Escape to Tuscany: Luxurious Belvilla Villa in Cortona, Italy!
Escape to Tuscany: My Cortona Villa Fiasco (and Glorious Redemption!) - A Belvilla Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups. I'm about to take you on a wild ride through a Belvilla escape to Cortona, Italy. Picture this: rolling Tuscan hills, sun-drenched vineyards, promises of "luxurious" everything… and me, battling a rogue mosquito and a slightly dodgy coffee machine. This ain't your Instagram-filtered travel blog, folks. This is the real deal.
SEO & Metadata - Let's get this over with first:
- Keywords: Tuscany, Cortona, Belvilla, Villa Rental, Italy, Luxury Villa, Accessible Villa, Spa, Pool, Italian Food, Family Holiday, Romantic Getaway, WiFi, Wheelchair Accessible, Pool with a View, Spa/Sauna.
- Meta Description: Honest review of a Belvilla villa rental in Cortona, Italy. Read about accessibility, amenities, food, and the (sometimes hilarious) reality of a Tuscan escape. Includes details on spa, pool, wheelchair accessibility, and a whole lot more!
Accessibility: The Good, the Bad, and the “Trying Your Best”
Alright, so let’s talk accessibility. This was a major concern for us, as my mother uses a wheelchair. The listing claimed to be wheelchair accessible, which, in Italian terms, can sometimes mean "we tried." And honestly? It was a mixed bag.
- Wheelchair Accessible: The villa itself, the main living area and ground floor bedroom, were reasonably accessible, with a ramp to the front door. That was a HUGE win! However, getting around the grounds? Let's just say the "gentle slopes" were more like "slightly less steep hills." We ended up hiring a car and a driver more often than we'd anticipated. (See: Getting Around)
- Elevator: Yes, there was an elevator, which was fantastic, but it felt like it was built during the Renaissance. Slow as molasses and prone to occasional, dramatic clunking.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: The villa promised, and delivered, a decent bathroom with grab bars and a roll-in shower in one of the bedrooms. Score!
- Access: Overall though, I wouldn't describe it as perfectly accessible, more like "adaptable". Think of it as an Italian adventure in grit. You'll need to be prepared for some bumps along the way.
- Things to note: The website should be more transparent about what's available. But, a big shoutout to the owners who were incredibly helpful and responsive when we needed assistance. (See: Services and conveniences)
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Anxiety? Minimal Here!
The pandemic has made us all paranoid about cleanliness, hasn't it? Well, Belvilla seems to be taking this very seriously, which was a huge relief!
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check
- Room sanitization between stays: Oh yeah, it's there
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep - the reception and breakfast area were sparkling.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere you looked!
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Apparent. The place smelt of lemon and something clean and crisp.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Definitely felt like staff were aware and following procedures.
- Cashless payment service: Very convenient.
- Hygiene certification: I didn't see one plastered on the wall, but the overall vibe was reassuringly hygienic.
Disclaimer: I am NOT a health professional. But this was a biggie and made me at ease on holiday.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and Coffee Mishaps!)
Prepare for your taste buds to sing. Tuscany AND Belvilla? The food was a major highlight.
- Restaurants: There's a couple of them. Be prepared to reserve.
- A la carte in restaurant / Buffet in restaurant / Breakfast [buffet]: There seemed to be a breakfast buffet available, and I think a la carte was available for dinner.
- Asian breakfast / Asian cuisine in restaurant: Nope. Not in Tuscany.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, lots. But the in-villa setup? Let's just say the coffee machine was… a character. (See: Available in all rooms for more details!)
- Poolside bar: YES! Glorious. The perfect spot for an Aperol Spritz with a view.
- Western breakfast / Western cuisine in restaurant: Oh YES. Think omelets, pastries, fruit, and enough strong coffee to wake the dead.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They gladly catered to some of our dietary requests.
The Great Coffee Machine Caper: Look, in the all rooms section it says complimentary tea and coffee maker. Well, that was the theory. The actuality was a temperamental contraption that produced something vaguely brownish, and not always hot. My mother, a coffee snob of legendary proportions, nearly had a meltdown on day two. We ended up buying a Moka pot and brewing our own in the end. Let this be a cautionary tale: pack your own coffee-making supplies!
Services and Conveniences: Helpful Staff and Internet Woes
- Concierge: Available and helpful, arranging tours and making restaurant recommendations.
- Contactless check-in/out: Easy peasy.
- Daily housekeeping: The villa maids were super-friendly and kept things spotless.
- Laundry service: Available.
- Luggage storage: No problems.
- Cash withdrawal: ATM's were easily accessible.
- WiFi in all rooms!: Erm… mostly. It was spotty at times, particularly in the more remote parts of the villa. If you're relying on it for work, pack a backup plan. Internet access [LAN]: Not sure.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes! a godsend.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Luxe, Views, and the Occasional Mosquito
Okay, this is where the Belvilla really shines. The Tuscan countryside? Breathtaking. The villa itself? Mostly gorgeous.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool? Magnificent. Infinity edge overlooking the rolling hills. Seriously, I spent hours just floating, staring at the view. Pure bliss.
- Pool with view: DEFINITELY!
- Spa: Absolutely, available.
- Spa/sauna: Available, but didn't try them personally.
- Fitness center: They had one, but I'm on holiday!
- Body scrub / Body wrap / Massage: Available.
- Sauna / Steamroom: Yes.
My emotional reaction: The pool was a major highlight. We'e been working non-stop so it was a major relief to sink into.
Available in All Rooms: The Essentials (and the Quirks)
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Desk: Useful for the moments I was forced to look at emails after a very, very late night.
- Coffee/tea maker: (See: The Great Coffee Machine Caper, above.)
- Free bottled water: Nice touch.
- Hair dryer: Check.
- Mini bar: stocked.
- Wi-Fi [free]: See above.
- Bathroom phone: Really?
For the kids: Never met a child!
- Babysitting service: Don't have kids, but pretty sure.
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Kids facilities: Unclear.
- Kids meal: Unclear.
Getting Around: Embrace the Chaos (and the Car)
- Car park [on-site]: Yes. Absolutely vital.
- Car power charging station: Didn't see one, but didn't ask.
- Taxi service: Available; But this is Tuscany. Get that car!
- Airport transfer: Available.
The Verdict: Definitely Worth It (With Some Caveats!)
Would I recommend this Belvilla escape? Absolutely. The location is unbelievable, the villa itself (mostly) lived up to the hype, the food was divine, and the pool… well, the pool was pure magic.
- The Imperfections: The coffee machine, the slightly wonky wheelchair accessibility, the unreliable Wi-Fi… they all added to the charm, in a weird way. They made it feel real, imperfect, and utterly Italian.
- The Good Stuff: The stunning views, the relaxing spa, the friendly staff, the incredible food, and the sheer joy of being there.
- The Recommendations: Pack proper coffee-making equipment. Double-check the accessibility requirements. And be prepared to embrace the chaos. You might even find yourself falling in love with it.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Aperol Spritzes!
Weris Wonderland: Your Dream Cottage Awaits in Durbuy, Belgium!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-forget-something-important version of my Tuscan adventure in Belvilla by OYO Villa San Pietro Cortona, Italy. Let's get this beautiful mess started!
Day 1: Arrival and Holy-Moly Views (and Pasta Panic!)
- Morning: Flight from… well, let's just say from Somewhere Else. It involved a screaming baby (mine, mostly, but I'm not pointing fingers), a questionable airport sandwich, and a near-miss with a rogue suitcase. Arrived in Florence! Glorious, chaotic Florence. Picked up the rental car – affectionately nicknamed "The Lemon." It's yellow. And probably smells of oregano, which is fitting.
- Afternoon: The drive to Cortona. Oh. My. Goodness. The Tuscan hills. They're not kidding, people. Rolling, green, and utterly breathtaking. I actually had to pull over a couple of times just to stare. Almost missed a turn because I was too busy taking in the scenery, and my GPS lady, Carol, started sounding pretty snippy.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrived at Villa San Pietro. The pictures? They don't do it justice. Stone walls, terracotta roof, a pool that's practically begging you to jump in. Took a deep breath. This is it. Home for a week. Unpacked. Found out the wine fridge wasn't quite as "fridgey" as I'd hoped (bless my heart).
- Evening: Cortona exploration! Wandered the charming, ancient streets. Found a pizzeria off the beaten path that reeked of good things. Tried to order pasta in broken Italian. Almost ordered a plate of… well, I'm not sure what I almost ordered, but thankfully, a kind old lady intervened with a "No, no, signora!" and guided me towards the tagliatelle with ragu. Thank you, nonna! The ragu? Divine. The wine? Even more divine. Tried to pay, and realized my credit card was missing. Panic. Mild heart attack. Searched the entire restaurant, retraced my steps, looked in EVERY pocket. Found it, tucked in my shoe… obviously. Paid and returned to the villa, tipsy on deliciousness and relief. Slept like a log (after a quick dip in the pool, of course).
Day 2: Getting Lost (and Loving It!) – Exploring Cortona and Lake Trasimeno
- Morning: Woke up to birdsong and the smell of espresso. Heaven. Okay, so I also woke up with a crick in my neck thanks to a lumpy pillow, but, hey, small price to pay, right? Coffee and biscotti. The sun was already scorching. Decided to head back into Cortona.
- Mid-Morning: Explored Cortona proper. Found some more adorable shops, even bought a ceramic rooster for my kitchen back home. (It's already named Roberto.) Got hopelessly lost, but that's kind of the point, right? That's when you stumble upon the best gelato shops! Wandered into a church – San Francesco, I think? The art was incredible, but I was also distracted by how cool the interior was. (Literally! A respite from the heat).
- Lunch: Found a little trattoria and had a salad with everything on it. Then saw some other people eating some kind of pasta, so, um, ordered some pasta too. The server was so kind; it was a beautiful, messy, lovely lunch.
- Afternoon: Decided to drive to Lake Trasimeno. Big mistake. The GPS took me on roads that were the size of my car. “Carol is trying to kill me” was a repeating theme. The lake was beautiful when I eventually found it, but the drive almost killed me. It provided some amazing scenery. The water shimmered. Parked the Lemon, wandered, and ate a gelato.
- Evening: Back at the villa. Spent the evening on the terrace with a bottle of wine, watching the sunset paint the hills in shades of orange and pink. Pure bliss. Read my book (got through, like, two pages) and then listened to the crickets. This is what vacation is all about.
Day 3: Cooking Class Calamity (and Triumph?)
- Morning: Today, I'm going to learn how to cook! Signed up for a cooking class at a local agriturismo, about 20 minutes away. Found the place, and there were people waiting. Met the chef (bless his heart), and he explained the menu: pasta, sauce, maybe some tiramisu if we were good.
- Mid-Morning: Chopped and stirred and mixed and got covered in flour. It was a beautiful disaster. I'm pretty sure some of my pasta was… well, it was something. The tomato sauce… let's just say it needed a lot of help. I burned the onions. Twice. But I kept going, and the other people attending were just as confused as I was.
- Lunch: We ate our creations. My pasta… well, it was edible. The sauce? Amazing. (The chef silently corrected my errors). The tiramisu? I'm taking all the credit. It tasted like a cloud of coffee and happiness.
- Afternoon: Absolutely. Devour. Tiramisu again. Took a nap on the grass under a fig tree – I think I’m having a religious experience! (Just kidding… maybe.)
- Evening: Back at the villa, tried to recreate the sauce. Fail. Ordered pizza. Some things are best left to the professionals. Watched a movie, drank more wine, and felt completely content.
Day 4: Siena's Splendor (and Crowds… Oh, the Crowds!)
- Morning: Siena Day! Took a long drive and arrived at Siena. Ready to explore the medieval city's heart.
- Mid-Morning: Entered Siena. Whoa. The Piazza del Campo! A masterpiece, that’s for sure. But. So. Many. People. Okay, the crowds were a bit overwhelming. Tried to take photos, but it was like trying to capture the Mona Lisa during a flash mob.
- Lunch: Found a restaurant just off the main square. Ordered the pici pasta with ragu. Delicious. The perfect fuel for more sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Climbed the Torre del Mangia for a panoramic view of Siena. The climb was an absolute beast, but the view. Worth it. Absolutely worth it. My legs are still screaming. Got a much better look at the Piazza del Campo from the top, with a panoramic view of the city.
- Evening: Back at the villa. Exhausted. Took a long, hot shower. Ordered takeout pizza (again). Maybe I'm embracing the "lazy vacationer" persona. No regrets.
Day 5: Day Trip to a Winery, The Best Thing Ever
- Morning: Found an amazing winery, after a lot of research. I chose one that looked less commercial and more family-run. It was an amazing drive through the countryside. Took the Lemon, and Carol had a meltdown.
- Mid-Morning: Met the family, the winemaker, everyone. The place was utterly gorgeous, and I am so glad I took the time. I was shown around everything, from the vineyard to the cellar to where they bottled everything.
- Lunch: THE WINERY. Had a tasting. The wine was unbelievably good. I got to learn about all the different grapes and then had lunch in their restaurant with some of the family. I had some wine. Lunch was incredible, the atmosphere was perfect, and I'm not sure I've ever been this happy. We laughed a lot, and spent hours there.
- Afternoon: Bought a case of wine to bring home. I am now a wine expert. (Probably not). Back at the villa. I might try to make something special for dinner, or maybe just order takeout again and try to keep my eyes from closing.
Day 6: Chill Day & Exploring Arezzo
- Morning: Sleep in. The winery really did me in. I'm going to have to ship those bottles home, though, because there is no way I'll fit all that wine inside my luggage.
- Mid-Morning: Decided to explore Arezzo. I had heard it from some people, and I figured it would be great!
- Lunch: Explored Arezzo. The town was delightful, with its own piazza and amazing shops. Took a break and had lunch.
- Afternoon: Relaxed at the villa, reading and swimming, enjoying the peace and quiet before my trip home.
- Evening: Enjoyed a final Tuscan sunset and packed my bag, filled with incredible memories. And maybe a few extra bottles of wine.
Day 7: Ciao, Bella!
- Morning: The final breakfast at the villa. Said goodbye to Villa San Pietro. Packed everything in the Lemon. The drive to the airport was a little bittersweet. Carol’s GPS navigation was a lot more efficient than my first drive. Started to get emotional and had to put on some happy music.
- Afternoon: Airport chaos. The baby was screaming.
Escape to Tuscany: Your Cortona Villa Questions Answered (Maybe!)
Okay, so you're thinking of ditching reality and running off to a Tuscan dream, eh? Good for you! I've been there (well, sort of… I mostly stared at pictures for a solid six months before finally pulling the trigger). Belvilla’s "Luxurious Villa in Cortona" is a real treat, but let's be honest, planning a vacation is like herding cats. So, here are some (hopefully) helpful answers, interspersed with my own slightly manic experiences.
1. Is this villa *really* luxurious? Like, legit, marble-floored, butler-whispering luxurious?
Alright, let's get real. "Luxurious" is subjective, isn't it? Belvilla's marketing team probably had a field day with that word. The reality? It's definitely **nice**, like, *seriously* nice. Think beautiful Tuscan farmhouse meets… well, slightly updated Tuscan farmhouse. My expectations were probably sky-high thanks to Instagram, and the initial reaction was a little… *underwhelmed*. Not bad, just… real. There were no butlers, sadly. And the floors? Not all marble. Some were lovely terracotta, which is, in its own way, very authentic. The pool? Glorious. Seriously, the pool was worth the price of admission. I practically lived in that thing. The view? Breathtaking. Okay, I'm getting back into the groove here. It *is* luxurious. In its own, non-pretentious, Italian way.
2. How far is it from Cortona itself? And is driving a nightmare?
Patience, young grasshopper! Okay, the villa is *near* Cortona. Not directly *in* Cortona. So, you'll probably need a car (a rental, duh). And driving in Italy… well, it's an experience. Let's call it that. The roads can be narrow, particularly the closer you get to the villa. There are hairpin turns that would make a Formula 1 driver sweat. My husband, bless his soul, swore he was developing a new prayer during those stretches. But the views! Oh, the views! Every terrifying moment on those roads is rewarded with a postcard-perfect panorama. The drive to the village is about ten minutes, but you *feel* like you’re in another world. So, yes, driving is slightly stressful, but absolutely worth it. Embrace the chaos. Learn a few Italian hand gestures. You'll be fine.
3. What's the deal with the kitchen? Is it actually usable, or just for show?
The kitchen! Ah, the heart of any Tuscan experience. The kitchen at the villa was pretty good. Honestly, I was expecting something straight out of a Renaissance painting (minus the modern appliances, obviously). It was well-equipped – decent pots and pans, enough cutlery to feed an army (or at least a family of four, after the first day of trying to unpack everything. Actually, a family of like SIX. I overpacked.). The fridge was huge. The oven… hmmm. Let's just say I had a slight, *minor* disaster trying to make a lasagna. Turns out, Italian ovens have minds of their own. But I managed, eventually! And honestly, even if you botch the cooking, who cares? You’re in Tuscany! Load up on delicious local produce, grab some pre-made pasta, and enjoy the process. It's all part of the experience. Don't sweat being a chef!
4. Regarding the pool, is it private, and how big? (Because pool is everything.)
Okay, pool-obsessed friend, you're speaking my language! YES, the pool is private, blessedly so. No screaming kids cannonballing at 7 AM (unless they're your kids, in which case… well, good luck). And it’s a decent size. Not Olympic-sized, but big enough for proper swimming and lounging on a floaty while sipping something cold and delicious (Prosecco, naturally). The first morning, I just floated there for hours, staring at the sky, the rolling hills… it was pure bliss. Honestly, I considered sleeping out there. Maybe I did, I don't remember after the third bottle of wine! The pool is THE selling point. It is a total game-changer.
5. What about restaurants and shops? Are they close by?
Cortona itself is your hub for restaurants and shops. It's a charming little town, full of little winding streets and piazzas. You can wander for hours (and trust me, you *will*). There are heaps of fantastic restaurants (I’ll give you names if you ask me – don’t go just anywhere, trust me on this). Some are touristy, but many are absolute gems. The food is, as you’d expect, incredible. Fresh pasta, delicious wine… I ate more in a week than I usually eat in a month. (No regrets, though.) As for shops, you'll find everything from local artisan crafts to your standard tourist trinkets. Worth it for the gelato alone. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT skip the gelato. And don't be afraid to try speaking Italian, even if you butcher it! They appreciate the effort. I tried, and it was a disaster, but also hilarious.
6. Is there air conditioning? (Because, let's be honest, Italian summers…)
This is a good question, a *very* good question. Yes, praise be to the AC gods, there *is* air conditioning. Otherwise, you'd probably be melting. My partner and I were lucky to be there during a weird heatwave where the sun was a literal force, a physical entity trying to invade my being. Thank heavens the AC worked perfectly, and I was able to hide out most days at the retreat of my choosing and taking a bit of "me time". Without it, you'd be miserable. Seriously, check the listing to confirm, because, in general, AC is non-negotiable. Take note of this; it might very well save your life.
7. Anything else I need to know? Like, hidden fees, or a grumpy neighbor with a vendetta?
Okay, the "grumpy neighbor with a vendetta" is a good one. I didn't encounter one, thankfully. Hidden fees? Always read the fine print, people! Belvilla is usually pretty upfront, but double-check everything. We had to pay extra for electricity (standard in many places, apparently). So, plan for that. Also, be prepared to disconnect. The Wi-Fi was… spotty. Embrace it! You came to escape, didn't you? Enjoy the peace and tranquility. Oh! And mosquitos! They'Hotels With Kitchen Near Me
