Escape to Paradise: Sa Calma's Unbeatable Costa Brava & Maresme Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Sa Calma - Costa Brava's NOT-So-Secret (But Wonderful) Getaway - A Messy, Unfiltered Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the beans on Sa Calma, that oh-so-Instagrammable Costa Brava escape. And let me tell you, it's a mixed bag, a glorious, sun-drenched, slightly-flawed-but-still-worth-it mixed bag. This is no sterile brochure; I’m going to give it to you real.
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Metadata Description: Dive into my unfiltered review of Sa Calma, a Costa Brava gem. Spoiler alert: it's not perfect, but the stunning views, spa, and surprisingly good food made my trip unforgettable. Find out if it's the right escape for you, warts and all! Wheelchair accessible details and all the juicy bits revealed. #SaCalmaReview #CostaBrava #HotelReview #Spa #AccessibleTravel #Spain
First Impressions (and a NEAR-DISASTER!)
Getting to Sa Calma? Honestly, a bit of a mission. The website promised an "easy" airport transfer, but my driver was… a character. Let's just say his driving style was less "smooth operator" and more "rollercoaster enthusiast." My luggage nearly ended up in the ditch, and my morning coffee definitely ended up everywhere in the car. Shudders. They do offer airport transfer and taxi service, so maybe just specify you'd prefer someone with a pulse and a license.
The hotel itself? Gorgeous. Nestled into the cliffs, that views are absolutely breathtaking. Picture this: turquoise water, dramatic rock formations, and you, sipping a cocktail. It initially felt like utter bliss.
Accessibility - The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
This is important, so let’s get real. I’m always searching for accessibility, because it’s a critical element of any trip for a lot of people (and not just those of us who use wheelchairs). Sa Calma claims to be accessible, and in parts, they deliver. Elevator, check. Some wheelchair-friendly rooms, check.
However… the pathways to get around the resort are a bit of a minefield with tricky slopes and cobblestone. One day I nearly took a tumble (luckily, I had my friend, Juan, to catch me before I went flying over a cliff!). Getting to the pool from some of the rooms felt like an Olympic sport. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but “facilities” is doing some serious heavy lifting here. I'd suggest contacting them specifically to enquire about accessibility. They are trying, but there's room for improvement. While Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge] make getting there easy.
Inside the rooms, the elevator and the facilities for disabled guests are good, and the bathroom was spacious, which is a win. They have a shower and a separate shower/bathtub, but I didn’t use the bathtub.
Rooms: Chic but… A Little… Sterile?
The rooms…they're stylish. Minimalist design, crisp white sheets, air conditioning, and all the usual suspects: alarm clock, bathrobe, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, in-room safe box, mini bar, non-smoking, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, shower. They even have slippers!
But… and there's always a "but," isn't there? They felt a little impersonal. Like a showroom, not a home. The blackout curtains are a godsend for beating the midday sun but did make me feel like I was sleeping in a cave. And despite the free bottled water and complimentary tea, the room service (I'm forever appreciative of the room service [24-hour] service) was a bit slow.
(Rambling Intermission – My Eternal Love Affair with Coffee)
Speaking of coffee… Oh, the coffee/tea maker! This deserves its own paragraph. I NEED my morning brew. The first day, the coffee was atrocious. Like, "instant coffee from a gas station" bad. I nearly wept. Luckily, they have a coffee shop and, thank the heavens, a decent coffee/tea in restaurant. I was there every. single. morning. Essential.
Dining: A Delicious Adventure (Mostly)
Now, the food. That's where Sa Calma REALLY shines. The restaurants offer a delightful mix. The Asian cuisine in restaurant has some really exquisite dishes, and the Western cuisine in restaurant delivers the Spanish classics with flair.
Breakfast? Breakfast [buffet] is the norm, with an excellent selection of fresh fruit, pastries, and, thankfully, better coffee than in my room. The Asian breakfast option was a nice touch, too.
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes, and good, too.
- Desserts in restaurant: Absolutely. Indulgent. Must-try.
- Salad in restaurant: Fresh and delicious, perfect for a light lunch.
- Soup in restaurant: Comfort food at its finest when it was a bit cold (rarely!).
- Bottle of water: always!
- Happy hour: The best time of the day.
- Poolside bar: Perfect for a cocktail as you watch the sunset.
- Vegetarian restaurant: options available.
I particularly loved the poolside bar for sundowners. The tapas were delicious, the cocktails strong, and the view… well, you get the picture.
The downsides? The service could be a little slow at times, and the dinner menu felt a tad repetitive after a few days. But overall, the food was a major highlight. They also offer alternative meal arrangement, so if you're picky, you're catered for, which is nice.
Spa Time: Heavenly… and Worth Every Penny
Alright, let's talk about the spa. This is where Sa Calma really earns its name. The Spa/sauna, the steamroom, the foot bath… pure bliss.
I indulged in a body scrub and a body wrap, and I swear, I left feeling like a new woman. The massage was incredible, and the pool with a view? Forget about it. Total relaxation. I spent hours there. My biggest regret? Not booking more treatments.
They have:
- Sauna
- Gym/fitness (I didn’t use it – the thought of exercise whilst on holiday made me shudder)
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe
In these times, safety is HUGE. Sa Calma takes it seriously. They have hand sanitizer readily available, and the staff wear masks. They use anti-viral cleaning products, and they have a hygiene certification. The rooms are sanitized between stays, and they provide a daily disinfection in common areas. Staff trained in safety protocol are also clearly visible.
They have first aid kits, and they offer a doctor/nurse on call if you need it. You can opt out, and they provide a room sanitization opt-out available.
The safe dining setup is also appreciated.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Beyond the Beach
Okay, so you're not just going to lie on a sunbed all day (though, trust me, it's tempting). Sa Calma offers a decent range of activities:
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful, and always a good option.
- Bicycle parking gives you an opportunity to explore the place.
- Fitness center: (See above – I prefer the spa treatments!)
- Things to do: There are some walking trails nearby (though, again, accessibility might be an issue.) The terrace is a perfect place to relax.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Extras
Sa Calma tries to cater for everything. They offer:
- Air conditioning in public area
- Concierge
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Elevator (crucial!)
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Safety deposit boxes
The Bottom Line
Sa Calma is a beautiful place that I would consider to be a fantastic option for that European vacation. It's a little rough around the edges but has a lot of charm and the amazing view. The food is great, the spa is divine, and the staff are, typically, friendly and helpful.
Would I go back? Absolutely. With a few caveats. I'd skip the airport transfer, double-check about accessibility, and pack my own coffee. But that view? That spa? That food? Worth it.
**Rating: 4 out
Escape to Paradise: Okinawa's Kariyushi Kin Yaka Seaside Resort Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because you're about to get the messy, honest, and hilarious itinerary for Hotel Sa Calma in Costa Brava, Spain. This isn't your Insta-perfect travel guide, this is the real deal. Expect tangents, whines, and moments of pure, unadulterated joy. Consider yourself warned.
Hotel Sa Calma: Costa Brava & Maresme - My (Probably Slightly Chaotic) Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Eternal Search for a Power Adapter
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Great Departure. My flight (after a delightful pre-dawn taxi ride fueled by lukewarm coffee and existential dread about leaving the comfort of my bed) touched down in… well, somewhere near Barcelona. Honestly, the details are hazy. Plane food? Let's say it's best forgotten. Successfully navigated Customs – mostly by looking bewildered and hoping for the best. Found the transfer, which was… a minivan. Perfect. Zero chance of getting any legroom. Arriving at Hotel Sa Calma and immediately being mesmerized by the view. Seriously, the Mediterranean? Unreal. Check-in, a blur of Spanish I mostly understood (thanks, Duolingo!), and then… the hunt began. The Power Adapter Quest. My phone? Dying. My sanity? Threatened. Spent an hour asking every single person in the hotel where I could find one. Finally, success! Small victory!
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch with a Side of Mediterranean Sea. Settled into the hotel's restaurant for lunch. Gazpacho! So good, I almost cried. (Jet lag does that to a person.) Followed that up with some sort of fish that I think I chose. Definitely delicious, though. The waiter was charming, and I attempted to remember the Spanish words for "delicious" and "thank you," while staring at the sea.
Evening (5:00 PM - whenever I pass out from exhaustion): Beach Time! Beach! Beach! Beach! Okay, so the beach wasn't exactly right outside the hotel, but a quick walk and BAM! Azure waters, soft sand, and the glorious feeling of the sun on my skin. Spent a few hours just existing on a sun lounger; the sound of the waves, the smell of the salt… pure bliss. Went to a nearby bar for a drink. Tried to order a "vino blanco," but the bartender looked at me like I'd offered him a bag of live ferrets. Ended up with something white and vaguely alcoholic. It was… fine. Dinner at the hotel: More fish, more sea view, more happiness. Bed. Exhausted, happy, and already slightly sunburnt.
Day 2: Exploring the Coast and Embracing the Tourist Within (Including a Near-Disaster with a Gelato)
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The Day Trip Debacle (Part 1). Decided to explore the coastal towns! Hired a car, which was the first mistake. Driving on the right side of the road is… challenging. Especially when the roads are narrow, winding, and full of cyclists who seem to have a death wish. Managed to find a quaint little town, but the GPS steered me onto a goat track? (I'm not kidding). Ended up parked on a hill, the car facing a sheer drop. Panic level: moderate. Took a deep breath, and reversed. Success! (Sort of). Spent some time eating paella, which was, as the Spanish always say, "muy bueno!"
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Gelato! Must have gelato! Found a gelateria in the town, and ordered two scoops of… something. Chocolate and hazelnut, I think. Glorious! Then, disaster struck. As I was savoring the first bite – a car horn blared, startling me. I dropped the gelato. Right onto the cobblestones. My scream of anguish echoed through the quiet square. (Okay, dramatic, but still…) Managed to salvage a tiny, gelato-less taste of the cone. (No shame). Drove back to the hotel, exhausted and still mourning my lost frozen treats.
Evening (6:00 PM - Bedtime): Dinner and a sunset. The hotel's restaurant. Seafood again, because – well, when in Spain… Found a table with a view of the sunset and enjoyed a glass of local wine. Marvelled at the sunset - it truly did look like a postcard! Took a walk along the hotel promenade, listening to the waves and feeling the sand beneath my feet. Then, bed, glorious bed. Dreaming of gelato, and of not driving on the right side of the road ever again.
Day 3: The Day I Found My Zen (Sort Of) & The Unexpected Tapas Adventure
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Breakfast buffet. Coffee, croissants, and a general feeling of "I'm finally getting the hang of this whole vacation thing." Spent the morning relaxing by the pool. Did a little light reading – until I fell asleep, and promptly burned my toes. (Sunscreen, people! Learn from my mistakes!)
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): This is where things get a little hazy. The heat, the sunshine, the general relaxing… I think I explored the surrounding area. Maybe. (The documentation is lacking). Went for a walk and got lost. Ended up at a small cove, where I spent a few hours just… existing. Watching the waves. Breathing. Kind of found my "zen." Until a seagull tried to steal my sandwich. (Zen: officially broken).
Evening (5:00 PM - whenever the tapas stop): Tapas time! Headed into another town, where I found a tapas bar. Ordered a ton of small plates. Patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp – divine!), chorizo, and some other things I didn't actually know the names of, but devoured anyway. The waiter, a chatty fellow named Javier, kept bringing more and more. By the end of the night, I was stuffed, slightly tipsy, and absolutely thrilled. Wandered back to the hotel, utterly content. This is Spain. This is the life.
Day 4: Departure and The Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last breakfast. Tried to savor every bite. Said goodbye to the amazing staff. Took, like, a million pictures of the view. Checked out, got in the minivan, and the trip ended. Feeling sad and nostalgic.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - whenever I get sent to the airport): Heading home. Looking forward to my bed, but I'll miss the sea, the sun, and the general laid-back vibe. Also the food. And perhaps… next time, I'll be better at driving.
Final Thoughts:
This trip? Amazing. Messy. Flawed. Perfect. Hotel Sa Calma? A gem. The Costa Brava? A slice of heaven. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. (Just need to master the power adapter situation first).
Escape to Paradise: Okinawa's Kariyushi Resort Exes Onna Bliss
Okay, "Escape to Paradise"? Really? Is this even *remotely* overhyped?
Alright, let's be real for a second. Paradise? That's a BIG claim. Look, I went to Sa Calma on this Costa Brava/Maresme getaway, and... yeah, it's pretty damn good. But perfect? Nah. No place on Earth is *actually* perfect. I mean, the Wi-Fi hiccuped that one day, and I almost lost my mind trying to upload a selfie with a giant Paella. True disaster, right? Okay, that's a small thing.
But the *view* from the balcony? Seriously, breathtaking. The endless blue. The way the sun hits the water in the morning... I felt like I was staring straight into a postcard. So maybe "Paradise-adjacent" is a better description.
The key is how the staff treated us. They are amazing. I felt like I was talking to friends, not stuffy hotel employees. It felt so genuine and the vibe was just so peaceful and relaxing and the food was to die for, seriously, someone get me there right now!
Tell me about the food. Was it... you know... *authentic*? Because tourist traps are a plague.
Authentic? Oh, honey, ABSOLUTELY. Listen, I LOVE food. I mean, I *live* for good food. And I'm wary of anything labeled "touristy." But the food? Oh. My. God. It was sensational. Fresh seafood, things I didn't even know existed caught *that morning*. I made a friend with one of the chefs who told me that he was serving food like his grandma, and that's really all I need!.
One night, they made a *paella* that… honestly, I'm getting teary-eyed just thinking about it. The saffron, the seafood… the entire thing disappeared in about 20 minutes. I swear, I could have eaten three servings, which caused a small argument with my husband. He said he wanted more. I can see why. Pure bliss. It felt like being invited into a family's kitchen.
And the wine! Local, delicious, and flowed freely. My bank account probably hates me. But it was worth every single centavo. I had so many fantastic meals, a big part of me is still there, enjoying it!
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually "unbeatable" like the description says?
Okay, the location. Unbeatable? Maybe not *literally* unbeatable. Like, I probably could have found a better location for a space launch, but for a relaxing getaway on the Costa Brava? Yeah, pretty darn good. I mean the place is right on the coast. We literally woke up to the sound of the waves crashing. Every. Single. Morning. And my sleep schedule is a disaster.
The hotel is a bit secluded, which adds to the chill factor. It definitely helps you to escape. You're close enough to villages like Tossa de Mar (adorable, by the way) and Lloret de Mar (a bit more… lively). You can explore, or, you know, just sit on a beach chair with a cocktail and contemplate the meaning of life. I did both.
Was it crowded? I hate crowds. They drain my soul.
Crowds? Depends on the time of year, I guess. But the week I went (shoulder season, smart move) felt pretty mellow. Never felt like I was bumping elbows with a million other people. The beaches were spacious enough to actually *relax* on. No fighting for towel space, thank goodness.
I actually found myself wishing for a *few* more people to people-watch sometimes, but ultimately, the peace and quiet were a massive selling point. I mean, if you're looking for a raging party, this ain't it. If you want to recharge your batteries and hide away from the world, consider it paradise.
Okay, so you're saying it was mostly good? Anything… not so great? Be honest!
Alright. Okay, yes, it was mostly amazing. But nobody's perfect, even the hotel.
The gym was a little… shall we say… *basic*. I think it had a treadmill and a couple of rusty weights. I didn’t really care. Who wants to work out when you're surrounded by such gorgeousness? So it's really not a big deal.
Oh! And the stairs. A beautiful place, with a lot of stairs. If you have mobility issues, make sure to request a room on the lower level. But honestly, that was about it. I'm grasping at straws here. I really wouldn’t hesitate to go back. And you shouldn't either!
What kind of activities are available? Is it all just… beach?
Beach? Yes. Glorious, perfect, amazing beaches. But ALSO! Kayaking, hiking the coastal trails (unbelievable views, prepare for your legs to burn!), exploring charming villages, wine tasting, and I even did a cookery class. I'm not saying I could make a Michelin-star meal, but after the course, I certainly felt like it.
It’s a good balance. You can be as chill or as active as you want. One day I spent the entire day reading on the beach. The next, I was hiking the mountain. It's your call! And I loved that. There's something for everyone, even the grumpy ones.
Was the hotel itself nice? Was it clean? The little things matter!
The hotel was lovely! It wasn't sterile or overly modern, which I hate. It had a certain character, with some very charming decor. It felt like a warm, inviting home rather than a sterile hotel. My room was spotless. The bathroom was modern and sparkling. The people cleaning were very helpful. I really appreciate the effort they put in.
The common areas were well-maintained, and you could tell the staff took pride in the place. I'm weird about cleanliness, and I had absolutely no complaints.
Oh! One minor thing: the pillows. I'm a pillow snob. They weren't *bad*, but they weren't the fluffy, cloud-like pillows of my dreams. I am not sure if it was me, but I felt like those pillows were not as good, but I didn't say anything. Probably too lazy. It's important to me. But everything was great.
What’s one thing you’ll *never* forget about this trip?
