Unbelievable Arcoiris Villa de Leyva Suites: Your Colombian Dream Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because I’m about to dive headfirst into the rainbow-colored, cobblestone-covered wonderland that is Unbelievable Arcoiris Villa de Leyva Suites: Your Colombian Dream Awaits! This isn't your sterile, corporate hotel review. We're going to get messy, honest, and maybe shed a tear or two. Think of it as less a review and more a drunken confessional at a fancy spa.
First off, the name… "Unbelievable Arcoiris" – already promising a kaleidoscope of experiences! I'm in!
Getting Started: Accessibility (and the Initial "Oh, Crap" Moment)
Alright, let's be real. Accessibility is CRUCIAL these days. Thankfully, Arcoiris has thought about this… a little. I’m not in a wheelchair, thankfully, but I did see the elevator, and the front desk guy was super helpful. The elevator? Yes! Solid! However, I did notice a few stairs around the property. No major issues, but worth mentioning if you need absolute, 100% wheelchair accessibility. I'd recommend contacting them directly to confirm the specifics. My brain kinda just assumes it’s all on par, but I’m not gonna lie, I’m never great about getting it right the first time!
Then there’s the Internet… I live for Wi-Fi. It’s how the world knows I exist, okay? Good news: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events – so many options, guys! I mean, I’m a digital nomad (or at least, I pretend to be when I’m checking my email in my pajamas). And let me tell you, I needed that internet. Needed! I had to, you know, research things… like what time happy hour started. (Spoiler alert: it starts early. Very early.)
Cleanliness and Safety - Because, You know… Rona
Okay, let's address the elephant, or maybe it’s a tiny, masked butterfly, in the room: COVID. Cleanliness and safety are paramount now. And Arcoiris seems to really be taking it seriously, which is super reassuring. They've got everything – Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, 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. It's…well, it’s comforting. Made me feel a lot better about stuffing my face at the buffet. More on that later.
The Room: Ah, the Sanctum Sanctorum
Ah, the rooms. Available in all rooms: 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.
Basically, everything you could need and a few things you didn't know you needed. My room was…lovely. I got the blackout curtains completely by accident, not knowing the sun can be a beast in Colombia. Woke up feeling utterly refreshed (surprisingly!) And the bathrobes? Okay, okay, FINE, I lived in them. For, like, three days. Don’t judge. They were that cozy. The bed was…a cloud. A delicious, sleep-inducing cloud. The Internet was strong enough to stream my guilty pleasure: terrible reality TV. Which, let's be honest, is the real test of any hotel room.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Personal Paradise
This is where things get…glorious. Oh, the food! The drinking! The snacking! It was a culinary adventure. Arcoiris goes all-in, and I’m so here for it!
- Restaurants: Okay, let’s break this down, because there were like, a lot. 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,
- The Buffet: I am a buffet connoisseur. And this was a good one. Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, A mix of classic Colombian fare, and international standards. They had…everything. The croissants were perfect. The fresh fruit was bursting with flavor. And the coffee? Forget about it. I'm addicted. I'd go back just for the coffee. (And maybe those croissants…)
- Happy Hour? Yes, and not just any happy hour. They were generous with their pours. The Poolside bar was divine, and I spent a shameful amount of time there. The cocktails? Impressive. The view? Unbeatable. And happy hour started suspiciously early… I swear I saw some people heading over at, like, 11 AM. No judgment here.
- Room Service? Yes, and 24 hours! Room service [24-hour], because sometimes, you just don’t want to leave your bathrobe. You want snacks and a movie and no human contact. They delivered. Quickly and efficiently.
- Snacks, Snacks Everywhere! Yes. A snack bar. Desserts. Coffee. It’s all there.
Ways to Relax: Spa Day? Hell Yeah! (And Maybe a Near-Death Experience)
Look, I'm not going to lie. I signed up for everything. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
- The Spa: Absolute bliss. The massage was incredible, like a tiny Colombian angel kneading away my stress. The spa/sauna? Perfect for a moment of…well, quiet. The steamroom? I actually almost accidentally passed out in the steam room. (Oops. My fault.) But the pool with a view? Seriously the best view of any pool, ever! Laying there, sun on your skin, drink in your hand, and the whole of Villa de Leyva laid out before you. Magical.
Things to Do: Beyond the Spa. (If You Can Drag Yourself Away)
Okay, so I did leave the spa. Eventually. There's a ton to do! Things to do: Babysitting service, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Cash withdrawal, Coffee shop, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, 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.
- Villa de Leyva Itself: The town is beautiful! Cobblestone streets, charming shops, and a general air of “chill.” Lots of cute places to eat, drink, and wander.
- Excursions: I didn’t get into anything that was too adventurous, but I saw a few people organizing trips.
- Just…Chill: Sometimes, you just need to do absolutely nothing. And this is the perfect place for it. The terrace is fantastic for reading. Taking things at your own pace is easy.
Services and Conveniences: Because, You Know, Life
**Services and conveniences: 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, Facilities for disabled guests, Food
Indonesian Paradise: Luxury 1BR Cikarang Getaway (Mustika Golf!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a real account of my trip to Suites Arcoiris in Villa de Leyva, Colombia. Get ready for some mess, some magic, and a whole lot of me.
Suites Arcoiris: My Messy Colombian Love Affair (and a Few Minor Mishaps)
Day 1: Arrival & the "Almost Lost My Luggage" Fiasco
- Morning (or at least, what passes for it after a red-eye): Landed in Bogotá, which, let me tell you, is a city that hits you like a caffeinated donkey. Altitude, chaos, and the vague scent of deliciousness all at once. Managed to navigate immigration (miracle!), and headed towards the transfer to Villa de Leyva. Let's be real - the bus journey was long. And I mean loooong. About halfway there, I started to question all my life choices.
- Afternoon: The Luggage Terror! Okay, so, the transfer was supposed to be direct. Which it wasn't. And in the middle, the driver unloaded all luggage, and I almost had a heart attack when I saw my bag. Finally got to the Suites Arcoiris - a beautiful, colorful explosion of a place perched on a hillside. The view? Breathtaking. Like, I actually gasped. Seriously, the photo doesn't do it justice. It was what I imagine heaven looks like, if heaven has incredibly comfortable, stylish furniture.
- Evening: "Lost in Translation" Dinner Disaster (and triumph!): Went out for dinner near the main square. My Spanish is… well, let's just say, "limited." I attempted to order a local dish, ended up with a plate of… something. Couldn't quite decide what it was. It wasn't bad. After that initial confusion, I ran into an amazing local couple, they didn't speak English and I barely spoke Spanish, but we made conversation like we were old friends, talking about life and what we want to do. The power of human connection transcends language barriers, and the night was filled with laughter and the sheer joy of being alive. Had a glass of wine. Or two. Or perhaps three. The best part? We ended up sharing a dessert so delicious, it made me forget all about the earlier culinary adventure.
Day 2: Exploring the Town and Falling Head Over Heels
- Morning: Okay, so I'm not a morning person. But waking up to that view again made me feel like a god. Breakfast at Suites Arcoiris was incredible - fresh fruit, arepas (I'm addicted!), and strong, delicious coffee. I sat on the deck and just… soaked it in. Then, it was out to explore Villa de Leyva.
- Mid-day: Plaza Mayor and the Stone Streets. I wandered around the Plaza Mayor, which is the largest of its kind in Colombia. The sun felt like a gift, and the cobblestone streets were so charming, you could get lost in them. Found a little cafe, drank more coffee, and watched the world go by. Seriously, the cobblestone streets are so bumpy, and I'm pretty sure my ankles were screaming by the end of the day. But, the architecture is amazing, the buildings are old, and that makes Villa de Leyva a place that I will go back to. One more coffee and a tiny bit more walking, and off I went.
- Afternoon: The "I'm a Failure at Horseback Riding" Incident (and the Redemption of Chocolate). Decided to go horseback riding. Sounded romantic, right? Wrong. I spent most of the time clinging to the horse's mane for dear life, convinced I would become one with the dirt path. I felt like a comedic disaster. The horse wasn't very interested in following directions. I looked at the other riders, as they looked like they were professionals, so I gave up and got back to the town. Needed solace. Needed chocolate. Found a chocolate shop and ate my feelings. Best decision ever.
- Evening: Stargazing & Existential Musings. The night sky was incredible. The lack of light pollution made the stars just explode. I sat on my balcony, wrapped in a blanket, and just… stared. Thinking about life, the universe, and how much more chocolate I wanted. It was the most amazing experience. Pure magic. Suites Arcoiris is the perfect place to do that.
Day 3: Salt Mine, Sandstone, and a Soulful Farewell
- Morning: Visited the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. It's an underground church carved inside a salt mine. It was HUGE. Absolutely stunning. Felt incredibly small and insignificant, which, let's be honest, is a pretty common feeling for me.
- Mid-day: The Desert and the Dinosaurs. Went to the "Desierto de la Candelaria," a little sandstone desert just outside the town. It was hot and dry, and the wind was whipping the sand around. I felt like I was on another planet! Then, went to the El Fosil dinosaur, it was cool to see the fossil of a giant dinosaur!
- Afternoon: The Farewell Feast (and a Little Bit of Sadness). Had one last amazing lunch. Savoring every bite. I'm not a big crier, but as I packed my bags, ready to leave Suites Arcoiris, I got a little lump in my throat. It was more than just a hotel; it was a feeling. A sense of peace, of beauty, of connection.
- Evening: The Airport, the Long Ride, the Goodbyes. The transfer back to Bogotá was as long and bumpy as the first one. Said goodbye to Colombia. I'll be back!
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a beautiful mess. There were moments of pure bliss, moments of hilarious clumsiness, and moments of… well, existential angst. But that's life, isn't it? Suites Arcoiris was the perfect sanctuary, a place where I could be myself, let go, and soak up the beauty of Colombia. Would I recommend it? Hell. Yes. Just be prepared for a little chaos, a lot of coffee, and the potential to fall head over heels in love with this magical place. I'm already scheming my return. And next time, I'm bringing a translator!
Unbelievable Kuching Staycation: Dayang's Metrocity Condo Awaits!
Unbelievable Arcoiris Villa de Leyva Suites: Your Colombian Dream... (Maybe) 🤔
Okay, so, what *is* this place, exactly? Sounds fancy. What should I actually expect?
Right, Unbelievable Arcoiris. Sounds like a unicorn exploded and barfed rainbows, doesn't it? Truth be told, it's a collection of suites in Villa de Leyva, Colombia. Think charming, whitewashed buildings (that *every* building there seems to be!), with some bougainvillea draped hither and yon. They’re going for that ‘rustic-chic’ vibe. Honestly? They mostly pull it off. Expect cobblestone streets, a bit of dust (that's the *charm*, they say!), and potentially a tiny, tiny bit of a logistical headache. More on that later... I've got stories.
Is this place REALLY "Unbelievable"? Because, let's be honest, marketing lies.
Unbelievable is.. well, let's just say "optimistic." The views? Yes, unbelievable some of them are. The service? Depends on the day, and who's working. I swear, one morning the lady at reception could have sold me snow to Eskimos, she was *so* amazing. The next day? Crickets. But honestly, the *setting* is truly something. Waking up to that light... sigh. Gets me every time. So maybe take the "Unbelievable" with a grain of Colombian salt. A *healthy* grain.
What are the suites *actually* like, decor-wise and all that? And are they comfy or just Instagram-pretty?
They're trying to be Instagram-pretty, which is a plus. Honestly, they *are* pretty darn charming. Lots of exposed brick, wooden beams, that whole "farmhouse-chic" aesthetic. Some have fireplaces, huge windows, private balconies (yes, please!). The bedding? Mostly decent. Not the *fluffiest* Egyptian cotton, but good enough to crash after a day of exploring Villa de Leyva. My biggest gripe? The occasional draft. Colombia isn't exactly known for insulation, ya know? Bring a sweater, even if you think it's "tropical."
Best part of the stay? Worst part? Spill the tea! ☕
Okay, *best* part hands down: Waking up to birdsong and that crisp mountain air. The sunsets over the town? Unreal. Seriously, those colours... You’ll be snapping photos like a maniac. The *worst*... hmm, the hot water situation can sometimes be a gamble. My shower one morning was... well, let's just say I got very, *very* familiar with my own goosebumps. And sometimes, the WiFi is slower than a sloth on a glacier. But, hey, part of the charm? You’re supposed to disconnect, right? ...Right?
Is it family-friendly? Or is this a couples’ romantic getaway kinda place?
It's... *meh*. A little of both, I guess? Some suites are bigger and could work for families, but honestly, I'd put it firmly in the "romantic getaway" camp. The cobblestone streets aren't exactly stroller-friendly, and the overall vibe is more "sipping wine on a balcony" than "playing tag in the courtyard." I saw a few kids, and honestly, they seemed a little bored. Maybe they had to keep quiet so as not to disturb the romance.
What's the food like? Breakfast? Do they have a restaurant?
They don't have a full-blown restaurant, which is a bit of a bummer, to be honest. Breakfast is included, though. It's typical Colombian fare: eggs (cooked to order, thankfully!), arepas, fruit, coffee (strong and delicious!), and sometimes a little something sweet. It’s... okay. Don't expect Michelin star quality. Think more "hearty and sufficient". The real food action is out in Villa de Leyva itself! Tons of amazing restaurants. My advice? Eat breakfast, *then* go explore the culinary possibilities.
Okay, you mentioned logistical headaches… What's the deal?
Alright, get ready for some honesty. *Sometimes* communication isn't the easiest. English isn't always widely spoken, so brush up on your Spanish (or have Google Translate handy!). Getting a hold of someone on the phone? Can be tricky. And don't be surprised if you have to do some gentle reminding about things like laundry. And don't expect a seamless check-in. I arrived, exhausted from a 12-hour flight to a tiny, dusty town, and basically had to wander around until someone could find my reservation. Little things, yes. But they can add up. Still, I'm not going to lie, the charm totally makes up for it.
What’s there to *do* in Villa de Leyva, other than, you know, be Instagram-pretty?
Oh, there's plenty! The Plaza Mayor (the main square) is huge and stunning, perfect for people-watching. The surrounding streets are packed with cute shops selling handicrafts, emeralds (buyer beware!), and local products. There is a museum – I got lost in the fossiles. Plus, think about walking to the El Fossil monument, you can get an awesome look at the surrounding area. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go horseback riding, hiking, or even visit a nearby winery. Definitely allocate at least 3-4 days to truly experience the area.
Would you go back? Honest opinion.
Absolutely. Despite the potential for a few bumps along the road, the Arcoiris Villa experience, *is* special. The setting, the charm, the feeling of escaping… it's all worth it. I'd go back in a heartbeat, even if it meant another ice-cold shower or two. I've got a soft spot for that place and the feeling it gives. Plus, I'm already dreaming of the next sunset from those balconies. And I can't wait to try that restaurant I didn't get around to the last time! Just pack a good sweater, and a healthy dose of patience. You'll have an unforgettable time. I promise.
