Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Cortona!
Escape to Tuscany: Cortona, My Dream Villa? (Let's See…) - A MESSY, HONEST Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just spent a week at "Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Cortona!" and frankly, it's still all a bit of a blur of sun-drenched hills, questionable pasta choices, and the overwhelming feeling that someone was trying REALLY hard to sell me a vacation (and probably succeeded, dammit). This isn't going to be your dry, bullet-point review. This is my experience. So, here we go, warts and all.
(SEO & Metadata Note: I'm trying to hit all the keywords here, but organically! Think: Tuscany, Cortona, Villa, Accessible, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Safety, Things To Do, Family Friendly, Romantic Getaway, Luxury, Italian Vacation, etc. I'll weave 'em in!)
First Impressions (and Panic): Accessibility? Uh…
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. Officially, they say they have "Facilities for disabled guests." Okay, great! But lemme tell you, the cobblestone streets of Cortona and the villa's layout? Not exactly wheelchair-friendly. I didn't see ramps everywhere, which is a bummer. The website mentioned a possible airport transfer, but navigating the actual villa, including the stairs, was a workout, especially when I got back from one too many glasses of Chianti. This wasn't the "effortless escape" for everyone.
(SEO: #Accessibility #WheelchairAccessible #Cortona #Tuscany #DisabledGuests)
Check-in & The Great Wi-Fi Mystery (The Internet, Internet, Where Art Thou?)
Check In? Smooth, mostly. They had a "Contactless check-in/out," which I appreciated. The "Doorman" was probably a computer I never actually interacted with. But the Wi-Fi situation? That's where things got interesting. They scream "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" And technically, yes. But picture trying to stream a movie in a cave - that was the Wi-Fi strength. Forget Internet [LAN], I wanted Internet [Get Me Online, Please!]. The signal at the Wi-Fi in public areas was better, but I'm on vacation, I want to be in slippers, not battling the digital gods. The Internet services overall, were patchy. I spent too much time wandering around the villa with my phone, chasing a bar.
(SEO: #Wi-Fi #Internet #Tuscany #Cortona #FreeWi-Fi)
The Room: A Cozy Bunker with Killer Views (and Questionable Soundproofing)
My room was… interesting. It was charming! Yes! They had "Air conditioning" (thank GOD). A comfy "Desk" for all that work I didn't attempt. "Free bottled water" was a nice touch, and the "Coffee/tea maker" became my best friend. You know, there was even an "Ironing facilities" available, and I never, ever, used them.
The "Soundproofing"? Hmmm. Let's just say I learned a lot about the nocturnal habits of the nearby wildlife (and the occasional loud-mouthed tourist). The "Blackout curtains" were a lifesaver for sleeping in, though. And that view from the window that opens? Spectacular. Really, really, spectacular. But the "Bathroom phone?" Who the hell uses a bathroom phone anymore?!
(SEO: #Rooms #Tuscany #Cortona #AirConditioning #View #FreeWi-Fi)
The Spa - More Like "Almost Spa" (Where I Tried to Find Zen and Found My Inner Drama Queen)
Alright, let's talk spa. This was a BIG selling point for me. I envisioned myself, languidly floating through days of pampering. They advertised a Spa/sauna, a Steamroom, a Pool with view, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap. Ahem. The "Spa" itself was like a beautifully decorated idea with some actual amenities, including what they called a Sauna. The "Pool with view" was indeed stunning, and I spent a glorious afternoon sunning myself poolside. But the Massage? I got this older gal named Maria who clearly had a vendetta against my knots. It was thorough, I'll give her that, but not quite the "blissful rubdown" I was hoping for. Still, after a few glasses of prosecco it was better. The "Body scrub" was… fine.
The problem? The spa wasn’t quite the heavenly oasis I'd pictured. It was good, but there was a constant element of wanting more. But the pool? Glorious. Simply glorious.
(SEO: #Spa #Massage #Pool #Tuscany #Cortona #Relaxation)
Dining and Drinking - A Culinary Adventure (With Some Ups and Downs)
The food. Ah, the food. I think I ate enough pasta to feed a small army. The Villa offered a variety of dining options. There were Restaurants, serving up both Western cuisine and even some offerings of what they called "Asian cuisine in restaurant." They had a Bar with a Poolside bar (essential!). The offered Breakfast [buffet], along with an A la carte in restaurant menu, and Room service [24-hour]. All I had to do was find it.
The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard, with the usual suspects. The Coffee/tea in restaurant flowed freely, which I was thankful for. There was a Coffee shop, which makes me wonder where I was getting my coffee from during the day. I tried the "Asian cuisine" one night… let's just say stick to the Italian. The "Pasta of the day" was a highlight one evening. The Desserts in restaurant were… well, let's just say I had a lot of them. There was a Happy hour, which I took full advantage of. The Bottle of water was handy, considering all the wine I was drinking. The Snack bar was a lifesaver for those mid-afternoon cravings, and there were even offerings of Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant.
Overall, the food was a mixed bag. Some meals were incredible, others… less so. But hey, it's Italy. You're basically obligated to eat your weight in carbs. (SEO: #Restaurants #Food #Tuscany #Cortona #ItalianFood #Breakfast #Dinner)
Things To Do - Beyond the Tourist Traps (and the Occasional Espresso Mishap)
Okay, so Things to do! Cortona itself is a gem. The villa (thankfully) offered a lot of information about local experiences, so you weren't left to your own devices. The Concierge was helpful, if a little busy. They offered information about Meeting/banquet facilities for those interested in Meetings, maybe even a Seminar. I, however, was here to relax. They did offer Breakfast takeaway service, and that came in handy a few times.
I wandered the cobblestone streets, explored the local shops (gift/souvenir shop!) and soaked up the atmosphere. I tried to paint, failed miserably. I spent hours just staring at the Tuscan hills. I probably should have rented a bicycle.
The "Cash withdrawal" option was handy, and there was a Convenience store available on site.
(SEO: #ThingsToDo #Cortona #Tuscany #Tourism #Activities)
Cleanliness and Safety - In the Age of… Well, You Know…
Let's talk Cleanliness and safety. This is crucial, especially now. They touted Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. There was even a Sterilizing equipment on hand.
They had Hand sanitizer in abundance, and staff were well-trained in Safety protocol. Guests could even opt for Room sanitization opt-out available. There was a First aid kit available. They took things seriously, which I appreciated.
(SEO: #Cleanliness #Safety #COVID #Santization #Tuscany)
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us)
They touted themselves as "Family/child friendly," but I didn't travel with kids. The villa offered Babysitting service, which is handy, and had a few "Kids facilities". But, honestly, Cortona felt more suited to a romantic getaway than a family vacation.
(SEO: #FamilyFriendly #Kids #Cortona #Tuscany)
The Verdict? (Spoiler: It's Complicated)
So, would I recommend "Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Cortona!"? Well, that depends. If you're looking for pure, unadulterated luxury, and if you have mobility issues, maybe not. If you're after a seamless, perfectly polished experience, probably not.
But if you're okay with a little grit, a little imperfection, and a whole lot of charm, then yes. Absolutely. It’s a beautiful location, with quirks and character, and the kind of holiday that makes you feel like you’ve *
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Starigrad Holiday Home with Garden!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly curated Pinterest itinerary, this is the REAL DEAL. This is my attempt to conquer… Belvilla by Oyo Gli Olivi in Cortona, Italy. Pray for me.
THE ITINERARY (OR, HOW I HOPE TO AVOID UTTER DISASTER)
Day 1: Arrival of the (Mostly) Happy Clowns & The Great Olive Oil Hunt
Morning (ish): Touchdown in Florence! (Hopefully, the baggage handlers haven’t decided to holiday in the Bahamas with my only pair of decent shoes). The drive to Cortona from Florence, that should be a breeze, right? Famous last words. We're talking about Italian roads, where "short cut" translates to "heart-stoppingly scenic but probably terrifying."
- Emotionally: Okay, I'm already feeling the stress of driving abroad again. Remember that harrowing experience in Lisbon? Good times. (No.)
- Quirky observation: I bet every rental car in Italy smells faintly of espresso and desperation.
Afternoon: Arrive at Gli Olivi! (Fingers crossed it’s not a dilapidated shack promising "rustic charm"). Check-in, unpack, and immediately begin strategizing on how to snag the best sun lounger by the pool. This is a priority. I'm not kidding.
- Messier structure: Wait, first, gotta scope out the kitchen. Because, you know, sustenance. And wine- the immediate post-travel survival kit.
- Rambles: I sincerely hope there are enough forks. I had a truly traumatizing fork-related experience in a French B&B once.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Olive Oil Pilgrimage! Cortona is famous for olive oil. This is my mission… to find the perfect olive oil. The one that sings to your soul. The one that whispers promises of sun-drenched tomatoes and crusty bread. I've already googled "best olive oil Cortona" for HOURS. I'm thinking a small, artisanal farm. With a grumpy old farmer who secretly loves tourists.
- Doubling Down: I will visit every olive oil producer within a 10km radius if I have to. Sample 'em all. Become an olive oil connoisseur (or at least, someone who can fake it convincingly). This is my destiny.
- Opinionated Language: If the olive oil tastes like motor oil, I'm walking out. No time for sub-par oil in my life. Life's too short.
Evening: Dinner in Cortona center. Preferably somewhere with a view. And, crucially, somewhere that serves a gigantic plate of pasta. I'm thinking cacio e pepe. Or maybe the wild boar ragu. Decisions, decisions…
- Anecdote: Last time I tried to order pasta in Italy, I somehow ended up with a plate of… well, let’s just say it wasn’t what I intended. I don’t think I have ever been so hungry and confused.
- Emotional reaction: Overwhelmed with anticipation and hunger. This is going to be amazing.
Day 2: Art, Altitude, and Aggravation (Maybe?)
Morning: Explore Cortona! Visit the Etruscan Museum (the one with the creepy, but fascinating, artifacts – I'm expecting to see a lot of pottery ). Climb to the top of the Medici Fortress for panoramic views. Try not to hyperventilate.
- Imperfections: I’m not a morning person. This might be a struggle. And I'm prone to getting lost. Prepare for me to ask every single person for directions. Repeatedly.
- Quirky observation: I bet the Etruscans knew how to appreciate a good sunset. We'll have to take notes.
Afternoon: Cooking class! (Hopefully, I won’t burn anything down). I booked a cooking class. I really want to learn to make fresh pasta. I'm envisioning myself as a charming Italian Nonna, effortlessly whipping up culinary masterpieces. Reality will probably involve flour EVERYWHERE, and me accidentally setting my apron on fire.
- Messier structure: Oh, I should also check the local market. More food! and good photos! and maybe a purchase of something that I’ll completely regret.
- Emotional Reaction: Mixture of excitement and utter terror. I'm picturing myself as a complete disaster.
Evening: Wine tasting at a local vineyard. This is crucial. We need to know what wine goes best with all that glorious olive oil and pasta.
- Opinionated language: I'm not a "wine snob," but I do know what I like. And if it's not good, I'll be brutally honest. (To myself, mostly. I'm not trying to start a war.)
- Rambles: My theory regarding wine is, if it makes you happy, it’s good! Oh, and the view… it has to go well with the view.
Day 3: Day Trip Dilemmas & Delirious Decisions
Morning: Day trip! Decisions, decisions… San Gimignano? Montepulciano? Siena? The possibilities are endless. The driving, less so.
- Anecdote: Last time I tried a scenic drive, I took a wrong turn and ended up on a goat path. In Portugal. Never again. (Probably).
- Imperfections: I'll probably pick the wrong one. Choose the place that everyone else hates. I'm great at that.
Afternoon: Whatever day trip I (inevitably) choose. Explore the town, eat some gelato, and try to avoid getting sunburnt.
- Quirky observation: I bet the best gelato places will be the ones that look the least fancy. Those are always truer.
- Rambles: It will also probably involve a lot of wandering. And maybe a minor argument over directions. It’s all part of the charm, right? (Right?)
Evening: Dinner. Possibly at Gli Olivi (if I haven't totally abandoned the kitchen from Day 2), or back in Cortona. Pasta, again? Don't judge me.
- Emotional reaction: Content. Exhausted. Slightly sunburnt. Completely in love with Italy.
- Opinionated language: I will not feel guilty for ordering another bowl of pasta.
Day 4: Relaxation and Departure (or, The Bitter Sweet Farewell)
Morning: Sleep in! (Finally). Lounge by the pool. Read a book. Drink coffee. Pretend I have no responsibilities. Pure bliss.
- Messier structure: Oh, also, laundry. Ugh. But, gotta get it done.
Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Panic-buying olive oil, pasta, and all the little trinkets. This is vital.
- Anecdote: Always buy extra. You can never have enough. I've always regretted when I haven’t filled my suitcase with enough.
Evening: Pack. Say a tearful goodbye to Gli Olivi. Promise myself I'll return soon and then head back to Florence.
- Emotional reaction: Sad. Tired. But mostly, grateful. For the food, the sunshine, and the memories (even the slightly disastrous ones).
- Opinionated language: I’m gonna miss this place. Even more than the pasta. (Almost).
Night: Fly home. Start planning the next Italian adventure. Because, let's face it, that's all I'll be thinking of for the next year.
- Fin.
Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Cortona! (But Seriously, What's it REALLY Like?)
Okay, the pictures look amazing. But is it *actually* as gorgeous as it seems?
Alright, let's be real. Tuscany? Cortona? Dreamy, right? The photos? They’re pretty darn accurate. The rolling hills? Yep. The cypress trees? Abundant. The villa itself? Magnificent. But... here's the *thing*. Photos always filter out the realities. Like, that picture of the pool? Stunning. What they *don't* show you is that the sun hits it just right in the morning, then you're in shade for the afternoon, which, honestly, is kind of perfect because you don’t fry. Also, the pictures don't capture the *smell* of freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen at 7 AM. That, my friends, is worth the price of admission alone. And, a huge issue for me? The lack of mosquitoes, not a single one! So, yes, it IS gorgeous. But be prepared to fall *even harder* than the pictures lead you to believe. Just... pack some bug spray. Even if you don't need it. (Trust me, I learned that the hard way one time in Italy).
What's the villa actually *like*? Big? Small? Crammed with antiques?
"Like" is a vague term, isn't it? This villa is… let's go with "spacious but cozy." It's not a drafty castle (thankfully, the heating is AMAZING), but it's also not a cramped apartment. Think of it as a beautifully decorated, well-loved family home that happens to have been in Italy for, like, forever. There are those gorgeous stone floors (cold in the morning, delightful in the afternoon), and yes, some of the furniture has seen a few birthdays. But that's the charm! It's not sterile or pretentious. It's a place you can *live* in.
I remember once, I accidentally locked myself out on the terrace. Cue the chaos! Trying to signal my husband, who was happily blissed out in a hammock, like a silent movie actor. Finally, a charming local came to the rescue, and the irony? He spoke *less* English than I speak fluent Italian in my sleep!
Is it hard to get around? Do I need a car?
Okay, here's the lowdown on the driving situation: You *probably* want a car. Cortona is up on a hill, and while you *could* theoretically rely on taxis or walking, it's not ideal. The roads are… well, let's call them "character-building." Narrow, winding, and sometimes, a little bit terrifying. Think rally racing, but with more olive groves and less insurance. I'd say driving in the area is the best way to get to know the area!
But the reward? Pure Tuscan bliss. You can stumble upon a tiny trattoria serving the best pasta you’ve ever tasted (and trust me, you *will* stumble upon one), or discover a hidden vineyard with a view that will make you weep. Seriously, have tissues ready.
What kind of amenities are there? Is there Wi-Fi (because let's be honest, we NEED it)?
Let's start with the *essentials*. Wi-Fi? Yes, thank goodness. It's not lightning-fast, but it works. You're not going to be streaming Netflix in 4K while simultaneously video-conferencing with your boss. But you can check emails, post envy-inducing Instagram photos, and Google "how long does a tiramisu last in the fridge?" which, by the way, is a very important question to ask.
The villa generally has a pool, which is crucial for staying cool in the summer heat. (and trust me, a dip in the pool is always an experience, I think it was the best memory I have of Florence.) There's usually a fully equipped kitchen (thank you, modern world!), a comfortable living area, and sometimes even a fireplace for those cozy evenings. Details vary depending on the specific villa you choose, so check the listing carefully. But rest assured, they understand modern comforts. They are not running on donkey-power for every day stuff.
Can I cook my own meals, or do I have to eat out all the time?
Oh, do you *have* to eat out all the time? Absolutely not! One of the *best* things about staying in a villa is the freedom to cook your own meals. (And for goodness sake, you *should* !) The kitchens are usually well-equipped.
This is where the *fun* begins. Imagine: shopping at the local market, overflowing with ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. (Make sure you haggle a little, even if your Italian is terrible. It's part of the fun!) Then, back at the villa, you try (and probably fail, hilariously) to recreate some authentic Tuscan dishes. Don't worry, it doesn't matter how the food tastes because you are in Tuscany and it will taste amazing no matter what.
Is it kid-friendly?
"Kid-friendly" is a spectrum, isn't it? It depends on your definition. Some villas are definitely better than others. Many have pools (supervised, of course!), which is a *huge* win. Plenty of space for the little ones to run around.
That being said, imagine this. My friend Sarah booked a stunning villa with a pool. The kids, bless their little hearts, spent most of their time covered in mud, and the best part? It was a memory to last a lifetime. (And the pool? Always the savior from the heat)
What's the vibe like in Cortona itself?
Cortona? Magical. It has that perfectly balanced blend of being utterly charming, full of history, and not too overrun with tourists (especially if you go in the off-season, which I highly recommend). It's not a wild party town. More like a place where you can wander, get lost in the narrow streets, stumble upon a hidden piazza, have some gelato, and feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
And the sunsets? Forget about it. Prepare to have your breath taken away on the daily. Seriously, pack a camera (and maybe a box of tissues). The views are that good.
What are some things to do in and around Cortona?
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