Uncover Uruguay's Hidden Gem: Termas Posada del Siglo XIX!
Uncover Uruguay's Hidden Gem: Termas Posada del Siglo XIX! - A Review That's Actually Honest (and a Little Crazy)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Termas Posada del Siglo XIX in Uruguay. Forget the sterile, pre-packaged hotel reviews, this is the real deal – a chaotic symphony of opinions, experiences, and probably a little too much caffeine. Consider this your essential guide, my friend, before venturing into this Uruguayan haven… and maybe a little disclaimer: I’m prone to hyperbole and my memory’s a bit… patchy.
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- Title: Termas Posada del Siglo XIX: A Review of Uruguay's Hidden Thermal Gem
- Description: An honest and in-depth review of Termas Posada del Siglo XIX in Uruguay. Discover the spa, accessibility, dining options, and everything in between! From the heavenly hot springs to the quirks of the service, get the real story.
- Keywords: (See above)
- Author: A Very Opinionated Traveler (That's me!)
- Category: Travel, Hotels, Reviews
(Alright, Let's Get This Show on the Road!)
First off, the idea of Termas Posada del Siglo XIX is pure magic. Picture this: you're lost in the Uruguayan countryside (a beautiful kind of lost, mind you), and then— bam! You stumble upon this gorgeous, old-world-y building seemingly plucked from a fairy tale. The "Siglo XIX" part is no joke, it feels like you've stepped back in time, in the best possible way. Actually, I was hoping for a DeLorean… but no luck.
Accessibility & Wheeled Adventures:
Okay, let's be real. Accessibility is a big deal, and I'm thrilled to report that they've made a serious effort. The website claims, and the real-life experience agrees. Okay, mostly. The main areas are wheelchair accessible (and the staff is generally very helpful). Elevators are present (a lifesaver!), and there's a good grasp of ramps, and some of the rooms are specifically adapted for guests with mobility needs, so a thumbs-up there. However, like any older building, you'll still find some quirks – tight turns here and there… It’s not perfect, folks, but it's definitely among the better-equipped places I’ve seen in Uruguay. They get that, it's not just a tick-box exercise.
Restaurant Ramblings, Lounging, and Libations:
The food situation is… interesting. The main restaurant (a la carte in restaurant, breakfast buffet, buffet in restaurant) is a beautiful space. Let's talk about the breakfast buffet. Yes, yes, breakfast is important, and they know that. You better believe they offer a good one. The usual suspects were present (bacon, eggs, pastries) but honestly, my brain was still in holiday mode, the offerings felt limited. The best part: a fresh fruit selection, it felt like a slice of heaven. Also some pastries. And coffee. And the staff. Always smiles everywhere, like they knew a secret…
Oh, and speaking of smiles, the poolside bar is…well, it's poolside. Which is great. Drinks, snacks, the works. I spent way too much time there. The pool with a view is a total winner, especially at sunset. Picture it: a cocktail in hand, the sky ablaze, and the thermal waters gently swirling around you. Pure bliss. I may or may not have had a few too many caipirinhas and stumbled back to my room. Okay, yes, I did. No regrets.
Things to Do (Besides Napping):
Okay, so I might have prioritized napping. But hey! Ways to relax are a priority, and they understood me.
Spa/sauna - yes to both. Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view - I'm already sold. Body scrub, Body wrap, massage - okay, now you're just showing off! It's an incredible experience, the masseuse (I forget her name, shoot!) was pure gold. My body felt like it was being reborn. Which, honestly, felt necessary after the caipirinhas. Seriously, book a massage. Trust me.
Pool with view- You have to see it to believe it.
Fitness center - I think I saw it. I might have walked past it. I… I don't remember. It exists, though, and that's what matters.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Covid Chronicles
In this current climate, everyone's wondering about safety, and I'm happy to report that Termas Posada del Siglo XIX takes it seriously. They have a ton of protocols in place: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Room sanitization opt-out available, and the staff is always masked. I’m not going to pretend I didn’t breathe a massive sigh of relief when I saw the effort. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items – crucial! But don't expect perfection, there are areas that are cleaner than others.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Journey (With Some Bumps)
As mentioned above, the food is pretty darn good, but not the best I’ve had. The A la carte in restaurant menu has some great options, but it can be a little… variable. Some nights it’s outstanding, other nights, the portions are a tad small. The buffet in restaurant is mostly excellent, although I did find myself wishing for more variety. Asian cuisine in restaurant – hey, that's something. Western cuisine in restaurant - you can't go wrong. There's a snack bar for the quick bites, and a Poolside bar (which I've already rhapsodized about.) The coffee shop is a great little spot too. If you like coffee and you like nice things, then go.
Let's be real, though. No matter how good the food is, it's really the atmosphere that sells it.
Services and Conveniences: The Fine Print
They offer a decent range of services: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and Wi-Fi for special events. Air conditioning in public area – thankfully! Car park [free of charge] – bonus! The gift/souvenir shop is a little overpriced but cute. Cash withdrawal - because, you know, Uruguay. Invoice provided - yes! Dry cleaning - nice if you need it. I noticed a convenience store, for any last-minute needs.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids Too!)
I didn’t travel with kids, but I noticed some family/child-friendly elements. Babysitting service available. Kids meal on the menu. Plus, hey, thermal baths are kind of awesome for everyone.
Available in All Rooms: Digging Deeper
Okay, let's break down the room situation, because hey, this is where you'll actually stay. All rooms have air conditioning (thank goodness!), Wi-Fi [free], and a private bathroom. They mostly have things you'd expect, except the internet can be spotty.
- Additional toilet: very helpful.
- Alarm clock: who even uses these anymore?
- Bathrobes: yes, please.
- Bathroom phone: okay, maybe not.
- Bathtub: a must.
- Blackout curtains: essential for the afternoon nap.
- Carpeting: it felt clean, but still…
- Coffee/tea maker: a lifesaver!
- Complimentary tea: lovely touch.
- Daily housekeeping: much appreciated.
- Desk: good for pretending to work.
- Extra long bed: yes!
- Free bottled water: always a win.
- Hair dryer: essential for my… ahem… routine.
- High floor: depends on room.
- In-room safe box: check.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: handy for families.
- Internet access – LAN: good for the early 2000s.
- Internet access – wireless: see above.
- Ironing facilities: useful, but not for me.
- Laptop workspace: see desk above.
- Linens: clean.
- Mini bar: stocked.
- Mirror: plentiful.
- Non-smoking: important
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-planned itinerary. We're going to Termas Posada del Siglo XIX, Uruguay, and we're going to do it right. By which I mean, with minimal planning and maximum chaos. Let's see what happens.
Termas Posada del Siglo XIX: Operation Relax or Die Trying (Spoiler Alert: Probably Trying)
Day 1: Getting There (and Maybe Losing My Mind)
- Morning (or what passes for morning after a night of packing like a maniac): Ugh. Okay. 6:00 AM alarm. I swear, whoever invented early morning flights has a special place reserved in the fiery pits of… well, you get the idea. Coffee x 3. Managed, somehow, to shove everything into a carry-on that looks suspiciously like it might spontaneously explode. Passport? Check. Anxiety meds? Double-check.
- Mid-Morning: The Great Airport Adventure: Uruguay, here I come! Except first, the airport. And… wow. Flight delays, naturally. Sat next to a guy who kept trying to sell me crypto and another who wouldn't stop explaining the intricacies of his bird-watching hobby. (I like birds, really I do, but not at 7 am!). Finally, the plane. Found a questionable seat and prayed the landing was smoother than my life is at the moment.
- Afternoon: Arrival and Initial Panic: Montevideo airport. Smaller than expected, which is a relief. Immigration? Smooth sailing. Now, the rental car. OMG, it's a tiny little Citroën. I'm used to a tank. This is… adorable. But can it handle Uruguayan roads? Doubtful. GPS set for Salto, hoping I don't end up in the Andes by accident.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: The Drive and the First Sign of Bliss (Maybe): Road trip! Scenery is beautiful, all rolling hills and vast skies. First couple of hours went fine. The GPS made me veer off a main road onto a dusty, bouncy-castle-of-a-track. Found my first "pulperia" (the little shops). The locals look me up and down as if they're wondering how I managed to get there, but were welcoming. Finally, after hours of driving, I arrived at the Posada. The first sight - the architecture, old and full of charm, and the scent of wood smoke. Okay, maybe, just maybe, this is worth it.
Day 2: Thermal Waters and Total Zen (Probably Not)
- Morning: Spa and Panic Attack (Part 1): Breakfast. I'm usually a cereal person, but I decided to try the local pastry: medialunas - delicious. Walked towards the thermal baths. First impressions: dreamy. Lush gardens, the sound of water, the light… Now, the awkward part. Changing rooms. I haven't worn a bathing suit in public since… well, a while. Deep breaths. Okay, in I go…
- Mid-Morning: In the Water… and Bliss (briefly): The water is warm, the sun is shining, and for a glorious 15 minutes, I achieved a state of semi-bliss. Then I remembered I hadn't put on sunscreen in a hurry and started to burn up. I guess not everything is perfect.
- Afternoon: Exploring (Maybe): Decided to "explore" the local area. Emphasis on "decided." Ended up driving aimlessly for an hour, got lost, and almost ran over a flock of sheep. I saw a sign of a nearby estancia (ranch) - a full day experience which I was interested in, until I remember I'm a terrible horse rider.
- Evening: Dinner and (Attempted) Relaxation: Dinner at the posada restaurant. Ate way too much delicious, Uruguayan food. Red wine? Yes, please. Now, to the thermal baths again to truly relax before bed. Read my book and it got very relaxing (until the mosquitos got me.
Day 3: Doubling Down on the Experience (and Maybe a Meltdown)
- Morning: Coffee and the Same Old Panic: Another early morning, another dose of coffee. I decided to try another spa treatment, this time, a massage.
- Mid-Morning: The Massage and the Tears (of Joy?): The massage. Wow. Bliss. I think I may have actually drifted off and started snoring at one point. I ended up talking to the masseuse about life.
- Afternoon: Repeating the Best Part: I ended up spending the rest of the afternoon repeating the best experience, going to the thermal baths.
- Evening: More and More Food: I decided against going to another restaurant and decided to use the posada's kitchen.
Day 4: Departure (and the Aftermath)
Morning: Farewell, Sweet Waters!: The most important thing, I think, it to leave a little bit of yourself in the places you visit. Breakfast. Saying goodbye to the posada was harder than I expected. Seriously considered staying.
Mid-Morning: The Drive Back (and More Sheep!): The long drive back to the airport. Attempted to avoid the bouncy-castle-of-a-track this time, SUCCESS!, drove past more beautiful landscapes. Stopped at a little roadside café for coffee and a final medialuna.
Afternoon: Airport Angst (Round 2): Back to the airport. The tiny Citroën held up admirably. Check-in, security, the usual torture. Found myself wanting to stay.
Evening: Home… and a Giant Meltdown (Maybe): Plane takes off. I am exhausted. Emotionally drained. But. I'm also… happy. The trip wasn’t perfect, it was messy, chaotic, and occasionally a little terrifying but… it was real. Now back home. Post-Trip Thoughts:
Regrets: I should have learned some basic Spanish. And how to drive a stick shift. And how to not panic in public.
Recommendations: Go. Just go. Be prepared for the unexpected. Embrace the chaos. And pack extra sunscreen. And maybe a small amount of sanity.
Will I go back?: Yes. Absolutely. But next time I'm bringing a friend. And maybe therapy.
And that, my friends, is how you do a trip the messy, wonderful way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And possibly a stiff drink.
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Termas Posada del Siglo XIX: Your Guide to Uruguay's Steamy Secret (And Maybe Some Regrets)
So, Termas Posada del Siglo XIX... What *is* it, exactly? Is it just a fancy hot tub?
Okay, picture this: rolling Uruguayan countryside, the kind you see in… well, the brochure. Now, slap a gorgeous, historic mansion right in the middle of it. That's the Posada. And then, because Uruguay is just that awesome, they tapped into some natural, *healing* hot springs. Boom! It's not just a fancy hot tub. It's a whole *experience*. You're talking indoor and outdoor thermal pools, varying temperatures, plus a spa. Think… luxurious, but also… slightly rustic. More on that later. Think, you know, Instagrammable, but also… potentially mosquito-ridden (happened to me!).
How do I even *get* there from, let's say, Montevideo? Is it like, a secret mountain pass guarded by gauchos with water guns?
Okay, so, no gauchos with water guns. As much as I'd secretly love that. You're looking at a drive. It's a few hours from Montevideo, which, honestly, is a good thing. Keeps the riff-raff away, right? I’m being a bit grumpy, sorry. The drive is… scenic. Lots of cows, a few windmills, and the occasional tiny, blink-and-you-miss-it town. You’ll probably need a car. Public transport? Don't even go there unless you're a masochist. GPS is your best friend, trust me. Getting lost is… possible. I may have, um, taken a wrong turn. Twice. Let's just say it added to the "adventure."
What are the pools like? Are they crowded? Do I have to share with, like, a screaming toddler named Kevin?
The pools are *amazing*. Seriously. Varying temperatures, from pleasantly warm to scaldingly hot. You have indoor and outdoor options, which is fantastic. On a crisp evening, soaking in the outdoor pools under a blanket of stars… pure bliss. I swear, my back pain melted away. Okay, but here’s the dirty truth. Crowds? Well, it depends. Weekends? Yeah, you might encounter other humans. Not, like, Disney World crowded, but definitely not deserted. Toddlers? Possibly. Kevin? Maybe. I once had a kid splash water directly in my face while I blissfully relaxed (eye roll). Pack earplugs. And a sense of humor. You'll need both.
Speaking of pools, what about the water quality? Is it… you know… clean? Or am I bathing in the equivalent of a public swimming pool's murky depths?
Right, the million-dollar question! Let's be honest, every time you immerse yourself in any public water source, a little part of you wonders what lurks beneath the surface. Are they using enough chlorine? Did Kevin (again!) just… well, you get the idea. Honestly, the water at Termas Posada feels pretty darn clean. They clearly take care to make sure everything stays crystal clear, which is a huge relief. Seeing other people get relaxed makes you relax even more. The water is sourced naturally from the hot springs, so it's always warm and bubbling, which helps kill germs. So yes, it's clean! Pretty sure. Mostly. 99% sure. I didn't get any… uh… strange ailments after my visit, so that's a good sign, right?
What's the food situation like? Can I live on empanadas and mate the entire time? Because, honestly, I’d be okay with that...
Okay, empanadas and mate. A solid plan. There *is* a restaurant on-site, which is convenient. The food is… decent. Not Michelin-star worthy, but perfectly acceptable after a long soak. Expect typical Uruguayan fare: grilled meats, salads, and of course, empanadas! They have *good* empanadas. I might have consumed an unhealthy amount. The mate situation is completely in your hands. Bring your own, or they might have some available. Just be prepared for the ritual. It's intense. And delicious. I strongly recommend embracing the mate culture. It’s part of the experience! And maybe, just maybe, order a dessert. You deserve it.
Are there any bars? I like a cheeky cocktail while I soak. Don’t judge me.
There's a bar! Hallelujah! (and yes, I judge… with envy!) It’s not a wild, raucous bar, but it's lovely. You can get wine, beer, cocktails. Nothing too fancy, but it does the trick. Soaking in a thermal pool with a glass of something bubbly? Pure, unadulterated bliss. Just… pace yourself. Thermal pools and too many cocktails? Not a good combination. Trust me on this one. I may or may not have stumbled back to my room once. It's a blur.
Is the spa worth it? I'm a sucker for a massage, and my shoulders are perpetually tight from… life.
The spa? YES! Absolutely, positively YES! Book a massage. Do it now. Significantly improves life. My shoulders weren't just tight; they were practically forming granite slabs. The masseuses are skilled, the environment is tranquil, and you'll emerge feeling like a whole new person. Well, maybe not a *new* person, but definitely more relaxed. And the spa has different treatments, so… explore the options. Go for a facial! Get a mud wrap! I did. I felt… wonderfully silly after. But mostly, wonderfully relaxed. Don’t skip the spa. It’s a crucial part of the experience. And hey, you're already there. Might as well!
Are there any activities besides soaking and getting massaged? Or will I just be a prune for a few days?
Okay, alright, you won't *just* be a prune (though, let's be honest, that sounds pretty good). There is a bit more to do. You can walk around the grounds - they're beautiful! There is a little bit of hiking. You can read a book (highly recommended). Some people bring games. But really, people go there to relaxEscape to Paradise: Sai Kaew Beach Resort Awaits!
