Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Cortona!
Escape to Tuscany: My Dream Belvilla… Okay, Let's Talk Cortona! (A Slightly Unhinged Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the Tuscan beans on this Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Cortona! situation. Belvilla? Dream? Cortona? Let's just say the reality was… well, let's delve, shall we? This isn't your average glossy travel brochure read; this is the unvarnished truth, sprinkled with a healthy dose of my own personal brand of chaos.
SEO & Metadata (Gotta appease the bots, right?):
- Keywords: Tuscany, Cortona, Belvilla, Villa Rental, Italy, Accessible Villa, Swimming Pool, Spa, Family-Friendly, Luxury Vacation, COVID-Safe, Wi-Fi, Restaurants, Car Park, Activities, Family Holiday, Romance, Spa Break, Accessible Travel, Wine Tasting, Tuscan Cuisine.
- Meta Description: Forget the fairytale, here's a brutally honest review of a Tuscany Belvilla rental in Cortona. Accessibility, food (oh, the food!), pools, safety, and my questionable sanity, all dissected. Get ready, because the beauty of the view is worth it!
First Impressions & Accessibility (Or, The Great Ramp Run-In):
So, Cortona. Picture this: rolling hills, cypress trees like perfectly placed exclamation points, and the promise of dolce vita. The Belvilla itself? Well, the photos were gorgeous. And yes, they did mention accessibility. Which, in Italy (and let's be honest, pre-trip, I'd read only the brochure), can be translated to "We tried."
Here's the thing: the ramps were… a work in progress. Think slightly inclined, charmingly uneven, and potentially needing a team of sherpas (or a really strong wheelchair user) to conquer. My chair, thank heavens, is a beast. However, getting in the building didn't go smoothly, and I had to go ahead and make my own adjustments. (It was an adventure!) But hey, at least the main areas were mostly accessible, and there was an elevator, praise the pasta gods!
The Food… Oh, the Glorious Food! (And My Carb Obsession):
Let's be honest, the food is why you go to Tuscany, right? I spent a good portion of my Italian adventure trying to come up with new ideas. I spent the first day making a spreadsheet of the locations and what they served, from a la carte in the restaurant to the alternative meal arrangements. And Cortona delivered.
- Breakfast: The breakfast service? Fantastic. Think plentiful options, a stunning view, and enough caffeine to jumpstart a rocket. The buffet was, blessedly, a buffet, including a vegetarian restaurant section. I'm talking about the basics, from the fruit platter, to the eggs. The buffet included Western breakfast fare, which was great, and options of Asian cuisine.
- Lunch & Dinner: The restaurants! There were multiple options, each with its own charm. The poolside bar was a definite winner for a casual lunch. We ate a lot of salad, and the soup was always comforting. The a la carte menu was amazing!
- The Extras: Bottle of water? Always. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Absolutely. Desserts in the restaurant? My downfall. The snack bar saved me on a few hangry afternoons. And did I mention the amazing wine list? Happy hour was pure bliss.
Relaxation & Spa… Or, My Attempt at Zen (Fail):
The villa, thankfully, had a real Spa and sauna. Steamroom? Check. Pool with a view? Double-check! This was what I was most excited for.
The Spa: The Spa itself was lovely. They had a menu of wonderful services from the Body scrub to Body wrap. I indulged in a massage that was so deeply relaxing, I nearly fell asleep. I was looking forward to experiencing some of the services such as the foot bath, which sounded amazing. The gym, or fitness center, was surprisingly well-equipped if you're into that sort of thing (I’m not, but I appreciate the effort).
The Pool: The outdoor swimming pool was the jewel in the crown. Perched on the edge, overlooking those breathtaking Tuscan hills, it was pure magic. You could practically feel your stress melting away, especially with a cocktail in hand from the poolside bar.
Cleanliness & Safety (COVID-Era Edition):
Listen, post-pandemic, this stuff matters. And Belvilla, thankfully, seemed to take it seriously.
- Cleaning Protocols: There was noticeable effort. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They also had hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocols.
- Dining Safety: Safe dining setup was in place, with physical distancing being observed. Individually-wrapped food options were available. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Absolutely.
- Room Sanitization: They even offered a "Room sanitization opt-out" which made me feel secure.
The Rooms & Amenities (The Little Things That Matter):
The room was a nice size, with a private bathroom. Air conditioning was a lifesaver. The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in (especially after all that wine). The free Wi-Fi, bless its wireless heart, worked! I did get a little angry at the extra long bed because i was still figuring out the layout of the room.
The Bathroom: I'm a sucker for a good bathroom. The added bonus of the toiletries were great, and the bathrobes? Perfect for spa lounging.
The Extras: They had a safety deposit box, which was nice. There was a coffee/tea maker, and of course the mini bar. The window that opened was a must for fresh air. Non-smoking? Yes. And the alarm clock was a welcome addition.
Things to Do (Beyond Eating & Napping – Though Those Are Excellent Options):
Cortona itself is a treasure trove. We spent a lot of time trying new activities and visiting interesting places.
- Exploring Cortona: Cobblestone streets, art galleries, and that general feeling of being immersed in history… chef's kiss.
- Day Trips: We took a taxi service and visited a vineyard. The vallet parking made it easy.
Services and Conveniences (The Boring But Important Stuff):
- Daily Housekeeping: Always appreciated.
- Concierge: Helpful, but don't expect miracles.
- Cash Withdrawal: There's a cash withdrawal point (a lifesaver).
- Wi-Fi for special events: There was, in case we needed it.
Facilities for disabled guests: It's worth reiterating, this hotel is not 100% perfect for full-wheelchair guests, but the effort in that department is obvious. The team was friendly and helpful.
For the Kids (If You're Into That Sort of Thing):
- Family/child friendly: Yes.
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Kids meal: Yes.
Getting Around (The Challenge):
- Car Park: Free car park on-site, thank goodness.
- Taxi Service: Available.
The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Messy (My Final Verdict):
So, here's the deal. This Belvilla wasn't perfect. The accessibility has room for improvement. This is a beautiful place, and it's a great place to stay. If you’re looking for a flawless, sterile hotel experience, this might not be your place. But if you're after delicious food, stunning views, a taste of authentic Tuscany, and a place where you can actually relax (with a bit of effort), then I'd say… yes. Go. Just maybe pack a sense of humor, a touch of patience, and a hearty appetite. You won't regret it.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 Aperol Spritzes (with room for improvement!)
Escape to Paradise: Romantic Hellendoorn Cottage with Sun Shower!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, overly-polished travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. We're talking Fiore Cortona, Italy, Belvilla by OYO, and me, trying to wrangle this week into something resembling a vacation. Pray for me.
The Train Wreck (That Might Actually Be Glorious): My Cortona Caper - A Belvilla Breakdown
Pre-Trip Panic (or: How I Realized My Passport Was… somewhere)
Phase 1: The "I'm So Organized" Lie: Okay, so I booked this Tuscan escape weeks ago. Flights? Booked. Belvilla confirmed? Check. But then, the dread. The insidious, creeping dread that only pre-trip anxiety can unleash. Where. Is. My. Passport? Three hours of frantic searching later (including a horrifying moment when I thought I'd accidentally tossed it into the recycling bin), I found it. In a drawer. Sigh of relief so loud, I'm pretty sure the neighbors heard it. This is going to be a long week.
Phase 2: Packing – A Comedy of Errors: My suitcase looks like a visual representation of my personality: disorganized, a little bit messy, and full of way too many options. "Just in case" is my packing mantra. I've got hiking boots for nonexistent hikes, a dress I'll probably never wear, and enough emergency chocolate to feed a small village.
Phase 3: The Drive to the Airport – A Symphony of Screams: Traffic. Of course. Made it – barely. My flight is delayed (surprise!). Current mood: Resigned. And in need of a very large glass of wine. This is going to be a week of wine, I think.
Day 1: Arriving in Cortona – Ciao Chaos!
Arrival & Belvilla Bewilderment: Finally! Florence airport. The scenery is breathtaking. Train to Camucia-Cortona. Easy, peasy. Or so I thought. We have all sorts of troubles to meet the car rental service. We are supposed to use the Belvilla app to get to the destination, but after a lot of struggles and phone calls, we find our way. Check-in felt like a scavenger hunt with slightly cryptic instructions. But the view? OMG. The view from Fiore Cortona is the reason I booked this place. It’s the Italy I'd dreamed of. Rolling hills, cypress trees… seriously, I could live here. (And am seriously considering it after the first 30 minutes.)
Unpacking & Interior Appreciation (and Minor Frustration): The house is charming. Rustic. Full of character… and those old Italian quirks. The plumbing is a mystery, the wifi is… intermittent. But the kitchen! I already have plans to create havoc with my amazing cooking skills. (Disclaimer: My cooking skills are, at best, enthusiastically mediocre.) And the house had a very odd smell. We can't quite place it, but it wasn't exactly welcoming. We aired it out and it would be fine, hopefully.
Sunset & First Dinner Disaster: We strolled into town. Stumbled upon a trattoria overlooking the valley. Ordered pasta. It was good – but not transcendent. And then – oh, the shame! – I spilled red wine all over myself. Thankfully, the Italians are incredibly forgiving, and the staff brought me extra napkins and lots of smiles. Embarrassment level: High. Lesson learned: Wear dark colors.
Day 2: Cortona Conquest – Art, Antiques, and "Lost" in a Village
Morning Musings & a Mandatory Cappuccino: Up early. Thank the heavens, no jet lag this time. Cappuccino at a local cafe. Absolute perfection. People-watching is the best part. The sun is shining, and there are adorable dogs all over the place.
Cortona Exploration – History, High Prices, and a Headache: Wander through the narrow, winding streets. Visit the Etruscan Museum (fascinating, but the lighting could be better). We go to the Piazza. I see a beautiful art gallery. I fell in love with that beautiful painting the moment I stared at it. But it costs as much as my car. I left.
Lunch with a View & a Realization: Found a restaurant with a terrace. The panoramic view was breathtaking. Over plates of delicious bruschetta and the world's best prosciutto, I realized something: I needed to actually slow down. Stop trying to cram everything in.
Afternoon Antiquing and Getting Lost: Got utterly lost in the maze of small streets. I kept running into the same gorgeous churches. I got distracted looking at antiques. Oh, the antiques! I found these beautiful old plates and brought them home. And then, I was lost. Completely, delightfully, hopelessly lost. (Google Maps saved me. Again.)
Evening: Wine Tour: The wine tour promised 'rolling hills and Tuscan sunshine'. It delivered, but it gave me a splitting headache.
Day 3: Day Trip to Siena – Medieval Majesty and Mass Tourist Mishaps
The Siena Spectacle: We hired a driver, because I didn't want to navigate the winding Tuscan roads after the wine from the day before. Siena is magnificent. The Piazza del Campo! The Duomo! Absolutely stunning architecture. It feels like walking through a movie set.
The Tourist Trap Trap: The crowds are… intense. You can't throw a croissant in Siena without hitting a tour group. The line for gelato went around the block. I nearly lost my sanity. (Note to self: Travel in the off-season next time.)
Lunch and a Moment of Zen: We ducked into a small, unassuming trattoria off the main square. Best meal of the trip so far – simple, fresh, and with no screaming children nearby. (Praise be!) Took a moment to breathe and appreciate the beauty before heading back to the masses.
Back to Cortona - and a Quiet Evening: Back to the tranquility of Fiore. We had bought some groceries. We relaxed and enjoyed the quiet.
Day 4: Cooking Class Craziness – Flour, Fury, and Fun-tastic Food!
The Promise of Pasta: I booked a cooking class. I was picturing myself, a culinary goddess, whipping up fresh pasta like a pro. The reality? A hilarious mess.
Flour Everywhere!: Flour. Everywhere. On my face, in my hair, all over the kitchen. The instructor, a lovely Italian woman named Maria, was incredibly patient with me. (Bless her soul.)
Pasta Perfection (Eventually): We made pasta by hand. It was tough work. But, after a couple of tries, I actually managed to make something edible! We made the sauce. We ate. It was glorious. The wine certainly helped.
Afternoon: Market Merriment: The market in Cortona. We looked for local products and we brought a lot of things to eat and enjoy during the trip.
Evening: A Relaxing Day: We went to a hidden restaurant. We enjoyed and tasted the food.
Day 5: The "Do Nothing" Day (and Why It’s Needed)
Permission to Breathe: Today, I decreed a "Do Nothing Day." I'm officially burnt out from sightseeing. It was a much-needed break!
Late Morning at the House: Spent the morning at the sun room. It was a great space to relax. Reading. Drinking coffee. Watching the clouds drift by. Just… being.
Afternoon: Spa Day! We did a spa day. This really rejuvenated us!
Evening: Pizza and Stargazing: We ordered pizza. We went outside. We lay under the stars. Absolutely magical. (And the pizza was pretty good, too.)
Day 6: Lake Trasimeno's Charm – Beauty, Boats, and Boat Trouble
Lake Adventures: Took a drive down to Lake Trasimeno, a beautiful lake.
Morning at the shore: This place is great. We had a very relaxing time here. Lunch with a great view.
Boat Chaos: We wanted to rent a boat to go to Isola Maggiore, but the weather was awful. The trip was canceled. We made many jokes about the weather and we laughed a lot.
Evening: Back to Fiore for a Cozy Night: Went to a local restaurant and relaxed.
Day 7: Departure & Reflections – Ciao Cortona, Until Next Time… (Probably!)
Packing (Take Two): Packing up. Still disorganized. But this time, I'm okay with it.
Final Farewell to the View: The last cappuccino overlooking the valley. A deep breath. A lingering look at the cypress trees. I feel
Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Cortona! (Yeah, Right... Kinda) - FAQs
Is Cortona *really* the Tuscan dream everyone raves about?
Okay, deep breath. Cortona is… yeah, it's pretty darn gorgeous. Picture this: you're stumbling around, slightly jet-lagged, slightly tipsy from the airport prosecco, cobblestone streets wiggling up the hillside. That view? *Chef's kiss.* Seriously, take a picture. You’ll get home and think it's photo-shopped. But "dream"? Look, I almost lost my luggage on those cobblestones. Tripped over a rogue Vespa (seriously, those things are everywhere). And that "charming" hill climb? My calves revolted. Bring good shoes. Seriously. And maybe a walking stick. I'm not ashamed to admit it. I used it. For like, three days.
Tell me about this Belvilla place. What should I actually *expect*?
Okay, Belvilla. Here’s the deal. Picture a house. A really, really nice house. Sometimes. Sometimes it's… let's call it "rustic." My first Belvilla? Listed as “charming.” Translated to “slightly crumbling but with a phenomenal view and a million spiders.” The view *was* phenomenal, admittedly. And the spiders? Well, they kept the fly population down. Silver linings, people! Read the reviews, *carefully*. Obsessively. The pictures? They might be… idealized. Ask about the air conditioning (or lack thereof). And the wifi. Pray for the wifi. Because Instagram waits for no one, and you *will* want to share that view. Also, pack a flashlight. Just in case. Because Italy. Sometimes the power just… *goes*.
I'm obsessed with food. What's the food situation in Cortona? Should I book all-inclusive?! (Please, tell me not to)
ALL-INCLUSIVE?! Sweet mother of mozzarella, no! Please, *please* don't. The food in Cortona? It's glorious. Seriously. Forget the bland buffets. Go to the *osterias*. Find the tiny trattorias with the nonna in the apron. The pasta? You’ll dream about it. Specifically, pici... oh, the pici. The truffle oil... ugh, heaven. I became mildly addicted to truffle oil. I'm not even ashamed. The local markets? Fresh produce bursting with flavor, cheeses that make you weep with joy, and wine… oh, the wine. Learn a few basic Italian phrases. Even "un bicchiere di vino rosso, per favore" (a glass of red wine, please) goes a long way. Trust me, you *need* to experience this on your own. Take chances. Experiment. Order the dish you can’t pronounce. You won't regret it. Okay, maybe you'll regret it once. But the next dish will make up for it.
What if I'm a total klutz? Like, will I survive the Tuscan countryside with my dignity intact?
Listen, I'm with you. I trip over air. The Tuscan countryside? It's beautiful, yes, but it's also full of things *designed* to make you fall. Uneven paths. Loose stones. Sheep. (Don't even get me started on the sheep. They're everywhere and completely judgey.) Here's my survival guide: Good shoes. And I mean, like, *really* good shoes. Comfortable, supportive. Don’t wear your stilettos. Seriously. Pack a small first-aid kit. You will get a scrape. You will. Take it from someone who has a collection of Band-Aids and memories. Embrace the awkwardness. Laugh at yourself. Every. Single. Time. It's part of the charm. Think of it as a pre-emptive excuse for the photo you'll inevitably need to explain (and embellish) later.
Okay, okay, so what's the deal with driving? Is it as terrifying as everyone says?
Driving. Ah, yes. The crucible. The test of wills. My first Tuscan driving experience? I’m not going to lie, I cried a little. The tiny, winding roads. The drivers who seem to think the speed limit is merely a suggestion. The scooters zooming past like angry hornets. Here's the advice: Get a SMALL car. Seriously. The smaller, the better. Embrace the chaos. Use your horn (it's practically a language in Italy). Don't be afraid to pull over and let the locals whiz past. They know what they're doing. And most importantly: don't drive after too much wine. That's just common sense. Unless you want to add another embarrassing story to your travel diary. I might have one or two of those....
What about day trips from Cortona? Any must-sees?
Oh, the day trips! So many glorious possibilities. Florence? Yes, go. But plan. It's overwhelming, beautiful, and crowded. Seriously, get that Uffizi Gallery reservation *now*. Siena? Absolutely stunning, with the Piazza del Campo. But you might be tempted to linger. Arezzo? Charming and filled with hidden gems. But honestly, sometimes the best day trips are the ones you *don't* plan. Just get in your tiny car (or take a train, which is another adventure) and get lost. Find a small village. Eat lunch at a random trattoria. Discover a hidden church. The best experiences are often the unexpected ones. Don't be afraid to wander.
I'm a beach person! (I know, I know, weird in Tuscany...) Am I completely doomed?
Beach person in Tuscany? Okay, I get it. Sun, sand, the sound of the waves… Listen, you *can* do it. It's not the same as the Amalfi Coast, but you can drive to the coast. The Tuscan coast is beautiful, with its own unique charm. The Maremma region offers some lovely beaches. Just be prepared for a bit of a drive. And, honestly, consider the experience. A day on the beach, followed by a Tuscan dinner? That's not a bad compromise, right? Besides, after a week of glorious food and rolling hills, the sea is a nice break. See it as a chance to wear that swimsuit you've been saving. Don't be ashamed. Embrace the juxtaposition.
Anything I should absolutely *not* do? (Besides, you know, driving drunk…)
Hmm… Don't try to cram too much into one trip. You'll burn out and miss the magic. Don't be afraid to ask for help. The locals are generally friendly, even if they don't speak perfect English (and you don't speak perfect Italian). Don't be a rude tourist. Learn a few basic phrases. Be respectful of their culture. And for the love of all that is holy, don't order a cappuccino after lunch! You'Trip Hotel Hub
