Unbelievable Ulivo Views: Your Dream Belvilla in Volterra Awaits!
Unbelievable Ulivo Views: My Dream Belvilla in Volterra… Almost! (A Messy Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the Tuscan beans on this Belvilla adventure. "Unbelievable Ulivo Views: Your Dream Belvilla in Volterra Awaits!" they promised. Dream? Well, let's just say it was a dream with a few stray olives rolling around in it. Prepare for a review that's less travel brochure, more chaotic diary entry.
Accessibility: A Bit of a Rollercoaster
First things first, my knee – bless its arthritic soul – was really hoping for a genuinely accessible experience. The website mentioned "Facilities for disabled guests," which got my hopes up. Sadly, the reality felt a bit… incomplete. The entrance was fine, the elevator was (thankfully) present (essential!), and the common areas generally seemed okay. But maneuvering around the… how do I put this delicately… spirited Tuscan terrain to get to the pool? Let’s just say I needed a LOT of help. (Accessibility, 3/5 stars – Needs definite improvement.) I felt like a gladiator, minus the cool weapons and the cheering crowd, trudging uphill battling the elements and hoping I wouldn´t break an ankle.
On-site Restaurants/Lounges: Olive Oil and Occasional Tears
This is where it gets interesting. They have, get this, several restaurants and a bar. A bar! The dream, right? Well, it depends. The Poolside Bar was a godsend, especially for a sunset Aperol spritz. Seriously, those views? Unbelievable. The waiter… bless his heart… kept forgetting my order, but he was charming enough that I didn’t mind waiting an extra ten minutes, maybe a little longer ( Poolside Bar, 4/5 stars (for the views!) The A la carte in restaurant was a bit more of a mixed bag. Sometimes the food was heavenly, like the perfectly cooked pasta. Other times? Let's just say I've had better microwave meals. The Buffet in restaurant, was also a bit hit and miss, although the freshly baked bread was pretty consistent – thank goodness for small mercies. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was pretty good, offering a nice Italian taste. (Dining, drinking, and snacking overall, 3.5/5 stars - hit and miss, but with memorable views.) The Bar served a great selection of drinks, a great option to chill after the day ends.
Wellness - Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Fitness Center, Spa, Steamroom, Swimming Pool, Sauna, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Spa/sauna, Foot bath:
Now, this is where things got really tempting… and then, a little disappointing. The Pool with a view was, yes, utterly breathtaking. I spent hours just staring at the Tuscan hills. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a total gift. The Sauna and Steamroom – my weakness! Sadly, they weren't always open when I was looking to use them (scheduling issues are a bummer). I didn´t try the Fitness center or the Gym/fitness, as exercise is not something I'm particularly gifted at. But I heard good things from the other guests. The Massage was offered and the Spa, Spa/sauna are available. (Wellness, 3.5/5 Stars – potential for amazing, but could use a little tweaking.)
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Circus
Okay, COVID times, right? I'm a nervous flyer, let's just say. I was very happy to see the effort. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double-check. They even had Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and Rooms sanitized between stays. The staff was incredibly diligent about masks and distancing. The Staff trained in safety protocol was also extremely reassuring. It all felt safe, even if it occasionally felt like I was walking through a sanitization circus. The Room sanitization opt-out available was, unfortunately, a little too tempting, and I opted out, the cleaning service was overstaffed. It did feel like a good effort. (Cleanliness and Safety, 4.5/5 stars – impressive, even a little too intense.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Symphony of Flavors (and Occasional Mistakes)
I already touched on the restaurants, but let's dive deeper. Breakfast was a buffet situation. Breakfast [buffet] was a beautiful spread, but there were long queues, which was a bit annoying. I'd have preferred the Breakfast in room, but that wasn't an option. The A la carte in restaurant sometimes had amazing options. The International cuisine in restaurant was the best. The Western cuisine in restaurant offered great options The Asian breakfast was offered but I never had the chance to taste it. The Vegetarian restaurant was also available. They offered Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop. The Happy hour was good and the Poolside bar was amazing. (overall 3.5/5)
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and The Luggage Storage
This is where things get a little… chaotic. The Concierge was a lifesaver, honestly. The Daily housekeeping was impeccable. They made sure that the room was spotless every single day. The Elevator was a blessing. The Luggage storage came in handy (I always pack too much, and, for some weird reason I tend to come back with more luggage. The Currency exchange was useful. The Ironing service was pretty efficient. The Laundry service (thank god!) was available. The Dry cleaning was available, but expensive. Contactless check-in/out was a godsend. They had a Convenience store, and a Gift/souvenir shop - classic tourist fodder. But… and there's always a but… getting a taxi was a mission. The Airport transfer has to be booked in advance. The Cash withdrawal was a bit of a walk, it wasn´t close at all. The Facilities for disabled guests could be a bit more integrated. They had Food delivery, but I didn't try it. They even had a Shrine! I'm not kidding. A shrine. (Services and Conveniences, 3/5 stars – Some real winners, some definite areas for improvement.)
For the Kids: Did I Mention I'm Childless?
So. Let's skip this one. Except to say, I noticed lots of families, so the Family/child-friendly claim checks out. They had Babysitting service and Kids meal. They also have Kids facilities. (For the Kids, N/A – but it looked child-friendly.)
Access: Smooth and Safe
The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property made me feel safe. The Check-in/out [express] was great. The Check-in/out [private] was even better. The Fire extinguisher was reassuring. The Front desk [24-hour] was helpful. The Smoke alarms and Security [24-hour] were great. Non-smoking rooms are all available. (Access, 4.5/5 stars)
Available in All Rooms: The Comforts of Home (and a Few Annoyances)
Okay, let's talk rooms. Rooms sanitized between stays A must. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver in the Tuscan heat. Air conditioning was available in public area. The Alarm clock made me jump every morning. The Bathrobes were luxurious. The Bathroom phone? Actually, yes. Useful, somehow. The Bathtub was a highlight. The Blackout curtains were essential. The Carpeting was comfy. The Closet was spacious. The Coffee/tea maker (YES!). The Complimentary tea (thank you!). The Daily housekeeping was fantastic. The Desk was handy for planning. The Extra long bed was a dream. Free bottled water was a nice touch. The Hair dryer was powerful! The High floor was great for the views. The In-room safe box was comforting. Ironing facilities was essential. The Internet access – LAN was available. The Internet access – wireless , Wi-Fi [free] worked well, and the Internet worked! The Laptop workspace? Necessary. The Linens were crisp. The Mini bar was stocked. The Mirror was useful (for vain self-checks). On-demand movies? Yes, please! The Private bathroom was clean. The Reading light was perfect at night. The Refrigerator was stocked too. The Satellite/cable channels offered a great variety. The Scale was a cruel reminder of my pasta consumption. The Seating area was comfy. The **Separate shower/
Escape to Paradise: Your Cozy Achterhoek Arnhem Dream Home Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking Belvilla in Volterra, Italy. Expect a symphony of olive groves, questionable gelato choices, and me, battling my inner monologue… which, let's be honest, is the real destination.
Travel Itinerary: Tuscan Tango with a Side of Existential Dread (and Pasta)
Days 1-2: Arrival, All That Rustic Charm, and the Deep Breath Before the Chaos
Day 1: The Arrival and a Slight Panic Attack (Ciao Italia!)
- Morning (ish): Touchdown in Pisa. Ugh, Pisa. It's leaning, alright. After a quick (and slightly frantic) dash to the car rental (they always try to upsell you on the insurance, the sneaky devils!), we’re pointing the nose of our Fiat 500 toward Volterra. The drive? Gorgeous. Like, postcard-worthy gorgeous. Sun-drenched fields, cypress trees standing like sentinels… I actually gasped a few times. I think I have a photo of every single olive tree. And I swear, the light hits everything differently here.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Belvilla. Ulivo Volterra. God, the name makes me sound like I'm in a romance novel. Actually, it's pretty darn cute. Stone walls, that classic Tuscan charm… it almost makes you forgive the potential for rogue insects. We unpack. Or attempt to. The suitcase explodes. I discover my travel power: the inability to pack light.
- Evening: Dinner in Volterra. The town itself is beautiful, perched high on the hills, dramatic. We wander, get lost (inevitably), and stumble upon a trattoria. Authentic, allegedly. The pasta? Divine. The wine? Flows like… well, like really good Italian wine. I make a mental note to buy a case. Or five. First impressions? Love. Italy is already winning.
- Quirky Observation: The locals all seem to know each other, but still go to the most picturesque place. It is so weird.
- Emotional Reaction: I’m already worried about leaving.
Day 2: Getting Lost (on Purpose), Alabaster Dreams, and the Gelato Gauntlet
- Morning: Exploration! We spend the morning wandering the streets of Volterra, and visiting the Etruscan Museum (who were they? What were they thinking?). I attempt to understand the history, but my brain is still on Italian mode. The alabaster workshops are captivating – the way they sculpt that stone is amazing. Bought a paperweight, which cost too much, but I couldn't help it.
- Afternoon: Driving to the backroads of Tuscany. That's when the fun starts. Finding a tiny, blink-and-you'll-miss-it agriturismo… It's like stepping into a movie. I'll never understand how these people find the best places.
- Evening: The Gelato. The quest for the perfect gelato. Because Italy, obviously. We sample. We critique. We judge. We probably ate way too much. I am not ashamed.
- Messy Structure: So much time spent not doing anything, just exploring… it reminds me of when I was a little kid and didn't care what happened.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I feel incredibly content. This might be the best vacation EVER. My only regret is that I didn't book for longer.
Days 3-4: The Gladiator, Olive Oil Bliss, and the Inner Grouch
Day 3: Gladiator and the Inner Grouch
- Morning: The Roman Theatre ruins. Wow! This is such a special place and it makes me feel so grateful to see a place like this and be a part of it. I am so lucky.
- Afternoon: We take a cooking class. I am so so bad at this, but it's so much fun. I think, "I can do this!" But, I end up making pesto that tastes like something you might find in the back of the fridge. Still, it's all part of the experience. I'm convinced I’ve permanently stained my apron with pomodoro sauce.
- Evening: A nice, simple dinner at home. We're tired, but happy, but I'm too tired to go out. I'm sure there is something wrong with me because it is such a beatiful place.
Day 4: Olive Oil, Art, and That One Terrible Coffee (it's always the coffee)
- Morning: Olive oil tasting! We tour an olive grove. The olives are good. I buy a bottle of olive oil. It's good. I start daydreaming about making the perfect olive oil with a house and the best friends.
- Afternoon: Driving to San Gimignano. I forgot how close everything is. The towers are impressive, but the crowds… Ugh. We visit an art gallery. The art is good.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. The food is excellent, except for my order of spaghetti. It arrived cold. I’m too shy to send it back so I eat a little bit and leave the rest. I'm disappointed, and crabby, and suddenly wishing I was home.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: I’m tired. Everything seems to be a bit… much. Is this the jet lag? The heat? The fact that I miss my dog?
- Opinionated Language: Seriously, though, that coffee this morning? Undrinkable. How can they mess up coffee in Italy?!
Days 5-6: The Winding Roads, the Secret Spots, and the Farewell Blues
Day 5: The Winding Roads, the Secret Spots, and The Lost Suitcase
- Morning: A day trip to Siena. We rent a car and take the winding roads. I see some signs for the first time, I feel like I'm finally seeing the "real Italy" with the rolling hills and the charming towns. We stop at a tiny, perfect village, and I see the most beautiful church I've ever visited.
- Afternoon: Driving back and the fun starts again, we get a surprise, and it is a good one! We visit a small winery and do a tasting. We meet the owners, who are lovely.
- Evening: We have gone through all the places we wanted to go, but we could not find are our suitcases. We ask for help and they tell us to go to this place, and we find that the suitcase is there. So we go to the hotel and try to have fun.
- Quirky Observation: We laugh and laugh and laugh and we see that the people are so funny and kind and they make us feel welcomed.
- Emotional Reaction: The most fun I've ever had.
Day 6: Farewell Feast and the Great Embrace of Reality
- Morning: Packing. The dreaded chore. The suitcase is now bursting at the seams, and weighs a ton. Buy a suitcase, a new one.
- Afternoon: One last, ridiculously delicious lunch at a restaurant. We raise a glass of Chianti to Italy, to the memories, and to the impending return to the real world. I could stay forever.
- Evening: Drive to the airport. The goodbyes are hard. The plane takes off. I am both elated and bereft.
- Messy Structure: I'm already planning a return trip. And I'm booking direct flights next time. And packing light. (Yeah, right.)
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Goodbye, Italy. You were… everything.
Expenses and Notes:
- Food: Prepare to eat. A lot. Budget generously.
- Transportation: Car rental is essential for exploring. Driving is, shall we say, adventurous.
- Accommodation: Belvilla was lovely. Rustic, charming, and I didn't find a single bug!
- Souvenirs: Bring an extra suitcase. You'll need it.
- Note: Learn some basic Italian phrases. Even a few words go a long way. And be prepared to embrace the chaos. It's part of the charm. And the pasta. Don't forget the pasta.
Ciao for now!
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Unbelievable Ulivo Views: Your Dream Belvilla in Volterra Awaits! - ...Or Maybe Not? (An Honest FAQ)
Okay, the views are *really* as good as they look in the pictures? Because let's be real, photos can lie...
Alright, deep breaths. Yes. Mostly. Let me tell you, the first afternoon I walked out onto that terrace… I nearly tripped and fell right over. Not because of any dodgy paving stones (phew!) but because the view just… *punched* you in the face. Imagine this: olive groves rolling on forever, a little peek of the Tuscan hills, and the damn sun setting like a painter’s gone absolutely wild with the orange pigment. It's breathtaking. Okay, confession: I did spend about an hour just staring. My partner? He thought I'd spontaneously combusted.
Now, the "mostly" part. Sometimes the light is tricky. Clouds can roll in and muck things up. And, let's not forget, reality *always* has imperfections. There's this one tiny, slightly unsightly metal structure... a water tower, maybe?… peeking up in the distance. You *notice* it, especially at first. But after a day or two, you barely see it. The sheer majesty of the view just erases any such trivialities… mostly.
Is it actually in Volterra? Because Google Maps can be…optimistic.
Yes! Pretty much. Ok, maybe a *tiny* drive. A short, windy, utterly charming drive through olive groves. You know, the kind where you’re constantly saying "Ooh! Look at that! Oh, wow!" like a slightly demented tourist. The house is just outside the main walls, which meant we got easy access to the town. Which is GREAT because, oh my god, Volterra. I'll tell you more later, but suffice it to say, *amazing* town. You could walk in, but trust me, after a day of exploring, you'll be extremely happy to have the car and that beautiful drive home to the house. Especially if you’ve loaded up on wine and pecorino cheese… just sayin’.
The photos show a gorgeous pool. What's the REAL deal with the pool?!
The pool is… fantastic! It's not Olympic size, obviously, but it's perfect for a cooling dip, a lazy afternoon, and pretending you're some kind of glamorous Italian movie star (I failed spectacularly at this, by the way. I looked more like a slightly sunburnt lobster). The water was clean, the sun loungers were comfy, *and* there were enough of them. No fighting over them like some resorts I could mention. It's also remarkably private. You mostly felt like you had the whole thing to yourself. Now, I'm not gonna lie, the pool being *that* good definitely made the whole experience feel like a splurge... I'm still trying to mentally justify the extra cost of that pool. Worth it? Absolutely. Ruined me for other vacations? Possibly.
Is the kitchen well-equipped? I hate having to bring my own spatula!
Okay. The kitchen. This is important. I'm a cook. I like cooking. I rely on my spatula. I have issues. Good news: the kitchen at Ulivo Views is pretty well-equipped. They had *several* spatulas! Beyond the spatula, there's a good range of pots, pans, utensils, and the all-important coffee maker. (Caffeinated people, rejoice!). There's even a dishwasher! Okay, it wasn’t *my* dishwasher, and I had to load it... but you get the point. You're sorted. We cooked almost every night, feasting on local produce. *Chef's kiss*. I *did* bring my favorite knife, just in case... you never know.
I'm worried about mosquitoes. Are they a problem?
Yes. Yes, they are. Bring the heavy-duty stuff. Seriously. We got eaten alive the first night. It was a massacre. The air was still and warm, and the little bloodsuckers were relentless. We learned our lesson fast. Mosquito repellent is, without a doubt, your *best* friend at Ulivo Views. They do have some screens, but they can't stop everything. Invest in a good mosquito net for the bedroom, just in case. I learned this the hard way, covered in itchy welts. The view was incredible, the house was beautiful... but the mosquitoes, oh the mosquitoes. They almost soured the whole trip. Almost. Because, you know, the view…
How far is it to the town of Volterra? What can I *do* there?
"How far?" I hear you ask. Minutes. Literally minutes by car to Volterra. It's the *perfect* distance - close enough to be easy, far enough to feel secluded. Volterra... oh, Volterra! It's a medieval town perched on a hilltop, a total time machine. We spent days there. The Etruscan Museum is fascinating (though, let's be honest, the names are a blur long after). There's the Roman Theatre, a proper amphitheater, and I will forever remember eating gelato in the square.
Shopping? Oh, you bet! Alabaster everywhere! You can find everything from tourist trinkets to true works of art. The restaurants are *divine*. We ate at *Osteria dei Poeti*, and I almost cried, it was so good. Forget those generic tourist traps, Volterra is the real deal! If you *don't* go to Volterra when you stay here, I swear, you're missing half the experience. Half! I'm practically begging you, go! You won't regret it.
What's the vibe of the house? Is it comfortable? Is it modern? Is it "rustic charm"?
Okay, the "vibe." This is hard to describe. It *is* absolutely comfortable. The beds were comfy. The sofas were perfect for collapsing on after a day of sightseeing (and, you know, wine tasting). It's definitely "rustic charm," which means a blend of old and new. There were exposed beams. The stonework was amazing. The kitchen? Modern, thankfully! The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained. No issues there. It's not trying to be minimalist or ultra-modern. I'd say it errs on the side of traditional Tuscan, which I found really charming. It felt immediately like a home, not just a rental. And THAT right there, makes a world of difference.
Would you go back? Honestly?
YES. Without a doubt. Mosquitoes and all. The view alone… the pool… the proximity to Volterra… the comfortable beds… I'm already scheming on when I can go back.Jet Set Hotels
