Escape to Tuscany: Unforgettable Stay at Belvilla's San Martino Ulivi!
Escape to Tuscany: San Martino Ulivi - My Wild Ride (and Why You Should Probably Book It) - A Belvilla Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your standard, sterile travel review - this is my San Martino Ulivi story, Belvilla version, and it's a rollercoaster dipped in olive oil and sunshine. I'm talking about the Tuscan dream, the life-altering pasta, the almost flawless vacation. Key word: almost.
First Impressions: Accessibility & That Tuscan Buzz (and a Little Panic)
Okay, so, first thing's first. Accessibility. Look, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I’m a klutz with a bum knee, which means stairs and uneven paving stones are my arch-nemesis. Belvilla says San Martino Ulivi is pretty accessible. Hmmm. Let's say "sort of". The main areas felt okay, the reception was great. The elevator was a welcome sight (especially after lugging my suitcase!), but some of the paths to the pool (more on that later) were… let’s just say, they required careful navigation. It wasn’t "fully" wheelchair accessible, if I’m being brutally honest. But it wasn’t a complete nightmare either. Just… a bit of a hike. (And a moment or two where I thought I'd need a rescue helicopter. Dramatic? Maybe.)
The Cleanliness Crusade (and My Germaphobe Tendencies)
Alright, let’s talk Cleanliness and safety. In the age of COVID-19, this is EVERYTHING. Guess what? San Martino Ulivi delivered. They’re clearly taking this seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocol, the whole shebang. They even had hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Seriously, I probably washed my hands more often than I've brushed my teeth in my life (don’t judge!). My room was definitely sanitized between stays. (I may or may not have inspected the bathroom with forensic dedication. Don't ask.). And the room sanitization opt-out option? Genius. They even had the room sanitization opt-out available. That's brilliant. Also, the cashless payment service definitely came in handy.
The food at the restaurants was served in a safe dining setup. And, yes, the kitchen looked super clean.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Carb-Loading in Paradise
Okay, the food. Where do I even begin? The restaurants at San Martino Ulivi? Amazing. Absolutely amazing. I ate my weight in pasta. No regrets.
Breakfast time was a highlight. Seriously. Forget your bland hotel breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread! There was a buffet in the restaurant, and they had Asian breakfast. I stuck to the more Western breakfast with the coffee. I also loved the a la carte in restaurant. They had desserts in restaurant. Yes! They had a fantastic Coffee shop.
There was a Poolside bar. It was really nice to have that.
I tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant once, and I wasn't a big fan. But I didn't mind! I just went for my pasta.
The Things to Do: My Love Affair with the Pool (and the Occasional Existential Crisis)
Let's talk relaxation, baby! Ways to relax: This place is a haven of serenity. Let's start with the Swimming pool [outdoor]. My god. It was a sparkling blue jewel nestled amidst the rolling hills. The Pool with view? Yeah, it was stunning. I spent literally DAYS there. I literally did nothing but swim, read, and consume large amounts of Tuscan wine. It was practically a religious experience.
They had a Sauna and a Spa/sauna. I didn't get a chance to try these.
I was totally tempted to get a Body scrub or Body wrap, but I wanted to get more tan!
They had a Gym/fitness, but I was too busy eating.
The Rooms: My Cozy, (Mostly) Flawless Sanctuary
The rooms? Pretty fantastic. I booked a room that felt like it was in a Couple's room. The room's amenities were excellent. There was Air conditioning. They had a Bathtub, which I loved. I hated that they didn't have Pets allowed.
They had Internet access [LAN] and Internet access — wireless. These were convenient.
There were also amenities like Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Telephone, Toiletries, Wake-up service. All the basics.
The Imperfections: Okay, Nothing's Perfect (Like My Life)
Okay, here’s the truth bomb. There were a few hiccups. The internet, while present (Internet access — wireless and Internet access — LAN), occasionally decided to take a vacation of its own. And finding the switch for the bedside lamp in the dark was a weekly challenge. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but come on, some of us like light! Also, the Internet service was a little slow.
The Verdict: Book It (But Pack Your Walking Shoes and Maybe Some Patience)
So, would I go back? Absolutely. San Martino Ulivi, despite its minor flaws, is a slice of heaven. If you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or just a chance to escape and recharge, it's a winner. Just be prepared for a few (hopefully minor) inconveniences, and pack those walking shoes. And for the love of all that is holy, try the pasta. You’ll thank me later. Ciao!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Dutch Coast Holiday Home Near Schagen!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my potential (key word: potential) trip to Belvilla by OYO San Martino Ulivi in Cortona, Italy. This isn't your sterile, bullet-pointed, perfectly-curated itinerary. This is the real deal. My brain on vacation, basically. Let's go…
Belvilla by OYO San Martino Ulivi - Cortona, Italy: A Hot Mess of a Plan (That I'm Secretly Praying Works)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Lost Luggage" Tango
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Florence Airport (FLR) – hopefully. I’ve got flashbacks of that time I missed a connecting flight in Frankfurt… pure chaos. Pray to the travel gods for a smooth landing and a baggage claim miracle. Side note: I'm already anticipating a panic attack about the luggage. I packed, like, ten different versions of myself, just in case.
- Afternoon: The (hopefully) scenic drive to Cortona. Google Maps says it’s about 1.5 hours. Google Maps also said my ex was a good listener, so… yeah. I’m betting on at least two wrong turns, a near-miss with a Vespa, and a desperate need for a bathroom break. I’m picturing myself, clutching my stomach, yelling “Dove sono i servizi?!” in very broken Italian.
- Late Afternoon / Early Evening: Check-in at San Martino Ulivi. Fingers crossed the place looks as dreamy in person as it does in the photos. I mean, the pictures are stunning. But you know the deal: Photoshop is a liar. My biggest fear? Finding out the pool is actually a glorified birdbath.
- The Great Luggage Search (aka: The Real Drama): Okay, serious stuff. My suitcase better be there. I have no "Plan B" if my suitcase doesn't arrive. If my luggage doesn't arrive, I won't be able to travel. If I don't travel, I'll never see the world, and all I'll get to do is stay home. I've heard horror stories! Luggage going missing forever. Should I have packed a small emergency kit with a toothbrush and some underwear? Damn, maybe I should have.
- Sunset Aperitivo (fingers crossed): Assuming I haven’t dissolved into a puddle of travel-related anxieties, I'm hoping to enjoy an Aperol Spritz on the terrace. Sunset views, you bet. Okay, okay, I can handle this. My biggest hope is to sit there, gazing at the view (and not constantly checking my phone for luggage updates). This would be dreamy.
Day 2: Cortona, Culture, and Questionable Pasta Choices
- Morning: Cortona exploration! This is where the real fun begins! Wander around the narrow, winding streets. Get gloriously lost. Visit the Etruscan Museum (if my brain cells allow for it). I already imagine getting distracted by a cat, and losing track of the schedule. I'll keep an eye on the schedule but, let's face it, it's not my top priority.
- Midday: Lunch. This is where things get really interesting. I'm talking about my pasta-choosing skills. It's going to be stunning. I'm torn between the classic pici with ragu (sounds divine) and something I've never heard of, but that the waiter insists is "divino." Expect a full-blown existential crisis over the menu. What if I make the WORST pasta choice of my life? What if the pasta is meh?
- Afternoon: Visit a church. I will take the time to find a church. I've heard the ones in Cortona are amazing. I will be taking photos. Hopefully, I blend in with the crowd and don't do anything too touristy.
- Evening: Wine tasting. I'm determined to find a local cantina. It's so exciting. I imagine it will be a delightful experience. I'll be trying my best to act like a sophisticated wine connoisseur. (Spoiler alert: I know nothing about wine. I like the red ones better than the white ones). This trip is going to be amazing.
Day 3: Tuscan Sunshine, a Cooking Class, and the "Nap Time" of Champions
- Morning: This is where I picture myself. I want to have a blissful day. I want to soak up the sun around the pool (if it's not a birdbath). I'm looking forward to having some time to myself. I need to unwind. I've got a book with me and I can't wait to read it.
- Midday: Cooking class! I've always wanted to learn how to make real Italian food. This is going to be a highlight. I will be wearing something nice. I will be taking notes. I don't want to mess it up. (But knowing me, I probably will). Expect: Flour everywhere, a slightly burnt sauce, and a lot of laughter. (Hopefully, not all at my expense).
- Afternoon: The nap. Oh, sweet, sweet nap. After all that delicious food and the Tuscan sun, I plan on having a glorious nap on the villa's terrace. This is non-negotiable. Anyone who interrupts me will face my wrath.
- Evening: Dinner at a local trattoria. I'm picturing myself: having a delicious meal, listening to the chatter in Italian, feeling like a total local. I don't know what I'll order. But I'll try something new. I'm hoping for a romantic evening. One that I won't be forgetting any time soon. I need this.
Day 4: Florence Day Trip (and the inevitable Art Overload)
- Morning: The train to Florence! This is an excellent change of scenery. I'm excited - and a little overwhelmed. Florence is beautiful, but also… Florence. Prepare for crowds, art overload, and a serious case of "tourist neck" from craning to see everything.
- Midday: The Uffizi Gallery. God help me. I'm a total art newbie. I'll stare at Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" and try not to faint. Expect me to be utterly overwhelmed, and secretly wishing I'd spent more time learning about art.
- Afternoon: Climb to the top of Duomo (the Florence Cathedral). I'm dreading the stairs, but (as I've been told so many times) the view is worth it. My biggest fear is getting stuck in a tight space due to my claustrophobia.
- Evening: Pizza and gelato! (Priority number one). A true Florence experience. I will eat pizza. After that, I will have as much gelato as I can. I want to make this the best day ever. I deserve it. And, I'm thinking about bringing some pizza back to the villa.
- Late Evening: Return to Cortona. More of the same, please.
- Additional Note: I will definitely purchase too many souvenirs.
Day 5: Departure and the "Goodbye, Italy" Blues
- Morning: One last leisurely breakfast. Stare out at the view, trying to commit it to memory. This is where the depression will set in.
- Midday: Return to Florence Airport. I'm already dreading this. Hopefully this time, the flights will be less chaotic.
- Afternoon: Flight home. This will be a sad moment.
- Evening: Back home! This is the moment when the "post-vacation blues" kicks in.
Post-Trip Note:
This itinerary is, of course, a fluid suggestion, subject to the whims of my mood, the weather, and the availability of Aperol Spritz. I might end up spending three straight days by the pool, happily neglecting everything else. I'll let you know how it unfolds. Hopefully, with laughter. And maybe a little bit of wine. Stay tuned! (And, please, pray for my luggage.)
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Holiday Home in De Haan, Belgium!
Escape to Tuscany: Ugh, San Martino Ulivi (and My Brain) - FAQs
So, *Is* San Martino Ulivi actually the idyllic Tuscan dream, or just… a house pretending to be one?
What's the deal with that pool? Any hidden dangers? (Besides the mosquitos, I'm guessing)
The kitchen: Is it actually usable? Or is it just there for show? (Because, you know, Instagram.)
What's the vibe like overall? Is it party central? Or more "peace and quiet please"?
Tips for dealing with the mosquitos... and other local wildlife?
Is it worth it? Would you go back? (Be honest!)
