Escape to Paradise: Mas Lacosta's Luxury Awaits in Spain!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the shimmering, slightly-too-perfect waters of "Escape to Paradise: Mas Lacosta's Luxury Awaits in Spain!" And believe me, I've got opinions. Loads of them. This isn't your sanitized, PR-approved review. This is raw, unfiltered, "did I actually enjoy this, or just survive it?" kind of stuff. Get ready for a rollercoaster, folks.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Mas Lacosta in Spain! We dissect accessibility, the spa, the food (oh, the food!), the service, and whether it actually lives up to the "escape to paradise" hype. Prepare for a wild ride!
Arrival & The Accessibility Saga (or, My Struggles with a European Elevator)
First impressions? Stunning. Seriously. The architecture… the view… it's all postcard material. But here’s a little secret. I, your humble reviewer, have a slight… ahem… mobility challenge. So, let's talk accessibility. And oy vey, did we talk.
Accessibility: Mas Lacosta boasts about being wheelchair accessible. And they try. The main areas, the restaurants, and some of the rooms are indeed accessible, which is a huge plus. But navigating the place? Let's just say my wheelchair skills got a workout. Turns out European elevators, particularly the ones in older buildings with their small dimensions are not always a good fit for modern wheelchairs. I spent a solid ten minutes trying to figure out how to maneuver myself and my luggage into the thing. It was a comedy routine for the ages. And don't even get me started on the narrow hallways in the common areas! Wheelchair accessibility has some room for improvement, despite the efforts.
Okay, other than accessibility, here's the breakdown:
- Wheelchair accessible: Check (with caveats – see above!). Specific paths aren't always friendly, but overall, a decent effort.
- Elevator: Absolutely essential. Used it daily.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes! (But do confirm specific room needs before your stay - I learned that the hard way).
Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional plate of sadness)
Food is, for me, a HUGE part of any vacation. And Mas Lacosta, on paper, looks like a foodie paradise.
- Restaurants: Multiple! Fine dining, casual… you name it. The variety is impressive.
- Breakfast buffet: Sigh. The breakfast buffet was the highlight of my mornings. Fresh pastries, amazing fruit, and the Spanish omelets… I died and went to heaven. Breakfast [buffet]
- Asian Cuisine: While not my first pick, the restaurant was still fun, and I liked getting recommendations for side dishes.
- A la carte in restaurant: Top-notch.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh. My. God. The desserts. I might have gained five pounds, but it was worth it. Pure, unadulterated JOY.
- Room service [24-hour]: Fantastic for late-night cravings. Especially after a particularly strenuous spa session.
- Poolside bar: Cocktails and sunshine? Yes, please!
However, reality, as always, is slightly more nuanced. I ordered a salad one day that tasted suspiciously like it had been sitting in the fridge for a week. "Salad in restaurant" should be taken with a grain of salt. And while the variety was there, sometimes the quality felt a little… uneven. A little less Michelin Star and a little more "trying to be Michelin Star, but not quite."
All that being said, the good outweighed the bad. And sometimes, the sheer beauty of the setting made up for any culinary shortcomings.
Ways to Relax: From Bliss to… Backaches?
Okay, let's talk spa. Because, hello, "escape to paradise," right?
- Spa: The spa at Mas Lacosta is gorgeous. Seriously, Instagram-worthy gorgeous.
- Pool with view: Chef's kiss. (See photo - I look amazing, FYI.)
- Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna: All present and accounted for, and all delightfully relaxing. Sauna
- Massage: I indulged in a massage. Twice. The first one? Pure bliss. The second one? Well… let’s just say the therapist must have been having a very off day. It felt like she was trying to rearrange my internal organs. Massage
- Pool with a view: The outdoor pool is breathtaking. Lazing in the water, gazing out at the landscape… pure serenity.
- Fitness Center: Did I use it? Nope. But it looked well-equipped. Guilty pleasure: sitting by the pool with a cocktail, judging the people who did use it.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-19 Factor
Let's be real, the world is a different place now. How does Mas Lacosta fare?
- Daily Disinfection in common areas: They were diligent about cleaning.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Which is a good thing.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes, good to hear.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff was very knowledgeable.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes, these are the new normal, I guess.
- Safe dining setup: Spaced tables, masked servers, the works.
- Masks: They weren't very strict about mask-wearing once you were inside.
Overall, they took safety seriously. But I still found myself sanitizing everything before I touched it. Maybe that’s just me being paranoid, though.
Rooms: Where Do You Actually Sleep?
Alright, let’s talk rooms. My experience was definitely mixed.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Brilliant! Needed this to keep up to date on all my social media and keep the world up to date on my travels.
- Air conditioning: Essential in Spain.
- Bathtub: The bathtub was amazing, and I used it every night.
- Daily housekeeping: The housekeeping staff was wonderful, attentive, and always had a cheerful greeting.
- Extra long bed, Safe box and Mini bar: The bed was supremely comfortable, and the mini-bar was well-stocked, but the safe was difficult to find.
- Blackout curtains: Essential.
- Room decorations: The rooms were tastefully decorated.
However, the first room I was assigned was tiny. And the view? Let's just say it was a fire escape. I complained (politely, of course - I'm British!), and was thankfully moved to a larger room. The second room was much better, with a lovely view of the landscape. But it just proves the point: always ask for an upgrade!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: The concierge was incredibly helpful, arranging (and re-arranging!) transportation and answering my endless questions.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always spotless.
- Luggage storage: Very helpful on departure day.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Car park [on-site]: Definitely a plus, despite the parking lot being full at times.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: Thank goodness! These services are crucial for long stays.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting Service: I didn't use it, but it's there.
- Family/child friendly: Seems pretty family-friendly.
Getting Around:
- Airport Transfer: Praise be! Made life so much easier.
- Car Park [free of charge]: Always a bonus! If you’re driving, of course!
In Conclusion… Did I Escape to Paradise?
Mas Lacosta is a beautiful hotel, no doubt about it. The setting is stunning, the food (mostly) delicious, and the spa is heavenly. The staff is generally fantastic. The accessibility is… a work in progress. The imperfections are there, the little annoyances. But overall? Yes, I’d recommend it. Just go with realistic expectations, pack your sense of humor, and maybe, just maybe, pack an extra massage oil. You never know. And don't forget your camera! You'll want to capture those moments.
Croatia's BEST Private Pool Villa: Maslenica Escape!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my planned, and highly likely to be messed-up, Belvilla adventure at Mas Lacosta, Vila-sacra, Spain. Forget your perfectly polished travel blogs; this is gonna be more like that half-eaten baguette you found rolling around in the bottom of your backpack after a month of backpacking. Raw, imperfect, and hopefully, delicious.
ITINERARY: Mas Lacosta, Vila-sacra, Spain - Operation "Get Slightly Roasted and Eat All the Food"
(Let's be honest, that's the actual mission.)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Terrace Exploration (and Possibly a Meltdown)
- 9:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Girona Airport. Pray to the travel gods that my luggage hasn't decided to take a permanent vacation in, oh I don't know, Reykjavik. Last time, I spent three days wearing the same travel socks and smelling faintly of airport sadness. This time, it's a whole new level of paranoia.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Pick up rental car. Pray it's not a death trap. Pray I remember how to drive on the right side (left, for you Brits – don't even get me started). Remember that time I nearly drove a minivan off a cliffside in Italy? Good times. Anyway, pray for a solid car.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Drive to Vila-sacra. The GPS will undoubtedly try to lead me through a goat path, so I'm bracing myself. I'll try to channel my inner explorer, even though I get car sick easily.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Arrival at Mas Lacosta! Oh, the brochure made it look all idyllic and sun-drenched. I'm hoping the reality surpasses the Instagram filters. First impressions DO matter, and hopefully, the place is actually as beautiful as it promises. I'm picturing myself already kicking back, glass of wine in hand, you know. And if the villa is as good as it looks, I will make sure to grab a lot of photos.
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Unpack, explore the villa, and find the all-important terraaaaaace. Because let's be honest, the terrace IS the heart of any good Spanish vacation. I will find the perfect spot with the best view, immediately begin mapping out my sunbathing strategy (sunscreen, hat, book, repeat), and probably get completely lost in the beauty of it all.
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Grocery shopping! I will have to face the local supermarket. I'm usually pretty good at picking out things, but I have a hunch that the grocery stores around here aren't like the ones I know. I'm slightly terrified of the local produce section. Will I get the good olives? Or fall prey to some weird hybrid fruit? And will I even be able to understand the price labels?!
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Settle in, maybe make a simple lunch (if I manage to navigate the kitchen), and start contemplating the existential dread of being away from my comfy couch. Also, a quick dip in the pool if it's not freezing!
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Shower, dress up a bit (aka change from travel sweats to slightly-less-sweaty-but-still-comfy clothes). Prepare for my first Spain dinner.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner. I'm thinking a local restaurant – hopefully, one recommended in the villa's guide. Pray for delicious food and minimal language barrier awkwardness. I'm also prepping myself mentally for the fact that dinner in Spain is usually late. My stomach is already sending out SOS signals.
- 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Stroll around town (if I have the energy after all the travel), maybe grab a nightcap, and collapse into bed.
Day 2: Wine Tasting & Existential Crises (Probably in that Order)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up… or attempt to. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Coffee is a must. Strong coffee. And maybe a second coffee.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Explore the area. I am thinking about the beaches and how they will be in this time of year. Hopefully, there are not so many tourists. I am ready to soak in the authentic local atmosphere!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Visit a winery! I've always wanted to do a wine tasting. There will be photos. And I will try not to spit it everywhere. Oh, the pressure.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Light lunch at the winery! They'll have to feed me something, right? Hopefully bread.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: A leisurely afternoon. Maybe a nap. Maybe some reading on the terrace. Possibly some deep thinking about life, the universe, and whether I really need a third pair of Birkenstocks.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Cooking! Well, attempting to cook. My cooking skills are… variable. Let's just say, I'm good at following recipes, but less good at improvisation. The kitchen better be well-equipped!
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM More relaxing, eating, and drinking wine!
- 7:00 PM - late: Evening!
Day 3: More Wine, More Food, More…Everything
- 9:00 AM: Well, maybe I'll wake up. This whole "vacation" thing is hard work, you know?
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Another winery. I’m not gonna lie. One winery day wasn’t near enough!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Free time. Walk, explore, soak in the atmosphere.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Free.
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening.
Day 4: Day Trip & Goodbyes (or at least, See-You-Later-s)
- 9:00 AM: Ok, I'm starting to get the hang of this sleeping thing.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Beach.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Explore.
- 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Packing & Preparations.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner.
- 9:00 PM: Go to bed.
Day 5: Departure – The Bitter-Sweet Farewell to Paradise (and Possibly a Slight Panic Attack)
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up, probably with a slight wine headache and a strong desire for a repeat of the last few days.
- 8:00 AM: Pack my bags. (Yes, I'll probably be the one who leaves it until the last minute.)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. One last attempt at enjoying the beautiful view.
- 10:00 AM: Check out of Mas Lacosta. Sob slightly.
- 11:00 AM: Drive to Girona Airport. Pray the car survives. Pray I remember where the airport is. Pray the flight isn't delayed.
- 1:00 PM: Flight.
- To Be Continued… (Because let's face it, I'll be back!)
Quirks, Observations & Ramblings:
- I fully expect to become obsessed with the local olive oil.
- I will probably take 500 pictures. Of the same thing. At different angles.
- I will try to learn some basic Spanish phrases. Por favor and gracias are definitely on the list. The rest…let's see.
- I am also planning on buying a postcard with an overly dramatic photo and describing how amazing this trip was. I think, deep down, I really like the experience of traveling and the freedom to be had.
- I'm already dreading the laundry. But also, the next adventure.
- The biggest imperfection? The fact that this trip will eventually end.
So yeah, that's my travel plan for Mas Lacosta. A little rough around the edges, a little chaotic, and a whole lot of "I'm-making-this-up-as-I-go." But hey, that's the fun of it, right? Wish me
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Escape to Paradise: Mas Lacosta's Luxury Awaits in Spain! - You've Got Questions, I've Got... Answers (Maybe!)
Okay, so Mas Lacosta... sounds fancy. What *actually* is it? Like, besides expensive?
Alright, picture this: You're scrolling Instagram, half-asleep, drooling over impossibly perfect villas. Then, BAM! Mas Lacosta pops up. It’s a luxury escape in Spain, promises of infinity pools, Michelin-starred chefs, the whole shebang. And yes, it's *expensive*. We're talking "mortgage payment for a week" expensive. But beyond the price tag?
It's a restored Catalan farmhouse, basically a really, *really* posh old house. Think stone walls, sprawling grounds… the kind of place you picture James Bond sipping a martini (shaken, not stirred, obviously). They've got a bunch of different suites, each with its own vibe. Some have private terraces, some have fireplaces, some probably have secret passages (I didn't find any, but I was looking!). The whole point is to feel like you've escaped the real world and landed in a movie.
My take? It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. The smell of the lavender bushes, the crisp air, the sound of the cicadas... total bliss. Until the credit card bill arrives, that is.
The website raves about the food. Was it *really* as incredible as they say? Did you, like, actually *eat* it?
Oh, the food. God, the food! Okay, so they call it a culinary experience, which is fancy speak for, "prepare to have your taste buds sing opera." Yes, I ate it. All of it. And I have absolutely zero regrets.
The Michelin-starred chef? Total legend. I swear, the gazpacho tasted like sunshine and happiness. And the paella... oh, the paella. It’s a religious experience. My only regret is that I didn’t wear sweatpants, because I basically rolled out of the dining room every night. One anecdote? They had this chocolate lava cake with salted caramel that was, and I'm not exaggerating, possibly the best thing I've ever tasted. I almost cried when I thought they were taking it away. I totally asked for seconds. I’m not proud.
Look, I'm not usually one for super-fancy food, you know? I'm more of a "pizza and Netflix" kinda gal. But this? This was different. This was worth every single penny (maybe… let's not think about the bank statement). Be warned, though: the portions are *generous*. Seriously consider skipping lunch.
What about the spa? The pictures are stunning. Did you actually *use* it, or was it all just for show?
The spa, right? Let's be real: the pictures are stunning. And yes, I used it. Repeatedly. Mostly because I ate so much food I had to de-bloat.
The ambiance is incredibly relaxing (unless you're like me, who overthinks everything). Think dimmed lights, the scent of essential oils… it's designed to melt away all your stress. Which it *almost* did. I had a massage that was so good, I actually fell asleep and drooled a little. The shame! But honestly, after the week I had, I was exhausted and it was the best thing ever!
I did, however, encounter a slight hiccup. One morning, I wandered in for a steam with full hair makeup, feeling like a goddess, only to find someone was already in there. So, I did that awkward "pretend to be looking at everything" thing, and eventually gave up and retreated to the outdoor jacuzzi. Not exactly my most graceful moment. But hey, life's messy, right? And the jacuzzi was amazing.
Is there something you didn't like? Anything at all?
Okay, honesty time: Yes. There are a few teeny, tiny things.
Firstly, the WiFi. It's okay. Not fantastic. Which, honestly, is kind of a good thing? Forced digital detox and all that. Buuut, as a workaholic, I did miss being completely connected. Secondly, and more importantly, the *price*. We've already covered that. It's a splurge. A *massive* splurge. And finally, the location. You're kind of in the middle of nowhere, which is great for peace, but not so great if you want to pop out for a quick grocery run (which, let's be honest, I didn't). It's a trade-off.
Overall, the negatives are so minor compared to the amazing experience. But still, I want to warn you, the WiFi will annoy you the first day! So yeah...
Who is Mas Lacosta *really* for? Is it just for trust fund babies and celebrities?
Hmm. That's a good question. My honest answer would be this: Yes and no.
It's definitely designed to appeal to people with money. There's no denying that. But I think it's also for people who *really* appreciate the finer things in life. People who value peace and quiet, exceptional service, and the chance to completely unplug and recharge.
I saw families (and I definitely gave them the side eye), couples (lots of hand-holding!), and groups of friends. I even saw a woman reading a book by herself – which is the kind of thing I secretly aspire to! I think if you're willing to save up, or to justify the cost with some serious self-care, then yes, it's for you too. Just... be prepared to shell out. And maybe practice your 'inner zen' before you go, because the price tag is a bit…well, you get it.
Any tips or tricks for surviving... and enjoying... the experience?
Okay, here's the inside scoop.
1. **Pack light, but pack well.** You'll spend most of your time lounging around – but bring at least one fancy outfit for dinner. Nobody wants to be the person in wrinkled gym clothes.
2. **Embrace the 'do nothing' mentality.** Seriously. Put your phone away. Read a book. Stare at the view. That's the whole point.
3. **Talk to the staff.** They are unbelievably helpful. I actually got chatting to one of the gardeners, who was utterly charming and knew all the best spots for sunset views.
4. **Don't feel guilty about indulging.** You've earned it! Drink the wine. Eat the dessert. Say YES to everything.
5. **Mentally prepare to go back to reality.** It’s going to be a shock. Seriously, brace yourself. Set some reminders to tell you it's okay not to be in Spain.
Mountain Stay
