Escape to Provence: Your Luxurious A/C Apartment in Goult Awaits!
Escape to Provence: Your Luxurious A/C Apartment in Goult Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the lavender-scented world of "Escape to Provence: Your Luxurious A/C Apartment in Goult Awaits!" - and trust me, I'm not just here to regurgitate a brochure. This is the real deal, warts and all, because hey, who really trusts a perfectly polished review?
First Impressions & The “A” Word (Accessibility – and Air Conditioning!):
Right off the bat, let’s be brutally honest about a few things. Provence, bless its sun-drenched heart, can be a pain for accessibility. Cobblestone streets? Steep hills? Not exactly wheelchair-friendly fantasies. But! And this is a big BUT, the listing does mention "Facilities for disabled guests." We need to drill down here - is it just a ramp at the front door? An elevator? I want details! Unfortunately, no specific information regarding wheelchair accessibility in public spaces, like any On-site accessible restaurants / lounges. Which is… a bit of a bummer. Still, the fact they mention it is a good sign.
And air conditioning? Oh honey, hallelujah. If you've ever spent a summer in Provence, you know the furnace blast that can hit in the afternoon. The "Your Luxurious A/C Apartment" promise better be backed up.
The Wi-Fi Whisperer (and the Internet’s Eternal Grip):
Okay, so we've got Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN. Internet Services. The whole shebang. Now, I'm a travel blogger, so you know internet access is practically my lifeblood (and my paycheck!). Honestly, the thought of a weak Wi-Fi signal gives me hives. So, the double-edged sword: it BETTER be good. I need to upload those envy-inducing Instagram stories of me sipping rosé in the sun. The fact that they offer LAN is good, for those of us who remember, and still use it!
Pampering Paradise (or Just a Regular Spa Day?):
Let's talk "relaxation." The listing THROWS DOWN a gauntlet of spa temptations, starting with the big ones: Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. The holy grail is a pool with a view. Picture this: the sun setting, the Provençal countryside sprawling before you, and you… floating serenely in the water, phone in hand, taking a few selfies. Okay maybe that’s just me.
The list continues with Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage. But, is the massage really a deep tissue, knots-be-gone experience? Or is it the polite-but-underwhelming kind? This is crucial information. I am getting a massage! And, if I may add, I'm a bit of a gym rat myself, Fitness center, Gym/fitness… So, I'm hoping that doesn't mean an ancient treadmill and a few dumbbells.
Cleanliness & Safety – The New Normal (And the Anxiety Induced by International Travel):
This is the 2024 elephant in the room, isn't it? Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, 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, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. The list is extensive.
Honestly, it's reassuring. But it's also… exhausting. The fact that they're proudly advertising all this stuff means, yeah, the old normal is gone. I want to feel safe, absolutely. I’m not keen on getting sick. But I also don’t want to feel like I’m living in a hospital. I'm curious about how "rooms sanitized between stays" actually works, not just words on a website.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Eternal Struggle of Choice):
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, This is a foodies dream.
I particularly love the Breakfast [buffet]. I'm not a huge breakfast person (unless there's a buffet involved), but the idea of croissants, jam, and strong coffee on a terrace is delightful… Also, Room service [24-hour]? YES. Because let's be real, sometimes you just want to stay in your PJ's and order a ridiculously large pizza to your room.
And the fact that there are different restaurant options - Asian, International, Vegetarian, Western - is a good sign.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Big Difference:
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
This list is lengthy, and it shows they're trying to cater to a wide range of guests. Concierge is a must. The ability to say "Hey, I want to book a cooking class… can you handle that?" and have them actually handle it is invaluable. Dry cleaning and Laundry service are a boon, especially if you're traveling for an extended period.
The Convenience store is great if you need to grab something quick. The meeting facilities are good, if you're trying to mix a work trip with a vacation, and the Terrace is essential in Provence.
For the Kids (and the Grown-Up Kids Too):
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
If you're traveling with kids, this is a goldmine. Babysitting service allows for those precious evenings where you can actually enjoy a romantic dinner in peace. Kids meals are important, considering how picky some kids can be Family/child friendly is another good sign, and is essential if you’re not travelling alone.
The Nitty-Gritty - Rooms, Rooms, Rooms!
Okay, let's get into the specifics of the apartments, and this is where it gets interesting:
Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Soundproofing - Oh. My. Word. This is CRUCIAL. If I'm going to be spending time sleeping (or napping…it's Provence, after all!), I need QUIET. Blackout curtains are equally important. Free bottled water is always welcome. A refrigerator is essential for keeping the rosé chilled! Coffee/tea maker… yes! And Free Wi-Fi!!
Exterior Details and Security Stuff:
Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Getting around, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Security is paramount. CCTV is a plus. A 24-hour front desk and security provide peace of mind. Car park [free of charge] is a massive bonus, because parking in Provence can be a nightmare. Airport transfer is a must, and bicycle parking is good to know if your inner cyclist decides a bike ride is in order.
Also, a Proposal spot? Now that'
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Secret of The 7 Pines, Kasauli
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my, let's call it "slightly unhinged" travel plan for a week in a glorious (and air-conditioned, bless its soulless little mechanical heart) apartment in Goult, Luberon. Forget glossy brochures and perfect Instagram grids. This is the real deal. Prepare for rambling, opinions, and the very real possibility of me completely changing my mind mid-sentence.
Week of Goult (Prepare for Impromptu Adventures)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (and Pizza)
- Morning (or Actually, Late Afternoon because Ugh, Travel): Finally, FINALLY, we arrive. Charles de Gaulle airport. Always a chaotic ballet of delayed flights and stressed-out travelers. The car rental? A comedic disaster involving a surprisingly large and aggressive Renault and my terrible French vocabulary. I swear, "bonjour" and "merci" are all I've got, and they're clearly not enough. Getting the keys felt like winning the lottery, albeit a lottery I hadn't entered.
- Afternoon/Evening (Goult Bound!): The drive. Oh, the drive. Through the rolling hills of Provence. The first glimpse of the Luberon – a hazy, sun-drenched dream. The air already smells of the promise of good food and unhurried days. Finding the apartment? Another adventure. Tiny, winding roads. GPS screaming obscenities. Actually, it might have been me screaming obscenities at the GPS. But we made it! The A/C. Oh, the sweet, blessed A/C! Unpacking, staring at the view, fighting the urge to immediately collapse into a nap. The view from the apartment is the best part for sure.
- Evening: Food. First, the sheer terror of going to the grocery store in a foreign country. My attempt at navigating the cheese counter was a spectacular failure. (I think I accidentally bought cheese that was still alive). But Pizza! Real, wood-fired, utterly delicious pizza is our savior. Ate it on the balcony, feeling a sense of ridiculous, guilty, bliss. And wine. Lots of local rosé. The existential dread of being in a beautiful place? Settled. At least for tonight.
Day 2: Market Mayhem and Lavender Dreams (and a Meltdown)
- Morning: Market day! The Goult market is supposed to be charming. It is. But also… crowded. And loud. And I swear, everyone is a pro-level bargainer except for me. I’m pretty sure I overpaid for the wrong tomatoes, but they were gorgeous, so whatever. The overwhelming smell of fresh herbs and the chatter… heaven. Then almost had a full-blown panic attack trying to explain I didn't want any parsley. (Why is parsley so omnipresent in Provencia? What do they do with all that parsley?)
- Afternoon: Lavender Fields. (Yes. We have to!) The internet promised Instagrammable perfection. Reality? Tourists everywhere. But… the smell. That intoxicating, calming, pure lavender scent made a tear to pop in my eye. It was gorgeous. I wanted to run around in the lavender fields and pretend I was a fairy. Seriously. Do it. I did. I felt slightly silly, but also… utterly joyful.
- Evening: Meal at a restaurant. I was too tired to cook after the market. The food? Amazing. The wine? Fabulous. The bill? Terrifying. Slightly regretting my tomato purchases now. The waiter, however, was the most handsome man in France. A very long discussion after the meal, and the waiter let me know he was seeing someone.
Day 3: Villages Perchés, Broken French & A Really Bad Coffee
- Morning: Exploring the "Villages Perchés" (perched villages). Gordes, Roussillon, Ménerbes… they're all ridiculously beautiful, each one like a postcard come to life. I felt a strong need to make it my life's mission to buy a house. I walked around like I was a local, which was laughable, as my conversational French is roughly equivalent to that of a confused toddler.
- Afternoon: Failed Coffee Attempt. I took a coffee break, and it was rough. I ordered a coffee; I got something… brown and vaguely coffee-adjacent. It tasted like dirt. I actually think it was the worst coffee I've ever had in my life. I didn't have the heart to complain. I'm bad at complaining.
- Evening: Dinner in the apartment. Using our glorious balcony. Grilled vegetables. Pasta. Another bottle of rosé. (See a theme here?). Thinking about my travel journal, or maybe not.
Day 4: The Hike That Nearly Did Us In (and the Best Ice Cream Ever)
- Morning: The Big Hike. We planned a (supposedly) easy hike in the hills around Goult. We should have checked the weather . It was not easy. It was brutally hot. We were woefully unprepared. Blisters, sunstroke, and a near-death experience involving a rogue sheep. I vowed never to trust a "moderate" hike again. I wanted to murder the person who marked the trails.
- Afternoon: The Aftermath. Completely exhausted and dehydrated. Collapsed in a tiny cafe. The best ice cream of my life. Pistachio. Just… pure, unadulterated pistachio bliss. A little taste of heaven.
- Evening: Home. Soaked in the tub. Ate leftover pizza. Watched a terrible French movie and laughed.
Day 5: Wine Tasting (and Maybe Regrets)
- Morning: A winery tour. Because, France. And wine. We visited a little place just outside of town. I can tell you all about vineyards and soil and blending. (But I can't remember any of it). The wine was fantastic.
- Afternoon: Maybe too much wine. A blurry afternoon of wandering aimlessly after multiple glasses of rosé, and then a very large cheese platter. I'm pretty sure I convinced a local baker that I was a long-lost relative.
- Evening: Pizza and some more wine. Feeling very happy.
Day 6: Relaxing, Lounging, And Maybe Trying to Learn Some French (ha!)
- All Day (Basically): Nothing. Just… nothing. Reading, napping, swimming, and sitting on the balcony, doing absolutely nothing. I am finally, finally, achieving my goal. I felt a strange sense of freedom I haven't felt in a long time. I think this is what bliss is.
- Evening: The last pizza. Tears. Knowing this glorious apartment and these perfect days are about to end.
Day 7: Au Revoir, Goult! (And A Plea to the Universe)
- Morning: Sad packing. Emptying the fridge. One last lingering look at the view. A promise to come back.
- Afternoon: The long drive back to the airport.
- Evening: The flight home. Tired. Happy. Already planning the next trip to Goult. Please, universe, let me get back here soon.
Important Notes:
- This itinerary is highly subject to change. I make no promises.
- My French will remain awful. Sorry, locals!
- Expect copious amounts of wine and cheese. It's practically a requirement.
- This is MY trip, so it's MY truth. Don't judge. I'm judging myself enough.
And that, my friends, is the plan. Wish me luck. And maybe send me some chocolate. I'm going to need it.
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Sichon Resort in Thailand Awaits!
Escape to Provence: Your Luxurious A/C Apartment in Goult Awaits! - & A Little Bit About My Own Crazy Life...
Okay, so, Goult... why Goult? Sounds like something a grumpy goblin would say!
Ha! You're not entirely wrong about the goblin part – sometimes I *feel* like a grumpy goblin when I'm wrestling with the air conditioning! But seriously, Goult is pure magic. Picture this: ancient stone buildings clinging to a hillside, a medieval castle looming protectively, and views that'll steal your breath (and maybe make you dramatically clutch your chest, like *me* the first time I saw it). Why Goult? Because it's authentic Provence. It's where the tourists haven't quite overrun everything, where the baker still knows the name of your dog (well, *maybe* not, but they're friendly!), and where you can actually, you know, *breathe*. Plus, the market on Monday mornings? Forget about it. Heavenly. Though, getting a decent parking spot... that's a gamble. Last time I spent 30 minutes circling, muttering under my breath, convinced someone was deliberately messing with me. Turns out, it was just a rogue Vespa. Grumble, grumble...
"Luxurious A/C Apartment"? What exactly *is* luxurious, anyway? Got a jacuzzi tub? (Asking for a friend... yeah, that's it.)
Alright, alright, let's get down to brass tacks. No jacuzzi tub, sadly. Believe me, I've *considered* it. Imagine after a long day fighting off the cicadas (they're relentless!) sinking into bubbly bliss... a dream, right? But "luxurious" here means comfort, quality and attention to detail. Think:
- Top-notch air conditioning (essential, trust me) - My biggest joy in the world is a cold room on a hot day!
- Well-equipped kitchen (Nespresso machine included – because, priorities) - I'm a total coffee addict, I spend half my day wandering looking for the perfect coffee.
- Stylish decor – nothing fussy, just a warm, inviting space.
- Super comfy beds – because you *need* your beauty sleep.
- Views to die for – seriously, you might actually *die* from the beauty. In a good way, hopefully.
The apartment is in a beautiful old building, yes, but it's all been renovated for modern life. No creaky floors that sound like a haunted house, I promise.
Air conditioning! Thank the heavens! Does it actually *work*? I'm always skeptical...
Oh, honey, *yes*. I'm talking Arctic-level, polar-bear-friendly air conditioning. I've lived through summers in Provence. I understand the desperation. I *grew up* in a house without AC! It wasn't pretty. So, rest assured, this AC is no joke. It will cool you down, it will save you from the relentless sun, it will allow you to sleep soundly and dream of lavender fields… or whatever your heart desires. It is also serviced regularly, because I'm terrified of it breaking down during peak season. The nightmares are vivid.
Okay, this sounds dreamy. What's the catch? Is there a hidden fee for… I don't know… breathing the air?
Okay, let's be clear. There are no hidden fees. No surcharges for simply existing. The price you see is the price you pay (plus, of course, the cost of your flight to France, which, let's be honest, is already stressing me out trying to plan). The only thing that’s not included is your groceries (obviously!) and your laundry. I do provide a washing machine, because I'm not evil. However, I will say that sometimes, the internet acts up. It's an old building! It's life. If the internet goes crazy, don’t come knocking on my door in distress. I may be down to fix it, but I'm not the internet god.
Oh, and speaking of life…One time, I had a guest who locked themselves out. At 3 AM. In a torrential downpour. I wasn't happy. But still, I got the door open (eventually), and now I have an emergency key hidden in a very *secret* spot. Don't try to find it.
What's the best restaurant in Goult? Give it to me straight!
Ah, the million-dollar question! Honestly? It depends on your mood. But my personal, *totally biased* favorite is... (Okay, I'm not going to name names, because that’s a bit of a liability – I’m not a restaurant critic!). But I will give you a hint: Look for a place with outdoor seating, twinkling lights, and the smell of garlic. The food is consistently amazing. And the wine list? Devine. Just… go. And try everything. And don't judge me if you see me there stuffing myself with cheese. It's research, I swear! But, be warned, reservations are essential. Otherwise, you'll be left staring longingly at other people's incredible food.
Is there a pool? (Okay, *now* I'm asking for a friend…)
No pool. I WISH! Believe me, I've considered a giant inflatable one on the balcony, but the neighbors would probably have me arrested. BUT, there's a lovely public pool nearby, and trust me, the lack of a backyard pool is a small price to pay for the charm and location of this apartment. Besides, you'll be too busy exploring the local markets, hiking in the Luberon, or simply sipping rosé on the terrace (which is pretty much the next best thing to a pool, anyway!) Do not feel sorry for me, I do not have a pool, but I do have a place in Goult, and that is enough.
I'm a bit of a nervous traveler. What should I *really* know before booking?
Okay, deep breaths, my friend. Here's the real deal:
- Parking is a pain. Seriously, plan for it. Embrace the challenge. Consider it a character-building exercise.
- Learn a few basic French phrases. The locals appreciate the effort, even if you butcher the pronunciation. "Bonjour," "merci," "un verre de vin, s'il vous plaît" – you're good to go!
- The cicadas are loud. Like, *really* loud. Embrace the soundtrack of Provence! Earplugs can also be useful for light sleepers.
- Embrace the pace of life. Things move slower here. Relax. Don't stress. Soak it all up. You're in Provence!
- The Wi-Fi isn't always perfect. See above. ConsiderHotel ExplorersApartment with air conditioning in the Luberon Goult France
Apartment with air conditioning in the Luberon Goult France
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