Unbelievable Villa in Tuscany: Imola Cortona Awaits! (Belvilla by OYO)
Unbelievable Villa in Tuscany: Imola Cortona Awaits! – A Belvilla by OYO Review (With a Side of Pasta-Induced Hysteria)
Alright, folks, grab your wine (Tuscan, obviously) and your notepad, because I'm about to unpack my epic stay at the "Unbelievable Villa in Tuscany: Imola Cortona Awaits!" – brought to you by the surprisingly ubiquitous Belvilla by OYO. This place, let me tell you, was… well, it was an experience. And not always in a perfectly Instagram-filtered way. Buckle up.
(SEO & Metadata Noise - just a sprinkle before we get messy!): Tuscan Villa Review, Cortona Italy, Belvilla by OYO, Accessible Villa, Luxury Tuscany, Pool with a View, Family-Friendly Tuscan Accommodation, Spa in Italy, Italian Holiday, Wheelchair Accessible Travel, Tuscany Travel Guide, Imola Cortona, Restaurants in Tuscany, Best Places to Stay in Tuscany, Pet-Friendly Accommodation (nope), Free Wi-Fi, Things to Do in Tuscany
First things first: that name. "Unbelievable Villa"? Bold. Utterly, ridiculously bold! Did it live up to the hype? Let's just say it kept me on my toes, and sometimes, teetering on the edge of a minor existential crisis fueled by too much Chianti.
Accessibility (and the Great Stairwell of Doom):
Okay, let's be REAL. This is where things got, shall we say, complicated for my travel companion. The website promised "facilities for disabled guests," which translated to…well, a slightly-more-accessible-than-nothing situation. Wheelchair accessible? Nope. Not exactly. There were levels, people, levels. And those levels were connected by a series of staircases that would make a seasoned mountaineer weep. The main entrance had a ramp, which was a definite plus, but navigating the villa itself? A challenge. Let’s just say we became intimately acquainted with the concierge (more on him later) and his very strong arms.
Food, Glorious Food (And the Restaurant Situation):
Now, for the important stuff: eating. This is Italy, people! Dining, drinking, and snacking were obviously high on the agenda. Let's break it down:
- Restaurants: There were, supposedly, "restaurants" within the villa complex. Supposedly being the operative word. The main restaurant, a beautifully rustic space, offered A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant. The food? Well, it was… serviceable. The buffet was a highlight, especially the local cheeses and cured meats. Divine! The Asian breakfast, however? Let's just say it didn’t quite capture the Tuscan spirit. The Western cuisine in restaurant was better, but nothing that would make you sing opera.
- Poolside bar: The poolside bar? Ah, now we're talking! Aperol spritzes under the Tuscan sun? Yes, please!
- Room service [24-hour]: Available, but the selections were limited and sometimes a little slow. Perfect for those late-night cravings, though.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: These were available within the restaurant.
The Great Spa Deception (and My Near-Death Experience with a Face Mask):
Okay, so the Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna were billed as a highlight. And… they were. Kinda. Sorta. The Pool with view was stunning – truly breathtaking. I spent hours floating, gazing at the rolling hills and feeling utterly, gloriously relaxed. The Massage was superb, a proper knead-and-release kind of bliss. I even indulged in a Body wrap (a mud wrap, if I recall) that left me feeling like a slightly-less-wrinkled prune.
Here's my confession: I attempted a homemade face mask. I'm not sure what I was thinking. It was supposed to be a hydrating, glow-giving concoction. Instead, it hardened like cement, and I spent a good fifteen minutes panicking, convinced I was going to suffocate. I stumbled out of the spa, red-faced and mask-encrusted, muttering apologies to anyone who crossed my path. The experience, however, reinforced that I am not a spa expert.
Cleanliness and Safety (Masks and Sanitizer – Oh My!):
In terms of the current world situation, they seemed to be taking things seriously. Hand sanitizer was ubiquitous. Daily disinfection in common areas was evident. Anti-viral cleaning products were presumably in use. The staff, Staff trained in safety protocol and, Hand sanitizer was readily accessible. The villa offered Rooms sanitized between stays.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and the Absence of Llamas):
Besides the spa and the pool, what else, you ask? Well…
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: There was a small fitness center, equipped with some basic machines. I’m not sure how many people actually used it though, as the allure of the pool seemed to win out.
- Things to do, ways to relax. You could go for a walk in the surrounding countryside, explore the nearby towns of Cortona and Imola, or simply laze around the villa. The villa seemed to have everything needed to relax.
- For the kids: there were kids facilities.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious (and Sometimes Slightly Imperfect) Rooms:
My room? Spacious, well, with Air conditioning that worked sporadically. The Bed was comfortable, the Linens were crisp, but the Soundproofing? Not so much. I woke up several nights to the sounds of… well, I’m not sure what the noise was, but it sounded like a herd of angry squirrels performing interpretive dance.
The Internet access was a constant source of frustration. Internet access – wireless was available, but the signal was flaky. Internet access – LAN was available, but, who still uses LAN anymore? Wi-Fi [free]. Yeah, good luck with that one. The Internet, Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was more of a suggestion than a guarantee. Consider it a digital detox, I guess. Additional toilet was a nice touch.
Services and Conveniences (The Concierge: A True Hero):
- Concierge: This man deserves a medal. He helped us with everything from restaurant reservations to navigating those treacherous stairwells. He was an absolute lifesaver.
- Daily housekeeping: Efficient and friendly.
- Cash withdrawal was available, as well as Cashless payment service for the most part seemed to work, but you should still carry some euros.
The Verdict (and the Aftermath of the Pasta):
Okay, so the "Unbelievable Villa" was… well, it was definitely an experience. It wasn’t perfect. The internet was atrocious. The accessibility was… lacking. But the location was stunning. The spa was divine (if you avoid homemade face masks). The food, while not always earth-shattering, was enjoyable. And the staff did their best to make our stay as pleasant as possible.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with reservations. If you’re looking for a truly luxurious, perfectly-polished experience, this might not be the place. But if you’re looking for a charming, characterful villa in a beautiful location, with a bit of "Tuscan imperfection" thrown in for free? Then, yes. Go. And for the love of all that is holy, order the pasta. But maybe skip the second helping. I may have developed a slight carb-induced paranoia after consuming an insane amount of carbonara… but that’s a story for another review.
Overall Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Tuscan Sunflowers (minus points for the Wi-Fi and the stairs) Would I return? Possibly. I'm already dreaming of that poolside bar…and plotting my revenge on those soundproof-defying squirrels.
Beachfront Bliss! Stunning Single-Story Lodge w/ Dishwasher (Callantsoog)
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your momma's perfectly-formatted itinerary. We're going to Cortona, Italy, in a Belvilla rental. Let's see what kinda chaos we can conjure!
Belvilla by OYO Villa Imola Cortona: The "Prego, Let's Wing It (Mostly)" Itinerary
Day 1: The Great Arrival & The "Are We Really Here?" Moment
- Morning (or Whenever We Crawl Out of Bed After Travel): Rome airport. Okay, first challenge: surviving the airport. God, there are so many people. This reminds me of that time I tried to navigate the IKEA parking lot during a Black Friday sale, and ended up hiding behind a giant Billy bookcase. Pray for me. Hopefully the rental car isn't a lemon. Fingers crossed it's not a tiny FIAT though; I feel like I need something with a bit of muscle, or at least the intimidation factor of a small, angry badger.
- Mid-day (Rome to Cortona - Approx. 2.5 hour drive, Pray for no Traffic ): Road trip! Okay, I'm already stressed. Google Maps is my frenemy. This will be scenic, they say. I say it better be scenic, or I'm going full-on Karen and demanding a refund on the whole trip. We're stopping at a little roadside cafe. I think I smelled something that could be pasta.
- Late Afternoon: Villa Check-In - The "Oh. My. GOD. It's Gorgeous (Maybe?)" Phase: Finding the darn villa. Hopefully the directions aren't some cryptic, "Turn left at the ancient olive tree that smells suspiciously of goat." Okay, we found the place. It looks amazing online. The pictures always lie, don't they? Let's see if it's actually livable or if it's like a glorified dollhouse. Oh. My. GOD. I think I'm in love. The view. The stone walls. It's like a movie set. Hold on, is the water pressure even here? Oh god.
- Evening: Unpacking. Admiring the view again. Trying to figure out the ancient Italian oven (which, let's be honest, will probably end up with me ordering pizza). Maybe a quick pre-dinner nap. Because jet lag. And possibly a slight panic attack from the sheer beauty of it all. Maybe opening a bottle of whatever Italian wine is local. I'm thinking of going with something that says something like "This is the good stuff" on the label.
- Night: Hopefully pizza. If I’m lucky, maybe some local cured meats. And a deep, deep, sleep, hopefully without the feeling of falling into a black pit of the endless void.
Day 2: Cortona City Exploration & The Accidental Gelato Addiction
- Morning: Cortona! Up the hills we go! (Seriously, are my legs still working?) The town itself. Cobblestone streets… tiny shops… the air smells faintly of garlic and dreams. This place is seriously photogenic. I’m going to need more memory on my phone.
- Mid-day: Piazza della Repubblica – The Real Heart of the Place: Finding the perfect spot to eat lunch in the Piazza. People-watching is a must. I’m going to order something local and pretend I understand Italian. They’ll be smiling, looking for some funny tourist.
- Afternoon: The Accidental Gelato Incident: Stumbling across a gelateria. "Just one scoop," I told myself. "For research purposes, obviously." Lies. Okay, TWO scoops. Three. I am now officially addicted. This is gonna be a problem. A delicious, creamy problem. I’m just going to go back to get more.
- Late Afternoon: Shopping. Maybe buying a ridiculously expensive linen dress that I'll probably spill gelato on. More strolling. Maybe a visit to some church (because, Italy, you have to). Hoping for less sweating.
- Evening: Dinner at a Trattoria - The "Learning the Language with a Mouthful of Pasta" Experience: Attempting to eat at a place where I think they speak English. I will fail. I am going to order something completely wrong. I'm going to probably spill red wine on my white shirt. And I will love every single second. The pasta is divine. I'm pretty sure I just made a friend with the waiter.
Day 3: Tuscan Adventures & the "I'm Not a Wine Snob…Or Am I?" Dilemma
- **Morning: Tuscany- The Road Trip Part Deux: ** Let's see! I'm thinking a drive through the Tuscan countryside. The world is full of beauty. Seriously, this is a postcard. Let's make sure we hit a vineyard or two (for research, of course).
- Mid-day: Wine Tasting – The Illusion of Knowledge: Okay, time to look like I know what I’m doing. Swirl, sniff, sip, pretend to understand the complexities of the wine. (Secret: I probably have no idea. But I'll fake it). This wine is good though. Very good. And the Tuscan sun? Glorious.
- Afternoon: Lunch and Ristorante: Food in the Tuscany: A casual lunch, maybe at a little place in the countryside. It's going to be perfect, I feel it.
- Late Afternoon: Siena & the "Is That Really a Horse Race?" Show: After a delicious lunch, we're going to Siena to experience the vibe. Then, we will witness The Palio, Siena's famous horse race. I am excited.
- Evening: Back to the villa. Maybe a little something light. Maybe a big something. Contemplating whether this trip is actually real. (Spoiler alert: it is, and it's amazing).
Day 4: Relaxation, Reflections & the "Goodbye, I'll Miss You, Gelato" Blues
- Morning: Villa Day: Today, we're staying in. Relax. Maybe try the pool. (Assuming it's not freezing.) Lots of staring at the view and taking a moment to breathe. Maybe read a book. Or just stare out the window, pondering the meaning of life.
- Mid-day: Cooking: Attempting to make something Italian. (My cooking skills are, shall we say, basic.) Pray for the best. Pray for the villa to miraculously not catch fire.
- Afternoon: A final stroll through Cortona. One last scoop of gelato. (Okay, maybe two.) Buying souvenirs I don't need but will cherish forever.
- Evening: The Last Supper (or Close Enough): One last amazing meal. I'm going to savor it. I'm going to savor the memories. And I'm going to start planning my return trip the moment I leave. Maybe a bit of tears. The goodbyes are the worst.
Day 5: Departure: The "This Can't Be Over Already" Moment
- Morning: Arrivederci, Cortona: Packing. Sighing. Looking longingly at the villa as we leave. The last look to the view. Is this real? Is this all just a dream? The car ride.
- Mid-day: Rome airport. The nightmare begins again. Pray for no delays. Pray for the plane to take off. Pray for Italian airports to get it together.
- Afternoon: "Post-Travel Blues" Setting In: Back home. The real world. Already missing the gelato. Already dreaming of the next trip.
- Evening: Already planning my return. I want to return soon.
And that's it! A messy, wonderful, imperfect itinerary for a trip to remember. Ciao!
Escape to Fairytale Belgium: Castle-Side Villa with Sauna!
Unbelievable Villa in Tuscany: Imola Cortona Awaits! (Belvilla by OYO) - Your Questions (and My Ramblings) Answered
Okay, "Unbelievable" is a BIG claim. Is this villa REALLY that amazing?
The bottom line: It's damn beautiful. It has the *potential* to be unbelievable. Just temper those expectations with a little reality.
Belvilla by OYO... is that, like, a legit company? I've heard horror stories about online rentals...
My two cents: Do your homework! Read reviews *carefully*. Look for real people's experiences. Was the process smooth? Did they get a response for an issue. And if you are like me; be prepared to bring all the necessary things ( like your phone charger ) !
What's the villa *actually* like? Is it a modern mansion or a rustic farmhouse?
My advice: Embrace the charm! And learn to love a manual. Italian appliances, especially in older villas, are not known for their user-friendliness.
Location, location, location! How far is this villa from Cortona and Imola? And is it easy to get around?
Imola... well, that's a *bit* further. Think of it as a day trip adventure. We took a *very* long car ride, got lost on the way back (again - thanks GPS!), but finally, got to a restaurant.
The takeaway: You 100% need a car. Don't even think about public transport. The roads are windy, the views are spectacular, and you'll want to stop every five minutes to take a picture. Which, I did. Hundreds. Sorry, not sorry.
Speaking of cars... is parking a nightmare?
My tip: Be patient. Park a little further out and walk. The views are worth it, and you'll burn off all that pasta. Trust me, you'll be eating *a lot* of pasta.
Are there any hidden fees or extra costs I should be aware of?
My advice: Ask questions *before* you book. Be a proactive traveler. It's better to be prepared than to be surprised. And always, always, always, budget for gelato. It's essential.
Was the villa clean? And what about the amenities?
Hotels In Asia Search
