Escape to Paradise: Genestoso's Rural Hotel Awaits in Somiedo, Spain!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of Escape to Paradise: Genestoso's Rural Hotel Awaits in Somiedo, Spain! And trust me, after spending a week there… well, let's just say my inner zen master is currently negotiating a truce with my inner chaotic gremlin. I’ll be raw, real, and probably forget some stuff – that’s how life goes, right? And trust me, this place is nothing if not life. SEO-Optimized for Your Inner Explorer (and Google's Algorithm) 🕵️♀️
First Impressions & The 'Holy Crap, I'm in Asturias' Moment:
So, you're picturing idyllic Asturias, right? Rolling green hills, maybe a cheeky cow or two, that crisp mountain air… Well, Genestoso delivers all of that, and then some. The drive up is part of the adventure itself – winding roads, those views that make you want to scream "THIS IS LIVING!" (which I did, multiple times), and then BAM! Genestoso. It’s like stepping into a postcard, except the postcard smells of fresh mountain air and woodsmoke.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag Honestly:
Okay, let's get real. Wheelchair accessible: This is where things get a little… nuanced. The website claims facilities for disabled guests, but frankly, navigating the hotel with a wheelchair (or mobility issues in general) might be a challenge. There are elevators, and some rooms seem to be designed with accessibility in mind, but be warned: Somiedo is mountainous, and the hotel, charming as it is, isn't a perfectly flat wonderland. Elevator and Facilities for disabled guests are listed… use caution and ask!
I checked the hotel’s website for Internet access or Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and found they do offer Wi-Fi [free] and Internet access – wireless in all rooms. They also have Internet [LAN] and Internet services. Thank goodness, because the silence, oh the silence. It’s the kind that makes you hear your own heartbeat. If you're anything like me, you'll need your digital lifeline. (though I’m pretty sure I spent more time staring at the sheep than scrolling through Instagram, so maybe that's a good thing.)
Cleanliness & Safety – They Take This Seriously (Thank God):
Amidst the, uh, general chaos of life, I was utterly, utterly impressed with the hygiene. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere you turn – they clearly took COVID seriously. Rooms sanitized between stays? Affirmative. They’ve got Professional-grade sanitizing services and Sterilizing equipment, and stuff like Individually-wrapped food options and Safe dining setup. Honestly, it felt safe. They also have Staff trained in safety protocol and a Doctor/nurse on call. Big plus!
Things To Do (or, 'How I Accidentally Became a Mountain Goat'):
Listen, you are not going to be chained to your laptop (or your phone) here. This place demands you get outside.
- Things to do! Hiking is the main event. Trails range from gentle strolls to "are you sure you packed enough water?" climbs. I chose the latter, and nearly face-planted into a patch of particularly grumpy thistles. Beautiful, though!
- Bicycle parking, so you can bike around on your own.
- Car park [free of charge] which is nice and close.
- Spa/sauna and of course, the Swimming pool [outdoor] will be so exciting.
Relaxation Station (Because We All Need It):
- Pool with view – need I say more?
- Sauna for a good sweat.
- Spa, perfect after a long hike.
- Massage – because your muscles will be begging for it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure (or the Naps):
Okay, the food! Let's be honest, I went expecting to eat like a king, and I did!
- Restaurants: There are quite a few.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, I couldn’t find any of this, but I did see some International cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This was the bomb.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Very much appreciated!
- Western breakfast, which I loved.
- Room service [24-hour], ideal for those midnight snack cravings.
- You can even grab a drink at the Poolside bar or Bar, or an early evening Happy hour.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (and Occasional Storage Unit for Wet Hiking Gear):
My room? Let's just say it was more "rustic charm" than "minimalist chic." I had Wi-Fi [free], which was a godsend. The Blackout curtains did their job, and I appreciated the Desk and Laptop workspace, even though I mostly used them to stack snacks. I’d also recommend complimentary tea, and slippers, which is so thoughtful. I enjoyed my Bathtub, Shower, and Separate shower/bathtub. The Air conditioning was key on those sun-drenched afternoons!
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping, which was a lifesaver, trust me.
- Extra long bed for us lanky folks.
- In-room safe box to secure your valuables.
- Mini bar, which I may or may not have raided.
- Personal bathroom equipped with Toiletries.
- Telephone
- Wake-up service
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference:
They’ve got all the usual suspects: 24-hour Front desk, Cash withdrawal, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, and Luggage storage. They even have a Gift/souvenir shop, because, let's face it, you'll want to buy a t-shirt that says "I Survived Somiedo."
For the Kids – Family Friendly Adventure Awaits!:
Family/child friendly is a definite yes. I saw lots of little ones running around, and they seemed to be having an absolute blast. I didn’t personally use the Babysitting service or Kids facilities, but they looked decent enough.
Getting Around – Embrace the Slow Pace:
Car park [free of charge]: You'll definitely need a car.
The Annoying Bit: Little Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect):
- The occasional power outage: It's rural! Embrace the candles.
- No pets allowed: If you do bring one, though, be prepared to be questioned.
My Emotional Verdict:
Look, I'm not going to lie. I went to Genestoso expecting a nice break, and I got so much more. It's not a perfectly polished resort. It's a place with soul. A place that allows you to disconnect, and reconnect – with nature, with yourself, and with a seriously good glass of local wine. It’s a place where you can be unapologetically you, whether that means hiking until your legs scream or spending an afternoon curled up with a book. It's a real, relatable slice of Spain. Not perfect, not always convenient, but utterly memorable.
The (Stream-of-Conciousness) Pitch: Your Escape to Paradise Awaits!
Picture this: You, finally free. No spreadsheets, no deadlines, just the sound of birdsong and the smell of pine. You wake up to a breakfast buffet bursting with flavors (seriously, try the tortilla!), then spend your day conquering mountain trails, or just lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand. The sun sets, painting the sky in a riot of colors, and you're sitting down to a delicious meal, sharing stories and laughter with your loved ones.
That's Genestoso. That's Escape to Paradise.
What sets this place apart? It's not just the stunning scenery. It’s the feeling of being away. Of being utterly, deliciously un-plugged. It’s the friendly staff, the comfortable rooms, and the fact that you can actually breathe up there.
Here's the deal: If you want a sterile, cookie-cutter experience, this isn’t for you. If you want a place where you can truly recharge, a place where you can feel the magic of the Asturian mountains, and a place where you can create memories that will last a lifetime… Book Genestoso now.
Special Offer? Okay, I can't give you an official discount code (I'm just a travel-obsessed reviewer, not a marketing guru!). But listen: Right now, the world needs a good escape. Take the plunge. Treat
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a real, messy, beautiful, slightly-off-kilter look at my trip to Hotel Rural Genestoso in Pola de Somiedo, Spain. And trust me, it's gonna be a ride.
Day 1: Arrival & Asturias Swoon (aka, "Oh. My. God. This Place.")
- Morning (Lost in Translation, Literally): Flight from… well, let's just say a place where the sun doesn't quite shine as brightly. Landed in Oviedo, Spain. The airport was a beautiful, efficient ballet of luggage and stressed-out tourists, myself included. The rental car? A lovely little silver demon I christened "Silver Surfer" (because I was picturing myself gliding across the Asturian landscape, not clinging on for dear life on mountain roads). Getting out of Oviedo was a comedy of errors involving confusing roundabouts and me yelling "¡Izquierda! ¡Derecha!" at my GPS, who clearly didn't understand my existential crisis.
- Afternoon (The Drive of Dreams… and Regret): The drive to Genestoso. HO. LEE. COW. Holy mother of all things green and gorgeous. From the moment I left the bustling city behind, it was a straight-up visual assault in the best possible way. Emerald hills rolled, dotted with fluffy white sheep that looked like they'd been professionally groomed for a sheep pageant. The color green here is GREEN. Like, the kind of green that makes you want to become a plant… or at least, wear more green. The actual road…well, let's just say Silver Surfer handled it better than my stomach. Tight hairpin turns, sheer drops, and the occasional (and very unsettling) encounter with a herd of cows that just… stared. Felt I was in a very slow-motion car crash.
- Evening (Genestoso: The Warm Embrace): Arrived at Genestoso. (The hotel, not the town. The town is called Pola de Somiedo, I eventually remembered). I immediately forgot everything. The hotel itself… it's straight out of a fairytale. Stone walls, a roaring fireplace, and a scent that smells equal parts fresh mountain air and woodsmoke. Check-in was lovely, and I'd been granted a lovely, cozy room, with what can only be described as the best views in the world.
- Dinner (Triumphs and Tragedies on a Plate): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Local Asturian cuisine. I dove headfirst into the local fare, which included fabada (bean stew), sidra (cider), and chorizo. The fabada? Heart-stoppingly delicious. The sidra? An experience. They pour it from a height, and it has to be done right. Failed attempts? A sticky, cider-soaked shirt, a slight but growing sense of impending doom for my favorite pair of jeans and a lingering scent of apples. But the chorizo! Perfection. Pure, unadulterated meat candy.
- Bedtime Went to bed early, heart full and tummy even fuller.
Day 2: Park Adventures & Mountain Mayhem (aka, "I Almost Died. It Was Also Amazing.")
- Morning (Coffee & Contemplation): The breakfast, wow. Fresh bread, local cheeses, and strong, flavorful coffee that actually woke me up (unlike the lukewarm stuff from the airport). Sat on the terrace, nursing my coffee, gawking at the mountains. The park called Somiedo Natural Park, with its stunning lakes and varied flora and fauna, lay before me.
- Afternoon (The Hike of Redemption…and Disappointment): Decided to hike. Easy one, they said. "Perfect for all levels," they said. Lies. All. Lies. The "easy" trail turned into a scramble up a steep incline, and I felt like a broken, wheezing camel. But the views! Worth it. So. Worth. It. Reached a glacial lake, Lago del Valle. Crystal clear water, encircled by towering peaks. It was breathtaking. The actual hike itself was… exhausting. But at the top, legs aching, lungs burning, and covered in a fine sheen of sweat, I felt… alive. That feeling alone was worth the trip. Felt like I'd earned my dinner.
- Evening (The Downfall of a Hero): After the hike, I went back to the town of Pola de Somiedo. More exploration and a failed attempt to have a picnic. I'd wanted to enjoy a nice picnic and some wine… but a sudden downpour thwarted my plans in the most dramatic way. Ended up soaked to the bone, shivering like a wet chihuahua, stuck under a tiny awning. The day went from amazing to a bit crap… quickly.
Day 3: Cheese, Caves, & Cider (aka, "I'm Starting to Feel Like a Local… Maybe.")
- Morning (Cheese Overload): Took a cheese-making class at a farm. OMG. CHEESE. The entire place smelled like pure, beautiful, cheesy heaven. We got to try everything from the fresh curds to the aged, pungent stuff that almost made my eyes water. Learning all about the local cheeses, the process… It was all fascinating, and the resulting cheese was the stuff of dreams. This was, by far, the highlight of the trip.
- Afternoon (Cave Exploration): Explored some local caves, which were a damp, dark, and utterly fascinating journey into the earth. My guide, blessed be his soul, explained the history of the caves and the formations, some of which looked like mythical creatures. A claustrophobe's nightmare, but, strangely, I loved it.
- Evening (Cider Ceremony): More sidra! This time, I think I almost nailed the pouring technique. I mean, the shirt stains are definitely getting better. Found a local bar in Pola de Somiedo and watched the locals do it right. It helped that the local bars poured a pretty good measure of sidra and the food was just divine. Ended the night with another amazing meal at the hotel, and a deep sense of contentment.
Day 4: Mountain Driving & Sad Farewells (aka, "I Don't Want to Leave!")
- Morning (The Long Road Home - Well, Back to Reality): Last breakfast. Stood for a long time, staring out the window. The view was just as stunning, the air just as crisp. Packed my bags. The sadness was real.
- Afternoon (Silver Surfer's Last Stand): The drive back. This time, I took it slower, savored the scenery. Silver Surfer and I, we'd been through a lot. This drive was much slower, and the scenery was just as stunning.
- Evening (Looking Back): Back on the plane. I can't begin to explain just how much I enjoyed that trip. The views, the food, the people, the cheese… It wasn't perfect, and it was messy and chaotic, and had moments of complete meltdown, but that's what made it so genuine. I'll be back, Genestoso. I'll be back. And next time, I'm buying a proper waterproof jacket.
So, there you have it. My messy, ridiculously wonderful Genestoso adventure. Go there. Experience it. Just…maybe pack extra underwear. You know, just in case.
Escape to Paradise: Iona Heights Inn's Unforgettable Canadian Getaway
So, what *is* this "Thing" anyway? Like, actually? My brain hurts just thinking about it.
Ugh, don't even get me STARTED. You know how like, you *think* you know what something is, and then you read a Wikipedia article and suddenly you're questioning the very fabric of reality? Yeah. That's this. It's… well, you can’t pin it down, can you? It's like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. I *think* it's about X and Y and Z, but then it morphs. One day it’s all sunshine and rainbows, the next it's a dumpster fire of confusion. And honestly? Sometimes the lack of definition is the only thing keeping it interesting. I mean, boredom? The enemy, right?
Okay, okay, but *why* should I care? Why should I give a fig about this "Thing"? What's in it for *me*?
Ah, the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, I'm not going to lie. For a long time, I didn't care. Like, *at all*. It seemed… irrelevant. Like that weird cousin you only see at family reunions. But then... something shifted. Maybe I was bored. Maybe I stumbled across something that clicked. Maybe the stars aligned. Suddenly, I was *obsessed*. This "Thing" started to feel… important. And here’s the deal: I think there’s a spark of something for *everyone* here. It might not be obvious, it might take some digging, or poking, or just general being-open-to-the-universe, but it's there. And what's in it for *you*? Maybe a new perspective. Maybe a hobby. Maybe just the sheer, unadulterated joy of yelling at the internet. You decide. And tell me, because I haven't fully figured that bit out, yet..
So, is there a "right" way to do the "Thing"? Or am I doomed to screw up from the start?
Oh, GOD, the "right" way. The holy grail. Let me tell you something: if anyone claims there's a "right" way, they’re probably trying to sell you something. And honestly? Anyone saying they're not making it up on the fly is also probably lying. The *best* way? The messy, experimental, "try-it-and-see-if-you-break-anything" way. I've personally broken a few (ahem). I mean, I've made mistakes. Epic mistakes. I once thought I knew a crucial detail and proceeded to build an entire project on that faulty knowledge. Hours of work, down the drain! But you know what? I learned more from those mistakes than I ever did from following the "rules." And the best part? My mistakes make for *great* storytelling. Just dive in. Embrace the chaos. Be prepared to fail magnificently. It's half the fun.
Alright, you've piqued my interest. But where do I even *begin*? I feel like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff... with no parachute.
The cliff analogy? Accurate. The parachute? You're on your own, kid. But seriously, breath. Start small. *Really* small. Like, smaller than a bread crust. What's the one tiny thing that intrigues you, even a *little* bit? Do that. Then, maybe, pick up a book. I once did a deep-dive on X, Y and Z – I read *everything* I could find on X. I spent a week eating, breathing, and dreaming about X. It was… exhausting. But also exhilarating. You could start there. The possibilities… they’re actually endless, and that's the truly terrifying and exciting part.
What are the common pitfalls? What should I actively avoid? Give me the ugly truth!
Okay, brace yourself. Here comes the unvarnished reality. Pitfall #1: Overthinking. Paralysis by analysis. Don't get stuck in the research phase forever. Pitfall #2: Comparison. Don't look at what others are doing (unless you're looking for inspiration, and even then, take it with a grain of salt). Create your own thing. Pitfall #3: Giving Up Too Soon. It *will* be hard. You *will* fail. You *will* want to quit. Don't. Just… don't. Keep chipping away at it. And finally, Pitfall #4: Believing everything you read on the internet (including *this*). Seriously. Question everything. Especially me.
I'm feeling overwhelmed. Is there a community? Am I alone in this madness?
Oh, honey, you are *so* not alone. There's a whole community out there. A glorious, messy, sometimes-argumentative community of people who are just as obsessed (or confused) as you are. Find them. Join them. Argue with them. Learn from them. Rant to them. They're your tribe. Search online. Check social media. Poke around forums. Ask questions! The more you interact, the more you will discover.
Is there a "perfect" outcome? What does success even look like here?
PERFECT? Are you kidding me? This isn't a perfectly formed rose. There is no pristine outcome. Success? It's subjective. For me, success might be finishing a project. For someone else, it might simply be the act of creating. For someone else, it might be understanding more than they did yesterday. The only thing "perfect" in this whole mad situation is the realization that there is no path, no defined ending, and the only definition is the one you create. My personal barometer of success? When I look back and think, "Wow, I actually did that. And I learned a ton, even if I screwed it up 100 times." That's success. Embrace the mess, love the journey, and don't aim for perfection. Aim for… something interesting.
I get frustrated easily. What do I do?
Oh, honey. I’m right there withHotel Finder Reviews
