Unbelievable Chalet Views: Furnas, Portugal Awaits!
Unbelievable Chalet Views: Furnas, Portugal - My Honest (and Messy) Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Unbelievable Chalet Views: Furnas, Portugal Awaits!, and I'm still unpacking… both literally and figuratively. This ain't your polished brochure review; this is the raw, unfiltered, "did I remember to feed the cat?" version. So, let's dive in, shall we?
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First Impressions (and a Plea for Sleep!)
The name? Spot on. "Unbelievable Chalet Views" isn't kidding. Driving up, the sight nearly made me swerve into a ditch (thankfully, no goats were harmed in the experience). This place is built into the side of a… well, a mountain, overlooking the lush, volcanic valley. Breathtaking. But also, my flight landed at 3 AM, so mostly I saw "fuzzy blobs of green" and felt a desperate yearning for a pillow.
(Accessibility - or, The Trials of a (Somewhat) Clumsy Traveler)
Now, I'm not fully disabled, but I'm a master of tripping over air and have one wonky knee. So, accessibility is always on my radar. Here’s the real deal:
- Wheelchair Accessible: They say it's wheelchair accessible. And, technically, some parts are. There is an elevator, which is a godsend considering the slopes. However, it won't be a breeze, especially from the restaurant to rooms.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: They offer them. Always ask for details.
- Elevator: Yes, blessedly so. Though, expect occasional delays with the elevators.
- They do have parking near the rooms.
- Important Note: This place is built on a slope. Expect some inclines, even with the elevator. Think about it.
(Cleanliness and Safety - Because, Let’s Be Real, We Need to Know)
Okay, the COVID situation and so forth.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Check, check, check. Honestly, I felt safer there than at my local grocery store.
- Hand Sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, Masks: Everywhere. You can relax safely.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes, and the staff were very thorough. Also, the hotel uses some very modern, cleaning system.
(My Favorite Parts (Besides the Views, Duh!) - Spa and Relaxation)
I'm a sucker for a good spa. And the spa at Chalet Views… chef’s kiss.
- Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Pool with View: The best things, even if a lot of time I just lay on the bed. The sauna was divine; the steamroom, hot and steamy in all the best ways. The massage? I opted for the “Island Escape” which involved (allegedly) local volcanic mud. Don’t ask me what was in that mud—I melted. Literally. My muscles haven't felt that relaxed in years. In this section, I could just write about the spa the entire day.
- Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool [outdoor]: The outdoor pool, perched on the edge of the… well, the edge… with those views? Pure, blissful heaven. Imagine yourself floating, staring at a perfect panorama, feeling your worries dissolving into the clouds. This is the best aspect of the hotel
(The Food and Drink - Fueling the Adventure)
- Restaurants, Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant: The food… okay, let's be honest. It's Portuguese food. Lots of fish, lots of meat, lots and lots of potatoes.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: This was a pleasant surprise.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Bar, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour]: All the things you need. The coffee shop was my daily lifeline. The poolside bar… well, let’s just say I may or may not have accidentally ordered a second (or third) poncha (local rum-based cocktail) one afternoon. Don't judge me.
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: All great.
(The Rooms - Where I Spent a Significant Amount of Time)
- Air conditioning, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Minibar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Soundproofing, Telephone, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]: You know, the basics. My room was huge, like a small apartment. The bed was… well, I slept like a log, which is saying something. The blackout curtains are essential, trust me, with that Eastern sunlight.
- Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, Internet access, Wi-Fi [free]: I was constantly connected.
- Additional toilet, Bathtub, Closet, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, High floor, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, Reading light, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Toiletries, Umbrella, Window that opens: More extras.
(Services and Conveniences - The Nitty-Gritty)
- Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Convenience store, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: They had it all, pretty much.
- Concierge: The concierge was great, getting me taxis, booking tours.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Contactless check-in/out Yes, very important.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes, always contact with the hotel to get more specifics details.
- Daily housekeeping: Thorough.
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: Easy to get around.
- Non-smoking rooms: Very important.
(Things to Do - Beyond (and Within!) the Chalet Walls)
Okay, so Furnas is ALL about the hot springs.
- Spa: Spa. See above.
- Things to do: There's hiking (beware the inclines!), volcanic landscapes to explore, lakes to gaze upon (Lagoa das Furnas is stunning), and, of course, the hot springs. I did the Poça da Dona Beija springs, which are gorgeous…but also, be warned, they tend to be crowded. Get there early or go late.
- Breakfast in room (you can), Breakfast takeaway service (yes), Room service [24-hour]: I was happy with it.
(For the Kids - If You Must Bring Them)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Seemed fine. I didn't see a ton of kids, but they have all the things.
(The Little Imperfections - Because, You Know, Life)
- The Wi-Fi (I'm reaching here): Yes, there's free wifi! But I did have one instance where it failed.
- Limited Accessibility: The accessible aspects are there, but it can be a bit challenging around many parts of the hotel.
(My Unsolicited (and Possibly Biased) Verdict:
Unbelievable Chalet Views is, honestly, pretty darn great. It's a gorgeous location, the spa is divine, and the staff is friendly. Yes, there might be a few small imperfections, but honestly, I’m willing to forgive them.
Final Verdict: Go! Go now! Treat yourself to a weekend (or longer!) of views, relaxation, and some serious Portuguese goodness. You deserve it.
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: This Taichung Motel Will Blow You Away!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, dry-as-a-cracker itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, a chaotic symphony of travel from the depths of my brain, dedicated to conquering Challet Miradouro do Vale Lagoa Das Furnas, Portugal. Prepare for beauty, frustration, utter bewilderment, and maybe, just maybe, a moment of profound, soggy-socked enlightenment.
Day 1: Arrival and the Case of the Missing Luggage… and My Sanity
- Morning (ish): Arrived at Ponta Delgada airport, which, let me tell you, felt about as welcoming as a grumpy badger. Grabbed the rental car – a tiny, tin-can-of-a-thing, named “Ricardo” (don’t ask). The scenic drive to Furnas was AMAZING. But the trip was almost ruined before it even started because one of my baggages was missing. I tried to remain calm, mostly succeeded. Lost my mind a little when the rental car took forever to get.
- Afternoon: Finally, FINALLY, made it to Challet Miradouro do Vale. Good grief, the views! They were seriously jaw-dropping. The pictures don't do it justice. The chalet itself was charming, like something straight out of a fairytale… if the fairytale involved me frantically unpacking and realizing my favourite rain jacket was in the missing suitcase. Panic mode engaged. But, whatever, I decided to make the most of my time and enjoy it.
- Evening: Explored Furnas town. Got hopelessly lost, and eventually found the Poça da Dona Beija hot springs. Oh. My. Goodness. Bliss. Steaming pools, sulfur-scented air, and enough warmth to melt away the travel stress. Did I stay in there for too long? Probably. Did it make me feel like a reborn goddess? Absolutely. Afterwards, I had to eat the cozido - a stew cooked in the thermal vents of the Furnas lake. It was delicious although I didn't like the smell, but the taste was worth it!
Day 2: The Lake, The Volcano, and The Questionable Bird Droppings
- Morning: Decided to be more proactive than yesterday! Breakfast was alright, and the chalet’s kitchen was lovely and functional. Wandered around Lagoa das Furnas. It's massive! The lake was shimmering, the air crisp, and the whole place had an almost mystical vibe. I nearly slipped on a patch of, ahem, bird droppings while taking a photo. Note to self: look down. Always look down. I found the Furnas Volcano. It was spectacular to see. The thermal activity was wild.
- Afternoon: Explored the Furnas Botanical Garden, which was pretty cool. Got to see some amazing native plants. Took a long walk, I may have got a little lost in the process, but I ended up at the place with the view.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. The traditional Portuguese food tasted lovely. Decided to try the local wine, which was fantastic, and the company of the local people was even better!
Day 3: Hiking, Hangovers and A Brush with Nature's (Mostly) Gentle Side
- Morning: Oh, the hangover from that wine! Seriously, I needed a truck just to get out of bed. But, duty calls! The day was for hiking. Found an amazing trail. It wasn't difficult. At the end, I could feel the joy from the climb. I was also ready to collapse.
- Afternoon: Explored the local area. I even talked with a very nice old man. He gave me some insights of the land. Amazing guy.
- Evening: Final dinner at a beautiful restaurant. The food was top notch, the waiter and the company were even better. A perfect end to the perfect day.
Day 4: Departure and the Ongoing Luggage Drama
- Morning: Checked out of the chalet. Sadly, my baggage was nowhere to be found. Ricardo, the tiny car, was packed up, the drive around the island was a beautiful thing. The view of the town was mesmerising.
- Afternoon: Back at the airport. Waiting for my flight. Fingers crossed that my suitcase emerges, and that I’m not mistaken for a wandering lunatic.
Final Thoughts (and a Plea to the Universe):
This trip was a rollercoaster. The beauty was breathtaking, the food was delicious. I survived the missing luggage, and the bird droppings. I got lost, got found, and learned to love the chaos of it all. Furnas has a way of burrowing into your soul.
Important Reminders:
- Pack for all weather: The Azores can be moody. Rain, sunshine, wind – all in the same hour.
- Learn some Portuguese: It goes a long way, even if it's just "Olá" and "Obrigado/a" (thank you!).
- Embrace the chaos: Things won't always go to plan. Roll with it. Laugh. And bring backup underwear. You never know.
And, to the universe, if you're listening: PLEASE FIND MY RAIN JACKET!
Kohler's Hof Sehnde: Germany's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Okay, okay, everyone's raving about Furnas and these chalet views... but is it REALLY that spectacular? Like, Instagram-worthy spectacular?
Alright, look, I've seen my fair share of 'gram-worthy locations. Mountains that look like they're trying to touch the sky, beaches so turquoise they belong in a fairytale... and Furnas? Yeah, it's up there. But here's the deal: it's not just the view, it's the *feeling*. Imagine waking up, bleary-eyed from the Azores air, and BAM! You stumble onto the balcony, coffee in hand (essential, people), and the valley just... opens up. Lush green, steaming geysers, maybe a glimpse of the lake. It's less about the perfect angle and more about the sheer, unadulterated *wow* of it all. I actually swore out loud the first morning. My partner just gave me this 'here we go again' look, but even *he* had to admit it was pretty special.
What's the deal with the chalets themselves? Are we talking rustic charm or luxury digs?
It really depends! From what I could gather from research the chalets run the gamut. Some are definitely the "rustic charm" variety – think exposed wooden beams, maybe a slightly wonky door, and views that make you forget about the lack of a jacuzzi. Others? Utter luxury. Heated floors, infinity pools overlooking the valley... I'm not going to lie, I drooled a little over the pictures. We went for something in the middle, figuring the views were the main attraction. And honestly, it was perfect. Cozy, clean, and with a balcony that practically beckoned us to spend all day on it. We did, by the way. Multiple times.
Okay, views are awesome. But Furnas is known for its... *interesting* sulfur smell. Is it REALLY as bad as people say?
Okay, let's be real. Yes. There's a smell. Imagine, and I am not kidding here, the smell of rotten eggs, mixed with a hint of... something else. Something slightly chemical. It's *strong* at first. You acclimatize, eventually. It's part of the Furnas experience, and honestly, it's kind of... endearing? Like, you know you're somewhere unique. When you come out of a session of breathing, you feel like you're cleansed. We spent a morning walking around the lake - it smells the strongest around the calderas. My advice? Embrace it. Pack a good sense of humor. And maybe some air freshner for inside the vehicle, if you're sensitive.
What is there to DO in Furnas besides stare at the view? (Because, honestly, I might get bored eventually...)
Bored? NEVER! Besides the *obvious* view-staring, Furnas is a treasure trove. The lake is fantastic – you can walk around it, kayak, or just sit and soak it all in. Then there's the *cozido das Furnas*, the stew cooked underground by the geothermal heat. It's a must-try. I'm not gonna lie, I was a little skeptical at first – meat cooked underground? Sounds… unusual. But it was FANTASTIC. And then there's the Terra Nostra Park, an absolute botanical paradise with thermal pools you can soak in. But get this: the water is brownish-orange, so, be warned. It'll stain your stuff. And don't even THINK about wearing a white swimsuit. I saw a woman crying after her brand-new, expensive white bikini turned slightly…brownish. Lesson learned! (Mine was a black swimsuit. Thankfully.)
Tell me about this "cozido"... it sounds... intense.
Okay, the *cozido*. It's like a culinary miracle. Imagine: a pot of meat and vegetables, buried in the hot volcanic soil. The steam, the heat...it slow-cooks everything to perfection. We went to a restaurant that pulls the pots out of the ground, and it's a ceremony! You get to watch them uncover the pot. The smell is incredible... like, a savoury, meaty perfume. And then you eat it. The meat is tender, the vegetables are bursting with flavour. It's a massive portion, though. I could barely finish half of my plate. My partner, who's never met a meal he didn't finish, managed to polish off the whole thing. We both felt like we needed a nap afterwards. Definitely go hungry. It's an experience. An absolute *experience*.
How easy is it to get around Furnas without a car? Or should I absolutely rent one?
Okay, this is a crucial question. If you plan on just chilling in Furnas, sticking to the lake, town, and maybe the park, you *could* get away without a car. There's some public transport. But...trust me, you'll want one. Trust me. The island is beautiful, there are little towns and viewpoints all over the place that are calling your name. Plus, getting to and from the airport is a lot easier with a car. The drives are stunning – twisting roads, dramatic coastlines. Rent a car. You won't regret it. I mean, unless you hate driving. Which, if you're going to the Azores, you probably don't...because, well, views.
Any hidden gems or insider tips you're willing to share? Spill the tea!
Alright, alright, you want the *real* secrets? Okay. First, the best time to visit Terra Nostra Park is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Less crowded, and the light is just… magical. Second? Pack a waterproof bag. Because Azores weather can change on a dime. Seriously. One minute sunshine, the next, torrential rain. I saw a woman's picnic blanket disappear over the cliff sides, because, you know, the wind. Third, and this is important: learn a few basic Portuguese phrases. The locals are incredibly friendly, and even a simple "Olá" or "Obrigado" goes a long way. And finally...go. Just go. Furnas is one of those places that sticks with you. The views, the food, the smell (yes, even the smell!)… it's all part of an experience you won't forget.
Okay, I'm intrigued... what was the *worst* part of your Furnas experience? Don't sugarcoat it!
This is easy. The TERRIBLE part. The thing that almost ruined my trip. Okay, so we wanted a fancy meal. Found this restaurant, "The Volcano View Bistro" or something like that. Looked great online – romantic, fancy-ish. But the website didn't mention the GIANT HORNETS. Yes, you read that right. GIANT HORNETS. We sat outside, overlooking the, yes, spectacular view. And within minutes, we were under siege. These things were huge, and aggressive. They were circling our food, buzzing in our ears... I yelped. My partner just started laughing which made it worseChicstayst
