Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Pool Villa Awaits in Borgo San Lorenzo!
Okay, here's a review of "Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Pool Villa Awaits in Borgo San Lorenzo!" that's… messy, honest, funny, and human. Buckle up, buttercups, because it's gonna be a ride.
Escape to Tuscany? More Like… Unexpectedly Wonderful! (And a Few Quirks Along the Way)
Alright, so, Tuscany. The word itself conjures up images of rolling hills, cypress trees, and endless glasses of red wine. "Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Pool Villa Awaits in Borgo San Lorenzo!" promises all that… and a little bit more. Let's be honest, I went in with expectations higher than a Chianti-fueled hot air balloon. Did it deliver? Mostly. Mostly with a hefty spoonful of "well, that's life, isn't it?"
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good
Okay, one of the first things I needed to check was accessibility. I'm traveling with my Aunt Carol, who has mobility issues. And honestly, this is where things got off to a bit of a… hiccup. The website insisted on being wheelchair accessible (and let's be honest, these Italian hills are not always friendly to that particular type of travel!).
Well, the "elevator" was a bit slower than advertised (I swear, it took longer than my flight to Tuscany), and some of the pathways were… let's just say cobblestone-adjacent. BUT! The staff was fantastic. Absolutely lovely. They were bending over backwards to help Carol, offering to carry her bags, navigating the uneven terrain with her, even re-arranging the furniture in the villa to make things easier. So, while not perfectly accessible like you might find in a brand new hotel, the staff's effort and genuine kindness more than made up for it. Bravo!
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Ah, this was a winner.
Restaurants: Plenty of options for dining. Plenty of options for dining. I have to say, the food was incredible! I had a pasta dish with wild boar—I dream of it still.
Wheelchair Accessible: The restaurants were accessible for Aunt Carol, which was huge. And it was super important to us.
Lounges: The lounges were also really great for Aunt Carol and me. We enjoyed the outdoor lounges the most, drinking wine in the sun or drinking drinks in the evening. We loved it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure, But…
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so cleanliness is a BIG deal for me. The "Escape to Tuscany" really came through. The villas (yes, we got a villa!) were spotless. I mean, gleaming. They clearly take their hygiene seriously. They used "anti-viral cleaning products," which made me feel like I was safe from the zombie apocalypse (just kidding… mostly).
The rooms were sanitized between stays (thank god), and there was hand sanitizer everywhere. They even had a strict system for social distancing (at least a meter between people). The staff wears masks, and the sanitization protocols were top-notch.
Now, here's where the "but…" kicks in. They offered "room sanitization opt-out" – which, I guess, is fine if you want to live in a biohazard zone. I'm not sure why anyone would opt-out, but hey, options, right? Also, while the daily disinfection in common areas was appreciated, I would have loved to have seen a dedicated, constant cleaner or sanitization expert on-site. Maybe I'm paranoid. But the overall sense of safety was definitely there.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Pasta, Wine, and… Happiness?
Oh. My. God. The food. This is where "Escape to Tuscany" truly shines.
Restaurants: The main restaurant, "La Trattoria," was a delight. It featured a mix of traditional Tuscan dishes and some more modern creations. The "a la carte" menu was extensive, and the "buffet in restaurant" was a feast for the eyes.
Drinks: The "Bar" was a great place to grab a pre-dinner aperitivo. The "Poolside Bar" was even better. Imagine yourself swimming in the water!
Desserts: I could have stayed there forever. I would have stayed there forever. The dessert was the best part, and the dessert was so good that I don't know what to say anymore.
Breakfast: Breakfast was a buffet of dreams. "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "Asian breakfast," "Western breakfast," "Western cuisine in restaurant," so many choices!
Meals: They had an "Alternative meal arrangement," and I was like, "sign me up!"
Let me tell you about the pasta. I am not a foodie snob, but I know good pasta. And this pasta… oh, my. It was cooked al dente, the sauce was rich and flavorful, and… well, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. And the wine! Oh, the Chianti! It flowed like a river of ruby-red joy. The pool bar, I'd go even a bit further and say the poolside bar, was a particular highlight. Sipping a Negroni while watching the sunset over the Tuscan hills? Pure bliss. The service was impeccable, every meal a work of art. The "bottle of water" was nice but not the star of this show.
Things to Do: Relaxation, Relaxation, Relaxation (and a Little Bit of Fitness)
This is where the "Escape" part really comes into play.
Pool with View: The outdoor pool was stunning, with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. It was the perfect place to relax with a cocktail.
Sauna & Spa: I dipped into the Spa a few times. They offer "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Massage," "Steamroom," "Spa/sauna."
Fitness Center: I didn't use the "Fitness center," and I honestly didn't feel a need to. The joy of Tuscany is largely about the opposite of strenuous activity.
Ways to Relax: Oh, this nailed it. The entire atmosphere encouraged relaxation. Sitting on the terrace with a book, sipping coffee in the morning, watching the sunset… pure bliss.
Swimming pool: And the swimming pool itself… wow.
Rooms and Amenities: Comfort and… Some Quirks
Okay, the villas were lovely, generally speaking.
Available in all rooms: "Air conditioning," "Air conditioning in public area," "Internet access," "Internet access – LAN," "Internet access – wireless," "Internet".
Bedrooms: The "Extra long bed" was helpful, and the "Non-smoking" helped.
Comfort: I loved the "Bathtub," and I love the "Coffee/tea maker."
The "mini bar" was pretty well-stocked (although, come on, a proper espresso machine would have been the icing on the Tuscan cake!).
Services and Conveniences: Helpful Stuff, But…
There was a lot of helpful stuff. They had "Car park [free of charge]," "Cash withdrawal," "Concierge," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," "Dry cleaning," "Food delivery," "Laundry service," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Safety deposit boxes," "Taxi service," "Valet parking."
Staff: The "staff" was incredible. They made a point of making all the guests happy and comfortable.
Internet: Okay, "Internet access – LAN," "Internet access – wireless," "Wi-Fi in all rooms!" was nice.
For the Kids: Family Friendly
This place definitely catered to families. While I was traveling without children, I saw a bunch of families having a great time.
- Kids facilities: They have a kid's club, a playground, and babysitting services.
Safety/Security Feature
- "CCTV in common areas"
Getting around
- "Airport transfer"
Conclusion: Go… But Be Prepared for Perfection (and Imperfection)
Would I recommend "Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Pool Villa Awaits in Borgo San Lorenzo!"? Absolutely. The stunning location, the incredible food, and the genuinely lovely staff more than made up for the minor quibbles. It's a place where you can truly relax, recharge, and soak up the beauty of Tuscany.
Just be prepared for a few quirks, a slightly slow elevator, and possibly a moment or two where you just have to embrace the beautiful chaos of life. But hey, that's part of the charm, isn't it?
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious Belgian Holiday Home with Garden Spa!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary is gonna be less "polished brochure" and more "slightly frazzled travel journal." We're talking Borgo San Lorenzo, Italy, and a Belvilla by OYO holiday home with a pool. Let's go…
Day 1: Arrival, Argh! and Aperitivo Anxiety
- Morning (ish): Depart. Oh god, the airport. Always a disaster. Delayed flight. Luggage shenanigans. Found my passport at the last minute, naturally. This is how every trip begins, right? Like a comedy of errors. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we land in Florence. Blessedly, our rental car isn't too terrifying. Just a slight understanding of Italian road rules…which I am woefully unprepared for.
- Afternoon: Drive to Borgo San Lorenzo (prays for no incidents.) Google Maps is a lying sack of digital garbage. We swear we're going the right way. The scenery, once we get past the endless tolls, is gorgeous though. Rolling hills, cypress trees… it's all very Tuscan, even if we're an hour off schedule.
- Finding the Villa: Okay, this is where the real fun begins. The address is vague. The GPS is having a meltdown. We're driving down a dirt track that's starting to feel more like a goat path. Suddenly, there it is! The Belvilla. And it’s… stunning. The photos online don't do it justice. Huge sigh of relief. We arrive and the owner is super lovely, shows us the ropes. And that pool? Majestic.
- Evening: After unpacking some of our bags (let's be honest, the rest will wait for the next day), we decide we absolutely need an aperitivo. Finding a place open on a Sunday is a quest in itself. Eventually, we stumble upon a trattoria in the town center, feeling distinctly underdressed. The Spritz is a triumph, the olives are divine, and I’m suddenly in love with Italy again. This is why we travel, right? To drown in the beauty, the food, and the… wine, I assume, as its the start of our trip.
Day 2: Pool Day and the Pizza Predicament
- Morning: Ahhh, the pool. The reason we booked the whole damn shebang. Wake up, coffee, glorious sun. Spent the whole morning lounging by the pool, reading a book (which I promptly dropped in the water - whoops). It was perfect, pure bliss. It’s what vacations should consistently feel like. What a life.
- Afternoon: Another attempt at exploring Borgo San Lorenzo itself. Walk around, visit the shops, see the sights…or at least try. We get lost as we get distracted by a small cafe and end up ordering a coffee and a pastry. My Italian is embarrassingly bad - lots of hand gestures and blank stares. Luckily, everyone is incredibly friendly.
- Evening: Pizza night! We found a local pizzeria that looked promising. Ordered enough pizza to feed a small army. A family sized pepperoni, a margherita, and an extra cheese. Everything was going well until… the power went out. In the middle of our dinner. We ended up eating the pizza by candlelight, which, in retrospect, was incredibly romantic, but at the time, I was just hungry. Minor mishap, but hey, that’s travel!
Day 3: Florence! (Or, The Uffizi and Utter Chaos)
- Morning: The dreaded Florence day trip. Knowing it will be a long day, we set off early to avoid traffic. The drive is… well, it's another adventure. The traffic in Florence is legendary, a chaotic ballet of Vespas, Fiats, and aggressive drivers.
- Afternoon: The Uffizi Gallery. Holy. Mother. Of. Art. Seriously. I’m no art historian, but even I was blown away. Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" is even more stunning in person. The crowds were… intense. We were practically elbowing our way through. We definitely didn't see everything (burnout), but what we saw was worth it.
- Evening: Florence is so beautiful. We walk over the Ponte Vecchio, watch the sun set over the Arno River…and then the hunger pangs kick in. Finding a restaurant that isn't ridiculously touristy is a challenge. We ate at a very noisy, but delicious, steakhouse. The Florence is the most expensive meal we've have, but we did it because: "you only live once." Heading back to Borgo San Lorenzo, we're exhausted but happy. I have a feeling I'll be dreaming of art and pasta tonight.
Day 4: Exploring the Tuscan Countryside (and getting slightly lost…again)
- Morning: A day to explore the area around the Villa. We're not going to stick to our agenda. We will be spontaneous, it is a vacation.
- Afternoon: Drive through picturesque the little villages, and towns. We decide to try and visit the vineyards nearby. We got lost, again. But this time, it was the best kind of lost—the kind that leads to hidden gems. We stumble upon a tiny trattoria and eat a delicious lunch. We order another bottle of wine.
- Evening: Back at the villa. More pool time before the darkness. Simple dinner at the villa. We drink the last wine. We laugh about the day. It was the best day we have had, so far.
Day 5: Farewell Feast
- Morning: One last dip in the pool (and maybe a sneaky early-morning glass of prosecco). Start packing (a soul-crushing task, but necessary).
- Afternoon: Food shopping for our final dinner. We're going to try to cook a real Italian meal. We're not actually good cooks, but we are going to try. It's all part of the experience, right? Our attempts at cooking turn into a hilarious disaster, but the food is delicious, if a little burnt around the edges.
- Evening: Toast to an unforgettable trip, another bottle of wine. Watch the sunset over the Tuscan hills. The end.
Day 6: The Long Trip Home
- Morning: We pack. Clean up. Say goodbye to the villa.
- Afternoon: Drive to the airport. Pray the flight isn't delayed.
- Evening: Safe trip home.
Post-Trip Rambles:
Italy, you beautiful, slightly chaotic, food-filled, sun-drenched beast. I'll definitely be back. Already dreaming of the next adventure.
…And, of course, next time I'm actually going to learn some Italian. (Maybe.)
Poland's Paradise Found: Your Private Pool Awaits in Zgorzałe!
Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Pool Villa Awaits in Borgo San Lorenzo! - FAQs (Because You *Know* You Have Questions)
Okay, Okay, I'm Considering It… But What *Actually* Is This Place?
Alright, so picture this: you're scrolling through Instagram, fueled by lukewarm coffee and a desperate need to escape the hamster wheel. Then BAM! You see it: rolling hills, sun-drenched villas, and a pool that looks like it’s been plucked straight from a Renaissance painting. That's basically "Escape to Tuscany." More specifically, it's a villa in Borgo San Lorenzo, which I'm told is a charming little town... honestly, I mostly ended up lounging by the pool.
Think less "sterile hotel room" and more "luxury farmhouse that's been modernized without losing its soul." (That's what the website says, anyway, and I’m paraphrasing… a lot.) There's a pool (duh!), and supposedly, there are beautiful views. My view this past trip consisted mostly of the aforementioned pool and the questionable tan lines I was cultivating. Seriously, bring sunscreen.
The Pool. Let's Talk Pool. Is It *Really* As Good As It Looks?
Okay, let's cut to the chase. The pool? Spectacular. Like, *life-altering* spectacular. And I'm not exaggerating. I once went on a two-week juice cleanse. I *rarely* exaggerate. This pool is a beacon of turquoise perfection, shimmering in the Tuscan sun. I spent approximately 90% of my waking hours *in* that pool. Snapping pics, splashing around, and even attempting (unsuccessfully) synchronized swimming. (Don't judge me.)
There's this weird thing though… I’m not a fan of slimy things or bugs. And one day, a dragonfly got in the pool. Just *one* measly dragonfly, with its ridiculously long little body, I started hyperventilating! Turns out it was a harmless one. But, alas, fear became my momentary companion. Still, the pool is a solid 9.5/10, the missing half point is for the dragonfly. Seriously, best pool ever!
What's the Deal With the Location? Borgo San Lorenzo? Never Heard of It. Is It *Actually* Convenient to… Stuff?
Alright, so Borgo San Lorenzo is… well, it's not exactly *on* the Amalfi Coast. (Darn it!) It's in the Mugello region, which, if you’re like me, means absolutely nothing. Look, I’m going to be honest with you: I spent most of my time by the pool. I did venture out once. Once. For a gelato run. Best decisions of my life. The town itself is cute. Really! But I wasn’t exactly planning any day trips to Florence. (Which *is* doable, apparently, but I… got distracted.)
My take? If you are a high-energy, sight-seeing type, this might not be your *perfect* base for exploring Tuscany. But if you're like me, and the idea of a week spent blissfully doing *nothing* but lounging by the pool, eating gelato, occasionally (I mean, occasionally) venturing out for some truly *epic* food, this is a five-star location. As long as you can embrace the serenity and the occasional mosquito bite. (Bring bug spray! Seriously. Learned that the hard way. And yes, I failed the gelato trip, there were wasps. Double whammy.)
The Food! Tell Me About the Food! Because, Let’s Be Real, That’s Half the Reason We Go, Right?
Oh, the food. Where to even *begin*? Okay, first: pasta. Everywhere. Glorious, carbo-loading pasta. I may or may not have gained a solid five pounds. Worth it. Worth. It. And the pizza? Out of this world. Thin crust, fresh ingredients, the works.
There are local restaurants (I swear, there *are*), and the villa, apparently, can arrange for private chefs. I did not do this. (It seemed… fancy.) I mostly went for a restaurant that was a short walk, or ordered in. The local wine? Let’s just say I became very well-acquainted with the local vineyards. It was research, okay? Culinary exploration! Don't judge. Also, the gelato. I could write an entire novella about the gelato, but let's just say that it lives up to the hype. (I'm still dreaming of the pistachio.) Just… go hungry. Really, really hungry. And maybe loosen the belt a notch or two. Or three.
Is This Place Kid-Friendly? Because, You Know, Tiny Humans Can Be a Deal-Breaker.
Good question! It depends. I didn't have any tiny humans with me, so I'm purely speculating. The pool is stunning, yes, but it's also deep. Like, *really* deep. So, constant vigilance is key if you have little ones. (And floaties. Lots and lots of floaties.)
The villa itself seemed spacious, with plenty of room to run around (hopefully away from the pool!). There was also a garden, which I imagine would be a kid-magnet. I can imagine a *little* kid running happily in the lovely grass while you sip on wine and ignore them. However, be prepared for the usual kid-related chaos. The villa isn't exactly soundproof, so you might get some noise complaints. And the constant fear of them playing in the pool.
In conclusion: It *could* work, but it might also require a LOT of preparation and a healthy dose of patience. Maybe not your first choice for a family vacation with very young kids. Teenagers? Probably perfect. They can swim and make their own mess, which should free you up to do more of the relaxing. (And drink more of that gorgeous wine.)
Okay, Okay, But What If Something Goes Wrong? Like, What's the Support Like?
I'm *pretty* sure there's a support system. The website promises helpful staff, and I remember seeing a phone number. I didn't actually *need* to contact them, which is a good thing, I think. That means everything was pretty smooth sailing (except for possibly drowning in the pool, and the aforementioned mosquito attack, and the wasp swarm at the gelato shop...ok, maybe I should have called for help).
Let's be real, though: when you're lounging poolside in Tuscany with a giant pizza and a glass of wine in hand, the only real "problem" is deciding whether to go for a second slice. And even that's not a *bad* problem to have, is it? So, yes, there are people around, but let's just say I was too busy soaking up the sun (and the wine) to put them to the test. But like, if the pizza maker disappears during the night....
Is It Worth the Price Tag?! Because Let's Face It, Tuscany Ain't Exactly Budget Travel!
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, it's not cheap. Let's just get that out there. You're paying for a luxury experience, and it definitely delivers on that front. But is it *worth* it? That depends. On your budget, on your priorities, and on your tolerance for possibly having the time of your life.
For me? Absolutely. Mountain Stay
