Perugia Paradise: Luxury Country House w/ Pool (Belvilla by OYO)
Perugia Paradise: More Paradise Than Perugian? A Belvilla Review (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, deep breaths. This review is less a polished travel brochure and more a confession from the trenches of a luxury country house stay. "Perugia Paradise," they call it. Let's see if it lives up to the name, shall we? (Spoiler alert: the name is aspirational, but not entirely misleading. Mostly.) I went in expecting Instagram perfection, and came out with a few hilarious stories, a tan, and a renewed appreciation for REALLY good coffee.
First Impressions & Accessibility - A Bit of a Rollercoaster
Finding the place was an adventure. GPS tried leading us down a goat path at one point. Finally, after a few (very) dramatic U-turns, we arrived. The exterior is stunning – postcard perfect. Think rolling hills, cypress trees, and that classic Tuscan farmhouse vibe.
Accessibility? Now, this is where things get… complicated. The website promises "facilities for disabled guests," but let's just say the reality required a bit of creative navigating. The main areas are mostly accessible (there's an elevator!), but some of the charming, rustic details (cobblestone walkways, for example) could be a nightmare for anyone with mobility issues. My take? If accessibility is crucial, call ahead and be super specific about your needs. Don't just rely on the generic promises. And be prepared for a bit of a workout!
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges - Hmmm…
Okay, I'm going to be brutally honest. I didn’t see a restaurant that was specifically designated "accessible" in the traditional sense. However, there was a terrace and the main dining area, where they could accommodate a wheelchair user. The staff were incredibly helpful, so I’m betting they'd bend over backwards to assist, but this isn't exactly a modern, purpose-built setup. More a case of "we'll make it work, and we'll make it charming."
Wheelchair Accessible? See above. It’s… nuanced.
Internet Access & the Wi-Fi Saga - The Speed of Italian Life
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hurrah! Or, as the Italians would say, "Finalmente!" (It took a while to get there, but hey, we’re in Italy, right?) The signal in my room was… spotty. Let's call it "intermittent connectivity." Perfect for a digital detox, perhaps? My inner journalist, however, shrieked. Luckily, the Wi-Fi in the common areas was generally better.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet Services, Wi-Fi in Public Areas - Okay, We Get It, It's There
So… internet is available. Good to know. And again, mostly free and in public areas. A slight technical hiccup here and there, but Italy, baby! Embrace the chaos!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Where the "Paradise" Kicks In
This is where Perugia Paradise actually shines. Forget pixelated paradise! This is real-life, sun-drenched, "I could stay here forever" paradise.
- Pool with a View: This alone almost makes the trip. The infinity pool, overlooking the Umbrian countryside, is breathtaking. I spent DAYS here. Seriously, days. Sipping Aperol Spritz (see below!) and letting the sun bake all my worries away. Pure bliss.
- Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: The spa situation is gorgeous. I indulged in a massage (more on that later), and the sauna and steamroom offered the perfect post-massage chill-out. Side note: I walked in completely discombobulated after the massage, and may or may not have accidentally wandered into a couple’s massage room. The staff was lovely about it, though. Mortification level… significant.
- Fitness Center: Never used it. (See: Aperol Spritz, infinity pool, general laziness). Judging by the equipment, it seemed pretty decent, though.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage: Oh, the massage! Heaven. The masseuse was amazing. I felt like a limp, happy noodle afterwards. Book it. Immediately.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Clearly, I was a fan.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe… Mostly
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Okay, they really took COVID seriously. I appreciate it, but it felt a little sterile at times. I mean, I get it, but sometimes all the sanitizing kind of killed the vibe. However, I felt safe and secure. The staff were clearly adhering to all the protocols, which is reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Which is excellent (I'm just getting used to it at this point).
- First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call: Always a plus if you're prone to scrapes and bruises, like me apparently.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Journey (and a Few Hiccups)
- Breakfast [buffet]: Pretty good. Not spectacular, but solid. Plenty of options. The bacon was… well, bacon. The coffee, however, was divine. I'll be dreaming of that espresso for weeks.
- Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: All present and accounted for.
- Restaurants, Poolside bar, Bar: The onsite restaurant served really wonderful, traditional Italian food. The wine list was extensive, and the bar was an absolute lifesaver. The poolside bar was the place to be in the afternoons for aperitivo!
- Room service [24-hour]: They actually do have 24-hour room service?! I didn't test it, since I was too busy enjoying the pool, but that's amazing.
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Bottle of water, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: So, lots to choose from! I didn't get to try everything, because, you know, vacation, but I enjoyed everything I did try.
- Side note: I ordered a salad once, and they accidentally brought me THE ENTIRE salad bar. I'm talking, all the lettuce, all the toppings, all the dressings. It was a hilarious (and delicious) mistake.
Services and Conveniences: The Bells & Whistles
- Hair Dryer, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Food delivery: All good. Everything you'd expect from a luxury establishment.
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Safety deposit boxes, Elevator: More essential than you'd realize, especially in the heat of the Italian summer.
- **Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Facilities for disabled guests, Gift/souvenir shop, Safe dining setup, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Facilities for disabled guests: **They have it all covered
- Business facilities, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Shrine, Xerox/fax in business center: A full-blown business center! Well, okay, maybe not a full-blown center, but they have all the essentials.
- Front desk [24-hour], Express Check-in/out I loved the express check-out! It's a small thing, but a huge time saver.
For the Kids - Family Friendly But Not a Disney World
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Yes, the place is family-friendly, but not aggressively so. There's a pool (obviously), and they seemed happy to accommodate kids. However, this isn’t a dedicated "kiddie resort." Bring your own entertainment.
Access & Safety: Feeling Secure
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Safety/security feature, Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Felt safe and secure. Standard safety measures in place.
Getting Around – Best to Rent a Car
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Having a car is highly recommended. It’s situated in the middle of nowhere, and that's part of its charm.
Available in all Rooms: Creature Comforts & Little Luxuries
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains,
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going to Perugia, Italy, and we're doing it Belvilla-style. That translates to "hopefully a house with a pool by the end of this," because let's be honest, that's the dream, right? And I'm taking YOU, my (mostly) imaginary travel buddy, along for the ride. Prepare for a whirlwind of pasta, questionable Italian, and moments of profound existential dread… sprinkled with sunshine, of course.
Day 1: Arrival & the Great House Hunt (Emphasis on "Hunt")
- Morning (Pre-Flight Anxiety): Okay, first things first. The flight. I'm a nervous flyer, let's just say. I'm currently mainlining anti-anxiety tea, and if the plane even thinks about turbulence, I'm blaming you. But hey, the photos of the Belvilla house with the pool were AMAZING. Fingers crossed it's not a mirage.
- Afternoon (Arrival and Confusion): Arrive in Perugia. Hopefully, my luggage also arrived. Navigating Italian airports is a special kind of chaotic ballet. Trying to find the rental car agency, the sun is beating down, and I'm sweating already. (Note to self: Pack extra deodorant. Italy, you beautiful, sweaty beast.) Finally, got the car. It's… small. And Italian. Which means it probably has a mind of its own.
- Late Afternoon/Evening ("Finding" the Belvilla): The GPS is, of course, useless. We're now lost in the Umbrian countryside. Rolling green hills, vineyards stretching forever…and me, muttering curses at the little screen. I suspect we're "near" the Belvilla, which could mean anywhere within a 10-mile radius. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we see it! Yes!!! The pictures didn't lie.
- First Impressions: "Oh. Wow." The view from the house is breathtaking. The pool…is a little green, but it will be fine. Let's be honest, the house itself is amazing. The kitchen is HUGE. If only I knew how to cook anything other than pasta.
- The Great Unpacking: Unpack…half of my luggage. The rest can wait. I've earned a beer. Or three.
Day 2: Perugia's Medieval Charm (and My Attempt to Speak Italian)
- Morning (Attempting Civilization): We're heading into the heart of Perugia today. The city itself is spectacular, it's a maze of narrow, cobbled streets and historic buildings. The Piazza IV Novembre is breathtaking. The Duomo di Perugia (Perugia Cathedral), magnificent.
- Afternoon (Lunch and Linguistic Humiliation): Found a trattoria that looked divine. Ordered "pasta alla carbonara." Felt smug. Then the waiter asked something, and I froze. My Italian vocabulary is limited to "Buongiorno," "Grazie," and "where's the bathroom?" I flailed. He smiled patiently. I mumbled. I think I may have accidentally ordered a side of olives. But the carbonara was worth the embarrassment.
- The Art of People-Watching (and Avoiding Pigeon Attacks): Strolling through the city, I take a moment to watch people, I like watching them laugh and talk, and I can't help but admire the life and energy of the city, despite the pigeons.
- Evening (Sunset and Spumante): Back at the house. The pool is still a bit algae-y, but the sun is setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Cracking open a bottle of spumante. Life is good. For a bit, anyway. There's always the nagging feeling that I’ve forgotten something incredibly important. Like my passport. Or how to breathe.
Day 3: The Wine Tour That Went Sideways (in a Good Way)
- Morning (The Dream of Wine): Today, we're doing a wine tour! Umbria is famous for its wines, and I’m very excited. My research (aka, Googling "best Umbrian wineries") has led me to a vineyard promising "stunning views and unforgettable experiences." Prepare for the experience of a lifetime, and a LOT of wine.
- Afternoon (Vineyard Visit and Slightly Slurred Speech): Oh. My. God. The wine is EVERYTHING. We started with the white, then the rosé, then the reds. I swear, the sun is actually sparkling. The "stunning views" were, as advertised, stunning. And the host, bless his heart, kept refilling our glasses. Next thing I know, I'm trying to learn how to say "Cheers" in Italian.
- The Lesson: Drink slowly! And the best advice: don't try to drive the small Italian car after you've sampled several wines.
- Evening (Pizza and Regrets): Back at the house. We ordered pizza, but I'm pretty sure I'm still drunk. I vaguely remember attempting to learn Italian. Badly. The pizza was delicious, but I'm now experiencing regret and slight nausea.
Day 4: Assisi and the Quest for Serenity (Spoiler: Failed)
- Morning (The Basilica's Glory): Today, we take a day trip to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of St. Francis. The Basilica di San Francesco is magnificent. The art is so pretty, and makes me wish I was religious to have something to admire.
- Afternoon (The Quest for Peace): The city is crowded with tourists. The search for "serenity" is proving more difficult than expected. I would love to have a quiet moment to enjoy the peace in the city, but there are so many people!
- Emotional Reaction: It's… overwhelming. The beauty is palpable, but so is the crowd. I need quiet. I need silence. I need a nap. And a gelato.
- Evening (Back to Base): Back at the house. After a long visit, it’s time to go back. After trying to find peace, it's time to go back and rest, and maybe, finally, chill.
Day 5: Pool Day (Finally!) and the Pasta Debacle
- Morning (Pool Time!): The pool's been cleaned! Finally. It's time for some serious relaxation. Sunscreen applied, book in hand, and a giant inflatable unicorn bobbing. This is the life. This is what I came for.
- Afternoon (Pasta and Mayhem): Time to put that huge kitchen to use. "Pasta alla carbonara," attempt number two. I'm pretty sure I used way too much pepper. It looks like I had an accident. The eggs didn't set properly. The sauce is, well, let's be generous and call it "rustic."
- The Verdict: It's edible, but probably not award-winning. But after all I went through, I will eat all of it.
- Evening (Sunset, and a Very Content Me): Back to the pool, with a glass of wine. Watching the sunset, and the feeling of contentment. It's just me, the wine, and the fading light.
Day 6: Exploring the Countryside
- Morning (Countryside Drive): A drive through the Umbrian countryside. Beautiful as always. The feeling of freedom.
- Afternoon (Unexpected Discoveries): Random finds, in the form of a tiny town festival, with music. Trying to eat what feels like authentic Italian ice cream- I'm in love with the flavors.
- Evening (Stargazing): The night is clear, the sky is full of stars. The sounds of the crickets are so beautiful, filling the night with a magical rhythm.
Day 7: Departure (and a Deep Sigh of Relief)
- Morning (Packing and Post-Vacation Blues): Packing. The bittersweet moment of seeing the trip come to an end.
- Afternoon (Airport and the Journey Back): Waiting for the flight, the thoughts of what happened the most interesting moments of the trip. Trying to savor the memories.
- Evening (Looking Forward): Back home. Exhausted, slightly sunburnt, and with a suitcase full of memories (and maybe a bottle of wine). Would I do it again? Absolutely. Probably. Eventually. (Once I've recovered.)
Perugia Paradise: The Real Deal (Belvilla by OYO) - A Deep Dive (and Possible Therapy Session)
Okay, spill the beans! Is Perugia Paradise *actually* paradise? Or is it just…nice?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. Truth serum time. It's…complicated. Look, the pictures? Glamorous. The promise of rolling Umbrian hills, a sparkly pool, a charming country house? Yes, *present* – mostly. Paradise? Well, depends on your definition. I'd say it's more like *aspirational* paradise. Think Instagram vs. reality. The reality? Let's just say, it takes work to find it. My first day? Found an incredibly charming, completely non-poisonous, garden snake sunning itself right by the breakfast table. Started to wonder if I was living out some idyllic Italian fantasy or a chapter in an Agatha Christie novel. Definitely not the "relaxing" start I'd planned.
What's the house *really* like? Be honest!
The house… Okay, so imagine a charming, aged Italian grandmother. She's beautiful, but she's also got a few wrinkles, a slightly wonky hip (that's the plumbing - more on that later!), and a tendency to leave things *just* where they are. It's rustic. It’s got character. It also comes with the charming quirks of an older building. We had to navigate some low-hanging beams. Twice. The air conditioning? Powerful, but also… loud. Think jet engine preparing for take-off on a runway made of cheese. Cozy, though. The first night I felt as if I was transported in a time machine. Waking up surrounded by such history was an unforgettable experience.
The pool! Tell me about the pool! Is it as gorgeous as the photos?
The pool… Ah, the pool. Photo, photo, photo. In reality, the pool is stunning. The water is crystal clear. The views are breathtaking. The problem? If you're expecting a pristine, perfectly manicured pool area, you might be disappointed. There were some leaves. Okay, a *lot* of leaves, and a grumpy-looking frog that considered it his personal spa. But the views! Forget it. I could spend a day just staring at the scenery.
What about the location? Is it easy to get to nearby towns and attractions?
Location, location, location! That's what they say, right? And in this case, it’s… mostly good. You're definitely in the countryside. Quiet, peaceful... and a bit remote. Getting to Perugia itself is straightforward, but those charming little hilltop towns? The roads are winding. The GPS sometimes tries to lead you down paths that are more suited to goats than cars. We got lost… a lot. Once, we ended up on a “road” that was basically a dried-up riverbed. My little Italian rental car never felt more like a glorified tin can. The upside? Every wrong turn led to a stunning view, ultimately.
Is the kitchen well-equipped? I love to cook!
The kitchen… oh, the kitchen! Picture this: you've just spent a delightful day at the nearby market, buying fresh produce. You're picturing a gourmet Italian feast. You get back to the house, and… well, the cookware might be a slightly mixed bag. Some things are excellent. Some things are… well, let's just say they've seen better days. You might need to channel your inner MacGyver to get everything to work. I brought a couple of my own essential cooking tools from home just in case. Nothing like a trusty can opener. In the end, it was perfect for making simple dishes, lots of pasta - and it all tasted delicious!
Any issues with the plumbing/wifi/other utilities?
Plumbing… yes. Let's be honest, folks, this is an older house. The hot water sometimes takes a while to arrive. The water pressure… can be temperamental (think a trickle of water, or a full-on geyser). The wifi? It’s there. Sometimes. Mostly, it acts as if it's in a witness protection program. Bring a good book. The lack of internet was secretly quite nice. Disconnected from the world, I finally had time to be still, and really absorb the beauty of the place. The other biggest issue was the mosquitos at night. Be prepared!
Is it worth the money? Would you go back?
Worth the money? That's a tough one. Look, I wouldn’t say it's *cheap*. You're paying for the location, the private pool, and the undeniable charm. Do your research. Read the reviews (and take mine with a grain of salt, I'm a drama queen). Would I go back? Maybe. If you embrace the imperfections, if you are willing to *work* for your relaxation, then yes. If you're looking for sterile perfection, this is not it. But if you want a true taste of Umbria, a place to unwind (eventually!), a place to create your own little Italian adventure, then… it might just be heaven. Just pack some bug spray, a good book, and a sense of humor. And maybe a spare can opener. And if you see a garden snake, don't panic. Just smile, and remember you’re in Italy!
Tell me about the Check-In/Check-Out process?
Check-in was fine, but it could have been a bit smoother. We had the code, we found the key, all the usual. But the instructions were a bit vague. The initial email said one thing, then the Belvilla app said something else. Eventually, we figured it out. It felt like a bit of a treasure hunt. Check-out was easy, but no information was given regarding the pool. We were worried we had to do some pool cleaning before leaving.
What's the best part of the experience?
The best part? The *feeling*. That feeling you get when you're sitting on the terrace, glass of wine in hand, watching the sun dip below the rolling hills, the cicadas chirping their evening song, the air smelling of lavender and the earthy scent of ancient stone. It's the kind of feeling that makes you forget about the wonky wifi, the occasional plumbing hiccup, and even the persistent mosquitos. It's a feelingBook Hotels Now
