Escape to Tuscany: Luxurious Belvilla Chalet in Cortona, Italy!
Escape to Tuscany: Belvilla Chalet in Cortona – My Unfiltered Take (with a touch of Tuscan Dust)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash the full, unvarnished truth about this so-called "Luxurious Belvilla Chalet" in Cortona. Let's just say, my Tuscan adventure was less a perfectly curated Instagram post and more… well, let's get into it, shall we?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like a Bad Batch of Olive Oil!
First things first: "Accessibility." The website promised, but in reality? Let's just call it a "work in progress." While they said they had "Facilities for disabled guests," getting specific was like pulling teeth. Finding concrete details was a mission comparable to finding a decent cappuccino before noon. They did have an elevator (thank God, because those Tuscan hills are brutal!) but navigating the cobbled streets of Cortona with anything resembling a wheelchair… well, good luck. I'd advise checking very specific accessibility details directly with the Belvilla team before you book. Don't trust the hype!
On-site Grub & Guzzling: Food, Glorious Food (Mostly!)
Alright, let's talk about the good stuff: food! The dining situation at this place… well, it was a highlight, in all its messy, glorious glory. They had a Restaurant, and a Poolside Bar – essential for those scorching Tuscan afternoons.
- The Restaurant: I’ll be honest, it was pretty decent. They had A la carte, Buffet, and Menu options, and the International cuisine had me mostly happy. I lived on the creamy, dreamy desserts and their Coffee/tea was usually on point. But… (and there's always a "but," isn't there?). One night, I ordered the soup, and it was lukewarm. I discreetly mentioned it to the waiter, and the look of sheer panic on his face! He practically offered to personally scour the kitchen for my replacement bowl. (More on that later)
- Poolside Bar: Ah, yes. The true heart of the experience. Picture this: sun blazing, me sprawled on a lounger, with a frosty Aperol Spritz in hand. Bliss. Their Happy Hour was a lifesaver. They also offered a simple Snack bar for the inevitable mid-afternoon munchies. They had Bottle of water and other drinks.
The Room: My Tuscan Sanctuary (Mostly Soundproofed!)
Okay, let's get real about the room. It was described as luxurious. It was… comfortable. There were Air conditioning and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (essential for, you know, staying connected and documenting my questionable life choices). The Internet access – wireless was sometimes a little patchy. They had Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens. The soundproofing was a godsend. I’m a light sleeper, and the Tuscan evenings, while beautiful, are also brimming with cicadas and the occasional boisterous group of Italian revelers returning from a night out. It's hard to say what was more annoying, the cicadas, or the party animals.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Life with a Touch of Tuscan Dust
Here's where I was genuinely impressed – they took cleanliness seriously. The room sanitization opt-out available was an offer I was glad to skip. They're using Anti-viral cleaning products, and there was Daily disinfection in common areas, and Hand sanitizer stations galore. They had First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call. Safe dining setup was noticeable as well. Staff trained in safety protocol, which made me feel a lot safer during my stay. Now, I'm usually a bit of a germaphobe, so this was a huge plus for me. They also had the Hygiene certification. Did I mention the Rooms sanitized between stays? The Sterilizing equipment was on top of things, I guess.
Things to Do (and Relaxation Stations): Getting My Zen On
This is where the "Luxurious" label really came to play. A big part of "Escape to Tuscany" is, well, escaping. And relaxing. I think that's what they had in mind.
- The Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] and the Pool with view were top-notch. Seriously, I spent hours just floating, staring at the rolling hills. The views… chef’s kiss!
- Spa Time: The Spa, Spa/sauna, and Sauna were a sanctuary. I indulged in a Body wrap and a Massage – pure bliss.
- The Gym (sort of): The Fitness center was… okay. It wasn't exactly cutting-edge, but it had treadmills and weights, so I couldn't complain too much.
- More Relax, More Relax: I spent a lot of time on my room.
Services and Conveniences: From Laundry to Luggage Storage (and a Bit of Confusion)
They offered a bunch of services, but the execution was a bit… haphazard.
- Essentials: They had Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Concierge, Currency exchange, and all the usual suspects.
- Business Stuff: They had Business facilities, including a Xerox/fax in business center – which, frankly, seemed a bit anachronistic in this day and age. A Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery were all present.
- The Quirky Stuff: They also had a Gift/souvenir shop and a Convenience store. I was surprised to see Invoice provided as a service! Food delivery was also included, I could feel the convenience.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly Delicious!)
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] was great, if not a little chaotic. I loved the fresh fruit, and the buffet in restaurant had a decent selection.
- Drinks: The Poolside bar was the place to be for those pre-dinner drinks. They had a good selection of cocktails with Coffee/tea in restaurant, and the Snack bar was perfect for those mid-afternoon cravings. They had Poolside bar and Happy hour.
- Special Dietary needs: They had Vegetarian restaurant options, and they were willing to accommodate Alternative meal arrangement.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes (But Not a Disneyland)
They had a Babysitting service and a Family/child friendly feel, though it's not exactly designed for high-energy kids. Kids meal was available, which is super convenient.
Getting Around: Navigating the Tuscan Maze
They offered Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking. I rented a car. Let me tell you, driving in Tuscany is an experience! The roads are narrow, the drivers are… enthusiastic, and GPS signal is optional. Just be prepared for a bit of an adventure!
The Unvarnished Truth: My Biggest Takeaway
Cortona is beautiful, this place is good, and its imperfections are definitely part of its charm. Was the chalet "luxurious"? Debatable. Was it a memorable Tuscan experience? Absolutely. Would I go back? Probably! But next time, I'm bringing a better understanding of accessibility, a healthy dose of patience, and a strong appreciation for a well-made Aperol Spritz.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is real me, battling my way through Italy, fueled by questionable coffee and a healthy dose of "what have I gotten myself into?" at Chalet Cortona by Belvilla. Here we go…
Cortona Chaos: A Semi-Coherent Itinerary (Probably)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Olive Oil Debacle
- Morning (Rome Airport - Mayhem): Landed in Fiumicino. Ugh. Rome. Glorious, chaotic Rome. The queue for passport control was longer than my last relationship, and the guy in front of me kept loudly clipping his nails. Seriously? After that, a mad dash to find the train to Arezzo. (Pro-tip: Practice your Italian for “Dove sono i treni?” Before you get there.) Luggage? Don’t ask. I’m pretty sure my suitcase is now a seasoned traveler, having seen more of Italy than I have.
- Afternoon (Arezzo to Cortona - The Hill of Regret): Finally made it to Arezzo! Picked up the rental car – a tiny Fiat that looks like it was designed for a particularly enthusiastic hamster. The drive to Cortona? Let’s just say, the Tuscan hills are beautiful and terrifying. Those winding, narrow roads? Shudder. I'm pretty sure I aged a decade. Reaching Chalet Cortona? Pure elation. The view from the chalet? Stunning. Worth the near-death experiences.
- Evening (Cortona Exploration & The Olive Oil Conspiracy): Settled in. The chalet is charming, rustic, and smells faintly of woodsmoke and… something else. (Maybe it's supposed to be "authenticity", maybe it's a lingering ghost. Either way, it's a vibe). Wandered into Cortona. Picture-postcard pretty. Found a cute little osteria – Osteria del Teatro. Pasta was divine. But… then came the olive oil tasting. The waiter launched into this epic monologue about the "golden nectar" of the gods. I nodded, pretended to understand, and then promptly poured half of it into my water glass by accident. Mortifying. The oil was good though, I'll give it that. But the waiter's judging look? Burned into my retinas.
Day 2: Renaissance Rambling & Religious Reverie (or, Attempting to be Cultured)
- Morning (Cortona Wanderings & The Wrong Museum): Got properly lost in Cortona’s cobblestone maze. Which, honestly, is half the fun. Walked all the way up to the Basilica di Santa Margherita (the views are insane). Then I attempted to find the Museo Diocesano. Emphasis on attempted. Ended up in a quiet courtyard staring at a fountain, contemplating the meaning of life (and wondering if I’d packed enough snacks). Finally, finally, found the museum. Saw some Renaissance paintings. Tried to look intelligent. Mostly failed.
- Afternoon (Lunch & a Moment of Zen): Lunch at a small trattoria. Simple, delicious pici pasta. Sat outside, watched the world go by, and felt…peaceful. For about five minutes. Then, a flock of pigeons descended, trying to steal my bread. It was like Hitchcock, but with carbs. Afterwards, I stumbled across a tiny church. Sat in the cool quiet, and just…breathed. Honestly, it was the most religious I've been in years.
- Evening (Sunset Sloth & The Pasta Predicament): Back at the chalet. Watched the sunset. It was gorgeous. The color of molten gold. I swear, the Tuscan light is a natural drug. Then, disaster struck! Attempted to cook pasta. Burned the sauce. The pasta was undercooked. The whole thing was a mess. Ended up eating cold bread and cheese for dinner while contemplating my culinary ineptitude. Sigh.
Day 3: Wine, Wineries, and Whimsical Wonders (And Mild Panic)
- Morning (Wine Tour, Part 1 - The Illusion of Sophistication): Today, the wine tour! Headed out, excited. The winery was a bit off the beaten path, which, in Italy, usually means "down a terrifyingly narrow dirt track". The wine? Delicious. The tour guide? Charming. Me? Pretending to know the difference between a Sangiovese and a Merlot. I swirled, sniffed, and said things like, "Notes of…earthiness?" Honestly, I was just guessing. The wine, however, was absolutely glorious. The sunlight coming through the vineyard just bathed me in a warm golden glow and I couldn't help myself, I bought a case.
- Afternoon (Wine Tour, Part 2 - The Unraveling): The second winery. Things got a bit… hazy. The wine was flowing freely, the conversation was getting louder, and I may or may not have tried to sing an off-key version of "That’s Amore" to the winemaker. My Italian? Degenerated into a series of enthusiastic hand gestures and the repeated use of " Molto bene!”. I did learn the word "tannins," though.
- Evening (Cortona by Night & The Pizza Pilgrimage): Back in Cortona. Headed to a pizzeria (La Grotta). Ordered a pizza. Saw a lady with a chihuahua dressed in a sweater. Witnessed a couple fight over their food. Felt a strange sense of camaraderie. Ate my pizza. It was perfect. Sat outside, watched the people, felt grateful, and had a second glass of wine. Then, I had a third. And fourth. The town seemed to hum with a warm glow. It was like a dream.
Day 4: Exploration & Eccentricities (and an Epic Misunderstanding)
- Morning (Lake Trasimeno Fiasco): Decided to be adventurous and visit Lake Trasimeno. Scenic drive! (That word: scenic again… can it ever be truly used in Italy without a hint of terror?). Reached the lake. It was lovely. Took some pictures. Tried to figure out how to actually get into the water without looking like a complete idiot. Gave up.
- Afternoon (The Museum of Everything…Literally): Found a quirky little museum in a nearby town. Housed pretty much…everything. Old tools, taxidermied animals, and a collection of spoons. My Italian failed me when I had to attempt to discover the meaning of it all. Still, I made sure to nod enthusiastically. What was its aim? No clue. Was it weird? Absolutely. Did I judge it? Never.
- Evening (Last Supper Lament & Sweet Sorrows): Back in Cortona. Wandered back to the osteria from Day 1. Ordered the pasta again. Said goodbye to the town. Felt a pang of sadness. The memories were forming. The sights were becoming more vivid. I was leaving. Then, I looked at my phone. And…oh, sweet Jesus…I'd booked my return flight for the wrong day. The Italian sun went behind the clouds. The world just… tilted a little. More wine. More pasta. More tears. A very messy end to a very messy and lovely adventure.
Day 5: Ciao, Cortona! (And Good Riddance?)
- Morning (Departure & Despair): One last, lingering look at the breathtaking view from the balcony. The scent of the olive trees. The echo of church bells. Checked out (with a slightly hysterical laugh at the thought of trying to explain my flight mishap to the charming chalet owners). The drive back to the airport was filled with a strange mix of nostalgia…and relief. Italy, you magnificent, maddening, magical land. I'll be back…eventually. After I sleep for a week and recover from my olive oil trauma. Ciao, Cortona! Arrivederci! (Hopefully, this time, I've got the right date).
Okay, Let's be Real: Is this "Luxurious Belvilla Chalet" *Actually* Luxurious? I see the pictures…
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because I’m about to get honest. “Luxurious”? Yes, but like, *Tuscan* luxurious. Think less Ritz-Carlton, more… your wealthy eccentric Aunt Mildred’s *fabulous* country home. The photos are accurate – the pool is glorious, the views are breathtaking (literally, after that climb from the village!), and the interior *is* beautifully done. Marble floors? Check. Big, comfy sofas? Yup. But, and this is a *big* but, there's a certain…rustic charm. Like, the Wi-Fi occasionally goes on strike (seriously, prepare to *talk* to your family – who knew?!), and you might find a rogue spider or two. It *is* in the Italian countryside, after all. Remember that scene in Under the Tuscan Sun? Yeah, it’s got that vibe. Plus, I swear, the shower pressure was slightly less than a dribble on the second floor. But hey, it's all part of the experience! And the views? Worth. Every. Single. Dribble.
Cortona! Is the location amazing or just… Instagram-able? (Be honest.)
Okay, so Cortona. Seriously, prepare to lose your mind. Instagram-able? Oh, absolutely. *Devastatingly* so. But here's the thing: it's *more* than that. It's genuinely, soul-stirringly beautiful. Picture this: cobblestone streets, twisting alleys, impossibly charming shops selling… well, *everything* – olive oil, leather, ceramics, you name it. Then there are the views! You’re perched high in the hills of Tuscany, and the valley stretches out before you, a panorama of rolling hills, vineyards, and perfectly placed cypress trees. The air smells of rosemary and something indescribably… Italian. It’s like stepping into a postcard. The climb up to the chalet from the town, though? Brutal. Seriously, I swear I aged five years on that daily hike. (And, a confession: I *may* have sworn a few times at the lack of elevators.) But then you get to the top, and you're rewarded with the best damn sunset you've ever seen. So, yeah, amazing. Definitely amazing.
What's the kitchen situation? Can I actually *cook* there, or is it just for show? (And, crucially, is there a good coffee machine?)
The kitchen? Okay, here's the deal. It's a proper kitchen. Not just a glorified kitchenette. You could *absolutely* cook there. It’s generally well-equipped - a decent oven, stovetop, dishwasher (thank the heavens!), and plenty of counter space. They even had a pasta machine! (I didn’t use it. I'm a simple woman.) The issue? It’s a *European* kitchen. Meaning, it’s designed for efficiency, not gigantic American food portions. Limited fridge space - plan accordingly! And the coffee machine? YES! A proper Italian espresso maker. (I may or may not have used it excessively. Don't judge me, mornings are hard.) They also had a stovetop espresso maker which I found rather difficult to master. Ultimately I was left with the best decision to just go to the cafe in the town!
About that pool… is it as glorious as it looks in the photos, or is reality a letdown?
The pool. Oh, the pool. Okay, the photos don’t lie. It *is* glorious. It’s big, it’s clean, and the view from the edge of the pool? Unbelievable. You’re literally swimming, gazing out at the Tuscan countryside. It’s pure, unadulterated bliss. But, and this is a minor quibble, it can get a *little* chilly in the early mornings. And let’s be honest, it was hard to drag yourself out of bed at dawn. The sun loungers were plentiful, the pool was deep enough for a proper swim, and overall… perfection. One day, I spent the entire afternoon floating around, sipping Aperol Spritzes, and generally feeling like I'd won the lottery. Seriously, that pool alone is worth the price of admission. Just… maybe take a towel? (I forgot mine one day. Rookie mistake.)
Are pets allowed? My furry overlord is very important.
I’m not entirely sure! (Sorry, I’m useless sometimes, I know!) Check the Belvilla website directly.
How hard is it to get around without a car? Do you *need* one?
Okay, here’s the thing: you COULD probably survive without a car. Cortona itself is walkable (once you get to the top, that is!). There are buses, but they seem to run on “Italian time,” which is… flexible. However. If you want to explore the surrounding area – and you *absolutely* should – a car is highly recommended. Think day trips to Montepulciano, Siena, the wine regions… you get the idea. Driving in Italy is… an experience. Lane markings? Optional. Speed limits? Also optional, apparently. But it's also exhilarating. Just be prepared for some narrow roads, hairpin turns, and the occasional Vespa whizzing past you at warp speed. A smaller car is probably a good idea. And pray you don’t meet another car on a particularly narrow mountain passage. (Which, trust me, you will!) But the freedom to explore the region is worth the white knuckles. Just… make sure you have good insurance. And maybe a stiff drink after.
Any tips for first-timers in Cortona (and Italy in general!)? Don’t be shy!
Okay, listen up, newbie! First, embrace the chaos. That's part and parcel of Italy. Second, learn a *few* basic Italian phrases. Hello (Ciao!), thank you (Grazie!), please (per favore!). It's a sign of respect, and the Italians will appreciate it. Third, wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a *lot* of walking. Fourth, don’t be afraid to get lost. Wander down those tiny alleyways! That’s where you’ll find the real gems. Fifth, embrace the food! Eat all the pasta, drink all the wine, and for the love of all that is holy, try the gelato. Sixth, be patient! Italians are not known for their speed. Relax, slow down, and savor the moment. Oh, and learn to embrace the art of the *aperitivo*. It's the perfect way to end the day, and it’s socially acceptable to drink before dinner! Most importantly? Just… enjoy it. It’s a magical place. And come prepared to be completely and utterly charmed. And be preparedTravel Stay Guides
