Escape to Tuscany: Luxurious Belvilla Casanova Apartment Awaits!
Escape to Tuscany: Belvilla Casanova Apartment – My (Mostly) Blissful, Occasionally Bawdy, Tuscan Adventure!
Okay, so let's be real – planning a trip to Tuscany conjures up images of sun-drenched vineyards, impossibly charming villages, and pasta… endless, glorious pasta. And Belvilla's "Casanova Apartment" – well, it promised all of that, with a touch of, you know, luxury. Did it deliver? Mostly. Did I have a few minor hiccups along the way? Absolutely! This isn't some airbrushed influencer post; this is the real deal.
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Accessibility (Because, You Know, Life Isn't Always Staircases):
Right off the bat, HUGE props to Belvilla for even mentioning accessibility. Finding genuinely accessible accommodation in Italy can be a nightmare. The apartment itself claimed to be wheelchair accessible. Reality? Well, in my experience, "accessible" in Italy sometimes means “you might be able to squeeze through if you’re a contortionist and possess superhuman upper body strength.” The entrance had a slight ramp, bless. The interior doors felt a teensy bit narrow, but my trusty travel companion (aka, my wheelchair) just about made it through. The bathroom, thankfully, had grab bars – a literal lifesaver. My opinion, though, it was a struggle. If you are a wheelchair user, always call directly and don't rely on the booking website. (And maybe bring your own tape, just in case.)
On-Site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges (Or, Where Can I Stuff My Face?):
This is where it got a bit… thin. There were no actual accessible restaurants within the apartment complex. You had to venture out. Which, depending on your mobility situation, could be an adventure in itself. I did not take advantage of the on-site dining due to this complication.
Internet – Wi-Fi in All Rooms! (Praise Be!):
Lord, in this day and age, reliable Wi-Fi is practically a human right. The “Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!” claim? Mostly true. I had some spotty moments where I swear the connection was powered by pure, unadulterated hope, but hey, it’s Italy. You’re meant to disconnect, right? (Except when you're desperately trying to upload that Instagram story of your Aperol spritz.) The internet access – LAN connection option (which, let's be honest, who even uses that anymore?) was available, too, but I preferred the freedom of wireless.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa Day? YES. But Also, Pasta.):
Okay, buckle up, because this is where Belvilla really shines.
Spa & Wellness: Oh. My. God. The spa! They had a sauna, steamroom, and a pool with a view . The treatments were amazing. The massage was heavenly, and I may or may not have drooled a little (don’t judge). The body scrub and body wrap added to one of the best experiences I had over the stay. My recommendation, skip the gym. Hit the spa. The fitness center was another story. The equipment seemed a little..vintage. I stuck to the spa.
Swimming Pool: The outdoor pool was, frankly, Instagram-worthy. Seriously stunning! The view was breathtaking. The pool was, for the most part not crowded, so that was a bonus!
For the Kids: I didn't have any kids with me, but there was a kid's club and play area.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, Let’s Be Safe, Out There):
Covid Considerations: Belvilla was taking all the precautions. Masks were required in public areas, and they had hand sanitiser everywhere.
Room Sanitization: I liked that you could opt-out of room sanitization – I am all about not wasting products.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Most Important Part):
This is where things got a bit more… complicated.
Restaurants & Bars: There was a restaurant on site. The food was decent. But what was available to order was sparse.
Breakfast: There was a breakfast buffet. The food was mostly standard fare. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly acceptable to get you going.
Room Service (24-hour): They had that! Another point in their favor. Useful for late-night snacking emergencies (which, let’s be real, happen).
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff That Makes Life Easier):
Daily Housekeeping: YES! Especially after a week of pasta and Aperol spritzes. The rooms were cleaned daily.
Laundry Service & Dry Cleaning: Available and appreciated.
Concierge: The concierge was super helpful in booking tours, answering questions, and generally making life easier. I’m not one who enjoys planning every detail when I'm on a holiday.
Cash Withdrawal: There were cash machines available and I used them!
Car Park (Free of Charge): A huge bonus. Parking can be a nightmare in Italy.
Available in All Rooms (The Nitty-Gritty):
Air Conditioning: Essential! This is Tuscany, remember? You will sweat.
Mini Bar: Filled with overpriced snacks. You've been warned.
Coffee/Tea Maker: Essential for your morning caffeine fix
Hair Dryer: So, you're not caught looking like a wet dog in your pictures!
Safe Box: Always a good thing.
My Honest-to-Goodness Verdict:
The Belvilla Casanova Apartment? It’s a good solid place to stay. It's not perfect. The accessibility could be improved, and the dining options need a little sprucing up, but overall, it's a lovely base for exploring Tuscany. If you're looking for a luxurious, entirely hassle-free experience, this might not be it. But if you're up for a bit of adventure, some stunning views, and some serious relaxation, it's worth a look. Just… maybe call about the accessibility beforehand. And pack extra snacks. You're welcome.
Unbelievable Chalet Getaway Near Elburg! 6km to Biddinghuizen!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's "perfectly planned itinerary." This is my rambling, wine-drunk, cheese-loving, slightly anxious, and utterly obsessed-with-Italy journey to Gambassi Terme, Italy. Specifically, to that Casanova Apartment in Belvilla by OYO. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.
Gambassi Terme: My Italian Meltdown (and Hopefully, Triumph) – A Messy Itinerary
Pre-Trip Panic Attack (AKA, The "Before Time")
Weeks Before Departure: Spent approximately 72 hours watching "Under the Tuscan Sun" and convinced myself I'd become a chic, olive oil-slurping, Italian-speaking goddess. (Spoiler alert: I speak about four words of Italian, and I probably spill more olive oil than I consume). Booked flights. Breathed into a paper bag. Double-checked my passport approximately 87 times.
Days Before Departure: Packed. Unpacked. Repacked. Realized I had WAY too many shoes (because, Italy). Forgotten the power adapter. Cue frantic Amazon order. Attempted to download Duolingo, gave up after 5 minutes. Googled "how to survive a pasta coma." Considered leaving my cat. (Eventually, I gave her, a very judgmental Persian, to my neighbor who I bribed with promises of Italian treats).
Day 1: Arrival and the "OMG, I'm Actually Here!" Moment
- Morning: Ugh, the flight. So much legroom, so little sleep. Landed in Florence. My luggage, predictably, decided to take a scenic detour to… I don't know, maybe Monaco? Stress levels rising faster than a sourdough starter.
- Afternoon: Found a charming, if somewhat grumpy, taxi driver who (miraculously) spoke some English. The drive to Gambassi Terme. The Tuscan hills. The cypress trees… it's real! I felt a wave of profound, almost embarrassing, joy. We passed a sign for "Chianti Classico." My inner voice whispered, "Start stocking up."
- Late Afternoon: FINALLY arrived at Casanova Apt 2. It looked exactly like the pictures! Okay, maybe a tiny bit smaller. And the "charming balcony" was, well, not exactly large, but perfect for sunset Aperol Spritzes. The sheer thought of it made me tingle.
- Evening: Grocery store run. Got wildly confused by the cheese section. Accidentally bought three different types of Pecorino (no regrets!). Ate pasta on the balcony. The air was… magic. Wine was… flowing. First night, and I already understood. This was everything. Everything, and more.
Day 2: Villages, Views, and a Near-Disaster with a Vespa
- Morning: Attempted to make coffee. Failed. Went to a local cafe, and the barista, a beautiful older woman with a smile that could light up the whole town, kindly made me an espresso (and probably judged my terrible Italian).
- Late Morning: Explored Gambassi Terme. So cute. Seriously, so cute! A quick gelato stop. Pure deliciousness. I’m pretty sure the town is made out of cobblestones and gelato. The charm just oozes out of the walls.
- Afternoon: Decided this was the day I would become a Vespa goddess. Rented a Vespa. (Biggest mistake of my life, possibly tied with that one time I wore Crocs to a wedding). Attempted to drive (with a lot of yelps and terrified glances at the other drivers). Went for 'a scenic drive through the hills'. Ended up barely avoiding a faceplant into a field of sunflowers. Eventually made myself stop and enjoy the views. They were breathtaking. Literally. I was out of breath from the sheer beauty and the Vespa drama.
- Evening: Recovering from the Vespa near death experience with a MASSIVE plate of pasta at a nearby Trattoria. The food. Oh, the food. It was heavenly. Swore off Vespas forever.
Day 3: Wine, Cooking, and the Great Pasta Incident
- Morning: Woke up with a slightly bruised backside (thanks, Vespa!) and a craving for Tuscan sunshine. Decided to do the "wine tasting" in the vineyard that everyone raves about.
- Late Morning/Afternoon: Wine tour. The guy, bless his heart, must have been used to tipsy tourists because he was incredibly patient with my questionable Italian. Wine was… amazing. I think I may have inhaled an entire bottle.
- Afternoon: Cooking class! Finally a chance to embrace my inner Italian goddess! We made pasta. I attempted to make pasta. I failed at all the pasta. But it was fun, messy, and incredibly delicious.
- Evening: Back at the Casanova appartment. Attempting to recreate what I'd learned in the cooking class. It was a disaster. My pasta looked more like rubber bands than fettuccine. But, Hey! I can cook pasta.
Day 4: Exploring San Gimignano (the "City of Towers") and the "Lost Passport" Scare
- Morning: Day trip to San Gimignano. The towers! Wow! San Gimignano felt like a fairytale. Wandered the streets, got lost, and loved every second of it. The views were amazing. Bought way too much of the local saffron gelato (worth it).
- Afternoon: Panic. Lost my passport. Okay, maybe not "lost," more like "misplaced." Spent an hour frantically tearing apart my suitcase, muttering panicked phrases in broken Italian. Found it tucked safely (and stupidly) behind my travel journal. Mental note: learn to relax.
- Evening: Celebrating my passport's reappearance with a giant pizza and a bottle of local wine.
Day 5: Relaxation and Regeneration
- Morning: Woke up… hungover. Decided to dedicate the day to relaxation and regeneration.
- Late Morning: Took a stroll. Found a cute little shop. Bought a hat. Wore the hat.
- Afternoon: Reading. Wine. Nap. Enjoyed the afternoon sun on the balcony. Took a deep breath. I was starting to unwind. Finally.
- Evening: Ate at a small restaurant. Enjoying the company of locals. Had a great meal. The flavors were incredible.
Day 6: The Last Day and Farewell
- Morning: One last walk around Gambassi Terme to try and soak up as much charm as possible. Visited the local thermal spa.
- Afternoon: Packing. Tears (mostly because I didn’t want to leave). A last, lingering glance at the balcony. Reminiscing about the Vespa, the pasta, the wine, and the sheer, unadulterated beauty of it all.
- Evening: Saying goodbye to Casanova Apt 2. Saying goodbye to the town. I wasn't ready. I felt sad. I realized I had left a piece of my heart in Gambassi Terme. This was going to be hard.
Day 7: Departure (and the Promise of Return)
- Morning: The flight. The sadness. The inevitable promise to myself: get back here as soon as humanly possible. That Tuscan spell? It was strong. It was real. And I was completely, utterly, and gloriously under it.
Post-Trip Reflections (AKA, The "Coming Down" Phase)
- Immediately After: Woke up in my own bed. Dreamed about pasta. Cried a little. Started planning my return trip.
- Now: Still thinking about the pasta. Still obsessing over the views. Still practicing my terrible Italian (which is even worse now that I'm not surrounded by helpful locals). Definitely going back. Maybe I'll even learn how to drive a Vespa properly. (Probably not.)
Disclaimer: This itinerary may or may not accurately reflect the reality of my trip. There may have been more wine consumed than documented here. There may have been tears. There was definitely cheese. And, most importantly, there was a deep, abiding love for Italy that will never, ever fade. Ciao!
French Riviera Dream: Luxurious Villa & Private Pool, Steps from Soustons Beach!
Okay, spill the beans! Is the "Luxurious Belvilla Casanova Apartment" actually luxurious? 'Cause I've seen some "luxury" rentals that were... well, not.
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Luxurious" is a subjective beast, right? Look, it's not the kind of place where you're tripping over solid gold fixtures or have a butler named Jeeves (though, a good butler would have been *amazing* after the drive up!). But, yes. Mostly. It *felt* luxurious. Okay, the first impression was... woah. You know? Like, the photos online don't *quite* do it justice. We walked in, and I swear, my jaw dropped. The high ceilings, the terracotta floors... this wasn't just a rental, it was *an experience*. And the views! Oh, the views. Remember that time I booked us that "luxury cabin" in the Poconos? Yeah, this blows that out of the water by a country mile. Forget the Poconos, which is where my expectations were.
Now, there were a *couple* of minor things. Like, the water pressure in the shower? Could’ve been better. And the Wi-Fi, bless its heart, occasionally decided to take an extended siesta. But honestly? I barely noticed. We were in *Tuscany*, people! Wi-Fi felt secondary compared to the Chianti and the sunshine.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually "escape to Tuscany" or more like "escape to the outskirts of a busy town"?
Okay, this is important. "Escape" implies *remote*, right? Well, it's *sort of* remote. It's definitely not smack in the middle of Florence, thank God! (More on that later, Florence is...intense). It's in the countryside, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. Picturesque? Absolutely. But the town nearby, while charming, has a... *lively* atmosphere. Let’s call it "local flavor." Which, sometimes, meant roosters at dawn and the occasional tractor parade on the road. It’s perfect if you like *slightly* off-the-beaten-path. You're not going to be stumbling into overpriced tourist traps every two seconds. You’ll actually *live* in the area a bit. We found the most *amazing* little trattoria, but let's just say *they* didn't speak much English. That's when my high school Italian finally came in *handy*. Seriously, those hand gestures were key, I swear. Plus, we got *amazing* pasta. It was total bliss to be *there*.
What's the apartment *actually* like inside? The pictures always look amazing, but the reality...?
Alright, the inside. This is where it gets good. Think *rustic chic* meets *Italian charm*. It wasn't like some sterile hotel room. This felt lived-in, in the best possible way. The kitchen (which, okay, I barely used. I'm on vacation!) was well-equipped, and I could totally imagine myself cooking a proper Italian feast...or maybe just making a cup of coffee. Here's the thing that got me. The *windows*. Big, beautiful windows that looked out onto... *the views*! Remember those? You could spend literally hours just staring out, drinking wine (obviously). The bedroom, the bed was *comfortable*. I slept like a log. And the bathroom? Clean, modern, and with a shower that, while not perfect for water pressure, worked just fine. It had *character*, you know? It wasn't a cookie-cutter place you'd find anywhere. It felt *special*.
Okay, let's talk about the downsides. Anything REALLY bad? The unvarnished truth, please!
Right, the downsides. Nobody wants to hear *everything* is perfect, and it wasn't. The biggest thing? The drive. The roads in Tuscany are... how shall we put it? *Charming*. Narrow, winding, and often, ridiculously steep. Our little rental car had a *very* close encounter of the bumper kind with a stone wall on day two. Let's just say I'm glad we had rental insurance! Also. Remember the Wi-Fi I mentioned? It was a bit... temperamental. And the mosquito situation? Get. Mosquito repellent. Seriously. They are *vampires*. I went through an entire bottle! Oh! This sounds bad, but is more hilarious now... One night, as we were making dinner, the power went out! Total blackout. Turns out, it's a pretty common thing in older buildings. We had candles (thank goodness!), and had a ridiculously romantic dinner by candlelight, even though we couldn't finish the pasta. It really made the experience unforgettable!
What about the things to *do*? Is this the kind of place where you rent a car and explore, or are you stuck on the property?
A car is NOT optional. Seriously, pack your driving gloves! It’s a MUST. This place is all about exploring. You're a good drive from everything. Florence, Siena, San Gimignano... all within reach. This is the Italy of picture postcards. We spent one day in Florence. That was...an experience. Incredible art, amazing food, and enough people to populate a small planet. It was exhausting, but totally worth it! The apartment is also within driving distance of wineries, medieval villages (you absolutely *have* to go to San Gimignano! It's like stepping back in time!), and endless rolling hills that are perfect for photos. I mean, even just driving to a different town was a *thing*. The landscapes were so amazing.
Would you go back? Seriously. Knowing everything, would you book it again?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Even with the temperamental Wi-Fi and the rogue mosquito army, I'd go back. Why? Because it was *magical*. It was an experience. It felt like real Italy. It's a place to disconnect from the daily grind and just... breathe. I’m already starting to look at dates. I have already recommended for anyone to give it a go. We had the very best experience in our lifetime, it was special. It made me feel absolutely rejuvenated.
