the heating system.
Emotional Reaction: HOLY GUACAMOLE I am so excited to be here. I'm also terrified of being alone with my thoughts (and Mildred - you've been warned).
Minor Categories:
- Check-in: Probably involve me flailing around in broken French & some kind of frantic hand gestures.
- Unpacking: Gonna try and keep my "stuff" to a minimum.
Evening (Whenever I finally get the damn heater running): Find the nearest grocery store for wine and cheese. Essential for "wellness." Prepare myself to go to a local restaurant (if I'm not still lost and the restaurant isn't closed.
- Anecdote: I once spent an hour wandering aimlessly through a Parisian Carrefour, desperately searching for a decent baguette. I finally found one, got back to my hotel room, and realized I had no butter. The heartbreak… it was real.
Day 2: Abbey Ales and Questionable Quads
Morning (Maybe get up at 8 if I am lucky): A hearty breakfast of bread, cheese and coffee. It's my first day in the countryside so I will go for a walk.
- Minor Categories:
- Morning Wellness Routine: Deep breathing, meditation? Probably not. More like frantically guzzling coffee and trying to remember where I left my phone.
- Breakfast: French Toast but better… Belgium style!
- Minor Categories:
Late Morning (10:00 AM): MARIE-REACHING! Take a long drive to Maredsous Abbey. Prepare for a day of walking, laughing, and some self-reflection.
- Double Down: Abbey Ales! I mean, it's essentially a wellness experience, right? Fermented goodness, infused with centuries of monastic tradition. Or, you know, just really good beer. Trying all of Maredsous Abbey's beer!
- Real-sounding anecdote and Imperfection: I am going to try all their beer and I'm sure I will like them all.
- Opinionated Language and Natural Pacing: You would be crazy not to.
- Quirky Observation: Maredsous Abbey is a monument to the past. It makes me think about what the future holds for me.
- Double Down: Abbey Ales! I mean, it's essentially a wellness experience, right? Fermented goodness, infused with centuries of monastic tradition. Or, you know, just really good beer. Trying all of Maredsous Abbey's beer!
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Back at the farmhouse to rest. * Anecdote: I think I got a sunburn so I had to go back to the house. * Quirky Observation: I was so relaxed that I didn't mind the sunburn. * Minor Categories: * Napping: Is it a bad thing if I nap for 3 hours? * Dinner: Back to the abbey again.
Evening (6:00 PM): Relax in the farmhouse.
Quirky Observation: How is the farmhouse not more messy when I am the only one here?
Emotional Reactions: Excited to be alone.
Day 3: Spa Day - Or, The Day My Inner Critic Might Actually Shut Up (Maybe)
Morning (If I can drag myself out of bed): Attempt some yoga. I'm expecting to resemble a contorted pretzel more than a graceful yogi.
- Anecdote: I once tried to do yoga in a hotel room and nearly face-planted into the mini-bar. Let's hope this goes better!
Late Morning (11:00 AM): Drive to the most luxurious spa I managed to find. Massages, facials, the works. This is where the "wellness" really kicks in!
- Emotional Reaction: Fingers crossed this will dissolve the last of my stress.
- Opinionated Language: If it doesn't, I'm demanding a refund.
Afternoon (Whenever I stop smelling of lavender):
Ramblings: I am not sure what to do. I am going to wander.
- Doubling down: WANDER! Get lost on purpose.
- Anecdote:
- Walking around: It's a beautiful day. The wind is kissing my face.
- Anecdote:
- Doubling down: WANDER! Get lost on purpose.
Evening (After all the above): Dinner at the farmhouse.
- Emotional Reaction:
- Good: Calm.
- Bad: I'm going to miss this.
- Emotional Reaction:
Day 4: Chocolate, Chuckles, and the Crushing Reality of Departure
Morning (8:00 AM): Another heart breakfast of bread, cheese and coffee.
- Anecdote:
- Breakfast French toast but better… Belgium style!
- Quirky Observation:
- Walking outside: I can hear the wind.
- Anecdote:
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Chocolate tour! Because, Belgium. Need I say more?
- Quirky Observation:
- Tour: A great way to spend the day.
- Emotional Reactions: * Good: Extremely good.
- Minor Categories:
- More Chocolate: I am going to want more.
- Quirky Observation:
Afternoon (1:00 PM): More time to eat a sandwich.
- Anecdote:
- Walking around: It's a beautiful day.
- Anecdote:
Evening (4:00 PM): Get ready for the departure.
- Emotional Reaction:
- Good: It was great.
- Bad: I have to leave.
- Minor Categories:
- Packing: All my "stuff" to a minimum.
- Emotional Reaction:
Day 5: Homeward Bound (and Possibly Forever Changed By…Waffles?)
- Morning (Departure time): Drive to the airport, which I will hopefully find this time.
- Anecdote: Will I make it in time?
- Quirky Observation: I love the airport.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is a suggestion only. Actual events may vary, heavily. Expect delays, existential crises, and the possible acquisition of at least one overly-friendly sheep (or, potentially, a very grumpy one). But hey, that's the fun of it, right? Now go forth and get wonderfully, messily well!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Eifel Forest Villa in Triercheid, Germany
Okay, so… Escape to Bliss. Sounds… well, *blissy*. Is it *actually* blissful? Like, for real?
Tell me about the location! Maredsous, near Rochefort… what’s the vibe? Is it remote and boring?
The food! I'm a foodie. Is it going to be all "rabbit food" and deprivation?
What’s the accommodation like? Is it rustic and basic, or luxurious and comfortable?
What kind of activities are on offer? Are you stuck doing yoga all day? I'm not a huge yoga person...
What about the other guests? Are they all… perfect? Or is there room for messy, real people?
