Escape to Paradise: Hotel Villa Juana, Pereira's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the jungle that is Escape to Paradise: Hotel Villa Juana, Pereira's Hidden Gem! Let me tell you, this place… this place is a vibe. And I'm not just saying that because I need to write a review. My soul, my very soul, needed this.
(Deep breath, eyes closed, remembering…)
Right, so, Pereira. Colombia. Never been, always kinda wanted to. Villa Juana… well, the name whispered promises of bougainvillea-draped balconies and the clinking of ice in a perfectly made cocktail. And you know what? It wasn't entirely wrong.
First things first, though, because you, dear reader, are a smart cookie and you want the real deal. Let's talk logistics.
Accessibility: Okay, so, I am not in a wheelchair, but I did take a good look around with accessibility in mind. The information on the website is a bit… vague. (Accessibility) They do have an elevator and a "Facilities for disabled guests" listed. So, it's suggested you contact them directly for specifics. (Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests) A heads-up: Colombia isn't always known for its hyper-rigid ADA compliance, so a direct phone call to confirm is probably your best bet.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, 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) Okay, massive gold star here. They clearly take the whole "pandemic" thing seriously. Everything felt clean, like, ridiculously clean. Hand sanitizer everywhere (and actually stocked!), staff masked up, and a noticeable effort to keep people apart. Felt safe, felt well, and felt like they were actively trying not to kill me (a definite plus). This is a huge comfort. Opting for breakfast in room, as I was still getting comfortable with the idea of crowds.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Okay, okay, internet. (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) Let's be real, you need to know about the Wi-Fi. There's free Wi-Fi everywhere. In your room, in the lobby, even, I swear, in the freaking jungle. (Okay, maybe not the jungle, but I wouldn't be surprised.) It's fast enough to stream, upload photos, annoy your friends with endless vacation updates. I'm a travel blogger, meaning I need fast, reliable internet access to get work done and post on social media. The free wifi was appreciated, especially during the quieter mornings when I could get a good start to my day.
Rooms… Oh, 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.)
My room? Heaven. Absolute, unadulterated, cozy heaven. The bed? Cloud. Seriously, I sunk into it like a sugar cookie into a mug of hot cocoa. (Extra long bed). The air conditioning worked like a charm, a lifesaver in the Pereira heat. (Air conditioning) Blackout curtains meant I slept until the birds woke me up (more on that later). (Blackout curtains) And that shower? Water pressure that could strip paint, hot water that banished all my worries. (Shower) The mini bar? Well-stocked, even if I didn't indulge too much. (Mini bar) The little details, like the fluffy bathrobes and the complimentary tea, made all the difference. (Bathrobes, Complimentary tea) And a word of wisdom: request a room with a view. Just trust me on this.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (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):
Okay, let's talk food. This is where Villa Juana truly shines. They have a restaurant, various bars, and room service which comes in handy for weary travels. (Restaurants, Room service [24-hour]) I'm not a huge buffet person, but the breakfast buffet? (Breakfast [buffet]) Surprisingly good! Fresh fruit (OMG, the fruit!), pastries, eggs cooked to order, everything you could possibly want to start your day. (Breakfast service) I indulged in some of their desserts, so delectable and well presented. (Desserts in restaurant) The coffee? Strong. In the best possible way. (Coffee/tea in restaurant) (Coffee shop) And they have a poolside bar. (Poolside bar) Need I say more?
The best meal, though? My second night, I opted for their a la carte menu. (A la carte in restaurant) The chef… he's a magician, I swear. I went for the ceviche to start, and then the grilled salmon. OMG. The fish was so fresh it practically leaped onto my plate, and was perfectly cooked. And the sides? Pure perfection. I was dining overlooking the pool when it was dark and very romantic. I highly recommend this place.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]):
Okay, this is where I went full-on "treat yourself." The pool is stunning. (Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]) Infinity edge, looking out over the lush green hills. Just… wow. I spent a solid afternoon just floating in the water, margarita in hand (the poolside bar, remember?). (Poolside bar) There's a spa. (Spa) Yes, a proper, full-service spa. I booked a massage and for 60 minutes, all the world’s worries drifted away. (Massage) After the massage, I did a bit of time in the steam room and sauna. (Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna) Bliss. Total, utter bliss. They also have a gym for those of you who are a little more disciplined than I am. (Fitness center, Gym/fitness)
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 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):
The staff is attentive, but not in a smothering way. The concierge? Super helpful with arranging excursions and giving directions. (Concierge) Contactless check-in/out? (Contactless check-in/out) Yep, they've got it. They do daily housekeeping. They’ll hold your luggage. (Luggage storage) Everything you'd expect and more. I did note a shrine on-site, which was a nice touch. (Shrine)
For the Kids (Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal):
I did not travel with any rugrats, but I did notice that they are family-friendly (Family/child friendly). They do offer babysitting. (Babysitting service)
**Getting Around (Airport
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Villa Juana Pereira: My Colombian Chaos, In Chronological (Sort Of) Order
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this is less a meticulously planned itinerary and more a rambling account of my time at Hotel Villa Juana Pereira in Colombia. Think less "smooth travel influencer" and more "slightly sunburnt, aggressively caffeinated disaster." Here we go… prepare for the beautiful mess!
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Panic
- Morning (Like, WAY too early): Arrive at Pereira airport. Honestly, the only thing I can remember clearly is the sheer terror of the flight. Turbulent. Super turbulent. I'm a terrible flyer. The air hostess, bless her heart, probably saw my clammy face and thought I’d spontaneously combust. Landed, wobbled off the plane, and immediately needed coffee. Strong, Colombian coffee. STAT.
- Mid-Morning (Coffee Achieved!): Found my transfer. He was… enthusiastic. Think "loud greetings" and “honking the horn at everything." Scenic drive to Villa Juana Pereira. Lush, green hills everywhere. Jaw-dropping views. I was momentarily distracted from my existential dread of being so far from home.
- Afternoon (The Room of My Dreams… and Nightmares): Arrived at the hotel. Okay, the pictures online… a little embellished. Don't get me wrong, it's lovely. But "rustic charm" is code for "slightly faded paint and a questionable water pressure, but that is fine, i'm a traveller". My room? Small, but perfectly formed. And by "perfectly formed," I mean a spider the size of a small dog in the bathroom. Initial reaction? Screaming. Followed by a hasty Google search for "how to survive a Colombian spider." Turns out, mostly leave them alone. Fine. I'm cool with that. (Note: I didn't see the spider again, maybe it did not like my energy).
- Evening (Welcome Dinner… or Trial by Fire?): Dinner at the hotel restaurant which was actually quite delicious, but after the spider situation and all the travel, I was not so hungry. The music was playing and I don't think the other guests were as tired as I was, so they were having lots of fun dancing. I opted for the first night to chill in the room and rest. A quiet evening.
Day 2: Coffee, Confusion, and a Catastrophe (Almost)
- Morning (Coffee, More Coffee! and Some Butterflies): Woke up feeling vaguely human. The view from the balcony was stunning. Seriously, postcard-worthy. The air was fresh, the birds were chirping, and I finally understood why people love coffee. Had breakfast, which was a delicious assortment of fruits, eggs, and, you guessed it, more coffee. I felt a little bit brave, so I went out and start exploring.
- Mid-Morning (The Coffee Plantation Adventure): Went on a tour of a coffee plantation. Learned about the entire process, from bean to cup. Fascinating! I even tried picking some coffee cherries, which turned out to be harder than it looks! And a lot of my fellow travellers, well… let's just say their Spanish skills were, shall we say, interpretive. One guy kept calling a coffee bean "a little brown acorn". I spent more time stifling giggles than I did learning about coffee. I also got chased by a rogue rooster. Don't ask.
- Afternoon (The "Relaxing" Afternoon That Wasn't): Back at the hotel, I decided I needed some “me time.” I envisioned myself lounging by the pool, reading a book, sipping a cocktail. Reality? The pool was freezing, the cocktail was mostly ice, and my book got splashed. I also may have accidentally set off the alarm with a stray towel. Let's just say I'm not exactly a graceful traveler.
- Evening (Dinner and a Near Disaster): Dinner was again rather good. I somehow managed to get confused with the menu, and ordered beef instead of chicken. I really don't like beef. So, I sent it back to the kitchen and ordered a soup. Soup was very tasty. I was enjoying myself so much at dinner that I accidentally lost my phone in the restaurant. Luckily, a friendly local found and offered it to me. Disaster averted!
Day 3: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Salento and the Valley of Cocora
- Morning (Salento, the Perfect Town… or Maybe Not?): Took a day trip to Salento, the "gateway" to the Cocora Valley. The town itself is adorable. Think colorful buildings, artisan shops, and the overwhelming smell of fresh arepas. I bought WAY too many souvenirs and felt the urge to buy a very flamboyant hat, but resisted. Barely.
- Mid-Morning (Cocora Valley… and Tears?): The Cocora Valley. Oh. My. God. Giant, towering wax palm trees piercing the clouds. It's like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, but real. The hike was… challenging. I'm not the fittest person, let's just say. I huffed and puffed my way up the trails, pausing every five minutes to catch my breath. At one point, I genuinely considered turning back, but then I saw the view. Beautiful. Absolutely worth it. I may have cried a little. Happy tears, I swear! The best thing, and I'm not even sure why, was taking a photo with all the other travelers.
- Afternoon (The Jeep Ride of Doom): The traditional way back from Cocora is by Jeep. These things are basically glorified death traps, packed to the brim with tourists. We were hanging on for dear life at some point. I've never been so terrified and exhilarated at the same time. It was a visceral experience that I’ll never forget, in a good way. (I think.)
- Evening (Quiet Reflection… and Empanadas): Back at the hotel, exhausted but happy. Spent the rest of the evening journaling, reliving the day's adventures. And of course, stuffing myself with empanadas. Because, you know, carbs.
Day 4: Departure and a Promise to Return (Probably)
- Morning (Goodbye, Villa Juana Pereira!): Woke up, had one last cup of coffee on the balcony, soaked in the scenery. It was hard to say goodbye to this place. I've had the best and most emotional days! I made a lot of mistakes and, hopefully learned a lot of Spanish.
- Mid-Morning (The Journey Home… and the inevitable coffee withdrawal): Another (thankfully uneventful) transfer to the airport. Final thoughts? Colombia is a beautiful, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable place.
- Afternoon (The Aftermath): I'm now back home, jet-lagged, slightly traumatised, and completely smitten with Colombia. I'm already planning my return. 10/10 would recommend. Just, maybe bring your own spider spray. And a strong sense of humor. You'll need it.
This is just a snapshot, of course. The real beauty of Villa Juana Pereira, and Colombia in general, is in the unexpected moments, the small interactions, and the utter messiness of it all. Go. Experience it. You won't regret it. (Probably.)
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Escape to Paradise: Hotel Villa Juana - The REAL Deal FAQs (with all the messy bits!)
Okay, spill the tea. Is Villa Juana REALLY as dreamy as the pictures make it look?
Alright, let's be honest. The photos? They're gorgeous. Seriously, Instagram-worthy. And yes, the views are STUNNING. That panoramic view of the valley? It'll make you gasp. I did, the first time. Like, full-on, "Oh. My. GOD." gasp. But here's the kicker... they don't show you the tiny, slightly wonky tiles in the bathroom. Or the occasional overly enthusiastic rooster that screams its lungs out at 5 AM. And honestly? I LOVE it. It's not sterile paradise, it's REAL paradise. Sort of. You know... with life.
What's the deal with the location? Is it hard to get to? Because I get hangry.
Okay, so it's not exactly *right* in the middle of Pereira. You need a car or a taxi. Getting there IS part of the adventure. First time, I was a bit nervous. Winding roads? Mountains? My internal monologue was basically "Are we there yet? Are we crashing yet? I NEED FOOD." But the journey itself is beautiful. Lush greenery, breathtaking views. And the drive itself gets you excited, anticipating the destination. Think of it like... the prelude to the symphony of relaxation! Just, maybe pack a snack. Seriously. Hangry. No bueno.
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they comfortable? And is the wifi decent, because I, you know, need to work. Kinda.
Rooms! Ah, the rooms. I stayed in the "Sunset Suite". It was massive! Like, could probably host a small party (I didn't, but the option was there...). The bed? Divine. Seriously, I slept like a log. The only snag? The wifi. It's... spotty. Let's be honest. It's *very* spotty. If you're planning on video conferencing all day, this might not be the place. But if you need to *disconnect* and maybe check your email a few times, then you're golden. I ended up spending more time lounging on the balcony, staring at the view, and that? That was infinitely better than staring at a screen. (Though I did briefly panic when I couldn't upload a photo to Instagram! The horror!) Take advantage. Do it.
What's the food like? Because if the food sucks, I'm outta here. End of story.
The food. Okay, buckle up. The food is... fantastic. Seriously. This isn't just "hotel food". This is *real* food. They have a chef who clearly knows what they're doing. Fresh, local ingredients, beautifully prepared. I had the arepas. They were perfect. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. I could have eaten a mountain of them. And the coffee? Oh. Dear. God. The coffee. I dreamt about that coffee. Strong, rich, and a perfect way to start the day. They also make a mean passion fruit juice. Okay, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. The only tiny, miniscule, almost-negligible issue? Sometimes the service is a little slow. But frankly? The wait is worth it. And honestly, when you're on vacation, who's in a rush anyway? Embrace the slowness. Drink more coffee.
What's there to DO at Villa Juana? Is it just staring at the scenery? (Which... isn't bad.)
Staring at the scenery is a valid activity! And honestly, it's a *great* activity. But you can also swim in the pool (gorgeous!), take a walk in the gardens, get a massage (highly recommended!), or visit nearby coffee plantations. They can arrange tours, which I thought was great because I don't speak spanish - and i would've been completely lost. One day, I booked a coffee tour, and it was amazing! Very educational, very interesting, the guide was kind. It was also... HOT. Seriously, the sun blazed. But it was worth it. I am now a coffee snob. Anyway, there's something for everyone. Or nothing. Which is also fine. It is your vacation, after all.
Any downsides? Like, what REALLY annoyed you? Be honest!
Okay, okay, let's get to the grumbles. Real talk. The biggest issue? The ROOSTERS. Oh, the roosters. They start crowing at, like, the crack of dawn. Seriously early. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Or accept it as part of the experience. I tried to embrace it. I really did. But it's hard when you're trying to sleep in. And maybe... and this is just a tiny thing... maybe they could have a few more English channels on the TV. But seriously, it's a minor thing. It's a small price to pay for paradise. And I'd still go back in a heartbeat. Just with earplugs.
Worth it? The ultimate question.
Absolutely. 100%. Yes. It's not a flawless, perfectly polished hotel. It's way better. It's got character. It's got soul. It's got breathtaking views, amazing food, and a vibe that just makes you relax. It's the kind of place you go to unplug, recharge, and remember how to breathe. Look, I went expecting a nice hotel. I left feeling... renewed. It's not cheap, mind you. But it's worth every penny. Go. Seriously. Book it. You won't regret it. Just bring earplugs. And maybe a few extra arepas for the road.
Okay, I'm sold. But I have a specific, strange fear... the pool. Are there weird bugs?
Oh my God, the pool! It's glorious. Seriously, the most inviting turquoise water you've ever seen. Sun loungers everywhere. Bliss. And as for bugs? Look, it's outdoors. It's in the middle of nature. You might see a few. I mean, I *think* I saw a small dragonfly once. But they are tiny. And they aren't out to get you. The pool is amazing, and it's so peaceful. You'll forget all about any tiny insects (or other things!) in seconds. Honestly, I spent a LOT of time in that pool. The best thing in the world. I even got a little sunburned. And I wouldn't change a thingStay Finder Blogs
