Escape to Paradise: Costa de Marfil II Awaits in Oropesa del Mar!
Costa de Marfil II: Paradise Found… Or Did I Just Get Sunburnt? (A Messy Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just crawled back from Escape to Paradise: Costa de Marfil II in Oropesa del Mar, and my brain is still slightly pickled in sangria. This isn't gonna be your typical, corporate-speak review. This is my unfiltered, slightly-off-kilter take on the place. Let's dive in, shall we?
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First off, the name is a bit grandiose. "Paradise?" I'd say more like "Pleasant, with a definite chance of questionable tan lines." Still, I went with an open mind, and let's be honest, after months of staring at my laptop screen, anywhere with sunshine seemed like paradise.
Getting There & Around (Accessibility - Sort of…)
Okay, so accessibility is a mixed bag. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, in theory. There's an elevator, which is crucial, and they seem to have made an effort. However, some areas could still be tricky. I saw a couple struggling with the terrain around the pool – those little ramps aren't always as smooth as they look. Airport transfer was easy peasy though, a godsend after a long flight. They also had car park [free of charge], which is a win!
The Rooms: My Little Oasis… With a Few Hiccups
My room? Pretty decent. Air conditioning was a must (trust me, the Spanish sun is no joke), and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in. Free Wi-Fi in my room was a HUGE plus (and even better, they specified, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!). The interconnecting room(s) available seemed like a good option for families, and mine had a desk, which I needed for a bit of work. The in-room safe box was a reassuring touch for my passport and the remains of my euros.
But… and there's always a "but," right? I had to request a room bathroom phone for it wasn't available for the first day, and getting the alarm clock to work felt like cracking a code. And the soundproofing wasn't amazing. I swear, I knew the exact time the couple next door decided to start their "romantic evening." Still, the bathrobes and slippers were a nice touch, and the coffee/tea maker was essential for my morning sanity.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized… Mostly?
Let's talk COVID. They were trying. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and signs about physical distancing of at least 1 meter. They mentioned using Anti-viral cleaning products and having professional-grade sanitizing services.
However, I saw a few things that made me raise an eyebrow. The daily disinfection in common areas seemed to be a bit haphazard. I get it, it's a massive place, but maybe a little more focus on high-touch surfaces would have been good. I did appreciate the individually wrapped food options during breakfast (more on that horror show later). They touted Room sanitization opt-out available, which is environmentally conscious, but felt a little… opt-in-to-Germs, considering the environment.
Dining: Breakfast, the Breakfast That Shall Not Be Named.
Oh, the breakfast. I'm still having nightmares. It wasn't just a breakfast [buffet]; it was a battleground. Cold scrambled eggs, questionable pastries, and coffee that tasted like old gym socks. The Asian breakfast looked intriguing but I didn't dare. The buffet in restaurant was crowded and chaotic, even with them attempting a safe dining setup. You could feel the tension between the hungry guests and the stressed staff. Let’s just say I spent most mornings hunting for anything that resembled actual food. I tried to opt for Breakfast takeaway service but they didn’t offer it. I did a few dinners at the restaurants on site. the A la carte in restaurant was a life saver, particularly the tapas! They also had Vegetarian restaurant options, always a good thing.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pool Side Perfection?
The swimming pool [outdoor] was the star. The Pool with view was fantastic, it provided a great backdrop. I spent a lot of time getting my tan on. And the poolside bar? Essential. I can't emphasize that enough. They had a Spa and sauna with a Body scrub, Body wrap, and the Massage, were all fantastic! The Steamroom provided a great relaxation spot, just avoid the Foot bath.
They had a Fitness center, or at least, a room with some equipment. I used it once, and it was sparsely populated.
Services & Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and The "Why?"
The concierge was helpful enough, though sometimes it felt like they were working off of a script. The Daily housekeeping team were lovely. Laundry service was a godsend, as was the dry cleaning. They had a Gift/souvenir shop, where I bought a hilariously oversized "I Love Oropesa" t-shirt. But why, WHY did they need a Shrine next to the vending machines? I'm still trying to figure that one out. I did appreciate the Contactless check-in/out.
Family Friendliness and Everything Else:
They had a Babysitting service and Facilities for disabled guests like CCTV in common areas. Overall, it seemed like they were trying to cater to all types of guests, which is admirable.
My Verdict: Worth It? Maybe, with a Side of Low Expectations.
Look, Escape to Paradise: Costa de Marfil II isn't perfect. It has quirks, oddities, and a breakfast situation that could haunt your dreams. But it's also a place where you can relax by the pool, soak up some sun, and maybe, just maybe, forget about the real world for a little while.
Would I go back? Probably. But next time, I'm bringing my own breakfast. And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case. 7/10, would recommend… with caveats and a healthy dose of skepticism.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't just a trip to Costa de Marfil II, this is a journey. Oropesa del Mar in Spain? Prepare for a whirlwind of sun, sand, and probably me losing my sunglasses on the first day. Let's see if I can even manage this.
Costa de Marfil II, Oropesa del Mar: A Messy, Glorious Adventure (Hopefully!)
(A Note Before We Begin: This is all a fantasy. I'm writing this as if I'm going. My actual travel skills range from "slightly better than a sloth on a trampoline" to "utter disaster." Reader discretion advised.)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Beach Debacle (and Paella Panic!)
- Morning: Arrive at Castellón Airport (if I can even find it). Pray the luggage gods are kind. My biggest fear is my suitcase exploding mid-flight and showering the entire cabin in my questionable fashion choices. The moment I see a familiar face here, it's just me and my backpack.
- Afternoon: Check into Costa de Marfil II. Expectation: Luxurious beachfront apartment with stunning views. Reality: Probably a slightly smaller, but perfectly charming, place with a view of… a communal pool and a guy power-washing his car. Immediately need to find the nearest supermarket. Stocking up on snacks is critical. Specifically, all the Iberian ham I can get my hands on.
- Late Afternoon: Beach time! This is the moment. Sun, sea, and the promise of total relaxation. Oh, yeah… sunscreen, check. Towel, check. Sunglasses… where are my sunglasses?! Crap. Already. Day one, and the sunglasses are gone. This sets the tone for the rest of the trip.
- Evening: The Paella Quest! I’ve heard Oropesa del Mar has amazing paella. This is the one thing I have a non-negotiable requirement. I'm picturing myself, gracefully, dipping a spoon into a saffron-infused masterpiece, the ocean breeze caressing my face… I end up at a restaurant that smells amazing, but the paella takes an hour and a half. I'm starving, so naturally, I eat half, realize I'm in a food coma, and pass out before I can finish the rest.
Day 2: Castle Capers & The Quest for Perfect Coffee
- Morning: Recover from paella coma. Stumble out of bed and head to the “Castillo de Oropesa”. Expectation: Imposing fortress, historical intrigue, sweeping views. Reality: Probably a bit of a hike, but I'll deal. I almost manage to get a decent photo, but tourists ruin it.
- Late Morning: Coffee Mission. Finding a good café in a foreign country is a serious business. My first attempt at a café results in this very bitter, dark, liquid. I'm thinking I actually need to learn some Spanish.
- Afternoon: Beach Round Two (with new, cheap sunglasses, courtesy of a local shop). Determined to enjoy this beach, darn it! Sunbathing, swimming, the works. I'm a magnificent sight, clearly.
- Evening: Dinner… probably tapas. I’ll over-order, eat too much, and then complain about it later. This is my life.
Day 3: Jet Skiing and the Unexpected
- Morning: Attempt to be sporty and go jet skiing. I'm going to go fast!
- I'm going to be reckless!
- I'm probably going to tip the jet ski and faceplant into the Mediterranean.
- Afternoon: Post-jet ski coma (assuming I survive). Maybe a nap. Who am I kidding, definitely a nap.
- Evening: Stroll along the promenade, people-watching. I'm particularly fascinated by the couples who are clearly on their first date. The awkwardness is palpable, and I secretly want to shout helpful advice.
- I end up at the beach eating ice cream, and feeling like I'm in a movie.
Day 4: A Day Trip (Probably!) & Sunset Shenanigans
- Morning: The day-trip dilemma. Do I go to Valencia? Peñíscola? The possibilities are overwhelming! I'll probably spend hours researching the best option, then get lost on the way anyway. Let's say I make it to Peñíscola, which I've heard is stunning.
- Afternoon: Exploring Peñíscola (assuming I find it). Getting slightly lost, taking ridiculously cliché photos, and trying to act like a local.
- Evening: The sunset. Hopefully a spectacular one. I might attempt to capture it artistically with my phone camera, which will inevitably result in blurry blobs of color. But I’ll still try, dammit!
- Late Night: Possibly some live music. If I can find it. If I don't fall asleep first.
Day 5: The Beach (Again!), and Final Reflections… (and a Possible Meltdown)
- Morning: Beach, beach, beach! My skin is probably starting to resemble leather.
- Afternoon: Shopping for souvenirs. Finding the perfect (and not ridiculously overpriced) gifts is a challenge. I’ll end up buying something completely random, like a miniature bullfighter figurine.
- Late Afternoon: Final beach visit. The bittersweet moment. I'll probably sit there and stare at the waves, feeling a mix of joy and sadness. The sunscreen is starting to become slightly less useful now.
- Evening: Packing. The dreaded packing. I'll inevitably underestimate the amount of space I need, and have to sit on my suitcase to close it. This gives me slight moments of sadness.
- Late Night (and possible complete meltdown): Last-minute panic about forgetting something. Double-checking everything. Contemplating never leaving. Secretly considering extending the trip.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: Wake up with a slight hangover, or maybe just a general feeling of travel-induced exhaustion.
- (Hopefully) Catch that flight.
- Reflect on a trip full of imperfections, laughter, glorious beaches, and way too much paella. It was probably the best mess ever.
This itinerary is probably completely unrealistic. I'll likely deviate from it wildly, miss flights, and eat entirely too much gelato. But hey, that's the joy of travel, right? The mess, the surprises, the sheer, unadulterated, human-ness of it all. Wish me luck! …And maybe send help.
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Escape to Paradise: Costa de Marfil II Awaits in Oropesa del Mar - Yeah, Let's Talk About That...
So, is this place *actually* paradise? Cos, you know, the brochure probably said that...
Alright, look. Paradise? That's a *big* word. And Oropesa... well, Oropesa in Costa de Marfil II? It's... definitely got its moments. Think of it like this: your crazy aunt's house. Sometimes it's a chaotic disaster, sometimes it's unexpectedly cozy and filled with amazing stories. The brochure? Yeah, the brochures always lie. It had a picture of someone sipping a cocktail on a pristine beach. Let me tell you, finding that perfect cocktail and that pristine stretch of sand? More like finding a half-eaten churro clinging desperately to the tide. But there's something about that struggle, that grit, that makes you appreciate it... eventually. More on the "eventually" part soon.
What's the deal with "Costa de Marfil II"? Is there a Costa de Marfil I? And why does it sound like a bad sequel?
Okay, here's the real kicker: I still have NO idea what "Costa de Marfil II" *actually* means. I spent a solid hour trying to figure it out. There's no obvious "Costa de Marfil I." Is it a marketing thing? A weird naming convention? A cryptic clue from the previous owner? Perhaps a warning? And yes, sadly it does sound like a bad sequel. Like, 'Die Hard 2' bad. But honestly, that's part of the charm! It's like the place is actively *apologizing* for not being perfectly polished from the get-go. Made it even weirder that the actual beach was stunning -- a good 15/10 beach.
The Beach. Tell me about the beach. Is it actually...you know...good?
Okay, the beach. This is where things get interesting, and by interesting, I mean *amazing*. See, the 'paradise' part starts to make sense here. The sand is ridiculously soft, like perfectly-filtered flour soft. The water... well, I'm not usually a water person until I saw it. CRYSTAL clear and a beautiful shade of turquoise. I was expecting the usual greyish-brown of most beaches, but this was different. You could see *everything* down below. I nearly got lost in just staring at it. My partner had to yell at me. I mean, that was the best part. I had the perfect sunset, the perfect water, and I was having a perfect moment. And then BAM! I stubbed my toe when trying to take a picture. The perfect moment was ruined by my own clumsy feet. Still, 10/10 beach.
What about the food? Gotta have good churros, right?
Churros! YES! Okay, the churros were... a mixed bag. See, there was one place, *just one*, that did them *right*. Perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and drowning in chocolate. I went back *every single day*. The other churros? Well, let's just say some had a distinct *oiliness* that wasn't entirely pleasant. One day, I went to the place that did the churros "right," and they were out. *Out!* Devastation. Pure, unadulterated churro despair. I almost wept. The other churros, I tell you... they didn't ease the pain. I'm still having churro-related counselling sessions (kidding... kinda).
What's there to *do* besides eat churros and stare at the beach?
Okay, activities. This is where the "messy" part of this whole thing really shines. There's supposedly a golf course. Never found it. I think I may have tried, but it was so hot and I was probably just looking for churros. There are a few shops that sold postcards and the usual tourist junk. There's some kind of castle-thing you can visit. I tried to go in and, I got there, but they were closing. Then the sun started to set, so I headed back. There's walking, of course. A LOT of walking. Mostly searching for the elusive "perfect" churro. And then there's the *people-watching*. Oh, the people-watching. A true highlight. The mix of tourists and locals is one of the best things about the place, and that's what I liked the most.
Would you go back? Be honest.
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, I wouldn't say it's a *perfect* vacation spot. It’s got its quirks. Lots of quirks. And that name... still makes me shudder a little. *But*... I'd go back. Absolutely. Because despite the slightly chaotic, the occasional oily churro, and the whole "Costa de Marfil II" mystery, there's a certain something. That combination of amazing beach, the people, the food (when you find the good stuff, anyway), and the general 'come as you are' vibe... it grows on you. And maybe, just maybe, the "II" is the whole punchline. You go knowing it's going to be a bit of a mess, and you embrace the chaos. Plus, I have unfinished churro business.
