Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Cottage in Marliana Awaits!
Escape to Tuscany: My Dream (Almost) Cottage - Marliana Edition! - A Real-Talk Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Cottage in Marliana Awaits!…well, it awaits. And I’m here to tell you all about it, the good, the less good, and the downright delightful. Consider this less a polished travel brochure, and more a slightly manic, espresso-fueled diary entry that I'm now sharing with the internet.
(SEO & Metadata Warning: Keywords galore below! Marliana, Tuscany, Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurants, Free Wi-Fi, etc. Blah blah blah… you get the idea!)
First Impressions: Swoon-Worthy & Slightly Stressful (Like Life!)
The website photos? Yeah, they're mostly accurate. Think sun-drenched hills, cypress trees poking at the sky, and a genuinely stunning vista. Arriving in Marliana, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, felt like stepping onto a movie set. My heart actually did a little fluttery thing. Then reality hit. Finding the actual "cottage" (more like a sprawling villa, honestly, but let's cling to the dream) involved a GPS that clearly had a vendetta against me and a near-miss with a rogue Vespa. But hey, that's part of the Italian charm, right? Right?
Accessibility - The Big Question Mark
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or, in this case, the wheelchair in the room (or, potentially, not in the room, depending…). The website does mention Facilities for disabled guests, so I was cautiously optimistic. Elevator? Check! That’s a huge win right off the bat. However, the devil, as always, is in the details. While the main areas seem relatively accessible – think flat(ish) walkways and wide doorways – navigating the sprawling property, especially the beautiful Swimming pool [outdoor] (more on that gloriousness later), required a bit of pre-planning and a few helpful staff members. I'm not going to lie, there were moments where I had to rely on the kindness of strangers (and some strategically placed ramps). The pool with a view was partially accessible, again, not perfectly, but the view completely makes up for the (minor) shortfall.
On-site Revelations & Culinary Adventures
Okay, let's dive into the good stuff:
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking! Holy cannoli! This is where Escape to Tuscany shines. There's a Restaurant that serves up some truly phenomenal Tuscan fare (especially the pasta; oh mama!). The Asian breakfast was an unexpected, but delicious surprise, and the Coffee/tea in restaurant was a daily ritual I deeply cherished. The Bar is a definite highlight; a perfect spot for a pre-dinner Aperol Spritz while watching the sunset. The Poolside bar is a must-visit for a quick refreshment or a poolside snack. So many options! I was also particularly obsessed with the Desserts in Restaurant.
- Room Service (24-hour): Because sometimes, you just need that midnight plate of pasta. This was a lifesaver after a particularly long day exploring the region.
- Breakfast [Buffet] and Breakfast takeaway service: A solid start to the day with a wide selection. The Breakfast in room option was handy on those mornings when I just wanted to luxuriate in bed.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Catering to various needs.
Spa Serenity & Relaxation Station
This is where I almost lost it in the best way possible. The Spa is a true sanctuary!.
- Massage: I had the most incredible massage. It's an absolute must-do, seriously. I could probably meditate for a week using the memories from that massage.
- Sauna, Steamroom, and Foot bath: If you love a good sweat, you're in the right place. The Spa/sauna experience was top-notch.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: I didn't indulge in either, but I'm regretting that now…next time!
The Pool with a view is, as previously mentioned, divine. The feeling of floating in that clear water, gazing at that Tuscan landscape… pure bliss.
Cleanliness & Safety – COVID-era Considerations
Look, let's be real, the pandemic has changed everything. Escape to Tuscany definitely takes this seriously.
- There was a strong commitment to Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Hand sanitizer was everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol and the implementation of physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were reassuring.
The Room: My Cozy Tuscan Nest
Okay, let's talk about my room. The "cottage" vibes definitely extended to the rooms themselves. It felt authentic; rustic yet comfortable.
- Free Wi-Fi: Crucial for everything.
- Air conditioning: Essential during the summer heat.
- Blackout curtains: Perfect for sleeping in (which I did, a lot).
- Bathrobes and Slippers: Small touches, but they made the experience feel extra luxurious.
- Coffee/tea maker: A lifesaver for early mornings.
- Mini bar: Stocked with essentials (and a few guilty pleasures).
- Safe Box: Peace of mind.
- Soundproofing: Much appreciated when the cicadas decided to start their evening serenade.
- Smoke detector and Safety/security features.
- Private bathroom: always a bonus.
- Window that opens: Because sometimes you just want to breathe in that Tuscan air.
Things to Do (Beyond Just Breathing)
While relaxing is the priority, there's plenty to keep you busy if you’re feeling energetic.
- Things to do: The hotel can organize tours, cooking classes, and even wine tasting (which I highly recommend!).
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Plenty solutions.
- Bicycle parking: Fun option.
- * Kids facilities, babysitting service: Families are welcome, and there are options for kids.
The Little Things (And Some Imperfections)
No place is perfect, so let's get real:
- Internet access – LAN: I tried to use this once and it was a bit of a mess. I stuck to the Free Wi-Fi in the end.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Fine, but not ideal for serious work.
- Babysitting service: Not available at all times.
- Ironing service: Used it!
- Laundry service: Reliable.
- Security [24-hour]: reassuring.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Oh. My. God. YES. Despite the minor accessibility hiccups and a slightly wonky GPS experience, Escape to Tuscany delivers on its promise. It’s a beautiful, relaxing, and genuinely memorable experience. The food? Divine. The spa? Heavenly. The views? Instagrammable (of course). If you're looking for a Tuscan escape, this is a strong contender. Just maybe, give that GPS a wide berth.
Final Thoughts (Rambling & Slightly Emotional)
More than anything, this experience was pure escape. A chance to disconnect, recharge, and soak up the beauty of Italy. It wasn't perfect, but the imperfections only added to the charm. I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already dreaming of my return. Marliana, I'll be back! And next time, I'm bringing my own jar of Nutella. Don't judge me.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Family Spa Getaway in Belgium!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, meticulously planned travelogue. This is the raw, unfiltered, possibly slightly wine-soaked diary of my Tuscan adventure. Buckle up, because this is gonna get messy.
Tuscany or Bust (and Possibly My Sanity): Marliana & Lucca – Rough Draft of a Dream
Prologue: Pre-Departure Panic (and Prosecco)
Right, so, Tuscany. I booked this cottage in… wait for it… Marliana. Sounds romantic, doesn't it? Until you Google "Marliana, Italy" and get mostly pictures of… well, a lot of green stuff. And goats. (I have a sneaking suspicion I'm going to become intimately acquainted with goats.) This whole trip was supposed to be "Eat, Pray, Love" but with less Elizabeth Gilbert and more… well, me, awkwardly navigating cobblestone streets and attempting to speak Italian with the grace of a newborn giraffe.
Packing? Disaster. I overpacked, underpacked, then repacked, and finally, just hurled everything into a suitcase and hoped for the best. My partner, bless his patient soul, just sighs and says, "You’ll be fine." (He said that about the volcano trek in Guatemala too. I nearly died. So, yeah, trust level: moderate.) Before I left, I guzzled down a bottle of Prosecco – necessary for calming my nerves and justifying all the questionable decisions I was about to make.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Artichokes
Morning: Arrive at Florence airport. The chaos of the airport alone nearly broke me. Then trying to navigate the rental car. My GPS (Babe, as I affectionately call it) sent me on a detour through what looked like a medieval gauntlet. Narrow roads, crazy drivers, and the distinct feeling that I was about to become a permanent fixture on a Tuscan hillside.
Afternoon: Successfully (miracle!) arrived at the cottage in Marliana. It’s… rustic. Charming rustic. Okay, let's be honest, a bit dilapidated, but with a GARDEN. A glorious, sun-drenched, Italian-garden-of-my-dreams garden! My first thought was, "Can I live here forever?" Followed quickly by, "Where's the Wi-Fi password?"
Evening: The first grocery run. Armed with my (attempted) Italian phrases – “Buongiorno, un kilo di pomodori, per favore” – I faced the local deli. The butcher stared at me. I stared back. We both blinked. Eventually, I managed to mumble something about prosciutto (pork heaven) and formaggio (cheese bliss). Dinner: simple, messy, and perfect. Artichoke hearts straight from a jar.
Impression: The air smells of rosemary and hope. I can feel the stress melting away, one olive at a time. But I also miss Netflix. Is that a bad sign?
Day 2: Lucca's Walls and My Wardrobe Malfunction
Morning: Cycling around the city walls of Lucca. Oh. My. God. Incredible. This place is like something out of a fairytale. The walls are wide and leafy, perfect for a leisurely cycle ride. I was so busy admiring the view, I almost cycled into a group of nuns. (Note to self: Better spatial awareness required.)
Afternoon: Shopping! Oh, the shops. The leather goods. The scarves. My credit card wept. I bought a ridiculously oversized straw hat that makes me look like a slightly demented picnic basket. Worth it. Then disaster struck – a cobble-stone induced wardrobe malfunction. One of the straps on my dress ripped. Cue me frantically pinning it up in a public restroom.
Evening: Dinner in Lucca. Found this tiny, family-run trattoria. The pasta? Unbelievable. The wine? Even better. The conversation? A hilarious mixture of broken Italian and frantic gesturing. (Turns out, I accidentally ordered a dish that involved live snails earlier in the day. Don't ask.)
Impression: Lucca is breathtaking. I'm starting to feel like a bona fide dolce vita goddess, even if my dress is held together by safety pins. I had a moment. A real, "I can't believe I'm here" moment. Then I spilled red wine on my ridiculously oversized hat. Sigh.
Day 3: Rambling in the Mountains (and a near-death experience with gelato)
Morning: Determined to embrace the 'Pray' portion of the itinerary. I went for a hike. The hills around Marliana are stunning, all rolling green and olive groves. I got slightly lost. Very slightly. I might have wandered off the designated path. I might have stumbled. I definitely questioned my choice of footwear (sandals - brilliant, I know).
Afternoon: Found a gelato shop in a tiny village. This. Gelato. Was. Heavenly. I devoured three scoops. Then, in a moment of pure, unadulterated joy, I managed to drop a scoop on my favourite (and only) good pair of pants. Cue me, frantically trying to clean it off in a fountain, watched by a group of amused Italian children.
Evening: Back at the cottage. Sipping wine, staring at the stars, and feeling profoundly, wonderfully, messy. I think I even saw a goat. He looked judgmental.
Impression: I am starting to truly understand the Italian concept of sprezzatura – the art of effortless imperfection. I'm embracing the chaos, the mishaps, and the complete and utter lack of a plan. And you know what? It's liberating. Even if my pants are permanently stained with gelato. And if I never get the hang of the Italian language. So what.
Day 4: Doubling Down on Gelato (And Regretting it slightly)
Morning: Inspired (or delusional) by yesterday's gelato victory, I decided to embark on a comprehensive gelato tour. Each village around Marliana has its own gelateria, and each gelateria is a portal to a different realm of creamy, frozen delight.
Afternoon: The gelato assault continued. I bravely sampled flavours I would never have considered back home – fior di latte, chocolate, pistachio, and a particularly lurid green concoction that may or may not have been made from alien vegetation.
Evening: I am experiencing 'gelato remorse'. My stomach feels like a small, frozen wasteland. I have a headache. I have developed a gelato-induced sugar addiction. My partner, having witnessed my behaviour, is quietly shaking his head.
Impression: Gelato is a siren song. A delicious, creamy, sugar-laden siren song. I have learned that moderation is key, a lesson I clearly failed to learn. Worth it? Probably.
Day 5: Farewell, For Now (and the lingering scent of regret)
Morning: Pack. Or, in my case, attempt to cram a lifetime of memories, souvenir hats, and gelato-stained pants into a suitcase.
Afternoon: Saying goodbye to the cottage. It's a bittersweet moment. I’m leaving, but I’m also leaving a tiny piece of my heart behind.
Evening: Heading to Rome. I have a feeling that the chaos and the adventures are only just beginning.
Impression: Tuscany? Magnifico. Messy. Unforgettable. I leave with a suitcase full of memories, safety pins, and a slightly unhealthy relationship with gelato. And a vow to learn some basic Italian phrases beyond "Where is toilet?"
Epilogue:
Will I return to Marliana? Absolutely. Even if the goats are judging me. Even if my Italian remains atrocious. Even if my pants never recover. This trip wasn't perfect. It was raw. It was real. And it was, in every way, deliciously, fantastically me. Arrivederci, Tuscany. Until next time when I might actually be able to say a decent Italian sentence.
Luxury Maastricht Escape: Modern Villa Awaits!
Okay, so, "Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Cottage in Marliana Awaits!" – Sounds dreamy, but... is it *actually* dreamy? Like, real-dreamy, not the Instagram-filtered kind?
Alright, let's be real. Dreamy? Yes. Utterly, ridiculously, pinch-me-I'm-dreaming dreamy? Also yes. But… (And there's always a but, isn't there?) It's not the sanitized, perfection-obsessed dream you see on travel blogs. Marliana itself is… well, let's just say it's not exactly *paved* with gold. The roads? Let's call them "character-building." The Wi-Fi? Pray to the Tuscan gods for a decent signal. I spent an entire afternoon chasing a signal in my rental car like some kind of digital Don Quixote! But… and this is a big BUT… the *essence* of the place? The food, the people, the air… that's pure, unadulterated, soul-affirming magic.
What's the cottage *actually* like? Because "rustic charm" can mean anything from "cozy" to "falling apart."
Oh, the cottage! Okay, picture this: Stone walls, terracotta roof, probably older than your great-grandparents. Inside? It's… well, it's *Italian*. Which means it’s got character, and by "character" I mean a few wonky floors, a door that sticks, and a certain *je ne sais quoi* of casual elegance. You know, the kind of place where you can spill red wine on the tablecloth and it just… adds to the ambiance? Honestly, it wasn’t perfect. I spent the first evening swatting at a particularly persistent mosquito. We'd even named him 'Guido' for his persistence. The shower pressure was, generously, a trickle. But… and here we go again… you know what? I loved it. It felt lived-in, loved, and real. It wasn't some sterile hotel room. It felt like home. A home, admittedly, with a slightly erratic plumbing system. That's fine, I'll deal with it.
Is Marliana easy to get to? Because I'm picturing myself lost in a rural Italian labyrinth.
Okay, getting to Marliana… It's… an adventure. Let's put it that way. The nearest big airport is Florence, which is lovely. From there, you can rent a car (highly recommended, though driving can be a bit… *spirited*). The drive involves some winding roads, the kind that make your stomach do loop-de-loops, and the SatNav will almost certainly try to take you down a dirt track at some point. Trust me, I know. I remember one time, Google Maps decided the best route involved a steep, cobbled alley that looked like it was designed for goats, not Volvos. I'm pretty sure I scraped the bottom the car. Let's just say I learned to embrace the scenic route, even if that route involved a few terrifying moments and a lot of very enthusiastic Italian gesturing.
What's the food situation like? Are there *actual* restaurants, or just… pasta with a view?
ARE THERE RESTAURANTS? My friend, you are in *Tuscany*. The food situation is not just "good," it's practically a religious experience. Forget the pre-packaged, boring tourist fare. Here, you’re talking about fresh pasta, *real* olive oil, tomatoes that taste like sunshine, and wine… oh, the wine. There are trattorias tucked away in every corner, serving up dishes that have been passed down through generations. The best meals weren't fancy, either. They were simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor. I stumbled into a little place in a nearby village… the kind where the Nonna seemed to be running the show. I barely understood a word of Italian, but I knew I was eating the most incredible pasta I'd ever tasted. And the gelato? Don't even get me started. I may or may not have eaten gelato for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Three days in a row. Okay, fine, it was more. Don't judge me. It was *that* good.
Okay, fine, food sounds amazing. But what is there *to do* besides eat? (And can you even survive on just eating?)
Alright, I'll admit, I ate a *lot*. But Marliana and the surrounding area are crammed with things to do. You can hike through the Tuscan hills, explore medieval towns, visit vineyards (obviously), and soak up the culture. Florence is a day trip away, and even though I don't really enjoy big cities, I spent a day or two exploring the Duomo and visiting some galleries, so that was alright. One thing I'm still obsessed with: I went truffle hunting! With a real truffle dog! (It was just the coolest). I spent an entire morning wandering through the woods with a local hunter, watching his dog sniff out these culinary treasures. The smell alone was intoxicating, but then we actually found some! And ate truffles that very evening. It was heaven. It was a memory that's etched in my brain. There's something about the slower pace of life, the warmth of the people, the feeling of being completely disconnected from the digital world. It's good for the soul, alright?
Is it kid-friendly? Seriously, because my kids are… well, let's just say they're high-energy.
Kid-friendly? Hmm...it depends on your kids, honestly. If your children have the attention span of a goldfish and need a 24/7 supply of on-demand entertainment? Possibly not. The pace in Marliana is deliberately slow. There aren’t theme parks. There isn't a lot of manufactured "fun." But… if your kids are the adventurous type, if they love being outdoors, if they can appreciate the simple pleasures of life – playing in a sun-drenched piazza, eating gelato, running through fields of sunflowers – then absolutely, yes. I saw several families there, and they seemed to be having an amazing time. Building forts, making pizzas, and exploring. It's about embracing the experience. Just to warn you: keep a close eye on them around the roads, though... they're not very pedestrian-friendly.
What's the best time of year to visit? Avoid the crowds and the insane heat, if possible.
Ah, the million-dollar question! The best time to visit Marliana? Honestly, it depends on what you're looking for. The summer months (July and August) are definitely hot and crowded, but you get that glorious, balmy Italian summer vibe. I'm not sure I would recommend it, however. For me, the sweet spot is the shoulder seasons: late spring (May/June) or early autumn (September/October). The weather is generally lovely – warm days, cooler nights – the crowds are smaller, and you get that golden, sun-drenched light that makes everything look impossibly beautiful. Plus, the food is at its peak. Win-win. (Just be prepared for a fewStay Collective
