Escape to Paradise: Luxury Larimar Rental in Sunny Salou, Spain!
Escape to Paradise: My (Very) Unfiltered Take on the Larimar Rental in Sunny Salou!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the sangria on this "Luxury Larimar Rental" in Salou. Forget your carefully curated travel blogs – this is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with my own brand of chaotic energy. Think less travel magazine, more "confessions of a sleep-deprived tourist."
Accessibility: (Mostly) A+ for Effort, C+ for Execution.
Let's be real, accessibility is always a gamble. The website said wheelchair accessible, and claimed a ramp near the front entrance. (Side note: I love the "near" disclaimer. Like, "It's kinda accessible, just, uh, almost at the front door.") I'm all about the positive vibes, but my wheelchair-bound friend, let's call him "Wheels," had a slightly less enthusiastic experience.
Anecdote: The "ramp" was more of a gentle incline that required the strength of Hercules and a small crane to actually navigate. Wheels, bless his soul, just laughed and called the whole experience "a workout!" He did eventually get inside, but the door was a bit of an Olympic feat, especially when trying to wrangle luggage and a grumpy cat.
Takeaway: Accessibility is listed as a feature, but double-check the details if it's a top priority. Call and confirm everything before you go. Don't rely on photos. (I learned THAT lesson the hard way.)
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Undetermined, due to a slightly complicated arrival…
We were too busy wrestling with a slightly-less-than-perfect entryway to scout around. More on this… later.
Internet: Praise the Wi-Fi Gods! (and a possible LAN connection…?)
Okay, let's be honest, my life revolves around Wi-Fi. And this place had it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And in the public areas! (Thank you, universe!) I could Instagram my breakfast, upload selfies by the pool – the works. The LAN connection, I'm not entirely sure about. I'm not a tech wizard; I just need the internet to work. And it did. Gloriously.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day or Bust! (and a whole lot more… maybe?)
Right, the good stuff. This place promises relaxation, and I'm here for it.
The Spa (and Sauna, Steamroom, Hot Tub Fantasy): You had me at "Spa." And then you added "sauna" and "steamroom." SOLD. The spa experience was, in a word, divine. I spent a solid three hours melting into a blissful puddle of massage oil (body scrub AND body wrap, people!), feeling all the stress of the pre-Salou chaos just dissipate. The pool with a view was legitimately stunning. I mean, picture this: sun, cocktails, and a breathtaking panorama. I swear, I almost cried when I saw it.
Fitness Center (Gym/Fitness): I attempted the fitness center. Okay, I walked into the fitness center. It was… well-equipped. But after the spa, my motivation was (completely) gone. I'm sure it was fantastic if you actually enjoy working out. But I’m here to relax!
Swimming Pool (Outdoor): The pool situation was top-notch. Clean, beautiful, and a perfect spot for sunbathing. There's something utterly decadent about lounging by a pool with a cocktail in hand. Life is about the little things, right?
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized and Ready for Action! (mostly…)
This place made a serious effort with the whole COVID thing.
Anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing services, and room sanitization opt-out? Check, check, and check. I appreciated the peace of mind, especially given the current world climate.
Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep, they were on it. I noticed the staff, masked and diligent, keeping everything sparkling.
Hand sanitizer? Everywhere.
**Safe dining setup and sanitized kitchen and tableware items: **I felt comfortable!
Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff seemed well-informed, and made you feel comfortable.
Room Sanitization opt out available: I didn't, but I appreciated the idea.
Anecdote: There was a slight slip-up. The first day, I found a stray sock under the bed. It was… not mine. It was a minor blip, quickly rectified by the super-efficient housekeeping. But it made me question the thoroughness of the room sanitization before our stay. Minor hiccup, but I'm keeping an eye open!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food! (with a few caveats)
Salou is a foodie's paradise, and this place contributes.
**Restaurants, Bars, Restaurants & Poolside Bar: **Lots of options!
Breakfast (Buffet): The breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. A sprawling buffet of international cuisine. I went straight for the Asian breakfast section (hello, noodles and savory soy sauce!) The buffet was mostly well-stocked, but occasionally a little understaffed.
Room service (24-hour): Room service was a lifesaver after those spa days. I may have binge-ordered the entire dessert menu more than once. No judgement!
Anecdote: The "Happy Hour" was… interesting. Discounts, yes, but the bar staff seemed a little frazzled at peak times. And the "bottle of water" situation was inconsistent. Sometimes free with dinner, sometimes not. But at the end of the day, I do believe no one got sick.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Why is this here?"
Concierge, Doorman, and Daily housekeeping: The front desk staff were generally helpful, and the doorman always greeted with a smile. Housekeeping was efficient (except, you know, the sock incident).
Currency Exchange & Cash withdrawal: Easy peazy!
Elevator: A must-have. The elevator was a lifesaver.
Food Delivery: I did not utilise this.
Gift/Souvenir Shop: I did not see this, however I found the most amazing souvenirs in the tourist hotspots!
Laundry service, Dry cleaning & Ironing service: Excellent options! Definitely used and abused this!
Security [24-hour]: I felt safe the entire time.
Terrace: I never used the terrace.
Business facilities: I did not use the business facilities.
Air conditioning: A/C was a must.
Babysitting service/family friendly/kids facilities: I saw a few families, and there was some attempt to appeal to the kids, however I never took advantage of this.
Anecdote: The "Convenience Store" was more like a glorified vending machine. Stocked with slightly-stale snacks and overpriced essentials.
For the Kids: Mixed Reviews
This is technically family/child friendly. Kids are welcome, but the atmosphere is more catered toward adults. And I didn't spend much time with those guests, though I did enjoy watching the kiddies from my safe distance.
Access: (We already did this!)
The entrance was a bit tough, but everything else got easier!
Available in All Rooms (and a bit more…): The Nitty-Gritty
What's in the rooms, you ask?
- Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, and bathtub: All the essentials.
- Free bottled water and coffee/tea maker: Always appreciated.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent (mostly).
- Desk, hair dryer, and internet access: Very important.
- Mini bar, refrigerator, and in-room safe box: Very convenient.
- Satellite/cable channels, shower, slippers, and smoke detector: Standard stuff.
- Sofa and telephone: All the must-haves for a relaxing stay!
- Wake-up service and Wi-Fi [free]: A huge plus!! (I'm not sure, however, that the window opened.)
Getting Around: (Easy) Peasy Lemon Squeezy.
- Airport transfer: I didn't need it, but it was available.
- Car park [free of charge]: I preferred the taxi!
- Taxi service: Readily available.
Overall: The Verdict (and My Emotional Rollercoaster)
Look, the Larimar Rental isn't perfect. It's got its quirks, a few hiccups, and the odd stray sock. But the good outweighs the bad. The spa is incredible, the Wi-Fi is superb, and the general vibe is relaxing.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a few caveats. If you prioritize accessibility, call and confirm everything. If you're a foodie,
Jaisalmer's Royal Empire: Your Desert Dream Awaits!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups! Because this isn't just a travel itinerary, it's a saga. A saga of sun, sangria, questionable decisions, and the sheer, unadulterated charm of Rentalmar Larimar in Salou, Spain. Prepare for things to get messy. We're keeping it real.
The Rentalmar Larimar Salou Scrapbook (Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Balcony Blunder
- Time: 2:00 PM - Officially touching down in Reus Airport. Feeling like a glorious hero.
- Transportation: Pre-booked taxi. Smooth sailing, until we realize the driver REALLY loves AC/DC. I spent the entire ride singing along on the inside, feeling like an absolute rockstar.
- Check-in Time: Around 3:00 PM
- Where:Rentalmar Larimar - Our home for the next week! The building – it’s… well, it's there. Clean-ish, the photos online were optimistic, but hey, the proximity to the beach is the key.
- The first thing that happens is the balcony. Our balcony. It looked lovely - In photos. Small, but overlooking the pool. The second thing that happens is the "door" - which is to say, the whole thing is a bit rickety. We finally wrestle it open! Freedom! Sunshine! Ahem. The balcony looks pretty safe. Let's not tempt fate.
- The Great Balcony Blunder: We settle in. My sister, bless her heart, decides to dry her swimsuit on the balcony railing. Disaster! The wind whips it off, and it sails gracefully into the pool. I still think she did it on purpose. Revenge!
- Emotion: A mix of giddy excitement, slightly panicked unpacking (I always overpack), and a simmering resentment toward my sister that's as old as the hills.
- Afternoon: Beach Time! After getting the swimsuit back, we hit the sand. The water is surprisingly warm. I have the sudden urge to buy one of those inflatable swans. My inner child is screaming.
- Dinner: Found a little Tapas place down the street. My Spanish is terrible, but somehow, we managed to order a mountain of patatas bravas and a jug of sangria. The sangria? Oh, the sangria. That's where the story really begins.
- Evening: We went back to the room, or the building, and crashed, laughing. I dreamt of patatas bravas.
Day 2: PortAventura & Rollercoaster Regret
- Morning: Woke up still buzzing from the sangria. Headache situation? Under control! Headed straight for PortAventura World.
- Transportation: Bus. It was hot, crowded, and the driver clearly had a lead foot. We found a spot to sit. The bus got us there and back. Good enough.
- The Theme Park:
- The Good: The park is HUGE! The rides looked amazing. The shows were a feast for the eyes. China Town felt like being transported the other side of the planet, it was that immersive.
- The Bad: My stomach's no longer what it used to be. I am terrified of heights. Decided to push my limits and ride Shambhala . That was a mistake. I think I aged 10 years in those 2 minutes. I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes. I screamed like a banshee.
- The Ugly: The queues. The sheer number of people! It took us hours to get on some rides. I also may or may not have lost a contact lens, and spent a good 20 minutes crawling around on the floor looking for it.
- Dinner: We hit up a generic fast-food place in the park. The food was mediocre, the atmosphere was okay. The only memorable thing were the massive blisters on my feet.
- Evening: Back at the hotel. So tired! Watched a bit of TV and took to bed. That roller coaster ride? Still got me feeling a little shaky. Never again.
Day 3: Beach, Booze & Barcelona (and the Great Map Mishap)
- Morning: Lazy morning. Beach time! Spent the morning reading and people-watching. There are a lot of people in Salou. There are a lot of speedo-clad men. I will never unsee that.
- Afternoon: Day trip to Barcelona!
- Transportation: Train. Easy, breezy, beautiful…until the map incident.
- The Great Map Mishap: I, your intrepid travel planner, thought I had it all figured out. I printed a map of the Barcelona metro. I thought I knew everything. I didn't. We got hopelessly lost. Wandering aimlessly, sweaty and grumpy. The Sagrada Familia was INCREDIBLY impressive, but the hours spent searching left me feeling like I might have lost some brain cells somewhere between the Plaça Catalunya and the Park Güell.
- Eventually, we gave up and took a taxi back to the train station. Note to self: Learn to use google maps before you travel.
- Dinner: We grabbed a pizza near the station and then headed back to Salou.
- Evening: Back at the hotel. Feeling defeated but determined to get back to Spain soon.
Day 4: Salou Exploration & Sangria Redemption
- Morning: Decided to embrace the local flavor and explore Salou itself. Walked along the promenade, checked out the shops (bought a tacky souvenir or two). I don't regret that!
- Afternoon: Sangria Redemption! Found a charming little bar with outdoor seating. The sangria was divine. We sat there for hours, sipping our drinks, and watching the world go by. It was pure bliss.
- Emotion: Finally, a day of pure, unadulterated joy. The sangria worked its magic.
- Dinner: We found a cute little restaurant tucked away on a side street. The food was amazing. The waiter was charming. I could get used to this!
- Evening: Early nights are not the best for a vacation, however, we relaxed in our room and watched the sunset off the balcony, smiling, a bit tired.
Day 5: Water Park Wonder & Chicken Nugget Catastrophe
- Morning: Aquapolis! The water park!
- The Good: So. Much. Fun! The slides were exhilarating, the lazy river was…well, lazy. We spent the entire morning splashing and laughing like children.
- The Bad: I got a massive sunburn.
- The Ugly: The chicken nuggets at the park's cafe. I’m not sure what they were made of, but I swear they were still clucking. Avoid them at all costs.
- Afternoon: Back at the Rentalmar Larimar, nursing my sunburn with aloe vera.
- Evening: We tried a new restaurant. This one turned out to be a tourist trap. The food was bland, and the service was slow.
- Emotion: Still reeling from the chicken nuggets. And the sunburn. Feeling a bit deflated.
- Late Night: One last walk on the beach. Feeling somewhat better.
Day 6: Packing Panic & Pre-Flight Blues
- Morning: The dreaded day of packing has arrived. Spent the morning trying to cram everything back into my suitcase. It's a Herculean task.
- Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping.
- Emotion: A mixture of sadness, relief, and a deep-seated desire to come back to Spain.
- Dinner: Found a decent restaurant near the hotel. The food was good, and the service was excellent.
- Evening: One last walk on the beach. The sun was setting, and it was beautiful. Goodbyes are so hard.
Day 7: Adios & A Promise
- Transportation: Taxi to Reus Airport.
- Check-out: Leaving Rentalmar Larimar. A bit bittersweet.
- Emotion: Exhausted, tanned, and slightly broke, but full of memories.
- The flight. The flight back was uneventful.
- Final Thought: Spain, you magnificent, chaotic, and wonderfully flawed country. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing better sunscreen and a stronger stomach. I promise.
- THE END (Until the next adventure!)
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Larimar Rental – FAQs (and My Chaotic Thoughts!)
Okay, so... "Luxury Larimar Rental" sounds fancy. What *actually* is it? Beyond the brochure speak, I mean.
Alright, *luxury*. Let's unpack that. Basically, it's a stunning apartment in Salou, Spain. Think modern, spacious, with seriously gorgeous views of the Med. I saw the pictures, of course – pristine… perfectly staged. But the reality? WAY better. Think: "Whoa" moments the second you walk in the door. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a balcony you could *live* on (and I considered it, honestly), and enough space that my perpetually-tripping-over-things husband didn't manage to fall over the furniture even once (a personal victory!). The kitchen? Slick. Even *I* felt like a chef (even though I just microwaved paella, but still!).
But the real luxury? That feeling of…escape. You *actually* feel like you've gotten away from the grind. Not just a "holiday," but a full-on refresh. Trust me on this – I went in *stressed*. I cried on the plane. I left feeling like a new person. It’s not *perfect*, of course (see the "Problems?" section), but for pure bliss, it’s damn close.
The views… are they *really* as stunning as the photos suggest? (Because you know those photos are always doctored!)
Okay, confession time: I’m a total cynic when it comes to travel photos. I half-expected the view to be a blurry, slightly-underwhelming approximation of what was promised. WRONG. The photos don't do the view justice. We got there, opened the balcony doors, and… whoa. Seriously. Jaw-dropping. The turquoise water, the curve of the bay, the sunsets… They were epic. We spent hours just… staring. Drinking sangria, of course. (Priorities, people!) One evening, the whole sky went this crazy shade of orange and pink, and I swear I actually teared up. Blame it on the sangria, maybe, but it was legitimately beautiful. And yes, sometimes a cruise ship kinda blocked the view, but honestly? Minor. Totally livable with. We were *living*.
Okay, sounds idyllic. But… location? Is it actually *near* anything fun, or are you stranded in the middle of nowhere?
Perfectly positioned! Salou itself is lovely – a lively town with beaches, restaurants, and shops. Larimar is close to everything! You could easily walk to the beach (and you should! Do it at sunset – trust me!). Taxis are readily available if you're feeling lazy (we were, almost every day). The town has a great vibe, it’s not overly touristy (thank goodness!), and you can find everything you need. Plus, it's close to other attractions – PortAventura World is a short taxi ride (we didn't go, rollercoasters and me don’t mix). Plus, you're close to other towns along the coast, perfect for day trips. Honestly, it had everything you could want.
Food! Tell me about the food! Were there good restaurants nearby? Any recommendations? Did you eat paella every day?
The food… oh, mama. The food was fantastic. We ate paella… a *lot*. (Sorry, not sorry). There are dozens of restaurants within walking distance. (Remember all that walking I promised? Well, it was justified by the endless food and the endless sangria). We loved this little tapas place about 5 minutes away – simple, authentic stuff, ridiculously cheap. Just writing about it makes me hungry. We found a great seafood restaurant too – fresh, perfectly cooked, and with a view of the sea. (See a theme here?). It was a little more expensive, but worth every penny. And the gelato?! Oh, the gelato. I may or may not have gained five pounds. Don't judge me. You'll understand when you get there.
A warning: Embrace the siesta. Seriously. Things shut down in the afternoon. Plan accordingly (and use that time for a nap!). Otherwise, you’ll be hangry.”
Parking? Is parking a nightmare like it is in most touristy places?
Okay, honest moment. Parking was a *tiny* bit of a hassle. There is parking, but finding a spot can sometimes be, shall we say, "adventuresome." We rented a car (I’d recommend it if you want to explore the area), and it was a bit of a challenge at times. We usually ended up parking a little further away and walking. But hey, extra steps, right? Made me feel less guilty about all the paella. But if you don’t mind a short stroll, it’s manageable. They might have designated parking, double check, but be warned, it's not always a perfect scenario.
Cleanliness? Was the apartment actually *clean*? (Because, let's be honest, some rentals… yikes.)
Spotless. Seriously. Gleaming. It was pristine! I'm a bit of a clean freak, and I was genuinely impressed. The bathrooms sparkled, the kitchen was immaculate, and the floors… well, I'm pretty sure you could eat off them (though, let’s be real, I wouldn’t). The cleaning crew clearly does an excellent job. Important point: this isn't always a given in rental apartments, and it made a huge difference to my enjoyment. Even my husband, who rarely notices anything, commented on how clean it was. High marks here!
Problems? Were there any problems? Because every place has *some* drawbacks…
Okay, honesty time again. Yes. There were a couple of tiny things. The Wi-Fi wasn’t amazing. It was good enough for basic browsing and emails, but streaming sometimes got a little…choppy. Not a huge deal, unless you *need* to watch your favorite shows, then it was annoying. Also, the TV didn't have many English channels. (I know, first world problems!). But, honestly? These were minor blips. Didn't detract from the overall experience. They're things you can live with. But the only one that really frustrated me was...
That one rogue mosquito. (Yes, *one*). It buzzed around my ear all night, the first night. I had a full-blown mental breakdown. I hate mosquitos. I swore I'd never sleep. I considered burning the place down, mostly in my mind. But I survived. And it was just the one night!
Would you go back? (The million-dollar question!)
