Unbelievable Hotel in Spain's Hidden Gem: Bufon de Arenillas Vidiago Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the lowdown on the Unbelievable Hotel in Spain's Hidden Gem: Bufon de Arenillas Vidiago Awaits!. (And yes, that’s the actual name, which already gives you a feeling of "something's different" right?) This isn't your cookie-cutter, corporate, beige-toned travel review. This is a real human's experience, warts and all. Expect stream-of-consciousness, questionable grammar, and maybe, just maybe, a little drool.
Let’s get one thing straight: I'm not a professional reviewer. I'm just someone who loves Spain, loves a good adventure, and definitely loves a comfy bed. So, consider this your insider's peek, your “what they won't tell you” guide.
The Setting: Vidiago - Where's THAT?!
First off, Vidiago. You probably haven't heard of it. I hadn't either. This is precisely why it's a hidden gem. Picture rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs (hello, Bufon de Arenillas – the reason you're here!), and a sense of… well, peace. It's far from the madding crowd and feels gloriously un-touristy.
The Hotel Itself: Unbelievable…in what way?
They call it "Unbelievable," right? Well, I'd say they're mostly right. The hotel is, shall we say, charmingly idiosyncratic. Think less sleek modern, and more… well, imagine your eccentric aunt's beautiful, slightly-kooky mansion, and you're getting warm. Think well-loved, rather than perfectly pristine.
Accessibility: Did it work?
Let's talk real talk about accessibility. They say they have Facilities for disabled guests and an Elevator. I didn't personally need this, but I did see both. The hallways seemed wide enough, but I can't vouch for the full experience. Always best to call ahead and get a very specific answer. I did notice the Check-in/out [express] was definitely available.
Inside the Room: Comfort and Quirks
My room, a Non-smoking haven (thank the heavens!), was spacious. Clean? Mostly. (I noticed some dust bunnies under the bed… shrugs). Okay, it wasn’t perfect, but it had a window that opens – a simple joy often overlooked! Plus, a Mini bar (essential!), complimentary Free bottled water, and even a Coffee/tea maker. The really great thing? That massive and comfortable Extra long bed, perfect for collapsing into after a day of exploring.
Food & Drink: Fueling the Adventure
This is where things get even more interesting. The Breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag. The Western breakfast items – eggs, bacon, simple pleasures – were fine. Asian breakfast? Seemed a little overreaching. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was adequate. Coffee is coffee, right?
Now, the "Unbelievable" part kicks in: the restaurant's views. Breathtaking. Seriously. Having breakfast overlooking the crashing waves? Pure bliss. I had one insane breakfast and I ended up staring at the waves for a good hour or two.
They have a Poolside bar that serves some decent cocktails. The Pool with view (I think I’ve mentioned this view…) is amazing and the drinks somehow taste better.
Ways to Relax & De-stress:
Want to be pampered? They have a Spa! I went for a Massage – a deep-tissue experience that nearly melted me into the chair. They offer a Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, too, though I didn't personally get round to those. After that incredible massage, I was basically done and didn’t need anything else, it was that good. The Fitness center… well, let's just say it looked like equipment that had seen better days.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Covid Era
The hotel took COVID seriously. Plenty of Hand sanitizer around. They provided Individual-wrapped food options. Everything felt clean-ish. The staff seemed well-trained in safety protocol and the Room sanitization opt-out available was a nice touch. Anti-viral cleaning products were used, and they even had some kind of Sterilizing equipment.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
They had everything. Air conditioning in public area (thank GOD – it gets hot!). Daily housekeeping. Laundry service, which I desperately needed after a particularly muddy hike. A Concierge. A Cash withdrawal option. Seriously, they thought of everything.
For the Kids: Family Fun
Yep, they are Family/child friendly! They even do Babysitting service. I didn’t have any kids with me, but I saw a couple of families enjoying the hotel.
The "Unbelievable" Moment:
Okay, so I'm rambling a bit, which is the point. But the most "Unbelievable" thing about this hotel? The Bufon de Arenillas! (I mentioned it, right?) The hotel is perfectly situated. You can walk to this natural wonder. It’s a sea geyser that erupts, spewing water high into the air. Think of it as nature’s fireworks display. Incredible view. Seriously. Worth the trip alone.
Getting Around:
Car park [on-site]. Yes. Car park [free of charge]. Even better! They also offer Airport transfer and Taxi service.
The Verdict: Should You Go?
Yes. Definitely, yes. If you’re looking for a generic, luxury mega-hotel, go somewhere else. But if you want something unique, charming, and memorable in a stunning location, book this thing.
The Imperfections:
- The Wi-Fi: Spotty in my room. Fine in the lobby. (The price of paradise?)
- The decor: Charming, but could use a refresh in a few areas.
- The food: Good, but not gourmet.
The Quirks:
- The staff: Friendly, helpful, and always smiling. But at times, you get the feeling they're still figuring things out.
- The overall vibe: Relaxed. Unpretentious. The kind of place where it’s okay to show up in your hiking boots and messy hair.
My Unbelievable Offer (Just for YOU!):
Okay, since they probably won't offer this, I will: Book your stay now – ideally during shoulder season (May-June or September-October) for the best weather. When you get there, ask for room 307 (if it's available). It has the best view, trust me, and I’ll tell you if the room is available. Also, pack comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking. And don't forget your camera.
Here's the catch: Mention my review ("The one about the dust bunnies") when you book, and I'll personally send you a postcard saying, "You made the right choice!"
Final Thought:
I went to Spain expecting a holiday. I got an adventure. And I loved every slightly imperfect, utterly charming second. Go. Be Unbelievable.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning 2-Bed Hydean Way House in Stevenage!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your perfectly-preened travel blog itinerary. This is real life, Hotel Bufon de Arenillas, Vidiago, Spain style. And trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride… or at least, a slightly wobbly one.
Day 1: Arrival & "Oh My God, That View!" (and the Jet Lag Monster)
- 2:00 PM (ish) - Arrival at Asturias Airport (OVD): Ugh. Airports. Always a sweaty, stressful start. Found my rental car (which, by the way, is significantly smaller than I thought it would be. Pray for my luggage.) The drive to Vidiago? Stunning. Absolutely freaking stunning. That classic "breath caught in your throat" moment. I actually almost missed a turn because I was staring out the window. Rookie mistake.
- 3:30 PM - Check-in at Hotel Bufon de Arenillas: Okay, the hotel… let's be honest, it’s charming. In a "your grandma's cozy cottage" kind of way. The desk clerk (bless her heart, she barely spoke English, and my Spanish is dreadful) seemed vaguely surprised to see me. Probably because I look like I rolled out of a plane, which I practically did. The view from my room, though? Chef's kiss. Ocean. Cliffs. Green, green, green. Almost made me weep with happiness… almost.
- 4:00 PM - Exploration (Attempted): Decided to be ambitious and explore. Walked, maybe 10 steps, before my jet lag brain decided to stage a coup. Back to the room. The bed is calling. The bed wins.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: Okay, here’s where the messy part starts. The menu was entirely in Spanish and the server seemed slightly terrified of me. I blundered my way through, pointing at pictures and hoping for the best. Ended up with a plate of… something. It involved potatoes. And I think pork. It was delicious. More wine than I probably should have had. The jet lag monster got stronger.
- 8:00 PM - Collapse: I’m pretty sure I fell asleep mid-sentence while writing my notes for the day.
Day 2: The Blowhole, Breathless Cliffs & My Existential Crisis (Probably from the Wine)
- 9:00 AM (Roughly) - Struggle to Wake Up: The view. The view is always there. That's what's keeping me going.
- 10:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel: More of that slightly-confusing-but-delicious food. Ate way too much bread. Thinking about it now. The bread was probably the only thing getting me up.
- 11:00 AM - El Bufón de Arenillas Blowhole: Okay, THIS is why I chose this hotel. The blowhole! It's a natural phenomenon where the sea surges into a hidden cave and then whoosh! Spouts water high into the air. Absolutely incredible. Spent a solid hour just watching it, getting soaked by the spray, feeling the raw power of the ocean. I was actually starting to feel a bit… peaceful? Dare I say, enlightened? (Maybe it was the wine yesterday.)
- 12:30 PM - Cliff Walk & Existential Dread: The cliff walk was supposed to be "easy." Lies. All lies. The path was a little dodgy in places, and my fear of heights was doing its level best to sabotage me. The views, though… again, utterly breathtaking. Felt ridiculously small and insignificant standing on the edge of the world, gazing out across the turquoise water. Then the existential crisis hit.
- Why am I here?
- What is the meaning of life?
- Did I remember to pack sunscreen?
- Why are all my jeans so uncomfortable?
- Did I leave the oven on??
- 2:00 PM - Lunch in Vidiago: Found a tiny little bar in the village. Ordered… well, I have no idea what I ordered, to be honest. It involved some sort of sausage. It was good. The locals were staring at me as if I was an alien. They probably weren't wrong.
- 3:00 PM - Nap: The only thing that made sense.
- 6:00 PM - That Blowhole Again: Needed another dose of the ocean’s power. It’s addictive! I swear, I could sit and watch that thing for hours. This time, though, there was a sudden gust of wind and I got soaked again. Worth it.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner at the hotel restaurant: My server was very kind. I tried to make it seem like I knew what I was doing. More wine. More potatoes. More existential contemplation.
- 9:00 PM - Sleep: Just sleep. The day won.
Day 3: Beach Bliss (Sort Of) & A Moment of Profound Clumsiness
- 9:30 AM (ish): The bed!
- 10:30 AM - Breakfast: Still finding new food.
- 11:30 AM - Playa de Cobijeru Beach: I did what I was recommended and went for a beach! Picture postcard perfect. Golden sand. Crystal clear water. I thought to myself “This is it, the perfect start for my day.” I was so wrong.
- 12:00 PM - Beach Debacle: Realized I am just not a graceful human being. Went to take a picture of rocks at the edge of the beach, and…BAM! Slip, trip, fall. Sprawled inelegantly in the sand. Mortified, but also laughing. My camera survived. My dignity? Questionable.
- 1:00 PM - Beach Redemption (Attempted): Got back up. Brushed myself off. Decided to just enjoy the sun.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch: Had a picnic. Sand in everything. Ate a sandwich. Ate the sand.
- 3:00 PM - Back to the Hotel: Needed a shower and a mental reset.
- 6:00 PM - Hotel Bar: A local beer. A little quiet time. The sea calls.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner: My server knows me now. And I suspect, pities me. More wine. More potatoes. More happiness.
- 9:00 PM - Sleep: Dreaming of blowholes.
Day 4: Departure (And the Sweet, Sweet Anticipation of My Own Bed)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: The last breakfast. Feeling a mixture of sadness and relief.
- 9:00 AM - Last Look at the Blowhole: One last moment of awe. One last cleansing spray. Goodbye, Bufón!
- 10:00 AM - Check-out: A slightly awkward goodbye with the desk clerk. Pretty sure she never understood what I was doing there.
- 11:00 AM - Drive to Airport: Farewell Asturias. Back to real life.
- 1:00 PM - Airport: The end.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. I made mistakes. I fell down. I ate questionable food. I had more than my share of existential crises. But it was real. It was beautiful. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Except maybe a slightly less rickety cliff path. And a slightly bigger rental car. And maybe a translator for the menus!
Now, I’m going to go nap for a week. Until next time, Vidiago! You magnificent, messy, magical place.
Bali Villa Paradise: 5BR, Private Pool, White Castle Luxury!
Bufon de Arenillas - You're Seriously Considering Going? Okay, Let's Do This!
Okay, I've seen the pictures. It looks...remote. Is it REALLY that far away from civilization? Like, am I gonna need a survival kit?
Alright, let's be real. Yes, it's remote. Like, seriously. My GPS thought I was doing a solo Everest attempt during the last ten miles. Civilization? Well, you'll find it in a few little villages, mostly charming, mostly sleepy. There's a supermarket, but don't expect a gourmet cheese selection. Pack snacks. Lots. Seriously, those Pringles saved me one evening when the tapas situation went south (more on that later). Survival kit? Probably not. Strong hiking boots? Absolutely. You're closer to the ocean’s angry moods than a Starbucks.
The 'Bufon' part - sounds…dangerous. What *is* a Bufon, and should I be terrified?
"Bufon"—It’s just a fancy word for a blowhole carved by the sea. Basically, the ocean gets all riled up (which it frequently does) and shoots water and air up through these things, creating these geysers. Terrified? Nah, it's more awe-inspiring than scary. Now, being *careless* around them IS a bad idea. I saw one guy get a face full of salty spray - hilarious from a distance, less so for him. Keep a safe distance, and you'll be fine. The sound is what gets you. This deep, guttural groan...it’s like the ocean is trying to talk. Kinda puts things in perspective, you know?
The hotel itself… what's it actually LIKE? Is it charming or just…old?
Okay, honesty time: it's not the Ritz. It's not even *trying* to be the Ritz. Charm? Absolutely! And the 'old' part? Well, let’s call it "vintage". Think exposed stone walls, creaky floorboards that sing you to sleep, and a fireplace that’ll warm your soul (and maybe scorch your eyebrows if you get too close). It's the opposite of sterile perfection. There's a real, lived-in feel. My room...well, let's just say the shower had a mind of its own. Powerful, then dribbly, then freezing -- the kind of adventure you wouldn't find in a chain hotel. But that's part of the magic, right? It's real, not fabricated. It's not perfect, and that's why I loved it.
Food! Tell me about the food! What should I expect and is it any good? I'M HUNGRY!
Okay, deep breaths. Food. This is where it gets interesting. Firstly, forget the fancy fusion nonsense. This is Asturian food. Think hearty, comforting, and *lots* of it. The restaurant at the hotel... It's all about the ingredients, which are fresh, and local. I swear, I could taste the sea in the seafood. The fabada (bean stew) is legendary. Seriously, legendary. My first bite nearly brought a tear to my eye. Don't expect gourmet plating or intricate sauces. Expect flavor. And plenty of it. Now, the timing... that's a different game. Dinner in Spain is late, so be prepared. And pace yourself. Those portions are serious, even if you are hungry.
What activities are available besides staring at the blowholes (which I'm already planning on doing a lot!)?
Staring at the blowholes *is* a significant activity, let's be honest. But you said "besides," so: Hiking! Glorious, rugged hiking. Paths wind along the coast, offering breath-taking views (and a good leg workout). Beaches! Some are sandy, some are pebbly, all are beautiful. Surfing? Yes, if you're brave (and have the skills). Small villages to explore... the villages! The people! The locals are friendly, even if your Spanish is terrible, and mine is. You can explore the local markets. Okay, maybe small markets with limited options. But you can try the local cider, get a real feel for the area. The whole thing is just...relaxing.
Is there WIFI? Because I've been told I have to be *reachable* while I am away!
WiFi? Ugh, yeah, it's there. Sort of. I mean, the signal is… temperamental. It's a *luxury*, let's put it that way. Expect it to cut out at the most inopportune times, like when you're trying to upload that stunning photo of the Bufon (and you *will* take a photo of the Bufon). This is a good thing. It forces you to unplug, disconnect, and actually *live* in the moment. So, yeah, there's WiFi. But consider it a suggestion, not a guarantee. Embrace the digital detox. You'll thank me later. Actually, maybe think of it as a way to get away from the constant notifications, which you will need after the tapas...
What's the best time of year to visit this hidden gem?
Okay, the best time is... well, it depends. Summer? Glorious weather, sunshine, ideal for swimming and sunbathing…but also the most crowded. The blowholes are just spectacular in winter, when the storms really kick up, but it's COLD and potentially dangerous. Spring and Autumn are perfect. Mild weather, fewer crowds, vibrant landscapes. When I went in October, I felt like I had the place mostly to myself. I could feel the sea air, not in a hurricane-like way, but refreshing and invigorating. That said, be prepared for rain. It is Asturias, after all. Pack a waterproof jacket. Seriously. And maybe a pair of wellies. You know, for the puddles (and the inevitable muddy trails).
Give it to me straight: Would you go back?
Okay, here's the raw truth: Absolutely. One hundred percent. The Bufon de Arenillas isn't for everyone. If you need constant entertainment, a perfectly curated experience, or a five-star hotel experience, then stay away. But if you crave authenticity, breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and a chance to truly unplug and reconnect with yourself (and the raw power of nature), then you HAVE to go. There’s a magic there, a wildness, that stays with you long after you leave. I'm already planning my return. I'm not even kidding. Just...promise me you'll try the fabada. And bring me back some cider. Please.
