Escape to Paradise: Splendido Bay's Luxury Awaits in Italy
Escape to Paradise: Splendido Bay - Italy's Hidden Gem (and a Few Glitches) - My Raw Review!
Okay, folks, let's talk Splendido Bay in Italy. Because "luxury awaits"? Well, sometimes. Let's ditch the glossy brochure talk and get real. I just got back, and my brain is still buzzing with Italian sunshine and… well, let's just say experiences. Prepare for the messy truth, the glorious highs, the minor annoyances, and maybe, just maybe, a hint of paradise.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Literally
Listen, before you book, if you need everything to be smooth sailing on the accessibility front, do your homework. While they claim to have "Facilities for disabled guests," and I saw an elevator, I'd recommend calling ahead and getting specifics. I'm not disabled, so I didn't scrutinize that aspect, but it's crucial, and I'm skeptical of generic claims. Double-check if wheelchair accessibility truly delivers on all promised areas. Some places are great, but the devil's in the details.
Inside & Out: Eats, Drinks, and Bliss (and a Few Hiccups)
Let's start with the good stuff. The views. Oh, the views! The pool with a view is genuinely breathtaking. They also have a swimming pool [outdoor] which is just as stunning. Picture this: sipping a cocktail at the poolside bar – pure bliss. The restaurants are pretty decent, though the hype is a bit ahead of the reality.
Eats & Drinks Breakdown:
- Restaurant life I hit the restaurant for all meals! The Asian breakfast was a delightful surprise, and the buffet offered plenty of options. They have a vegetarian restaurant, which impressed me, my friend has some strict dietary needs, and we found a lot of variety in their food.
- They should offer a bit more variety. Every day they have amazing Desserts, and the Salad in restaurant menu needs a new design, and they could use a bit of sprucing.
- Oh, and the Happy hour is a must-do. The cocktails are generous, and watching the sun dip below the horizon is just…chef's kiss.
- I had breakfast in room once, and it was nice.
- Rooms service they're open 24-hours, so if you need something in the middle of the night, you are covered.
Other Stuff to Note:
- They offer Alternative meal arrangement - thank goodness!
- They make Bottle of water readily available.
- They offer a Coffee/tea in restaurant - perfect to get you going in the morning.
- Plus, they have a Poolside bar So, the food? It was good enough. The international cuisine in the restaurant was solid, although the Western cuisine felt a little dated. I loved the Asian cuisine in restaurant, I love Asian food, so I was happy.
The "Slightly Annoying" Bits:
- The service can be… variable. Sometimes efficient, sometimes… well, let's just say my coffee took an unreasonably long time to arrive one morning, but hey, things happen, right? The staff is trying, and they're generally lovely.
- The coffee shop is good and bad; the drinks are okay, and the prices are slightly high.
- I didn't get a chance to check out the Snack bar.
Spa Day! Yes, Please! (But Maybe Skip the Body Wrap?)
Alright, spa time! Let's be honest, I'm a sucker for a good spa. Splendido Bay doesn't disappoint…mostly. The spa is a beautiful space, and the sauna and steamroom were divine.
My One-Word Review: Relaxing… Mostly.
My Biggest Disappointment: They offered a Body wrap! I've always wanted to try one, but the woman doing it was clearly not into her job. The music was super loud, which was irritating. The "aromatherapy" was a weird scent I couldn't identify, and the wrap itself was just… weird. The whole experience left me feeling more fidgety than fulfilled. Don't get the body wrap!
Things that Saved The Day:
- They have a Foot bath! And it was amazing.
- They offer a Massage that I got - and it was the best!
- I was able to spend some time in the Spa/sauna.
Wellness Wonderland (or, the "Fitness Center" That Reminds Me of a Closet):
They have a Fitness center, and I'm going to be honest, it was a bit… underwhelming. Cramped. Limited equipment. Let's just say I didn't exactly feel inspired to channel my inner Olympian. So, if you're serious about your workouts, pack some resistance bands and embrace the outdoor scenery for your run.
Things to Do (Besides Lounging by the Pool):
- They have meeting/banquet facilities, and some Meeting stationery.
- They offer seminars and meetings,
The "Cleanliness & Safety" Section – Because, 2024
Okay, I'm a bit of a germophobe, pre-pandemic. Seeing the meticulous attention they gave to hygiene was very reassuring.
Good things:
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- They offer a Breakfast takeaway service
- They have Daily disinfection in common areas.
- They use Hot water linen and laundry washing.
- Plus they use Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- They have a First aid kit.
- They have a Doctor/nurse on call.
Neutral Things:
- I was offered the option to have Room sanitization opt-out available.
- The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, I was told (though I'm not a measuring tape, so I can't confirm).
- Hygiene certification - I'm not sure what it means.
- Cashless payment service.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms (with Some Quirks)
The rooms? Generally, yes, they're lovely. But it is just the little things that made the experience imperfect.
Room specifics:
- They have air conditioning.
- They offer complimentary tea! I'm a sucker for tea!
- My fav part, the bathrobes.
- They have blackout curtains - because sleep is a must.
- They offered free bottled water - which I always appreciate!
- They offer hair dryers.
- The in-room safe box gave me peace of mind.
- I took advantage of the ironing facilities
- It have a minibar
- They have non-smoking rooms
- They offer private bathrooms
- They have a scale.
- They have separate shower/bathtub.
- They have smoke detectors.
- Slippers!
- Sofa
The "Meh" Moments:
- The Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN worked sometimes. On the first day, it kept dropping.
- The alarm clock was impossible to set.
- Why do they have a bathroom phone?
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag (Again!)
Stuff that made life easier:
- Air conditioning in public area - thank goodness!
- Concierge.
- Currency exchange.
- Daily housekeeping - our room was always clean.
- Elevator - very important!
- Laundry service.
- Luggage storage.
Things that Could Be Better:
- Food delivery - only some restaurants.
- The convenience store selection was laughably small.
- I didn't use any business facilities.
- I didn't care for the Gift/souvenir shop.
For the Kids & Families - I Can't Say Much
I didn't travel with kids, but they claim to be family-friendly.
- What I did see: they have babysitting service.
- And they have Kids facilities.
Getting Around, Parking, and Such (The Practical Stuff):
- Airport transfer is available, which is a lif
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average glossy brochure itinerary. This is me, raw and unfiltered, dragging myself (and hopefully you!) through the supposed paradise that is the Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort in Italy. Consider this your pre-departure pep talk, or more accurately, a preemptive therapy session.
Day 1: Arrival…and a Near-Miss with Disaster
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the resort. Picture this: sleek black car, impeccably dressed driver, the whole shebang. Except I was on a flight from Cleveland – which, let's be honest, doesn't exactly scream "luxury." I felt like a startled pigeon amongst peacocks. First impression of the hotel? Stunning. The lobby smelled like a ridiculously expensive candle and the receptionist was so gorgeous I almost tripped over my own suitcase. Almost. That's the first near-disaster.
- 1:30 PM: Room check-in. "Panoramic view of the bay." It was more like a tiny, sliver-of-bay-you-need-to-squint-to-see. Okay, okay, I mentally adjusted. The room itself? Gorgeous. Softest bed linens I've ever felt. Now, the second almost disaster (and a personal flaw, I'll admit): I immediately, without thinking, beelined for the minibar and started eyeing the Prosecco. I needed a stiff drink after that flight.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack. This is where the wheels start coming off. I couldn't find my favorite silk scarf! Panic. This is a very important scarf. Cue me ripping through my suitcase like a rabid raccoon, muttering about lost treasures. Finally, I found it – tucked under a rogue sandal. Crisis averted…for now.
- 3:00 PM: Spa Time! Or, as I like to call it, "time to pretend I'm a swan." The spa was all hushed whispers and cucumber water. I attempted a blissful facial, only to find myself fighting off a sudden, overwhelming urge to sneeze. The aesthetician, bless her heart, just stared at me. I managed to hold it in (barely) and then spent the rest of the treatment worrying about whether my face looked puffy. Let's be honest, it probably did.
- 6:00 PM: Aperitivo at the pool bar. Ah, the Italian way! I, of course, ordered a Negroni. It was perfection. The sunset? Spectacular. I felt vaguely glamorous, even with potential sneeze-induced nose wrinkles. Took the time to watch a couple of young lovers, who clearly forgot anyone else was on the beach. Made me remember all the good times and all the bad. I took photos.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel's main restaurant. The food was…fine. Really. Probably exquisite. But I was still preoccupied thinking about my scarf, and my almost-sneeze, and those loud lovers. I did manage to consume an indecent amount of pasta. The wine was great, though. Slept like a log.
Day 2: The Day I Became a (Wobbly) Cyclist and Almost Became a Local
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast! The buffet was a work of art – mountains of fruit, pastries, and, yes, even more coffee than I could possibly need. I sat there, contemplating the meaning of life over a plate of croissants. Or, more accurately, contemplating the existential dread of my upcoming bike ride.
- 9:00 AM: Bike tour of the bay. They gave me a racing bike, which I’m pretty sure is designed for people who actually know how to race. Me? I'm a master of leisurely strolls. First five minutes? Fine. Then, disaster struck. I hit a tiny pebble, swerved, and nearly took out a gaggle of nuns. The nuns were very sweet, and I apologized profusely. My legs were screaming, and I felt like a complete idiot. But, I persevered, mostly because I didn't want to become the talk of the resort.
- 11:00 AM: Coffee stop in a tiny, ridiculously charming village. Oh, the coffee! Strong, perfect, and served with more actual genuine smiles than I've seen in a year. I ended up chatting with the barista (who spoke zero English, but somehow, we understood each other perfectly). I learned that if I came everyday, I would be considered apart of the community! And I really considered if I should return to Cleveland…
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Back at the resort. I ate a pizza with my hands. I wasn't trying to be elegant. I just had some food and I was tired.
- 3:00 PM: Spa again! (I needed to redeem myself after yesterday.) This time, I opted for a massage. It was, in a word, divine. So good that I actually fell asleep and snored a little. Oops.
- 6:00 PM: Drinks on my balcony. I watched the sun set and the sea. I finished the Prosecco from last night. It was heavenly.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at the resort. I felt as though the food was more palatable this time. I think that a little bit of myself wanted to live here.
Day 3: Departure… and a Promise to Return (Maybe)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I was starting to get the hang of the buffet. I even attempted a conversation with a fellow guest.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Found a beautiful silk scarf!
- 11:00 AM: Checked out. Said goodbye to the hotel staff, who were all lovely.
- 11:30 PM: The car arrived.
- 12:00 PM: Left the resort. I felt as though I'd lived another life here.
- Later… On the plane in the air. I took a deep breath and smiled.
Final Assessment:
Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort Italy? Absolutely gorgeous. A little over-the-top, a little bit intimidating, but ultimately, a truly amazing experience. Would I go back? Absolutely, especially if I could take a class on how to ride a bike without embarrassing myself.
So, there you have it. My messy, imperfect, honest-to-goodness experience. Remember to pack your sense of humor, your willingness to embrace the chaos, and maybe, just maybe, a backup scarf. And, for the love of all that is holy, learn how to ride a bike before you go! Arrivederci!
Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Luxury in Austria's Sonnhof Alpendorf
Escape to Paradise: Splendido Bay - The Uncensored Truth (and Maybe a Spritz)
Is Splendido Bay *actually* paradise? Or just a really expensive Instagram filter?
Okay, deep breath. Paradise? Let's just say it's *on the market* for paradise. The photos? Yeah, they're stunning. The reality? Well, it's like... you know how sometimes you order something online, and it looks AMAZING in the picture, but then when it shows up, it's slightly wonky? Splendido Bay is that, but with a whole lot more charm (and a hefty price tag). Look, picture a postcard: sun-drenched villas clinging to cliffsides, the turquoise water shimmering... *that* part is pretty spot-on. The "wonky" part? The endless cobblestone streets that try to kill your ankles (seriously, bring *good* shoes), the hidden tourist traps disguised as "authentic experiences," and the way everyone's pretending they don't see the price tags. So, paradise-adjacent. But with a really, really good view.
Okay, so the shoes... got it. But what about the food? I live to eat. Can Splendido Bay deliver?
Oh GOD YES. The food. That's where Splendido Bay *really* shines (and where my credit card took the biggest hit, I'm not gonna lie). I'm talking fresh pasta you can taste the sea breeze in, the most amazing seafood you've ever encountered, and gelato... oh, the gelato. Forget what you think you know about gelato. This is a whole other level. One night, I swear, I had a pistachio gelato that made me weep. Not in a "I'm overwhelmed with emotion" kind of way, more of a "this is so good, I can't handle it" kind of way. Seriously. Go find the tiny trattoria off the main piazza. They'll probably have a line, but TRUST ME, it's worth it. Just be prepared to fight for a table. (Pro-tip: learn a few Italian phrases beyond "Buongiorno" and "Grazie." It helps with the table-fighting.) And the pizza? Forget about it. Absolutely transcendent. You will leave feeling both broke and blissfully full. Worth it.
What's the biggest letdown? The thing that no one tells you about?
Okay, this is a tough one. I was prepared for high prices, the crowds, the Instagrammers (and, god bless them, they're inevitable). But the *absolute worst* part? THE MOSQUITOES. Oh. My. GOD. They're tiny, persistent, and they have a particular fondness for tourists. I got eaten alive. Forget packing sunscreen, pack a hazmat suit of bug spray. Seriously. I'm pretty sure I developed a new allergy just from the sheer volume of bites. Don't underestimate them. They're sneaky. They're ruthless. And they ruined *at least* three perfectly good evenings for me. Consider yourself warned.
Is it worth the money? Be honest.
Here's the thing. Splendido Bay is EXPENSIVE. Like, "consider selling a kidney" expensive. Would I go back? Probably. But only if I win the lottery. It's a splurge, a treat, a once-in-a-lifetime (unless, you know, you're rich.) The views, the food, the sheer *vibe*... they're undeniable. But you've got to go in with realistic expectations. You're paying for an experience, not just a holiday. You're buying into a fantasy. Just be aware that fantasy comes with a hefty price tag, a horde of bloodthirsty mosquitoes, and a very real risk of developing an unhealthy gelato obsession. So, worth it? Ask me after my next tax bill... or maybe after I manage to scratch that mosquito bite finally.
Tell me about the "hidden gems." The stuff the brochures gloss over.
Ah, the hidden gems. Okay, so the brochures will tell you to go to the main beach. Don't. It's crowded. Go find the tiny, rocky coves by the main beach. They're much calmer, and the water is *even* more crystal clear. They're a bit harder to get to (again, good shoes!), but totally worth it. Also, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT miss the sunset aperitivo at the bar on the cliffside. It's cheesy, yes, but the views are breathtaking, and the cocktails are STRONG. Bring a camera (and maybe a friend to help you take pictures, because selfies get old fast). Finally, the local markets – the ones *away* from the main tourist drag – are where you can find the *real* Splendido Bay. The local produce. The weird and wonderful souvenirs (forget the generic "I Heart Splendido Bay" t-shirts – go for the hand-painted ceramics). The *real* taste of Italy. Just be prepared to haggle. It's part of the fun (and the experience). You *will* feel like a fool at first, but embrace it. You'll be a pro by the end of the trip, I promise. And the food! Oh God, *the food* at the market. That's where real magic happens. I still dream of the focaccia...
I heard there's boat tours... are they any good?
Okay, here's my take on the boat tours: *do them*. They're pricey, yes, but the perspective of the bay from the water is… well, it’s breathtaking. And you get to see the celebrity villas (you know, for the low-key people-watcher in all of us). The problem? There's a lot of tours, and some are definitely better than others. The bigger boats get crowded, and you get herded around like cattle. But I’d highly recommend smaller, private tours. Yeah, they cost more, but you get a more personalized experience. You can set your own pace, choose what you want to see, and maybe, just maybe, the captain will let you steer for a bit. Plus, it’s a great way to escape the aforementioned mosquitoes. However, even on the best boats, there's the potential for seasickness. Bring some ginger, just in case. Trust me on this one. Also, remember to apply bug spray before boarding. It’s a learning curve.
What should I absolutely NOT do in Splendido Bay?
Okay, listen up. This is important. Firstly, DON'T wear heels. The cobblestones are a death trap. You will twist an ankle. You WILL fall. You will be miserable. Secondly, DON'T try to be fancy if you can't afford it. Stick to the smaller restaurants out of the main square. You'll get a much more authentic experience for a fraction of the price, and you'll be less conspicuous. Thirdly, and this is a big one: DON'T over-plan. Leave room for spontaneity. Let yourself get lost. Wander down side streets. That's where the real magic happens. (And where, sometimes, you find the best gelato.) Finally, DON'T be afraid to talk to the locals. Most of them are lovely, even if their English isn't perfect. They'll be happy to give you recommendations, tell you a story, orScenic Stays
