Escape to Paradise: Blue Buddha Beachfront Bliss in Ericeira!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're not just reviewing Escape to Paradise: Blue Buddha Beachfront Bliss in Ericeira, we're diving HEADFIRST into it. Forget those bland, corporate hotel critiques. This is going to be messy, honest, and hopefully, hilarious. Let's see if this "paradise" lives up to the hype… or if it's just a fancy Instagram filter.
First Impressions & Accessibility (oof, a bit wonky)
Alright, so, Ericeira. Coastal Portugal. Beautiful, right? My first thought hitting Blue Buddha – "Okay, the blue bit is accurate." The ocean views? Chef's kiss. But, and there's always a but, the accessibility… Let's just say it's a mixed bag.
Wheelchair accessibility: This is where it gets a little… complicated. They do claim to have facilities for disabled guests, which sounds promising! But specific details are scarce. My gut tells me to call ahead and really grill them if accessibility is a non-negotiable. The website isn’t super helpful. I'm seeing some steps. Ugh. Okay, call first, people. Don't wing it like I sometimes do.
Getting Around: Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] is offered which is a great start, which is a good start. Airport transfer and Taxi service can also be arranged. That’s a plus.
Facilities for disabled guests: They claim to have it, but specifics are needed. Investigate this VERY carefully before booking if accessibility is paramount.
Elevator: At least they have an elevator! (Check the details).
Exterior corridor: Okay, so this means a possibly sun-drenched stroll getting to your room – could be good, could be a pain depending on the room location.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges:
Did I see any specifics on the restaurant accessibility? Nope. Uh oh. Another area for direct questioning before you go. Hope those ocean views are worth the potential logistical challenges!
The "Wow" Factor (or Not!)
Okay, let's be honest, the real draw here is the location. Beachfront. Right on the water. The photos promise stunning sunsets and lapping waves. So, if they nail the basics, this could be truly special.
Rooms & Creature Comforts - The Good, The Slightly Less Good, & The "Where's My Slippers?!"
Okay, let's get into specifics! What's actually in my room? This is where the hotel can either redeem itself or send you spiraling into a frustrated rant, and let's face it, I can do both.
- Available in all rooms: 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. Whoa, that's a lot!
- Additional bathroom notes: The description lists "additional toilet" which is good! Always a bonus. "Separate shower/bathtub" – luxury! (Though hopefully not the kind that has water pressure issues).
- The "Must-Haves": Wi-Fi [free] is a godsend. (I hate paying extra for Wi-Fi!). Air conditioning is crucial. And, oh sweet lord, blackout curtains. Never underestimate the power of a good blackout curtain to combat jet lag and keep the sun from creeping in and ruining your sleep! Bathrobes and Slippers are also a big plus.
- The potentially picky points: Carpeting. Okay, personally, I have mixed feelings about carpets in hotel rooms. They can be cozy but… let's not think about it. Internet access–LAN and access–wireless, now that's great! Laptop workspace? Yes, please! I love a hotel that lets me get some work done without feeling like I’m crammed in a closet. The mini-bar is going to be checked immediately, lol.
- Room decorations: Could be a hit or miss. I hope it's not all beige and generic! Fingers crossed for something with a bit of personality!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach is Growling Already!
This is crucial. A good hotel experience can be ruined by bad food. Let's see if Blue Buddha can keep my hunger at bay… and my mood from going south.
- Restaurants: "Restaurants" (plural!) – score! I need options!
- Food Variety: Buffets and A la carte restaurant! Buffet is great for breakfast. I'm hoping for a nice mix of local and international fare.
- Restaurant Cuisine: Asian and International cuisine in restaurant
- Amenities : Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water
- Service : Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Room service [24-hour],
- The Good Stuff: 24-hour room service? Yes, please. Poolside bar? Yes, please. I'm dreaming of cocktails already, especially during Happy Hour!
- Potential Hiccups: I'm hoping the "Asian cuisine" isn't just a sad plate of spring rolls.
- Vegetarian options: Important. As a vegetarian, I appreciate a decent selection. Let's hope they deliver.
Ways to Relax & Things to Do - Spa Day, Anyone?
This is where the "Bliss" part should really shine.
- Spa Delights: Spa, Spa/sauna. They've got a sauna and they have a steam room.
- Treatments: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage.
- Other Options: Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view,
- My Ultimate Test: A pool with a view is a must. The ocean is just there. The perfect way to relax and unwind.
Cleanliness and Safety - In the Age of Germs (and General Anxiety)
Let's face it, we're all a little germ-phobic at this point. So, how does Blue Buddha handle it?
- Anti-viral cleaning products: YES!
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
- Hand sanitizer: Crucial.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Essential!
- Hygiene certification: I hope they have it.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Great.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Important.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Reassuring.
- Safe dining setup: Crucial.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yep, please!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Required.
- Sterilizing equipment: Good.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice, for those who prefer it.
Services & Conveniences - Beyond the Basics
What else does this place offer?
- Business Facilities: Business facilities, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Meetings, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center
- Food and Beverage: Essential condiments, Food delivery,
- Front Desk: Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes,
- Other: Air conditioning in public area, Babysitting service, Currency exchange, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Hotel chain, Smoking area, Terrace,
- My Wishlist: A decent concierge is essential. Laundry service is a lifesaver. Luggage storage is useful for early arrivals and late departures.
For the Kids - Family Friendly?
- Kids Meal, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities are available.
Getting Around - How to Escape… or Get Back
- Airport transfer: This is HUGE.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking, Bicycle parking
**My Verdict (So Far): The "
Rodeway Inn St. Joseph (MN): Your Home Away From Home (Near Everything!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary isn't just about seeing Ericeira, it's about feeling it. We're talking Blue Buddha Beach Rooms & Suites, Portugal, and I'm already mentally swimming in the Atlantic, even if my actual body is still staring at a screen. Expect a ride. It's going to be… well, it's going to be me.
Phase 1: Arrival and… Existential Dread? (Day 1)
- Morning (Okay, more like afternoon, let's be real): Land in Lisbon. Okay, cool. Except, I've got that slightly frantic airport feeling. You know, the one where you're convinced you've left your passport somewhere in the pretzel aisle. Breathe. Find the rental car. Pray to the GPS gods. The drive to Ericeira? Supposedly scenic. I'll probably be too busy swearing at Portuguese roundabouts to notice.
- Afternoon (The Real Arrival): Finally, Ericeira. The air smells of salt, which is immediately a good sign. Check into Blue Buddha. I've seen the pictures online. Looks like a Pinterest board exploded in a good way. Hopefully, the room lives up to the hype. My internal barometer is already fluctuating wildly between "OMG, VACATION!" and "What if I forgot to pay the water bill back home?!" - classic.
- Evening (The First Taste): Wander. That's my plan. Just… wander. Find a tasca (small, casual restaurant). Maybe have a pastel de nata (custard tart). Judge the pastel de nata harshly. Because, you know, first impressions matter. Have some local wine. Probably end up accidentally ordering a whole octopus. Regret. Learn to embrace the regret. Think I might be falling in love with the place, already. And also, probably completely knackered from the flight.
- Night (The Deep Dive – aka, Sleep): Crash. Seriously. I'll probably stumble back to Blue Buddha, collapse on the bed, and dream of… I don't know, maybe a giant, friendly octopus. Or, you know, actually sleeping – let's keep the bar low
Phase 2: Surfing, Sunburns, and Questionable Life Choices (Day 2-3)
- Morning (Attempting 'Sporty'): SURFING LESSONS! Yes, I signed up. No, I'm not a natural. Prepare for epic fails. Expect to swallow half the Atlantic. My core strength is basically non-existent. My expectations of myself: extremely low. My reaction to the instructor if they give me any sort of sass? Probably pretend to fall over. I'll probably spend more time faceplanting into the sand than actually riding a wave. But hey, at least I’ll have a tan… a lobster-red tan, maybe.
- Afternoon (Recovery and Refection): Lunch at a beachside café. Post-surf therapy. Think I'll be able to walk by the end of the day. Read a book (pretending to be cultured), or stare moodily at the ocean. Contemplate life’s big questions, like: “Have I ever actually achieved anything?” and “Why did I eat that entire plate of garlic prawns last night?”
- Evening (Re-evaluating My Existence): Dinner. Another tasca, hopefully one that isn’t too packed. Maybe a seafood stew. Try to strike up a conversation with a local. End up saying something embarrassing. Become convinced everyone secretly hates me. Decide everyone secretly loves me. Repeat. Walk along the cliffs as the sun sets. Feel incredibly, ridiculously, and beautifully alive. (And also, probably, slightly sunburnt).
- Night (Reflection on the Day's Incompetence): Stare out at the stars, drink a cheap bottle of wine, and realize I haven't had a thought in my head. Not a single, judgmental, anxious thought. Bliss.
Expanding On The Surfing Debacle… Because Let’s Be Honest, It’s Going to Be a Debacle:
So, about those surfing lessons. I’m already picturing myself as a total wipeout. I once tried to stand on a snowboard, and I spent 90% of the time on my bum, staring at the sky. Surfing? This has to be worse. I have this sinking feeling I’ll spend most of the lesson underwater, choking on saltwater. I'm going to be the person the instructor is yelling at, saying: "Paddle! Paddle! Get up!" and I'll be like a dying, flailing seal, because you know what? I'm okay with that (sort of). It's a story, right? And honestly, who doesn't love a good underdog-failing-spectacularly story? I might take a GoPro, just for the sheer comedic value of it. Everyone needs to see this. The waves probably won’t be too big, because I'll get so scared I'll just stare at my feet. I'll probably look at my feet. They will be very pretty, they will match my mood of the day. The worst part is that I know I'll be grinning the whole time. Pure unadulterated joy, mixed with abject terror. Worth it.
Phase 3: Exploring, Eating, and Saying Goodbye (Day 4-5)
- Morning (Day Trips… Maybe?): Consider a day trip to Peniche or Sintra. Or, you know, stay in bed. Really, the ultimate decision. Research the best pastéis de nata in the area. Prioritize.
- Afternoon (Ericeira's Charm): Explore Ericeira itself. Wander the cobblestone streets. Get completely lost. (Google Maps is my friend, I swear.) Find a hidden gem of a café. Sip coffee. Write down everything I've learnt in the first few days. Get to know the local shops, the ones that are all selling the same stuff, but each in their unique way. Buy something I don't need. Regret it (slightly).
- Evening (Farewell Feast): Find the fanciest restaurant I can afford (which isn't saying much). Eat ALL the seafood. Drink ALL the wine. Soak up the atmosphere. Try to memorize every single detail of this place, so I can dream of waves for the next year.
- Night (The Sad Goodbyes): Pack. Sigh. Try not to cry. Maybe write a heartfelt poem about the ocean. (It’ll probably be terrible.) Promise myself I'll come back. Because seriously, I will. The end is the beginning of something else and the end feels like goodbye but also feels like you, more you.
Phase 4: The Journey Home (Day 6)
- Morning (Departure): Wake up. Drag myself out of bed. Stare at the ocean one last time.
- Afternoon (Leaving): Head to the airport. Swear at the roundabouts.
- Evening (Back to Reality): Land. Back home. Immediately start planning my return trip.
And that's it. A messy, honest, probably slightly deranged itinerary. Hope you’re ready. Because I am. I think. Probably. Wish me luck. I’ll need it. And maybe bring some extra sunscreen for my inevitable lobster-red tan. This trip will be all about the feeling. The salty air and the sandy feet and the memory.
(P.S. – Don't judge my Portuguese. Or my surfing ability. Or my life choices in general. That's what the pastel de nata is for.)
Lakefront Paradise: 2BR Marysville Escape (All Seasons!)
Escape to Paradise: Blue Buddha Beachfront Bliss - Your Burning Questions (and My Ramblings)!
Is it *really* as beachfront as the pictures suggest? I mean, is it Instagram-real?
Okay, deep breath. Here's the honest truth: yep, it's pretty darn close. The pictures aren't *complete* lies. They do a decent job. You basically stumble out of bed, squint at the sun, and you're practically *in* the ocean. Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but the sound of the waves is constant, a soothing lullaby that I, frankly, became addicted to. It's more "beach-adjacent" than "sand-in-your-toes-every-second," but the proximity? Absolutely worth it.
Except... one morning, I was feeling grand, like, "Beach Goddess" level grand. I woke up ridiculously early, convinced I'd catch the perfect sunrise. Armed with my tragically hip beach read (something about existentialism and surfing, naturally), I marched out. And... the tide was *way* out. Like, miles out. The beach looked like an abandoned car graveyard, mostly shells and slimy seaweed. My goddess moment evaporated into a "meh" kind of morning. Proof: even Paradise has its off days.
The Blue Buddha… is that a *thing*? Like, a literal blue Buddha? Should I bring my meditation cushion?
Alright, settle down, Zen Master. There's no giant, glowing, blue Buddha statue. (Although, wouldn't *that* be something?). The name’s more of a vibe, a promise. Think relaxed, chill, ocean-y. They have some decorative elements of Buddhism (a statue or two here and there, some inspirational quotes), but it’s mainly about fostering a sense of calm.
Bring your meditation cushion if that’s your thing. Me? I'm hopeless at meditating. I spent one morning attempting a guided meditation on the balcony. It failed miserably, mostly because I kept getting distracted by the seagulls squawking and the incredibly delicious smell of pastries wafting from the bakery down the street. I ended up eating a croissant. So yeah, bring your cushion, but also, maybe bring a pastry.
How's the food? Because, let's be honest, good food is crucial.
Oh, the food. Okay, brace yourselves. The breakfast spread is... decent. Think fresh fruit, some decent (but not amazing) pastries, the usual suspects. Not mind-blowing, but perfectly acceptable to start your day. Nothing to write home about unless you’ve got an unusually high standard for breakfast.
The real magic happens in *Ericeira*. This isn't some resort where you're captive. You're in a *town* brimming with culinary delights. Little cafes serving fresh seafood, gorgeous pastel de natas (naturally), and the most amazing garlic prawns I've ever shoveled into my face. I spent a solid week eating my way through Ericeira, and honestly, I barely remember what I ate at the Blue Buddha. Prioritize exploring the local restaurants. Seriously. You won't regret it. And maybe order an extra portion of the prawns for me, will ya? I miss them something fierce.
Okay, surfing? Is it beginner-friendly? Because I can barely stand up on a sidewalk.
Ericeira is a surf mecca. So, yes, it's beginner-friendly, *but*... there are some caveats. The waves can be a little unpredictable, so it's not like you're just going to magically become Kelly Slater overnight. But there are plenty of surf schools and instructors. They'll get you started. Just don't expect perfection. Expect to fall. A lot. Expect to swallow a lot of seawater.
My surfing experience? Let's just say it involved much more paddling than actual surfing. I spent most of my time getting pummeled by waves, swallowing more salt water than I'd care to admit, and generally looking like a drowned rat. But you know what? It was *fun*. The feeling of finally, briefly, standing up? Pure elation. The sheer, unapologetic joy of failing with the ocean as your backdrop? Something I'll never forget. Even if I did spend the rest of the day slightly sunburned and smelling of seaweed. (Well, worth it.)
Is it noisy? I need peace and quiet.
Okay, noise. Here's the deal. The ocean is your constant companion. That's good noise, generally speaking. The seagulls are a bit chatty. That can vary from "charming" to "grating," depending on your personal tolerance. Ericeira is a lively town, so expect some street noise, particularly on weekends. But it's not a relentless assault on your eardrums.
My most memorable noise encounter involved a particularly enthusiastic rooster. He lived *somewhere* nearby and had the most piercing crow I've ever heard. It started at approximately dawn every single day. It was infuriating. I ended up using earplugs. So pack earplugs, just in case. Because, you know, Paradise isn't perfect.
What else is there to do, besides surfing and eating?
Besides surfing (and failing miserably at it), and eating (which, let’s be honest, is a pretty excellent life choice), there's plenty to do. Explore the town! Walk along the cliffs. Visit the local shops, discover hidden squares. Take a day trip to Lisbon (it's doable). Sunset strolls are mandatory.
I took a day trip to Sintra one day. It was magical. Castles perched on mountain tops, lush gardens, the whole fairytale shebang. But by the end of the day, I was slightly overwhelmed by the crowds and the sheer grandeur of it all. I missed the simplicity of Ericeira. Sometimes, less really *is* more. So, yes, do day trips, but also, don't be afraid to just *be* in Ericeira. Read a book. Drink coffee. Watch the waves. Breathe. That's paradise, too.
Is it worth the money?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, travel is subjective. What's "worth it" is different for everyone.Hotel Deals Search
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Blue Buddha Beachfront Bliss in Ericeira!"