Escape to Paradise: Belvilla's La Cantinaia, San Costanzo, Italy Awaits!
Escape to Paradise… Or Did We? Belvilla's La Cantinaia, San Costanzo: A Whirlwind of Pasta, Pools, and Pandemic Precautions
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-reviewed hotel stay. This is a real account of our adventure at La Cantinaia, Belvilla's offering in the charming, yet slightly… peculiar… San Costanzo, Italy. We went in craving "escape to paradise," and emerged… well, let's just say "escape to a slightly dusty, occasionally delightful, paradise adjacent."
SEO & Metadata Blitz Before We Dive In!
- Keywords: La Cantinaia, San Costanzo, Italy, Belvilla, Villa Review, Italy Vacation, Marche Region, Accessible Accommodation, Swimming Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Family-Friendly, Covid-19 Safety, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Italian Holiday, Romantic Getaway
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Belvilla's La Cantinaia in San Costanzo, Italy. Find out everything - from the sparkling pool to the slightly bewildering breakfast, the accessibility strengths, and the COVID-19 precautions (and shortcomings!). Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions!
- Focus: Providing a detailed, authentic recount of the stay, with emphasis on both the positives and negatives, catering to potential travelers who want realistic expectations.
First Impressions (and the Gravel Road of Truth)
Booking through Belvilla, the pictures promised Tuscan perfection. Rolling hills, sun-drenched villas, and… well, fewer gravel roads. La Cantinaia is beautiful, no doubt. The architecture is classic Italian, the pool glistens invitingly… But the drive in? A bumpy, teeth-rattling introduction to the real Italian countryside.
(Getting There/Accessibility: A Mixed Bag)
Okay, let's get the accessibility stuff out of the way upfront. My partner uses a wheelchair, so this was crucial. The website promised accessibility… and in some ways, it delivered. There's a ramp to the main entrance, and a lift. BUT… The "accessible" rooms could have been more thoughtfully designed. Limited turning space in the bathroom, and the shower - well, let's just say it involved some creative angling. We managed, but it wasn't exactly seamless. The main areas are mostly accessible - the dining areas for example - but the uneven terrain around the property was a definite challenge. The staff were helpful though, always eager to assist, bless their hearts. (Overall: Mixed, leans slightly towards "could do better".)
(Rooms: Cozy or Claustrophobic? You Decide)
Our room? Well, it was charming in a slightly… dated way. Think exposed beams, terracotta tiles, and a lingering aroma of… I'm not sure what, but it wasn't unpleasant. (Positive: The bed was comfy. The water pressure was great.) We had a balcony, offering a (distant) view of the pool and beyond, and a generous array of amenities, from a hairdryer (yay!) to free bottled water (essential!). The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in.
The Internet, Ah, The Internet!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Now, the pictures probably didn't mention the Wi-Fi being somewhat… aspirational. In practice, it was a bit hit-or-miss. Okay, a lot miss. My work calls were regularly punctuated by moments of panicked silence. (Opinion: Get yourself ready to disconnect from the internet, but be prepared to pay some extra costs in the end, if getting access to the internet is really a must.)
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Carb-Loading Fiesta!)
Ah, the food. This is where La Cantinaia truly shines. They offer a range of dining options.
- Restaurants: The main restaurant was fantastic. A la carte meals with local delicacies, like freshly made pasta with ragu sauce, are served there.
- Buffet: Breakfast was, let's be honest, a bit of a buffet. A perfectly pleasant one, with plenty of pastries, fruit, and the all-important coffee (and, of course, the much-needed Complimentary tea). (A quirky observation: The Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine were completely missing!)
- Poolside Bar: The poolside bar was a lifesaver, serving up Aperol Spritzes and light snacks – perfect for a lazy afternoon.
- Alternatives: You can arrange lunch or dinner easily, if you are late for the regular meals.
Here is where my own experience with food goes:
- First anecdote: I had a slightly awkward moment trying to order a "Western" breakfast, I got the Italian version served to my table, which included bacon, egg and croissant.
- Second anecdote: I also had a super experience tasting the salads at the restaurant.
What to say? The restaurant offered: salad, desserts and happy hour!
(Ways to Relax: Poolside Paradise… with a Few Flaws)
The outdoor swimming pool is the heart of La Cantinaia. And it's gorgeous. The pool with a view stretches out before you, so you can relax in the sun. There's also a Sauna, Spa, and Steamroom which make up their amazing array of choices! (Opinion: The water was a bit bracing. It was also a haven from the summer heat.)
- Foot bath was provided on the property.
- Spa/sauna service - available and it's a very nice option in case you seek relaxation.
- Massage - great service if you want to relax more!
- Gym/fitness - you can work out like a king on the property.
(Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Precautions – Mostly)
In the age of COVID, safety is paramount. La Cantinaia tried to do things right.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: They were diligent in, say, wiping down surfaces.
- Hand sanitizer: Available, but sometimes hard to find.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Staff were all masked and generally following the rules.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: A nice touch.
- Safe dining setup: Tables spaced apart, which did make for a more… spacious dining experience.
(Opinion: Still, I'd preferred to be more cautious in terms of the staff wearing masks, but they were generally aware of the situation.)
(Things to Do (Beyond the Pasta and the Pool):
Look, San Costanzo isn't exactly a hub of activity. There are a few charming villages nearby, and you can easily book a car. Some other things to do:
- Bicycle parking - Yes, there is a place provided to put your bike.
- Car park [free of charge] - Free parking for those that come by car!
(Services and Conveniences: Hit or Miss)
- Elevator: Yes, a must-have for accessibility.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Cash withdrawal - Available on-site
- Laundry service: Available, which is a huge plus.
- Invoice provided: It's a great idea to have this option.
- Babysitting service - Available for parents with kids.
(Opinion: The convenience store was rather small. The currency exchange could be improved.)
(For the Kids: Meh… Kind of)
- Babysitting service - Available.
(Opinion: La Cantinaia is more of a couples' retreat than a family-focused resort.)
(Check-in/out and Staff: A Mixed Bag)
- Check-in/out [express]: Very easy.
- Check-in/out [private]: The staff were all lovely and genuinely helpful, though their English was somewhat hit-or-miss.
(Getting Around: Car Essential)
- Car park [on-site]: Very good.
- Taxi service: Available and easy to call.
(Opinion: You absolutely need a car. The location is remote.)
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? La Cantinaia has its charms. The pool is divine, the food is delicious, and the staff are lovely. The accessibility issues are something that needs to be improved. The internet situation, well, that's just something you learn to live with (or, ideally, plan for).
In Conclusion:
La Cantinaia is a mixed bag. It's not a perfect paradise, but it's a slice of Italian life with all its imperfections. It's a place where you relax a bit, swim a bit, and eat a lot of pasta. If you're prepared for a few bumps in the road (literally and figuratively), it could be your escape to… a slightly imperfect, but very charming, slice of Italy.
Luxury Notre Dame de Bellecombe Apartment: Breathtaking Views Await!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This ain't your usual pristine, perfectly timed itinerary. This is a vibe. This is La Cantinaia, San Costanzo, Italy, through the lens of a slightly frazzled, perpetually hungry, and easily overwhelmed traveler. Let's go!
Subject: My Italian Meltdown (in the best way possible) - La Cantinaia & Beyond.
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Panic
- 14:00: Arrive at Ancona Airport. The first thing I see is a lady aggressively juggling oranges while wearing a leopard-print scarf. This is a good omen. This is Italy. This is going to be chaos, but beautiful chaos. I, however, am already a sweaty mess.
- 15:00: Rental car acquired. The Fiat Panda is tiny and I'm pretty sure I'm going to accidentally reverse into a trattoria at some point. Fingers crossed it serves delicious pasta.
- 16:30: Finally arrive at La Cantinaia. The pictures promised rustic charm, stone walls, and a blissful existence. The reality? Slightly less idyllic. The stone walls are charming, but the GPS took me on a road that seemed to be carved by hedgehogs, and I’m fairly convinced I’m covered in dust bunnies from the drive.
- 17:00: Check-in. The lovely (I think, I'm too jet-lagged to be sure) owner attempts to explain how everything works. Italian is beautiful, but my brain is currently operating at a 0.7 processor speed. Key takeaway: the pool is open, wine is likely involved.
- 17:30: Explore the apartment. Beautiful, yes. But my suitcase feels like a black hole. I throw clothes everywhere like a toddler with a tantrum. The view from the balcony (THANK GOD) is breathtaking. I mean, jaw-dropping. Like, "I might cry from pure joy" breathtaking. Okay, slight tear. The world is beautiful. I'm in Italy. I have wine. Life is good.
- 19:00: Attempt to shop for groceries. The local alimentari is a sensory overload. So many cheeses! So many cured meats! I point and grunt, hoping for the best. I'm pretty sure I bought an entire wheel of Pecorino Romano. No regrets!!!
- 20:00: Dinner/Survival. I attempt to cook pasta. It’s not pretty. But I'm in Italy. The wine is flowing. The Pecorino (thankfully) tastes amazing.
Day 2: Coastal Calm (and Near-Disaster)
- 09:00: Breakfast. Oh, the Italian breakfast. Simple. Perfect. Crusty bread, strong coffee, and enough jam to keep me going until lunchtime. And the view. Still the best part.
- 10:00: Drive to Fano. The coastal road is stunning! The sea is that perfect shade of turquoise you only see in travel brochures. I, predictably, get lost. Twice.
- 11:00: Finally arrive at the beach. The sand is soft. The sun is warm (maybe too warm, I'm starting to feel like a lobster). I read, then I swim, then I get a snack and find myself sitting facing the horizon for almost an hour, doing absolutely nothing. This is the life.
- 13:00: Lunch in a seaside restaurant. Seafood. Lots of seafood. And wine. More wine. I order something called "fritto misto" and it's a glorious, greasy, deep-fried mix of everything the sea has to offer. Pure heaven.
- 15:00: Attempt to find a gelato shop. Fail. Get distracted by a particularly tempting display of… well, everything. End up buying a ridiculously oversized sun hat. It's a good decision.
- 16:00: Return to La Cantinaia. The drive back? Somehow more confusing than the way there. I swear, the roads around here are sentient and actively trying to mess with me.
- 17:00: Pool time! I jump in, expecting cool relief. It’s…surprisingly chilly. I shiver, but the view from the pool makes it all worthwhile.
- 19:00: Dinner at a Trattoria. This time I conquer the language barrier with a combination of pointing, charades, and pure desperation to have more pasta. Success! The pasta is creamy, garlicky perfection. The tiramisu is even better. I waddle back to the apartment, utterly content.
Day 3: Culture, Calamari, and (Possibly) Catastrophe
- 09:00: Another glorious breakfast. This time, I attempt to make my own coffee. It tastes like muddy water. Back to the cafe!
- 10:00: Drive to Urbino. This ancient city is beautiful, perched on the hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The drive up is a nail-biter - narrow roads, steep climbs. But the view from the top? Worth it. The Duomo is breathtaking and I’m convinced I’m going to spend the rest of the day staring in awe.
- 12:00: Wander the streets of Urbino. Each turn reveals a new hidden square, a charming boutique, and a tempting aroma. I buy a leather bag (needed! Obviously!). I try to communicate with the locals with a combination of pointing and Google Translate. I may or may not have managed to order a deep-fried artichoke heart. (I did).
- 13:30: Lunch. Back at Fano because, hey, I'm getting the hang of these roads…kinda. I decide to double-down on seafood. I order calamari, and as I eat it, I have an epiphany. This isn't just food; it's art. It's a delicious, salty, perfectly prepared masterpiece. I would eat this for the rest of my life if I could.
- 15:00: Exploring the beach again. This time, I went to a different part. The sand is slightly different. I find different shells, and I collect them to put on a shelf.
- 17:00: Return to La Cantinaia. Time to relax before venturing to a local restaurant. I read a book and drink some wine. Nothing new.
- 19:00: Meal at a local restaurant. I ordered pizza with a bottle of red wine. It was delicious! I can see myself spending the rest of my life here.
Day 4: The Search for Truffles & Internal Meltdown
- 09:00: Breakfast, the daily ritual. Today felt like a challenge. I attempted to cook eggs (failed).
- 10:00: I have to go truffle hunting! This is a must-do. I booked a tour. And it was supposed to start at 10. I've been waiting in the car (which I parked in a place I'm pretty sure isn't meant for parking) for 30 minutes…starting to sweat again. I may or may not have had an existential crisis staring at a particularly grumpy-looking cow.
- 10:45: Success! The truffle hunter arrives! He's a rugged, charismatic Italian man. We head into the woods with his exceptionally well-trained dog, I don't have high expectations.
- 11:30: The dog finds a truffle! I'm thrilled! This is a peak life moment.
- 12:30: We find another truffle! My mind is blown. I now consider myself a truffle expert.
- 13:30: Lunch - a truffle-infused feast! The truffle pasta is the best thing I've ever eaten. Seriously. Best. Thing. Ever. I swear my taste buds are singing opera. I consider moving in with the truffle hunter and his dog permanently.
- 15:30: Head back to the house, feeling slightly buzzed.
- 16:00: Take the wrong turn on the way back.
- 17:00: I find the apartment. Collapse on the bed, but I am happy.
Day 5: Wine, Wine, and More Wine (and Cheese, Let's Be Honest)
- 09:00: Breakfast. Today, I am on a mission to finish that Pecorino.
- 10:00: I am headed to the wine region! I have to go to the vineyard. I took the wrong turn. I'm starting to think I have a problem.
- 12:00: I arrived at the vineyard. The vineyard is beautiful.
- 13:00: Wine tasting!
- 14:00: I decided to buy wine.
- 15:00: Back to the apartment. And I take the wrong turn. Again.
- 17:00: I decided to take a nap. Then went to the pool and
Escape to Paradise: Belvilla's La Cantinaia, San Costanzo, Italy - FAQ (and a whole lotta feelings)
Okay, real talk: Is La Cantinaia actually *that* good? I saw the pictures...
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because I'm about to get *real*. The pictures? Yeah, they're good. Photoshop-good, even. But La Cantinaia? It's better. Much. Think of it this way: The pictures are a perfectly curated Instagram feed. La Cantinaia? It's the *actual* Italy, the one with the slightly wonky gate, the overflowing bougainvillea, and the dog who *definitely* owns the road.
We arrived at dusk, after a flight delay that tested my patience to the absolute limit (seriously, I almost lost it at the airport). Finding the place was a bit of an adventure – GPS had us driving through what felt like a farmer's washing line for a solid ten minutes. But then... BAM. There it was. The ochre walls, the twinkling lights... I actually *gasped*. My partner, bless him, just rolled his eyes and said "Here we go..." but his face told a different story. He was already cracking a beer. And that, my friends, is the very definition of heaven.
What's the deal with the pool? Is it freezing? (Because I HATE cold pools)
The pool. Oh, the *pool*... First off, it’s gorgeous. Like, magazine-cover gorgeous. You know, the kind of pool you see and instantly think “This is where I belong.” Now, the water temperature... Let's just say it's not precisely balmy year-round. We went in late May and it was… invigorating. Or, as my teeth were chattering, “bloody freezing!” But look, once you’re in, you’re in. The sun helps. The view helps. A large glass of something chilled and alcoholic *definitely* helps.
There was this one day, though. It was scorching. So hot, the air practically shimmered. And the pool? Perfect. That day, I spent hours floating, staring up at the sky, and wondering if this was what nirvana felt like. The next day? Back to “invigorating”. So, pack your courage (and maybe a warm robe). It's worth it. Trust me.
What about the kitchen? Is it actually equipped, or just for show? I've been burned before...
Okay, the kitchen is a game-changer. Seriously. I'm a foodie, a total control freak in the kitchen (don't judge!), and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s not a Michelin-star chef’s setup, but it’s *definitely* got the essentials. And then some. Think decent pans, actual sharp knives (a rarity in rental kitchens!), a dishwasher (HALLELUJAH!), and enough space to actually move around.
We made pasta, multiple times (because, Italy!). We whipped up a killer pesto from fresh basil we bought at the local market (more on that later…), and even attempted a risotto (which, let’s be honest, was slightly less than perfect, but hey, we tried!). The only thing missing? Maybe a garlic press that *actually* works. But that's a minor quibble. Basically, if you love to cook, you can totally do it here. And, after a long day, there is nothing better than whipping up a meal with a glass of local wine and a view of the sun setting over the rolling hills. It’s pure bliss.
What's the local area like? Is there stuff to *do*, or am I just staring at scenery all day?
Okay, "just staring at scenery" is a perfectly valid option, and I highly recommend it. But yes, there's plenty to *do*. San Costanzo itself is charming – cobblestone streets, a little piazza where everyone gathers for aperitivo (please, please, *please* embrace aperitivo), and a general sense of "life at a slower pace."
The coast is easily accessible – beaches, cute little towns like Fano… perfect for day trips. We explored Urbino (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which was *stunning* (and also involved a LOT of climbing, so wear comfortable shoes, people!). The local markets are an absolute MUST. Forget fancy supermarkets, this is where you'll find the *real* Italy: fresh produce bursting with flavor, local cheeses that will make you weep with joy, and those unbelievably sweet tomatoes. We found this tiny little place, owned by a family, where the woman spoke barely any English and we spoke rudimentary Italian and somehow, we got our message across. We’ve never tasted grapes so perfect in our lives.
Honestly, though, the best part was just *being*. We spent hours reading on the terrace, drinking wine, and just… breathing. The stress just melted away. It was pure magic.
Any downsides? Be honest! (I can handle it)
Alright, time for a reality check. No place is perfect, right? Firstly, the Wi-Fi can be a bit… temperamental. It's Italy, after all. Embrace the digital detox. Maybe plan your important work around those times when it actually *works*.
Secondly, the location, while beautiful and perfectly isolated, means you’ll need a car. There's no walking to the shops, and public transport is… well, let's just say it's not a thing. The roads getting there *can* be a bit… winding. (I may or may not have gotten car sick at least once.)
And finally, this is a minor thing, but the beds are a little on the firm side. If, like me, you prefer a cloud-like mattress, pack a mattress topper. But honestly? These are tiny, tiny inconveniences compared to the overall experience. The good FAR outweighs the bad. Trust me on this one.
What's the one thing you'd tell someone before they go?
Oh, that's easy. SLOW DOWN. Seriously. Forget the packed itinerary, the constant rush. Embrace the Italian way of life. Take your time. Savor every moment. Have that extra glass of wine. Talk to the locals (even if you butchering their language). Get lost. Get slightly sunburnt. Laugh. And most importantly, just… *be*. Because La Cantinaia isn't just a place to stay; it's an experience. A chance to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with the simple joys of life. And honestly? You’d be a fool to miss it.
Any tips for dealing with the Italian heat? (I'm a furnace!)
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