Escape to Paradise: Port Europa, Calpe's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into Escape to Paradise: Port Europa. Forget pristine brochures and generic travel guides, this is the real deal. I stayed there. I lived it. Now, I'm here to tell you, warts and all, if it's worth your hard-earned vacation days, and if it fulfills its promise of being Calpe's… well, you know, its hidden gem.
(Takes a deep breath, grabs a coffee – gotta fuel this rollercoaster)
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, the Meh, and the "Huh?"
Alright, so getting to Europa. Calpe itself is pretty accessible, which is a massive plus if you've got mobility issues. Now, the hotel… it claims to be accessible. Yeah, well, “claims” is the operative word. [Accessibility] They do have an elevator, thankfully, and ramps where needed, so points there. [Facilities for disabled guests] But the devil’s in the details, and this is where things get… interesting. The pathways around the pool area… let’s just say they could use a bit more TLC. [Wheelchair accessible] I wouldn't describe it as fully wheelchair-friendly, definitely call ahead to verify the specifics and double-check the room accessibility. This isn't a deal breaker, necessarily, but manage your expectations. [Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]] Parking, however, is a breeze. Free parking is always a win!
The Room: My Bathroom, My Fortress of Solitude (and Tiny Shampoo Bottles)
My room. Oh, the room. [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] It was… fine. Pretty standard hotel fare, honestly. The bed was comfy enough, and the blackout curtains worked, which is golden. [Non-smoking] No smoking rooms, thankfully. I did get a room on a higher floor which helped block the noise (important!). The [Internet access – LAN], [Internet access – wireless], [Wi-Fi [free]] was a lifesaver. I'd been dreading the thought of a spotty Wi-Fi experience, but it seems that the hotel's provided some solid infrastructure. The bathroom, though? Ah, the bathroom. Tiny, but functional. I had a great shower. The provided toiletries? Mini-me versions. The kind you hoard, even though you'll never actually use them again. I loved the [Hair dryer] as it was powerful and not too hot. The [Minibar] was also handy, because not all of us like to go down to the bar and enjoy that atmosphere; sometimes, we just want a cold drink! Also, it was great I was able to open my window.
Food, Glorious Food (Or, The Breakfast Buffet Saga)
Now, the food. This is where Europa really shines, and where the imperfections gave the experience some charm. [Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant] The breakfast buffet was… epic. A full Western breakfast, an excellent coffee bar, and a surprisingly well-stocked Asian breakfast section. [Asian breakfast] I was impressed! All kinds of dishes - from noodles to some great pastries. It's buffet so you, in a very real sense, control your experience. The [Breakfast [buffet]] was amazing. I'm not sure what type of buffet it was, but the options were nearly endless! Also, there was [Coffee/tea in restaurant] which made all the difference.
The poolside bar? [Poolside bar, Bar] Heaven. Absolute, utter heaven. Picture this: me, lounging in a sun chair, a frozen margarita in hand (extra salt!), the sun beating down, and listening to the gentle hum of conversation. The pool was clean, the view was incredible and the bartender? A true artist. Forget the hotel chain, this man should be running his own establishment. [Happy hour] Did I mention happy hour? That was bliss.
The restaurant, in the evening, offered a wide array of options, with both [Western cuisine in restaurant] and [International cuisine in restaurant] offered. I'll admit, I wasn't super adventurous with my choices. They had amazing desserts, though, so I would advise you get one!
Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Spa Day, Anyone?
Alright, now for some serious pampering. [Spa] Europa has a spa! [Spa/sauna] They've got a sauna, too! [Sauna] I'm a sauna fiend, so this was a major win for me. The spa itself wasn’t the biggest, but the staff were incredibly kind and helpful. I had a massage. [Massage] It was so good, I almost fell asleep. (Okay, I did fall asleep for, like, 10 minutes. Judge me.) The [Body scrub] and [Body wrap] options intrigued me, but, alas, my schedule didn't allow it. The [Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool] itself? Breathtaking. Seriously, the infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean? Pure magic.
On-Site Services and Conveniences: The Mundane, The Useful, and the "Why Didn't I Know This Sooner?"
[Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center] The hotel offered quite a few services. I made sure to use the [Daily housekeeping]. I liked that the check-in and check-out was contactless. [Contactless check-in/out] So easy. You can also get a [Cash withdrawal]. The hotel offered a [Concierge] - I had to ask them for recommendations but only later, so I would have done it sooner. The [Doorman] was nice. They had a [Gift/souvenir shop] which was also fun. They have [Elevator], which is great. Great [Laundry service] if you need to wash clothes, which is important!
Cleanliness and Safety: The Post-Pandemic Reality
[Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment] Let's be real, 2024 is still a little… sensitive. I was very pleased with the hygiene protocols. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. [Hand sanitizer] Staff wearing masks. The rooms were definitely sanitized between stays. [Rooms sanitized between stays] I appreciated the efforts. You know, it actually made me feel safer.
Things to Do Around the Hotel: Beyond the Sun Lounger
[Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]] Okay, so, you're not just going to sit by the pool all day, right? (Although, hey,
Gangtok's Hidden Gem: Mellow Fellow Hostel - Unbelievable Views & Epic Adventures!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sterile, perfectly planned itinerary. This is a real trip, the kind that leaves you with more memories (and probably a few extra euros spent on impulse buys) than you bargained for. Welcome to my chaotic, glorious, and possibly slightly sunburned, adventure in Port Europa, Calpe, Spain!
THE "LET'S WING IT (BUT PRETEND WE HAVE A PLAN)" ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Paella Panic
Morning (ish): Arrive in Alicante Airport (ALC). Okay, first hurdle: finding the freaking rental car. Turns out "compact" is very subjective. Spent a solid 45 minutes arguing with the GPS, who clearly hates my accent. Finally gave up, blasted Spanish radio, and drove – praying I didn't scrape the sides. The drive to Calpe was breathtaking, though. Mountains meeting the sea? Chef's kiss.
Afternoon: Settle into the apartment. It's charmingly…rustic. Think slightly chipped tiles and a balcony that overlooks the most ridiculously turquoise water I've ever seen. The smell of the sea just smacked me upside the head, in the best way possible. Seriously, the beach view is epic.
Late Afternoon/The Paella Incident: The Paella Quest. I desperately wanted authentic paella. Asked the apartment host, Maria (sweetest lady ever, bless her heart), for a recommendation. She pointed me to a place called "Restaurante Pepe's." Sounded promising! Drove there, parked – which was a feat in itself – and ordered the paella. And then… the wait. An hour and fifteen minutes. My stomach was staging a revolt. Finally, it arrived. Beautiful, fragrant, with a HUGE prawn staring straight at me. Took a bite…and…it was…salty. Like, sea salty. I looked at my travel companion, a fellow food critic in spirit. We exchanged a look of mild horror and a shared sigh. I learned a valuble lesson : always order ahead!
Evening: Stumbled out of Pepe's, defeated but full of rice, and wandered along the promenade. The sunset was a freaking masterpiece. Like, Instagram-worthy times a million. Ate gelato. The "stracciatella" was pure bliss. Attempted Spanish phrases went terribly. "Una cerveza, por favor…uh…más cerveza…?" Ahh, the romance!
Day 2: Penyal d'Ifac Climb & The Lost Sunscreen Scandal
Morning: The Penyal d'Ifac climb! Got up ridiculously early (for vacation standards). The climb itself was…a challenge. I'm not a hiker, people. The views from the top? Worth every bead of sweat. Magnificent. Absolutely incredible. Felt like I could see the whole world. Except my sunscreen…which I may have forgotten…
Afternoon: The Beach. Ah yes, the beach. Beautiful beach, with sand like powdered gold. However, sunbathing without sunscreen? A catastrophe in the making. The sun, my friends, is a relentless, judgmental beast. By mid-afternoon, my skin was screaming. Found a little beach bar to hide in. (And, yes, bought sunscreen. The irony wasn't lost on me.)
Late Afternoon: After the sunburn, the water felt heavenly. Like, a spa day in the ocean. Floating on my back, staring at the sky…pure bliss. Watched some kids build sandcastles. Thought, "Damn, I wish I could do that." And did I? Nah.
Evening: Found a fantastic little tapas bar. Seriously, the tapas in Calpe are next level. Ended up chatting hours with some locals, learning about the best hiking trails and, more importantly, the best places to get churros con chocolate. Which, of course, I immediately went to find.
Day 3: Boat Trip & The Fish Market Fiasco
Morning: Boat trip! Booked a catamaran excursion. The sea was a bit choppy, which immediately put me in a sea-sick mood! But the blue! The absolute blue of the water…it's like nothing I've ever seen. Dolphins, sea turtles…magic! Jumped into the sea for a swim. Almost lost my sunglasses! (I'm clearly a disaster at sea.)
Afternoon: Visit to the Fish Market. Honestly, the smell hit me before I even entered. It was…intense. Not in a bad way, just…a sensory overload. The sheer variety of fish was incredible. Everything looked fresh, glistening, staring at me. I got totally lost and started making deals with the fish mongers! A couple of squids and prawns for the house!
Late Afternoon: Attempted to cook the fish I bought. Disaster. Absolute, glorious disaster. Burnt the prawns. Overcooked the squid. Ended up ordering pizza.
Evening: More gelato. And, frankly, a bit of a wine-induced nap. Needed it.
Day 4: Exploring Calpe & The "I Totally Messed Up The Ordering" Dinner
Morning: Wander around the old town of Calpe. So charming, the narrow streets, the colorful houses, the artisan shops. Bought a very silly hat. Don't judge me.
Afternoon: Beach day, again, despite my sunburnt skin. Managed to NOT forget sunscreen! Big win! People-watching at the beach is a sport in itself!
Late Afternoon: Found a restaurant with great reviews. Looked expensive but very tempting! The menu was all in Spanish, so I tried to look like I knew what I was doing. Then the waiter came. Oh, the waiter! He was so very polite! I tried to order, and instead spoke a mixture of english words and a couple of words I knew; This was a complete mess! The main course? I ended up ordering a salad!
Evening: Found a bar. Ate the salad. The wine was delicious! Maybe the best salad I've ever tried! Still giggled about the dinner disaster.
Day 5: Departure & The "I'll Be Back" Sigh
Morning: Last stroll along the beach. The sun felt warm, familiar. Did I want to leave? Heck no!
Afternoon: Packing. Always a stressful experience. Trying to figure out how to fit everything (including the hat) back in the suitcase.
The good-bye: The scenic drive back to Alicante. The sky. I will be back!
This, my friends, is a taste of Calpe. It's messy. It's imperfect. But it's real. And it left me changed, with a tan, a slightly salty soul, and a deep, abiding love for tapas, gelato, and the Spanish coast. Now, where’s my next adventure?
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Quelle Nature Spa Resort in Italy's Hidden Valley
Escape to Paradise: Port Europa - Seriously, Is It Paradise? (and Other Burning Questions)
Okay, so Port Europa... Is it REALLY a 'hidden gem' or is that just marketing fluff?
Alright, deep breaths. Look, "hidden gem" is thrown around like confetti. But in this case? I'm leaning towards YES. Calpe's gorgeous, everyone knows that. But Port Europa? It's the secret handshake. Think of it as the place where you *actually* feel like you've escaped. We were there last summer - picture this: It was August (aka, the *hellscape* that is peak tourist season in Calpe), and we were STRESSED. Everywhere you looked, it was elbow-to-elbow. Then... we stumbled into Port Europa. Suddenly, breathing room! The gentle lapping of the waves against the yachts... the scent of fresh, salty air... and a sudden, overwhelming urge to *pour* myself a large glass of something cold and white. Honestly, it almost felt criminal. Feeling peaceful amidst the chaos? That's gem-worthy in my book.
What's the vibe like? Is it all super-yachts and pretentious types? (I'm on a budget, people!)
Okay, let's be real. There are some seriously impressive yachts. Like, "I'm-pretty-sure-that's-a-private-island-on-the-water" yachts. And yeah, you'll probably see some people rocking designer sunglasses. But honestly? The vibe is surprisingly relaxed. It's not ALL about the bling. I saw families, couples (like us!), and even groups of friends just chilling, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. We, with our slightly worn-out beach towels and bargain-bin sun hats, didn't feel out of place. In fact, one morning, there was a guy playing a *saxophone* on a little boat. A *saxophone*! If that's not chill, I don't know what is. And the restaurants? You can find everything from fancy seafood places (definitely bank-breaking, I peered through the windows and gulped), to much more affordable tapas bars.
What can you *actually* do there? Besides gawk at boats?
Okay, so boat-gawking is a perfectly valid pastime, especially after a few sangrias. But seriously, there's plenty more. Here's my take:
- Eat: Obvious, right? Amazing restaurants abound! I'm STILL dreaming of this paella we had. (More on that later...it's a whole *experience*.)
- Drink: See above. Sangria is practically mandatory. Or a cold beer. Or whatever floats your boat (pun intended!).
- Walk: The harbor is perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's beautiful at sunset, even if you have to navigate around some slightly wobbly tourists. (Guilty.)
- Relax: Find a bench, sit down, and just *be*. Seriously, take a deep breath. Let the world melt away. This is what I tried to do whilst dodging the kids.
- Water Sports: I'm talking jet skis, paddleboarding... all the usual fun stuff. We didn't do any of it, because, well, we're not exactly thrill-seekers. Plus, the price tags made me shudder.
Tell me more about the food. What's the *best* thing to eat there? (I'm a foodie at heart!)
Okay, FOOD. This is where Port Europa *truly* excels. And I'm not just saying that because I'm still haunted by the memory of that paella. Now, picture this: it was our first night. We were ridiculously hungry, slightly sunburned, and completely overwhelmed by the menu. We picked the place that was buzzing, the vibe was good, it felt right. We ordered paella. And the waiter, this charming older gentleman, gestured for us to wait. The aroma of the paella, the sight of it bubbling away in this gigantic pan... it was pure culinary theatre! Then, the moment of truth. The first bite... the saffron, the seafood, the *perfectly* cooked rice... I almost cried. Honestly, it was the best paella I've *ever* had. And I've eaten a LOT of paella. Seriously, if you go to Port Europa, FIND THE BEST PAELLA. You won't regret it. Just be prepared to loosen your belt a notch. Or two.
Are there any downsides? Anything I should watch out for?
Alright, honesty time. Yes, there are a few things.
- Parking: Can. Be. A. Nightmare. Especially in high season. Seriously, factor in extra time to search for a spot, and be prepared to walk. We ended up parking miles away one day. Good for the step count, bad for our patience levels.
- Prices: It's not *cheap*. You're in a marina, after all. But if you look around, you *can* find reasonable options. Just be smart with your budget. Pack lunch if necessary!
- Crowds: While it's less packed than the main beaches, it can still get busy, particularly at dinner time. Book ahead if you can, unless you fancy a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly?
Mixed feelings, to be honest. On one hand, it's lovely for a stroll, and the kids will love looking at the boats (ours did, anyway). There are ice cream shops aplenty, which is always a win. And the atmosphere is generally relaxed. BUT... I'm not sure it's *specifically* designed for kiddos. Some of the restaurants might not have dedicated kids' menus or play areas. You're also near the water, so constant vigilance is a must. Plus, if you're after a beach day, you're better off heading to the actual beach. My kids nearly ended up in the water by the boats running around, nearly gave me a heart attack.
Ok, you mentioned a "whole experience" with that paella. Spill the beans!
Alright, alright! The paella. The *experience*. Where do I even begin? Okay, so, as I said, we were STARVING. We sat down, ordered, and... well, the waiter, a man with eyes that crinkled at the corners and a smile that could melt glaciers, explained the paella's preparation. He was obviously passionate, telling us about the freshness of the ingredients, the family recipes, the long tradition. The anticipation was building! And THEN! As the paella arrived, this HUGE pan steaming, the sizzle... the smells... Oh my god, the smells! He gently served it, describing eachWander Stay Spot
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