Casa Marisa: Your Dream Golfo Aranci Escape Awaits!
Casa Marisa: Golfo Aranci - My Brain Dump on Paradise (Almost!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans – and maybe a little Aperol Spritz – on Casa Marisa: Your Dream Golfo Aranci Escape Awaits! Now, before you roll your eyes thinking, "Another fluffy brochure-speak review," let me assure you, I'm not about that life. I'm about the real deal, the messy bits, the glorious highs, and the occasional groan-inducing lows. And, let's be honest, this place? It's got me thinking about my retirement. Okay, maybe just a long weekend.
First things first: Getting There & Getting IN (Accessibility - or Lack Thereof!):
Okay, so, I'm using the phrase "Your Dream Golfo Aranci Escape" but let's get real. Accessibility? Well… it’s a mixed bag. They do have facilities for disabled guests, bless their hearts. But finding actual specifics… that's where the fun begins, eh? I saw mention of an elevator, which is crucial for a hotel hoping to be widely accessible. I really hope it works properly. Car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] are good. Airport transfer is a lifesaver, especially after a long flight. Taxi service is present, too. These are all super important when planning a trip.
The Essentials: Cleanliness & Security – Phew, They're Trying!
Look, I’m a germaphobe. Seriously. So, the whole anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing services, and rooms sanitized between stays thing really caught my attention. Thank GOODNESS. And the Daily disinfection in common areas, is a must in these times. The hand sanitizer stations plastered everywhere were appreciated. Seeing the staff trained in safety protocol was a relief. The hygiene certification? Okay, I feel like they're trying. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property give that extra layer of security, as the front desk [24-hour]. Let's be honest: feeling safe is half the battle.
The Food! (And The Drinks! My God, The Drinks!)
Listen, I'm a sucker for a good breakfast. And at Casa Marisa? The breakfast [buffet] was… decent. Not life-changing, but hey, there was Asian breakfast which I loved. The Western breakfast was there for the more basic among us. The coffee/tea in restaurant was crucial.
But the real star? The Poolside bar. Oh, that poolside bar. I spent an unhealthy amount of time there. The Happy hour was my religion. The Poolside bar offered a truly heavenly array of cocktails, especially the Aperol Spritz, and I might have had one too many a few times. Okay, a lot of times. The restaurants themselves offered a selection. The A la carte in restaurant was a treat. I found some Asian cuisine in restaurant. But, my god, the desserts in restaurant were out of this world.
Things to Do (and Ways to Avoid Doing Anything At All):
Okay, so let's be honest. I went for the "relax" portion of this vacation, so I'm not the best judge of action-packed activities. BUT, the Fitness center was actually pretty well-equipped, which surprised me, I always feel like I should use gyms and never do. The swimming pool was gorgeous, and the pool with view was where I spent most of my time. They have a sauna, Spa and Spa/sauna areas, which I hear is nice because i heard people saying it. I’m more of a "sun and Aperol Spritz" kinda gal. I did actually try the Body scrub once, and it was… okay? Really, I’m more a "sit on the terrace with a book and a giant glass of something" kind of vacationer, and the terrace at Casa Marisa was PERFECTION.
That Room, Though… (And the Little Annoyances):
Okay, the rooms. Overall, pretty good. I had a non-smoking room (thank goodness!), and the air conditioning was a lifesaver. It was a high floor which was so nice. The free Wi-Fi was absolutely essential. The interconnecting room(s) available is something to think about, especially if I ever traveled with other people. The desk was nice, the sofa was comfy.
But, and there's always a but, right? The mirror was a little… crooked. And the coffee/tea maker was of the "meh" variety. But hey, at least there was free bottled water. And I really appreciated the safe box. Overall, the rooms didn't disappoint.
The "Meh" Zone:
Okay, time for a little honesty. The Internet [LAN] and the Internet services were a little wonky. Fine if you are just browsing but don't count on it for any serious tasks. And the Wi-Fi in public areas wasn’t always the strongest. The concierge was helpful when they were around, but sometimes, it felt like they’d vanished into thin air.
For the Kids (Bless Their Little Hearts):
I do not have children, so take this with a mountain of salt. But, I was pleased to see Casa Marisa is family/child friendly. There were Kids facilities, and even a Babysitting service which is super convenient for those parents.
The "Maybe, Someday" Zone:
I really can't comment on the meeting/banquet facilities, the seminars, and the business facilities because I wasn’t there for that!
The Offer: Your Golfo Aranci Dream Awaits (and My Aperol Spritz Fund Needs Help!)
Okay, friends, here’s the deal: Casa Marisa is a solid choice. It's clean, it's comfortable, and the poolside bar alone is worth the price of admission. But, I'm going to be bold. My offer is a little different. I would like to add on a "fun-loving" package. So…
Book your stay at Casa Marisa through this link, using my special code "APEROL-ADDICT", and get:
- 10% off your stay. (I needed this, I'm not rich!)
- A complimentary bottle of Prosecco upon arrival. (To help you channel your inner Spritz-loving self!)
- A guaranteed poolside bar reservation for one hour each day. (Because trust me, you'll want it!)
- Plus, with every booking, Casa Marisa will donate a small percentage to help me restock my Aperol supply for my next adventure! (Just kidding… mostly!)
Why Book Now?
Because let's face it: you deserve it. You deserve a break. You deserve a place to relax, recharge, and maybe, just maybe, fall in love with the feeling of sunshine on your face and an Aperol Spritz in your hand. Casa Marisa is the perfect launchpad for that dream. Don’t wait. Dive in. And tell 'em "The Aperol-Addict" sent you!
P.S. Don't judge my ramblings. I'm still dreaming of that pool and the perfectly chilled aperol. And the desserts. Oh, the desserts.
Escape to Paradise: Anongnat Greenview Resort Awaits in Khao Yai!
Okay, buckle up, Buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is my Casa Marisa in Golfo Aranci, Sardinia, survival guide. Or at least, a very messy, hopefully hilarious, and definitely opinionated account of how I think I tackled it. Prepare for tangents, because that's just how my brain works.
Casa Marisa: Operation Sardinia (aka, "Surviving Paradise")
Day 1: Arrival and the Grand Sardinian Mistake (aka, "Did I Seriously Book This?")
- Morning (or what passed for it after the red-eye): Landed in Olbia. The airport, a glorified shed, immediately hit me with the humid embrace of Sardinian air. My initial thought? "Oh Jesus, I look like I've been through a swamp." Rented the car – a minuscule Fiat that I immediately named 'Shrimp' – and proceeded to spend the next hour accidentally drifting onto the wrong side of the road, screaming mildly inappropriate things under my breath. Navigation? Let's just say my "sense of direction" is a generous term.
- Afternoon: Finally found Casa Marisa. The Wonderful Italy photos? Lies. Sweet, sweet lies. Just kidding! It was actually perfect! (Well, maybe not "perfect" perfect, but definitely charming, with a balcony that screamed amore and the smell of the sea whispering promises of endless Aperol Spritzes.) Unpacked…or attempted to. Half the suitcase remained in a heap, my brain's already overloaded from travel. Tried to figure out the coffee machine. Failed miserably. Resorted to instant coffee. The horror.
- Evening: First Sardinian Sunset & The Pizza Predicament: Found a local restaurant ("La Tavola Felice," which translated to the Happy Table, hopefully). Ordered pizza. The crust was so thin, it practically dissolved on my tongue. I swear I inhaled half of it before I could even register what happened. Watched the sunset from the balcony (finally figured out how to work the furniture!) – pure, unadulterated bliss. Started planning the next day. (Note: planning is a loose term for "scribbling indecipherable notes on a napkin while humming a jaunty tune.")
Day 2: Beach Blues & the Bruschetta Breakdown
- Morning: The promise of a beach day. I set my sights on Cala Moresca, a beach supposedly famous for its crystal-clear water. Reached Cala Moresca. Water was gorgeous. I walked on the sand, felt it on my feet, and took a deep breath… then, promptly got stung by, I think, a jellyfish. My reaction: a symphony of yelps and dramatic hand-waving. My perfect beach day had begun, now, it has gone bad. Spent an hour nursing my humiliation (and the sting) and wondering if I’d accidentally pissed off Neptune.
- Afternoon: Bruschetta-making attempt at Casa Marisa. Bought the ingredients: tomatoes, basil, olive oil (the good stuff!), and the crusty bread. Cut the bread. Sliced the tomatoes…too thin. Realized I had absolutely zero knife skills. The bruschetta looked like a culinary crime scene. Taste-tested, though, and it was like, the best thing I ever tasted.
- Evening: Wandered into Golfo Aranci. The marina was beautiful. There was a gelateria. I bought gelato. Ate gelato. Gelato made everything better. Found a tiny trattoria. Got talking to the owner, Maria, who fed me more pasta than humanely possible. She also told me her life story. (In Italian, which I mostly understood, thanks to frantic hand gestures and a lot of nodding.) Fell in love with Sardinia a little more.
Day 3: The Maddalena Archipelago & Boat-Induced Ocean Angst
- Morning: Decided to conquer the Maddalena Archipelago by boat trip. I'm good on a road, but on the water? I get seasick. My face was all green. So, the boat trip started. I felt queasy. The crystal-clear water was mocking me. Attempted to take photos, but my hands were shaking. The islands were beautiful, I guess, but I spent the entire trip glued to the horizon, praying I wouldn't lose my lunch.
- Afternoon: Back on land. Stumbled, zombie-like, toward the nearest caffeine source. Found a cafe, ordered the strongest expresso known to man. Slowly recovered. Wondered if I should've just stayed on the beach and built a sandcastle, which would have been MUCH less stressful.
- Evening: Ate a pizza. Again. Okay, so I’m predictable. But the pizza? It was amazing. (This is a recurring theme). Sat on the balcony, contemplating the meaning of life, or at least, the perfect ratio of cheese to tomato sauce.
Day 4: The Secret Beach & the Lost Language Barrier
- Morning: A local told me about a "secret" beach. Found the so-called secret beach, which was PACKED. Turns out, everyone knew about it. But the water was gorgeous, the sand was soft, and for a brief moment, I was at peace.
- Afternoon: Had a go at a restaurant (a local, again…). Ordered a dish and attempted to explain my dietary restrictions to the waiter. My Italian skills failed me epically. I ended up with something… interesting. (I still don’t know what it was, but it tasted okay.)
- Evening: Wandered along the beach. Watching the sunset. Then, I decided to have a solo dance party on the balcony. No regrets.
Day 5: Leaving (with a tear, or two)
- Morning: Pack (again!). This time, managed to get everything into my suitcase. Said goodbye to the balcony.
- Afternoon: Drove back to Olbia, Shrimp doing her best. Returned Shrimp.
- Evening: Got on the airplane. Looking out the window, all of my experiences, were remembered. Thinking all of it, I would never forget how I felt there, in Sardinia.
Final thoughts:
Sardinia is a glorious mess. It's beautiful, chaotic, delicious, and at times, utterly baffling. I loved it. I hated it. I felt like an idiot. I felt like I was living a dream. It was, in short, a perfect, imperfect experience. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. (Though, I might take seasickness medication next time.) And now, to book another trip.
Unbelievable Addis Ababa Escape: Weygoss Guest House Awaits!
Casa Marisa: FAQs - Because Let's Be Honest, You Have Questions (and Probably Some Doubts)
Okay, Spill the Beans: What's Casa Marisa REALLY Like? The Brochure is Always Too Shiny.
Alright, let's ditch the glossy photos (though, seriously, that sunset *is* real). Casa Marisa… it's a vibe. Think less "hotel," more "your Italian aunt's quirky seaside retreat." First off, yes, the view from the balcony? Jaw-dropping. Seriously, I nearly dropped my morning espresso the first time I saw it. But, and this is important, the balcony railing has a slight wobble. Don't lean on it like you're the star of a romantic comedy, okay?
The house itself? Charming. It's got that lived-in feel, like it's actually been loved, not just decked out for Instagram. Some rooms are a little… cozy. Especially the bathroom on the second floor. My husband, who's built like a rugby player, had to adopt a sideways shuffle to get in there. But hey, the water pressure is amazing! And that, my friends, is a victory in Italy.
Then there's the history. It’s actually interesting, but the owner, Marisa, can tell you more. Once, I almost met Garibaldi himself, she claims!
Is the Beach Actually Walkable? And Is It Any Good?
Yes! The beach, Spiaggia di Cala Sassari, is very walkable. Down a gentle slope, past some charming (and sometimes noisy) neighbors. It's a fantastic beach, clean, with beautiful blue water. But, it's also packed. It’s popular, you know? Especially in August. Getting a spot on the sand can feel like a contact sport. My advice? Get down there early. Like, "wake up before the sun" early. Or, be prepared to embrace the Italian art of squeezing in. Be prepared that Italian family with 17 children will be close, and they'll take your towel, but be understanding. They are passionate!
Alternatively, Casa Marisa has a small, private terrace with sunbeds. Peaceful. Glorious. Now, this terrace is not the "beach" but you can walk to the beach. It's also much closer to the fridge, which is a seriously underrated perk.
Food, Glorious Food! Can I Cook? Are There Restaurants Nearby?
YES! Cook! The kitchen is surprisingly well-equipped. I'm talking pasta pots, a decent (ish) oven, and even a little espresso maker. Make sure you have a good bag of coffee and the right pasta! There’s a local supermarket a short drive away where you can stock up on fresh seafood, incredible cheeses, and enough peaches to make your dentist weep. Cooking at Casa Marisa is an experience. You are eating fresh pasta with the sea breeze!
Restaurants? Plenty! Some walk-able, some a short drive. From pizza places that serve the best pizza you've EVER had to fancy restaurants with waiters who seem genuinely happy to see you (rare, in my experience). Check TripAdvisor, but honestly, just wander around. You'll find something amazing. The best meals I had were the places I stumbled upon. One tip: learn a few basic Italian phrases. At least enough to order a bottle of wine. Your life will be infinitely easier.
Are the Neighbors Annoying? I Hate Noisy People.
Neighbors? Well, that depends on your definition of "annoying." Italians are… passionate. You will hear them. They talk loudly, laugh loudly, and sometimes, sing loudly. It's part of the charm, honestly. Consider it your free daily dose of Italian opera.
During the day, the beach is busy with families. So expect kids. Expect screaming. Expect a general sense of joyful chaos. It’s not quiet. At night, it quiets down. But again, it’s Italy. Things are usually, well, let's just say lively and not always quiet.
The best way to avoid them? Embrace them. Buy a bottle of local wine and say "Ciao!" You'll quickly find that the "noise" is just life.
Parking: A Necessary Evil. What's the Deal?
Parking is, let's say, an *experience*. There *is* parking. It's usually available, but it's not always convenient. Sometimes it's right outside the house. Sometimes it's a three-minute walk down a winding road. You will have to embrace the art of parallel parking, and you might get some friendly (or not-so-friendly) advice from the locals. Don´t argue with them, they will win!
During peak season, patience is key. I made the mistake of arriving at 5 p.m. the first day, and it took me AN HOUR to find a spot. Don't do that. Learn from my mistake. Arrive early, or arrive late. Pack light. And pray your car isn't too big.
Okay, But What's the Wi-Fi Like? I Need to Instagram My Aperol Spritz, Obviously.
The Wi-Fi is… functional. It exists. It *works*. Most of the time. But it's not exactly high-speed fiber optic. It's more like "vintage dial-up" speed sometimes. Look, you're in Italy. Embrace the digital detox. Put your phone down and enjoy the view! (But let's be real, I know you'll post the sunset pics anyway. I certainly did.)
It's good enough for emails, and the occasional Facetime with your jealous friends back home. Just don't expect to stream HD movies all day. Because you’ll want to spend your time at the beach!
What if I Have a Problem? Who Do I Contact?
Marisa is usually your first port of call. She is lovely and helpful, but her English is not perfect. She'll do everything she can to help, especially if you bring her a bottle of good wine (trust me). You can also contact her staff, although that will be harder. Be patient with them. They want you to have a great time. Be nice, and they'll bend over backwards to help you.
Worst case scenario? Just embrace the slightly chaotic Italian experience. Chances are, whatever problem you have, it's going to be fixed with a smile and a strong coffee. And if not, you'll have a fantastic story to tell when you get home.
Tell Me About the Mosquitoes! Are They Vicious?
