Escape to Paradise: Your Own Private Garden in a Renovated French Mill!
Escape to Paradise: A Review (With a Few Bumps Along the Cobblestone Road!)
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from "Escape to Paradise" – and let me tell you, it's a name that's both absolutely spot-on and, well, a little bit ambitious. It's a renovated French mill, they said. Paradise, they promised. Did I find nirvana? Did I end up a little bit sunburnt and slightly bewildered? Let's untangle this, shall we?
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The Arrival - A Whirlwind of Charm and… Stairs. (Accessibility: A Mixed Bag)
First impressions? Ooh la la. Stone walls, a babbling brook (or was it a cleverly placed fountain?), and that classic French countryside aesthetic. Gorgeous. Utterly, ridiculously gorgeous. The problem? My luggage practically developed its own heart condition trying to navigate the cobbled pathways. I’m going to be honest, I'm not in peak physical condition, and the "charming" uneven surfaces were less idyllic, more "endurance test."
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible: Absolutely not a smooth operator. The old mill architecture, while beautiful, isn't exactly designed with ease-of-access in mind. There’s an elevator, thankfully, but some areas are definitely out of reach.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Present, but the implementation felt more like ticking a box than a genuine commitment. I saw a few ramps, but they were often awkward, and some doorways were still annoyingly narrow.
- Exterior corridor: Nope. All rooms are accessed via interior hallways.
- Elevator: Yes, thank goodness. This was a lifesaver.
- Front desk [24-hour]: YES! And super friendly (more on that later).
- Facilities for disabled guests, the implementation felt more like ticking a box than a genuine commitment. I saw a few ramps, but they were often awkward, and some doorways were still annoyingly narrow.
The Room - My Little Fortress of… Well, Mostly Comfort (Cleanliness & Safety, Available in All Rooms)
Once I finally wrestled myself and my suitcase upstairs (thank you, lovely bellhop!), I collapsed into my room. And relief washed over me. The "Standard Double" was far from standard. Lovely!
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning: Crucial. It was scorching outside.
- Alarm clock: Old-school, which I oddly welcomed.
- Bathrobes: Yes! Soft and fluffy, perfect for post-spa lounging.
- Bathroom phone: Honestly, never touched it.
- Bathtub: Ah, a deep soak after a day of exploring - bliss.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for battling the French sunshine.
- Complimentary tea: Lovely, though the selection was a bit meh.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless cleaning and tidy made me feel like a little princess.
- Desk: Great for scribbling down my thoughts.
- Extra long bed: The kind where you could sprawl out and starfish without fear of falling off.
- Free bottled water: Thirst-quencher!
- Hair dryer: A lifesaver, given my hair's complex relationship with humidity.
- High floor: Helped with noise isolation.
- In-room safe box: Always a must, I can be such a worried person.
- Internet access – wireless: Worked flawlessly.
- Ironing facilities: Needed given my packing skills (or rather, lack thereof)
- Laptop workspace: More than ample.
- Linens: Crisp and clean.
- Mini bar: Well-stocked.
- Private bathroom: Absolutely. Needed for my personal hygiene practices!
- Reading light: Perfect for those late-night page-turners.
- Refrigerator: Useful for chilling drinks.
- Satellite/cable channels: Enough to keep you entertained at least!
- Seating area: Comfy sofa.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
- Shower: Fine.
- Slippers: A nice touch.
- Soundproofing: Excellent, no noise from the corridor or outside.
- Telephone: I’m old, I still use it to call my family.
- Toiletries: High-quality.
- Towels: Fluffy.
- Wake-up service: Never used it.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Strong and reliable.
- Window that opens: Crucial for fresh air (and for peeking at the views!).
- Additional toilet: No.
- Additional extras No.
Cleanliness and Safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Seemingly used everywhere. Everything felt pristine.
- Breakfast in room: YES! It was a lifesaver when I was recovering from the previous night's… escapades.
- Cashless payment service: Easy and convenient.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Definitely noticed the effort.
- Hand sanitizer: Plentiful.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Always a plus.
- Hygiene certification: Unsure.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Mostly.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Enforced where possible.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Evident.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes, and it showed.
- Safe dining setup: Good distance between tables.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Looked sparkling.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff were all masked and super aware.
- Smoke alarms Present
- Fire extinguisher Yes
- Safety/security feature Yes
The Spa - Where Relaxation Met… Mixed Results. (Spa)
The spa! Oh, the spa. This was the part I was most excited about. Listed like a dream on the hotel's website, promising pure bliss.
Spa:
- Body scrub: Unavailable.
- Body wrap: Available.
- Foot bath: I didn't have time for one.
- Gym/fitness: Available, but didn't use.
- Massage: Available, and I booked one immediately!
- Pool with view: Yes, gorgeous outdoor pool.
- Steamroom: I love steamrooms.
- Sauna: Didn't use it.
My massage was… interesting. The therapist was lovely, but the room was a bit chilly, and while I thought I'd requested a relaxing Swedish massage, it turned out to be a very intense deep tissue experience. I left feeling… slightly beaten up, and slightly amused. My fault for not being specific! The massages offered were the best and worth the wait and price.
The outdoor pool was genuinely stunning. A view that made me stop and go ‘wow’ with a proper French ‘Ooh là là’, it was the perfect place to unwind.
Now, the steam room. This was a proper, luxurious steam room. Steam rooms are a must for me, and it did the trick.
Food & Drink - From Rustic to… A Little Overpriced. (Dining, drinking, and snacking)
Dining at the mill was a mixed bag – a good mix, but a mix nonetheless.
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- A la carte in restaurant: Excellent, a high quality menu was offered.
- Asian breakfast: Nope.
- Bar: Really nice bar.
- Bottle of water: Given on arrival, replenished daily.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Average.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Great.
- Coffee shop: Nope.
- Desserts in restaurant: Lovely.
- Poolside bar: Yes, and very popular.
- Restaurants: Several.
- Room service [24-hour]: Always good to know.
- Salad in restaurant: Available.
- Snack bar: Didn't use.
- Soup in restaurant: Available.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Not specifically, but veggie options were available.
- Western breakfast: Yes.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
The restaurant was a real treat. I had dinner there one night and it was divine. I opted for the *boeuf
Escape to Paradise: Your Cosy Isigny-sur-Mer Terrace Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my potential French escape – a renovated mill with a garden in Arras. Forget your pristine, perfectly curated itineraries. This is real life, people. This is… me, trying to have a vacation. Let's see if it's a disaster or a delightful mess.
Trip Title: Arras, or "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Croissant"
(Disclaimer: This is all theoretical. My bank account is currently looking at me like I've suggested we use a diamond-encrusted catapult to fire ourselves into space. But HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL!)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Croissant Quest
- Morning: Okay, the "arrival" part is already stressful. I'm picturing delayed flights, luggage lost in the Bermuda Triangle, and me, stranded in Charles de Gaulle, speaking fractured French to a very unimpressed customs officer. Ugh. Assuming I survive the journey, I’d be stumbling into Arras sometime in the afternoon.
- Afternoon: The mill. Oh, the mill! I've seen pictures (obviously). Exposed beams, a charming little garden that probably smells of roses and something I don't know, and a whole lotta peaceful vibes. I'll probably spend a good hour just wandering around, touching things, and generally feeling overwhelmed with the sheer beauty of it all. Then, reality sets in. Gotta unpack. Gotta find the wifi password, because, let's be honest, the internet is my lifeline. And then… the quest begins. The Croissant Quest. My mission: Locate the perfect croissant. Flaky, buttery, the kind that makes you close your eyes and moan a little. The kind that makes you forgive everything. I'm open to suggestions on recommendations for a local bakery but I hope they will pass the croissant test!
- Evening: Dinner. Probably a picnic in the garden, because I am nothing if not a cliché. Cheese, bread, wine, and the faint hope that a friendly frog will hop by and become my new best friend (I have strange friends). I'll try to relax, but I know I'll be checking my phone every five minutes, just in case the world implodes. Bedtime, with a book (hopefully, not just the Netflix menu, because then the vacation has officially begun)
Day 2: Arras Town, Art, and Attempting to Be Cultured
- Morning: Okay, wake up. No screaming children, no barking dogs, no… wait, is that a rooster I hear? Yes. Embrace it, you city-slicker. Today, we do culture. First, breakfast. Another croissant, obviously. This time, from a different bakery. Gotta compare and contrast, you know, for research purposes. Then, into the town square. Arras is famous for its Grand Place, right? I'll take a LOT of pictures. I will try not to act like a total tourist (impossible), but a tourist nonetheless..
- Afternoon: Exploring the Wellington Quarry. Apparently, it's a WWI tunnel system. Spooky, fascinating, and a guaranteed way to get lost (I'm excellent at getting lost). I'll probably be captivated by the history, but also slightly terrified. Then, I'll seek out the Fine Arts Museum. I can spend hours in a museum, pretending to understand art. I’ll attempt to look vaguely intellectual.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. This is where things get tricky. I can navigate a menu with the help of Google Translate, but ordering? Pray for me. I will mostly stick to the things I recognize. Pizza is always a safe bet. Maybe try French onion soup, if I'm feeling adventurous. I am hoping to find a cosy restaurant.
Day 3: Doubling Down on the Garden, and My Very Own Thoreau Moment
- Morning: Sleep in! Maybe. Or maybe I will be awake at 6 AM, staring at the ceiling. Who knows? Either way, coffee. Lots of it. And then, I'm going to lose myself in that garden. I'm talking hardcore, Thoreau-esque immersion. Reading, writing, staring at flowers, contemplating the meaning of… whatever. I'll probably start thinking about my life choices, what I want (or do not want)
- Afternoon: This is where I get REAL. I'm going to attempt painting. Or, to be more accurate, I'll try to paint something without making it look like a two-year-old did it. I'll set up my easel (if I can find one to borrow), and find a quiet spot in the garden, with no people in sight. I have an idea of what I would like to do, but I know I will inevitably get frustrated, probably spill paint on myself, and have a mini-meltdown. But hey, it's all about the experience, right?
- Evening: More garden, possibly with a bonfire (if that's allowed), sipping a drink and looking at stars. I'll probably start feeling all zen and profound, before realizing I need to shower and deciding on a movie to end the night.
Day 4: WWI Remnants, and a Bittersweet Farewell
- Morning: Visit the war memorials. I’m not generally a history buff, but I know this part of the world has a tragic past. I'll visit the Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge. It'll be a somber day. I'll get lost in thought, probably feel a lump in my throat.
- Afternoon: This depends on where I feel on the war memorials. If I'm up for it, a visit to the local markets for some souvenirs, or maybe I will feel like relaxing at the mill, and enjoy the peace. Last hurrah, one last croissant.
- Evening: Dinner at the mill. Packing (ugh). Staring at the garden, one last time. The overwhelming feeling of not wanting to leave. I'll try to savor the last moments, but I'll mostly be fretting about the flight home.
Day 5: THE END. Maybe…
- Morning: Get up, get dressed, get to the airport. Attempt to speak English.
- Afternoon: Get home. Start planning the next trip. Or, you know, just order more croissants.
The Real Truths & My Imperfections (Because Honesty is the Best Policy):
- I am a terrible planner. This itinerary is probably more of a suggestion than a rigid schedule.
- I am easily distracted. I will get sidetracked by shiny objects, cute dogs, and any opportunity to eat carbs.
- I am a homebody. The thought of leaving my comfort zone is both exciting and terrifying.
- I have a very limited French vocabulary. I'll probably rely on charades and pointing.
- I am a worrier. Every minor detail will be a potential catastrophe in my mind.
- I get homesick. I miss my own bed and food!
- I’M GOING TO HAVE A BLAST! Even if I'm a mess, even if I'm lost, even if I eat a million croissants, I'm going to enjoy every second. It's all about the experience.
- This trip may never happen. Bank account, please be nice to me!
- But even if it doesn't, the fantasy is enough to get me through Monday.
So there you have it. My Arras adventure, in all its messy, imperfect glory. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. And send croissant.
Den Haag Dream: Modern Apartment with Balcony - Stunning Hague Views!
Escape to Paradise: The Mill, the Madness, and Me (and Maybe You...Eventually?)
Okay, seriously, what *is* this place? A renovated French mill… sounds dreamy, but is it *actually* paradise, or just Instagram-filtered expectations?
Alright, brace yourself. The dream is *mostly* real. Picture this: A stone mill, old, with a proper history, smelling faintly of… well, damp stone and French history. And the garden? Oh, the garden. It's a riot! Roses everywhere, a little stream babbling (okay, more like murmuring, it’s a tiny stream, I’m not exaggerating), and the absolute *silence* at night. That's the good stuff.
Now, the reality check. "Renovated" means charming, but also… *a lot* of character. Like, the wonky floors character. And the occasional rogue spider. And the fact that the Wi-Fi, bless its digital heart, seems to have a personal vendetta against me. But even with those things, yeah, it gets pretty damn close to paradise. Let's be honest, though: I’m a total sucker for this type of place - one of the first things I did was take a long bath in an old-fashioned tub that had a view of the garden. Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven.
What's the inside like? Is it all rustic chic, or is there actual comfort involved? I can handle charming, but I draw the line at "cold stone walls and a bed made of hay."
Haha! No hay beds, thankfully. Although, the goats outside seemed to be happy with their beds. Inside, it's a *good* mix. Think exposed beams, thick stone walls (which, yeah, can be a little chilly in winter, but that's what the fireplace is for!), and a kitchen that somehow feels both ancient and modern. It’s got character... a *lot* of character. The kind of character a good wine gets, but sometimes, I think it’s got a little *too* much. The charm is definitely there, but someone *loved* antiques and it's a little claustrophobic. I actually tripped over a footstool - which, in fairness, was my fault, but still!
There's a proper king-sized bed (phew!), a comfy sofa (which is where I spent most of my afternoons), and a bathroom that… well, let’s just say the shower has personality. It's not the kind you take for granted! The owner's taste is impeccable, but in a way that feels comfortable, not overly done. You'll feel like you really *live* there while you're there, which is perfect.
Speaking of winter… what about the seasons? Is this a year-round destination, or just summer lovin’?
Ah, the seasons. That's an interesting question. Summer? Bliss. Imagine sitting on the little terrace, sipping rosé, the scent of roses and lavender making you slightly tipsy... Wonderful.
Autumn? Magical, the leaves turning all sorts of fiery colors, hiking in the local area... cozy nights in front of the fire, making new friends with the locals. It's a beautiful, bittersweet time.
Spring? Everything bursting to life! Birdsong, sunshine, and a renewed sense of… well, everything. Perfect for outdoor eating, reading, drinking, all the things that make life worth living.
Winter... *that's* a different story! It can get cold, very cold. And the little stream turns into an ice sculpture! Which is pretty, but the Wi-Fi is absolutely pathetic, you need to make sure you bring plenty of wood for the fireplace, and you'll definitely need to be cozy up. It's still lovely, especially if you love a truly isolated, quiet getaway.
Is it kid-friendly? Because my kids (and by extension, me) need a vacation, but chaos follows us everywhere.
Hmm, tricky one. I'd say... *moderately* kid-friendly. The garden is glorious, but it's also full of things to trip over (trust me, I know). The stream is charming, but it's a stream. Which is great for kids who love water, but also... well, supervision is required. The old mill itself is pretty historic, so perhaps you'd want to keep an eye on the more delicate items.
My *opinion*? If your kids are generally well-behaved and you're prepared for constant vigilance, it's potentially amazing. If you're after a totally stress-free break, maybe not. Find a babysitter. It's what I'd do.
What's there to *do*? Is it all just staring at roses (which, to be fair, sounds pretty good)?
Okay, staring at roses *is* a significant activity, and it's encouraged. But there's more!
Hiking! Seriously beautiful trails are all around. It's a great way to work off all the delicious french food. And, of course, you can also bike.
There's a charming little village a short drive away with a bakery, a market... and *ahhhh* the food. Don't even get me *started*. You can go canoeing down the river, and you can even go to the nearest city if you fancy doing the touristy things.
Or… you can just do absolutely nothing. Read a book in a hammock. Nap. Stare at the roses some more. It’s up to you. Honestly, the best thing is you're away from everything.
Tell me about the food scene. Is it all fancy Michelin-star places, or can a hungry tourist find a decent baguette and some cheese?
Oh, the food. This is where it gets *seriously* good. Yes, you can find the finest cheese, the crustiest bread and the most incredible pastries in village markets. And do! Embrace it. Become one with the baguette! They have markets too! Where you can get fresh fruit, vegetables, and other beautiful things. You can also find amazing wine.
There are some amazing restaurants, but it's less about fancy and more about *authentic*. Fresh, local, seasonal and always delicious. They pride themselves on it - and rightly so. But don't expect stiff formality. Expect long meals, good conversation, and a general feeling of well-being. And it's affordable, which is a bonus!
Okay, you've convinced me. How do I book this slice of heaven? And how much are we talking?
Alright, alright, you're sold! You should definitely go! The owner is lovely, really helpful! I’m not going to lie; it's not *cheap*. These types are never cheap, but you are paying for a truly unique experience, something that is beyond the ordinary.
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