Saranda's Hidden Gem: Relax Mea Hotel - Unforgettable Albanian Escape
Saranda's Hidden Gem: Relax Mea Hotel - Unforgettable Albanian Escape: A Review That's Probably Too Honest (and Hopefully Useful)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to tell you about Relax Mea Hotel in Saranda, Albania. And frankly, I'm going to be brutally honest. This isn't a perfectly curated travel blog post, it's me, unfiltered, after experiencing – well, attempting to experience – a relaxing getaway. Ready? Let's dive in!
First Impressions & The Accessibility (Which I Definitely Needed)
Finding the place wasn't a walk in the park. Let's be real, Albanian road signs, or lack thereof, are a national sport. But eventually, we (me and my incredibly patient partner) found the place. The initial vibe? Promising. The lobby looked fresh and modern, almost as if someone had consulted Pinterest before decorating.
Now, full disclosure, accessibility is HUGE for us. We're not talking extreme mobility issues, but stairs are the enemy. So, I was delighted to see an elevator! YES! Facilities for disabled guests are listed. The main drag, getting to the rooms, felt pretty good. The front desk was thankfully, 24-hour, because, jet lag. And speaking of rooms…
The Room: My Sanctuary (and Occasional Arena for Mild Chaos)
Our room? Pretty darn good! Spacious, considering. Air conditioning was thankfully blasting, because Albanian summers are no joke. A desk meant I could finally catch up on some emails, though in reality, I mostly used it to balance my gin and tonics (priorities, people!). Free Wi-Fi in the room? Praise be! Wi-Fi [free] in general. The bed was a solid win, even if I might've spent a little too much time lounging in my bathrobe (don't judge).
Plus, the room had Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels.
Okay, I admit it. I was a sucker for the bathrobes and slippers. Felt like a movie star for 5 minutes. The blackout curtains saved my sanity from the relentless Albanian sun.
The Internet Situation - Because, You Know, Staying Connected is a Thing
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – bless their hearts. It was mostly reliable. The Internet access – LAN was a nice touch, but honestly, who uses LAN anymore? I did have to spend some frustrating time trying to figure it out, because sometimes, the connection was a little… spotty. Okay, a lot spotty. This wasn't a dealbreaker, after all, I was on vacation - and not all of them.
Food Glorious Food (and My Breakfast Debacle)
Okay, here's where things get interesting. I went into this hoping to have a breakfast buffet extravaganza. The Breakfast [buffet] was listed. But… on the first day, it was… underwhelming. The Western breakfast was pretty bland. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent enough, however. I eventually switched to a la carte. A la carte in restaurant it was. The Asian breakfast was available, and I regretted not trying it sooner.
The Restaurants themselves were good. The Bar, Poolside bar. were a godsend. I mean, an expertly crafted cocktail by the pool? Yes, please! Especially because of the Happy hour. The Buffet in restaurant eventually improved. However, one tiny complaint. Where was the bacon? I mean, bacon makes everything better! I would have loved to try the Vegetarian restaurant as well, however, I was too busy devouring the bacon, when it eventually arrived.
The Snack bar was crucial for those late-night cravings. Room service [24-hour] was tempting, but I’m also a foodie. In the end, my hunger, like my emotions on vacation, was a rollercoaster.
Things to Do (and Really, Really Relax)
This is where Relax Mea shines. They've absolutely nailed the relaxation game. The Pool with view, and the Swimming pool [outdoor], are stunning. I spent hours just floating, staring out at the sparkling sea. Heaven, I tell you, heaven! The Spa was a highlight.
Body scrub was amazing. Seriously, I felt like a new person afterwards. The Body wrap was also great, but I will admit to falling asleep. The Sauna and Steamroom, were pure bliss! Foot bath was a nice touch. All this combined made the vacation a dream.
The Fitness center was there, I hear, didn't visit but the thought was there.
Cleanliness and Safety (The Things That Matter Now)
This is another area where Relax Mea really impressed me. Daily disinfection in common areas gave me serious peace of mind. Hand sanitizer stations were EVERYWHERE. They even had Anti-viral cleaning products. Staff trained in safety protocol were visible and helpful. The hotel also had a Doctor/nurse on call which gave me extra peace of mind.
Payment and Other Services - Because Modern Life is Complicated
Cashless payment service? Check! Currency exchange? Check! They've got all the modern conveniences covered. The Concierge was helpful, and the Daily housekeeping kept things sparkling. The Laundry service was a lifesaver after one particularly messy meal (don't ask).
Getting Around & The Airport Transfer
Airport transfer was smooth and efficient. The car park [free of charge] was a bonus, though I didn't utilize it since I took the shuttle. Taxi service was readily available for exploring Saranda.
The Little Things (And My Rant About the Shrubs!)
Okay, I have one tiny nitpick. The landscaping around the pool? Could use a little… more love. They had a few bushes but the overall vibe would have been greatly improved with more luscious greens.
They also have the Elevator, which made the experience a breeze.
For The Kids (And How Not to Annoy Them)
I didn't have kids with me, but the hotel seems Family/child friendly.
The Verdict: Relax Mea Hotel - Worth it? Absolutely!
Look, Relax Mea isn't perfect. Albania isn't perfect. But that's part of the charm. It's raw. It's real. It's unforgettable. And Relax Mea nails the most important part: helping you relax.
If you're looking for a beautiful escape, a place to unwind, and an experience that's both authentic and comfortable, then book it! You won't regret it. Just remember to pack your patience, a sense of humor, and maybe a bottle of your favorite wine!
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A Compelling Offer:
Escape to Paradise: Unlock Unforgettable Relaxation at Relax Mea Hotel in Saranda!
Tired of the daily grind? Yearning for a getaway that truly revitalizes? Then look no further than Relax Mea Hotel, Saranda's hidden gem. Nestled on the stunning Albanian Riviera, our hotel offers breathtaking views, unparalleled comfort, and a chance to completely unwind.
Here's what awaits you:
- Unwind in Luxury: Luxurious rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and all the amenities you need to feel pampered.
- Indulge Your Senses: Pamper yourself at our spa with rejuvenating body scrubs and wraps, or simply soak up the sun by our stunning pool with a view.
- Savor Deliciousness: Enjoy a diverse culinary experience with our restaurants and bars, from fresh seafood to delicious cocktails.
- Relax & Recharge: Feel safe and secure with our top-notch cleanliness and safety measures.
- Accessibility First: Enjoy peace of mind thanks to our great accessibility.
But here's the deal: Book your stay at Relax Mea Hotel today and receive a complimentary welcome cocktail and access to our premium spa!
Don't just dream it, experience it. Book your unforgettable Albanian escape now!
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Relax Mea: Saranda, Albania - My Totally Real, Maybe Chaotic, Definitely Opinionated Adventure (So Far)
Okay, so, this "itinerary" thing? More like "suggestion of what I might do, if the Albanian sun doesn't decide to fry my brain first." I'm at the Relax Mea Hotel in Saranda, and honestly, it's prettier in the brochures. Still, it's got that "grandma's beach cottage" vibe that's kinda comforting, and the air conditioning is, blessedly, working. Let's see if I can cobble together a semblance of a plan… before the call of the beach completely overwhelms me.
Day 1: Arrival, Hotel Hysteria, and the Quest for Decent Coffee.
- 14:00 - 15:00: Arrived, exhausted, from the airport. The bus ride? Let's just say it involved a lot of hairpin turns and a driver who seemed to think "speed limit" was a suggestion, not a law. Found the Relax Mea. Checked in. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and… something else. Maybe old sunscreen? Anyway, room is… adequate. Balcony view: Spectacular! But the bed… it's shaped like a slightly deflated beach ball. Might need to invest in a chiropractor.
- 15:00 - 16:00: Unpacked. Attempted to connect to Wi-Fi. Failed. Started to panic. This is vital. I NEED the internet. (Okay, maybe not vital, but how else am I going to stalk… er, keep an eye on my social media? Plus, translating menus is hard without Google Translate.)
- 16:00 - 17:00: The Great Coffee Quest. Hotel coffee? Undrinkable. Wandered out into the swirling chaos of Saranda. Found a place with a promising-looking espresso machine. Ordered a cappuccino. It was… fine. Not life-altering. But the people-watching was gold. Watched a kid try to steal an ice cream cone while his mom was distracted by a particularly aggressive seagull. Albania, you are already weirdly wonderful.
- 17:00 - 18:00: Beach time! Found a spot, attempted to read my book (Jane Austen, trying to be sophisticated, failing), got distracted by the glorious turquoise water. Switched to people-watching. Not ashamed.
- 18:00 - 19:00: Sunset and Dinner debacle. The sunset was amazing. Absolutely breathtaking. The dinner at the hotel restaurant? Less so. Ordered the grilled fish. It tasted suspiciously like… nothing. The waiter was sweet, though, so I didn't complain too much. Still, need to find a decent restaurant. Asking around for recommendations.
Day 2: Blue Eye Bonanza and the Mystery of the Albanian Driver
- 09:00: Wakeup. Coffee is still eluding me to the point where I even questioned if I should skip it entirely and head to the pool. I'm going to need a serious infusion of caffeine if I'm heading to the Blue Eye.
- 10:00 - 14:00: The Blue Eye. Oh. My. GOD. This place is unreal. The color! It's like someone poured sapphires into the earth. The water is freezing. Like, brain-freeze-inducing freezing. But worth it. Just stunning. The drive there? Let's just say Albanian drivers have a unique interpretation of traffic laws. (Or, more accurately, they ignore them.) Found myself gripping the seat, muttering prayers, and vowing to never, ever drive in Albania. Ever. Again.
- 14:00 - 15:00: Lunch at a restaurant near the Blue Eye. Grilled lamb. Much better than the fish. Could have been because I was ravenous after the terror-ride. Maybe it was actually good? Who cares… I ate it all. Stuffed myself.
- 15:00 - 17:00: Back to Saranda. The drive back was less terrifying. Did spend some time watching the world go by.
- 17:00 - 19:00 Beach time. This time, with a decent book. (Or at least, attempting to read it)
- 19:00 - 20:00: Dinner at a restaurant I kept the name of. I'm going to keep it a secret. I want to go there again. I don't want everyone crowding my experience.
- 20:00 - 21:00: Trying desperately to upload photos to Instagram. Still fighting the Wi-Fi. Going to have to find a stronger signal or I'm going to crumble into despair.
Day 3: Gjipe Beach - My Glorious, Sandy Salvation
- 09:00: This time I went for the pool instead of coffee. I need to decompress.
- 10:00 -11:00: Figuring out how to get to Gjipe Beach. Heard it was gorgeous. Heard the road was… challenging. Preparing myself (mentally and physically) for more Albanian driving.
- 11:00 - 13:00: The Journey to Gjipe. OMG. This beach… THIS BEACH. The trek down? Brutal. The road was basically a goat trail. Narrow, rocky, and dusty. Thought I was going to die of heat exhaustion. But the reward… worth it. Absolute paradise. Crystal-clear water, towering cliffs, and soft, powdery sand. Spent the next few hours swimming, sunbathing, and just… blissing out. This is what I came for. This is what real vacation looks like.
- 13:00 - 14:00: Grilled fish (again, apparently!). This time, it was tasty as Hell!
- 14:00 - 17:00: More blissful beach time. Didn't want to leave. Almost didn't. Seriously considered becoming a beach hermit.
- 17:00 - 18:00: The hellish return journey. The dust. The bumps. The near-misses. Vowed to never complain about a bumpy road again.
- 18:00 - 19:00: Back at the hotel. Sand everywhere. Exhausted. Happy. Planning to order room service… and maybe a very strong cocktail.
- 19:00 - ???: Still. In. Room. Contemplating life. Maybe ordering the cocktail. Debating whether to venture out for dinner or just raid the mini-bar. Decisions, decisions…
Future Plans (Possibly Subject to Change, Depending on Wi-Fi and Caffeine Levels):
- Visit Butrint National Park. Heard it's ancient and historically significant. (Trying to be cultured, ya know?)
- Explore Saranda town more thoroughly. (Need to find more decent coffee. Seriously.)
- Potentially go to Ksamil. Heard it's crowded, but also beautiful. We'll see if I can handle more crowds. I am, after all, a grumpy traveler.
- Avoid driving at all costs. Seriously.
- Continue to embrace the chaos. Because Albania? It's all a bit messy, a bit unpredictable, and utterly captivating.
This "itinerary"? It's just a loose guideline. My real plan? To relax, to explore, to laugh, and roll with whatever Albania throws my way. Wish me luck! And send caffeine… and perhaps a translator for Albanian traffic laws.
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Relax Mea Hotel, Saranda: FAQ - Because Let's Be Honest, You Need to Know!
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place REALLY a "Hidden Gem?" Or Just Another Brick Box?
Okay, that's the first thing that popped into my head. After a solid 12 hours of searching, I had to believe it. And honestly? It is. *Kind of*. Let's just say, when you first pull up, don't expect a gleaming five-star resort. Remember the "hidden" part! It's more "charmingly understated." Picture this: a family-run place, where the dad looks like he's single-handedly keeping the Albanian mustache industry alive, and the mom greets you like you're family—even if you've just arrived and are slightly sweaty from the bus. So, think less "glamorous Instagram shoot" and more "authentic Albanian experience". It’s a gem. Definitely not a diamond, okay? More like…a really cool, sparkly piece of sea glass you find washed up on the beach.
The View… Is It Actually Worth the Hype? (Because I've Seen Some Disasters in the Past)
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: the view. This is the *reason* you book Relax Mea, let's be honest. And, FINALLY: it's the real deal. I mean, spectacular. From my balcony, it was crystal clear, absolutely breathtaking. Picture this: turquoise water, sailboats bobbing lazily, the sun setting with these insane colors… Seriously. I nearly cried. Okay, I *did* cry. Not like, a *sob*, more of a happy little leaky eye situation. I sat there for hours, just…absorbing it. Now, my room had the big, gorgeous view…but my travel buddy didn’t. He got a side view. Which was…fine. He didn’t complain. But he *did* start eyeing my balcony like a hungry vulture. So, book a *sea-view* room! Otherwise, you’re missing the whole point.
Breakfast: Standard Hotel Buffet Blandness, or… More? Because I NEED my coffee to be decent.
Breakfast. Okay, here's the deal, because I'm a breakfast snob. I *need* a good start to the day. Now, it wasn't a Michelin-star experience, alright? But, it was good. Really good! Local cheeses, fresh bread, olives, a decent selection of jams. The coffee? Acceptable! Not the best I've ever had, but hey, strong enough to kickstart your Albanian adventures. They even had some of these little pastries that I think were some kind of local specialty? Delicious! And you know what made it even better? You ate outside, with that view. Honestly, even if the food had been terrible, I probably would have still rated it highly just for the sun on my face and the sound of the waves. The only downside? The bread ran out one morning, and there was a minor stampede situation. Consider yourself warned. Grab bread early, people!
How's the Beach Access? Is It Actually *Close*?
Close? Honey, you're practically *on* the beach! You walk out, cross the road, and BAM! Sand. Beautiful, clear water. The beach is pretty small, and there are, you know, "things" happening. Sunbeds you can rent (negotiate the price, people!), a little bar for cocktails, a few vendors trying to sell you stuff. But, it’s right there. Easy access. Very easy. It's not a private beach, so don't expect perfect tranquility. But it's fantastic for a quick swim, sunbathing, or just watching the world go by. I spent a solid afternoon just bobbing around in the water, staring upwards and going, "Wow, this is the life!" Then, I got stung by a jellyfish. So, yeah...be careful.
Seriously, Are There Any Negatives? (I Need the Truth!)
Okay, here's the real talk: Yes. There were a couple. First, the Wi-Fi wasn't amazing. Fine for checking emails, but don't expect to stream Netflix. (And honestly, you shouldn't be on your phone anyway, look at the view!) The shower pressure was, let’s say, “optimistic.” Think of it as a refreshing trickle. And, okay, the air conditioning in my room wasn’t *super* strong on the hottest days. One night, I might have almost dissolved into a puddle of sweat. But, honestly? All of this is part of the charm. It's not a polished luxury hotel. It's a comfortable, friendly place with a killer view. And honestly, for the price I paid? I wasn't expecting perfection. I was expecting a good time, and I got it. And hey, who needs perfect when you've got the Albanian sun, the sea, and great company?
The Staff: Friendly or Frenzied? Because I'm Not a Fan of Overly Formal Hotels.
Okay, the staff... Honestly? They were lovely. The family running the place? Very friendly. The dad, as previously mentioned, gives off serious "Albanian Godfather who secretly loves animals" vibes. The mom is a sweetheart. They work hard, and they're clearly invested in making sure you have a good time. They don't speak perfect English, and I don’t speak Albanian at all (which, shame on me!). But, we managed. Lots of pointing, gesturing, and Google Translate magic. It was endearing. And they always had a smile for you. They were helpful, not intrusive. Exactly what you want in a holiday. There’s a younger guy who helps out too, he’s super friendly and spoke really decent English. He helped us find a great little restaurant down the road. All in all, I'd say they're more "relaxed and genuinely friendly" than "frenzied and overly formal." Which, frankly, is a massive win in my book.
Let's Talk About the Location - Is it a good Base for exploring?
Okay, the location is pretty dang great. Saranda center is a bit of a chaotic free-for-all, in a fun way. Relax Mea is just outside it, which means you escape the loudest craziness, but it’s still close enough to walk to everything. Seriously. We ambled into town a few times, had some gorgeous seafood dinners, and explored the promenade. But the best thing? The bus station is like, a five-minute walk! We used it a couple of times to head off and explore more – which I absolutely recommend. The nearby Butrint National Park is an absolute must-see (think ancient ruins, history, and stunning landscapes… I honestly felt like Indiana Jones for a day!).
Any Tips for Booking?
Book early, especially if you're going during peak season! Sea-view rooms, people! Do it! Check for specific room numbers if you have preferences (I'm thinking of a specific room, but I'm notUnique Hotel Finds
