Escape to Paradise: Oliva Nova Golf & Beach Resort (Club Sevilla II, Spain)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Escape to Paradise: Oliva Nova Golf & Beach Resort (specifically, Club Sevilla II), and let me tell you, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, like a delicious paella with a rogue, uninvited chorizo. Get ready for the real deal, warts and all.
Accessibility: Not quite Paradise for Everyone (But Trying!)
Let's be brutally honest, shall we? Saying this place is completely wheelchair accessible might be a stretch. Yes, there are elevators (thank the heavens!), but navigating the sprawling grounds felt a bit like a treasure hunt at times. I'm talking dedicated ramps here and there but also those sneaky steps that pop out when you least expect them. The website boasts "facilities for disabled guests," which is a good start. I didn't personally need them, but I saw what I saw, and I suggest double-checking specific needs with the hotel directly. They seem to be trying, but more consistent, intuitive design would be a slam dunk.
So, What Is Good? (And a Little Bit Bad…)
Okay, let's get to the good stuff. The Wi-Fi? Glorious. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And yeah, Wi-Fi in public areas too, thank you, internet gods! I could wander from the pool to my room without losing my connection and my sanity. Internet [LAN] is also an option, for all you cable-clutchers out there. Easy-peasy.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying to Keep the Germs at Bay (Whew!)
This is where Oliva Nova really shines, especially post-pandemic. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. You could practically eat off the floors… well, maybe not, but you feel safe. Rooms sanitized between stays and anti-viral cleaning products are a huge plus. I was particularly impressed with the fact that they have individually-wrapped food options. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this made me feel like I was in a veritable bubble of cleanliness.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Fiesta of Choices… Sometimes Overwhelming
Whoa. The sheer volume of food options is a bit mind-boggling. Yes, Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant if you are into it. Western breakfast, too. Breakfast [buffet] is gigantic, and I mean gigantic. A little overwhelming, really. The a la carte in restaurant is useful if you want something specific, and they even have vegetarian restaurants. A bit of everything, everywhere. Now for the bad parts: The coffee in the Coffee shop was…well, let’s just say it wasn’t Starbucks. The Poolside bar is perfect for a post-swim cocktail (and there's also a Bar for all of your drinking needs). The Snack bar is great for a quick bite. I tried the soup. It was…fine.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Your Inner Relaxation Guru Will Thank You
This is where Oliva Nova truly earns its "Paradise" moniker. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, with a Pool with view. The Spa/sauna, sauna, steamroom, and spa were all top-notch. Seriously, I spent an entire afternoon getting pampered. Body scrub? Yes, please! Body wrap? Absolutely! I even ventured into the Fitness center – a necessary evil, I swear! - and was pleasantly surprised by the equipment. Massage was divine. Pure bliss.
Now, this is where I can get into the nitty-gritty. One highlight, and I mean highlight was the sauna. I am, to be honest, a total sauna newbie. I'm more of a "sit on the beach and bake in the sun" kind of girl. But, after a week of the beach, it felt like I needed something different. I was skeptical at first, but the staff made it so easy. They told me how long to stay, how to move around, what to do when I was getting too hot. The steam room had the perfect eucalyptus smell, and the whole place makes you feel like you could sit there and breathe forever. Pure bliss.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms:
The room itself? Not bad at all! Air conditioning is a must-have in this part of Spain, and it worked perfectly. I also loved the blackout curtains – essential for those lazy mornings. It even had a desk (for those work situations) and free bottled water. I had a room with a seating area, which was perfect for reading. Satellite/cable channels and a refrigerator, which is also very helpful.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Make a Difference
Excellent Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge. They had Daily housekeeping, which was a godsend. I also used the Dry cleaning service. Talk about laziness! The Luggage storage. Elevator, yes! And they offer Car park [free of charge], which is crucial.
For the Kids: Family Fun Factor - High
The resort is definitely Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service and a Kids meal.
The Messy Middle (And the Imperfections):
Here’s where it gets real. The resort is huge. Massive. Getting around can be a bit of a trek, especially from Club Sevilla II to some of the restaurants. This brings me to my next anecdote. One morning, I decided to order Breakfast in room and it… was a bit of a fiasco. I ordered it by phone, and, well, someone clearly missed something as I got my food and… wrong food. It was eventually sorted out, but it took a few calls (thank goodness for the free Wi-Fi!). Another imperfection: the initial check-in process was a little slow. I had to give my passport and then they had so many procedures. They were clearly being very careful, which is appreciated, but it felt like it took forever! Finally, the Convenience store, while handy, was a bit overpriced.
The Compelling Offer (My Pitch, in a Nutshell):
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Craving escape? Craving escape to escape to Paradise: Oliva Nova Golf & Beach Resort (Club Sevilla II)? Listen up.
Picture this: sun-drenched days spent lounging by the gorgeous swimming pool, followed by pampering sessions in the spa. Days spent golfing and eating delicious food. This is your all-access pass to that paradise.
- Unbeatable Value: You're getting top-tier amenities and service without the stuffy price tag of a ridiculously fancy resort.
- Flexibility: Perfect for families or couples. With a wide menu of restaurants and bars, everything to ensure that your every need is met.
- Peace of Mind: With their commitment to cleanliness and safety, you can truly relax and let your worries fade away.
Here are my recommendations:
- Book a room in Club Sevilla II: If the price is right.
- Be patient: The restaurant is huge, and getting around can take a bit of time.
- Embrace the chaos: This is a big resort, but that's part of the charm!
Final Verdict:
Escape to Paradise: Oliva Nova Golf & Beach Resort is a worthwhile option. Yes, it has its quirks, and while there are definitely aspects that could be improved, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
Escape to Paradise: Tuscan Sunrise Awaits in Your Noosa Beach House
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. Here's my chaotic, unfiltered, and probably slightly sunburnt itinerary for a week at Oliva Nova Golf Resort & Beach, Club Sevilla II, Spain. Don't expect perfection. Expect a glorious train wreck… in the best possible way.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Apartment Hunt (and Fear of the Unknown)
- Morning (aka "Panic Stations"): Flight lands in Valencia. The pre-holiday excitement? Gone. Replaced with a low-level, pervasive anxiety about baggage allowance, passport control, and whether I've accidentally packed six pairs of the same goddamn socks. (Spoiler: I have).
- Mid-morning: Taxi to Oliva Nova. Feeling a vague sense of triumph at navigating the airport without needing a translator or a sedative. Then the taxi driver starts chatting… in rapid-fire Spanish. My brain short circuits. Nod politely. Smile vacantly. Pray. We arrive. Club Sevilla II. Sounds fancy. Feels… slightly less fancy when I see the "apartment" key.
- Afternoon: The Apartment Appraisal & Battle of the Suitcase: Okay, so the "apartment" is actually… a perfectly fine apartment. Maybe even charming in a slightly dated, grandma-chic kind of way. The air conditioning, however, is a gamble. Fingers crossed. Unpacking my suitcase reminds me of a clown car – how did I fit so much in there?! The view? Decent. The balcony? Already plotting my aperol spritz strategy.
- Evening: Beach Reconnaissance & Tapas Debacle: Beach time! Waves are calling. Sand is soft. Bliss. Followed by a disastrous attempt at a tapas crawl. Ordered too much. Forgot how to speak Spanish (again). Accidentally ate something with tentacles. Regret. A lot of regret. Went to bed early, clutching my stomach and dreaming of plain toast. Honestly? I probably should have just stayed in.
Day 2: Golf, Glory, and a Near-Meltdown
- Morning: The Green Gods and My Ineptitude: Golf. My nemesis. Signed up for a lesson. (Foolish, I know). The instructor, a tanned Adonis named Javier, is ridiculously patient. I am the antithesis of patient. My swing resembles a deranged windmill. I top every shot. Javier, bless his heart, keeps smiling. And I manage to avoid throwing my club in a nearby lake.
- Mid-day: The Post-Golf (and Pride-Swallowing) Lunch: Lunch at the golf club. The food is… delicious. The only good shot I hit was the one with a camera, so that worked out!
- Afternoon: Pool Time (and Deep Existential Thoughts): The pool. Ah, the pool. Finally, a place I excel. Spent hours baking, reading a book, and contemplating the vastness of the universe and why I can't remember the name of that one song. Realized I need a bigger hat. And maybe therapy.
- Evening: Paella Perfection (Finally!) and Sunset Serendipity: Found a restaurant specializing in paella. This time, I spoke Spanish. The paella, oh, the paella! Saffron-infused rice, succulent seafood, a symphony of flavors. Pure perfection! Followed by a sunset stroll on the beach. The colors were breathtaking, transforming the world around me like a dream. Maybe this Spain trip isn't a train wreck after all…
Day 3: Market Mayhem, Beach Bumming, and the Dark Side of Sangria
- Morning: Mercado Madness: Market time! The local market in Oliva. A riot of colors, smells, and bustling humanity. Bought way too much fruit, some questionable olives, and a hat I now deeply regret. Got lost. Almost had a panic attack. Found my way out. Worth it.
- Mid-day: Mandatory Beach Time: Back to the beach. The sun is blazing. The water's crystal clear. I'm officially becoming one with the sand. I even caught a wave! (Okay. I stumbled in a wave.)
- Afternoon: Sangria Shenanigans: Decided to embrace the sangria. Big mistake. My Spanish started getting… creative. Had a lengthy conversation with a seagull (apparently, we both dislike tourists).
- Evening: Karaoke Catastrophe and Early Bedtime: There's karaoke at the resort. I’m usually the Karaoke Queen, but after Sangria, I sounded like a dying walrus. Mortified, I snuck off before anyone could ask for an encore. Bed, glorious bed!
Day 4: Day Trip Disaster to Dénia & A Seafood Salvation
- Morning: Denia Decision & Travel Troubles: The plan was to spend the day in Dénia, a beautiful coastal town. Found the public transport. Lost the will to live. It's crowded and hot. I'm sweating. I'm cranky. I may or may not have sworn at a particularly slow-walking elderly woman.
- Mid-day: The Dénia Detour: Dénia is beautiful. The harbor is abuzz with activity. Strolled the docks, looking at the boats. Tried to order lunch. Failed. My brain just cannot cope.
- Afternoon: Seafood Serendipity: Found a tiny restaurant away from the tourist traps. Seafood platter. Divine. The best meal of the trip. Felt the sun soak into my skin, the fresh air filling my lungs…it was a moment of true bliss.
- Evening: Back to the Apartment & Peace: Back to Club Sevilla II. Did nothing but sit on the balcony, look out at the view, and realize that, despite the chaos, I'm actually having a pretty good time.
Day 5: Spa Day and Reflection (plus a little retail therapy)
- Morning: Spa Day (The Calm Before the Storm): Spa day! Massages, facials, the works. It was probably supposed to be relaxing. It was kind of relaxing, but still couldn't stop thinking about whether or not I'd packed enough sunscreen. Or maybe it was the memory of the terrifying octopus.
- Afternoon: Shopping (and Maybe a Shopping Spree?): Decided to channel my inner shopaholic. Found a few cute dresses (and a truly awful pair of sandals that I’m already obsessed with). Regretting all the tapas.
- Evening: Tapas Round 2 (The Redemption Arc): Back to the tapas bars (this time, with some help from a friend). Ordered carefully. Ate slowly. Savoring every bite. Learning from my mistakes. Triumph!
- Night: The Balcony (and Existential Musings): Back to my balcony. The moon is full. The waves are crashing. Am I happy? Yes. Am I still slightly confused? Absolutely.
Day 6: Golf (Attempt #2) and Beach Bliss (Part Deux)
- Morning: Golf Round 2, The Revenge: Decided to hit the golf course again. Javier (bless him) is still there. My swing is slightly better (or at least slightly less embarrassing). Managed to connect with the ball a few times without falling over. Progress!
- Mid-day: Poolside Relaxation: More poolside bliss. Reading, sunbathing…basically making myself into a sun-dried tomato.
- Afternoon: Beach Bliss (The Finale): Final beach day! Swimming, sunbathing, building a pathetic sandcastle (and immediately having it washed away by a rogue wave). Drinking in the last moments of sun and sea air.
- Evening: the Farewell Dinner & packing up the luggage Made one last memory, at the local restaurant, as a celebration, and a goodbye for the next trip! Packed my bag with more souvenirs than I had planned to buy, and made a plan.
- Night: Ready for the End: After final touches, all the things are ready for the day after. the end is near….
Day 7: Departure & the Great Unpacking (and the inevitable Post-Holiday Blues)
- Morning: Final Farewell: Last breakfast on the balcony. One last look at the sea. A wave of sadness washes over me. The holiday is ending.
- Mid-day: The Journey Home: Taxi to the airport. Goodbye, Spain! Goodbye, Club Sevilla II! Goodbye, sanity!
- Afternoon: Home Sweet Home (or, Rather, Home, and the Reality Check): Flight lands. Back to reality. Unpacking my suitcase (the clown car, remember?). Feeling a mixture of exhaustion, joy, and a deep longing for paella.
- Evening: Post-Holiday Reflections (or, When Do I Book the Next Trip?): Sifting through photos. Reliving the chaos. Already making plans to return. Definitely need to work on my Spanish. And maybe my golf swing. And definitely need to remember to pack less socks. 10 out of 10 would recommend! Even with the inevitable chaos, I'm happy I went.
Escape to Paradise: Oliva Nova – A Rambling FAQ (Because Real Life is Messy)
Okay, first thing’s first: Is Oliva Nova *really* paradise? And is Club Sevilla II the best spot?
Paradise? Well, that depends. If your idea of paradise is golden beaches stretching for miles, the scent of salt air mixed with paella, and the almost constant sound of the waves… then YES. Oliva Nova, bless its sandy little heart, comes *pretty* darn close. Now, Club Sevilla II… that’s where things get a little more… interesting. I mean, I *loved* it, but let's be real, I’m also the type who can accidentally set off the smoke alarm making toast. So my definition of perfection might be a little skewed.
It’s not the *flashiest* part of the resort, that's for sure. Think comfortable, family-friendly vibes rather than gleaming marble and rooftop bars. The apartments are… well, they're practical. And you know what? Practical is sometimes exactly what you need after a day of trying (and failing) to understand Spanish! It’s close to the pool (essential), near enough to the beach without being a sand-blasted mess, and honestly, the location is brilliant. I'd happily go back.
But, I *will* admit, the first morning I woke up, peered out the window, and saw the slightly… *tired* paint job on the building across the courtyard? Yeah, a slight wobble of "Oh, is this the life?" But then I drank my coffee, saw the sun, and immediately started planning my day. So, take that however you will!
What's the beach like? Is it crowded?
Oh. My. Goodness. The beach. Okay, deep breaths. The beach is… *stunning*. Massive, golden, soft sand that doesn’t scorch your feet when you step on it (win!). The water? Crystal clear, relatively calm (perfect for us non-pro swimmers), and that beautiful turquoise colour that makes you want to just… *jump* in. Seriously tempted to just move there. It feels vast. Like you can walk for miles. And I *did*.
Crowded? Well, we went in shoulder season (October/November), and it was wonderfully uncrowded. Plenty of space to spread out, build your sandcastle empire, or just lie there like a beached whale (guilty). I've heard the summer months can get busier, naturally, but even then, the sheer size of the beach means you should still be able to find a quiet spot. I'd happily fight someone for a spot in any season. But shhh, don't tell anyone!
The only minor complaint? Possibly too many beautiful things to look at, which makes it hard to focus on your book. But that hardly seems like a real problem, does it?
What about the food? Are there good restaurants nearby?
Okay, listen. I am *serious* about food. And Oliva Nova? It does *not* disappoint. There are restaurants right on the beach – *chef's kiss* - serving fresh seafood, paella that'll make you weep (in a good way!), and the obligatory (but utterly delicious) tapas. Seriously, the gambas al ajillo? Forget about it. Pure heaven.
Club Sevilla II itself doesn’t have a restaurant, but the resort has plenty of options. From casual cafes by the pool to slightly fancier establishments. Of course, you can also cook in your apartment – which is what we did a lot, fueled by our daily trips to the local markets for fresh produce. I burned the paella. Twice. Don't judge. But the leftovers the next day? Delicious!
Pro-tip: Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. It'll make the experience just *that* much better. Otherwise, you might end up ordering something completely unexpected. (My husband once accidentally ordered a plate of snails. He's still not forgiven me for laughing so hard.)
Is there anything fun to do besides lying on the beach & stuffing your face?
Besides beaching and eating? Are you kidding me?! Yes! Oliva Nova is a haven for golfers (apparently, there's a pretty decent golf course, according to my husband and his VERY intense golf friends). There's a spa (yes, please!). You can rent bikes and cycle along the coast (very scenic). The resort itself has a pool, which is excellent. And there are a few shops and bars within walking distance. Not loads, but something.
We went on a day trip to Valencia. It was fabulous. The architecture, the culture, the sangria… pure bliss. Definitely recommend it – but be prepared for a long day. Also, the language barrier is real. I tried to order coffee once, and ended up with something that may or may not have been actual coffee. It tasted like mud.
Look, if you're the type who needs constant adrenaline and a never-ending stream of activities, it might not be perfect. But for me? The simple pleasure of reading a book on the beach, followed by a sunset walk, then dinner… that was absolute gold. If you're happy with that kind of thing, then go! You'll love it.
What about the kids? Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely! Oliva Nova is super family-friendly. The beach is perfect for kids – shallow water, soft sand, and endless possibilities for building sandcastles and generally getting sandy. The pool is great, with a separate children's area. There are playgrounds dotted around the resort. I mean, I don’t have kids, but I watched several small humans having the time of their lives. They seemed to be enjoying themselves. One even offered me a sand pie. (I politely declined.)
Club Sevilla II itself is well-suited to families. The apartments are spacious enough, and the fact that it's not *too* flashy means you don’t have to worry about a constant chorus of “Don’t touch that!” from the little ones. Plus, the proximity to the pool is a major bonus. My only reservation? The pool can get busy. So prepare for some noise. Pack earplugs if you're easily disturbed!
Honestly, if you're looking for a place to relax with the family and create some happy memories (without breaking the bank!), Oliva Nova is a winner. Just pack extra sunscreen. Seriously. Trust me on this one.
What's the worst thing about Oliva Nova/Club Sevilla II? Be honest!
Okay, okay, fine. Let's get real. There's always *something*, right? The biggest negative, for me, was the slight, and I mean *slight*, lack of immediate "wow" factor in some areas, and let's be real the wifi! It can be a bit spotty sometimes. Expect random dropouts of internet connectivity! That's annoying when you're trying to upload the perfect sunset photo to Instagram.Hotel Haven Now
