Escape to Tuscany: Luxurious Belvilla Villa in Cortona!
Escape to Tuscany: My Cortona Villa Dream (Or Did I Just Dream?) - A Review That's More "Real" Than Real Estate Photos
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this review isn't your sanitized, perfectly-lit brochure. This is me, post-Tuscan adventure, still vibrating from the sheer beauty of it all. And to be honest, I’m still a little hazy on whether the villa was actually real or some sort of Renaissance-era fever dream. So, let's dive into this glorious, chaotic mess I call a review of the Luxurious Belvilla Villa in Cortona!
First Impressions: The "Wow" Factor (and the "How Do I Get Inside?")
Okay, "Luxurious" isn't just advertising-speak. This place… this place delivered. Picture yourself, sun-kissed and slightly bewildered, standing before a villa that could comfortably house a small village. The CCTV outside the property gave me a bit of a "Big Brother is Watching" vibe, but hey, security is cool, right? Finding the actual entrance was another story entirely. It felt like a treasure hunt navigating the exterior corridors, but eventually, I managed. (Pro tip: pack your patience and a decent sense of direction. Or, you know, don't, and just enjoy wandering around lost for a bit. The grounds are stunning even if you're lost!)
Accessibility & The (Slightly) Imperfect Reality
Now, the brochure gushed about luxury. But what about accessibility? That’s where things got a little… interesting. While the villa listed facilities for disabled guests, I'd recommend double-checking specific needs before booking. I didn't have any major mobility issues, thankfully, but I did notice some areas weren't perfectly smooth. The elevator was a godsend, especially after a day of exploring Cortona's hills! But the perfect 'perfect' accessibility… not quite. Still beautiful & still accommodating, but might need a phone call beforehand confirming details if accessibility is a huge factor for you.
The Room: My Tuscan Sanctuary (with a Few Quirks)
My room! Oh, the room. Let's start with the good. Available in all rooms: This place had it all - Air conditioning (thank GOD, because Tuscany in summer!), a desk that actually let me work (rare!), and a free Wi-Fi. Seriously, I could work AND stream Netflix. A revelation! The complimentary tea was a nice touch.
Now for the imperfections… the soundproofing? Let's just say the local cicadas had a louder concerto every night than expected! The bathroom was gorgeous, yes, equipped with a bathtub and separate shower/bathtub, but those fluffy bathrobes and slippers… I'm pretty sure they vanished the first day! I’m wondering if they were a figment of my imagination alongside the Renaissance art!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe Enough to Eat Everything
I'm one of those types who brings their own spray, like everywhere. Call me paranoid. But! I was genuinely impressed by their commitment to hygiene. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and they even had hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff trained in safety protocols were super attentive. I appreciate the room sanitization opt-out, which gave me peace of mind. The whole thing felt… clean. Like, really, unbelievably clean. And safe enough to try the everything.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Pilgrimage
This is where things started to get dangerous. Food-wise, this place basically turned me into a gluttonous tourist, but a very happy gluttonous tourist.
- Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious symphony of croissants, fruits, and cheeses. Seriously, the cheeses alone could have sustained me for a week. Western breakfast was on point, and the Asian breakfast had enough variety to keep me going .
- Restaurants: SO many, SO good. The restaurants were all incredible, and provided so much to choose from, including the vegetarian restaurant and the Asian cuisine in restaurant. The A la carte in restaurant was more than just food, it was an experience.
- Poolside bar: This place was the cherry on top. Happy hour, the poolside bar, the pool with view, and the bottle of water. Absolute bliss!
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: From Pampering to Pure Bliss
Alright, I didn’t exactly emerge a new person. More like a relaxed, slightly sunburnt, slightly doughy version of my old self.
- Spa: I think I spend half my time there. The Spa, Spa/sauna, sauna, steamroom were all magnificent. The Body scrub and Body wrap left me feeling like a queen. The massage was… well, let’s just say I may have drooled.
- Swimming pool: I can't emphasise this enough! It's the perfect place to soak up the Tuscan sun!
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost)
They really did go above and beyond. Concierge, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage.. Everything was well-designed and easy to navigate. There was also a convenience store which was a great bonus!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
If I had kids, I would've brought them. The babysitting service would have been a great help and family/child friendly the place was!
Getting Around: The Tuscan Traffic Tango
Car park [free of charge] was a blessing. Cortona's winding streets and the need for a car park [on-site] meant I didn't have to face any traffic challenges! The Airport Transfer was another must!
The Quirky Bits & Pieces:
- The Shrine: Yep, there was a shrine. In the villa! I'm not sure what to make of that, but it added to the overall "slightly surreal Italian adventure" vibe.
- The Proposal Spot: Romantic to the max!
- The Smoke Alarms: The amount of smoke alarms made me feel safe, I was shocked by how many there were!
The Verdict: Go. Just Go. (But Maybe Double-Check if You Need Perfect Accessibility)
Look, this villa wasn't perfect. Nothing is. But it was pretty damn close to perfect for me. It was luxurious, it was beautiful, it was filled with amazing food and places to explore, but most of all, it was an experience. It's a place where you can truly unwind, get lost in the beauty of Tuscany, and maybe, just maybe, dream a little dream of Renaissance grandeur. Just be prepared to deal with the fact you'll probably leave a little bit heavier and a lot more in love with Italy.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Beachside Chalet in Lido di Dante Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get real Italian. We're talking Belvilla by OYO Villa Ginestra Cortona, and honey, let me tell you, this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is going to be… well, let’s just say, organic.
Subject: My Cortona Capers (and Possible Catastrophes)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Drive (and Those Tiny Italian Roads)
- 15:00 - Arrival at Villa Ginestra: Okay, first impression: Google Maps lied. Lied! The road to the villa? Harrowing. It involved a near-miss with a rogue Fiat 500 (seriously, those things are like angry bumblebees), several lungfuls of air freshener to combat my mounting anxiety, and a prayer or two to whatever Tuscan deity watches over tourists. The villa itself? Stunning. That view? Magnifico. (Although the "garden" is currently battling some weeds, bless its heart.) Key pick-up was smooth though, thank heavens!
- 15:30 - Settling In/Attempting to Unpack Nicely: I swear to all that's holy, my suitcase exploded upon opening. Clothes, toiletries, and the emotional baggage I apparently brought with me are now strewn across the bedroom floor. I'm pretty sure a rogue sock has already declared independence and is plotting to escape under the antique wardrobe.
- 16:00 - Panic-Buying Groceries: Needed provisions. Immediately. The nearest supermarket? Okay, a bit of a drive. First impression of the supermarket? Glorifying chaos. People shove. No personal space. But the cheese… oh, the cheese. Bought enough to feed a small army (and possibly myself for the next week). Figuring out how to use the checkout machine was a whole other adventure, let me tell you!
- 18:00 - Aperitivo on the Terrace: Triumph! Managed to assemble a basic cheese-and-wine platter. The sunset? The best I've ever seen. Everything feels right, for now.
- 20:00 - Dinner: Pasta Perfection (and My Near-Burn Disaster): Okay, deep breaths. Made pasta! (From pre-made sauce, let's be honest.) And almost set the kitchen on fire. Turns out, Italian olive oil really likes to erupt if you get distracted by a particularly beautiful view while it's heating. Not that I'd know anything about that.
- 21:00 - Stargazing and Wine-Induced Philosophizing: Wine is involved. A lot of it. The stars are breathtaking. Contemplating the meaning of life while simultaneously trying not to get a mosquito bite. Mmm, existential bliss.
Day 2: Cortona & the Pursuit of Authentic Experiences (and a Possible Olive Oil Overdose)
- 09:00 - Breakfast: Attempts to Be Healthy (and Probably Failing): Okay, maybe a bit of fruit? And some of that delicious cheese is involved. And more bread. And maybe just one more slice of that prosciutto…
- 10:00 - Cortona Exploration: Okay, real talk: Cortona is stunning. Steep hills, winding streets, the scent of fresh basil… I wandered around, got delightfully lost, and felt like I'd stumbled into a Renaissance painting. The views from Piazza Garibaldi? Incredible. The crowds, though? Ehhh.
- 12:00 - Lunch: The Magical Truffle Oil (and My Confession): Found a trattoria that felt like a local secret. Ordered the truffle pasta. Oh my God. I'm pretty sure I could live solely on truffle oil for the rest of my days. Okay, I may have overdone it. The waiter gave me a look. I don't care.
- 14:00 - The Palazzo of My Dreams (and Then Reality Hits): Visited the Museo Diocesano. Beautiful art, incredible history… but, let's be real, my attention span is about as long as a kitten's. I dozed off leaning against a fresco. Oops.
- 16:00 - Olive Oil Tasting (and Me Becoming a Convert): I had a feeling it was going to come down to this: the olive oil tasting! I learned more about olives in 20 minutes than I thought possible. The vibe in these places is… well, idyllic.
- 19:00 - Sunset Drinks on a Rooftop (And My Attempted Italian): Climbed yet another hill (my legs are crying). Rooftop bar. Aperol Spritz. Practiced my terrible Italian with the bartender. He probably understood about half of what I said. It was worth it, though.
- 21:00 - Dinner: The Carb Loading Continues: Pizza. Obvious choice. The crust? Perfection. The toppings? Even better. The only downside? I’m pretty sure I'll need to sell my internal organs to pay for it all.
Day 3: Chasing the Dream (and Accepting the Mess)
- 09:00 - The Last Breakfast (and the bittersweet feeling of this trip's end): More cheese? More bread? More of everything. This trip is nearly over, I can't believe it.
- 10:30 - Last Glance and Farewell to the dream: Time to bid farewell to Villa Ginestra. The view? Still amazing.
- 12:00 - Ciao! and Goodbye, Italy! Time to head to the airport. My bank account is weeping, my waistline is expanding, and my soul is utterly, completely rejuvenated.
This entire itinerary is a total, beautiful, messy adventure. It's not perfect, but the point is: I lived it. And isn't that what it's all about? Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a plane to catch and a mountain of laundry to dread. Until next time, Italy! You magnificent, chaotic, carb-filled wonder.
Escape to Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa in Stunning San Venanzo, Italy Awaits!
Escape to Tuscany: Luxurious Belvilla Villa in Cortona! - FAQs (and My Honest Thoughts, OMG)
Okay, so you're looking at the "Escape to Tuscany" villa in Cortona, huh? Smart move. Tuscany? Cortona? Belvilla? Sounds like paradise. But let's be real, planning a holiday isn't all sunshine and prosecco bubbles. So, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans – the good, the bad, and the slightly hysterical-with-excitement-that-Tuscany-is-real-and-I-might-go-back-again-levels-of-truth. This is NOT your polished travel brochure. This is me, after the prosecco, giving you the lowdown.
Is the Belvilla Villa REALLY Luxurious? Like, REALLY?
Alright, let's address the elephant in the vineyard. "Luxurious," is a word that gets thrown around more than a soccer ball in a World Cup final. Belvilla, bless their marketing hearts, definitely use it. And... yes, *mostly* yes. The Cortona villa I stayed at (and let's be honest, I'd do it again in a heartbeat, even if it *was* a bit expensive... but more on that later) was beautiful. Think: exposed beams, that classic Tuscan stone, and *enough* space to actually breathe. My initial reaction? A gasp. Followed by me, running around, touching everything. It *felt* luxurious.
But… perfection is a myth. There were *minor* imperfections. The air con in one bedroom maybe wasn't quite as powerful as the other. The coffee machine? Learning curve. And perhaps a slightly less-than-state-of-the-art oven. It’s not like it was *falling apart*, just... well, reality check. Still, the stunning view from the pool? Absolute luxury. Swimming in the pool and looking at the sunset? Worth it. So, luxurious? Yes, but with the charming character of a lived-in, loved Tuscan home rather than a sterile hotel suite. Bring that up to the kids, it was awesome!
Is Cortona a Good Base for Exploring Tuscany?
Cortona is. It's perfect! Okay, maybe perfect is also a stretch (I'm sensing a theme here). Cortona is a stunning hilltop town, and that makes the whole thing a bit magical. But it can also be... *challenging*. If you're reliant on public transport, you might be better off in Florence (which is a totally different experience!). We drove. And the roads? They're...characterful. Think winding, narrow, and occasionally shared with a herd of sheep. It's part of the experience, honestly. Getting lost (more than once, *cough*) was definitely a highlight. The pizza you find while getting lost makes it all worth it!
But for day trips? Absolutely brilliant. You're within easy reach of Siena, Perugia, even Florence (if you're feeling brave with the parking situation!). Plus, Cortona itself is gorgeous. So, yes. A great base, just be prepared to embrace the driving adventure.
What's the Deal with the Pool? Is it as Good as the Photos?
The pool...oh, the pool. Okay, let's be honest. The pool was *the* selling point for me. The photos? They didn't lie. It was stunning. Imagine, if you will, a crystal-clear pool, overlooking rolling hills, with a view that stretches… well, almost to forever. That was it. Literally, I spent hours just floating, staring at the scenery. The kids, bless their souls, actually got out of the pool *eventually* because it was getting too cold.
A word of caution, however: bring plenty of sunscreen. And a hat. And sunglasses. And maybe a small, personal cloud of shade. The Tuscan sun is no joke, and you *will* fry if you’re not careful. Also, *mosquitoes*. They're sneaky little devils. Bring bug spray. Seriously. I learned this the hard way. Still, though the pool? Worth every single euro, every mosquito bite, and every slightly sunburned inch of skin.
Are the Kitchens Well-Equipped for Cooking?
This is crucial, people! Because let's face it; part of the Tuscan experience is the food. And if you're doing Belvilla, you're likely planning to cook some of it. The kitchen in our villa was… decent. It had everything you really *needed*: pots, pans, plates, cutlery. There was even a dishwasher (thank the gods!). It wasn't Michelin-star quality, but it was perfectly functional. I made a *fantastic* ragu one evening. I’m not gonna lie, it was the best. I mean, I’m no chef, but I felt like a Tuscan Nonna. Okay, a *slightly* overwhelmed Tuscan Nonna who almost burned the garlic a few times but still.
My advice? Check the pictures carefully. If you're a serious cook, you might want to bring a few of your favorite gadgets. But for basics? You’ll be fine. And don't forget to visit the local markets! Fresh produce, olive oil, and the best ingredients are *everywhere.* That’s where I found the best garlic, actually.
Is it a good family vacation?
Yes, oh my god, yes! I went with my family, kids, and *everyone* loved it! There was space for everyone to do their own thing, the pool was a massive hit (as previously mentioned), and there were plenty of opportunities for adventures. The kids learned the word "gelato", which is basically a universal language.
BUT. (And there's always a but, right?) Be prepared for a bit of negotiation. The Wi-Fi wasn't always super fast (because, Tuscany!), so there might be some withdrawal symptoms from the teens. And those winding roads? Car sickness is a *real* possibility. Pack accordingly! Overall? Absolutely worth it. Seeing my kids experience something different than what we're used to was one of the best parts.
What's the WiFi & Phone Service Like?
Okay, let's talk connectivity. Because, let's be real, we all need it, even if we *say* we're disconnecting. The WiFi in our villa wasn't exactly lightning-fast. It was… adequate. Good enough for checking emailsAround The World Hotels
