Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Villa Stay in La Gomera, Spain
Escape to Paradise: More Than Meets the Brochure – My Chaotic La Gomera Villa Adventure
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise" in La Gomera… sounds dreamy, right? Well, it mostly was. But let’s be honest, real life rarely matches those glossy brochures. Here's the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, about my recent stay, wrinkles and all.
SEO & Metadata, Because Apparently That Matters… (and I'm trying)
- Title: Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Villa Stay in La Gomera (My Messy Review!)
- Keywords: La Gomera, Villa, Spain, Luxury Travel, Accessible Hotels, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Wellness, Family Friendly, Safe Travel, COVID-19 Measures, Free Wi-Fi, Activities, Hiking, Canary Islands, Adventure, Hotel Review
- Meta Description: My unfiltered review of "Escape to Paradise" in La Gomera! From the stunning views to the slightly wonky Wi-Fi, discover if this villa stay is worth the hype. Honest thoughts, quirky anecdotes, and everything you need to know before you book.
Accessibility:
Right, so the brochure promised "accessibility." This is where things get a bit… complicated. The elevator was a godsend for luggage (and my laziness), and the facilities for disabled guests were, to their credit, there. But navigating the villa grounds, particularly around the pool area, presented some challenges. The paths weren't always perfectly smooth, and that steep incline to the outdoor pool? Let’s just say I earned my pre-holiday pastry indulgence. It felt like they tried, but definitely could use a bit more focus in this department. The exterior corridor access to various rooms made it easier though, and having a 24-hour front desk always felt reassuring.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges:
This is where I had a proper moan. While the main restaurant looked accessible, maneuvering a wheelchair, or even just someone with limited mobility, between the tables felt a bit like a slalom course. The restaurants themselves were lovely, however, the lack of clearly designated routes felt like an oversight.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Food Lover's Battlefield:
Okay, this is where I truly fell in love and then had my heart broken, repeatedly. The Asian cuisine in the restaurant… chef’s kiss. Seriously, order the Pad Thai. Now. The international cuisine was also impressive, but that Pad Thai? Oh man. They offered a fantastic vegetarian restaurant option. The breakfast buffet was a riot of options - Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, all the bread you could eat. They even had daily disinfection in common areas, so no qualms there.
The poolside bar was a lifesaver (especially after those questionable accessibility adventures!), offering the obligatory cocktails, and a happy hour that, let’s just say, I happily took advantage of. A bottle of water was always on hand, and the coffee shop served up a decent caffeine hit. The snack bar was perfect for a quick bite between dips in the pool, and they'd even deliver to your room with room service [24-hour].
But here’s a confession: I’m a sucker for dessert. The desserts in the restaurant looked incredible, but one night, after inhaling about three plates of pad thai, I was utterly defeated. I still ordered dessert. It took them well over an hour to get me a simple chocolate cake, but it was worth the wait.
Cleanliness and Safety - The COVID Circus:
Look, traveling felt a bit like a minefield recently. "Escape to Paradise" took all the precautions you'd expect. Anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff clearly understood the safety protocol. The rooms sanitized between stays, and they even offered room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciated. First aid kit and the Doctor/nurse on call, thank God! The Safe dining setup was reassuring, with sanitized kitchen and tableware items and individually-wrapped food options. The physical distancing of at least 1 meter was mostly observed, though some guests seemed to think the rules didn’t apply to them.
They removed the shared stationery, and the team was trained in safety protocols. Thankfully, no one got sick, which is pretty good in the current climate.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day Dreams, Real Life Struggles:
Alright, let's get down to the good stuff. This place is designed to pamper. Body scrub, body wrap, the works. The spa was beautiful. The pool with view was everything! Picture this: you're floating in the turquoise water, gazing at the volcanic peaks, and the world melts away. Bliss.
The sauna and steamroom were amazing too, and the Foot bath was a delightful touch. The massage I had was divine. I mean, seriously, I think I actually drooled.
The Gym/fitness was decent, though I am not a gym person. But, hey, it’s there if you feel the need.
But here’s an embarrassing story: I tried to do a body wrap. I am not a graceful person. I managed to get the mud everywhere except on myself. It was like a slapstick routine! They were so nice about it, bless them.
Available in All Rooms - Tech, Comfort, and Minor Annoyances:
The air conditioning and free Wi-Fi were absolute life savers. Let’s be honest, La Gomera is hot! The air conditioning in public area was very welcome too. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was fantastic, except… the signal occasionally went on a little holiday of its own, particularly in the more remote corners of the villa.
The additional toilet was a welcome convenience. Bathroom amenities were good, though I did have to call down for extra towels as the ones weren't quite fluffy enough for my liking. I had the Bathtub and Separate shower/bathtub, what's not to love?
The daily housekeeping was efficient. The desk and laptop workspace were helpful for, you know, pretending to work. The in-room safe box kept valuables safe. The coffee/tea maker was essential for my morning caffeine fix, as was the complimentary tea and free bottled water. I was a true fan of the mini bar.
For the Kids - Family Fun or Family Chaos?
I didn't have kids with me, but the facilities seemed geared towards families. There was a babysitting service, and kids facilities, but I would advise checking the specifics before booking, as some families had mixed feedback, but I'm not sure why.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter (and the ones that don't)
They had a concierge, which was handy for booking excursions. The convenience store on-site was a lifesaver for forgotten sunscreen or snacks. The currency exchange came in handy. Dry cleaning and laundry service were available, because, yes, I spill a lot of things. The doorman was lovely. The meeting/banquet facilities were there, but I didn't need them. They had an elevator, which was super helpful. The gift/souvenir shop was full of… souvenirs.
One thing that bugged me? The meetings and seminars seemed a bit out of place in the middle of paradise. Who wants to talk business while overlooking the ocean?!
Getting Around - Renting a Car is a Must, Unless You Like Walking Up Hills:
They offer airport transfer, but honestly, renting a car is probably your best bet for exploring La Gomera. The roads are winding, but the views are incredible. There’s a car park [free of charge], which is always a bonus.
In Conclusion: Worth It? (Mostly!)
"Escape to Paradise" in La Gomera is a beautiful place with some definite flaws. The accessibility could be improved, and the Wi-Fi needs work, but overall, it was a fantastic experience. The location is stunning, the staff are friendly, and the spa is pure bliss. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe I’ll pack a better map of the grounds and a whole lot more Pad Thai. Oh, and maybe invest in a proper mud application tutorial before my next body wrap. Consider this a solid 4 out of 5 stars, with a big asterisk for the Wi-Fi. Go, and enjoy… and tell me about the Pad Thai!
Escape to Paradise: Constantia Garden Suites Await in Cape Town
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, the raw, the hilarious, the hopefully-not-disastrous tale of my (and maybe your) adventure at Hotel Rural Villa de Hermigua in La Gomera, Spain. Prepare for tangents, meltdowns, and the unvarnished truth about my travel style.
Title: La Gomera: Sun, Sangria, and Surviving My Own Brain (Hotel Rural Edition)
Arrival Day: The Great Canary Islands Shuffle & Existential Dread
- 06:00 AM: Alarm. (Why do I even have an alarm on vacation? Is this some kind of elaborate joke the universe is playing?) Coffee. Strong coffee. I need it. We are going to Spain, yessss.
- 07:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Praying the taxi driver doesn’t start singing along to the radio again. (Last time it was ABBA. I love ABBA, but at 7 AM? No.) Check-in, security, the usual airport circus. Try to maintain a semblance of sanity.
- 10:00 AM: Flight to Tenerife (South). I swear, airplane food is getting worse. Is that even chicken? Is it… alive? Wondering where the bathroom is… Maybe I'll just wait? No, probably not.
- 12:00 PM: Land in Tenerife. (South) A wave of confusion washes over me. Which way to La Gomera? Ah right, the ferry. Wait… where's the bus? Oh, it's not there yet, and I will be waiting, so, I am wandering around like a lost puppy, hoping I am not late.
- 03:00 PM: Ferry to San Sebastián de La Gomera. The sea air hits me and I feel… surprisingly emotional. Is it the salt? The freedom? The looming realization that I’m completely out of my comfort zone? Probably all of the above. The ferry journey itself is nice the sun is shining and there are so many colors around and and… I forgot my sunglasses. Great. Just great.
- 04:30 PM: Taxi to Hotel Rural Villa de Hermigua. The landscape, this part is what I looked for… I think. It's all so… volcanic. And green. And utterly, breathtakingly, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. I'm starting to understand why people come here to escape. And maybe… just maybe… I'm finally getting it.
- 05:00 PM: Check-in. The hotel is beautiful, the reception lady is really nice, and I get my keys. Room is even better. (Almost) everything is working.
- 06:00 PM: Wander around the hotel grounds. Breathe. Smell the flowers. Feel the sun on my face. Okay, I'm good. No more "me" time needed, let's find a bar.
- 07:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Local wine. Local food. Everything is fresh and delicious. I try to communicate with the friendly waiter. My Spanish is, to put it mildly, terrible, but he's patient. Victory is mine! (Or at least a plate of papas arrugadas.)
- 09:00 PM: Collapse into bed. Exhausted but content. The island has already started to work its magic. I will get drunk on it soon.
Day 2: Hiking, Ham, (and a Near-Death Experience?)
- 08:00 AM: Wake up feeling surprisingly good. Breakfast on the terrace! It is a feast. So many local fruits, bread, and everything! I may stay in just for the breakfast. Seriously, the fresh orange juice alone is worth the trip.
- 09:30 AM: Gear up for a hike. (I’m not a hiker. I’m more of a “walk to the fridge” kind of person, but I’m determined to embrace this whole “nature” thing.) Map in hand (maybe I should have paid a guide). Off we go!
- 10:00 AM: Hike begins. (I hope I chose the right one…). It's more uphill than I anticipated. Immediately question all life choices.
- 11:00 AM: Lost. Maybe? Sort of. I get distracted by a lizard. (They are so fast!) The path, is the path, but, where am I, again? Okay, breathe. Remember, you have water, a few "munchies" in the bag and… wait for the guide? No, that is not going to happen.
- 12:00 PM: Finally, make it to the viewpoint. IT. IS. AMAZING. Mountains, clouds, everything. I need to eat.
- 01:00 PM: Back to the hotel for food. I feel… really well. I need a nap.
- 02:00 PM: Nap. I can't stay awake.
- 04:00 PM: Pool day! Because, rewards! (This is how I justify my life choices.)
- 07:00 PM: Find a lovely restaurant and more local food.
Day 3: The Beach & The Booze Factor
- 09:00 AM: Breakfast. More orange juice (I think I have a problem).
- 10:00 AM: Beach. The black sand beach is… something. So unlike any beach I've ever seen. I can't stop staring at it. Sunscreen is applied (religiously).
- 11:00 AM: Swim. The water is refreshing. I'm getting the hang of this "vacation" thing.
- 01:00 PM: Lunch, beachside. Fresh seafood. (I'm officially converting into a "Beach Bum")
- 02:00 PM: More beach! I’m going to get a tan, and I'm going to enjoy every bloody minute of it. The sound of the waves, the sun on my skin… this could be the best day ever. I love it!
- 04:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I might need a snack. And a nap. Or maybe… a cocktail.
- 07:00 PM: Dinner is at the hotel tonight.
- 09:00 PM: Sleep, (I think).
Day 4: The Final Farewell (or, This is Way Too Short)
- 09:00 AM: Last breakfast. I will miss this.
- 10:00 AM: Pack (or, attempt to pack). I am going to cry.
- 11:00 AM: Last walk around the hotel. I will get lost.
- 12:00 PM: Check out and farewell.
- 02:00 PM: Ferry. Say goodbye.
- 04:00 PM: Back.
Postscript: The Aftermath
I left La Gomera with a tan, a slightly-deeper appreciation for nature, and a suitcase full of local wine (and maybe a new addiction to fresh orange juice). Was it perfect? Hell no. Did I want to stay longer? Absolutely! Would I go back? Without a doubt. La Gomera, you magnificent, slightly-chaotic island, you've stolen a piece of my heart. And as for Hotel Rural Villa de Hermigua… well, let’s just say I’ll be dreaming of those breakfasts for a long time. Until next time!
Luxury Escape: Chesterfield's Casa Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: La Gomera Villa FAQ - Where Honesty Meets the Atlantic Chill
Okay, so, "Paradise"? Is that, like, *actually* true? Because the internet lies, you know.
Look, let's be real. I went expecting Instagram-filtered perfection. And, okay, the view *is* stunning. Seriously, you look out those windows and the ocean just. Keeps. Going. But Paradise? Depends on your definition. If paradise is endless sunshine, a private infinity pool battling a persistent Atlantic breeze (brrr!), and the general sensation of "forget the world, I'm drinking wine," then yeah, it's a contender. But don't expect a butler who anticipates your every desire. You're in charge of your own wine refills, folks. And sometimes, the wi-fi... well, it takes a siesta when *you* probably need it most. (Pro-tip: download all your important stuff before you go. Just trust me.)
The Villa – Is it as gorgeous as the pictures? Because sometimes, you know... angles.
Okay, so the pictures *are* pretty. But… they don't capture the *smell*. And I mean that in a good way. It’s a mix of fresh sea air, subtle earthiness, and maybe… a hint of bougainvillea? I swear, you walk in and just breathe a giant, "ahhhhh." The architecture is amazing - clean lines, lots of light, and the kitchen? Oh, the kitchen. I’m not even a big cook, but I spent hours just *wanting* to cook in that space. Felt like a goddamn chef! (Side note: I burned the toast. Don't judge.) The other bits? The bedroom... yeah. Waking up there to that view? Forget sleep. Good luck. You'll probably be glued to the balcony rail.
What's the deal with the pool? Is it actually swim-able, or just for show? And are the sunbeds comfy? BECAUSE COMFORT IS KEY.
Oh, the pool. The *infamous* pool. Look, it's stunning. Endless edge, the whole nine yards. But the Atlantic? It.Is.Cold. Like, you-jump-in-and-gasp-cold. I’m from (insert a warm country here, if applicable), so this was a real shock to the system. The first time I got in, I thought I was going to have a heart attack! But, eventually, your body acclimates. And the view? Worth it. Absolutely. I spent hours just floating, staring out at the ocean, trying to convince myself I wasn’t freezing. And the sunbeds? Okay, they are the epitome of chilling out. Properly cushioned, well positioned. Pure bliss. Just watch out for the wind. I nearly got blown into the garden a few times.
Okay, let's get to the practical stuff. How do you *get* to the villa? Is it a death-defying drive on winding mountain roads? Because I get motion sickness.
Alright, the drive. Yes. It involves *some* winding roads. La Gomera is, shall we say, *vertical*. But it's not as terrifying as you might imagine. The roads are well-maintained, and the views… oh, the views! It's part of the experience. Embrace the journey. Just pack some motion sickness meds if you're prone to it. I spent the whole trip staring out the window, trying to remember not to eat anything before the ride. And when you arrive? Pure relief. Seriously. That first glass of wine on the balcony is earned. So, very, very earned.
What about food and groceries? Do I need to bring a suitcase full? (Asking for a friend... who is me.)
Okay, food. This is important. There are local supermarkets. Not massive ones, but you can get the essentials. Definitely stock up on snacks because, you know... vacation. And local wine. You *must* try the local wine. Seriously. It’s... dangerous. Delicious, but dangerous. Consider a grocery run soon after arrival to minimize any travel headaches. And for an extra experience, hit the local markets, for some fresh fruits. I've never tasted a mango that tasted as good as the ones there. Never! Restaurant options? Scattered around, you might have to drive out a bit, so do your research. We had a rather disastrous attempt at finding a highly-rated tapas place one night. Ended up in a tiny alleyway, the kind where you’re pretty sure your GPS is just making stuff up. The food was... fine. (We still laugh about it, though). Lesson learned: book in advance! And maybe double-check your GPS.
Is there anything I should be aware of, something that might trip me up? Any Hidden Costs?
Let’s be honest, the devil is in the details, isn't it? Hidden costs? Hmm… nothing *major*. The villa itself is pretty much the big expense. But be mindful of the fact that some of these island services don't always work to an industrial standard. The Wi Fi for example, could have issues with its connectivity. Also, the cleaning lady, bless her heart, came in a little earlier than we'd planned one day. So be aware of the potential for minor hiccups. And, oh yeah, the wind. Pack layers. Seriously. The wind can be fierce. You'll be thanking me later when you're not stuck shivering on the balcony, watching the sunset – a truly stunning sunset, mind you – but needing to run inside for a sweater.
So, overall, would you go back? Spill the tea!
Okay, full disclosure: I’m already checking my bank account to see when I can re-book. Yes, I would absolutely go back. The imperfections, the wind, the slightly-chilly pool… they all become part of the charm. It's a place to disconnect, to breathe, to actually feel like you're *away*. And that view! That damn view. I'm already dreaming about it. Just… pack a fleece. And maybe a backup router. You can't have it all, right? But you CAN have a slice of gomera heaven. And that's pretty darn close.
