Escape to Purgatory: Marsala's Hidden Garden Paradise
Escape to Purgatory? More Like Escape to Paradise! (Marsala's Hidden Garden Paradise Review – The Unfiltered Truth)
Okay, so the name "Escape to Purgatory" – a little dramatic, no? Makes you expect fiery pits and screaming souls. But trust me, this Purgatory is less Dante, more… well, pure bliss. Marsala's Hidden Garden Paradise, they call it. And honestly? They're not wrong. I just got back, and I'm still buzzing from the experience. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this review is gonna be less polished, more… me.
First Impressions: Garden of Eden… with a Few Quirks (But Mostly Eden)
The approach is lovely, but the first thing I noticed? The driveway is long. Like, "are we there yet?" long. But hey, gives you time to soak in the anticipation, right? And then, bam! Lush greenery explodes before you. It's genuinely stunning. Think secret garden meets Italian villa. Accessibility? I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did notice the elevator which is a massive plus. They do have facilities for disabled guests, so that’s a good sign.
Rooms: Cozy Nests of Comfort (and Free Wi-Fi! Praise Be!)
My room was a haven. Air conditioning was essential (hello, Sicilian sun!), the blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in, and the bed… oh, the bed. Extra long bed, I believe! Seriously, I sunk right in. Free Wi-Fi in the rooms? YES! And it actually worked! No buffering, no screaming at the router. They even have Internet [LAN] if you're old-school, which is a nice touch. They also have Internet services, which I assume means you can actually use the internet, which is a win. Complimentary tea and free bottled water – little things, but they make a difference. The bathroom was clean, the shower was strong, and the hair dryer actually worked (a rare win!). Bathrobes and slippers? Fancy! The mini-bar was stocked, the in-room safe box was reassuring… Honestly, it was hard to leave. The reading light was perfect for late-night bookworms like me. Non-smoking rooms were a given, and thank goodness. Soundproof rooms? Yep, slept like a log.
The Spa: Where My Inner Zen Finally Found Its Way Out (And Maybe Stayed There)
Okay, the spa. This is where things got truly magical. I went for a massage… and folks, it was transcendent. I swear, the masseuse had hands of pure gold. I’m still feeling the benefits. They have a spa/sauna and a steamroom, but I skipped those. I did, however, spend a solid hour in the pool with a view. Just floating, gazing at the green, letting the sun kiss my face. It was… sublime. They also have a fitness center, but I have to admit, I spent more time lounging than lifting. Body scrub? Maybe next time. Body wrap? Sounds amazing. Foot bath? Sign me up!
Food, Glorious Food! (And Yes, They Cater to Vegans!)
The food was a highlight. Let's be real. I'm a sucker for Italian cuisine. The restaurants offered a variety of options, from the a la carte in restaurant to the buffet in restaurant. The Asian cuisine in restaurant surprised me – delicious! I'm pretty sure I ate my weight in pasta. The breakfast [buffet] was extensive, with something for everyone. They even had an Asian breakfast, which was fun to try. They have a vegetarian restaurant option which is great. I loved the coffee/tea in restaurant, the desserts in restaurant were to die for, and the salad in restaurant was so fresh. The poolside bar was perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail, and the bar had a great selection of wines. The happy hour was a nice touch too! The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a long day. They also had a snack bar, which was perfect for a quick bite. They have safe dining setup, sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and individually-wrapped food options, so I felt safe in terms of hygiene.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
This is where Escape to Purgatory truly shines. They are serious about cleanliness. They have anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. Staff trained in safety protocol made me feel confident. There was hand sanitizer everywhere, and I felt safe and secure. They also have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which is reassuring. The first aid kit was there, and a doctor/nurse on call, just in case. Hygiene certification is a must in these times, and they've got it. They have physical distancing of at least 1 meter and safe dining setup. They have Cashless payment service!
Things to Do (Besides Eat and Relax): A Bit of Something for Everyone
Okay, so maybe I mostly ate and relaxed. But there's more! They have a gym/fitness, Meeting/banquet facilities, outdoor venue for special events, and indoor venue for special events. They even have a shrine! They have Meeting stationery and Seminars and Audio-visual equipment for special events. They do a great job of On-site event hosting. They have a gift/souvenir shop which is great! They have a convenience store too. There's a terrace to chill on, and the family/child friendly is a massive plus! They also have Kids facilities and a Babysitting service and Kids meal.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Nobody's Perfect, Right?)
Look, no place is perfect. I did have a slight issue with a flickering light in my room, but it was fixed quickly. And the wifi, while generally excellent, did drop out a couple of times. Minor quibbles, really. The name still weirds me out a little, but hey, maybe it's a clever marketing ploy to make you want to escape there.
Overall: Highly Recommended (Go, Go, Go!)
Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. Escape to Purgatory is more like an escape to paradise. It's a beautiful, relaxing, and well-run resort. The staff are friendly and helpful. The food is amazing. And the spa? Seriously, book that massage. You won't regret it.
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Escape to Paradise: Joansa Luxury Beachfront, Negombo, Sri Lanka
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a chaotic, glorious, and probably wine-soaked journey through Il Giardino Del Purgatorio in Marsala, Italy. Forget pristine itineraries, this is a travel diary of the real kind. Think less "smooth operator" and more "slightly bewildered tourist who loves pasta and sunsets."
Day 1: Arrival, Arrival, and the Quest for Decent Coffee
Morning (or what passes for morning after a transatlantic flight): Landed in Trapani. The airport? Tiny. Charming in a "we haven't updated this since the 70s" kind of way. The baggage claim? A carousel that looked like it belonged in a children's playhouse. Found my bag, miraculously intact, and stumbled out into the Sicilian sunshine. It hit me like a warm, slightly aggressive hug.
Afternoon: The Great Rental Car Debacle. Okay, so I'm generally a good driver. In theory. But Italian drivers? They're a different breed. Negotiating the rental car was like entering a gladiator arena. The guy barely spoke English, I barely spoke Italian, and we communicated primarily through frantic hand gestures and increasingly stressed sighs. Finally, I had the keys to a Fiat Panda that looked like it had seen better days (and probably had seen better days, judging by the dents).
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Marsala, Here We Come! (Eventually). Found the Giardino Del Purgatorio - a charming B&B, or so the website promised. The reality? Better. Much better. Think overflowing bougainvillea, a tiny courtyard with a fountain that gurgled in a vaguely musical way, and a host named Marco who looked like he'd stepped out of a Fellini film. He greeted me with a kiss on each cheek and a torrent of Italian I only understood about 20%. My brain still struggled to process the flight from New York. The first order of the day: Find. Good. Coffee. Marco pointed me towards a little cafe down the street.
The Coffee Crisis (and a Moment of Existential Dread): The cafe was perfect, except for one crucial detail: the coffee. It was… weak. Watery. I felt a deep, existential sorrow. How could I possibly navigate the Sicilian experience on this weak brew? I managed to convey my disappointment (again, through a combination of gestures and mumbled Italian). The barista, bless her heart, just smiled, patted my hand, and poured me another one. This one was better, but still not the life-affirming jolt I needed. "This is going to be a long trip," I muttered to myself, staring at the cobbled street.
Evening: Dinner, Wine, and the Sudden Realization I Might Be in Love with Sicily: Found a trattoria. The food? Divine. Simple, honest, and bursting with flavor. The pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil was so good I almost cried. And the wine? Oh, the wine. Marsala of course. It was like liquid sunshine. As I sat there, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, I felt a shift. The jet lag started to fade, the initial anxiety melted away, and a feeling of pure, unadulterated joy washed over me. Sicily, I thought, this might be the beginning of something beautiful. Or at least, the beginning of a very delicious adventure.
Day 2: Salt, Sun, and the Great Salt Flats of Marsala
Morning: Coffee mission successful! The cafe, after some experimentation, finally understood my desperate need for caffeine. I think I might have accidentally invented a new coffee order. The "Americano Forte con una spruzzata di latte e un pizzico di hope" or something like that. Whatever, it works.
Late Morning: The Saline Ettore e Infersa - the salt flats. Seriously stunning. Endless pools of water, shimmering white salt, and windmills that looked like they belonged in a fairytale. The sheer scale of it was breathtaking. The air smelled of salt and something else… a subtle sweetness? I think I might be having an olfactory hallucination.
Afternoon: The Windmill Incident (and a lesson in humility): Okay, so I got a little too enthusiastic with the camera. I was determined to get the perfect shot. I scrambled up a small hill, tripped over a hidden rock, and ended up sprawled in a bush, covered in dirt and looking like a slightly deranged scarecrow. Lesson learned: Wear sensible shoes. Also, maybe stop trying to be a National Geographic photographer.
Late Afternoon: A Taste of Marsala Wine (and a near-miss with a tourist trap): Found a cellar door. Wine tasting. Delicious. They explained the aging process. I pretended to understand. I took notes. (Which I have since lost, so I'm going to assume it involved magic and sunshine). The owner was a charming old man with a twinkle in his eye. I bought a bottle. I felt sophisticated. I almost walked into a tourist trap - a restaurant with a guy in a fake chef's hat trying to lure me in with a bad joke. I fled.
Evening: Pasta Again (Because Duh) and a Moment of Quiet Reflection: Back to my favorite trattoria. This time, I opted for the seafood pasta. It was amazing. As I ate, I watched the locals. They were laughing, talking, gesturing wildly. I felt a sense of belonging. Sicily wasn't just a place to visit; it was a place to be. I walked back to Giardino Del Purgatorio, sat in the courtyard, and just listened to the fountain. The air was cool, and the stars were brilliant. Sicily had completely seduced me. And I was okay with it.
Day 3: A Day Trip to Erice (and a Meltdown Over a Cannoli)
Morning: The drive to Erice. The roads were winding, the views were spectacular, and I was fairly certain I was going to drive off a cliff at least twice. The Fiat Panda, bless its little heart, managed to get me there.
Mid-Morning: Erice - A Medieval Dream: Erice is perched on a mountaintop. Cobblestone streets, ancient walls, and a feeling of stepping back in time. I wandered around, got lost in the maze-like streets, and felt a sense of wonder. I saw a church, a castle, and more breathtaking views.
Afternoon: The Cannoli Catastrophe: Okay, this is important. I found a pasticceria. The display case was filled with cannoli. Perfect, golden, crispy cannoli. I ordered one. I took a bite. And… disaster. The ricotta filling was grainy, the shell was stale. My heart broke. My face flushed. I almost burst into tears in the middle of the street. (It's a long story. Cannoli are serious business). I trudged back to the car, feeling utterly defeated.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Redemption (and a Lesson in Resilience): I drove back down the mountain, still slightly traumatized by the cannoli incident. I needed a pick-me-up. I stopped at a different cafe in Marsala. They had cannoli. I approached with caution. I took a bite. It was heaven. Perfect. Crispy shell, creamy filling. I ate another one. And another. My faith in cannoli was restored. I also ate a gelato. And another. Okay, maybe I overcompensated.
Evening: Back to the Trattoria. Back to Pasta. Back to Happiness: Dinner. Wine. The usual. I felt good. The cannoli trauma had faded. Sicily, despite the occasional culinary setback, was still working its magic.
Day 4: The Rest of the Trip
Well, I only have a few days left, and I'm starting to feel like a local. I've mastered the art of ordering coffee (mostly), I can navigate the Fiat Panda (mostly), and I've even managed to have a conversation in broken Italian. I plan to visit more places, eat more pasta, drink more wine. I'll probably get lost again. I'll probably eat another bad cannoli. But I'm okay with that. Because, in the end, it's the imperfections, the mishaps, and the unexpected moments that make a trip truly memorable.
And who knows, maybe I'll even find a way to love the weak coffee. (Probably not, though.)
- Next Steps: Continue to eat, drink, laugh, and get gloriously lost!
Escape to Purgatory: Marsala's Hidden Garden Paradise - The REALLY Unfiltered FAQs
Okay, so... what *is* this "Escape to Purgatory" thing, exactly? Sounds a bit... dramatic.
Alright, alright, settle down. "Escape to Purgatory" is basically what I (and maybe a few other overly dramatic souls) call this little slice of heaven, Marsala's Hidden Garden Paradise. It's a... well, it's a garden. A really, REALLY good garden. Think lush, overflowing with life, tucked away in a way that makes you feel like you've stumbled into a secret. The "Purgatory" part? Well, that's just my way of saying it's an escape from the daily grind, a place where you can actually breathe and (gasp!) *relax*. Honestly, after the week I had before my last visit... yeah, Purgatory felt about right. You know, the in-between place before heaven, but with better flowers.
Is it actually *hidden*? I'm terrible at directions.
Yes! And no. It's not like a ninja-level secret, but it's not plastered on every street corner either. Finding it feels like a tiny victory. Last time, I swear, I *almost* missed the tiny little sign (blame the slightly-too-much-prosecco-at-lunch). It's down a winding lane, past some charming (and potentially judgmental) cats, and then... BOOM! Paradise. Just, uh, maybe print out directions. My phone's GPS is about as reliable as a politician's promise. And trust me, missing it would be a *crime*.
What's the vibe like? Is it all hushed whispers and perfectly manicured lawns? Because, frankly, I'd probably break something.
Thank. God. No. It's not that kind of place. While there's definitely a sense of peace and quiet, it's not stuffy. It's more like... a happy, slightly chaotic, explosion of color and fragrance. Imagine a garden party thrown by someone who *really* loves plants and doesn't mind a few imperfections. You know, the kind of place where you could spill wine on a cushion (hypothetically, of course... *cough*) and no one would bat an eye. The owner, Marsala (who is an absolute *gem*), is warm and welcoming and makes you feel like you've known her forever. I've seen kids running around, dogs chasing butterflies (adorable chaos!), and people just... *being*. It's a relief, honestly. A real relief.
What's the highlight? The Instagram-worthy moment? Give me the goods!
Oh, man... Okay, so this is tough. There are *so* many. The roses are insane, like, the kind that make you stop and inhale deeply and maybe shed a single, happy tear. The scent alone is worth the price of admission. But... if I *had* to pick... Okay, brace yourselves. It's the water feature. Specifically, the lily pond. I swear, the reflections are magical. I sat there for a solid hour last time, just watching the dragonflies. And the way the sunlight hits the water... ugh. It's pure, unadulterated *bliss*. It's the kind of view that makes you forget your to-do list, your worries, and that embarrassing thing you said to your boss last week. It's just... *peace*. Seriously, go find that pond. You'll thank me later. You might even want to bring a sketchpad. I did, and failed miserably because I was too busy just *looking*.
Is it good for kids? What about dogs?
Kids? Usually yes, but it really depends on your kid. If they're the kind that can appreciate beauty without feeling the need to *destroy* it, then absolutely. There's room to roam, and plenty of things to look at. But if they're little terrors who see a rose bush as a personal challenge... maybe not. Dogs? I've seen well-behaved pups enjoying themselves. But again, it depends on your dog. Responsible owners only, please! No one wants a repeat of the Great Rosebush Massacre of '22. I still have nightmares about that. (Okay, I might be exaggerating a *little*).
Is there food or drink? Because I'm always hungry.
YES! Thank the heavens. They often have a small selection of refreshments, and let's just say, the homemade lemonade is *legendary*. Seriously, it's sunshine in a glass. They also have lovely little pastries and sometimes even light lunches. BUT – and this is a big but – check ahead of time. Sometimes it's BYO. Regardless, pack snacks. Always pack snacks. A hangry person is a miserable person, and you don't want to ruin the serenity with your ravenous complaining. Bring a picnic! It's the perfect setting. Although, I did once see someone try to eat a whole pizza there. And the birds got involved. It wasn't pretty.
What's the best time to visit?
Honestly? Anytime. Spring is obviously peak bloom, and the fragrance is intoxicating. Summer is glorious, though the heat can be a bit much (bring a hat!). Fall brings beautiful colors. Even winter has its charm, with the bare branches and the promise of the coming spring. But if I *had* to choose... I'd say early morning, just as the sun is starting to peek over the trees. The light is magical, the air is crisp, and you'll likely have the place almost entirely to yourself. That's my favorite. I can't even describe the feeling, it's so... peaceful. I often sit there and just... *think*. Or, you know, not think at all. It's a rare treat.
Is it expensive?
Nope! Not at all. It's surprisingly affordable. Like, a small price to pay for a big dose of sanity. Honestly, I’d pay double! It's one of the things that makes it so special – it’s accessible. It's not some fancy, exclusive club. It's just a beautiful place, open to anyone who needs a little bit of beauty in their life. And trust me, we all need a little bit of beauty. Especially after that stressful week I had.
Okay, you've convinced me. What's the one thing I *absolutely* should NOT do?
Ugh. Don't be that person. You know, the one who's glued to their phone the entire time, taking selfies andJet Set Hotels
