Olinda Escape: Luxury Baoba Spa & Pousada Awaits!
Olinda Escape: Luxury Baoba Spa & Pousada Awaits! – A Review That's More "Reality" Than "Robot"
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Olinda Escape! Forget the perfectly curated brochure shots and the bland, predictable reviews. I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, the good, the maybe not so great, and the utterly delightful. This is less a review and more a rambling love letter (with a few gripes sprinkled in) about my experience.
Accessibility - A Little…Tricky, but Mostly Thumbs Up? (Maybe?):
Listen, I'm not a mobility expert, but the whole accessibility thing is a mixed bag. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, and there is an elevator, which is a huge win. But navigating some of the walkways towards the spa felt like a mini-adventure, a slight incline here, uneven paving stones there… it could be tricky for someone with serious mobility issues. Definitely contact them beforehand and really grill them about the specifics. Don't just take their word for it. They better have detailed answers.
On-site Restaurants/Lounges - Food, Glorious Food…and Drink!:
Ah, the lifeblood of any good getaway! And Olinda Escape mostly delivers. Let's get into it, deep dive!
Restaurants: Multiple! And thankfully, a proper restaurant not just a glorified snack bar. They have a buffet, which is perfect for indecisive souls like myself. Plus, a la carte is available. Now, the buffet? Good. Seriously. You've got your standard fare but also Asian Cuisine. Asian cuisine. I like it. I approve. Especially the soup and some of the international options. There's a western breakfast, because, let's keep it real, sometimes you want a pancake. The food generally felt fresh, the flavours were bold, and I may or may not have had a few… ahem… helpings.
Lounges/Bars: The Poolside Bar is a must. Seriously. Picture this: sun on your face, a cocktail in hand, and the gentle sounds of the water. Bliss. Pure bliss. The Bar is also great. Plus they did Happy Hour!
Coffee Shop: Yeah, there's one of those. My morning routine there was important. Coffee, a pastry. You know the drill.
Snack Bar: Good for a quick bite, if you aren't wanting to do the real dining.
Room Service: Offered 24-hour! The only reason I remember is I had a late-night craving for something… I won't go into detail.
Wheelchair Accessible: (See above – a slightly hesitant maybe.) Again, confirm.
Internet – Wi-Fi, LAN, and the Eternal Struggle:
Alright, the tech situation. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That's huge, right? Mostly reliable. I did have a few moments of… frustration. Sometimes the signal felt like it had a personal vendetta against me. But hey, it's a minor inconvenience. You also get Internet access – LAN which is a good option if you really need a solid connection. Internet services are also offered.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax – Spa Day, Baby!
This is where Olinda Escape truly shines. I mean, "Luxury Baoba Spa" is in the name, people! And, oh my goodness, the Spa is seriously next level.
The Spa Experience: Okay, here's my confession: I'm a spa addict. My blood type is practically "essential oils". And this spa? Pure heaven. They have everything: Massage, Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath. I spent an entire glorious afternoon floating from one treatment to another. The therapists were skilled and attentive. I practically melted into the massage table. (I may or may not have drifted off during the body wrap…don't judge me!) The Spa/sauna was also a great choice for getting the body ready.
Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Both are gorgeous, providing stunning scenic views, with a Pool with view. The pool, was probably the number one area for relaxation, I loved it!
Fitness Center/Gym: Yes! A good gym/fitness center. For those of us who feel slightly guilty about the buffet.
Other Relaxing Things You've got some great options that includes, Reading light and Terrace.
Cleanliness and Safety – They're Trying, Alright?:
Given the…current climate, safety is everything. I was happy to see:
Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
Daily disinfection in common areas: Good.
Hand sanitizer readily available: Good.
Rooms sanitized between stays: Good.
Staff trained in safety protocol: Good.
First aid kit: Needed.
Additional Notes: They also had Cashless payment service, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Safe dining setup, Room sanitization opt-out available and Staff trained in safety protocol.
Things That Made Me Feel Safe: This is important, the Olinda escape felt ready to do a great job with safety.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food, Glorious Food Continued:
We've already covered the Restaurants and Bar, but let's dig a little deeper:
Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet]! Breakfast service is provided. There's an Asian breakfast available. There's even Breakfast in room!
Other Things: You've got Coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts, salad, soup and western options.
Services and Conveniences – They Thought of Almost Everything:
This list is long, so I'll just hit the key highlights:
- 24-Hour stuff: Front desk [24-hour], Room service [24-hour] - good for us night owls.
- Daily housekeeping: Essential.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Luggage storage and Laundry service: Always a plus.
- Business Facilities: Includes , Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars, Audio-visual equipment for special events: I didn't use these, but if you need them, they're there.
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Extras: Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Dry cleaning, Currency exchange, Gift/souvenir shop, Safety deposit boxes, Taxi service, Air conditioning in public area
Available in All Rooms – The Creature Comforts:
Here's the nitty-gritty of the rooms themselves:
- Essentials: Air conditioning, Air conditioning, Wi-Fi [free], Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, Internet access – wireless, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels.
- Extras: Desk, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, On-demand movies, Reading light, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Soundproofing, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Window that opens, Mirror, extra long bed and Slippers.
- Things that could be better: Alarm clock, Blackout curtains, Closet, Complimentary tea, Desk, Interconnecting room(s) available, Linens, non-smoking, On-demand movies.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy (Mostly):
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Always a win.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
More Ramblings and Random Thoughts:
- Loved: The Spa! Did I mention the Spa? The pool area. The food (and the variety). The staff – generally friendly and helpful.
- Annoyances: The sometimes spotty Wi-Fi. The slightly inconsistent accessibility.
- Quirky Observation: The "shrine" listed under 'Services and conveniences'. Not sure what it was, but it felt… unexpected.
- Overall Verdict: Olinda Escape is a fantastic getaway. It's a place where you can truly unwind, pamper yourself, and escape the everyday grind. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just… maybe call ahead and clarify a few accessibility details. And book me a massage, STAT! It may not be perfect, but its charm and sheer relaxation possibilities more than make up for any minor issues. And that's the kind of review you'll get: I'm not pretending this
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to go on a chaotic, glorious, and probably slightly sweaty journey with me to Pousada Baobá e SPA in Olinda, Brazil. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-organized itinerary. Oh no. This is real life, messy hair, and the unvarnished truth. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival and That Wall
- 8:00 AM (Approximate): Ugh. Wake up. The flight was a red-eye, and I swear, the guy in front of me snored the entire time, vibrating my seat like a tiny, sleep-deprived earthquake. Finally, we land in Recife! Breathe… and try to peel myself from the airplane seat.
- 9:30 AM: Pick up the rental car. Pray to all the travel gods that I don't get lost instantly. Which, let's be honest, is a distinct possibility.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive in Olinda. Okay, first impression: WOW. Cobblestone streets, brightly colored colonial houses clinging to the hills… it's like a postcard exploded. But immediately get lost in the maze of streets. Ask for directions, and I'm pretty sure I'm being pointed in the wrong direction…again.
- 12:00 PM: Finally, finally, find Pousada Baobá e SPA. Exhale. This place is a dream. Lush gardens, a pool that's practically begging me to jump in, and… a giant, majestic baobá tree. Instantly I'm in love.
- 1:00 PM: Check-in. The staff is ridiculously friendly, although my Portuguese is about as fluent as a toddler trying to order a beer. They give me a key, and I swear I saw a tiny gecko scurry across the wall as I was trying to unlock the door, I'm not sure whether it was cute or a start of something bad.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at the pousada's restaurant. Order something I think is a seafood stew, it arrives and looks suspiciously like a giant, bubbling cauldron of deliciousness. And then, BANG, I try the fish and it is bland but the sauce saves it.
- 3:00 PM: EXPLORING OLINDA. Okay, this is where it gets good. Wander. Get lost (again). The architecture blows my mind. So many beautiful buildings.
- 4:00 PM: THAT WALL. You know when you see something so beautiful, so perfect, that it almost makes you want to burst into tears? I found it. A wall. Completely covered in vibrant, whimsical graffiti, with a street artist painting on it in real time. Spent a hour staring. The art, the energy, the sheer audacity of it all… I was utterly captivated. The colors, the stories they told.. This wall, by the way, saved my soul (for the rest of the journey that is).
- 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks at a rooftop bar. The view is breathtaking. I tell myself I won't drink too much, but… well, it's a beautiful sunset.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. Trying to be adventurous, I order something called "carne de sol." It's salty, it's chewy, and I think I'm in love.
- 9:30 PM: Crash. Bed. Sleep. Exhaustion and happiness collide.
Day 2: Culture, Cats, and a Massage (Oh, the Glory)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up disoriented. Did I dream this place? Nope, real.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the pousada. A spread of fresh fruit, pastries, and strong coffee. Get ready for the day.
- 10:00 AM: Exploring Olinda. Seriously, this place is a goldmine of beauty and history. Visit a church (or three). Get utterly lost (again, surprise!). The sheer number of churches is overwhelming, but so beautiful.
- 11:00 AM: I am now accepting that I will be lost most of the time.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Find a tiny, hidden cafe. The food is simple, the people are kind, and the caipirinhas are strong. Perfect.
- 1:00 PM: CATS OF OLINDA. There are stray cats EVERYWHERE. And they're all gorgeous and sassy. Spend a good hour just watching them hunt for food. These cats have a life I envy.
- 2:00 PM: BACK to the pousada. And I mean, to the SPA. I've been thinking about this all day. And it's time.
- 2:30 PM: The massage. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The masseuse works magic and makes me feel like a melted puddle of happiness. Probably drooled.
- 3:30 PM: Lounge by the pool. Just, bliss. This is what vacation is all about.
- 5:00 PM: Another sunset. Another rooftop bar. Another caipirinha.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner in Olinda. It's delicious, but now, after a massage, a caipirinha, and a happy heart, I don't care.
- 9:00 PM: I can't stop thinking about that wall. Think I'm going to go back and photograph it…for the rest of my life.
- 10:00 PM: Bed. Sleep. Incredibly content.
Day 3: A Day Trip and a Deep Dive
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast again. I could get used to this.
- 10:00 AM: Day trip…to somewhere! The trip to a beach… oh, it was disappointing. The water was murky and the waves were too big.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch again, at the beach.
- 2:00 PM: I didn't like the beach, so I was brought back to Olinda.
- 3:00 PM: Back to THAT WALL. Because I can't stop, won't stop. Take a bunch of photos. Just soaking it in. The mural is so impactful, so vibrant, and I find myself strangely moved again, realizing that art is not a luxury.
- 4:00 PM: Spa time! Get another treatment (why not?). Another moment of pure relaxation that is so needed.
- 5:00 PM: The pousada staff is starting to recognize me. Feel like a local.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner.
- 7:00 PM: I still can't stop thinking about that wall. It's become an obsession.
- 8:00 PM: Bed. Sleep. Contentment.
Day 4: Departure
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Sigh. This place feels like home.
- 10:00 AM: Final stroll through Olinda. Trying to soak it all in one last time.
- 11:00 AM: Buy some souvenirs.
- 12:00 PM: Check out. Saying goodbye is hard but I WILL be back.
- 1:00 PM: Car.
- 2:00 PM: Reciffe.
- 4:00 PM: Flight.
- 5:00 PM: Home.
This is just a suggestion. Embrace the chaos. Let yourself be carried away. And most importantly, remember to look for the things that speak to your soul. Oh, and keep an eye out for the cats! Travel is meant to be a real, messy, and ultimately exhilarating journey.
Zhengzhou's Hidden Gem: Ji Hotel Nan Road - Unbelievable Luxury!
Okay, So… Olinda Escape. What *Actually* Is It? Like, Is It Even Real? Because "Luxury Baoba Spa & Pousada" Sounds a Bit...Pretentious, No?
How Do I Get to This Paradise, And...is it Actually *Easy*? Because "Travel" is A Whole Thing.
Let's Talk Rooms. What Are They *Really* Like? Do They Have Actual Beds? And… A/C? Please tell me they have A/C in this tropical sauna…
The Balcony - What Can I do and what can't I do? And is it worth it?
Okay, spill the tea on the Baoba Spa. Is it actually *spa-like*? Or just a fancy name for "massage room"? And are the treatments any good, because I'm a skeptic.
Are the Spa treatments REALLY worth it? Like, should I break the bank for a massage? (Because my bank account is already crying.)
What About Food? Can I Get My Fill of Pastel and Brigadeiros? Is the Breakfast Any Good, or Just Standard Hotel Fare? Because I'm a Snob.
