Escape to Tuscany: Luxurious Villa Severina Awaits!
Escape to Tuscany: Villa Severina… or, My Italian Dream (Almost)
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your perfectly polished, brochure-friendly review. This is the real deal, warts and all, about Villa Severina – and let me tell you, my stay was… well, it was something. Let's just say my expectations, fueled by Pinterest boards and romantic novels, took a slight detour from reality.
SEO & Metadata Bomb! (Because, you know, algorithms):
- Keywords: Tuscany, Villa Severina, Luxury Hotel, Italy, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Tuscan Cuisine, Family Friendly, Romantic Getaway, Wi-Fi, Travel Review
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Villa Severina in Tuscany! Is it as dreamy as it looks? Accessibility, spa experiences, dining, and all the little quirks of this supposed paradise are dissected. Spoiler alert: it's complicated.
- Category: Travel, Hotels & Resorts
- Tags: Tuscany, Italy, Villa, Hotel Review, Luxury Travel, Accessible Travel, Spa Hotel, Family Vacation, Romantic Getaway, Italian Food
First Impressions: The Arrival (and the Parking Predicament)
The drive up to Villa Severina? Breathtaking. Seriously, the Tuscan countryside is pure postcard material. Rolling hills, vineyards, the whole shebang. My jaw practically ahem dropped as we pulled up. The villa itself? Gorgeous! Stone facade, terracotta roof… yeah, the pictures didn't lie.
Accessibility: The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the "We-Tried"
Now, here's where things got… interesting. I specifically booked this place because it boasted "Facilities for disabled guests" and advertised itself as wheelchair accessible. My partner relies on a wheelchair, so this a massive factor for us.
- The Good: The elevator! This was a huge win. Navigating the villa itself was largely okay, with decent ramps and wide hallways. Some of the rooms were indeed adapted.
- The Not-So-Good: The "accessible" bathroom was… a bit of a letdown. The grab bars were a bit flimsy, the shower was a bit tight, and the whole thing felt like an afterthought. Don't get me wrong – it was there, but not exactly luxurious. And the parking… OH, the parking! While labeled as "Car park [free of charge]," the designated accessible parking was often occupied by… other people. Cue the awkward circling and the internal screaming.
- The "We-Tried": There's a certain Italian charm to things – a beautiful, almost-there effort. Staff were always eager to help, but their understanding of true accessibility sometimes fell a bit short. Like, "We think this works…" with a slightly bewildered smile.
On-Site Indulgences: Spa Days and Swimming Pools (or, My Quest for Relaxation)
Okay, let's talk about the fun stuff. Because, yes, despite the parking drama, there was a lot of potential for serious relaxation.
- The Pool with a View: This was a total highlight. Seriously, the infinity pool overlooking the Tuscan hills? Absolutely divine. Sipping a cocktail from the Poolside bar, gazing at the scenery… pure bliss. (More on the cocktails later, they were AMAZING.)
- The Spa (Briefly): The Spa itself was lovely – a real oasis. I treated myself to a Body scrub (heavenly!) and a massage. They had a Sauna, Steamroom, and even a tiny Foot bath – so many ways to pamper yourself. The only complaint? It got busy. Like, really busy. Reserve your spot early!
- Fitness Center? Yes, they had a Gym/fitness. But to be honest, after all the exploring, the pool, and the food, I was more inclined to nap than hit the treadmill. No judgements, though.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (and the Occasional Disappointment)
Oh, the food! This is where Villa Severina really shines. The restaurant scene was a major draw.
- The Breakfast Buffet (aka, The Breakfast Battleground): Okay, the Breakfast [buffet] was a marathon. Amazing selection! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast (cooked perfectly), fresh fruit, pastries… the works. The sheer abundance was overwhelming. The quality was high! However, the queues… The lines were like navigating a crowded mosh pit!
- Dinner Under the Tuscan Sun: Dining at the main Restaurants was a must. I highly recommend the A la carte in restaurant! The International cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant was top-notch. The Salad in restaurant options were always a welcome addition and the local wine? Perfection. The Desserts in restaurant? Forget about it! But be warned, reservations are essential.
- The (Slightly) Less Glamorous Sides: Some of the Buffet in restaurant options were a little… hit-or-miss. The Snack bar was convenient, but the quality felt a little inconsistent. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good, but it took ages to get your order in. I didn't try the Soup in restaurant, so I can't comment, but, let's be honest, I probably should have.
- Room Service [24-hour] - God, the 24-hour room service: If you're me, after a long day traveling, the 24-hour room service is absolutely brilliant. And, the best part? Bottle of water at the ready always. My personal favourite.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Quirks
Villa Severina offers a ton of services, some brilliant, some… less so.
- The Good Stuff: The Concierge was incredibly helpful, organizing excursions and recommending local restaurants (yes, more food). Daily housekeeping was impeccable. They were also super on top of Daily disinfection in common areas and the Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful.
- The "Could Be Better": While they offered Air conditioning in public area, it wasn't always the most efficient, and the reception could get a bit stuffy. The Cash withdrawal facility was convenient, but the ATM wasn’t always working.
- The Utterly Bizarre: They had a Shrine. A full-on, unexpected shrine. No explanation. Just… a shrine. I'm still trying to process that.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart): Family-Friendly Vibes?
Villa Severina's marketing definitely plays up the family-friendly aspect.
- The Pluses: They had a Babysitting service, a Kids meal, and several Kids facilities. Everything that you'd want!
- The "Needs Improvement": While I don't have any kids, I could see how the lack of dedicated kids' activities beyond the pool could be a downer for families.
Rooms: The Sanctuary (Mostly)
Our room? Pretty great!
- The Highlights: The Air conditioning, the Free Wi-Fi, the Mini bar (essential!), the Balcony with a view. We had a Soundproof rooms to ensure privacy and rest.
- The Minor Annoyances: The bathroom setup wasn't the most practical for a wheelchair user. The lighting was a little dim. And the Alarm clock was a pain to figure out.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Focus (Especially with COVID)
Villa Severina seemed to be taking cleanliness seriously.
- The Good: The staff were all masked (at the time) and professional. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, and the Room sanitization opt-out available. This made me feel safe.
- The "They Tried": They took Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, so there was a certain formality in many of the public areas.
Getting Around: Exploring the Tuscan Dream
- Airport transfer: Super convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: The accessible parking issue, again!
- Taxi service: readily available.
Overall Thoughts: Would I Go Back?
Okay, the big question. Would I go back to Villa Severina?
Honestly? Maybe.
It’s a beautiful place with a lot of potential. The setting is stunning, the food is delicious, and the staff are genuinely lovely. But the accessibility hiccups and the occasional organizational quirks gave me a weird vibe. It’s not perfect, and it's definitely not cheap.
If you're looking for a picture-perfect, flawlessly accessible experience, this isn't it. But if you're up for a bit of charming imperfection, a dash of Italian flair, and the chance to soak up some serious Tuscan beauty, then Villa Severina might just be the ticket. Just remember to pack your patience and a sense of humor, because you'll likely need both! And for the love of all that is holy, book that spa treatment early!
**Final Score: 3.75 out of 5 Stars
Escape to Odenwald Paradise: Your Terrace Awaits in Mossautal!
Okay, buckle up Buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's (or Google's) perfectly-optimized itinerary. We're going to Italy, to Villa Severina in Cortona, and trust me, things will go sideways. But in the best possible way. Prepare for some unapologetic Italian messiness.
BELVILLA BY OYO - CORTONA CHAOS: A Totally Unscripted Adventure
Prep Phase (Before we even think about the Villa):
- Weeks Before: Okay, so I booked Belvilla, Villa Severina, Cortona, thinking, "Oooh, Tuscany! Romantic sunsets! Rolling hills!" I was picturing myself sipping Chianti, looking effortlessly chic in some linen pants. Reality check: I spent the next three weeks obsessively checking the weather forecast. And the reviews. And Googling "how to navigate Italian grocery stores without looking like a complete idiot." (Spoiler alert: I failed.)
- Packing Panic: Packing is my kryptonite. I overpack, I underpack, I always forget something crucial (last time, it was deodorant. Mortifying). This time, I’m aiming for minimalism. (Narrator: She did not achieve minimalism.) I'm pretty sure I'm bringing at least three different kinds of shoes, and approximately 8 books. And a travel adapter that hopefully fits the Italian outlets. Pray for me.
- The Flight (Pre-Cortona jitters): The flight was a blur of overpriced airport coffee, questionable airplane food, and the desperate hope that my luggage wouldn't end up in Iceland. (Seriously, it almost did on my last trip. Don't even ask.) The pilot sounded a little too chipper on the announcement, so I had a glass of wine which made me anxious. I started thinking about all the stuff that could go wrong, like, if someone gets sick, do I need to know Italian? What if the car breaks down? What if the wifi doesn't work and I have to gasp actually interact with my family?
DAY 1: ARRIVAL and That First Glorious (and Slightly Terrifying) Cortona Moment
- The Drive (or, Why GPS is Occasionally Evil): Okay, so we survived the flight. Landed, got our rental car (a tiny, adorable Fiat… that felt like it had about three horsepower), and plugged the Villa's address into the GPS. What could go wrong? Oh, you sweet summer child. The GPS, bless its digital heart, decided the most scenic route was also the narrowest route. We're talking, "can you squeeze past a donkey cart while simultaneously avoiding a cliff edge" narrow. My partner, bless his soul, remained remarkably calm while I clung to the dashboard, muttering prayers to the gods of Italian driving.
- Villa Severina Reveal (and a Tiny Crisis): We finally arrived. The Villa was… gorgeous. Truly breathtaking. Exactly what I’d pictured, surrounded by rolling hills, the views were to die for. Picture this: A stone villa, the late afternoon sun bathing everything in a golden glow, the scent of rosemary and something indescribably delicious cooking in the air… and 800,000 mosquitos swarming you. (Or at least, that's how it felt.) The mosquito situation was, frankly, terrifying. But the villa. Oh, the villa redeemed it all.
- First Bites of Tuscany (and Immediate Gratification): First order of business: find food. Found a tiny, charming restaurant in Cortona, "Taverna Etrusca." My Italian? Non-existent. The menu? All in Italian. But the pasta… Oh. My. GOD. I have never tasted anything so divine. A simple ragu, fresh pasta, a glass of Rosso. I felt like I could almost speak Italian after the first bite. Pure bliss. After a while, I noticed I was the only person wearing a mask in the restaurant, so I took mine off. It felt like a victory.
- Evening Ramblings, or, The Great Mosquito Battle of 2024: Back at the Villa, the battle continued. We got out all the repellent. We lit citronella candles. We even considered building a bonfire to keep the little bloodsuckers at bay. It was hilarious, and exhausting. But the stars! They were absolutely brilliant, just like in the pictures. And the wine helped. (Okay, a lot.) I actually laid there on the lawn, just staring at the sky, completely overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. It made the trip worth it.
DAY 2: Cortona Charm, Wine, and a Near Disaster
- Cortona Exploration: Ah, Cortona. Cobblestone streets, hidden trattorias, and views that make you want to weep with joy (or maybe it was the jet lag). Wandered through the main square, Piazza della Repubblica. Got lost in the maze-like streets, and that's the point. It was divine. So many little shops - I almost bought a ceramic rooster.
- Wine Tour and Tasting (and a Slight Indiscretion): Booked a wine tour. I love wine, and Tuscany is the promised land. We went to a family-run vineyard, and drank wine while the owners told stories. It was incredible. Then, we went to another winery… and another. After a while, I lost track of how much I’d had. (Oops.) My Italian suddenly became fluent, even though it actually didn't.
- The Near-Disaster (and a Lesson in Humbleness): Back at the Villa, feeling… mellow. (That's the polite word.) I decided to try my hand at cooking. Simple pasta, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes. Sounded easy. And then the smoke alarm went off. REALLY went off. I'm talking, ear-splitting, can't-breathe-in-the-kitchen loud. Turns out, I'd forgotten the garlic. And the olive oil. And everything. The kitchen looked like a scene from a disaster movie. My partner just laughed, grabbed the fire extinguisher (which he'd conveniently learned how to operate during a previous kitchen-related incident), and the situation was handled. I think, I am glad the wine wasn't involved in this too.
- Sunset Redemption (and More Pasta): We ended the day with a simple pasta dish, cooked by my partner (who, thankfully, is a far better cook than I am). Watching the sunset over the Tuscan hills, while eating comforting pasta, was the perfect way to erase the cooking fire.
DAY 3: Day Trip to Siena and the True Meaning of “Authentic”
- The Siena Scramble: Siena! The Piazza del Campo! The Duomo! We spent an entire day getting lost in this wonderful city. The Piazza was breathtaking, and climbing the Torre del Mangia was tough, but the panoramic view was worth it. (Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. My feet, are still screaming.)
- Lunch Disaster: This is where things went sideways, again. We picked a restaurant that looked authentic. "Trattoria della Nonna." Okay, sounds cute, right? The food was… well, let's just say, it wasn't the best. The pasta was way overcooked and the service was…slow. The waiter, who seemed to have walked straight out of a caricature, managed to spill wine on my partner. The meal somehow cost us more than a decent meal in Cortona. We wanted to complain to someone, but we couldn't get anyone's attention.
- The Upside of Imperfection: Okay, maybe the lunch wasn't perfect. Actually, it was a total disaster. But it’s part of the story. It’s the chaos, the imperfections, the moments of "Oh, my God, what have we gotten ourselves into?" that make a trip memorable.
- Sunset by the Pool: After spending the rest of the day in the beautiful Siena, we had to go back to the villa, we decided to spend the final hours of the day poolside. It was a gorgeous sunset. We did nothing, we just chilled in the pool.
DAY 4: Relaxation, Goodbye Dinner
- Exploring the Villa and the Surroundings: Relaxing at the Villa, swimming pool. The surrounding environment. Beautiful scenery.
- Goodbye Dinner: Before leaving, we got ready for the goodbye dinner. We asked the restaurant for a table, a table for two. It was lovely, but the most important thing was feeling that we had experienced everything.
DAY 5: Departure
- Last Breakfast: I tried to make a breakfast. But it didn't go well. But it was fine because we were going to leave.
- Departure: Sigh. Time to leave. Packing up the car with a mix of happy memories and a slight sense of relief (goodbye, mosquitos!). Driving through the Tuscan hills one last time, and promised to return.
Reflection (and the Truth):
So, was this trip perfect? Absolutely not. Did things go wrong? Constantly. Did I feel overwhelmed? Yes. Did I drink too much wine? Probably. But would I trade it for a perfectly planned, sanitized, and predictable vacation? Never. Because the messy, imperfect moments – the wrong turns, the burnt garlic, the near-disaster – those are the things that make you remember. Those are the
Escape to the Ardennes: 1832 Farmhouse Charm with Breathtaking Vielsalm Views!
Escape to Tuscany: Villa Severina - Your Questions (and My Ramblings!)
1. Is Villa Severina REALLY as luxurious as it looks in the pictures? Because, let's be honest, they're always lying, right?
Okay, deep breath. This is where I get real. The pictures? Yeah, they're good. But... listen, *living* at Villa Severina? It's a whole different level of "holy moly." Like, the pictures show the infinity pool, right? Gorgeous. But the *feeling* of floating in that infinity pool, staring out at the rolling Tuscan hills, with a glass of Prosecco in hand? Unbeatable. It's like... the pictures are the appetizer, the actual villa is the Michelin-starred main course and the experience of being there is the digestif and the whole damn meal all wrapped up in one! The marble floors? Actually cold on your bare feet. The massive, ridiculously comfy bed? You might actually *cry* when you have to leave it. And the views... good lord, the views. They just... swallow you whole. I spent a solid afternoon just *staring* out a window. Worth the price of admission alone, basically.
2. What's the deal with the kitchen? Can I actually cook a decent meal, or is it all just for show? (Because I'm terrible at cooking.)
Ah, the kitchen. Where dreams are made... and potentially burned to a crisp. The kitchen at Villa Severina is gorgeous. Seriously, it's like a chef's wet dream. But listen, I'm no chef. My skills peak at a passable scrambled egg. But here’s the thing: I *wanted* to cook. I went all-in on a massive pasta-making escapade. Disaster. Utter, glorious disaster. But… and this is crucial… the villa has a *chef service*. We hired them for a couple of nights, and OMG. Best. Meals. Ever. They left the kitchen spotless, taught us about Tuscan cuisine, and even let me think I was part of the culinary process. Even if I mostly just peeled the potatoes and got in the way. So, the kitchen? Yes, it's amazing. But embrace the option of hiring a chef. Save yourself the stress and embrace the perfection. Trust me, your stomach will thank you (and so will your sanity!).
3. What's the Wi-Fi situation like? I need to stay connected (kidding, totally NOT kidding... work never stops, does it?)
Alright, the digital detox vs. the real world. Let's be honest: you *say* you want to disconnect, your boss *expects* you to disconnect, but...reality? We're all still chained to our screens. The Wi-Fi at Villa Severina is...sufficient. It's not blazing fast, by any means. You're not going to be streaming HD movies all day. But for checking emails, doing some basic work (sigh), and keeping in touch, it's perfectly fine. Just... don't expect miracles. Embrace the little moments of buffering. It gives you an excuse to stare out the window and feel less guilty about not working! I did a lot of "thinking" while I was waiting for a webpage to load. Coincidentally, those "thinking" sessions often involved a glass of wine.
4. Is it easy to get around and explore the surrounding area, or do you need a private helicopter (because, sadly, I don't have one)?
No helicopter required, thank God! Driving in Tuscany is fantastic, and the Villa is well-situated to explore. You definitely need a car, though. Public transport? Forget about it. You can easily reach charming towns like Lucca and San Gimignano, and even Florence for a day trip. The roads themselves are beautiful, winding through vineyards and olive groves. Just be prepared for the occasional small, winding, and bumpy roads. I once took a wrong turn and ended up on a road that was more gravel than asphalt. Definitely gave the car a bit of a workout. But even a bit of lost-ness can be glorious in Tuscany! Just make sure your navigation is up to date, and be prepared to embrace the adventure. And if you get lost, you'll probably find a lovely little trattoria in the middle of nowhere, so really, it's a win-win.
5. What about the staff? Are they hovering around all the time, or do they give you space? I hate feeling like I'm being watched!
Okay, this is a big one for me. I'm a privacy person. The staff at Villa Severina were a true masterpiece they were attentive when needed, but completely invisible when I wanted to be. They were like ninjas. They’d appear to clean up the dishes, restock the fridge, and offer helpful advice, but never intruded on my precious "do nothing" time. The housekeepers were exceptionally discreet! The concierge was amazing and a truly helpful resource and helped to make the villa, and location, so accessible, and so easy to enjoy. They truly understand the art of subtle service. Never felt hovered over, always felt taken care of. So, if you're like me and you value your space, you'll be thrilled.
6. Any hidden costs I should be aware of? Because let's face it, every "luxury" experience seems to come with hidden fees...
Okay, yes. The money question. Budget, budget, budget! Well, the Villa has a price for the stay itself. It’s not cheap. But the good news is that the pricing is pretty clear. The extras? Well… you pay for them. You get the chef – you pay. You get the activities coordinator – you pay. The food, the drinks, the extra massage… all those things are on top. But honestly? That’s the case with any luxury vacation. The key is to be aware of the costs upfront. I spent more than I budgeted, but it was worth it. The memory of that limoncello tasting on the terrace... priceless. Just be prepared to treat yourself.
7. What was your absolute favorite thing about Villa Severina? The one thing you'll never forget? Spill the beans!
Okay, here it goes. This is the moment. My *absolute* favorite thing? This sounds cheesy, I know, but... it was the sunsets. Every single evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the Tuscan hills in these incredible colors – oranges, purples, reds… It was breathtaking. I'd sit on the terrace, usually with a glass of wine, and just… watch. I'd forget about everything. The work, the stress, the bills… everything just melted away. There was this one particular night, a storm was rolling in. The sky was electric, the wind was whipping… and I just sat there, transfixed. It was a moment of total, utter peace. Honest. I still get a little misty-eyed when I think about it. That, my friends, is why you go to Villa Severina. For the sunsets. And for the soul-renewing magic they work on you. Now, if youBook Hotels Now
