Escape to Paradise: Blue Horizon Guest House, South Africa Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Blue Horizon Guest House - Honest Review & Why You NEED To Book
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through my stay at Escape to Paradise: Blue Horizon Guest House in South Africa. Forget the glossy brochures, this is the real deal.
First, let's be honest, I’m not the easiest traveler. I'm a bit of a hot mess, and I need things to be easy. So, let's start with the Accessibility thing. Accessibility: Now, I didn't need a wheelchair accessible room this trip, but I took a sneaky peek (don't judge!), and let me tell you, they seem to have thought of everything. Wide doorways, ramps, the whole shebang. Nice. They get points for inclusivity right off the bat.
Getting Around: Speaking of easy, Airport transfer? Absolutely essential. After a 20-hour flight, the last thing I wanted was to wrestle a taxi. They sorted it, and the guy was lovely. He even pointed out some cool things along the way. Bonus points. Car park [free of charge] AND Car park [on-site]? Winning. I didn't have to stress about parking, which is a huge win for my sanity. They also have a Taxi service which I didn't use, but good to know it's there in case you're feeling less adventurous. Forget the rental cars - the only thing that got on my nerves was dealing with the Valet parking, which was a slight wait that was worth it.
Rooms: The Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about the room. My sanctuary! Well, it was mostly sanctuary. My room was a non-smoking, heaven of a retreat. I loved the Air conditioning especially in the South African heat. The Blackout curtains were lifesavers. I'm talking sleep-til-noon bliss. I didn't even need my sleep mask! They even provided complimentary tea and free bottled water! Simple things, but they go a long way.
The Wi-Fi [free] worked like a charm, thank God! I needed to stay connected to the world, you know, and update my Instagram stories with my beautiful view. There was also Internet access – LAN if you're old school or prefer the wired option.
Here's a funny anecdote about the room. I accidentally locked myself out on the terrace. Panic mode, people! Luckily, front desk staff were incredibly helpful and quickly rescued me. Crisis averted! And, oh, the view from that terrace! Seriously, breathtaking.
The separate shower/bathtub was fantastic. The shower was powerful. I took some baths, and it was a luxurious feeling to enjoy a bit of solitude and the hotel amenities. The slippers were comfy, and the bathrobes felt luxurious when I got out of the bath.
Ok, what else? The bed was comfortable, and the linens, crisp and clean. I'm picky about sheets! Other room necessities were there, the desk, the alarm clock, the hair dryer, the safe box, and all this for a reasonable price!
- Side note - I'm a bit of a control freak, so the room sanitization opt-out available was a nice touch. Although, based on my experience, I’m not sure I would dare.
Cleanliness and Safety - A Big Thumbs Up
This is where Blue Horizon really shines. I'm talking seriously meticulous about cleanliness and safety. The Anti-viral cleaning products were great. Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays gave me peace of mind. Seeing staff trained in safety protocol – bonus points. I'm a germophobe, sue me! Hand sanitizer was everywhere. And the staff? They were like ninjas in scrubs, always wearing their masks and following protocols. It felt like a safe haven in these uncertain times.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food Glorious Food (Mostly)
Alright, food. This is where things get a little… complicated. They had a Breakfast [buffet] and a Western breakfast. The buffet looked decent. I'm more of a "breakfast in room" kind of gal. Luckily, they had Breakfast in room. A lazy girl's dream!
The restaurants and poolside bar weren't bad at all. The poolside bar was a prime spot for a sundowner. And the coffee shop did the trick, but the coffee wasn't the best. The A la carte in restaurant was a saving grace. The chef clearly knew their stuff. I went a little crazy with the desserts in restaurant. I'm weak, what can I say? The Asian cuisine in restaurant was pretty good.
Here’s the thing: there's a snack bar, and coffee/tea in restaurant, it was a bit limited. Like, you could definitely find something, but don't expect Michelin star quality. But the staff's service made up for it. I was delighted by the bottle of water they left in my room; it was essential for my trip, and I didn't need to ask for a refill.
Things to do & Ways to Relax - A Mixed Bag
Now, let's get to the fun stuff. The swimming pool [outdoor] was… gorgeous. I spent hours lounging by it, sipping cocktails, and pretending I was in a Bond movie. They also have a pool with view - even better! The Fitness center was decent, though I only went once (guilty!).
They offered massage and spa, and I highly recommend it. I got the best Body scrub and, oh my god, the Body wrap! I felt like a new woman. This is where they truly excelled. I let myself get pampered and it was just heaven! I'd recommend it!
The Sauna and Steamroom were also available. The Foot bath was a bit of a novelty, but hey, why not? The facilities for fun, were a win.
- Side note - The Sauna and Steamroom were lovely, but I wasn't keen on the communal nakedness. That’s just me, though.
Services and Conveniences - The Good, the Bad, and the Meh
They had all the basics. Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning. They also have a convenience store if you need a late night snack (which, let’s be honest, I did). The concierge was super helpful, giving me some amazing recommendations. I was also looking for cash withdraw which was a lifesaver!
I didn't use the Meeting/banquet facilities, or the business facilities but they were definitely there if you needed them. I did use the luggage storage which was pretty handy!
For the Kids
I didn’t travel with kids, but saw they had Family/child friendly options, which is great! They had Babysitting service and Kids meal, so if you are traveling with kids, this is a plus.
The Verdict?
Okay, so, the good? The gorgeous surroundings, the comfy rooms, the Cleanliness and safety, the Spa, the lovely staff. The bad? The food could be better, and sometimes I struggled with the language barrier, but ultimately, the pros far outweigh the cons.
Why You NEED to Book Escape to Paradise: Blue Horizon Guest House
Here’s the deal: If you're looking for a relaxing, safe, and (most importantly) easy getaway, book the Blue Horizon Guest House. If you are looking for a spa day, add spa. They also have a terrace and a lovely Outdoor venue for special events. It's a luxurious experience that won't break the bank. You'll leave feeling completely refreshed and ready to face the world. Or, you know, just crawl back into bed. Either way, it’s worth it.
Stop hesitating! Book now! I promise you won't regret it!
Unbelievable Finds at Troyes' Premiere Classe St. Thibault!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get a travel itinerary that's less "smooth operator" and more "slightly chaotic, but charmingly so." We're heading to the Blue Horizon Guest House in South Africa, and let me tell you, this isn't going to be your perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is the REAL deal.
The Blue Horizon Blues & Bliss: A Messy, Honest, and Occasionally Hilarious Itinerary
(Disclaimer: I’ve made some assumptions about the guest house. Let's pretend it's got a pool, because what’s a South African getaway without a pool? Also, I work with metaphors, a lot. Prepare yourself.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bed-Finding Expedition
- Morning (ish): Arrive at the airport. Ugh, airports. Why do they always smell of stale coffee and existential dread? Delayed flight, naturally. Spent a solid hour stalking the baggage carousel, convinced my suitcase had eloped with a rogue roller bag. Finally, victory! The triumphant reunion reminded me of a romantic movie where the lovers finally found each other in the rain (except here, it was baggage claim and a slightly dented Kipling). Hit up the rental car place – let’s hope they gave me a good car that can take the dirt roads because I'm a terrible driver.
- Afternoon: Drive to the Blue Horizon Guest House. The landscape starts to shift from concrete jungle to… well, actual jungle. (Or, at least, the good, green, lush kind. My car is slightly better than I thought it would be) The GPS, bless its digital heart, tries to lead me down a gravel road that looks suspiciously like it belongs in a post-apocalyptic movie. Almost lost a tire, but we survived. Victory screech!
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Check-in & The Great Bed-Hunting Saga: Arrive at Blue Horizon. Charming doesn't even begin to describe it. It’s like something out of a postcard. Then comes the bed-finding. This is CRUCIAL. I'm picky. I need a bed that whispers sweet nothings of sleep, not one that screams "lumpy torture device." The first room? Too much sun. The second? Smells faintly of… well, something a little bit too earthy. The third… GOLDEN. Perfect. (Note to self: Pack earplugs, just in case the neighbor has a yappy Chihuahua.)
- Evening: Unpack (or, in my case, attempt to unpack). Order a local South African wine, the name of which I can't pronounce but tastes like sunshine in a bottle. Sit on the veranda watching the sun go down. Just… aaah. The sheer peace of it all. Except for the mosquito that thinks my arm is a gourmet buffet. Smack! Consider a swim in the pool, but the water looks suspiciously cold. Chicken out. Order some dinner. Get the biltong. The biltong.
Day 2: Coastal Capers and the Trauma of the Sand
- Morning: Wake up feeling surprisingly refreshed (earplugs: A+). Coffee on the veranda. Decide to head to a nearby beach. Picture this: Sparkling blue ocean, sun-kissed sand, the gentle crash of waves… Reality? SAND. EVERYWHERE. I swear, the sand is a sentient being, a tiny grain army invading every crevice of my being. It's in my shoes, my hair, my soul.
- Mid-Morning/Afternoon: Try to enjoy the beach. Fail. The wind is a jerk. The sun is relentless. The waves are… okay, the waves are actually pretty amazing. Spend a solid hour watching the waves and being mesmerized by the power of nature. Feel a rare sense of serenity. Then, bam, a rogue wave nearly wipes me out. More sand. More trauma. Lunch at beachfront restaurant (the fish was lovely, but it was a bit pricey).
- Late Afternoon: Back to the guest house. Take an actual swim in the (now slightly less frigid) pool. Read a book, even though the sand keeps falling out of it. Seriously, I think the book is also traumatized by the sand.
- Evening: Dinner at the guest house. Chat with the other guests (a mixed bag of interesting people). Learn that a couple is from Australia, and another person is from Germany. The food is amazing. Order another bottle of that sunshine wine. Contemplate the meaning of life, the universe, and why socks disappear in the laundry.
Day 3: The Wildlife Encounter & a Deep Dive into the Soul (of a Coffee Bean)
- Morning: Go on a safari (or, at least, a guided tour to see the wildlife. I'm talking elephants, lions, giraffes… the whole shebang). The anticipation is almost unbearable. Finally, a lion! And… it's asleep. Okay, fair enough. See some zebras, which are basically nature's stripy horses. Giraffe? Majestic. Feel a deep, primal connection to the land. Maybe even a tear or two rolling down my cheeks.
- Afternoon: Back to the guest house. Spend an hour by the pool, or maybe two. Maybe even three.
- Late Afternoon: Coffee & Contemplation: This is where the real magic happens. Dive deep into a good cup of coffee (which is amazing here), and just be. No plans, no obligations. Just me, the coffee, and the sound of the birds. This is what it's all about! Watch the sunset. Think about the things I want to do when I get back home, what I'm most grateful for this moment, and realize how much I don't want this moment to end.
- Evening: A quiet dinner. Go to sleep early (or at least try to).
Day 4: Departure & the Unspoken Sand Legacy
- Morning: Wake up and realize I've forgotten to buy souvenirs. Panic stations! Rush to the local market and buy approximately ten thousand little trinkets that I'll probably never use. Say goodbye to Blue Horizon. Feel a pang of sadness. Promise myself I'll come back.
- Afternoon: Drive back to the airport. The drive is long. The GPS decides to go rogue again. I get so lost that I'm convinced I'll never see my country again. But I survive the trip.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Fly home. Arrive home. Unpack. Discover sand in every crevice of my suitcase. The sand, a permanent reminder of my South African adventure. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, where's that biltong…?
