Escape to the Andes: Unforgettable Bellavista, Colombia Double Room Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of "Escape to the Andes: Unforgettable Bellavista, Colombia Double Room Awaits!" This isn't your usual sterile travel brochure regurgitation. I'm bringing the messy, the REAL, and the maybe-a-little-too-honest truth. Get ready for some serious stream-of-consciousness.
The Hook: Was It REALLY Unforgettable?
Alright, let's get the obvious out of the way: Bellavista. Andes. Double Room. The marketing folks nailed the title. It immediately conjures images of misty mountains, cozy fireplaces, and… well, a double room. The question is, did it live up to the hype? Short answer: Mostly! Let's unpack this beautiful, messy, and slightly-off-kilter experience together.
First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility, Airport Transfer, Car Park - Oh My!)
Okay, first things first: getting to the promised land. The airport transfer was smooth. Bless them for that. After a ridiculously long international flight, a friendly face with a sign that actually had my name on it felt like a warm hug. Score one for "Escape to the Andes." Car park? Free! And on-site! A small win but a win nonetheless, especially after paying out the wazoo to get to the damn place.
Now, the accessibility situation… and this is where things got a little wonky. I'm fit, fine, and dandy, so I didn't personally need a wheelchair. But the listing's vague about accessibility, which is a HUGE red flag for anyone who does need it. Elevator? Yes! But are the common areas truly accessible? That’s the million-dollar question, and I didn't get a clear answer. So, Bellavista, PLEASE be clearer about this! This REALLY needs a dedicated section on accessibility – ramps, accessible bathrooms, the whole shebang. It's important!
The Room: Double the Trouble (in a Good Way!)
The "Unforgettable Double Room" part, huh? Well, the room was definitely a double. Two beds, all mine (thank heavens – snoring partners are the bane of my existence). Cleanliness? Spot on. The linens smelled of sunshine and some kind of fancy, high-end soap. The decor was charming – think rustic chic meets slightly-too-many-throw-pillows-but-I'm-not-complaining. The bed? Sigh… chef’s kiss. Extra long. Wonderful. I’m a tall gal, so this was bliss.
Here’s the breakdown, in a stream-of-consciousness frenzy:
- Cleanliness and Safety: They were serious about cleaning. Like, CDC-level serious. Anti-viral cleaning products, room sanitization opt-out available (I opted in, baby!) and rooms sanitized between stays. They had hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. I felt… safe. Which is a huge deal these days.
- In-Room Goodies: Air conditioning? YES! (Thank. God.) Coffee/tea maker? Check. Free bottled water? A lifesaver. Seriously, the water in Colombia is different. Blackout curtains? GAME CHANGER. I slept like a log. Internet access? Free Wi-Fi in every room! Praise be! (More on that later…)
- Little Things: Bathrobes and slippers made me feel like a celebrity. Little things that upped the experience. The complimentary tea was divine. A working desk, a closet, a comfy sofa… all the small stuff that makes a hotel room feel more like a temporary home. They’d even thought of a reading light, which is always a plus.
- The View: Okay, this is where it gets really good – in fact, it got me right in the feels. My room overlooked the Andes. Not just "a" mountain. The Andes. The sunrises… OH. MY. GOD. The colors were like liquid gold, painting the peaks with breathtaking brushstrokes. I swear, I sat by the window with my mouth hanging open for a straight hour on my first morning, just drinking it all in. Truly, unforgettable.
The Tech Stuff (Internet, Internet Services, Etc.)
Okay, the internet. This is important. "Internet access – wireless." Yes. "Wi-Fi [free].” Yes! But let's be real; the internet in the Andes is… variable. On a good day, it streamed Netflix. On a bad day, it barely loaded a Google search. This is the reality of remote locations, people. So, manage your expectations. Bring a book. Embrace the tranquility. Detach from the digital world. This wasn't a deal-breaker for me, but I needed to mention it.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Ah, the food. This is where Bellavista mostly shone.
- Breakfast: Breakfast buffets are my kryptonite. The buffet in the restaurant was pretty good. International cuisine, Western Breakfast, Asian breakfast options – something for everyone. I had a mountain of fruit, some suspiciously delicious Colombian coffee, and a small side of everything else. The coffee shop was also great.
- Lunch & Dinner: The restaurants were top-notch. The A La carte, international cuisine, Asian cuisine, and Western Cuisine were all delicious. They had a menu that catered to vegetarians! A major kudos to them! The salad was fresh. The desserts were dangerous. The pool side was also a lifesaver on a humid day.
- The Hiccup: They did offer room service (24 hour!), which was a godsend on that one rainy night I had to stay in. I ordered (after like 30 minutes of browsing) a simple soup and salad. They both tasted great. Though, there was a slip-up where my order was delayed by 20 minutes. It wasn’t a huge issue, but it was annoying when you are tired and hungry.
The Spa/Relaxation Zone (Body Scrubs, Saunas, and… Wait, a Foot Bath?)
Okay, the spa. This is where Bellavista really tried to pamper you. They had the works: Body scrub, body wrap, massage, sauna, steamroom, spa/sauna. Honestly, I only went for the massage (Priorities, people!). The masseuse was amazing. She worked out all the knots I’d accumulated from the long flight. The sauna was a nice touch, too. But… a foot bath? I regret not trying it. I mean, what could go wrong with a foot bath? Something to investigate next time!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Pool with a View, Terrace, and… A Shrine?)
- The Pool: The pool with a view was a highlight. Seriously, the pool overlooking the Andes? Unbeatable. I spent hours just floating there, gazing at the mountains. Pure bliss.
- The Terrace: A wonderful spot to sip your coffee in the morning.
- The Quirks: Did I mention a shrine? Yes, they have a shrine. I didn't use it, but I found the quirky inclusion intriguing. Maybe it's a Colombian thing.
Services and Conveniences (Cashless Payment, Daily Housekeeping, and…)
- Service: The staff were friendly and helpful. The daily housekeeping was flawless. They also offered Cashless Payment! Yay for less fumbling with money!
- Conception On-site event hosting! I didn’t host an event (I was on vacation), but I was fascinated by the event spaces. I saw a small seminar in action, and a lot of people were using the business facility.
- Helpful Extras: Doorman, concierge, and luggage storage – all those things that make travel smoother. And for the forgetful travelers like myself: complimentary toiletries, including toothbrush etc.
For the Kids (Babysitting and Family-Friendly?!)
They had kids facilities! A babysitting service too!
Cleanliness and Safety… Seriously, They Nailed It
I've touched on this, but it bears repeating: This place was clean. I felt safe. They were on top of all the hygiene protocols, and that’s worth its weight in gold these days.
The Minor Annoyances, or, The Human Touch (Remember, I'm Honest!)
Look, no place is perfect. The Wi-Fi could occasionally try your patience. There was also some construction noise in the mornings (which they did warn me about, to be fair). But honestly, these were minor blips in an otherwise fantastic experience.
The Verdict: Is "Escape to the Andes" Worth It?
Absolutely, yes. Bellavista is a genuinely special place. It’s not flawless, but that’s part of its charm. The stunning location, the comfortable rooms, the delicious food, and the overall sense of peace make it a winner.
My Recommendation: Book It!
So, here's my pitch, the hard sell:
Escape to the Andes: Unforgettable Bellavista Awaits!
Here's Why You Need to Book NOW, You Beautiful Humans:
- Unforgettable Views: Wake up to mornings that will steal your breath and
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're going to Colombia, specifically to the Andean Double Room Bellavista (it's just the room, but it sounds fancy, right?). This isn't a perfectly curated, Instagram-worthy itinerary. This is real life, folks. Expect delays, questionable food choices, and me maybe, possibly, having a full-blown existential crisis while staring at a llama.
The "Just Winging It (But Pretending to Have a Plan)" Colombian Adventure: A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & "Holy Crap, Altitude!"
- Morning (ish): Arrive at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá. Landed, grabbed my bag, and BAM! Reality check: the air seems…thin. Like, "I just ran a marathon on the moon" thin. First impressions: Lots of people, lots of noise, and a vague, delicious smell. Is that coffee? Prayers up.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the Andean Double Room Bellavista (still not sure where it is, to be honest. Google Maps is my savior, or potential destroyer). The drive is a blur of chaotic traffic and colorful buildings. Okay this is when things got crazy.
- Anecdote: The taxi driver, bless his heart, blasted reggaeton at full volume. I swear, I understood maybe three words. But the beat? In my soul for sure, and I couldn't resist. I even did some moves - it was embarrassing but I loved it.
- Late Afternoon / Early Evening: Check in. FINALLY. The room? Well, it's a room. It's got a bed, a bathroom, and a view of… something. Let's call it "potential scenery." Probably the most "meh" moment so far, but hey, I'm alive and in Colombia.
- Imperfection Alert: Oh yeah, immediately the shower leaks. Perfect. Just perfect. It's like the universe is testing me.
- Evening: Attempt the local cuisine. I had high hopes. Ended up at a small place, feeling brave but not knowing the language. My Spanish is rusty, bordering on non-existent. I pointed at something that looked vaguely edible. It was… interesting. Texture? Unidentifiable. Taste? Spicy. Overall, a culinary rollercoaster. Maybe I'll skip dessert..
Day 2: Bogotá Bonanza (Or Trying Not to Get Lost)
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel (the "continental breakfast" consists of bread, jam, and strong coffee - my friend). Then, attempt to navigate Bogotá. The plan? La Candelaria (the historic area). Reality? Getting completely disoriented after a 10-minute walk.
- Quirky Observation: Graffiti EVERYWHERE. Stunning, vibrant, political, sometimes nonsensical, always captivating. The city's breathing art form.
- Rambling Warning: Oh man, I almost got swept away in the crowd. People hustle and bustle… so fast. I felt out of sync, like a slow-motion movie in a fast-forward reality. It got to me, but still loved it.
- Afternoon: Found a walking tour. It's awesome! Learned about the history and the culture. The guide seemed like a local celebrity.
- Evening: Dinner at a place I heard about from my friend, a little more upscale. The food was amazing, or at least, I think it was. I was too distracted.
- Strong Emotion Alert: The restaurant? It was like a secret garden. The lights, the music, the food. I felt like I was in a dream. I wanted to stay all night.
- More Rambling: I went back to the hotel room and stayed up until 3 am.
Day 3: Unveiling the Salento Valley & Cocora Valley (And Praying for No Altitude Sickness)
- Morning: Wake up early. Head to the airport and take a flight to Pereira. The flight to Salento begins.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Salento. Take a jeep to Cocora Valley, the famous home of the towering wax palm trees. It takes my breath away (and, you know, the altitude).
- Anecdote: I tried to hike the whole trail. Big mistake. The altitude, the mud, the sheer incline… I wanted to turn back.
- Afternoon/Early Evening: Hike through the Cocora Valley. The wax palms are majestic, almost impossibly tall.
- Imperfection Warning: I got lost (again). Somehow ended up on a trail leading to a random coffee farm.
- Quirky Observation: Llamas! Everywhere! Majestic, judgmental llamas. I swear one was staring at me and my terrible hiking skills.
- Evening: Back in Salento, find a restaurant with a view. The food here is wonderful, so I'm not scared to try.
- Opinionated Language: Salento is pure magic. Everything, from the food to the people, feels like pure Colombian authenticity. Truly, the best experience.
Day 4: Coffee & Culture (And Maybe More Llamas)
- Morning: Wake up. Do a coffee tour.
- Doubling Down on Experience: The coffee tour at Finca El Ocaso was everything. Learning how coffee goes from bean to cup, the history, the passion of the farmers, the aroma, it was divine.
- Afternoon: Take a Jeep to Filandia, another charming pueblo.
- Messy Structure: The Jeep ride was bumpy, the views were spectacular, and I may or may not have gotten mildly motion sick. Details.
- Evening: Celebrate the experience with some food and coffee.
Day 5: Back to Reality (But Hopefully with Good Memories)
- Morning: Fly out of Pereira, heading back to Bogotá.
- Emotional Reaction: Heartbreaking. I don't want to leave Colombia. It's beautiful.
- Afternoon: One last lunch.
- Evening: Head to the airport and fly home.
Important Notes:
- Pack for all weather. Colombia is a land of microclimates.
- Embrace the chaos. Things don't run on a schedule. Just go with the flow.
- Learn some basic Spanish. It makes a HUGE difference.
- Eat everything (within reason).
- Don't be afraid to get lost.
- Most importantly: laugh. A lot. Because you'll need to. And I'm sure I will too.
This is just a start. My trip is a journey… and I can't wait to mess it up.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Stella D'Italia, Viareggio Awaits!
Escape to the Andes: Bellavista Double Room - Ask Me Anything! (Seriously, Though...)
Okay, spill. Is this Bellavista place *actually* as dreamy as the photos? Because, let's be real, Instagram lies.
Alright, alright, let's get real. Yes, the photos are pretty. Beyond pretty, actually. The Andes… they *are* a thing. The light? Magical. BUT… and this is a big BUT… it's not a perfectly curated life. You're not in a hotel where everything is spotless and the staff anticipates your every whim.
The Truth Bomb: It's raw. It's authentic. It's a little bit… chaotic. In a good way! Like, picture this: you're drinking your *tinto* (Colombian coffee... obsessed) on the balcony, watching the clouds roll in, thinking, "Yep, this is it." Then a stray dog, all ribs and wagging tail, wanders up and starts begging for a scrap. That's Bellavista. There's beauty and imperfection and life all tangled up together. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. The photos are *almost* honest. They just don't capture the feeling of being there, the smell of the eucalyptus, the constant, low rumble of the jungle.
Oh, and you'll probably encounter some bugs. I'll get to those later. Eek!
The Double Room – is it *actually* double? Meaning, can two adults comfortably breathe in there?
Okay, the double room... it’s… let's say it's "cozy." Think of it as a romantic, rustic, slightly cramped nest. You *can* breathe. You won’t be doing cartwheels. My (tall) husband and I managed perfectly fine. We're not the kind of couple who needs a ton of space, though. If you like your personal bubble the size of a small apartment, maybe consider booking both rooms.
Pro Tip: Pack LIGHT. Seriously. Lugging a huge suitcase up those stairs? Not fun. Also, the charm of the room is enhanced by the simplicity. Less stuff, more Andean vibes.
And the bed? Comfy, yes. Solid, yes. Romantic, yes. The occasional creak as you roll over in the night? Also yes. Embrace it!
Tell me about the food. Is it all just beans and rice? (Please say no…)
Beans and rice? Haha. Okay, yes, you will have beans and rice. It's Colombia! But the food at Bellavista is so much *more*. Actually this is kinda my favorite part.
Think fresh, local ingredients. Amazing fruits you’ve never heard of (passion fruit! Lulo!), incredible arepas (corn cakes, life essentials!), and, yes, delicious coffee, as mentioned earlier. The cook at Bellavista, bless her heart, is a goddess. Seriously. I still crave her *sancocho* (a hearty stew – I’ll dream of it for years!).
The Imperfection Reality: It's not a Michelin-star restaurant. It's home-cooked, hearty, and delicious. Sometimes, the timing is… flexible. Embrace the slower pace. Chat with the other guests. Share stories. And be prepared to ask for seconds. I'm not kidding, it's that good.
Bugs... and other critters? What's the situation? I'm mildly… squeamish.
Alright, this is where the squeamish might want to look away. It's the jungle, people! Bugs are a reality. Tiny ones, big ones, buzzing ones, crawling ones. I'm not gonna lie, I'm not thrilled about bugs. But you learn to co-exist.
The Real Deal: Mosquitoes? Yes. Bring repellent. Little gnats that like to get in your hair? Yes. Get used to it. Spiders? Yep. (I had a truly horrifying encounter with a giant one on the balcony one evening, but I survived! It became a story I tell… a *lot*). But if you're okay with nature in all its glory, it's fine.
There are also a few adorable animal guests – tiny hummingbirds, a stray kitten, the occasional cheeky monkey. It's all part of the experience. Just... maybe keep your shoes on at night.
What about getting there? Is it a death-defying adventure, like one of those old travel shows?
The journey... ah, the journey. It's not a straight shot. It involves a flight, maybe a bus, and then… the final stretch. The final stretch is where things get interesting. The road to Bellavista? Not for the faint of heart (or those with a delicate stomach). It's bumpy. It's winding. I felt a bit like a human smoothie at one point.
My Anecdote of Discomfort: Picture this. A rickety jeep, packed to the brim with people and luggage. Me, desperately trying not to hurl. The driver, a local legend, navigating hairpin turns with the nonchalance of a seasoned race car driver. But hey, it's part of the adventure! It gives you bragging rights. And the views? Unbelievable. Worth every single stomach-churning turn.
Just bring motion sickness medication, okay? And a sense of humor. You'll need both.
*Also* try to befriend the driver. They know all the cool gossip and are great for spotting wildlife.
What's there to *do* besides, you know, sip coffee and stare at clouds (though that sounds amazing)?
Okay, so the coffee and clouds are a big draw, but there's more!
My Recommendation: There's hiking! Trails through the cloud forest, spotting exotic birds (hummingbirds everywhere!), waterfalls to swim in (cold!), and the possibility of encountering a sloth (I didn't -- sob! -- but other guests did). There's a local village to explore, or you can simply sit back, read a book, and disconnect. Which, let me tell you, is glorious. Really, glorious.
The hardest part is actually *doing* something. The whole place has a very "lie in a hammock" vibe. You have to be a bit… motivated. But trust me, even the laziest among us will feel that pull to explore eventually.Comfort Zone Inn
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