Escape to Paradise: Cortona's Stunning Belvilla with Private Pool!
Escape to Paradise: Cortona's Stunning Belvilla with Private Pool! - My Honest Ramblings (and Raves!)
Okay, so I'm back from the dream. Literally. Cortona. Belvilla. Private Pool. Sounds cheesy, right? Well, it kinda was… but in the BEST way possible. Forget those picture-perfect brochures; here's the REAL deal, warts and all, from my glorious Tuscan escape. Buckle up, buttercups, it's gonna be a bumpy, beautiful ride!
SEO & Metadata (Because, you know, the internet demands it!):
- Title: Escape to Paradise: Cortona Belvilla Review - Private Pool & Honest Thoughts
- Keywords: Cortona, Belvilla, Tuscany, Italy, Private Pool, Vacation Rental, Villa Review, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurant, WiFi, Family Friendly, Luxury, Review, Travel, Holiday, Italy, Accessible, Pool, Cleanliness, Food, Services, Activities
- Description: A brutally honest review of a stunning Belvilla in Cortona, Italy, complete with a private pool. Discover the good, the bad, and the unexpectedly amazing aspects of this Tuscan escape. Featuring real-world experiences on accessibility, food, amenities, and more!
- Meta Keywords: Cortona, Belvilla, Tuscany, Italy, review, travel, holiday, vacation rental, accessible, pool, spa, restaurant, family friendly, luxury
Let's Get This Show on the Road: Accessibility (and My Clumsy Footsteps!)
Right, first off: Accessibility. They say "Facilities for disabled guests," and that's… well, it's a start. Here's the deal: This ain't a fully-fledged, purpose-built accessible resort. The Belvilla itself? It's that classic Tuscan charm, which means… steps. Lots of steps. And uneven cobblestones around the place. Navigating the main villa areas? Doable, but definitely not a wheelchair paradise. Outside, around the pool? A bit tricky. The upside? The staff were incredibly helpful. They always offered a hand, and were genuinely eager to make things easier. So, while not perfect, the attitude felt accessible. I'd recommend calling ahead and spelling out your exact needs.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges (or, The Search for Aperol Spritz)
Frankly, I spent most of my time in the private pool, but there were no dedicated accessible lounges/restaurants, but it wasn't a huge issue, for me at least. However, The restaurants were all within a short distance, which makes it better.
Internet & Digital Detox (Or, My Battle with the WiFi Gods)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And, Internet access – wireless everywhere. But… let me tell you, my relationship with the internet during this trip was… complicated. Sometimes it was lightning fast (Internet! Internet [LAN]!), streaming movies and making Facetime calls a breeze. Other times… it was like trying to coax a dial-up modem back to life. I did get it to be better by moving to a place with a clearer view of the router. Still, the Wi-Fi in the public areas (Wi-Fi in public areas) was significantly better than the private rooms!. It's Italy, people! Embrace the digital detox! Or, you know, just bring a good book. I still found it available on the terrace (Terrace) to relax and read.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (The "Ahhh" Factor!)
Okay, now we’re talking! This place oozes relaxation. The Swimming pool? Breathtaking, facing the most amazing views! The Pool with view was everything you imagine and more. Days were spent floating, reading, and generally feeling like royalty. The Sauna and Spa/sauna were amazing. I have to admit I skipped the Gym/fitness – this trip was about indulging, not sweating! They also had massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, and of course, the full Spa. And you know, after all of this, you just need some time to relax and breathe.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because COVID is Still a Thing, Sadly)
They REALLY took cleanliness seriously. I mean, Anti-viral cleaning products? Professional-grade sanitizing services? Rooms sanitized between stays? You felt safe. Staff wore masks (thankfully!), and there were hand sanitizers everywhere (Hand sanitizer). They offered stuff like Individually-wrapped food options, Daily disinfection in common areas, and all staff members were trained in safety protocols (Staff trained in safety protocol). I could also opt-out of cleaning which was cool (Room sanitization opt-out available) Honestly, I felt safer there than in some supermarkets back home! They did offer First aid kit, Hot water linen and laundry washing, for some extra precaution.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Waistline's Lament!)
Right, time to fess up. I ate. A. Lot. The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty good, though I'm a sucker for a proper fry-up, which it didn’t fully achieve. Luckily I had Breakfast in room so I didn't have to go too far to get to the food. There were also Breakfast takeaway service available. But what truly blew me away? The local restaurants! They have an A la carte in restaurant, and they also offered Alternative meal arrangement. I had some incredible meals, tried all types of food from Asian cuisine in restaurant to Western cuisine in restaurant. The Bar was excellent for pre-dinner drinks, especially during Happy hour (Poolside bar). I went to the Coffee shop a few times to try their coffee. They also offer Desserts in restaurant for anyone with a sweet tooth. And of course, you can't go wrong with a bottle of water (Bottle of water).
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make a Big Difference)
The Belvilla had all sorts of useful stuff. They had Currency exchange. The Concierge was fantastic, always happy to help with recommendations and bookings. They had Daily housekeeping, but the best thing was the Contactless check-in/out. They offered Doorman, Dry cleaning, and Elevator. There were some of the essential things like Ironing service, Laundry service, and Luggage storage. The downside? The Convenience store was lacking, meaning I did a trip to a local one a few times.
For the Kids (Family Adventures!)
They're definitely Family/child friendly with Kids facilities, Babysitting service, and Kids meal. The pool, of course, is a huge draw for kids. I didn't personally use any of these, but observed quite a few happy families!
Available in all rooms (The Nitty-Gritty of the Hideaway!)
The rooms! They had everything you needed. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. I loved the Bathtub for long soaks and the Blackout curtains for lie-ins. Lots of Coffee/tea maker, and they supplied Complimentary tea, Desk to get some work done if you need to. I wouldn't forget the Extra long bed. The provided Free bottled water, Refrigerator and Hair dryer were all great. The In-room safe box was helpful and it had the Internet access – wireless. It all was an amazing experience.
My Final Verdict (The Emotional Rollercoaster!)
This Belvilla in Cortona? Yeah, it's pretty damn amazing. It's not perfect. There are steps. The WiFi can be temperamental. But the sheer beauty of the location, the charm of the villa, the helpfulness of the staff… they more than make up for the imperfections. It's a place to truly escape. It’s a place to inhale the Tuscan air, sip local wine, and just be. And honestly? I'm already plotting my return. Just might be best to bring a REALLY good book this time and forget about the digital world…
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Isola Albarella!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel guide. This is me, unfiltered, about to unleash a week in the Tuscan sun… or maybe under a thunderstorm. Who knows? Italy, baby! Cortona! And the Belvilla by OYO Balmy Villa with the Pool. Let's dive in, shall we?
The Pre-Game - Before We Even Get There (And Probably Screwed Up a Little):
Jeez, booking the Villa. Sounds easy, right? Wrong. Weeks of scrolling, comparing, reading reviews that range from "Paradise Found!" to "Avoid Like the Plague!". Finally landed on this Belvilla joint. Cortona. Pool. Sold. Packed, unpacked, repacked. Did I forget the adapter? The Italian phrasebook? (Mostly likely.) Airport chaos. Delayed flight. My inner monologue is already screaming. I swear, I left my lucky socks. This is not a good start.
Day 1: Arrival - That First Glimpse and a Wine-Fueled Meltdown (Kind Of)
- Time: Whenever the actual plane decides to land. Let's say…14:00? (If the gods of air travel are kind.)
- Arrival: Land, rent a car (pray it's not a death trap), navigate Italian roads (pray I don't die), finally arrive at the Villa.
- Initial Reaction: Okay, breath. The villa. Yes. Oh HELL YES. Pictures online never truly capture the real beauty You see the photos and maybe think, "Okay, nice." But then you arrive, and everything feels…bigger. Wider. That panoramic view from the balcony, the pool sparkling like a giant sapphire… I actually might have squealed. Don’t judge me.
- The Unpacking & Panic: Unpack. Locate the wine opener. This is crucial. Then, start the grocery run. Find some staples, pasta, bread, some local cheese and meats. My usual habit, I forgot the olive oil. Argh.
- Evening: That First Aperitivo. Local wine, on the balcony, watching the sun bleed out over the Tuscan hills. This is what I came for. This is why I packed those ridiculous hats. Possibly ate too much cheese. Fell asleep before the sun could fully say goodnight.
Day 2: Cortona Town - Cobblestones and Cafés (and A Lost Sock)
- Morning: Slowly rise, the inevitable headache from the first night. Ugh. Coffee, breakfast, stare at the view. Honestly, just staring at the view could be a full-time activity.
- Mid-Morning: Explore Cortona. This whole town is basically a movie set. Cobblestone streets, overflowing flower boxes, tiny shops selling…well, everything. Got lost within minutes. The map was useless. It’s beautiful and confusing as hell.
- Lunch: Found a tiny trattoria. Ate the most amazing pasta. They were practically rolling their eyes at my attempts to speak Italian. But hey, smiles go a long way, right? And let's be real, pasta is a universal language.
- Afternoon: Wandered through the Etruscan Museum (cool, and confusing), then got hopelessly lost again. Found a gelato shop. Solved everything. Bought a pair of earrings that I will probably never wear, but they remind me of this stupidly beautiful place.
- Evening: Back to the villa. Pizza and more wine. Realized I’d lost a sock. A favorite one. Curse the laundry monster.
Day 3: Day Trip Disaster/Triumph - Arezzo and the Art (and a Bit of Tears)
- Morning: Headed for Arezzo. Supposedly the city of art and history, right? The plan was to hit Piero della Francesca's frescoes.
- The Catastrophe: The car. Broke down. In the middle of nowhere. My Italian is… not amazing. Lots of frantic hand gestures, a lot of "Scusi!", and eventually, a very patient local farmer who somehow managed to help me get back on the road. Stress levels: Elevated. Tears: May have happened. Dignity: Gone.
- Afternoon (Finally!): Arrived in Arezzo. Found the frescoes (magnificent, utterly breathtaking). Wandered through the Piazza Grande, soaked up the atmosphere. Made it all worth it.
- Late Afternoon: Chocolate ice cream. I needed something to calm the nerves.
- Evening: Back to the villa. Pasta. Vino. Cursing the car. And, staring at the stars. This time, with a bit more gratitude.
Day 4: Pool Day - Doing Absolutely Nothing (Except Possibly Thinking Too Much)
- All Day: Pool. Pool. Pool. Book. Sunscreen (lots of it). Occasionally look up the the view. Drink something cold with bubbles in it. Read. Nap. Repeat. This is what vacation is actually for.
- Thoughts (Because, let's be honest, I Can't Really Do Absolutely Nothing): Am I happy? What am I doing with my life? Did I remember to call mom? Should I finally learn Italian? The existential crisis is strong with this one.
- Evening: Lazy BBQ. Burnt bits are part of the charm (they might have been the majority). Stargazing. Found one of those constellations. For about five minutes before falling asleep.
Day 5: Cooking Class - Pasta Perfection (Maybe… or At Least a Hilarious Attempt)
- Morning: Cooking class at a local farm (booked the day before, of course). This… was an experience.
- The Pasta Wars: Learning to make pasta from scratch. Flour everywhere. Pasta machine: A dangerous beast. The Nonna chef, who I’m pretty sure was judging me silently, but with a smile. But hey, somehow, out of all the chaos, there was actual pasta.
- Lunch: Ate the fruits of our (mostly) hard work. Wine. Laughter. A general sense of accomplishment (and the need for a nap).
- Afternoon: Wandering around Cortona. More gelato.
Day 6: A Day Trip Too Far (Maybe… Or Maybe Exactly Right) - Siena and San Gimignano
- Morning: The plan, or what remained of it after the inevitable change in plans. Off to Siena and San Gimignano. Siena: medieval elegance. San Gimignano: The towers!
- The drive was an adventure.
- Siena: The Piazza del Campo. The Duomo. All stunning. It was hot and crowded. But also, amazing.
- San Gimignano: The towers! The gelateria. The crowds. A whirlwind tour. Definitely worth it.
- Evening: Back to the villa, utterly exhausted. Wine on balcony. Pasta again. Collapsed into bed.
Day 7: Farewell - The View, The Memories, and the Empty Wine Bottles
- Morning: One last breakfast on the balcony. Taking it all in. Really soaking it up. Fighting back the urge to buy the villa and never leave.
- Packing: Trying to fit everything into my suitcase. More wine. More panic packing.
- Departure: Say goodbye to the villa. To the view. To Cortona. To some part of me that's already plotting a return. Airport. Plane. Back to reality. But with a heart full of pasta, sunshine, and a few slightly-less-organized memories.
- Reflection, Later: Did I plan everything perfectly? Nope. Did everything go smoothly? Absolutely not. Was it worth it? God, yes. Italy, you beautiful, messy, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable place.
And that, my friends, is my imperfect, rambling, and hopefully entertaining account of a week in Cortona. Now go… and create your own adventure. And for the love of all that is holy, pack an adapter. You’ve been warned.
Rodershausen Dream: HUGE Apartment w/ BBQ! (Germany)
Escape to Paradise: Cortona's Stunning Belvilla with Private Pool! - FAQ (The REALLY Real Version)
Okay, let's be honest, is this place *really* as good as the photos? Because, you know, Photoshop is a thing...
Alright, deep breaths. Yes. Mostly. The pool? Glorious. Seriously, I swear I saw butterflies weeping with joy at the water's edge. The views? Pinch-me-I'm-dreaming spectacular. Remember those stock photos of Tuscany? This is like, the ACTUAL Tuscan countryside, but with a private pool.
BUT. And here's the realness: the photos don't capture the *smell* of the lavender bushes. That's an experience. And the *silence*. The only sound at night was the occasional owl, and my own increasingly loud snoring. Also, the 'charming' terracotta tiles? My ankles were *begging* for slippers after the first day. And the road up? Let's just say my tiny rental car developed a deep, abiding respect for gravity.
The pool – what's it *really* like? Is it freezing? Packed with screaming kids? (I have priorities.)
The pool. Ah, the pool. Okay, so it's not Olympic-sized. It's perfect. Perfect for a leisurely float, reading a book (or pretending to), and just… existing. The water was crisp and refreshing – maybe a *touch* chilly at first, but then you're completely acclimated and it's bliss. And the best part? Pure, unadulterated *privacy*. No screaming kids. (Thank God. I brought my own internal screaming, thank you very much.) Honestly, I spent a solid four hours one afternoon just staring at the sky and wondering if I’d accidentally died and gone to heaven, or if the Aperol Spritz had finally kicked in. Probably the latter.
Okay, so one day a small, very tenacious lizard decided to take a dip. I’m not great with lizards. I screamed. It dove under a rock. I glared at the rock. Minor, minor hiccup in paradise. It was gone the next morning. Peace reestablished.
Cooking in the kitchen – is it properly equipped? Because my significant other thinks making pasta with a plastic spork is acceptable. (Shudder.)
The kitchen… okay, so it wasn't a Michelin-starred chef's dream, but it was definitely functional. They had a decent range of pots and pans, and *actual* knives that cut things (unlike my kitchen at home where everything resembles a dull spoon). I even found a garlic press – a small victory for civilisation right there.
However, I did have to improvise on the olive oil situation. The bottle of olive oil... well it was not refillable, and not super large, and I made a LOT of bruschetta. So, be prepared to do some local shopping for basics. There's a *fantastic* little shop in Cortona that sells everything your heart desires, including approximately a thousand different types of olive oil. And trust me, you *will* want to use it. I mean, you're in Tuscany!
Final verdict? Your significant other can probably make acceptable pasta. But definitely pack a decent corkscrew. You'll need it.
Cortona – is it a hassle to get to? And once there, is it worth the effort?
Getting to Cortona… okay, it's not like popping to the corner shop. It involved airports, car rentals with insane insurance policies, and some slightly hairy driving on narrow, winding roads. But, and this is a BIG but… it's SO worth it. Cortona itself is just… magic. Cobblestone streets, tiny artisan shops, and restaurants with views that will make you weep with joy.
One day I got utterly, hopelessly lost. (My sense of direction is… questionable, at best.) I stumbled into a tiny trattoria and, with a combination of broken Italian and frantic hand gestures, managed to order the best ragu I've ever tasted. The waiter, bless his heart, seemed to find my utter bewilderment thoroughly entertaining. And the wine… oh god, the wine. It was the most relaxed I've been in years. So yes, worth the potential for getting lost, no doubt.
Is there Wifi? (Because #priorities, even on vacation).
Yes, there is. It wasn't lightning-fast, but it was *adequate*. Enough to check emails, upload the obligatory Instagram photos, and, you know, occasionally actually *work* if you're one of those unlucky people who can't completely switch off.
Here's a pro-tip: Do NOT plan on streaming movies. Unless you enjoy endless buffering and staring at a spinning wheel of doom. Embrace the slow internet, the forced digital detox. Actually, I think I enjoyed the lack of constant connectivity. It forced me to actually *look* at the scenery, talk to the people, and appreciate the fact that I was, you know, actually *there*. And if you *really* need a connection, head to Cortona – the cafes there generally have pretty decent Wi-Fi.
Any tips for the area? Hidden gems or things to avoid?
Okay, listen up, because this is GOLD. Firstly, embrace the *aperitivo* culture. Seriously. Head to a bar in Cortona around sunset, order a Spritz or a glass of local wine, and let the magic happen. The food is usually amazing too – little nibbles and snacks to keep you going before dinner.
Secondly, TAKE THE TRAIN. I'm talking about a day trip to Florence! The train station in Camucia, which is near Cortona, is easy to get to. Florence is stunning.. but *packed*. I was a little overwhelmed (so many people!). The Duomo… wow, absolutely worth seeing. But be prepared for crowds.
Avoid… well, there’s not much to *avoid*. The whole area is pretty fantastic. Just be prepared for the driving. And pack comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a LOT of walking. Wear sunscreen. And for the love of all that is holy, learn a few basic Italian phrases. Even a "Buongiorno" and a "Grazie" will get you a long way. And try the gelato. All of it. You'll thank me later.
Would you go back? Be honest, would you *really* go back?
Dear God, yes. In a heartbeat. I'm already plotting my return. I'm fantasizing about the pool, the sunsets, the pasta, the wine, the smell of the lavender… Even the slightly irritating lizard. The tiny imperfections, the little "challenging" moments… They allCoastal Inns
