Escape to Paradise: Posada Santa Ana Awaits in Sun-Kissed Suances, Spain!
Escape to Paradise: Posada Santa Ana Awaits in Sun-Kissed Suances, Spain!
Escape to Paradise? More Like a Sweet Suances Sanctuary: My Messy, Wonderful Posada Santa Ana Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe some sangria) on Posada Santa Ana in Suances, Spain. Forget those sterile, perfectly crafted travel reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all, told by someone who actually stayed there. Let’s just say, I'm still dreaming of that view.
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A Quick Heads-Up: My Spanish is… limited. Expect some glorious mangling of the language and maybe a frustrated sigh or two. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
Accessibility: Not Just a Buzzword, Actually Thought About! (And a Slight Hiccup…)
First things first, the Accessibility situation. I'm delighted to report Posada Santa Ana actually gets it. They have Facilities for disabled guests – yes! Wheelchair accessible common areas were definitely a plus. The elevator was smooth and reliable, which, after lugging my suitcase up five flights of stairs in some other, questionable "accessible" places, was a godsend. The details are there, the accessible rooms have wider doorways and accessible options. BUT, and this is a minor but real hiccup… The entrance wasn't perfectly flat, and I saw someone struggling a bit with a wheelchair. So, while definitely better than average, just be aware of a tiny (seriously minor) hurdle. Overall though, kudos to their efforts! I felt included, not like an afterthought.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges & Dining: A Feast for the Eyes (and the Tummy!)
The Dining experience was a joy. Let's start with the views. Seriously, the Pool with view is a masterpiece! The restaurants have spaces for wheelchairs. Honestly, eating breakfast (a lovely Breakfast [buffet] with a surprising Asian breakfast option!) whilst gazing at the sun dancing on the waves? Pure bliss. Their restaurants offer A la carte in restaurant that was super yummy. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was consistently good (essential!), and I may or may not have indulged in a daily Poolside bar session or two. The Snack bar was perfect for a quick bite, and the staff were always friendly and helpful. They also offer Breakfast in room, or Breakfast takeaway service, if you want to enjoy the view from your own private space!
A personal highlight? The desserts in restaurant! Oh. My. God. I had a chocolate concoction that practically sent me to another dimension. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! They handle Alternative meal arrangement. Being a vegetarian, It was my oasis of culinary bliss. They also offer Buffet in restaurant.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief in This Weird World
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the current climate. Posada Santa Ana did a fantastic job. I felt incredibly safe. The Anti-viral cleaning products were evident, the Daily disinfection in common areas felt reassuring, and there was always plenty of Hand sanitizer available. Hats off to them, really. I loved the Room sanitization opt-out available, it felt considerate. They provide Hot water linen and laundry washing and the Staff trained in safety protocol, was visible. I felt safe and well-cared for. They even had professional-grade cleaning services, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They also followed physical distancing rules. I really appreciated that.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (My Personal Paradise!)
Right, so, ways to relax… where do I begin? The Spa was divine. Seriously, get the Body scrub, get the Massage, get the works! I spent a glorious afternoon getting utterly pampered. They also offer Spa/sauna, or the Steamroom which was wonderful. The Sauna was great. The Foot bath was surprisingly relaxing. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was just perfect, sparkling in the sun. The Pool with view – I've already raved about that, haven’t I?
For the more energetic, there's a Fitness center, because apparently, some people like to work out on vacation. (Me? Not so much, but options are good, right?)
My Most Memorable Experience - Staring at the Sky With my Feet in a Foot Bath
One evening, with the sun dipping towards the horizon, painting the sky with fiery hues, I found myself in a state of pure, unadulterated bliss. I was feet-first in the foot bath. This moment was my pinnacle of relaxation. The world just…. stopped. The gentle hum of the spa. The soft, clean towels. The sheer, quiet luxury of it all. It was as close to heaven as I think I’ve ever been. I could hear the faintest sounds of the ocean. It was just… perfect. That experience alone could make me book another flight back right now. Forget the Eiffel Tower or The Grand Canyon. The Posada's foot bath, that day, was the true wonder of the world.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because We All Love It!)
Besides the amazing breakfast and that incredible chocolate dessert, the Bar was a great place to unwind. They have a great Happy hour, and a Poolside bar for those sun-kissed moments. Bottle of water was complimentary, and the coffee shop was also good. Restaurants offered Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant. They even had a Vegetarian restaurant, what more could you ask for?
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
They've thought of everything, really. From Daily housekeeping to Laundry service, everything was seamless. There's Air conditioning in public area and in the rooms, a Concierge service, which was super helpful. I loved having a Gift/souvenir shop on site for bringing back little trinkets. The Free Wi-Fi was fast and reliable (critical!), and there's Internet access throughout, even Internet [LAN] if you're old-school like that. The elevator was clean and reliable, and the Luggage storage meant I could explore without lugging my case around. They also offer Cash withdrawal, which is handy. Let's not forget the Doorman service.
For the Kids (If You're Bringing the Littles)
While I didn't travel with kids, the hotel seemed very Family/child friendly. They offer Babysitting service and Kids meal. They also have a lot of Kids facilities.
Rooms: My Little Sanctuary
My room! Oh, my room. I had a Non-smoking room of course. It had Air conditioning, which was vital in the summer heat. The Bed was seriously comfortable – I'm talking "melt into it" kind of comfortable. The Free Wi-Fi worked flawlessly. The Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver in the mornings. Plus, the view from my window! Just breathtaking. There was an In-room safe box, a Refrigerator, a Hair dryer, and all the usual suspects. Additional toilet, a Bathtub, Bathrobes, the works! Seating area to relax and take in the view. They even had Extra long bed. Seriously, a perfect little nest.
Getting Around (So You Don't Get Lost!)
They provide a Airport transfer, if you need it. There’s Car park [free of charge]. There´s Taxi service.
In Conclusion… My Heart Belongs to Suances!
Look, Posada Santa Ana isn't perfect. No place is. The entrance hiccup, the occasional language barrier… But the pros far outweigh the minor cons. The location is stunning, the staff is amazing, the spa is world-class, and the overall atmosphere is one of pure relaxation and enjoyment. This hotel gets a huge thumbs up from me. I'm already planning my return. If you're seeking a spot of paradise, a chance to unwind and recharge, go! You won't regret it. Just… be prepared to fight me for access to that foot bath! You've been warned!
Escape to Paradise: Your Private Greek Island Villa Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average pristine itinerary. This is the messy, glorious truth of a trip to Posada Santa Ana in Suances, Spain. Prepare for some actual life happening.
Posada Santa Ana: The Suances Saga - A Journey in Chaos
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Iberian Ham Heist (Almost!)
- Morning (ish): Landed in Bilbao. Okay, "landed" is a strong word. More like, survived the flight. Seriously, I think the guy in 23B was audibly clipping his toenails. Anyway - the drive to Suances was supposed to be a breeze. Google Maps lied. Turns out, Basque Country is beautifully scenic, which means, you know, winding roads. I nearly barfed up my pre-flight coffee.
- Afternoon: Checked into Posada Santa Ana. First impression? Charm overload. That scent of freshly cut wood and, you know, old books, is intoxicating. The room? Tiny, but adorable. And the view! Okay, the view of the slightly overgrown garden is… well, it's something. I was already plotting a sneak attack on the garden (more on that later). I may have attempted to use Spanish, failing miserably and using a lot of hand gestures when ordering a coffee.
- Late Afternoon: Okay, the "Great Iberian Ham Heist" was more like a near-miss. I'd spotted a towering spread of that glorious, melt-in-your-mouth jamón ibérico at a tapas bar in Suances. The idea of trying to sneak a bit away in a paper towel was seriously considered. I resisted but the memory continues to haunt me.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant near the beach. Local seafood. AMAZING. I'm pretty sure I ate an entire plate of grilled octopus, which is, I'm pretty certain the definition of a perfect day. The wine – a crisp, local white – hit the spot. Over the moon, I was.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and a near-disaster with the sunburn)
- Morning: Sun, glorious sun! Beach day! Playa de la Concha is… well, it's paradise. Seriously. Sandy, clear water, waves perfect for bobbing about in. I spent hours just wallowing in the pure joy of it. My skin? Not so joyful.
- Lunch: Beachside cafe. More octopus. Because, duh. I devoured it so fast, I had a minor choking incident.
- Afternoon: Sunburn. A vivid, red homage to the Spanish sun that I'm still recovering from. This is the cost of beauty, people. Spent the hottest part of the afternoon huddled in the shade. I swear I could feel myself baking.
- Evening: Trying to salvage my skin. This is where the chaos started. I realized I'd forgotten my Aloe Vera. Cue, frantic search of every shop in the area. Eventually found some magic Aloe Vera and then, in a moment of genius, I'd also purchased some cold beer.
Day 3: The Garden Intrigue (and a Spanish lesson in frustration)
- Morning: I woke up plotting the sneaky attack to the garden. This is where I met our resident cat. Oh, the cat. It glared at me with utter disdain. I think it might have been a Spanish version of Garfield. We had a staring contest. The cat won.
- Afternoon: I attempted to have the 'best lunch' ever. Went to local market. Failed miserably in ordering my food. The smiles and gestures were all out the window. I was probably saying something completely insane. By the end of the experience, the lady had a look like I was from outerspace.
- Evening: I decided to embrace the fact that I can't speak Spanish. Started learning some basic Spanish, and I had to say, the phrase "Una cerveza, por favor" (a beer, please) was a true success. I tried on the locals. I tried on the cat. It was a success.
Day 4: The "Lost in Translation" Tour & Farewell Fiesta (Mostly)
- Morning: I decided to take a bus tour. "Lost in Translation" started to become my theme. Listened to the guide explain things. The history sounded truly fascinating. I think.
- Afternoon: I took a stroll and I got myself lost. Not in a bad way. Eventually, in the end, it seemed fitting.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at a tiny, family-run restaurant. More seafood. More wine. Emotions, I suspect, were amplified. Might or might not have shed a tear during the post-dinner conversation.
Day 5: Adios, Suances (and a promise to return)
- Morning: One last view of the ocean. One last cup of coffee at the Posada. A slow, reluctant pack. The hardest part of any trip? Saying goodbye.
- Afternoon: The drive back to Bilbao. I could have cried. The roads weren't as bad as I remember. Perhaps I'd adjusted?
- Evening: Flight home. Already planning my return. I can't speak more highly of how great the trip was.
This is just the beginning. My best advice? Just go. Don't overthink it. Embrace the mess. Embrace the beauty. Embrace the jamón ibérico (and maybe bring your own paper towels!).
Escape to Paradise: Porto Eda Hotel, Saranda, Albania Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Posada Santa Ana Awaits! (My Brain's Take on It)
Okay, spill the beans! Is this Posada Santa Ana REALLY paradise? Or is it just another Instagram filter fantasy?
Alright, real talk. Paradise? Look, the pictures? They're pretty. Really pretty. Sun-kissed Suances? Absolutely. But is it perfect? Nah. Nothing's perfect, especially not in my chaotic life. Think of it like this: it's paradise *adjacent*. Like, you're on the edge of it, sipping a glass of local wine, staring out at the Cantabrian Sea, and thinking, "Yeah, this ain't bad. Not bad at all."
I went. I saw. And I can confirm the sunsets are indeed, stunning. Unbelievably so. One evening, I swear, the sky was on FIRE. Orange, red, purple... I almost forgot to breathe. But then the wind picked up, and I got sand in my eye. The reality of it all, right? So, paradise-ish, with a healthy dose of salty air and the occasional rogue grain of sand.
What's the *deal* with the rooms? Pictures always lie, don't they?
Alright, ROOMS. Okay, so, look: my first thought? "Is this going to be one of those tiny, cramped places where you can practically touch both walls while you're taking a shower?" And breathe... thankfully, NO. They're actually quite lovely. Not palatial, mind you. We're not talking Buckingham Palace here. But they’re charming, clean, and the beds? Oh, the beds. I swear, I slept like a rock. Seriously, I don't remember moving for like, a week. (Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration.)
But here’s a confession. *I* made a mistake. I didn't book a room with a balcony. And, oh, the regret! Picture this: morning coffee, a good book, the ocean breeze... and I was *inside*. Lesson learned: Pay extra for the balcony. Trust me. It’s worth it. I spent the whole time peeking out of the dining room window to pretend I was enjoying myself through someone else's happiness.
The location… How easy is it to get around? And what's *actually* near the Posada?
Location, location, location! Suances itself is fabulous. It’s not HUGE. That's good! You're not going to spend half your vacation stuck in traffic (unless, bless you, and you went at a bad time of year). The Posada is well-situated. A manageable walk to the beaches, the town center, the restaurants... My calves got a workout, sure, but it was far from a slog. I had amazing views all the way to the beach, and the beach.. oh, the beach. You HAVE to go to Playa de la Concha. Seriously. Gorgeous.
Now, about *near* the Posada... There's some little food shacks and cafes. Perfect for a quick tapas run. And if you're into surfing? Bingo. It's basically prime surfing territory. There's also this cute little artisanal gelato shop nearby that I may or may not have frequented. Several times. Okay, like, every day. Don’t judge me!
Let's talk food. Is the breakfast as fabulous as they claim? And what about dinner? What if I’m a picky eater?
Breakfast! Okay, this is important. Breakfast is included. My inner critic was instantly triggered, my memory of hotel breakfasts past screaming from the depths of my past: "Dry croissants! Stale bread! Horrible instant-coffee!" But the Santa Ana's breakfast? Actually, it was pretty tasty. Nice selection of fresh fruit, local pastries (omg the pastries!), eggs cooked to order, good coffee (not the instant sludge!), and fresh-squeezed juice. I mean, I'm not going to say it was Michelin-star quality, but it was a good start to the day. A very good start.
Dinner time? I didn't actually eat dinner at the Posada. I know. Bad reviewer! I know, it's supposed to be fantastic. But there's so many great restaurants in Suances! You have to try them all! I ate everything! Paella, fresh seafood, tapas heaven. Don’t worry, there's options. However, I did hear good things. Plus, the views from the dining room are KILLER.
Picky eater? Honestly, you might be okay. Spanish food is generally pretty accommodating. But... Maybe pack some emergency snacks. Just in case. (I always do.)
Service… Is it genuinely friendly, or just the forced smile kind? (I HATE forced smiles.)
Service! Oh, the service. This is where the Posada shines. I'm not a touchy-feely person (well, sometimes I am. But not with strangers). But the staff were genuinely lovely. Not the "How can I serve you" kind, the genuinely warm and helpful kind. Always a smile, always willing to help with recommendations, and fluent in English (thank goodness! My Spanish is, let’s just say, “improving”).
I can't remember her name, but there was this one woman at the front desk. She had to rescue me from a total tourist-trap restaurant (it was awful, and I didn't believe the trip advisor reviews; my fault!). She steered me towards a real gem. I’m eternally grateful. So yeah, the service? It's a win.
Any downsides? What's the catch? Nothing's perfect, right?
Okay, the REAL downsides. Not everything is sunshine and roses. Firstly, the parking. It's limited. I had to park on the street sometimes, which caused minor panic attacks. And, truthfully, the walls aren't soundproof. I could hear the people upstairs walking around. (I hope they couldn't hear me. I snore.)
And this is just me, but the Wi-Fi was a bit patchy. I ended up going on a digital detox, by necessity. (I know. Horrifying!) But... honestly? Maybe that's a good thing. Disconnecting from the world and enjoying the views helps a lot. It's a tradeoff , right? Oh! And there was one tiny thing... the pillows were a bit… lumpy. I brought it up, and they fixed it super quickly though. So it wasn't even a real problem.
So, should I book this place? Give it to me straight!
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