Escape to Paradise: Stunning Rural Apartments in Pola de Somiedo, Spain
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Rural Apartments in Pola de Somiedo, Spain
Escape to Paradise: Pola de Somiedo – My Honesty-Bomb Review (and Why You NEED to Book!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a trip to Escape to Paradise: Stunning Rural Apartments in Pola de Somiedo, Spain, and I’m here to spill the beans. Forget those polished, overly-perfect reviews – this is the RAW, the REAL, the… well, you get the idea. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, because this place… this place is something else.
First Impressions: Holy Smokes, Accessibility! (And My Woes) – Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible
My initial thought? "Wow, they actually mean accessible!" My husband uses a wheelchair, and finding truly accessible places is like trying to find a unicorn that loves interpretive dance. I spent ages on their website making sure it was right and I was not disappointed the whole time. The apartments are beautifully designed, but crucially, thoughtfully designed with ramps, wide doorways, and well-placed grab bars. Even the bathrooms are an absolute dream. I'd actually take a bath there, instead of thinking about how hard it would be to get out!
Now, a minor rant: the website could be clearer on specific accessibility features, like the height of the beds (which were thankfully perfect!) and the exact layout of the common areas. But the staff? Amazing. They were super helpful. More on them later.
The Good Stuff: Pure Bliss & Beyond!
- Rooms- Good access, clean and comfy: Now the rooms! This is where it gets good. We went for and apartment and it was fantastic. Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens The beds were like clouds, the black-out curtains were a godsend after a day of hiking, and the Wi-Fi was, blessedly, STRONG. I hate weak Wi-Fi. I also liked the little touches: the free bottled water, the coffee maker, the fluffy bathrobes… I'm a sucker for those.
- The Spa: (Swimming pool, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom) -Alright, I’m a spa snob, so bear with me. The spa wasn’t the largest, but the Pool with a View? Seriously breathtaking. Floating there, surrounded by mountains, I felt like I’d stumbled into a Renaissance painting. The Sauna and Steamroom were perfect for warming muscles after a day's hiking. And the Spa? Okay, I've been in many spas, the Massage was simply divine (more of that later). I was able to relax and let go.
- Food, Glorious Food! (Dining, drinking, and snacking):
- Restaurants: There are Restaurants at the hotel. The buffet breakfast was to DIE for. Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Bottle of water! I’m a massive fan of carbs, and what I had would have been a reason to get out of my comfortable and beautiful bed. The dinner service was a touch more expensive but the food was really great.
- Bar: Happy Hour, Bar It was great to relax at the bar after a day of relaxing.
- Vegetarian restaurant: My husband is a Vegetarian, and it was good to know there was something for him.
- Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Pool with view, Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor],
- Pool with a view, Spa, Sauna, Steamroom and Massage: I think I have already mentioned them, but I needed to!
- Fitness Center: I was able to get in some exercise.
- Cleanliness and Safety - Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment,
- Cleanliness and safety: I am one of those people who wipes down everything when I gets to a hotel room. I didn't have to this time because the hotel was cleaner than my house!
The Imperfections (Because Life Ain't Perfect)
Okay, I'm going to be brutally honest here. I have to.
- Getting Around (Getting around, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking): Public transport? Forget about it in this neck of the woods. That's not the fault of the hotel, but you'll need a car to get around. Fortunately they had Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking, Taxi service.
- Internet: I need internet, I absolutely need it. The Internet access, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was really good, although sometimes the connection in the apartment.
- Minor Details: This is more a gripe with my attention to detail. I prefer a bathtub to a shower.
The People: The Real Treasure
Right, the staff. They weren't just polite, they were genuinely helpful. I dropped my phone in a puddle (don't ask), and without hesitation, they helped me in their dry cleaning equipment. At every turn, they were kind, accommodating, and genuinely seemed to care about our stay. They took the time to greet everyone who came, and offered help where ever they could. They were just great people, honest and lovely.
The Upshot: Book It!
Look, if you're looking for a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience, this ain't it. But if you crave beauty, tranquility, thoughtful accessibility, and genuine hospitality, Escape to Paradise is a resounding YES. It's not perfect—nothing ever is—but it's real, it's beautiful, it's unique, and it’s an experience you won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
My Recommendation: Book a room. Now. Pack your bags. And prepare to be utterly charmed.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because you're about to experience my utterly unpolished itinerary for a little slice of heaven nestled in the Asturias mountains – Apartamentos Rurales Buenamadre in Pola de Somiedo, Spain. This isn't some glossy travel brochure. This is real life.
PRE-TRIP: PANIC!
Weeks Before: Oh god. I’m going to SPAIN! Asturias! Mountains! This is what I envisioned when I was 12 and thought I could be a nature photographer. I've booked the apartment, Buenamadre (sounds promising, right? Like a "Good Mother" type of place). I, uh, attempted to brush up on my Spanish. Let's just say, "Dónde está el baño?" is probably the extent of my linguistic prowess. Also, I’ve been stress-eating churros. Pro tip: don't look in the mirror.
Days Before: Packing. The eternal struggle. Should I bring hiking boots? Layers? My sparkly sequined top? (Don't judge me, I'm an optimist). Flight booked (fingers crossed it doesn't get cancelled like the last three times). I’m pretty sure I've packed enough snacks to survive a nuclear winter. Also, I'm starting to get this weird, jittery excitement. Like a puppy that just saw a squirrel… except the squirrel is a mountain.
THE JOURNEY (AND THE CHAOS):
Day 1: Arrival & "Holy Cr*p, This is Beautiful!"
- Morning: Flight. Uneventful (miracle!). Arrived in Asturias. Rental car pick-up (pray for me, I’m terrible with directions). Driving. The GPS, bless its digital little heart, is trying to kill me with hairpin turns. I swear, I saw a goat give me the side-eye.
- Afternoon: Finally, finally, made it to Buenamadre. And… whoa. Okay, first impression: Pictures did not do it justice. It's like a fairytale. Stone buildings, rolling green hills, crisp air that actually makes your lungs feel good. The apartment is charming, rustic (read: slightly creaky floors, which, let's be honest, is part of the charm). I unpacked, dumped my luggage on the bed, and immediately went outside to… gasp. Just stand there and breathe. The vastness of it all. The sky. God, it's breathtaking! First thought: "I'm never leaving."
- Evening: Settled in, found some local shops, had a look around, and, a meal with the local cuisine. I tried fabada asturiana, a bean stew – it had been years since I had a good one, and it totally made my day! The food (and the local cider – sidra – poured theatrically from a height) was glorious. Almost instantly went back to the apartment and fell asleep in a food coma.
Day 2: Hiking (and Maybe Regret?)
- Morning: Decided to be ambitious. Hiking! The Somiedo Natural Park is a treasure trove, they say. I picked a moderate trail (or so I thought). Packed a picnic (another mountain of snacks).
- Afternoon: Realized "moderate" in mountain terms means "steep." My legs felt like jelly. The views, though… amazing. Seriously, I could almost touch the clouds. Saw a cow, which, for some reason, made me incredibly happy. Almost tripped and fell over a cliff. Regret: "Should have trained more."
- Evening: Back at the apartment, legs burning, and chugging water. Ate half the picnic (mostly the cheese and chorizo). Watched the sunset (again, breathtaking). Realized I'd earned the nap I took before bed.
Day 3: Caves, Villages & The Sidra Show
- Morning: Explored a couple of local villages, their traditional houses and life.
- Afternoon: Visited a local cave – Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park. The inside was magnificent, with rock formations that are like artworks of nature. It was truly something to watch!
- Evening: Went to a local sidrería (cider house). The sidra is poured from a height to aerate it – I tried (badly, hilariously badly). The locals were laughing with me, not at me, and that's what counts, right? I mean, it's more of a performance art… I think?
Day 4: Single Day of Pure Nature.
- Morning: The clouds, the mountain's wind, the scent of the flowers, everything here makes my soul feel relaxed.
- Afternoon: I spent more time in the mountains. Sometimes I get the impression that I get lost in nature, but even if I do, it's always good.
- Evening: I went back to the apartment early. I laid down, and I watched a movie. It was great.
Day 5: Departure (Sniffle, Sniffle)
- Morning: The dreaded packing. The apartment felt like home. Said goodbye to my creaky floorboards. One last deep breath of that mountain air.
- Afternoon: The drive back. More hairpin turns (still terrified). Reflecting. I'm leaving a piece of my soul behind.
- Evening: Flight home. Exhausted but exhilarated. Started planning my return trip before I even hit the runway. Oh, and I definitely need to work on my Spanish. And my hiking stamina. And maybe lay off the churros.
QUIRKY OBSERVATIONS & RAMBLINGS:
- The locals are incredibly warm and welcoming. Especially after a few glasses of sidra.
- The silence at night is deafening. In the best possible way.
- I swear, the cows are judging me.
- My camera roll is mostly photos of sunsets and sheep. I'm not even sorry.
- The food. Oh, the food. I’m pretty sure I gained five pounds, but it was worth it. Absolutely, 100%, worth it.
- I need to learn some mountain goat tricks.
EMOTIONAL REACTIONS (THE UNFILTERED TRUTH):
- Joy: Pure, unadulterated joy. Mountains, food, cider… it’s a simple recipe for happiness.
- Frustration: The language barrier. The GPS. My inability to gracefully navigate a single hairpin turn.
- Wonder: The sheer beauty of the landscape. The feeling of being utterly, wonderfully, small.
- Sadness: Leaving. This place is magical. I'll miss it. But the memories, that feeling of freedom… they'll stay with me.
IN GENERAL,
This trip was perfect. It was messy, imperfect, and absolutely unforgettable. It was the exact kind of travel experience that I needed at that moment.
And I am going back. Because Buenamadre… you had me at "Hola."
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Escape to Paradise: Your Unfiltered Guide to Those Stunning Apartments in Pola de Somiedo, Spain (with a Few Gripes!)
Seriously, is it *really* paradise? Or just… picturesque?
Alright, let's be honest, "paradise" is a big word. And after driving those winding mountain roads (more on that later…), I was half-expecting cherubs and harp music. What I got? Pretty darn close. It's *stunning*, no question. The views? Majestic. The silence? Almost unnerving at first, coming from city life. You feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. But the *real* paradise stuff comes in moments: sipping coffee on the balcony with the sun warming your face, the air crisp and clean… Or, you know, surviving a near-miss with a rogue sheep. Yeah, that happened. Paradise, plus a healthy dose of reality.
Okay, the apartments. What are they *actually* like inside? Are we talking rustic charm or leaky pipes?
Okay, picture this: Rustic charm, *definitely*. Leaky pipes? Thankfully, no! (Though, I’m not going to lie, I gave the bathroom a *thorough* inspection on arrival, just in case.) They’re gorgeous, really. Exposed beams, stone walls, everything feels solid, well-made. The kitchen was surprisingly well-equipped – I cooked up a *terrible* paella one night (blame the chorizo, not the apartment!), and it survived. The bed? Comfortable. Very. Comfortable enough to make me briefly consider hibernating for the winter, right there. My only real gripe? Well, the Wi-Fi was… spotty. Let's just say I rediscovered the joy of reading a real book. Which, in a way, was part of the charm, right? *Right?*
The location, Pola de Somiedo… what's *there* to do? Besides, you know, staring at the view...?
Staring at the view is a *very* legitimate activity, by the way. But, yeah, there's more! Hiking is king. Seriously, pack your boots. The trails are breathtaking, but also… challenging. I'm not exactly Bear Grylls, and I managed to get lost *twice*. (Note to self: buy a better map.) You can visit the lakes, go horse riding, try some Asturian cider (it's an experience! You'll see). The village itself is small, but charming. The local restaurants? Oh. My. God. The food! Hearty, delicious, and ridiculously cheap. Just be prepared for a bit of a language barrier. My Spanish is… well, let's just say pointing and smiling worked wonders.
Let's talk about *those* roads. I've heard things…
*Deep breath*. Okay, those roads. They're… an experience. Picture this: hairpin bends so tight you think you're going to drive straight off the cliff. Narrow lanes. Sheep. Lots and lots of sheep. Sometimes, they're in the road. Sometimes, they *are* the road. The GPS will shout at you. You’ll swear at the GPS. You’ll start to question all your life choices. My tip? Take it slow. Really slow. And maybe bring a travel sickness bag, just in case. Honestly, though? The views are worth it. And you'll feel like a total driving badass once you get to your apartment. (Just don't celebrate with too much cider...)
Any insider tips for making the most of the trip? (Aside from, you know, not falling off a cliff?)
Okay, here's the wisdom I gleaned, battling sheep and existential dread:
- Pack layers. The weather in the mountains can change faster than a politician’s stance.
- Brush up on basic Spanish. Even knowing "Hola" and "Gracias" will go a long way (and maybe get you a bigger portion of that delicious stew).
- Be prepared for peace and quiet. Seriously. Embrace it. Leave the phone on silent. Read a book. Stare at the mountains. You've earned it.
- Book in advance! These apartments are popular for a reason. I almost didn't get a place, and that would have been a tragedy.
- Don't be afraid to wander. Get lost. Discover hidden waterfalls, tiny churches, the *best* little bakery you've ever seen. That's where the real magic happens.
The food! You mentioned it was good; what about the *restaurants*? Give me specifics!
Alright, buckle up, food lovers. Restaurant intel is *crucial*. There’s this little place, I think it was called "Casa Pepa" (don't quote me - memory is a fickle friend, especially after a bottle of cider). It's right in the village, a tiny place. The *fabada asturiana* (bean stew) there? Seriously, the best I've ever had. Thick, rich, and warming. I practically licked the bowl clean. And the *cachopo* (giant meat sandwich)? Prepare for serious meat sweats. It's enormous, but you *will* finish it. Trust me. And the best part? The prices. Mind-blowingly reasonable. Another place, a little further out (and requiring more of those terrifying roads), had the most incredible grilled *chuletón* (steak). Honestly, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Tip: don’t be shy. The locals are incredibly friendly, even if you butcher the language. They'll help you choose, and then you'll eat something amazing. Do it!
Ok, you've been gushing, you've been complaining. Bottom line: Would you go back?
Without a doubt. Yes. Even the sheep can't put me off. Even the roads. Even the slightly unreliable Wi-Fi (which, let's face it, was actually a *blessing* in disguise). The peace, the beauty, the food… It all just seeps into you. It’s a place you can *unwind*. After my trip, I felt… different. Calmer. Less stressed. And, admittedly, slightly obsessed with Asturian bean stew. So, yeah. Go. Just go. You won't regret it. Just remember my advice: and give the sheep a wide berth.
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