Escape to Paradise: Hotel Des Deux Mers, Quiberon, France - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving DEEP into the Hotel Des Deux Mers in Quiberon, France. Forget the polished brochure – this is the REAL deal, warts and all (and trust me, even paradises have a few…). We're gonna get this messy, then get you booked. Let's do this…
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Des Deux Mers, Quiberon – The Unfiltered Review (Plus, OMG, BOOK IT!)
First off, that title? "Your Dream Getaway Awaits!"? Hold your horses. Dream getaways are made, not just advertised. Let's see if the Deux Mers delivers on the hype. This ISN'T your grandma's boring holiday, alright?
Accessibility: The Real World Check
Okay, let's be real for a sec. Accessibility matters. And while the website says they're good, I need specifics. "Facilities for disabled guests" is vague, am I right? I need to know, is it genuinely wheelchair accessible? Are ramps plentiful, or are you navigating a medieval obstacle course? What about the elevators? My advice: Call them directly. Demand answers about door widths, bathroom clearances, and ease of navigating internal spaces. Don’t just take their word for it. Make sure every room offers proper accessibility. Okay, deep breath. Let's move on.
Now, This is Where the Good Stuff Starts: Relaxation & Pampering (and My Near-Death Experience in the Sauna)
Alright, let's get to the fun stuff. This is where I'm hoping the Hotel Des Deux Mers shines.
- Pool: A pool with a view? Yes, please! Sunning your buns while gazing at the ocean is a must for a proper getaway. I'm picturing myself, cocktail in hand, the sun kissing my face. I’m ready for that Instagram moment!
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Okay, I love a good spa. Like, seriously, I'm basically a professional relaxer. And I need a good sauna to sweat out all my sins and my bad decisions. Speaking of sins… I vividly remember a particularly… aggressive sauna experience. The website said, “relax in a sauna.” Great! I thought. Wrong. I went full-on lobster in that thing. Legs burning, chest pounding, I was sure I was a goner! I stumbled out looking like a freshly boiled crab. It was…intense. So, a warning here: take it slow! Maybe start with the steam room? Just a suggestion.
- Massage/Body Wrap/Scrub: Listen, a good massage is the answer to everything. Stress? Massage. Bad day? Massage. Existential dread? Massage. I'm hoping for some serious kneading and pampering. The website better deliver. If this place can't provide a good massage, I’m…I’m just going to be very disappointed.
- Fitness Center/Gym: Okay, I should use the fitness center. I tell myself that every time. But, you know, between the pool and the spa… I’ll probably just work on my cocktail-to-beach-chair ratio. Don't judge me!
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal (and My Germaphobe Tendencies)
Okay, let's be honest, the world is a bit…weird right now. Safety is paramount. Here’s what I’m looking for.
- Anti-viral cleaning products/Daily Disinfection/Room Sanitization opt-out available: Fantastic! This means they're taking the situation seriously. I want to know the details, though. Are they using actual, legit sanitizing stuff? Or just air freshener? (I'll bring my UV wand, just in case).
- Hand Sanitizer/Hygiene certification: Bonus points. I want to see the certificate, too!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Absolutely crucial. No one wants to be crammed in a buffet line next to someone sneezing.
- Safe dining setup: I hope they have good sanitization, and I'm hoping that they have spaced out tables. I want to enjoy my meals without being paranoid.
- Staff trained in safety protocols: Good. And how are they handling things? Are they actually following the rules? Again, let's hope for the best.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Because Calories Don't Count on Vacation
Alright, real talk: I’m here to eat. And drink. A lot.
- Restaurants/Bar: Okay, multiple restaurants? This is promising. A bar is a MUST. I'm hoping for some seriously creative cocktails.
- Breakfast [Buffet]/A la carte in Restaurant: I NEED a good breakfast. I’m talking croissants, fresh fruit, maybe even some sort of omelet station. I have to be prepared for a hearty breakfast, which I will need, to enjoy all the other activities the hotel has to offer.
- Poolside Bar/Snack Bar: Yes! Because, honestly, who wants to leave the pool to get a snack?
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant/Coffee Shop: Essential. I need my caffeine fix, people.
- Happy Hour: Yes, please!
- International cuisine in restaurant/Vegetarian restaurant: I’m curious; I want to hear more about the quality here, not just the variety.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Because sometimes, you just need pizza in your pajamas at 3 AM.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: My go-to person for the best local experiences. This is a crucial aspect to your stay.
- Daily Housekeeping: Please, yes! I don't want to have to make my own bed on vacation.
- Elevator: Essential, especially if you're on a higher floor. See also: accessibility above.
- Laundry Service: So I don’t have to pack a suitcase full of clothes.
- Cash Withdrawal/Currency Exchange: Always important.
- Air Conditioning in public area/Air Conditioning: Crucial!
For the Kids: (If You Have Them… Or a Need To Escape Them)
- Babysitting service/Kids facilities/Kids meal: If you are bringing the little monsters, then let’s hope that they have a good time!
Rooms: The Place Where the Magic Happens (Or Doesn't)
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. What does the room really look like?
- Air Conditioning/Blackout Curtains: Pray, pray, that these are in good working order.
- Free Wi-Fi: Crucial if I want to post my vacation pics instantly.
- Bathtub/Separate shower/bathtub: I want a soak-worthy tub and a good, strong shower.
- Mini Bar: Because midnight snacks are a vacation staple.
- Coffee/tea maker/Complimentary tea/Free bottled water: The small amenities that make a difference.
- Hair dryer/Bathrobes/Slippers: Comfort is key here.
- Soundproofing: Because I need my beauty sleep.
Getting Around:
- Airport Transfer/Car park [free of charge]/Car park [on-site]/Taxi service: The options are a plus, and it’s important.
Okay, So, Is It Worth Booking? My Final Verdict (and, Yes, Book It!)
Okay, after all that rambling, here's the deal: Hotel Des Deux Mers looks promising. It has the potential for a truly fantastic getaway, if the service and facilities are as good as they look (and the reality of it is just as good as the description). Here's why you should book now:
- The Location: Quiberon is stunning! Beautiful beaches, charming towns, all begging to be explored.
- The Spa Potential: If the sauna trauma is the ONLY downside, then this place is well worth it. The promise of massages, wraps, and the pool with a view is hard to resist.
- The Food and Drink: A variety of restaurants and bars mean you won't go hungry or thirsty.
- The Safety Measures: Seems like the hotel is taking COVID-19 seriously.
- Overall: It has the potential for a truly luxurious, relaxing, and adventurous vacation.
My Personal Recommendation:
- Book the biggest room you can afford: Because, why not?
- Book a massage immediately upon arrival: And see if the spa is relaxing and not dangerous!
- Explore Quiberon: Rent a bike, wander the beaches, immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Don’t be afraid to complain: If there's an issue, speak up immediately. Get it sorted, and reclaim your dream getaway!
Final Final Thoughts (and the Booking Link, Please!)
Okay, so this isn’t a perfect place, and no place is. But the Hotel Des Deux Mers has the potential to deliver an amazing experience. The key is to go with realistic expectations, be prepared to ask questions,
Nagoya's BEST Hotel? APA Hotel Marunouchi Ekimae SHOCKING Review!
Operation: Quiberon Quagmire (Or, My "Relaxing" Trip to the Hotel Des Deux Mers)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy travel brochure. This is the real deal, the unvarnished truth of my attempt at a relaxing getaway in Quiberon, France. And let me tell you, the "relaxing" part is… a work in progress.
Day 1: Arrival & Atlantic Angst
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Nantes Atlantique Airport (NAN). This is where the chaos begins. Turns out, "efficient" French customs is a mythical creature. The queue snaked around like a serpent guarding a bag of croissants, and I'm pretty sure I aged five years waiting. Already feeling the jet lag gnawing at my brain.
- 12:00 PM: Train to Quiberon. Snagged (read: wrestled) a window seat. The scenery is supposed to be breathtaking, but mostly I see the back of a very enthusiastic woman with a floral scarf, who seems to be narrating the passing landscape to her invisible companion. I try to focus on the Breton countryside, but all I can think about is how badly I need a coffee.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in at Hotel Des Deux Mers. The hotel is beautiful, no denying it. Pastel-colored walls, that classic Breton vibe, but honestly, the front desk clerk looked at me like I'd just crawled out of the sea. And the room? Tiny. Like, "could-barely-swing-a-cat" tiny. Note to self: next time, book the suite. Or, maybe not. Maybe the cramped room will force me to stay outside.
- 4:00 PM: Attempt a leisurely stroll on the beach. The wind is fierce. And cold. My meticulously planned Instagram-worthy beach walk quickly devolved into a frantic scramble to find some shelter. I end up huddling behind a giant rock, looking less like a glamorous traveler and more like a beached sea creature.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Ah, the food. The food. Okay, so the seafood is undoubtedly fresh, beautifully presented, but me? I'm a basic grilled chicken kind of girl. I ordered it. They brought it. But it was…different. It was coated in some kind of sauce, which, while probably delicious to a foodie, I found too intense. I kept thinking about how much I wanted a burger. This is officially the beginning of my "gastronomic rebellion".
- 8:00 PM: Attempt to relax in my tiny room, failing. Jet lag hits hard. My eyelids feel like lead weights, but the slightest noise wakes me up from the deep sleep. I'm a mess already.
Day 2: Blisters, Beaches & Breton Blues
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! Finally, something familiar – pain au chocolat (thank the lord!). Fueling up to face the day… hopefully.
- 10:00 AM: Hike to the Pointe du Percho. This was supposed to be the highlight. The brochure promised stunning views. What it didn't mention? The hills. And the blisters. My trusty hiking boots, apparently, have betrayed me. But, the views ARE stunning. The turquoise water, the rugged coastline, the tiny, perfect lighthouse… it's worth the pain (mostly).
- 1:00 PM: Seafood lunch in a small seaside restaurant. This time, armed with my rudimentary French, I attempt to order something safe. I think I succeeded, but I got a large dish for my taste.
- 3:00 PM: Beach time, again. The wind is still relentless. I try to be zen about it, but honestly, I spend most of the time dodging rogue sand and desperately trying to keep my sun hat from flying away.
- 5:00 PM: Discover the joys of crepes and cider at a charming little crêperie in town. This is my first moment of pure, unadulterated happiness of the trip. The crepes are perfect, the cider is crisp, and the little Breton women running the place are the sweetest.
- 7:00 PM: Return to the Hotel for the night. The light and the fresh air are wonderful, and I'm ready for bed.
Day 3: The Magic of the Thalasso, and the Questionable Art of Seaweed Wraps
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast, another attempt.
- 10:00 AM: Thalasso experience! Oh, the Thalasso! This is what I came for. The promise of warm water with salty taste to soak away my cares. I opt for a seaweed wrap. And let me tell you, it's… an experience. I am slathered in green glop, wrapped in plastic, and left to marinate in what feels like a giant, green burrito. The therapist is lovely, but I can't help but feel like a giant, smelly sushi roll.
- 12:00 PM: Post-Thalasso bliss. I feel relaxed, maybe a little green, but definitely lighter than I did before. I lounge by the pool, sip herbal tea, and actually, finally, start to feel like I'm on vacation.
- 2:00 PM: Explore the charming town of Quiberon. Wander the narrow streets, admire the colorful houses, and buy far too many postcards.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the beach (the wind refuses to die down). I finally surrender and buy a proper Breton hat, complete with a chin strap. I'm starting to fit in.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant with a view. Fish again. I actually even enjoy it. Maybe the gastronomic rebellion is over?
- 9:00 PM: Sunset stroll. The sky explodes in color. The wind subsides (finally!). This, THIS, is why I came. A moment of pure, untainted beauty. I actually shed a tear.
Day 4: Departure & a Promise to Return (Eventually – Maybe)
- 9:00 AM: Final breakfast. I'm sad to leave. I've finally acclimatized. I've stopped fighting the wind. I've almost mastered the French greetings.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Buy more crepes.
- 12:00 PM: Check-out and train journey. A new journey back to Nantes Airport.
- 3:00 PM: Departure from Nantes Atlantique.
Quiberon Verdict:
Would I recommend the Hotel Des Deux Mers and Quiberon? Absolutely. Yes, it was messy, sometimes uncomfortable, and punctuated by moments of genuine, heart-stopping joy. The food, the wind, the language barrier… they were all part of the experience. In the end, it was beautiful. I had a beautiful time. I need to get back, but in two or three years!
Escape to Paradise: Pegaso B&B, Valeggio sul Mincio's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Des Deux Mers - Your Dream Getaway Awaits... Or Does It? (Let's be Real)
Okay, First Things First: What's the "Des Deux Mers" Vibe? Like, Is it Actually Paradise?
Paradise? Well, let's just say my expectations went in all sparkly and champagne-fueled, and the reality...well, it was a bit more 'sea breeze and slightly faded chintz'. Don't get me wrong, it's stunningly situated. Right *on* the beach. You open your window and BAM! Atlantic Ocean smack in the face. That part? Absolutely divine. But the hotel itself? Think classic French charm… which, in this case, translates to "needs a good power wash and a hug." The lobby made me feel like I'd stepped back in time. In a good way initially. Now the second time, I began to notice the dust. You know, the dust that has been settling for a while. The kind of place that smells faintly of old books and grandmothers' perfume. Is it paradisical? Depends if you are into that sort of vibe, if you are not so sure, then start from the beginning and keep an open mind.
And the Rooms? Spill. Are They Romantic Hideaways or...Slightly Damp Closets?
Alright, the rooms are... a mixed bag. We booked a "sea view" one. And boy, did we get a sea view! (Worth it, by the way. Especially at sunrise – *chef's kiss*). It had that quintessential old-world French thing going on: antique furniture, a proper balcony…and a bathroom that, bless its heart, felt like it hadn't been updated since the disco era. The shower? Let’s just say it took longer for the water to warm up than my dating life lately. But! The bed was surprisingly comfortable. Like, "I could stay here forever" comfortable. And look, I'd trade a slightly dodgy bathroom for the sound of crashing waves any day. It had like two different kinds of towels. I don't know if they did that on purpose.
Pro Tip: Pack your own plug-in air freshener. You'll thank me.
Pro Tip: Pack your own plug-in air freshener. You'll thank me.
The Food! Is It as Amazing as These Glorious Sea Views? (Or is it Just Another Croissant?)
Okay, the food… That's where things get interesting. Breakfast? The croissants *were* pretty darn good. But look, I'm a croissant connoisseur (it's a burden, I tell ya!). And these? Decent. Not life-altering. The buffet had your usual suspects: yogurt, fruit (which, frankly, was a bit *meh* at the time of year we went, but I hear it's amazing in season), eggs, cheese… the works.
We had dinner at the hotel restaurant one night. *Expensive*. Seriously. But the *fruits de mer* platter? Absolutely incredible. Like, I'm dreaming about those oysters months later. The rest was good, but that platter? Worth selling a kidney for. (Kidding! Mostly). But, you know, it was pricey. So brace yourself.
We had dinner at the hotel restaurant one night. *Expensive*. Seriously. But the *fruits de mer* platter? Absolutely incredible. Like, I'm dreaming about those oysters months later. The rest was good, but that platter? Worth selling a kidney for. (Kidding! Mostly). But, you know, it was pricey. So brace yourself.
What about the Spa? Is it a Slice of Heaven, or Just a Slightly Overpriced Massage Parlor?
The spa, oh, the spa. Okay, so I went in with HUGE expectations. "Luxury", "relaxation", "thermal baths"... you know the drill. And listen, it was *okay*. The massage was nice, very professional, very… French. (Meaning: a little brisk, but effective). The thermal baths… well, they were a bit smaller than I'd pictured. And a little… crowded. Not quite a tranquil zen experience, if I'm honest. More like a "squeeze in between the lady with the giant sun hat and the chatty couple" experience. Still, the water was nice (I love that stuff!).
Pro Tip: Book your treatment early. Or, if you're like me and prefer a bit of peace, ditch the spa and find a quiet spot on the beach instead. Bliss.
Pro Tip: Book your treatment early. Or, if you're like me and prefer a bit of peace, ditch the spa and find a quiet spot on the beach instead. Bliss.
Is This Place Kid-Friendly? Because, Let's Be Honest, Kids Can Ruin *Everything*.
Ehhh, kid-friendly? Depends. They had a “kids club”, or at least referred to it as such but, it was pretty empty, with a really nice woman taking care of the few kids that were there. But honestly, I'm not sure my kids would have flourished in that setting for very long. I could imagine them getting a little bored, as the place is more for adults, like a romantic trip. It’s quite a romantic destination. I think it would be a more romantic destination if I could bring a child with me. Sorry, went a bit off track there.
If you have kids who are cool with quiet beach walks and not too much action, it could be great. If yours are the "run wild and demand constant entertainment" type, maybe not so much. There are definitely better places.
If you have kids who are cool with quiet beach walks and not too much action, it could be great. If yours are the "run wild and demand constant entertainment" type, maybe not so much. There are definitely better places.
The Location, Location, Location! Quiberon Itself… Is it as Charming as the Tourist Brochures Claim?
Quiberon? Oh, Quiberon. It's GORGEOUS. Seriously. The coastline is breathtaking. The little town itself is seriously charming - think cobbled streets, cute shops, and restaurants serving, well, more amazing seafood. We spent ages just wandering around, getting lost, stumbling upon hidden coves… It's the kind of place that makes you want to ditch your phone and just *be*.
The ferry to the Ile de Belle-Ile is a must-do. (Book in advance! Trust me). That island is like a postcard come to life. We spent an entire day there. Which was magical but a little too, long. I swear I got a tan but I have no recollection of how I got it. Oh well, you get what you get.
The ferry to the Ile de Belle-Ile is a must-do. (Book in advance! Trust me). That island is like a postcard come to life. We spent an entire day there. Which was magical but a little too, long. I swear I got a tan but I have no recollection of how I got it. Oh well, you get what you get.
What's the Deal with Parking? Easy, or a Complete Nightmare?
Parking? Yeah, that's a thing. The hotel's parking is…limited. Like, REALLY limited. And when I say "limited," I mean "prepare to fight for a space." We ended up parking a few blocks away and walking, which wasn't *terrible*, but let's just say it wasn't ideal after a long day of sightseeing and oyster consumption. The parking garage was really far away, something that didn't make sense to me. It's a seaside hotel... why do I need a parking garage? It's a mystery. It should have been better.
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Hotel Des Deux Mers, Quiberon, France - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!"