Escape to Paradise: Marakasa B&B, Your Sant Antoni de Calonge Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Escape to Paradise: Marakasa B&B, Your Sant Antoni de Calonge Oasis Awaits! – and I'm not holding back. Forget the glossy brochures and sanitized reviews, you're getting the real deal, warts and all. Let's see if this place truly lives up to its name, shall we?
First Impressions (and a little bit of a rambling start, just to get us warmed up):
So, the name, "Escape to Paradise"… that's a big promise, right? Especially after a soul-crushing week at the office. I need paradise, and I need it now. Finding a B&B is always a gamble. They can be charming, they can be… well, let's just say "character-filled." Marakasa is in Sant Antoni de Calonge, which I'm told is a coastal gem. Accessibility is always a huge deal for me, and I'm thrilled to see they've made an effort, which we'll get to soon.
The Nitty Gritty - The Stuff That Actually Matters:
- Accessibility: Okay, this is HUGE. They say they have "Facilities for disabled guests." I'm hoping this isn't just a ramp slapped on a door. We'll have to see what that actually entails. If they've got accessible rooms with grab bars and wider doorways, that's a massive win. I'll update this later. This is important.
- Cleanliness and Safety (Because, you know, the world): Right, so they're touting "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Rooms sanitized between stays." Good. Very good. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), so this makes me feel better. "Hand sanitizer" everywhere? Check. "Staff trained in safety protocol?" Okay, I'm cautiously optimistic. I want to see it in action, though. I want to see someone actually sanitizing something.
- Internet Access: "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" YES! I need to stay connected to the world (and, let's be honest, Netflix). "Internet access – LAN" is also available, for those who still prefer the wired life. And, "Wi-Fi for special events"? Seems like they can handle a bit of extra bandwidth if necessary.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because, priorities): Alright, let's talk food. "Breakfast [buffet]" – I love a good buffet. Though, I'm wary of them post-pandemic. Are they doing it safely? "A la carte in restaurant," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "International cuisine in restaurant" – options, options! I'm intrigued. "Poolside bar"? Oh, yes. I can already picture myself sipping a cocktail, ignoring my emails. "Coffee shop"? Excellent!
- Things to Do & Ways to Relax (The "Escape" Part): Okay, this is where the "Paradise" part is supposed to kick in. "Swimming pool [outdoor]" – check. "Pool with view"? Even better! "Spa/sauna" – now we're talking. "Massage" – YES, please! A "Fitness center"? I'll probably look at it longingly and then head straight for the pool. "Body scrub," "Body wrap" – maybe, just maybe, I'll actually try one of these.
- Services and Conveniences: "Air conditioning in public area" – a must in the summer heat. "Concierge" – always helpful. "Daily housekeeping" – thank you, universe! "Laundry service," "Dry cleaning," "Ironing service" – perfect for the lazy vacationer. "Car park [free of charge]" – score! "Taxi service," "Airport transfer" – good for getting around.
- For the Kids (If you have them, I don't): "Babysitting service" – useful. "Family/child friendly" – good to know. "Kids meal" – makes sense.
- Getting Around: The usual suspects: "Airport transfer," "Bicycle parking," "Car park [free of charge]," "Taxi service."
Now, Let's Get Personal (and a bit of a rant):
Okay, let's be real. What I really want from a B&B is a sense of… well, peace. I want a place where I can actually unwind. I don't want to feel like I'm constantly being judged for my (lack of) tan or my questionable life choices. I want to feel welcomed, comfortable, and utterly, blissfully lazy.
The thought of "Room sanitization opt-out available" makes me smile. I can't stand when people are in my space, especially after a long day, and I'm just trying to relax.
The Room - A Deep Dive:
Here's what I'm hoping for in the room: "Air conditioning" (essential!), a "Desk" (for pretending to work, obviously), a "Coffee/tea maker" (because caffeine is life), a "Refrigerator" (for the all-important snacks), "Free bottled water" (hydration is key), and a "Wi-Fi [free]" connection (because I'm addicted). I'm hoping for "Blackout curtains" so I can sleep in and a "Seating area" so I can lounge around in my bathrobe. I want an "Extra long bed" because I'm tall and a "Soundproof room" to shut out any noise. A "Private bathroom" is a must, and I will be looking for a "Mirror" to gaze at my new tan!
The Anecdote (and a little bit of chaos):
I once stayed at a hotel that promised a "pool with a view." Turns out, the "view" was a parking lot. I'm hoping Marakasa doesn't pull that kind of stunt. This is where I'm putting my faith in the "Pool with view". I'm also really hoping the "Breakfast [buffet]" isn't the kind where you're fighting off seagulls and the scrambled eggs look suspiciously… rubbery.
My Biggest Hope:
My biggest hope is that this place has character. That it's not just a sterile, corporate box. That the staff are friendly, the food is good, and the whole experience leaves me feeling refreshed and ready to face the world again.
The Offer (and the honest pitch):
Escape to Paradise: Marakasa B&B - Your Sant Antoni de Calonge Oasis Awaits!
Are you craving an escape? A place where you can truly unplug and recharge?
Marakasa B&B is calling your name.
Here's the deal:
- Unwind in Style: Picture yourself lounging by our stunning pool with a view, sipping a refreshing cocktail from our poolside bar. Or, get pampered in our spa/sauna!
- Eat Like a King (or Queen): Indulge in a delicious breakfast [buffet] to start your day. Explore the Asian cuisine in restaurant or the International cuisine in restaurant. You'll find something to delight your taste buds!
- Rest Easy: We've got cleanliness and safety covered! From anti-viral cleaning products to daily disinfection, we're committed to your peace of mind.
- Stay Connected (or Disconnect): Enjoy free Wi-Fi in all rooms! or unplug.
- Accessible for All: We're committed to accessibility. Check out our "Facilities for disabled guests".
But here's the kicker:
We're not just offering a room. We're offering an experience. A chance to truly escape.
Book your stay at Escape to Paradise: Marakasa B&B today and receive a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival! (Just mention this review when you book).
Don't wait! Your Sant Antoni de Calonge oasis is calling!
Click here to book your escape! (Assuming there's a link here, of course. I'm writing a review, not actually running the hotel!)
Final Thoughts (and a little bit of a wish):
Okay, so I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm hoping Marakasa is the real deal. I'm hoping it's a place where I can forget about the world for a few days, eat some good food, soak up some sun, and maybe, just maybe, actually relax. I'll keep you posted. I'll be back with a full report after my stay. Wish me luck! And if you see me there, come say hi – I'll be the one in the bathrobe, by the pool, with a ridiculously large cocktail.
Plosius Rich: Manhattan Parkway's Hidden Gem in Araneta City?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary for my trip to Marakasa B&B in Sant Antoni de Calonge, Spain? It ain't gonna be your perfectly-ironed, Instagram-filtered travel guide. This is the real deal, people. Get ready for some glorious mess.
Marakasa Mayhem: A Sant Antoni de Calonge Saga
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Tapas Gamble
- 14:00 - Arrival at Girona Airport (GRO). Okay, first hurdle: finding the damn shuttle. I swear, every airport looks the same after a while. Finally, after a frantic text exchange with the lovely owner of Marakasa (who, bless her heart, sounds like a tiny, chirping bird on the phone), I'm on the right bus.
- 15:30 - Check-in at Marakasa B&B. Wow. Just…wow. The pictures online don't do it justice. Sunlight streaming, bougainvillea practically bursting through the windows, and a view of the Med that almost made me cry. Almost. Mostly because I was already hangry.
- 16:00 - The Tapas Quest Begins. Armed with a rough translation app and a desperate yearning for something other than airport pretzels, I wander into Sant Antoni. The first tapas bar? Closed. Second? Closed. Third? Jackpot! A tiny, smoky place called "El Gato Gordo" (The Fat Cat). Ordered way too much, didn't understand half of it, but the patatas bravas? Divine. Utterly, gloriously divine. Ate them all. Regrets? Zero. Except maybe the garlic breath.
- 18:00 - Beach Stroll and Existential Dread. Walked along the beach. The sand was perfect, the water a dazzling turquoise. Felt a pang of… well, something. Happiness? Peace? Or maybe just a profound sense of "I'm a tourist, aren't I?" Watched a couple of kids build a sandcastle, and felt a weird urge to join them. Resisted.
- 20:00 - Dinner and a Language Barrier Face-Off. Found a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea. The waiter, bless his heart, spoke about as much English as I speak Spanish (which is, let's be honest, minimal). Pointing, gesturing, and a lot of smiling ensued. Ended up with something resembling paella. Delicious, but probably not what I actually ordered. Still, I'm calling it a win.
- 22:00 - Bedtime and the Ghosts of Past Trips. The bed at Marakasa is like a cloud. A cloud with a view. Couldn't help but think about all the travel mistakes I've made over the years. Like that time I tried to haggle in Marrakech and ended up looking like a complete idiot. Ah, the memories!
Day 2: Exploring the Costa Brava and the Mystery of the Missing Sunscreen
- 09:00 - Breakfast at Marakasa: A Culinary Revelation. Seriously, the owner is a genius. Fresh fruit, local pastries, strong coffee that actually woke me up. This is living.
- 10:00 - Coastal Drive of Wonder and Mild Panic. Decided to rent a car and explore the Costa Brava. The roads are narrow, the cliffs are steep, and I swear, I almost drove off the edge at least three times. The views, though? Worth the near-death experiences.
- 11:00 - Tossa de Mar: A Castle and an Overwhelming Sense of Romance. Tossa de Mar is stunning. The castle is ridiculously photogenic. I'm pretty sure I spent an hour just wandering around, feeling like I was in a movie. Maybe a cheesy romance movie.
- 13:00 - Lunch and the Sunscreen Crisis. Ate lunch at a seaside restaurant in Tossa. Fantastic seafood. Then, the horror struck: I couldn't find my sunscreen. Panic. Absolute, utter panic. Had visions of myself looking like a boiled lobster by the end of the day.
- 14:00 - Beach Time and the Sunburn Tango. Found a tiny beach in a cove. Spent the afternoon trying to avoid the sun, which, let's face it, is a losing battle. Managed to get a slight tan, but also a definite pinkness. Note to self: buy more sunscreen. Immediately.
- 17:00 - Back to Sant Antoni and the Great Gelato Hunt. Returned to Sant Antoni, desperately craving gelato. Went to three different places. Each one offered a new flavor of sweet, creamy, deliciousness. My taste buds were in heaven.
- 19:00 - Nap Time (and the lingering scent of sunscreen). The sun and the gelato and the sheer exhaustion of being a tourist… it all hit me. I took a nap.
- 21:00 - Dinner, Drinks, and the Joy of Being Alone. Found a small restaurant with tables in the square. The food was good, the wine was better, and the feeling of being completely, utterly alone, yet comfortable, was the best.
Day 3: Culture, Chaos, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Souvenir
- 09:00 - Breakfast at Marakasa: The Same Deliciousness, But Different. Seriously, how does she do it? The owner, I mean. She's like a breakfast fairy.
- 10:00 - Exploring the local markets. So many colors, so many smells! I was overwhelmed, but in a good way. I bought some local cheese, because, well, cheese.
- 11:00 - Shopping: I spent a lot of time looking for souvenirs. I didn't find anything worthy of taking home.
- 13:00 - Lunch and the Great Cheese Conundrum. Ate cheese.
- 14:00 - The Beach. I'm going to the beach. I'll probably get sunburned.
- 17:00 - The End. I have to check out of Marakasa B&B. I'm sad.
- 20:00 - Dinner and the Goodbye. I'm having dinner.
- 22:00 - Bedtime. Time to sleep before I fly.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a glorious mess. It was imperfect. It was exactly what I needed. Marakasa B&B? Book it. The Costa Brava? Go. Just remember to bring sunscreen. And maybe learn a little Spanish. Or don't. Either way, you'll have an adventure. And that, my friends, is the whole point. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go book another trip.
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Escape to Paradise: Marakasa B&B - Your Sant Antoni de Calonge Oasis Awaits! (…Maybe. Let's See.)
Okay, so… *Paradise*? Seriously? What's the deal with this "Marakasa" place? Sounds like a dodgy pirate cove.
Alright, alright, hold your horses, matey. "Paradise" is a word, and Marakasa? Well, it's the name of this B&B in Sant Antoni de Calonge. The name itself? Honestly? I think it's a bit… much. Sounds a bit too polished, you know? Like someone's trying *really* hard. But hey, maybe they’re right. Maybe it *is* paradise. Or at least, a decent place to crash after a long day of sun-soaking on the Costa Brava.
Let's be honest, though, the reality is often a bit more… *real*. You’re not going to find a perfect, airbrushed postcard. You're going to find… well, a B&B. And B&Bs, bless their hearts, are rarely *perfect*. More on that later.
What's the *vibe*? Is it all couples sipping rosé on a balcony, or can I, a solo traveler who's more comfortable with a good book than small talk, actually survive?
Oh, the "vibe." That's the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Okay, picture this: I went there. Solo. Armed with a dog-eared copy of "Moby Dick" (judging by the volume of it, I probably *needed* a vacation). And… it was *fine*. Not overly romantic, thank goodness. (Seriously, I'd rather wrestle a grumpy octopus than endure forced couple-y-ness.)
There were definitely couples, but also a few other solo travelers, and a family with a kid who kept trying to sneak into the breakfast buffet before it opened. So, the vibe is… *eclectic*. It's not overly formal, but it’s not a hostel either. It's a bit like a slightly-too-friendly grandma's house, maybe. Warm, but with a distinct possibility of being cornered into a conversation about her prize-winning zucchini.
As for the book? I actually read a good chunk of it by the pool. Nobody batted an eye. Score!
Let's talk rooms. Are they… clean? Because, you know, bed bugs are a thing. And I have a *thing* about bed bugs.
Okay, deep breaths. Bed bugs. Ugh. I *feel* you. I'm a bit of a germaphobe myself. Look, I can't guarantee a *sterile* environment. Nobody can. But, my room was clean. Really, it was. Freshly laundered sheets (I checked!), no suspicious smells, and the bathroom… well, it was a bathroom. You know, with a toilet and a shower. It wasn’t a spa, but it was functional, and importantly, *clean*.
I didn't see any bed bugs. Thank God. (I'd probably have burned the place down if I had.) Honestly, the room felt… *homey*. Not in a "grandma's attic" sort of way, thankfully. More like a "clean, comfortable, and I can actually *breathe* in here" way.
I'd recommend doing your own thorough inspection upon arrival, of course. Just in case. But I didn’t find any problems.
Breakfast! Is it the usual sad continental spread, or is there actual *food*? And what's the coffee situation? Crucial.
Breakfast. Ah, the most important meal of the day, especially when you're on vacation and have no responsibilities. Okay, so it’s not the *sad* continental spread. It's better than that. I'd rate it… *decent*. There was bread, pastries (some were amazing, some… less so), fruit, yogurt, cereal, and the all-important scrambled eggs. And bacon! (Yes, I'm easily pleased.)
The coffee? Okay, here's where things get interesting. The coffee was… *serviceable*. Not the best coffee I've ever had, but also not the worst. It got the job done. I’m a coffee snob, so I always bring my own, just in case. (I'm prepared for any caffeine emergency.) But for most people, the coffee will be fine.
The breakfast area itself was… a bit cramped. Especially when the kid was trying to break in before opening. But hey, it added character, right? And the staff were friendly, even when dealing with the early-morning buffet raiders.
The pool! Is it as idyllic as the photos suggest, or is it overcrowded with screaming children and rogue pool noodles?
The pool. Ah, the siren song of the pool. Okay, the photos… they're *mostly* accurate. It's a lovely pool. It's clean. It’s a good size. And the surrounding area is pretty. There are loungers and umbrellas. All good.
The reality? Well, it depends on the time of year, and the day of the week. I went in the off-season, so it was blissfully empty. I imagine, in peak season, it’s a different story. I *did* see a rogue pool noodle. Just one. And I saw a couple of kids splashing. But it wasn’t *overwhelming*. It didn’t ruin the experience. But if you're looking for absolute tranquility, avoid the peak season.
Honestly, though, I spent most of my time reading by the pool. And it was perfect. Sun, water, a good book… what more could a weary traveler ask for?
Location, location, location! How far is it from… everything? Beach? Restaurants? Nightlife? (Or, you know, a quiet place to read?)
Okay, the location is pretty decent. It’s a short walk to the beach. A *very* short walk. Which is a huge plus, especially after a few too many sangrias. The beach itself is lovely. Good sand, clear water. Easy access. Boom.
Restaurants? There are plenty within walking distance. From casual tapas bars to slightly fancier places. I found a great little place that served paella. Delicious. The nightlife? Well, Sant Antoni de Calonge isn’t exactly Ibiza. It’s more… *relaxed*. There are a few bars, but it’s not a party town. Which, for me, was perfect. (I’m past the whole "dancing until dawn" phase of my life.)
A quiet place to read? Absolutely. The pool, the beach, even my room. Plenty of options. Peace and quiet were readily available.
