Uncover the Hidden Gem: Lugar dos Devas, Pontevedra's Mystical Secret!
Uncover the Hidden Gem: Lugar dos Devas, Pontevedra's Mystical Secret! - A Review From a Slightly Disorganized Traveler
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Lugar dos Devas, Pontevedra's Mystical Secret! Let's be honest, the name itself is already promising, right? Mystical! Secret! Pontevedra! My inner adventurer practically squealed when I booked this place. And after my stay? Well, let's just say it's a bit like a good wine – complex, with some surprising notes, and definitely something you want to savor (and maybe write a slightly chaotic review about).
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, The Quest for the Elevator)
Finding the place was a breeze, thankfully. But lemme tell you, my luggage and I had a moment with the stairs. Now, the website does mention an elevator, praise the heavens, but navigating the initial labyrinth of corridors to find it felt like a mini-adventure in itself. So, if you're traveling with a mountain of baggage, or have mobility issues, be sure to clarify the exact elevator location before you arrive. Accessibility in general is a mixed bag. While there are clearly facilities for disabled guests, I'd recommend calling ahead to confirm specifics and ensure your needs are met.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I didn't specifically check for this (mea culpa!), but I'd advise a quick phone call to confirm options.
Wheelchair Accessible: See above. Definitely inquire.
Internet – My Digital Oxygen
Okay, I'm a digital nomad, a creature of the internet. Internet access is practically a lifeblood. And Lugar dos Devas mostly delivered. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! 🙌. The signal was generally strong, and I could stream Netflix without too much buffering (crucial for my sanity). There’s also Internet [LAN] if you're old school. Internet services overall were pretty solid. Wi-Fi in public areas was also available, which was handy for a quick email check while enjoying a coffee on the terrace.
The Good Stuff: Relaxation, Pampering & Pure Bliss
Now, this is where Lugar dos Devas shines. Honestly, the Spa is a highlight. Forget your troubles, people. Just forget them.
- Spa/sauna: Yes, please! I spent a glorious hour sweating out my stress in the sauna. Pure bliss.
- Swimming pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view was absolutely breathtaking. Sipping a cocktail by the pool, gazing at the scenery… pure Instagram gold (and real-life happiness).
- Massage: Book. It. Now. I had a massage that was so good, I almost forgot my own name. I'm talking next-level relaxation. It’s one of those things that makes you sigh audibly and go, "Oh, this is the life."
- Body scrub & Body wrap: Didn't indulge in these, sadly, but the spa menu looked divine. Next time!
- Steamroom: Another haven for relaxation, perfect for melting away any lingering tension.
- Fitness center & Gym/fitness: I'm more of a "walk to the fridge" kind of fitness enthusiast, so I didn't check these out. But they were available!
Things to Do (Beyond Bliss):
- There's a Shrine on site – a definite plus for those seeking a bit of spiritual solace.
- Meeting/banquet facilities are available, and they also offer Seminars and Meetings.
- On-site event hosting and Indoor venue for special events are available.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - My Stomach's Report
The Dining, drinking, and snacking situation was pretty darn good, with a few caveats.
- Restaurants: The food was generally excellent. A la carte in restaurant was a treat, and the International cuisine in restaurant was well-executed.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A solid spread, with a good variety of options. The Breakfast service was efficient and friendly. I'm a sucker for a good buffet.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential. Fuel for the day!
- Poolside bar: Cocktails by the pool? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!
- Bar: A nice spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver for late-night cravings.
- Snack bar: Perfect for a quick bite.
- Desserts in restaurant: Delicious. Just… delicious.
The Hiccups (Every Place Has 'Em)
- Vegetarian restaurant: While they offered vegetarian options, a dedicated veg restaurant would have been amazing.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: I'd love to see more of this!
- Soup in restaurant: Could have used a few more soup options.
- Happy hour: I missed a good happy hour deal.
Cleanliness & Safety - Feeling Safe & Sound
Okay, this is important, especially these days. And Lugar dos Devas gets a big thumbs up here.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Check.
- Hygiene certification: Check.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly observed, though I did spot a few close encounters in the breakfast buffet line.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check.
- Safe dining setup: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check.
I felt very safe and secure during my stay. They're taking things seriously.
Rooms & Amenities - Cozy Comfort
My room? Lovely. Not perfect, mind you, but comfortable.
- Air conditioning: Essential!
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes!
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for sleep.
- Bathrobes & Slippers: Luxe touch!
- Free Wi-Fi: Again, a lifesaver.
- Desk & Laptop workspace: Good for getting some work done, when I had to.
- Mini bar: Always tempting.
- Private bathroom: Of course!
- Shower: Perfectly adequate.
- Non-smoking: Excellent.
- Alarm clock: Needed that wake-up service, I was in vacation mode.
- Additional toilet: Didn't have one, but wouldn't have complained!
- In-room safe box: Always good to have.
- Hair dryer: Essential.
- Mirror: Necessary to make sure I was presentable.
- Seating area & Sofa: Relaxing!
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Good for families.
- Smoke detector & Fire extinguisher: Safety first!
- Wake-up service: Essential.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning: Very convenient.
- Currency exchange: Useful.
- Cash withdrawal: Always handy.
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Elevator: (Remember the initial search!).
- Ironing service & Ironing facilities: Great for the crumpled traveler.
For the Kids & Pets (or Lack Thereof)
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Pets allowed: Unavailable.
Getting Around – Navigating Pontevedra & Beyond
- Airport transfer: Available.
- Car park [free of charge] & Car park [on-site]: Convenient.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, The Honest Truth
Okay, let’s get real. Lugar dos Devas isn’t perfect. There were a couple of minor blips. The occasional slightly slow service at the bar, a slightly confusing map. And I did have to ask twice for more coffee at breakfast. (Priorities, people!). And one time the internet went down. But honestly? These are small potatoes.
Anecdote Alert: I’ll never forget stumbling upon the most incredible sunset from the pool. The light was just perfect, and I felt like I was in a movie. That moment alone was worth the price of admission.
The Emotional Verdict:
This place is a gem. It’s a place to unwind, to pamper yourself, to reconnect with yourself (or maybe just escape the chaos of daily life). Yes, it has its quirks, but those imperfections are part of its charm. I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and already plotting my return.
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**Tired of
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to get REAL messy with this trip to Lugar dos Devas, Pontevedra, Spain. Forget those pristine, perfectly-timed itineraries. This is life, people. This is me, navigating cobblestones and questionable tapas, fueled by caffeine and the sheer, unadulterated joy of being somewhere new.
Lugar dos Devas: My Chaotic Iberian Rhapsody (Aka, My Trip That Probably Won't Go Exactly as Planned)
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious, Glorious Smell of the Sea (and Possibly Regret)
- Morning (ish, because jet lag is a BITCH): Land in Santiago de Compostela. The airport? Fine. The rental car? A tiny, terrifying thing that I'm pretty sure is going to spontaneously combust on a hill. Note to self: learn to drive a manual before embarking on this adventure. My first impression: "Wow, it is green here!" (Green and potentially a little too close to a cliff edge for my liking).
- Mid-Morning (ish, because I got lost. Twice.): Finally, FINALLY, I arrive at Lugar dos Devas. The place? Stunning. Seriously, jaw-dropping. The views of the Ría de Pontevedra? Ridiculously pretty. I swear I actually gasped. The apartment? Charming, and with a balcony that screams "sunset drinks and questionable decisions." I unpack… or, rather, toss my stuff into various corners, because unpacking is for people who have their lives together. (I do not).
- Lunch (because I'm starving): Okay, so I wandered into a little taberna recommended by the Airbnb host. The name? I don't remember. The food? Absolutely divine. I ordered something that sounded vaguely like "pulpo a la gallega" (octopus) because, you know, Spain. I also may have accidentally ordered a whole bottle of Albariño. Oops. Worth it. The octopus? Tender, smoky, and a revelation. The wine? Flowing, like a river of happiness. I actually felt a tear in my eye as I tasted it (the wine, not the octopus… although that was pretty good too).
- Afternoon: A walk. A glorious, sun-drenched walk along the coast. I tripped over a cobblestone. Twice. Embrace the clumsiness, I tell myself. It's part of the charm. I found a tiny beach and just sat there, letting the waves wash over my feet and the salty air fill my lungs. I actually felt… calm. And then I started thinking about all the emails I hadn't answered and the laundry I hadn't done and promptly had a minor existential crisis. But the beach was still pretty.
- Evening: Sunset drinks on the balcony. The view? Even more spectacular than I remembered. I attempted to take a photo, but my phone battery died. The universe is clearly telling me to experience things, not just photograph them. I'm trying. I really am. Dinner? Another taberna, this time with more locals than tourists. I pointed at a few things on the menu (my Spanish is, shall we say, developing) and hoped for the best. It was… interesting. Let's just say I'm pretty sure I ate something that was still moving. But hey, adventure! And the wine? Still good.
Day 2: The Charm of Pontevedra and the Mystery of the Missing Socks
- Morning: Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. I'm pretty sure I'm running on pure caffeine at this point. A wander through the historic center of Pontevedra. Cobblestone streets, charming squares, and buildings that look like they've been standing for centuries. I got delightfully lost, which is the best way to see a place. I stopped at a little artisan shop and bought a hand-painted ceramic tile. It's probably going to end up broken in my suitcase, but I don't care. It's beautiful.
- Mid-Morning: The Mercado de Abastos. Oh. My. God. The smells, the colors, the energy! Fresh seafood, mountains of fruit, cured meats… I almost bought a whole octopus (again!), but sanity prevailed (mostly). I did, however, buy a wedge of local cheese that I promptly devoured. The cheese was good.
- Lunch (and a near-disaster): Found a little place near the market for tapas. I ordered way too much food, as usual. I attempted to pay with a credit card. The machine was broken. Panic ensued. I scrambled through my bag, pulling out crumpled Euros and praying I had enough. I just made it. Lesson learned: always carry cash. And maybe learn some basic Spanish phrases about credit card machines.
- Afternoon: The Quest for the Perfect Beach (and the Sock Situation): I decided to find the perfect beach. It's a quest. A noble quest. I drove along the coast, stopping at various beaches. Some were too crowded, some were too windy, some just didn't have the right vibe. I did, however, find a beach where I could watch the sunset. Which was great.
- Evening: The Sock Mystery: Where are my socks? Seriously. I can't find a single pair. I've turned the apartment upside down. I suspect a rogue sock monster is at large. This is probably a sign that I need to do laundry. But, you know, priorities. Dinner was at a seafood restaurant. It was expensive, but the seafood was incredible. I ordered something I didn't recognize. It turned out to be a kind of clam that was absolutely delicious. The sunset? Perfect. The lack of socks? Still a mystery.
- Night: More wine. More attempts at Spanish. More contemplating the meaning of life while watching the stars.
Day 3: The Camino and the Emotional Rollercoaster of Solitude
- Morning: I decided to walk a small portion of the Camino de Santiago. It's a pilgrimage route, and I thought it would be a cool experience. I walked for a few hours. It was beautiful, peaceful, and… lonely. I'm not used to being alone for extended periods. I started to feel a bit overwhelmed. The silence was deafening. I had a minor meltdown (okay, maybe a major one) and cried a little. I mean, what is life, anyway? I'm here, in Spain, alone, and I'm… sad? It's complicated.
- Mid-Morning: I found a cafe, ordered a coffee, and sat and watched the world go by. It was oddly comforting. I watched a woman selling flowers, a couple holding hands, a dog chasing a ball. I started to feel better. The sun was shining. The coffee was strong. Maybe solitude isn't so bad after all.
- Lunch: I had a sandwich at a local cafe near the Camino. The bread was crusty, the ham was salty, and the atmosphere was perfect. I felt a little bit grounded.
- Afternoon: I spent the afternoon exploring the nearby town. I found a cute little shop and bought a postcard. I sent it to myself. It's a reminder that I was here. That I did this. That I survived.
- Evening: Back at the apartment. More sunset. More wine. I cooked a very simple pasta dish. I watched the light fade over the water. I felt… okay. Maybe even good. This trip is hard. It's messy. But it's also beautiful.
- Night: I finished the bottle of wine and had a deep, emotional conversation with myself. I think I needed this.
Day 4: The Drive, the Farewell, and the Lingering Taste of Albariño
- Morning: Packing. The worst part. I'm already dreading the flight home. I'm pretty sure I'll forget something important. (Probably my socks).
- Mid-Morning: One last wander through the town. One last coffee. One last look at the sea. I bought one last pastry.
- Lunch: I had a final lunch at the taberna where I had my first meal. I ordered the octopus one last time. It was even better than I remembered. I also had a glass of Albariño. The taste of it will stay with me forever.
- Afternoon: The drive back to the airport. The little car seemed even tinier than before. I got lost. Again. But I made it.
- Evening: The flight. The goodbyes. The promise to return. The feeling of sadness, and also of gratitude. This trip was a mess. It was beautiful. It was a rollercoaster. And I wouldn't have traded it for anything.
- Night: Back home. I'm tired. I'm a little bit sad. I'm already planning my next adventure. And I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy more Albariño. And maybe, just maybe, I'll find my socks.
This, my friends, is a travel itinerary with a healthy dose of reality. It's a reminder that travel isn't always sunshine and perfectly posed photos. It's about embracing the chaos, the imperfections, and the raw, messy beauty of life. And the wine, of course. Always
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So, what *IS* Lugar dos Devas, exactly? Is it like, a cult? (Asking for a friend… who might also be me…)
Okay, okay, deep breaths. No, it's not a cult. At least, I *think* it's not a cult. Look, I'm not an expert on cults. It's more like… a really old, really secluded spot in Pontevedra, Spain. Think ancient stones, mysterious carvings, and a whole lot of "history." It’s shrouded in Galician folklore, and honestly, it feels like the land itself is whispering secrets. I went there expecting... I don't know, maybe a slightly overgrown park? I found something… else. Something that got under my skin. And yeah, it *does* have a bit of a cult-y vibe sometimes, but in a cool, ancient, "worship the earth" kind of way, not a "drink the Kool-Aid" kind of way. I think.
Alright, but *why* is it a "Hidden Gem"? Is it really that hard to find? (Because I have a terrible sense of direction.)
Yes! Absolutely! Unless you're a local, or a map-reading wizard, you're gonna have a time. Google Maps *sort of* gets you there, but then the adventure *really* begins. The last part of the drive is on these tiny, winding roads that make you question your life choices. And then, you're basically looking for a barely marked trail that might or might not lead to the actual place. I got lost. Twice. The first time, I was convinced I'd stumbled into a Hobbit village. The second time, I almost gave up and went for tapas. (Tapas won, eventually. But I went back, because… well, you’ll see.) It's hidden because it *wants* to be hidden. It’s like it’s testing you, seeing if you're worthy of its magic. (I'm still not sure I passed the test, to be honest.)
Okay, let's get to the good stuff. What's so *special* about it? What did *you* experience? Spill the tea!
Ugh, where do I even *begin*? Okay, picture this: I finally, *finally* found the damn place. Sunlight dappling through the trees, the air thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. I walked around the stones, these ancient, moss-covered things, covered in carvings… some I could make out, some were just… well, mysterious squiggles. And then… I sat. Just sat on one of the larger stones, and closed my eyes. I'm not usually one for this "spiritual connection" stuff, I'm more of a "eat a whole pizza" kind of person. But… something happened. I felt… a pull. Like the earth was breathing, and I was breathing with it. I felt… *calm*. And then, a wave of sadness washed over me. Like, a deep, ancient sadness, for things I didn't even know. I almost started crying, which is a huge deal, because I'm not a crier. I felt so connected to… everything. It was intense. It was beautiful. It was… weird. (I might have also seen a squirrel. A very judgemental squirrel.)
So, is it all rainbows and unicorns and earth-mother vibes? Or are there any downsides?
Oh, honey, life is never all rainbows and unicorns, especially not in a place that's likely older than your grandmother. The downsides? Okay, first, the aforementioned getting-lost situation. Pack snacks. And a compass. And maybe a therapist. Second, the weather. Galicia is known for its… unpredictable weather. Be prepared for rain. Lots of rain. And mud. Lots of mud. I'm pretty sure I lost a boot in the mud. Third, the feeling of being watched. (Maybe it's just me and my overactive imagination, but… I felt it. Like the trees were whispering secrets about me. And judging my questionable fashion choices.) Fourth, sometimes the silence is deafening. And that can be a little… unsettling. But honestly? The good outweighs the bad by a mile. Even the judgemental squirrel couldn't ruin it.
What should I bring? What should I *not* do? Basic survival stuff, please!
Bring: Comfortable shoes (you'll be walking!), waterproof gear (rain, people, RAIN!), a water bottle, snacks (hangry is a real thing), a fully charged phone (for photos *and* for getting un-lost), and a notebook (you'll want to jot down your thoughts… or maybe just rant about the mud). Bring an open mind. And maybe a friend, because sharing the experience is… well, it's nice. Don't bring: Loud music (respect the silence!), anything that leaves trash behind (leave no trace!), bad vibes (seriously, leave them at home!), and an expectation of a perfect, Instagram-worthy experience. Embrace the mess! Don't expect to understand everything. Just… feel. And for the love of all that is holy, don't try to climb on the stones. They're ancient and fragile, and you're… well, probably not. Also, don't feed the squirrels. They're already judgmental enough.
Okay, you've got me intrigued. When's the best time to go? And how much time should I set aside?
Honestly? Any time, really. Spring and fall offer the best weather (less rain, hopefully!), but the magic is there year-round. Just be prepared for whatever the Galician sky throws at you. As for time… give yourself at least half a day. Preferably a whole day. You'll want time to get lost (trust me, it's part of the experience), wander, sit, reflect, and maybe just… be. Don't rush it. Let the place soak into you. Don't try to "see" everything. Just *feel* everything. I spent a whole afternoon there once, and I still feel like I barely scratched the surface. I could have stayed for days. I probably *should* have stayed for days. (My credit card would have hated me, though…)
So, the big question: Would you go back? And would you recommend it?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. I'm already planning my next trip. Lugar dos Devas isn't just a "place to see." It's an experience. It’s a feeling. It's… something I can't quite put into words, and that's part of the magic. Yes, you'll get lost. Yes, you'll probably get muddy. Yes, you might feel a little… weird. But you'll also feel something… profound. Something… ancient. Something… worth the trip. (And the mud. And the judgmental squirrels.) Go. Just… go. But don't tell too many people. Let it keep its secrets.
