Escape to Italy: Sun-Kissed Luxury at Belvilla Primo Sole!
Escape to Italy: Primo Sole – Where Sun-Kissed Luxury Kinda Knows What It's Doing (Mostly!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from "Escape to Italy: Sun-Kissed Luxury at Belvilla Primo Sole," and let me tell you, it was a journey. It's not just a review; it's a confession. A messy, slightly sunburnt, Prosecco-soaked confession.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Great Italian Shuffle
Finding the place? That was the first test. Think of it as a real-life Italian game of "Hide and Seek with a Villa." The directions, bless their hearts, were… optimistic. Eventually, after some frantic Google Mapping and the frantic waving of arms, voilà! Primo Sole emerged.
Now, about accessibility. This is where things get… complicated. Belvilla Primo Sole lists facilities for disabled guests. But, and this is a big BUT, the Italian approach to accessibility seems to be, "Well, we tried." While there's an elevator (thank you, heavens!), maneuvering the grounds with mobility issues is a bit like a treasure hunt. Some ramps were, shall we say, "optimistically sloped." I'm talking steep. And while they do mention accessible rooms, I couldn’t get a clear picture on the actual practicality. It felt like a good intention, but perhaps a little… half-baked.
Rating: 3/5 Stars for Accessibility (with a prayer and a hope)
Internet & The Eternal Struggle: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Not?
Let’s be real: in the digital age, Wi-Fi is as essential as air. Primo Sole promises it. In all rooms! In public areas! I came prepared for the ultimate luxury of streaming and chatting from my sunlounger. Reality? Let’s just say my attempts at video calls were met with a lot of buffering and exasperated sighs. It’s… patchy. Like a cat playing the piano - occasionally brilliant but mostly chaotic. Thank goodness for the bar… I had to get my fix there.
Rating: 2/5 Stars for Internet (and the crippling need to stay connected)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa That Almost Was…
Alright, the good stuff! Primo Sole boasts a mountain of relaxing options. A pool with a view? Check. Sauna? Check. Spa? Check! They offer body wraps and scrubs and massages and gasp, a gym.
Now, here's where I get a little, shall we say, personally invested. The spa. Oh, the spa. I envisioned myself, draped in a fluffy robe, sipping herbal tea, having all my knots ironed out. The website promised a haven.
It was…underwhelming. The spa services felt a bit…disorganized. The massage was fine, but not mind-blowing. The scheduling was chaotic. The whole experience lacked a certain… je ne sais quoi—a touch of luxury that was supposed to be the very essence of the place. However! I was able to get to the gym (after a serious hike, mind you). It was well-equipped and there was a gorgeous view while I was dying on a treadmill (not literally…).
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars for Relaxation (with a slight longing for a perfect spa day)
Cleanliness & Safety in The Age of Covid
Okay, on to serious matters. I felt reasonably safe. Primo Sole went big on hygiene. Hand sanitizer everywhere, rooms sanitized between stays, staff wearing masks – it felt like they were taking things seriously. I liked that they used those anti-viral cleaning products. I did get a room sanitization email, I felt, was a good thing. The food? Food-wise, things were pretty good.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars for Cleanliness and Safety
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food Glorious Food (Mostly!)
Ah, the food! Italy, you beautiful, delicious temptress! Breakfast was included – a buffet of pastries, cold cuts, and all the coffee your heart desires. The buffet quality was pretty standard: not bad, not amazing.
The restaurant offered a la carte options, featuring international and Italian cuisine. I particularly enjoyed the seafood pasta, which was divine. There were a few vegetarian choices, and there's a snack bar by the pool for those lazy afternoons. Oh, and the coffee shop was a total winner.
The pool-side bar was a godsend, especially after that spa experience. The Happy Hour prices had me feeling ecstatic! Seriously, who doesn't love a good Aperol Spritz whilst sunbaking?
Rating: 4/5 Stars for Food and Drink (with a slight Prosecco bias!)
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and The "Where's the Iron?"
Primo Sole tries to offer everything. They have concierge service, currency exchange, a gift shop, even a convenience store. Laundry service and daily housekeeping were efficient. There's a car park (free, thank the heavens!). They're clearly aiming for the full package.
One small hitch: the amenities in the room. My room didn't have an iron, even though the website said it did. I had to call them and the staff was very helpful in getting one to me. But the small things can sometimes make a huge difference.
Rating: 3/5 Stars for Services (could be slightly better, but no deal breakers)
For the Kids: Family Friendliness – or Family Frazzlements?
I didn't have any children with me, but I noticed plenty of families. Primo Sole seemed genuinely accommodating. They have a babysitting service, kids' meals, and other facilities. It felt like a place that tried to make kids as comfortable as the adults (and gave parents a little peace).
Rating: 4/5 Stars for Family Friendliness (as far as I could tell!)
In-Room Goodies: My Oasis of Comfort (and Chaos)
My room was…nice. Air conditioning? Yes, thank God! Plenty of closet space, a comfy bed with extra-long length (a lifesaver!), and a mini-bar (because life is too short for grocery shopping on vacation). The bathroom was equipped with the essentials but, you know, nothing too fancy. The lack of an iron was a slight blip, however.
Rating: 4/5 Stars for In-Room Comfort
Getting Around: The Italian Waltz of Transportation
Primo Sole offers airport transfers, which, after my less-than-smooth arrival, was a welcome relief. They also have a taxi service, which is useful. And there's free parking if you have a car. The only struggle? Driving in Italy, which requires a certain zen-like state.
Rating: 4/5 Stars for Transport (as long as I didn’t have to drive)
Overall Verdict: Primo Sole – Worth the Trip?
Look, Belvilla Primo Sole isn't perfect. It has its quirks. The Wi-Fi is iffy. The spa needs some work. But… it’s charming. The staff is friendly, the location is breathtaking (once you find it!), and the food (generally) delicious. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe with a better map, a portable iron, and a healthy dose of patience.
Final Overall Rating: 3.7/5 Stars - Definitely a "Would-Recommend-but-Be-Prepared" kind of place!
Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Cortona!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my supposed "relaxing getaway" at Primo Sole, Belvilla by OYO in Foligno, Italy. Let's just say I've learned a lot (and possibly lost a few brain cells) in the process. Here's my "itinerary," if you can call it that, because let's be honest, I pretty much just winged it.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (aka "Finding the Damn Villa")
- Time: Morning - Early afternoon.
- Activity: Arrive at Perugia Airport, rent a car. (Note: I'm pretty sure the rental guy secretly hates me for my terrible Italian and general cluelessness). Driving into the Italian countryside seemed romantic… until I got lost. Several times. GPS kept sending me down these ridiculously narrow, winding roads. At one point, a gaggle of geese nearly took me out. They looked smug, I swear.
- Mood: Utterly frazzled. By the time I finally stumbled upon Primo Sole, I was a sweaty, stressed-out mess, questioning every life choice that led me to this moment. Did I really pack enough snacks? Also, did I remember to lock the door? Ugh.
- The Good: The villa, bless its sun-drenched Italian heart, was genuinely beautiful. Okay, maybe the photos online exaggerated the size of the pool slightly, but whatever. The view of the Umbrian hills was breathtaking. I immediately cracked open a prosecco (needed) and collapsed on the patio. Maybe this wasn't a total disaster after all.
- The Bad: Unpacking. My suitcase exploded, I swear. Everything was crumpled, makeup exploded inside, and I realized I'd forgotten my favorite scarf. The scarf. Now my whole trip is ruined (just kidding…but still).
Day 2: Foligno and the Mystery of the Disappearing Butter
- Time: Morning - Evening.
- Activity: Explored Foligno. Wandered the streets, checked out the Piazza della Repubblica, and felt like I'd stepped onto a movie set. Ate a gelato (pistachio, naturally) that single-handedly wiped away all my previous anxieties (for about 30 minutes, anyway).
- Mood: Optimistic… mostly. Decided to embrace the chaos. Also, slightly obsessed with finding the "perfect" local bakery.
- The Good: The gelato was divine. And I found a tiny, family-run trattoria where the pasta was genuinely, indescribably good. Like, I'm talking "life-altering" good. I spent an entire afternoon just people-watching in the piazza, sipping an aperitivo and pretending to be a sophisticated European. Nailed it (maybe).
- The Bad: The butter. Or, rather, the lack of butter. I bought a perfectly lovely pack of butter for my morning toast, and the next morning? Gone. Poof. Vanished. I suspect a rogue mouse, a mischievous gremlin, or possibly a jealous neighbor. The mystery remains unsolved, and my toast remains butter-less. Cruel fate.
- Extra Ramblings: I also signed up for a pasta-making class. I'm pretty sure I made a complete fool of myself, but hey, at least I tried. The chef, a tiny, fiery Italian woman named Emilia, kept yelling at me in rapid-fire Italian. I understood approximately zero words, but I think I made her at least crack a smile once. Success!
Day 3: Assisi and Heavenly Pizza (and a Mild Existential Crisis)
- Time: All day.
- Activity: Day trip to Assisi. Visited the Basilica di San Francesco, which was truly awe-inspiring. Felt a twinge of religious conviction (briefly). Wandered the cobblestone streets, soaked up the atmosphere.
- Mood: Overwhelmed. The Basilica was beautiful and all, but crowds! So many people. And the history! It suddenly hit me how small I actually am. Am I making the most of my life? Am I spending enough time with my loved ones? Am I eating enough pizza???
- The Good: The pizza in Assisi. Oh. My. God. Seriously, the best pizza I've ever had. Crispy crust, perfectly balanced toppings, and a flavor that exploded in my mouth. I'm still dreaming about it. I'm considering moving to Assisi purely for the pizza. It was so good it almost made me cry.
- The Bad: The crowds. And the sudden realization that my life choices may or may not be leading me where I should be. Plus, I managed to get a massive blister from walking around in the wrong shoes.
- Extra Ramblings: Finding the pizzeria was an adventure in itself. Wandering the tiny alleyways of Assisi, getting gloriously lost (again), then stumbling upon this unassuming little place. Pure, unadulterated joy. Okay, maybe that pizza was worth the existential crisis.
Day 4: Poolside Bliss (and a Near-Disaster)
- Time: Mostly pool time.
- Activity: Finally, a day of relaxation! Lounged by the pool, read a book (well, attempted to read a book – I kept getting distracted by the view). Sipped more prosecco. Briefly considered becoming a professional sunbather.
- Mood: Blissful… until it wasn't.
- The Good: Finally, a day of pure relaxation. The sun-warmed water felt heavenly on my skin. The Italian countryside, spread out before me, was a painting. I even managed to finish a whole chapter of my book! (Okay, maybe it was a very short chapter.)
- The Bad: I decided to be adventurous and try to inflate a floaty. And I decided to use the electric pump. It blew a fuse. Plunged the whole villa into darkness. I nearly set the place on fire. Luckily, I managed to reset the fuse (with the help of a YouTube tutorial - thank God). Now, every time I turn on a light switch, I still hold my breath.
- Extra Ramblings: Realizing I'm allergic to something in the local insect population. It was an incredibly itchy experience.
Day 5: Goodbye (and a Vow to Return)
- Time: Morning - Departure.
- Activity: Packing (ugh), last-minute souvenir shopping, and a final mournful look at the Umbrian hills. Drove back to Perugia.
- Mood: Sad. A little bit teary-eyed. Partly because I was leaving, and partly because I realized I hadn't bought enough souvenirs.
- The Good: Despite the chaos, the near-disasters, and the existential angst, this trip was incredible. The food was amazing. The scenery was breathtaking. And I learned a thing or two about myself (primarily, that I'm terrible at inflating things).
- The Bad: Leaving. Saying goodbye to the villa, to the food, and to the Italian magic.
- Extra Ramblings: If I go back (and I’m seriously considering it), I vow to: 1) Master the art of butter protection. 2) Learn at least some Italian. 3) Pack more snacks. And 4) Never, ever, attempt to use an electric pump again.
- Final Verdict: Primo Sole, Foligno, Italy: Highly recommended. Just maybe bring your own butter…and insurance.
Okay, so, Belvilla Primo Sole... Sounds fancy. Is it REALLY as idyllic as the photos? I'm a bit cynical after those Instagram fails, you know?
Alright, alright, let's get real. Those photos? They're... curated. Primo Sole *is* beautiful, don't get me wrong. Picture this: waking up to the sun painting the Tuscan hills, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen... it’s pretty darn close. Buuut... the "idyllic" part? The wifi dropped out on us three times during a particularly important Zoom call (mortifying, honestly). And that "sparkling pool" they showed? Gorgeous. But the first day? Full of leaves. My husband, bless his heart and his questionable DIY skills, spent a solid hour wrestling with a net. So, yes and no. The bones are there, the potential is HUGE. Just pack a sense of humor and prepare for a little bit of reality with your Renaissance views.
Location, Location, Location! Where *exactly* is Primo Sole? And is it, like, remotely accessible? I'm not trying to spend two days bouncing around dirt tracks.
Primo Sole is... in Tuscany. Broad strokes, I know. Specifically, it's near [Insert a real, approximate location here, like "the charming town of San Gimignano"]. It's not in the middle of nowhere, thank goodness! The roads are generally well-maintained, but be warned: Google Maps will occasionally try to send you down a path that looks suspiciously like a goat track. Resist! Trust your instincts. We nearly ended up in a ditch because I blindly followed the GPS. Thankfully, we’re still alive and relatively un-dented, thanks to a very patient Italian farmer who gave us a nudge with his tractor. So, accessible? Yes. Easy peasy? Maybe, maybe not. Bring a good map (or a prayer).
The Villa Itself: What's it really like? Spacious? Does it have a ghost? (Asking the important questions here.)
Okay, the villa. It's... charming. Think: exposed beams, terracotta tiles, the works. It definitely has character, that's for sure. Spacious? Depends what you're used to. We were in the [Insert number] bedroom option, and it was plenty big enough for our family. Plenty of room to spread out, and everyone could have their own space. No ghost sightings, thank heavens (though I swear I heard a floorboard creak one night… but that could've just been the wine). The kitchen? Well-equipped, but don’t expect a state-of-the-art setup. We struggled a bit with the oven the first night, it was a trial and error, finally got it to work. Oh! And the shower pressure? Could be better. But honestly, after a day exploring, you're not going to care. You'll be too busy thinking about that beautiful Tuscan sunset.
The Pool: Can I *actually* swim in it? Is it freezing? Tell me all the pool-related woes!
The pool. Ah, the pool. This is where I have FEELINGS. See, the photos make it look all inviting and crystal-clear. And, when it's clean and sparkling, it IS. The first day, as I mentioned, was a bit of a challenge. Pool maintenance is NOT my forte. After wrestling with the leaves, the water was a bit chilly, and there was a… a *lot* of algae. I'm not a fan of algae. My husband, the (ahem) *handy* one, spent hours cleaning it. However, once it was all cleaned and scrubbed, it was wonderful! We spent hours in there. The kids loved it. It was the perfect way to cool down after a long day of exploring. And honestly, nothing beats a poolside aperitivo at sunset, feeling the warmth of the Tuscan sun on your skin. Totally worth the leaf-wrangling.
Groceries and Supplies: Is there a supermarket nearby? Do I need to pack ALL my food?
No, you do NOT need to pack ALL your food. Thank Goodness. There are supermarkets in the nearby towns. [Insert a real town name] for example, has a pretty decent one. Prices are… well, they're not exactly cheap, but they're manageable. Pro Tip: Learn a few basic Italian phrases, especially "Quanto costa?" (How much does it cost?). You’ll feel like a champion. The local markets are a must. Fresh produce, local cheeses, the most incredible prosciutto you've ever tasted... Just be prepared to grapple with some language barriers. And maybe bring some of your favorite snacks from home, just in case. And a very good bottle opener. Seriously. Pack a good bottle opener.
What about Activities? Is it just sitting around, or is there stuff to *do*? I get restless.
Oh, there’s plenty to do! Tuscany is a playground. You can tour vineyards (essential!), visit medieval towns, hike, bike, explore art... Honestly, the hardest part is *choosing*. We did a day trip to Florence (breathtaking, but brace yourself for the crowds!), explored Siena, and wandered those impossibly charming hill towns. We also took a cooking class (highly, highly recommended – and we are NOT good cooks, so if we can do it, you can!) One day, we just wandered off into a field of sunflowers and got completely lost. Utter, glorious chaos. The region is packed with history, beauty, and food that will make you weep with joy. Just, you know, pace yourself. It's easy to overdo it and end up burnt out.
The Verdict: Would you go back again? Be honest.
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Despite the wonky wifi, the leaf-filled pool, and my somewhat disastrous attempts at speaking Italian. Despite nearly driving into a ditch. Primo Sole has a certain magic to it. It's a place where you can truly relax, disconnect (when the wifi allows), and just… *be*. It’s not perfect, but it's real, and it's beautiful. And the memory of that Tuscan sunset, that first sip of wine, that incredible meal… those are the things you remember. That’s enough for a return trip. We're already planning it.
Any Other Tips for a First-Timer? Anything I should KNOW?
Okay, listen up. Pack comfortable shoes. Seriously, you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Bring a universal adapter for your electronics. Learn a few basic Italian phrases – you don't need to be fluent, but "grazie" (thank you) and "per favore" (please) will goHotel Radar Map
