Ibiza Paradise Found: Belvilla Can Mateu - Your Dream OYO Escape!
Ibiza Paradise Found? Belvilla Can Mateu - My Dream OYO Escape (Or Was It?) - A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unpack my stay at Belvilla Can Mateu, that "dream OYO escape" in Ibiza, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. Think glistening turquoise waters, followed by… well, occasionally slightly less glistening moments. 😜
First Impressions, or "Whew, Made It!"
The website painted a picture of rustic charm and… well, maybe a little too much Photoshop. Finding the place was a mini-adventure, a winding, heart-in-my-throat drive up – whew – seriously, my driving skills were tested! But finally, there it was, Can Mateu, nestled into the Ibizan hills. Accessibility: Okay, let's be real. If you're relying on a wheelchair, this place is going to be a challenge. Think uneven terrain, steps galore, and that picturesque drive? Not exactly a ramp-friendly experience. They say they have Facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't exactly see them in action. Car park [free of charge] : YES! And thank the heavens because parking anywhere in Ibiza is a nightmare. And Car park [on-site], double YES!
The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? Ah, the room. Picture this: Air conditioning (a lifesaver!), Free Wi-Fi (thank you, internet gods!), and a bed so comfy I practically melted into it. Free bottled water was a nice touch. The refrigerator was essential for keeping my rosé chilled. The private bathroom was spacious, though the toiletries were, shall we say, "basic." The bathroom phone? Pointless, unless you want to call down to the lobby at 3 am and say "Bring more chocolate!!" 🍫 (I didn’t, but I considered it.) The blackout curtains were a godsend, especially after a few too many sangrias. My room also came fitted with a mirror, where I spent most of my time admiring myself after a long day in the sun. It does have carpeting and non-smoking rooms, so that was a blessing.
I actually was able to watch some on-demand movies, but who really does that?!
The Amenities: Spa Day Dreams & Gym Nightmares
Okay, confession time: I went full-on "treat yo'self" mode. The Spa? Yes, please! I booked a Body scrub and a massage. It was amazing. Definitely worth the splurge. They even had a Pool with view. Absolutely Instagram-worthy. The Sauna was… well, hot. Great for detoxing… or so I told myself 😉 The Steamroom – a bit too steamy for my liking, but hey, options! They offer Spa/sauna experiences.
The Fitness center, on the other hand… let's just say it needed a little love. The equipment looked like it hadn't been touched since the early 90s. My attempt at a treadmill run resulted in a near-catastrophic wobble. I think it was a Gym/fitness, more like a gym that needed fitness.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fiesta
Food! My true love. Breakfast [buffet] was included. Good, but not mind-blowing. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a bit… unexpected in Ibiza, but I'm not complaining. They had a Vegetarian restaurant. I went for the Buffet in restaurant, and it was amazing!! The Happy hour at the Poolside bar was a daily ritual. The Restaurants were a great place to visit. The Coffee shop… coffee was strong, just how I like it. They offered international cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant, and the options were endless! And they had Desserts in restaurant. A la carte in restaurant and Salad in restaurant, what more could you want?
They had a Snack bar, but it was so busy… oh well. Bottle of water for the win!
Cleanliness and Safety: A Little Piece of Mind
Okay, important stuff. Cleanliness and safety. They seemed to be taking things seriously. I saw plenty of Hand sanitizer stations. The staff wore masks (mostly). They touted Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services. Rooms sanitized between stays, they claimed. They even had Staff trained in safety protocol. But honestly, I’m still a bit paranoid, so I had the option to request Room sanitization opt-out available, and I got that. I also got Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. To note, the presence of a First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call were reassuring.
Little Things That Matter (Or Annoy)
- Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! Although the signal sometimes felt a bit spotty. Especially in the evenings… you know, when I really needed to update my Insta.
- Services and conveniences: The Concierge was helpful, but sometimes a little… flaky. The Daily housekeeping was on point, though. A blessing. And having Laundry service was a relief.
- For the kids: There were Family/child friendly facilities, but I'm not a parent, so I can't really comment on that.
- Check-in/out [express]: A little too express for my liking! 😂
Overall Vibe & My Verdict
Can Mateu is beautiful. It's got a certain rustic charm, a killer view, and the spa is worth the splurge. But… it's not perfect. It's a bit rough around the edges, the service can be a little inconsistent, and the fitness center needs a serious reboot.
Would I go back? Maybe. If I'm feeling flush and need a serious dose of R&R, absolutely. But if you're expecting pristine perfection, you might want to manage your expectations. It's a good base to explore Ibiza, but it's not the kind of place that's going to blow your mind. It's an escape, a good one. It's a place to relax. It's something you can return to, time and time again.
Final Score: 7.5 out of 10. Room for improvement, but definitely a (mostly) paradise-worthy experience.
#Ibiza #BelvillaCanMateu #OYOescape #TravelReview #SpaLife #SummerVibes #GoodButNotPerfect #WorthTheTrip #NeedMoreChocolate
Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Todi, Italy!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my utterly imperfect, hilariously chaotic, and hopefully, somewhat inspiring trip to Can Mateu Ibiza. This ain't your glossy brochure, folks. This is the real, sun-baked, slightly sunburned, and possibly margarita-fueled truth. Here we go:
Belvilla by OYO Can Mateu Ibiza: The Unofficial, Mostly Accurate, Diary of a Hot Mess
Day 1: Arrival and the "Lost Luggage" Blues (and Blessings?)
- 9:00 AM (ish): Land in Ibiza. Airports are… well, they’re airports. The usual suspects – screaming kids, stressed-out parents, the guy who thinks he's invisible with his monster carry-on. I'm already silently judging, a skill I've perfected over years of public transit.
- 9:45 AM: Rental car pick-up. Let's just say my driving skills are… enthusiastic. Navigating unfamiliar roads and roundabouts while simultaneously battling a rogue GPS and a sudden urge to buy a giant inflatable flamingo (seriously, they're everywhere) is my definition of a "thrill."
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Can Mateu! Whoa. Pictures don’t do it justice. The terracotta roof, the bougainvillea spilling over the walls, the promise of a pool…it's like a postcard come to life. I may have actually squealed a little.
- 11:15 AM (Slightly Less Squealing): Oh. My. God. My luggage. GONE. Vanished. Poof. Stolen by… well, I have no idea. The airline's a symphony of shrugs and "we'll-look-into-it" platitudes. Panic starts to bubble. Then…I remember I packed a swimsuit in my purse. And honestly? Freedom from my carefully curated (and slightly boring) "travel wardrobe" feels…liberating. Maybe this is a sign to embrace the chaos.
- 12:00 PM: Pool time! The water is the perfect temperature. This is the moment I truly exhale. The sun on my skin, the scent of pine needles…it's paradise.
- 1:00 PM: Wander into the local supermarket, armed with just phone and credit card. I look ridiculous. But I find some groceries.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch in the courtyard, feeling completely at peace. The food simple… but it is good.
- 4:00 PM: Attempt a nap. Fail. Too excited, apparently. The silence is beautiful.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset cocktails (a local "hierbas" and something else) on the terrace. The view over the Ibiza countryside is unreal. My inner cynic melts away. I feel…happy, genuinely happy.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner in the villa. The food is great. I think I actually slept for the first time in what feels like an eternity.
Day 2: Exploring the Island (and My Inner Idiot)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast on the veranda – bread, local jam, and a truly terrible attempt at coffee (more on that later). Still no luggage. Acceptance is slowly dawning. I will buy clothes. They will probably be hideous. It’s a character-building exercise, right?
- 10:00 AM: Road trip! GPS, let’s do this. First stop: Ibiza Town. I'm not sure if it's the beauty or the overwhelming number of designer shops, but I instantly love it. The narrow streets, the whitewashed buildings, the scent of jasmine…it's intoxicating.
- 10:30 AM: Getting a bit lost in the shopping area. I purchase a flowy dress and a ridiculous sunhat.
- 12:00 PM: Formentera, a ferry daytrip. This island is even more beautiful.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch on the beach, the freshest seafood. I feel so lucky.
- 3:00 PM: A walk along the beach.
- 5:00 PM: Sunset drinks. Watching the sun disappear into the sea, with a cocktail in hand – pure bliss.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the villa.
- 8:00 PM: Another dinner in the villa. I discover a lovely bottle of wine.
Day 3: The Beach, the Blow-Up Mattress, and the Breakdown (and Break-Through)
- 9:00 AM: I wake up to the same lack of luggage. It is what it is. I'm at the point where I'm starting to think I should just move here.
- 10:00 AM: Beach day! I found a deserted cove. The water is crystal clear. I swim, I sunbathe, I forget about everything for a while. It's pure, uncomplicated joy.
- 1:00 PM: I attempted to lunch with a local cafe. It was a culinary disaster.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the villa. The afternoon heat hits, and I realize I want to take a nap.
- 3:30 PM: The blow-up mattress of my dreams.
- 4:00 PM: I wake up to the sound of the phone ringing.
- 4:30 PM: The phone call. No luggage. Instead, bad news.
- 5:00 PM: The tears. The frustration. The feeling of being utterly overwhelmed. I have a full-blown, ugly-cry breakdown in the middle of the courtyard. The bougainvillea probably thinks I'm insane.
- 5:30 PM: I clean myself up, and decide to go for a walk.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset.
- 7:00 PM: I come back to the villa. I try to eat dinner.
- 8:00 PM: I spend the night on the veranda looking at the stars.
Day 4: The Secret Spot and the Slow Burn
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast in the villa.
- 10:00 AM: Hiking in the area near Can Mateu.
- 12:00 PM: I find a secret spot.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch again in the villa.
- 4:00 PM: Read a book.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset watching.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner in the villa.
Day 5: Leaving (and a Tiny Spark of Hope)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Last hours in the villa. The peace and simplicity have worked their magic.
- 12:00 PM: Drive back to the airport.
- 1:00 PM: More airport.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the real world. Backpack and all.
Post-Trip Reflections (AKA, the Aftermath)
Look, this trip wasn't perfect. The luggage fiasco was a massive pain. The coffee was… well, let's just say I'm still recovering. But those moments in the sun, the breathtaking views, the feeling of shedding all the usual anxieties… that was worth everything. Ibiza, in all its imperfect glory, has a way of getting under your skin. I'm changed, a little bit, in a way I can't quite put my finger on. And you know what? I wouldn't trade the chaos for anything. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to buy a giant inflatable flamingo. Just in case.
Escape to Paradise: Your Private Pool Awaits in This Charming French Villa
Ibiza Paradise Found: Belvilla Can Mateu - Your Dream (Maybe...?) OYO Escape! - Let's Be Honest, Okay?
Okay, so, Can Mateu... Is It *Really* Paradise? Tell Me the Truth!
Alright, alright. Let's be brutally honest, shall we? "Paradise"? That's a big word. It's Ibiza. It's Can Mateu. It's Belvilla. It's... complicated.
First off, the location's pretty stellar. The sunsets from the terrace? Oh, *chef's kiss*. Seriously, I spent a whole evening just staring, wine glass in hand, watching the sun melt into the Mediterranean. Glorious. BUT...
Here's the messy part. Remember those idyllic photos? Yeah, well, they're *pictures*. The reality? The shower pressure was a bit... well, let's just say you wouldn't want to attempt a full head of shampoo. And the WiFi? Let's just say it had a mind of its own. One minute, you're streaming a movie, the next you're staring at that infuriating buffering circle. I swear, I aged a year waiting for that connection to stabilize. Ugh.
Still, the feeling of being *there*... in Ibiza, breathing in the salty air, surrounded by that gorgeous landscape? That's pretty close to paradise, imperfections and all. Just lower your expectations slightly, and pack a good book.
Belvilla vs. OYO: What's the Deal? Does it Affect the Experience?
Okay, so Belvilla manages the property. OYO... well, they're like the umbrella company, I think? Honestly, I didn't really notice much difference. You book through Belvilla, you deal with Belvilla... I saw an OYO sign, sure, but it didn't really impact my experience (thankfully!).
What *did* impact my experience? The slightly dodgy lighting in the kitchen. (Why are Spanish kitchens always so poorly lit?!). And the fact that the air conditioning made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a dying walrus. Yeah, that was fun at 3 AM.
Look, it's not a 5-star hotel. But if you're looking for a charming, slightly wonky Ibizan villa, Belvilla's a decent bet. The charm outweighs the small annoyances… most of the time.
The Pool! Is the Pool as Amazing as it Looks in the Photos? Spill the Tea!
Alright, the pool. *The pool*. Okay, let's talk about the pool. Yes, it's good. Really, really good. It's like, the centerpiece of the whole damn villa. The photos aren't lying! It's that gorgeous turquoise, sparkling under the Ibizan sun. You can practically *feel* the Instagram likes brewing.
Here's where things get kinda, well, 'me'. One day, I swear to god, I spent *four hours* floating in that pool. Just floating. Sunglasses on, forgetting everything, with nothing but the sun and the water and the faint murmur of the cicadas. I forgot how to even form sentences. That alone? Worth the price of admission.
But! And there's always a but, isn't there? One slightly annoying thing involved: leaves. I spent a good chunk of time fishing leaves out, especially after a windy afternoon. It wasn't a huge deal, but definitely wasn't the most relaxing experience.
So, yes, amazing pool. Just be prepared to become best friends with a pool net. It's a small price to pay for that idyllic Ibiza life, honestly.
Getting Around: Car or Taxi? What's the Best Way to Explore Ibiza?
Car. 100% car. Seriously. Unless you're *really* happy to be stuck in a tiny area, you need a car. Taxis can be a nightmare (expensive, unreliable, especially during peak season). Buses exist, but... let's be honest, you want to explore *your* way, on *your* schedule, right?
Driving in Ibiza… well, it's an experience. The roads can be, shall we say, 'characterful'. And parking? Forget about it in some areas. Be prepared for some white-knuckle moments. But trust me: that feeling of freedom, the ability to just *go* wherever you want, whenever you want? Priceless.
My advice? Book the smallest car you can find. Those Ibizan streets are *tight*.
What Amenities Are Actually *In* the Villa? Be Specific!
Okay, this is important! Let's delve into the nitty-gritty. We *need* to talk amenities.
You'll *probably* get: a fully-equipped kitchen (though the quality of equipment... varies. Expect a half-broken can opener, standard), a washing machine (bliss, especially after a day at the beach), air conditioning (as previously mentioned, may or may not sound like a dying walrus), a BBQ (essential for those lazy evenings), towels, and bed linens. Don't expect luxury... think practical comfort.
What *I* got (and thankfully, this is probably specific to Can Mateu): a decent coffee machine, that, despite my clumsy attempts, managed to provide a morning caffeine fix. And a really, REALLY uncomfortable sofa in the living room. Like, seriously guys, that thing was more torture device than place to chill. Avoid it.
Double check what's actually included in *your* specific booking, though. Amenities can vary, and honestly, some of the listings are a bit vague. Check the fine print. And pack your own comfy cushion! Your back will thank you.
Is it Family Friendly? Or for Partying? What's the Vibe?
Okay, this depends on what you want! Can Mateu itself is... *quiet*. It's in a more residential area. It's perfect for families, couples, or people who appreciate a bit of peace and quiet, you know? It's definitely *not* walking distance to the superclubs!
If you're looking to rave all night, this probably isn't the villa for you. You'll need a taxi to get to the main party hubs (which can be expensive).
I saw some families during my stay. They seemed happy. I also saw some couples who were utterly in love... it was sickeningly cute. And me? I was just there enjoying the pool and the sunset. Ah, to be content with my own company...that was the vibe.
