Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Cortona, Italy

Belvilla by Oyo in Cortona Cortona Italy

Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Cortona, Italy

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because my Tuscan dream in Cortona…well, it happened. And it wasn't all sunshine and perfectly pressed linens, trust me. I'm talking about Belvilla's Escape to Tuscany experience, and I'm about to spill the Chianti – the good, the bad, and the utterly bewildering. Let's dive in, shall we?

The Buzzwords & Expectations (the Pre-Chianti Haze)

First things first, Belvilla promised the world. Cortona! Tuscany! Dream villas! Let's be honest, my expectations were sky-high. I was picturing myself, flowing linen dress billowing in the Tuscan breeze, sipping espresso on a sun-drenched terrace, solving the world's problems (or at least, my own) with the help of a particularly charming Italian. I’d been meticulously researching everything, the accessibility, the spa, the Wi-Fi access, every little detail. This felt promising, a perfect digital detox with the promise of all mod-cons for a work-from-home, always-on like me.

Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (and a Lesson in Italian "Charm")

Okay, let's be real. Accessibility in Italy is a whole other beast. Belvilla’s listing mentioned "Facilities for disabled guests," which, in theory, is fantastic. However, finding the exact details on what those facilities were proved…challenging. I didn’t specifically need wheelchair access, but I did appreciate the fact that they advertised it alongside other benefits. So, I knew that I had no real clue what to expect.

The Villa - My Private Tuscan Fortress (Mostly)

So, picture this: a sprawling villa, a little…rustic. Okay, maybe very rustic. Yes, the promised "individually-wrapped food options" (bless them for that in the current climate), were there. The "rooms sanitized between stays?" Probably, though it's hard to say for sure. Everything looked clean, however. The promise of "daily disinfection in common areas" seemed to hold true. As did the promise of "hand sanitizer," which I quickly got through.

My room? Well, it had everything: "Air conditioning," "Free Wi-Fi," a "Refrigerator" (essential for the prosecco, obviously). I even had a "desk" to "work" from. The "extra long bed" was a welcome surprise after a long day on the cobblestones. The "bathrobes" were plush…until you realize you had to hang it at the back of the door. But honestly, the villa interior was all rather disappointing. But hey, at least the "Wi-Fi [free]" worked perfectly. All the essentials are covered, right?

But what really stood out for me was my bathroom. There was a "separate shower/bathtub", which seemed great! But when I tried to shower…nothing. The first time I tried it, I nearly had an aneurysm. The pressure (or lack thereof) was an utter joke. Imagine, this wasn't the only imperfection.

Eating, Drinking, and Snacking - A Culinary Adventure (and Occasional Disappointment)

Okay, let's talk about the food. The listing boasts all manner of delights: "Restaurants," "A la carte in restaurant," "Breakfast [buffet]" (which looked suspiciously like continental), "Poolside bar," "Coffee/tea in restaurant," and "Snack bar."

I had breakfast at the restaurant and tried the "Breakfast [buffet]" every day. It was pretty standard stuff. If you're looking for an "Asian breakfast," look elsewhere. Sadly, the "Buffet in restaurant" seemed a bit sparse for the grand experience I was paying for. The "Bottle of water" was a welcome addition, but after the breakfast, I had to seek sustenance elsewhere!

The poolside bar? Well, it existed. The cocktails were passable.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Dreams and Real-Life Headaches

This is where things got interesting, and by "interesting," I mean a little…chaotic. The listing was bursting with relaxation options: "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Fitness center," "Foot bath," "Gym/fitness," "Massage," "Pool with view," "Sauna," "Spa," "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom," "Swimming pool," "Swimming pool [outdoor]."

The outdoor pool did, indeed, have a view. A glorious, picture-postcard view. I was happy. I spent many a sun-drenched afternoon there, pretending to be Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.

I did book a massage. The spa itself was beautiful, all hushed tones and scented candles. The massage itself? Fantastic. Pure, unadulterated bliss. My masseuse, bless her soul, was a true artist. That massage alone almost single-handedly redeemed the whole experience.

The "Fitness center"? I gave that a wide berth. I figured the cobblestone streets of Cortona provided enough of a workout. Besides, vino!

Cleanliness and Safety - The Covid Factor

In a post-pandemic world, the emphasis on safety is reassuring. Belvilla went above and beyond in many respects. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer," "Hot water linen and laundry washing," "Hygiene certification," "Individually-wrapped food options," and "Staff trained in safety protocol" were a comforting presence. The "Safe dining setup" was also on display.

Services and Conveniences - The Unexpected Extras (and Annoying Misses)

"Cash withdrawal," "Concierge," "Currency exchange," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," "Dry cleaning," "Elevator," "Facilities for disabled guests," "Food delivery," "Gift/souvenir shop," "Ironing service," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Safety deposit boxes," "Smoking area," and "Terrace."

I was grateful for the "Daily housekeeping" – even if they sometimes forgot the fresh towels. The "Terrace" outside my room was a haven, perfect for a late-night glass of wine.

For the Kids - I Could Have Used Them… (Maybe)

Babysitting service, family/child friendly, kids facilities and kids meal were the things that could have saved me, quite honestly. Not that I had any kids with me - but if I had wanted a break, these little extras would have made a massive difference.

Getting Around - The Italian Way (aka, Expect the Unexpected)

"Airport transfer," "Bicycle parking," "Car park [free of charge]," "Car park [on-site]," "Taxi service," "Valet parking."

The airport transfer was seamless. The on-site parking was free. It's the Italian way, and you might just accept the ride.

My Emotional Verdict?

Would I go back? Maybe. Definitely, if the spa experience could be guaranteed. The other stuff? Well, it's Italy. It's charmingly imperfect. Belvilla’s Escape to Tuscany was a mixed bag. There were moments of pure bliss (the massage, the pool with a view), moments of frustration (the shower pressure from hell). But overall? It was an experience. An adventure. And isn’t that what travel is all about? It was a trip I will remember!

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Belvilla by Oyo in Cortona Cortona Italy

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to Cortona, Italy with Belvilla by Oyo… we're living it. Forget pristine itineraries, this is going to be a messy, beautiful, and hopefully, wine-stained masterpiece of travel.

Cortona Catastrophe or Culinary Conquest? (A Belvilla Bonanza)

Days 1 & 2: Arrival and the "Lost Luggage Lottery" (Florence - Cortona - The Initial Panic)

Destination: Florence Airport (FLR) –> Cortona (Belvilla by Oyo - Casa di Beatrice – or whatever charmingly named place we snagged)
Transportation: Rental Car (Pray to the car gods! I've heard Italian drivers…), train backup if necessary (always the backup, because… life)
- Morning (The Dreaded Departure): Ugh. Packing. More like, attempting to cram my life into a suitcase while simultaneously convincing myself I really need that third pair of impractical shoes. Flight's at 9 AM. Gulp. Already anticipating serious coffee withdrawal.
- Afternoon (The Arrival and the Realization): Florence! Gorgeous, yes, but my stress levels are already spiking. Finding the rental car… that's the first hurdle. Finding the rental car intact and without dents? The second. And the third? Finding Cortona itself. The GPS lady sounds like she's about to burst into tears every time I miss a turn.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (The Belvilla Reveal and the "Lost Luggage Lottery"): Finally! Cortona! Breathe. Check-in at Casa Beatrice. Hopefully, it's as romantic and rustic as the photos promised. (Side note: why do ALL vacation rentals photograph better than real life?) Fingers crossed for a kitchen with a functioning coffee maker… and most importantly, my suitcase. Because, surprise, it’s not here. Cue mild panic. The airline promises it’ll be here tomorrow. Tomorrow! In the meantime… sigh… wear your travel clothes again. And hope for the best. Dinner at a Trattoria in Cortona - maybe try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina if they have it and if I can afford it after buying all the emergency supplies I will need. First impressions, the initial bewilderment with everything around us, a feeling that we will never feel ourselves again.
- Evening - Drink wine on the little porch, even without the luggage, it's going to be a beautiful, magical, and most importantly real night.

Days 3 & 4: Cortona Charm and Culinary Crimes (and Triumphs)

Destination: Cortona & Surrounding Areas (Lake Trasimeno, maybe? If I'm feeling adventurous.)
Activities: Exploring Cortona's narrow streets and hidden piazzas, taking a cooking class (if I’m brave), indulging in gelato.
- Morning (Cortona Conquering): Okay, luggage is still missing. So, the old faithful T-shirt will have to do. Time to navigate Cortona's labyrinthine streets. Note to self: Maps are helpful, but getting gloriously lost is even better. The views! Oh, the views! Seriously, I could stare at that Tuscan landscape all day long. Buy a ridiculous hat. You deserve it. The old ladies are judging me… I love it. The local food, the art, the views.
- Afternoon (The Cooking Class Debacle… Or Delight?): Found a cooking class. "Authentic Tuscan Cuisine." I'm picturing myself gracefully rolling pasta and sipping wine, a total domestic goddess. Reality? Probably a flour-covered disaster, a few tears over the onions, and a whole lot of laughter. But hey, that's the fun, right? We're making pici pasta… I'm already sweating.
- Evening (Wine, Wine, Wine… And, Oh Yes, Food): Reward for surviving the cooking class: a bottle (or two) of local wine. Found a delicious (hopefully!) trattoria. And… OH MY GOD, finally, my luggage has arrived at last! A huge sigh of relief, time to change into something more presentable. Going out to dine.

Days 5 & 6: Day Trips & Divine Discoveries (Or, How I Became a Wine Snob)

Destination: Day Trip to Siena or Arezzo (depending on mood and how lost we get)
Activities: Exploring medieval towns, wine tasting (because, Italy!), and embracing the chaos.
- Morning: I’m going to Siena today. The plan is to explore the center. But the roads are tricky
- Afternoon: Enjoying the center, the food and the wine.
- Evening: Another wine tasting. I'm starting to sound like a wine snob, and I'm not even mad about it. Each day is unique, our expectations are lower but the experiences are higher.
- Evening (Post-Trip Debrief and Pre-Departure Dread): Reliving the trip in my head. Trying to make the most out of the city and not getting completely wrecked.

Days 7: Ciao Cortona (and the Departure Anxiety)

Destination: Cortona –> Florence Airport (FLR) –> Home (Wherever that is…)
Activities: Last-minute souvenir shopping (because, pressure!), a final gelato, and the inevitable packing-up of everything.
- Morning: One last stroll through Cortona. Buying ALL the olive oil. Maybe some ceramic pasta bowls. Last-minute souvenir panic is a real thing.
- Afternoon (Farewell, Cortona): Check out of Casa Beatrice. Sigh. Time to pack. Attempt to repack. Realize everything smells faintly of aged cheese and wine. Embrace it. The drive to the airport. Say a prayer, hope I don’t get flattened by a Vespa.
- Evening (The Flight of Doom): The airport! The final security check. The inevitable queue. The crushing realization that the amazing trip is over. (Spoiler alert: I will already be planning the next one on the flight home). Eat a terrible airport sandwich, sulk on the plane, then dream of pasta and sunshine. Goodbye Italy, hopefully, we'll meet again.

A Few Utterly Unnecessary (But Delightful) Rambles:

The Language Barrier: My Italian is… well, let’s just say, “Ciao! Grazie! Un bicchiere di vino, per favore!” is the extent of my fluency. But somehow, hand gestures and a lot of enthusiastic smiling seem to work wonders.
The Food: The actual food! The pasta, the olive oil, the gelato… I'm pretty sure I'm going to go home a few pounds heavier, several shades tanner, and deeply, irrevocably in love with Italian cuisine.
Things I Will Forget: All the little things. The smells. The sunlight. The sound of the bells from the church. It doesn't matter, the important ones will come back and change your life.

Okay, that’s the (hopefully) rough outline. Wish me luck. And maybe send extra sunscreen. And maybe a recovery potion for the lost luggage?

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