Escape to Tuscany: Unforgettable Stay at Belvilla Ginepro, Anghiari!
Escape to Tuscany: Belvilla Ginepro – Anghiari. My Kind of Tuscan Mess. (A Review That Hates to Be Organized.)
Okay, folks. Buckle up. This isn’t going to be your clinical, bullet-point travel brochure review. This is me, fresh back from Belvilla Ginepro in Anghiari, still slightly sunburnt, and battling a serious Tuscan-pasta-induced brain fog. I’m going to try and wrangle this place into some kind of order, but honestly? Like Tuscany itself, it's a beautiful, slightly chaotic experience. Let’s dive in, shall we?
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First things first: Accessibility. This is crucial for me, and honestly, it's where the “messy” starts. They say they have "Facilities for disabled guests," but I didn't personally experience it (not being wheelchair bound myself). HOWEVER, the website photos show some ramps, and they do have an Elevator, which is a HUGE plus in a multi-story building. I’d still recommend directly contacting the property to confirm specifics about room accessibility and what works. The devil's in the details, and I don't want to steer anyone wrong. They’re also listed as having "Exterior corridor," so… that helps with access, I think. Still, check before you book.
Now, the good stuff! Let’s talk about how to relax, because oh boy, did I get to relax… and how.
The Spa… My Personal Sanity Saver. Forget the Taj Mahal, forget the Louvre. The spa. This is where Belvilla Ginepro really got me. They have a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Spa/sauna. And the Pool with a view? Forget about it. It was the kind of view that makes you want to weep with joy while simultaneously needing more Aperol Spritz.
I spent hours in the spa, alternating between the soul-cleansing heat of the sauna and those icy dips in the outdoor pool. I even dabbled in the Foot bath, which, let me tell ya, is pure bliss after a day of cobblestone-stomping in Anghiari. I’m not a huge fan of Body scrub or Body wrap usually but actually trying to make the most of it, I wasn't really convinced, it was okay. I’m a simple woman; give me heat, give me water, give me silence, and I'm happy. Pure, unadulterated happiness. My internal monologue went something like: “Argh, another email. OH. Wait… steam… Ahhhhhh.”
The spa wasn't perfect – there were a couple of moments where I swear I smelled a faint hint of… well, someone else’s feet. And the robes could have been a hair fluffier. But I'm being picky. It was still heavenly.
Oh, and the Gym/fitness center! Yeah… I peeked in. Looked… functional. I stuck with the pool and the pasta. My priorities, you see.
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Carb-Loading Adventures)
Okay, Tuscany. You win. My jeans are now officially “Tuscan-sized,” which is code for “stretchy, thank God.”
Let’s unravel the Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- Restaurants: They had a restaurant! And it was excellent! They offer both A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant (breakfast).
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread of cold cuts, cheeses (the Pecorino! Swoon), fresh fruit, and pastries. And the Coffee/tea in restaurant? Glorious.
- Asian Cuisine: Oh, this is where I have to fess up. Honestly, I didn't see any Asian Cuisine, so… maybe it's not as advertised.
- Western Food: The restaurant focuses on Western cuisine (Italian, of course!). They had Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant… all delicious.
- Bars: There’s a Bar and a Poolside bar. Happy hour was a thing.
- Coffee Shop: They have a coffee shop, so that's good!
- Desserts: If you want a lot of Desserts in restaurant you can, and you must.
- Room Service: I'm not positive there was 24/7 room service but I did eat amazing food in the restaurant.
- Vegetarian: They offered a Vegetarian restaurant, which is great.
- Wine: They had wine! Lots of wine!
I took full advantage of the Breakfast in room option a few times (hangover cure, anyone?). I didn't utilize the Breakfast takeaway service, but it’s a nice touch. I was glad to see the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
The service was good, friendly and efficient. The staff was definitely well-trained in safety protocols, so you can rest easy.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (Mostly)
Let’s be real, 2024 has made safety a thing. Belvilla knows this. They had the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere. They've got Hygiene certification, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I appreciated the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and the staff took the whole thing seriously, which made me feel comfortable. Honestly, it was the least worried I have ever been in a hotel in terms of safety.
Things to Do (Beyond Napping in the Pool)
Anghiari is a gorgeous little town. I wandered the cobbled streets, visited the local crafts shops, and just soaked up the atmosphere. There’s a lot of history there, and the views are incredible. Things to do are plentiful with tons of opportunities for sightseeing.
The hotel offers a few things to do on site, a Terrace and an Outdoor venue for special events, which would be super fun. The Car park [on-site] was free.
I don't know anything about the Audio-visual equipment for special events, but I'm sure it's there. I'd rate the Internet as average, but that's to be expected in a rural area. They had Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! as well as Internet access – LAN.
The Rooms: Cozy, Clean, and Equipped
My room at the Belvilla Ginepro? It was lovely! Simple, but comfortable. It had Air conditioning, Blackout curtains (a lifesaver), a comfortable Bed, and a good Shower.
I did not use the Additional toilet, the Alarm clock, the Bathroom phone, the Bathtub or the Bidet. The Closet did its job. The Coffee/tea maker produced the requisite caffeine. The Daily housekeeping kept the place spick-and-span. The Desk was there, but I avoided it. The Extra long bed was great for stretching out. The Free bottled water was appreciated. The Hair dryer worked. The In-room safe box kept my passport safe.
The room was Non-smoking (thank goodness). It had Private bathroom, a Refrigerator, a Sofa, a Soundproofing, a Telephone, and Toiletries. The Towels were fluffy. And the Wi-Fi [free] worked well. The Window that opens was a nice touch.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
They had a Cash withdrawal, a Concierge, Daily housekeeping, and Daily disinfection in common areas! The Elevator was great.
For the Kids: I saw some kids, they seemed happy. I didn’t personally use any Babysitting service or Kids meal, but they were around. For the Adults: They have a Couple's room.
My Quirks and Ramblings (Because This is How I Roll)
Okay, here’s a real anecdote. One evening at the poolside bar – the aforementioned Aperol Spritz was involved – I struck up a conversation with a local couple. We talked about olive oil, Tuscan sunsets, and the glorious simplicity of life. It was THAT kind of trip. You never know who you are going to meet at Belvilla Ginepro, so make sure you are available!
The Imperfections (Because Perfection is Boring)
Look, it wasn't perfect. There are tiny things I could nit-pick, like the slow wifi, but honestly? That’s life. It’s part of the charm.
Final Verdict:
Belvilla Ginepro? Highly recommended. It's a beautiful spot, it offers a good balance of relaxation and activity, and the spa? Oh, the spa. Just be sure to double-check any specific accessibility questions you have. It's not a flawless experience, but it
Escape to Paradise: Your Luxurious Dutch Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't going to be your usual, pristine travel itinerary. This is the ACTUAL, messy, glorious, sometimes-slightly-catastrophic travel plan for a week at Belvilla by OYO Ginepro in Anghiari, Italy. Get ready for a rollercoaster.
Travel Itinerary: Belvilla by OYO Ginepro - Anghiari, Italy (and my sanity’s slow demise… in a good way, hopefully)
Day 1: Arrival & That Damn Cobblestone Street (And the Glorious Smell of Italy)
- Morning (or what passes for it after a red-eye flight): Land in Florence. Ugh, the airport. It's always the same. Overpriced coffee, the frantic search for the luggage carousel, the general aura of being completely disoriented. Found my luggage, miraculously.
- Late Morning: Rented car. Prayed to the Italian driving gods for a miracle. Driving in Italy… let's just say it's an experience best described as "organized chaos". Found Belvilla by OYO Ginepro. The directions… well, they were interpretive. Took a wrong turn, ended up on a very narrow, very old cobblestone street. Thought I was going to permanently ding the rental car. Sweated bullets.
- Afternoon: FINALLY arrived! Pulled up to the Belvilla. Beautiful view. Checked in. The place is gorgeous! Pictures don't do it justice. Found my apartment. Slightly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff in the kitchen. Already fantasizing about disastrous Italian cooking experiments.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Settled in. Explored the town of Anghiari. That cobblestone street is still giving me nightmares. Wandered around. The air smells AMAZING. Like, seriously, I could bottle this and sell it. Found a tiny gelateria. Ate gelato. Had a moment. Pure, unadulterated joy.
- Evening: Dinner at a trattoria in Anghiari. Ate pasta. Drank too much wine. Felt the jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. Stumbled back to the apartment. Collapsed into bed. Bliss.
Day 2: Anghiari Exploration & The Holy Grail of Tuscan Sunsets
- Morning: Woke up to the sound of church bells. Could get used to that. Made (a very simple) breakfast. Attempted to use the Italian coffee maker. Failed, spectacularly. Ended up with a watery concoction that tasted vaguely of coffee. Oh well.
- Late Morning: EXPLORATION! Anghiari is so freaking charming. Walked the ramparts. Visited the museum (which, surprisingly, I enjoyed). Took a million photos. Considered adopting a stray cat I saw. Decided against it (practicality, sadly).
- Afternoon: Drove to a nearby vineyard. Wine tasting. Yes, please! Learned that I definitively know more about drinking wine than understanding it. The wines were lovely, the rolling hills are gorgeous. Bought a bottle of something expensive and pretentious.
- Late Afternoon: Found "the spot" on the edge of town. Sat there on a picnic blanket with my overpriced bottle of wine. Watched the sunset. Seriously, THE BEST SUNSET OF MY LIFE. Tears may or may not have been involved. It was THAT good.
- Evening: Cooked pasta again. This time, slightly less disastrous. Accidentally set off the smoke alarm. Briefly panicked. Ate dinner on the balcony. The wine tasted even better.
Day 3: The Long Drive to…(wait for it…)
- Morning: Decided to actually try and use amenities. Found pool. Felt utterly lazy and unmotivated.
- Late Morning: Packing for a day trip. I am terrible at planning. Decide on a destination. It’s a mystery.
- Afternoon: The drive was much, much longer than anticipated. Wrong turns. Road closures. Minor existential crisis. I think I need a GPS that isn't my phone. Found my way, eventually.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Found the place. It’s a place. Was feeling a bit disappointed.
- Evening: Ate dinner. Drank wine. Had a long conversation with myself about the meaning of life. Found comfort in my pasta.
Day 4: More Anghiari & That Gelato Addiction
- Morning: Slept in. Needed it. The travel fairy had officially abandoned me, I think.
- Late Morning: Wandered around Anghiari some more. Just, you know, taking it all in. Found a tiny shop selling handmade leather goods. Was tempted to buy EVERYTHING. Restrained myself (mostly).
- Afternoon: Back to that gelateria. This time, tried a new flavor. Even better than the last. Starting to judge all other gelatos by Italian standards. It's a slippery slope… but a delicious one.
- Late Afternoon: Tried to get some work done. Failed. The view from the apartment is too distracting. The sun is too inviting. My brain has officially checked out.
- Evening: Another pasta dinner. This time, I actually enjoyed cooking it. Maybe I'm becoming a better amateur chef? Or maybe the wine is doing it’s thing. No matter, I love it. Sat on the balcony. Looked at the stars. Felt overwhelmingly grateful.
Day 5: Market Day & Cooking Class Confessions
- Morning: Market day! Anghiari's weekly market is what dreams are made of. Fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, and the best olives I've ever tasted. Bought WAY too much. My fridge is going to be overflowing.
- Late Morning: Cooking class! Oh, the hubris. Thought I knew something about cooking. I didn't. I am a complete klutz in the kitchen. The instructor was patient. I, less so. Still, I learned a few things (and burned a few things). The food was surprisingly delicious. Even the stuff I "helped" with.
- Afternoon: Nap time! Exhausted from the cooking class (and the excessive market shopping).
- Late Afternoon: Drove around outside Anghiari. Found more beautiful landscapes. Spent way more time than intended enjoying the view.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in the area. Tried the pizza. Fell in love. Pizza is always the answer. Ordered way too much wine.
Day 6: Day Trip #2 & The Existential Dread of Departure
- Morning: Packing for another day trip. This one is a mystery, too!
- Late Morning: Road Trip! This seems to be what I'm doing now.
- Afternoon: Found my destination. Visited. Was pretty good.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Started driving back.
- Evening: Had a very simple dinner. Started packing. The dreaded realization that this beautiful vacation is almost over hit me like the Italian sun. Felt a wave of sadness wash over me. Drank too much wine.
Day 7: Departure & The Promise of Return
- Morning: Woke up. The view from the window is as stunning as ever. Heartbreakingly, it's time to go. Packed up. Cleaned the apartment (tried to, anyway). Said goodbye to the lovely Belvilla property.
- Late Morning: Drove back to Florence. Return the rental car. The Italian driving gods smiled upon me because I did not crash!
- Afternoon: Airport. Overpriced coffee. Frantic search for the gate. The usual.
- Evening: Plane. Watching the Italian countryside disappear. A tear slipped out. I will be back.
- The End (for now!)
Post-Trip Reflections (Mostly Rambles):
- Italy is magical. The end.
- I need to learn to cook. Seriously.
- I'm going to dream of that sunset for the rest of my life.
- The cobblestone streets… never again.
- Gelato is a food group. Don't argue with me.
- I need to come back to Anghiari. Belvilla by OYO Ginepro was perfect.
- Maybe next time, I'll learn some Italian. (Maybe.)
- And I will DEFINITELY be back to the vineyards. For research, of course. (Yeah, that's it.)
This is my truth about this trip. It was messy, imperfect, and absolutely unforgettable. And that, my friends, is the best kind of trip there is. Cheers to Italy! And to embracing the chaos!
🔥Koudekerke's Chicest Escape: Gas Fireplace & Luxury Await!🔥
So, Anghiari and Belvilla Ginepro... what's the deal? Is it actually *that* dreamy?
Okay, let's be real. Anghiari? Stunning. Truly. Imagine rolling hills painted green, ancient stone buildings, and the smell of… well, everything good, really. Belvilla Ginepro? Yeah, it's *good*. It's not like those picture-perfect, airbrushed images you see online, though. My first thought walking in? "Wow, this is... bigger than I thought." It's a rambling, slightly wonky, utterly charming villa. Think "rustic elegance" meets "grandma's house, but in Tuscany." And the dreamy part? It's there, lurking beneath the slightly faded curtains and the occasional spider (yes, there were spiders. It's Tuscany, people!). The sheer *peace*... it’s like someone hit the Mute button on the world’s anxiety machine.
The pool... is it postcard-worthy? And is it *actually* swimmable without getting attacked by mosquitos the size of small birds?
Alright, the pool. The pool *almost* made me cry. In a good way! It's that classic Tuscan pool, sun-drenched, overlooking the valley. The view? Unbelievable. Seriously, it’s worth the price of admission alone. (Okay, maybe not *alone*, but you get the idea.) And the mosquito situation? Yeah, there were mosquitos. They're practically part of the Tuscan charm. Bring the bug spray – the industrial strength stuff. I swear, they're immune to anything less. I remember one evening, mid-swim, a particularly persistent little blighter *almost* got me. I shrieked, much to the amusement of the elderly Italian couple in the lane next to me. Embarrassing, but also… kind of hilarious. Think: ‘Tuscan mosquito battle royale’.
Now, for the *swimmability* part… Oh, yes. Definitely swimable. Clean, cool, and completely refreshing after a day of exploring. The best part? Sometimes you have the whole thing to yourself. Pure bliss. Try to catch the sunset from the pool. You won't regret it. Just watch out for the bugs.
What about the kitchen situation? Can you actually *cook* there, or is it a glorified kettle and toaster situation?
This is a crucial question! Look, the kitchen wasn't exactly state-of-the-art. It had a… well, a certain *charm* of its own. I'm talking the "vintage appliances" kind of charm. But it was functional. You could definitely cook. We made pasta (duh!), and some pretty decent grilled vegetables. The fridge was… spacious enough. The oven? Took a little getting used to, but after the slight trial and error of the first pasta bake, we were golden. Don't expect a Michelin-star chef's kitchen, but it’s perfectly adequate for whipping up some Italian comfort food. My advice? Embrace the imperfections! It's part of the experience. Oh, and bring your own sharp knife. You'll thank me later.
Now, I remember one particularly disastrous (but ultimately hilarious) cooking session. We decided to make a pizza. From scratch! Huge mistake. The dough was a disaster, the sauce ended up everywhere, and smoke began billow out of the oven. We ended up burning the first one, and ordering pizza from a local place. I've never laughed so hard.
Is the location good for exploring the area? Do you need a car?
YES. Absolutely. Anghiari itself is a gem, perfect for wandering around, getting lost in the narrow streets, and grabbing a gelato (essential). And yes, you absolutely need a car. Unless you're supremely confident in your cycling abilities (and your ability to manage steep hills), you're going to need some wheels. The roads are… well, they're Italian. Narrow, winding, and full of surprises. Which I thoroughly enjoyed, don't get me wrong! We zoomed around the Tuscan countryside like crazy! The villa is a great base for exploring other Tuscan towns. Cortona is a must-see for the views and the food, and Arezzo is a short drive away. (We were supposed to go to Siena, but we got sidetracked by a particularly charming wine shop… and a delicious lunch… and then the sun was setting…) There simply no time to waste!
Any tips for making the most of the experience? Anything I should absolutely NOT do?
Okay, listen up! My absolute top tips for Belvilla Ginepro… and Anghiari in general:
- Embrace the imperfections. You’re not staying in a sterile, perfect hotel. Embrace the quirks, the slightly wonky furniture, and the occasional spider. It's part of the charm!
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases. “Buongiorno,” “Grazie,” “Un bicchiere di vino rosso, per favore.” These will get you far. And it’s just polite!
- Stock up on groceries. There's a small supermarket in Anghiari, but you'll want to have the basics on hand. Make sure to get all your pasta and pesto, and the red wine!.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a *lot* of walking. And climbing hills.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. The locals are generally incredibly friendly and helpful, even if they don't speak English.
- DO NOT try to be in a rush. The entire point of Tuscany, and especially of Anghiari, is to slow down. Embrace the dolce vita, dammit!
- DO NOT expect a perfectly manicured experience.Things break, things are not as they seem. Just accept it. Enjoy it. Laugh about it.
- DO NOT leave without eating gelato. Like, it's a crime against humanity.
What about the internet? is it there?
Oh, the internet... yes, it's there. *Technically*. It's a bit like a shy, slightly unreliable friend. Sometimes it's fast, sometimes it's a snail. Expect to be occasionally cut off. I loved it! It forced me to disconnect from the digital world and *live* in the moment, reading books under the Tuscan sun, or engaging with the world around me. Think of it as a digital detox. It was a gift in disguise! I actually loved the internet's unreliability, it allowed me to go back to the old ways, I was enjoying a book instead of scrolling through my phone.
