Escape to Paradise: La Pace Boutique Resort, Had Nes, Israel
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, potentially-paradisiacal waters of the Escape to Paradise: La Pace Boutique Resort in Had Nes, Israel. This isn't your sterile, cookie-cutter hotel review. This is the real deal, complete with my unfiltered thoughts, the occasional tangent, and the embarrassing truth about how many times I actually used the in-room coffee maker. (Spoiler alert: a lot.)
First Impressions (and the Drive Up):
The drive to Had Nes… well, let's just say it's a scenic one. Think rolling hills, vineyards reaching for the sky, and the nagging feeling you should have packed a picnic. The resort itself appears – at least from the initial approach – to ooze charm. It's the kind of place that promises relaxation, and my stressed-out self was already starting to believe.
Accessibility: (Because You Know, It Matters):
Okay, this is IMPORTANT. Accessibility is usually a complete disaster, and I'm glad to say, at least from a superficial glance, Escape to Paradise is trying. They claim to have "Facilities for disabled guests" (though, what exactly that entails is something a prospective guest should investigate). The presence of an elevator at least offers some hope, but always confirm these features with the hotel directly if you have specific accessibility needs. If you have any mobility issue, call them. Ask about the details. Inquire about the room layout, is there a roll-in shower?
Rooms: The Sanctuary (or, The Coffee Stain Central):
My room? Lovely. Seriously. The "Air conditioning" worked flawlessly, which in the Israeli heat is practically a miracle. They have "Mini bar," which contained a few extortionate-priced goodies, but hey, it's expected. Let me tell you, those "Bathrobes" are the ultimate luxury. Slipping into one after a shower? Heaven. The "Free Wi-Fi" was a lifesaver since, as I said before, I'm coffee-dependent, and I needed to stream my morning news. The "Blackout curtains" deserve a medal because sleep is non-negotiable. Honestly, I’m not sure if there was "Internet access – LAN" because I don't use it. I just want wifi. The "Desk" – perfect for pretending to work. "Mirror" – essential for self-criticism. I appreciated the "Additional toilet" because, let's be frank, sometimes you just need one. The room also had "Hair dryer," "Refrigerator," "Seating area," "Separate shower/bathtub," "Slippers," "Sofa," "Telephone," "Wake-up service." I was happy and cozy.
The "Coffee/tea maker" mentioned earlier… I may have used it more than the "Alarm clock." They gave "Complimentary tea," which I didn't use because I don't drink tea. But hey, a nice touch! The "Bathroom phone" was a strange but delightful touch. The size of the room? Spacious enough to breathe, which is important. The "non-smoking" policy? Excellent. If your preference. Otherwise you may be in a bad mood. "Towels," which were fluffy, were perfect.
The Spa: (Where Tears Were Shed – the Good Kind):
Okay, let's talk about the "Spa." This is where Escape to Paradise really shines. I opted for the full-body scrub and massage because, let's face it, I needed it. Now, I'm not usually one for hyperbole, but the masseuse… amazing. The "Body scrub" was invigorating, the "Massage" was pure bliss, and I nearly drifted off to sleep a dozen times. They had a great "Sauna" and a "Steamroom," and I could have stayed in there forever. Just remember to be nice with the "Spa/sauna." There's a "Pool with view" and "Swimming pool," too, but after those massages, I needed a nap more than a swim.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: (Fueling the Relaxation):
"Restaurants," plural! That's what I like to see. There's a "Buffet in restaurant" for breakfast (and believe me, I took advantage of that – eggs, pastries, the works). The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a standard Israeli breakfast. A "Coffee shop" for midday pick-me-ups. They even had a "Poolside bar" because, you know, priorities. I didn't get to try the "Asian cuisine in restaurant" but the "International cuisine in restaurant" was pretty good. "A la carte in restaurant", "Desserts in restaurant", "Salad in restaurant", "Soup in restaurant", "Vegetarian restaurant" – everything you need for a good time. "Bottle of water," which is a basic necessity. "Happy hour" is where I started to think I was really on vacation. And the "Room service [24-hour]" was a lifesaver when I just wanted to hide away in my robe and eat a burger. Excellent.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (Beyond the Spa):
Besides the spa, there is a lot of "Things to do & ways to relax." The "Fitness center" is there, but let's be honest, I was more interested in the "Pool with view." They have a "Massage," "Pool with view," "Sauna," "Spa," "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom" and "Swimming pool." They also offered "Body scrub" and "Body wrap". I definitely enjoyed relaxing.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Because We Live in the Age of Sanitization):
This is where Escape to Paradise really shines. They have "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer," "Hot water linen and laundry washing," "Hygiene certification," "Individually-wrapped food options," "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter," "Professional-grade sanitizing services," "Room sanitization opt-out available," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Safe dining setup," "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items," "Staff trained in safety protocol," "Sterilizing equipment," They take Covid very seriously.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things That Make a Difference):
The "Concierge" was helpful, the "Daily housekeeping" kept the room sparkling. They also had "Cash withdrawal" and a "Currency exchange". The addition of "Elevator", "Facilities for disabled guests", "Ironing service", "Laundry service", "Luggage storage", "Safety deposit boxes" and "Smoking area". There is "Air conditioning in public area", which is a MUST.
For the Kids: (If you have them, Bless you):
They advertise a "Babysitting service," and "Family/child friendly." The hotel is "Kids facilities," and "Kids meal," which is great if you're bringing the little ones. I did not bring kids, so I can't comment on the kid-friendliness, but they seem to be trying.
Getting Around: (Because You Need to Leave Eventually):
They have "Airport transfer", which is awesome. There is "Car park [free of charge]", "Car park [on-site]", "Car power charging station", "Taxi service", and "Valet parking."
The Not-So-Perfect Bits: (Because No Place is Nirvana):
Now, let's be honest, Escape to Paradise isn't without its minor imperfections. The internet access was spotty at times (but hey, that's the price you pay for being outside, right?). And the prices in the mini-bar were a little… ambitious. But honestly, those are minor quibbles.
The Verdict: (Would I go back? Oh, Heck Yes!)
Escape to Paradise: La Pace Boutique Resort isn't just a hotel. It's an experience. It's a place to disconnect, unwind, and let the stress of everyday life simply melt away (preferably in the sauna). The spa is an absolute highlight, the rooms are comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
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My Honest, Messy, and Opinionated Offer (Because You Deserve the Truth):
ARE YOU READY TO ESCAPE THE CHAOS? Feeling frazzled? Stressed to the max? Do you need a break from the incessant ping of your inbox? Then you NEED to book your getaway at Escape to Paradise: La Pace Boutique Resort!
Here’s the deal:
- Unplug & Rejuvenate: Imagine yourself sinking into a plush robe, the scent of essential oils filling the air, as you experience the bliss of their world-class spa. Seriously, the massage alone is worth the trip!
- Breathe in the Beauty: Picture yourself by their "Pool with view", sipping a cocktail, gazing at the glorious landscapes of the Golan Heights.
- Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Indulge
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're going to Had Nes, Israel. And trust me, this isn't just any itinerary. This is my attempt at an itinerary. Meaning, expect the unexpected, because, well, that's life, isn't it? And I'm gonna be honest, I'm already envisioning myself accidentally ordering something that tastes suspiciously like camel. Here we go:
La Pace Boutique Resort, Had Nes - My "I'm Trying to Be Relaxed and Probably Failing" Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival - And the Glorious Struggle of Unpacking
- Afternoon (ish): Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Okay, first hurdle: the flight. Pray to the travel gods that I don't get the toddler-next-door seat. Assuming I survive the landing (and the ensuing baggage carousel chaos), I'll grab a taxi or, if I'm feeling adventurous, brave the public transport. The goal? Arrive at La Pace by late afternoon.
- Upon Arrival: Check-in. Pray the room is as gorgeous as the pictures online. (Spoiler alert: they always are. Then there's that weird smell you always get in hotel rooms. Whatever. I'm here for the views.)
- The "Unpacking Debacle": I'm going to be honest, unpacking is my personal Everest. It usually involves dumping everything on the bed, staring at it in a haze of jetlag, and then shoving it all in drawers in a vaguely organized manner. Don't judge.
- Late Afternoon (aka Pre-Dinner Hangry): Wander the resort grounds. Take a deep breath of that fresh Galilee air. Appreciate the infinity pool (even if I'm too chicken to actually swim in it at first). Scope out the best sunset viewing spot. Mental note: find that little hidden corner the front desk mentioned… sounds like a good place, far from people, to begin to write.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort restaurant. This is it. My first foray into Israeli cuisine. I'm aiming for sophisticated, but I'm fully prepared to fail and end up with hummus smeared on my face. Ask for recommendations, and definitely order local wine. Don't forget to write down the name of the best vine in the menu. Then get lost in the view. Seriously, I need to remember to breathe.
- Post-Dinner Ramblings: Okay, so the dinner was… an experience. The octopus, it was something. I asked for medium well, and I guess the chef does things his own way. I did start to write but got distracted. Then, I talked to the waiter and he told me about the kibbutz life in the Golan and how many people are born here. I think I should visit one of those.
Day 2: Golan Heights - Adventure (Probably with a Side of Wrong Turns)
- Morning: After a leisurely breakfast (or as leisurely as I can manage), rent a car. (I'm terrified of driving in a foreign country, but hey, character-building, right?)
- Mid-Morning: Drive to the Golan Heights. Now, this is where things could get… interesting. I'm using GPS, but I have a feeling I'll still end up on a goat path. I mean, I have a map too but I'll probably get lost so…
- Spot #1 - Mount Bental: Visit a base of the Israeli army. I’ve always wanted to see a real army base (not in person, in movies). Walk around and take in the views. Contemplate the vastness of the universe and the meaning of life. Or, you know, just take some pictures.
- Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant. Hopefully, they have vegetarian things, since I don't eat meat. (Or maybe I'll cave. The pressure is REAL.) Real-time update: I caved. I ate meat. I regret nothing.
- Afternoon: Winery tour. I'm not a huge wine person, but the Golan Heights are known for their vineyards. Explore a vineyard. Sample the wines with a professional guide. My goal is to seem knowledgeable and sophisticated despite knowing almost nothing about wine. (We'll see how that goes).
- Late Afternoon: Take a scenic drive. Stop at a roadside viewpoint to soak it all in. Take about a million photos. Feel a sense of awe. (Or at least pretend to. It's the aesthetic, right?)
- Evening: Return to La Pace. Shower. Put on something nice (a.k.a. the cleanest thing I have). Dinner at the hotel. Try to re-create the perfect day from the sunset the day before.
- Post-Adventure Reflection: I got lost twice today. Once. But, the wine tasting was surprisingly fun. The view from Mount Bental was breathtaking. Seriously, I could have stayed up there all day. And I think I'm starting to kinda get the hang of driving on the other side of the road. (Knock on wood.)
Day 3: Relaxation and Reflections - My Attempt at "Zen"
- Morning: Sleep in! (The best part of any vacation). Then, a long, lazy breakfast. Read. Slowly sip my coffee. Attempt to not think about the mountain of laundry waiting for me back home. Fail gloriously.
- Mid-Morning: Spa time! Oh, yes. Massage. Facial. The whole shebang. I'm not normally a spa person, but, hey, I'm trying to be relaxed. (Fingers crossed. Pray for world peace….and for my masseuse not to judge my knots.)
- Spa Anecdote: The best part was undoubtedly the jacuzzi. When I opened my eyes after a full hour of massage, I discovered I'd fallen asleep! But I woke up with the idea of writing on the phone. I don't know why but I want to write about how some people are so sure about their life and others are so… unsure.
- Lunch: Light lunch by the pool. Salad. Maybe a sandwich. Try to look like the type of person who effortlessly eats healthy food. (Spoiler alert: it’s a charade.)
- Afternoon: Explore the little town of Had Nes. Browse the local shops. Buy a souvenir or two. Observe the locals. Try to blend in. Fail spectacularly.
- Late Afternoon: The sun is setting soon. Write! I've been putting it off (see above). The view is stunning and I will have to seize the moment.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant. Indulge in something delicious. Maybe try that crazy dessert that the waiter recommended. Reflect on the trip, on the joy, on the people, on the peace I hope to find.
- Post-Trip Thoughts: I feel absolutely wrecked, both physically and emotionally. I feel like I've seen so much, and yet, I feel like there's so much more to see!
Day 4: Departure - So Long, Had Nes!
- Morning: One last, lingering breakfast. Pack (this time more efficiently, maybe?) Check out of the hotel.
- Late Morning: Depending on my flight time, maybe a final stroll around the resort grounds, or a last swim in the pool. Or, let's be honest, probably just a mad dash to the taxi.
- Afternoon: Travel to Ben Gurion airport and say goodbye to Israel.
- Evening: Hopefully, I make it home in one piece but most importantly feeling inspired and with lots of good memories to tell my friends.
Important Notes (aka, My Real-Life Disclaimers):
- Flexibility is Key: This itinerary is a suggestion, not a rigid schedule. Things will go wrong. I will get lost. I will probably spill something on myself. Embrace the chaos.
- Food Adventures: Try the local cuisine. Be adventurous. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. (And definitely don't be afraid to make mistakes).
- Embrace Imperfection: I'm not a perfect traveler. I'm clumsy, I'm indecisive, and I get tired easily. But I still have a blast, and I hope you will too.
So there you have it. My slightly manic, highly opinionated, and probably hilarious guide to La Pace and the Golan Heights. Wish me luck (and maybe send me a therapist's business card). Wish me luck! And don't be afraid to live your own adventure.
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Escape to Paradise: La Pace Boutique Resort - The Raw Truth (FAQ!)
Okay, so is La Pace *really* "paradise"? 'Cause, you know, marketing…
Alright, let's be real. Paradise? Well, it's *close*. Definitely not the "perfect" paradise the glossy brochures try to sell you. It’s got more of a "we found this amazing spot, built something cool, and hope you like it" kind of vibe. Which, honestly, I prefer. You *do* have those stunning Golan Heights views, the pool that practically calls your name… but paradise is a feeling, right? And La Pace… it *can* give it to you.
I went, and my first thought was, "Wow, this is… well, it's *something*." I mean, the photos are gorgeous, and the reality, well, it has its moments. The service is… uneven. Sometimes, it's incredibly attentive, the way you dream it. Other times? You're left wondering if they forgot you existed. I had to flag someone down for water once during breakfast, which, come on, basic hospitality! Then again, the *next* morning, they practically anticipated my every need. Go figure.
The rooms… Spill the Tea! Are they worth the hype (and the price)?
Okay, the rooms themselves are genuinely lovely. They’re stylish – think rustic chic meets modern comfort. I had the suite with the balcony, and it was *glorious*. Waking up to that view? Yeah, *that* was paradise-adjacent.
But… and there's always a but, isn't there? My shower… it needed serious work. The water pressure was, politely put, pathetic. I almost wept. I'm a shower enthusiast! The cleaning could have been better, too. I found a rogue hair or two in the bathroom. *shudders*. I mean, for the price you pay… it should be immaculate. And, if I'm being super critical (and I am), the soundproofing wasn't amazing. I heard a couple in the next room... let’s just say I knew *exactly* when they were having breakfast the next morning.
So, the rooms *are* worth it if you get a good one and don’t mind a few hiccups. But, honestly? They need to up their game in the maintenance department. And maybe invest in some earplugs for the more…enthusiastic guests.
Let's talk food. Is the food at La Pace any good?
Okay, the food is a mixed bag, to be blunt. Breakfast is a definite highlight. Seriously, the spreads are *insane*. Fresh fruits, cheeses, eggs cooked to order, the works. You'll probably gain a few pounds, but it'll be worth it. I wanted to smuggle an entire basket of that fresh bread back home!
Dinner? It's... inconsistent. Some nights were phenomenal, dishes you'd happily pay big bucks for. Others? Bit of a letdown. One meal I had, my fish was dry, and the vegetables were... well, they looked like they'd been through a war. My partner got a pasta dish that tasted bland. (He *hates* bland!) Its a shame, because the setting is beautiful, but the execution isn't always there. It could be amazing if they could just nail the consistency! I feel like with proper training, the staff could be *amazing*. They seem genuinely interested in making people happy, which counts for a lot. But, the kitchen just needs some… fine-tuning.
That Pool! Is it as Insta-worthy as it looks?
Oh. My. Goodness. The pool. Okay, the pool is gorgeous. *Seriously* gorgeous. It's the kind of pool you see in magazines and think, "Yep, I need to be there." And honestly, it's even *better* in person. It's infinity-edged, overlooks the valley… it’s where the magic happens. I spent *hours* just floating, watching the sunset, utterly blissed out.
But. (There's always a but). One afternoon, it got seriously crowded. People were practically fighting over the few sunbeds. And not everyone was so polite. There were some... shall we say... rowdy children... and I'm pretty sure someone spilled their cocktail in the water. It's a gorgeous pool, a true highlight. But sometimes, you have to fight for your serenity! So, if you are a stickler for peace and quiet – find a quiet time to go, or be prepared to share your space… and maybe pack some earplugs for the little ones… just in case.
What's to do in Had Nes and the surrounding area? Can you actually *do* things?
Okay, Had Nes itself is pretty small and quiet. Don’t expect a bustling city! It’s more about relaxation, wineries, and the natural beauty of the Golan. You can visit some wineries (highly recommended – the Golan wines are fantastic!), go hiking, visit the nearby nature reserves, and just generally chill out.
I suggest going somewhere for dinner outside of the hotel on one of the nights. There are some great options nearby, offering more variety. The local art scene is interesting. And the views? Heavenly. You can truly *escape* up there. But if you're the type who needs constant stimulation, you might get bored after a couple of days. Bring a good book, or download some podcasts. And plan some day trips.
The infamous "Spa." Tell me *everything* about it! Is the massage worth it?
Okay, the spa. Oh, the spa. I’m going to be COMPLETELY honest here. It was a rollercoaster. Firstly, let me preface this by saying I'm a massage fanatic. I get one whenever I can. So, I booked a massage. And I had high expectations, okay? The setting is beautiful. Soft music, dimly lit, the works. I went in, and the therapist was lovely. Super friendly, and very welcoming.
Then the massage started, and… well, some of it was great. The first half was sheer bliss. The therapist was incredible. Skilled hands, a perfect pressure… I was drifting off into a lovely, happy place. I thought "THIS is why I exist". Then, she switched to my back. And… it got weird. Really weird. I swear, she started using her elbows, and it felt like she was trying to restructure my spine. She was clearly trying, bless her heart. It wasn't painful, just… bizarre. And then, she spent an inordinate amount of time on the INSIDE of my elbows. Listen, I don't know what muscle groups she thought were there, but it was not what I was expecting. And at the end? I felt like I had been both rejuvenated and slightly bruised.
So, is the massage worth it? It depends. Honestly, the first half was fantastic, truly. But the second half? Let’s just say, I'll never look at my elbows the same way again. It was an experience. I'm still not sure if I loved it or hated it. I'dHotel Safari
