Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Montebello!
Escape to Paradise: Montebello - Belvilla (and My Sanity!)
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a supposed "escape to paradise" at a Belvilla in Montebello, and let me tell you, the reality was… well, reality. But in a good way, mostly! Let's dive in, shall we? This isn't your meticulously crafted travel brochure; it's the unfiltered, slightly-overwhelmed-after-a-week-in-Italy version.
The Arrival & First Impressions: "Accessibility" - Did Someone Say Ramp?
Okay, accessibility. This is where things get a little… messy. The Belvilla website painted a picture of idyllic accessibility, with mentions of facilities for disabled guests. (Note: I’m not in a wheelchair, but I’m travelling with someone who needed to navigate things, so it's always a question to be asked). Now, I’m not going to name names (I’m not that mean), but the "ramp" leading to the main entrance felt less like a gentle incline and more like a mini-mountain. Let's just say it involved some serious pushing and a few strategically placed Italian sighs of "Mamma Mia!". Inside, while the main areas were generally okay, navigating some of the older architectural elements felt a bit… well, like a treasure hunt. They mentioned an elevator, which was a lifesaver, but the whole accessibility situation? Needs a serious upgrade.
But hey, look on the bright side! at least there were ramps, and there were some facilities for disabled guests, but they just didn't always match the description on the internet.
Internet Access: The Lifeline of the Modern Traveler (And My Addiction!)
Thank the internet gods for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and Wi-Fi in public areas. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn't need to Instagram their Aperol Spritz at the exact moment the sun dips below the horizon? The Wi-Fi was pretty reliable, which is a win. There was also Internet [LAN] in the rooms, which is probably for the tech nerds out there who can work, but for me it was all about the Wi-Fi speed and internet access – wireless which was great.
A Whirlwind of Wellness & Relaxation: Spa, Sauna, and… Foot Baths (Oh, My Feet!)
Right, the Spa. Promises of pure bliss. I will admit, it was pretty darn good. The Pool with view was stunning - infinity pool overlooking the rolling hills. I think it was the best part of my day, every single day. They had a Sauna and Steamroom, both of which I conquered (post-Aperol Spritz, obviously). I had a Massage that almost made me weep with happiness (the masseuse should get a medal!). The Gym/fitness center was surprisingly well-equipped and I even gave the Fitness center a shot. But the real hero? The Foot bath. After a long hike in the sun, I was seriously in heaven sitting there as the water soothed my tired feet. Honestly, the footbath alone almost made the whole trip worth it.
Cleanliness & Safety: Are They Actually Cleaning? (My OCD Speaks!)
Okay, I’m a borderline germaphobe (don’t judge!) so Cleanliness and safety were critical. I was pleased to find Anti-viral cleaning products being used, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to hygiene. The Rooms sanitized between stays gave me that all-important peace of mind (thank you, modern world!). The Safe dining setup made me, again, feel safer, and I liked the measures in place. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, good job! I also noticed Daily disinfection in common areas and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The Staff trained in safety protocol made me feel at ease.
The one thing they didn't have… well, more of a concern… in the rooms there was an opt-out for the sanitization, but it really wasn't enough, so that was something that I personally thought needed some attention.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (And Wine, Obviously!)
The Dining, drinking, and snacking was a highlight, let me tell ya. Now, let's be straight up: Italy is a food destination, and Montebello did not disappoint. The Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread of pastries, fresh fruit, and strong coffee (a necessity!). They had a Western breakfast too, which was useful. I took advantage of the Breakfast service and sometimes ate in my room. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was always on point. Lunch and dinner were adventures in themselves. There was an A la carte in restaurant that was delicious.
The Restaurants themselves were fantastic. One night, we had the most incredible Asian cuisine in restaurant, and the Soup in restaurant was the perfect pick-me-up after a day of exploring. The Bar was a great place to unwind, and let's not forget the Poolside bar! I went there almost every day because of that view, and of course they had a Happy hour. But the real question: Did I get a Bottle of water? Yes, I did. Did I drink it? Yes, indeed. The Desserts in restaurant? Need I say more?
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
There were plenty of Services and conveniences, which made everything so much easier. The Concierge was super helpful, and the Daily housekeeping kept everything tidy. The Elevator was a crucial part of the experience. They had Laundry service, and a Dry cleaning service. They offered Cash withdrawal if you needed it. The Safety deposit boxes were very useful indeed.
One thing I loved: the Room service [24-hour], which was a godsend after a long travel day. They had Air conditioning in public area, which was essential if you're visiting in summer. And guess what? There was even a Convenience store, if you need it. They had the Facilities for disabled guests, and the Invoice provided. They also had Luggage storage. The Terrace was a lovely spot for a sundowner. They had Doorman.
For the Kids: Babysitting, But Do They Really Like Kids?
I did not have children with me, so I can't speak fully on the For the kids situation, other than seeing that they had Baby sitting service which was a really great touch, and the fact that it had Family/child friendly facilities.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool (If You Can Tear Yourself Away)
Okay, so the pool was a major draw. But it didn't stop there, thankfully. The region's history is so rich.
Available in all rooms: The Nitty-Gritty!
Here's what you get in your room. There are Additional toilet options if you ever needed it, though I did not. Air conditioning was a must of course. There was a Alarm clock, which I did not use. They had Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, and Bathtub. The Blackout curtains were a sanity-saver. There was a Closet (you'll need it!). A Coffee/tea maker and Complimentary tea were there. Daily housekeeping was a bonus for sure. There was a Desk, and an Extra long bed. The Free bottled water was very welcome. Hair dryer was a non-negotiable for me! Plenty of In-room safe box, and Interconnecting room(s) available. There was Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless. There were Ironing facilities, with a Laptop workspace, and Linens. There was a Mini bar and Mirror. Rooms were Non-smoking, and had On-demand movies. They had a Private bathroom. There was a Reading light, and a Refrigerator. Safety/security feature were available, alongside Satellite/cable channels. There was a Scale in my room and I was not pleased. A Seating area was in the room. You could use the Separate shower/bathtub, and there was a Shower. The Slippers were a great touch. They had a Smoke detector, and a Socket near the bed. The Sofa was a plus if you wanted to relax. The Soundproofing was actually very helpful. There was a Telephone, Toiletries, and Towels. An Umbrella and Visual alarm were also available.
Overall: Paradise Found… with a Few Quirks
Look, would I go back to Montebello Belvilla? Absolutely. The location is stunning, the food is divine, and the spa is pure heaven. Yes, the accessibility could be better, and yes, some areas felt a
**Live Like Royalty: Stunning Breton Castle Apartment Awaits!**Okay, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel plan. This is MY trip to Belvilla by OYO Montebello Mono E Bolano, Italy, and trust me, it's gonna be a glorious, slightly chaotic, totally-honest mess. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Pasta Debacle
- Morning (or, "Whenever the Heck I Wake Up"): Okay, so the flight was a nightmare. Crying baby, seat that wouldn't recline, and a guy next to me who kept clipping his nails (I swear those tiny clicky sounds will haunt me). But, hey! I'm here! Finally! The airport? Chaos, charming chaos. Finding the car rental was a mini-mission, involving a lot of frantic pointing and even more pleading in fractured Italian ("Parla inglese?… please?")
- Afternoon – The Belvilla Arrival Saga: Driving to Montebello was… scenic. Lots of winding roads, which, let's be honest, I wasn't entirely expecting. GPS got a little… enthusiastic. Ended up on a road that was basically a goat track. (And yes, I saw goats. They didn't seem impressed with my car-handling skills). But then, there it was! The Belvilla! Gorgeous. Rustic. And, thankfully, not on top of a mountain (unlike some of those goat-track roads). Unpacking? A delightful struggle. I have more clothes than I need, it’s truly a symptom of not having any sense of restraint! The place smelled of… well, a little bit of everything, but in a good way! A blend of sunshine, old wood, and… something faintly herby.
- Evening – Pasta Panic and Perfection (Almost): Right, sustenance is critical. Off to Bolano for groceries! The market was overwhelming. Tomatoes the size of my head. Cheese that smelled suspiciously of heaven. I attempted to buy pasta. Attempted. All the different shapes! All the different sauces! I just stood there, looking like a lost sheep. Finally, I pointed at a bag, prayed for the best, and grabbed some pre-made pesto. Back at the villa, I fired up the stove. Boiling water? Nailed it. Pasta? Bit overcooked. Pesto? Delicious. Verdict: Edible and, after a glass (or two) of local wine, actually pretty damn good. I’ll call it a win. The sunset was spectacular, despite the slightly mushy pasta. The crickets chirped. I felt… happy. Even the slightly overcooked pasta tasted delicious somehow.
Day 2: Hiking Hell and the Hidden Gem of Bolano
- Morning – A "Hike" that Became a Humbling Experience: I woke up with a mission: conquer a hiking trail I'd found on a dusty tourist map. Pack a backpack. Grab water and sunblock! I was feeling like a freaking mountain goat. The trail started out promising. Butterflies! Wildflowers! Then, it went uphill. Really uphill. My lungs started burning. My legs felt like lead. I might have muttered some unflattering words about the person who designed the trail. (Turns out, it was much more challenging than I pictured, and I'm pretty sure I saw a whole lot of my life flash before my eyes during a particularly steep incline). I retreated, defeated, but with a newfound respect for actual mountain goats. (And a killer view… once I could breathe again).
- Afternoon – Bolano's Secret Charm: Desperate for redemption, I decided to ditch the hiking and explore Bolano. I stumbled into a tiny cafe (Cafe del Sole – I think?), run by an old woman with eyes that could see into your soul. She didn’t speak much English, but the coffee was sublime. And the cannoli? Oh. My. God. The best damn cannoli I've ever sunk my teeth into. Sweet, crispy, creamy perfection. I devoured two. No regrets. Just total, unadulterated, sugary bliss.
- Evening – The Pizza Pursuit (and the Pizza Pie Fail): Pizza night! I'd read about a local pizzeria. Found it! Ordered a simple margarita. The pizza arrived. It was… a work of art. Thin crust, bubbling cheese, the freshest tomatoes I've ever seen. And… I spilled my wine all over it. Horror. I cleaned it up, ate it anyway (because, come on, it was pizza!), and, surprisingly, it still tasted amazing. Another lesson learned: life (and pizza) goes on, even with a little stain.
Day 3: Cinque Terre Dreams and Coastal Chaos
- Morning – The Train That Almost Got Away: The dream: a day trip to Cinque Terre! The reality: slightly panicked train rides, crowds, and a constant battle to grab a good photo. The train station was a madhouse. Tourists everywhere, voices shouting, and me, clutching my train ticket like a winning lottery ticket. Navigating the Cinque Terre? Pure chaos, but the kind you kind of adore.
- Afternoon – Monterosso and the Beach Bliss (and the sunburns): Monterosso, the most accessible of the Cinque Terre towns, was pure postcard perfection. Brightly colored buildings clinging to the cliffs. The turquoise sea. The sand! I spent a few hours just soaking up the sun, the sound of the waves, and the general vibe of pure relaxation. (Okay, the sunburn I got was NOT relaxing. I'm now a lobster).
- Evening – Vernazza and a Gelato-Fueled Panic: Vernazza was my favorite. So picturesque. So crowded. So… perfect. I got gelato. Strawberry. It dripped. I dropped some on my shirt. (Are you sensing a pattern here?) I panicked. Luckily, there was a shop selling some laundry soap. It didn't really help, but it smelled wonderfully of lemons. I eventually abandoned any pretense of keeping clean. Back at the villa, exhausted but happy, ready for my bed.
Day 4: Losing myself in the Lost Art of "Do Nothing" and the Olive Oil Obsession
- Morning – The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing: After the Cinque Terre whirlwind, I decided I needed a day of… NOTHING. Coffee on the terrace (with a view that takes my breath away every single time). Reading a book. Napping. Just being. It was glorious. Honestly, it was the best day of the trip so far. The simple joy of doing nothing, except for listening to the birdsong!
- Afternoon – The Olive Oil Adventure: I went full-on local and visited an olive grove. It smelled incredible. The sun was hitting my face. I was taken on a tour. The owner (a charming older gentlemen) showed me how the olives are picked and then bottled up. I bought way too much olive oil. But seriously, the samples? That’s a purchase I made. I was able to taste the different kinds… (and the wine). I even bought a small bottle of the olive oil after being lectured about its virtues for a long time. The taste was exquisite.
- Evening – Simple Supper and Stargazing: More simple pasta (this time, it was perfectly cooked!). A bottle of wine. And, after the sun went down, something that really made my eyes widen as the stars were glittering in the sky. I'm really from the city. I've never seen so many stars with my own eyes. Just pure magic. My head felt clearer after that.
Day 5: Goodbye, Italy (For Now?) and the Luggage Lament
- Morning – Last Breakfast Blues and Packing Panic: Woke up realizing it’s the last day. Breakfast on the terrace, staring at that view one last time. Then… the packing disaster. My suitcase was bursting. I had souvenirs. I had olive oil (so much olive oil!). I had clothes I probably wouldn't use. I managed to squeeze it all in… I think.
- Afternoon – The Drive of Doom (Almost): The car rental drop-off went smoothly… surprisingly. Then came the airport. The airport was a blur of emotions. Saying goodbye to Italy was tough. But, I'm going home. I'm exhausted.
- Evening – Homeward Bound (and Maybe Dreaming of Pasta): On the plane now. The flight was bumpy. My ears popped. But, I survived! I feel both refreshed and utterly shattered. This trip was far from perfect. But it was real. It was honest. It was mine. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m already planning my return – and next time, I’m buying a bigger suitcase. And maybe taking a pasta-cooking class. And definitely bringing more sunscreen.
And that, my friends, is my Belvilla by O
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Trittenheim Apartment with Terrace & Garden!