Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Raggiolo!
Escape to Tuscany: Raggiolo – My Dream Villa? (Spoiler: It's Complicated, in the BEST Way)
Okay, so here's the deal. I just got back from "Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Raggiolo," and well, let's just say my expectations did a full Tuscan somersault. They promised a dream, and… they mostly delivered. But dreams, right? They’re always a little messy, a little imperfect, and definitely NOT what you expect. So, buckle up, because this isn't your average TripAdvisor review.
First Impressions (And a Slight Panic Attack About Accessibility - or Lack Thereof!)
Let’s start with the basics: Raggiolo itself. Stunning. Seriously, jaw-droppingly beautiful. Winding roads, olive groves, the whole shebang. But getting to the villa? Well, that's where things already got a little… Italian. I'm not talking about the charming kind. Think more like, "Do you really need that extra suitcase?" kind of narrow, winding roads.
And speaking of suitcases, a HUGE consideration for anyone needing accessibility needs to be front and center. While the property listing mentions "Facilities for disabled guests," I didn't see a lot of specific details. Accessibility is a big question mark. The roads getting there are already a challenge, I can only imagine what it would be like for someone using a wheelchair or with mobility issues. The website, unfortunately, doesn't offer much information about specific accessibility features like ramps, elevators, or accessible rooms. That's something they really need to improve on. Frankly, if accessibility is a non-negotiable, clarifying this beforehand is a MUST.
(Rambling Thought: Why is it always the beautiful places that are the hardest to get to? Is it some cruel joke of the universe?)
The Villa Itself: Architecture Porn, with a Dash of "Where's My Luggage?"
Once inside, the villa itself is… chef's kiss. Think exposed beams, terracotta floors, charmingly mismatched furniture. The non-smoking rooms were a godsend (thank goodness, because I cannot stand that smell). The soundproof rooms were also fantastic because the Italians KNOW how to party -- they do a lot of celebrations at the venue. The air conditioning in all the rooms was appreciated, because that Tuscan sun can be brutal. The complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker were also a godsend because the caffeine withdrawal would have otherwise had me climbing the walls.
My room? It was a dream. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms (and it actually worked!), air conditioning, the works. Though they did forget my luggage for about an hour after I checked in. Little hiccup, right?
The bathrobes were a lovely touch, and so were the slippers. Daily housekeeping kept everything spotless (thank heavens), and the extra-long bed was a lifesaver for this tall gal. The private bathroom was a decent size, but the shower felt a bit… intimate. A good thing, in my opinion.
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Unexpected Salad)
Now, let’s talk food. Because, Italy. The restaurants offer a variety of options. They had Western cuisine and International cuisine in the restaurant, which was great! The desserts in the restaurant made me weep with happiness. The bar served up some truly incredible Aperol Spritzes. But the salad in the restaurant was a little… surprising. I swear, I got a salad with, like, five different kinds of lettuce and no dressing. It felt very… healthy. Which isn’t always what you want in Italy. Don't get me wrong, it was all very fresh, but I was expecting more Italian-style dishes.
The breakfast situation deserves its own paragraph. They had a breakfast [buffet], which was great, but I'd recommend opting for the breakfast in room at least once. I'd heard the breakfast takeaway service was a good option, though, I was too lazy to get up early and try it. The Asian breakfast did not appeal to me at all.
Spa Days and Body Scrubs: When Did I Become This Fancy?
Okay, this is where things got really dreamy. The Spa/sauna was a glorious experience. The pool with a view was literally heaven on earth. They had a gym/fitness was decent. But I couldn’t help myself. I indulged in a body scrub and a massage. Seriously, I felt like a pampered goddess. The steam room was a welcome reprieve from the heat. Never thought I'd be a body scrub kind of person, but here I am, a convert.
(Quirky Observation: I think I spent more time in the spa than actually seeing Tuscany. Zero regrets.)
Things To Do: Beyond the Basics (and the Occasional Disappointment)
Beyond the pool and spa, the property offered a lot. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous. The poolside bar was perfect for lazy afternoons. It was a nice place to relax.
The things to do are endless. You couldn’t ask for much more.
Safety, Services, and Quirks (The Good, The Bad, and the Unexpected)
So, the serious stuff. Cleanliness and safety were obviously a big concern, and to be fair, they seemed to take it seriously. The staff trained in safety protocol, and they were constantly daily disinfection in common areas. The hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, which was reassuring. The rooms sanitized between stays, that was also comforting.
On the service front, the concierge was super helpful. They could arrange practically everything. The daily housekeeping was flawless. The luggage storage came in handy. The cash withdrawal facility was also convenient.
Here's a quirky thing though: They have a shrine on the property! I found that fascinating, and somewhat out of the blue.
Little Quirks I Loved:
- The presence of a convenience store for snacks (duh!).
- The gift/souvenir shop, where I bought, like, ten bottles of olive oil.
- The bottle of water they gave you every day (hydration is key!).
Little Quirks I Didn't Love As Much:
- The lack of specific accessibility details (again, HUGE miss).
- The intermittent internet in the public areas (the Wi-Fi in public areas wasn't the strongest).
- The fact that I left a pair of shoes behind (my bad).
For the Kids (and the Big Kids at Heart)
Based on the listing, it seems like the villa is Family/child friendly. I observed a few families enjoying the kids facilities. They also offer Babysitting service. I didn't need that, so I can't really comment on that.
(Emotional Reaction: Seeing the kids in the pool made me want to get a waterslide installed in my backyard.)
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Yes. Absolutely. Despite the (minor) hiccups and the accessibility concerns (which they really need to address), "Escape to Tuscany" delivered on its promise. It was a beautiful, relaxing, and unforgettable experience. I'm already dreaming of my next visit. Just… maybe I'll bring a longer dress for the "intimate" shower and a friend to help carry my luggage.
Unbelievable Valfrejus Ski-In/Ski-Out Apartment: Modane, France Awaits!
Operation: Nonno Raoul, or, Pray for My Sanity in Tuscany
The Mission: Survive a week at Belvilla by OYO Nonno Raoul in Ortignano Raggiolo, Tuscany. Prepare for olive oil, questionable Wi-Fi, and the certain knowledge that my Italian is about as authentic as a plastic pizza. (Pray for me.)
Day 1: Arrival – Dust, Delight, and the Dread of Logistics
- Morning (approx. 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM): The usual airport chaos. Delayed flight? Check. Overpacked suitcase threatening to explode? Double-check. Fighting the urge to buy a giant Toblerone at the duty-free shop (because, Italy!)? Ongoing battle. Arrived in Florence, felt a jolt of excitement, quickly followed by the horror of a rental car pickup. (Driving in Italy? My palms are sweating just thinking about it.)
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Navigating Florence (a beautiful, beautiful, chaotic nightmare) to reach Nonno Raoul in Ortignano Raggiolo. The GPS, bless its digital heart, led us down roads you swear were designed for donkeys, not Fiat Pandas. Side note: the Tuscan sun is brutal, and I'm already regretting my decision not to get a hat bigger than a thimble.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Finally, we arrive. Nonno Raoul. The photos online… let’s just say they were cleverly angled. It’s charming… in a slightly crumbling, "I haven’t been renovated since the fall of the Roman Empire" kind of way. The views, though… OH MY GOD. Breathtaking. Seriously, I almost cried. Unpacked. Found the Wi-Fi… it's… well, it's there. Sometimes. Maybe. Praying for a 4G signal.
- Dinner: Unpack some groceries, make some pasta, feel proud. It turns out pasta is pretty easy, even for me. A glass of local wine (because, again, Italy)…and suddenly the crumbling charm is a source of comfort.
Day 2: Raggiolo Ramble & Olive Oil Overload
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Okay, so Raggiolo. It's adorable. Like, straight-out-of-a-movie adorable. Wandered the tiny streets, marveled at the medieval architecture (which, let's be honest, is just fancy, old buildings), and got hopelessly lost. Found a cafe. Ordered a cappuccino (the correct cappuccino, not a giant, milk-filled American abomination. Very pleased with myself). Spoke to a woman who apparently understands a lot of this. Had a conversation with the barista in my limited Italian and ended up with a free cookie. Best day ever.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Olive oil tasting. Okay, I thought I liked olive oil. Turns out, I was wrong. SO. MUCH. OLIVE OIL. We went to a local farm, and the farmer, a tiny woman with eyes that twinkled like the Tuscan sun, was a font of olive-based knowledge. She showed me how to taste and smell the oil, and all the different flavor notes! It was incredibly sweet, peppery, a little bitter, and everything in between. And then we did another three different varieties, I felt a bit ill.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Attempted to cook a proper Tuscan meal. Failed spectacularly. Ended up ordering pizza. Pizza is always good. And the wine… well, it helped. Sat on the terrace, watching the sunset paint the hills in glorious hues of orange and purple. Pure bliss. Except for the mosquitoes. Those little devils are relentless.
Day 3: The Art of Losing Yourself in Arezzo
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Road trip to Arezzo. (Grateful for the rental car insurance. Still slightly terrified of Italian drivers.) Arezzo is gorgeous. Like, historically stunning, with a huge square. Saw the frescoes by Piero della Francesca (wow!), browsed a cute artisan shop that I loved so much I had to spend $100 in there. Strolled through the ancient streets, got delightfully lost. Bought a leather bag I didn’t need, but it was beautiful.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch in Arezzo. Found a trattoria with a ridiculously charming waiter, who spoke absolutely zero English and whose attitude was… chef's kiss. Delicious traditional pasta, even better wine. Perfect. Honestly, just perfect.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Back at Nonno Raoul. Tried to cook a simple dinner. Burned the garlic. Again. The oven in this place is a conspiracy. Decided to embrace the simplicity: bread, cheese, tomatoes, and more wine. This is the life, right? The internet is down. But who cares??
Day 4: San Gimignano & The Gelato Incident
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): San Gimignano! The city of towers! So many towers! Beautiful, touristy, and crowded. But still, incredibly impressive. Climbed one of the towers (after a slight panic attack) for panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. Absolutely worth it.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Gelato. The most important part of any Italian vacation. Found a gelateria with an overwhelming number of flavors. Attempted to order in Italian. Failed miserably. Ended up with a cone overflowing with pistachio and stracciatella. Ate it so fast, I almost choked. Worth it. (Had to go back for a second cone. Don’t judge.)
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Back to Nonno Raoul. Tried to find a place with a good view of the sunset. This place has so many things worthy of a sunset. Cooked some dinner, burned the garlic (again!), ate it, and started planning all the things that I want to do today tomorrow.
Day 5: Siena & My First Proper Mistake
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Siena! The Piazza del Campo! The Palio horse race! (Though, sadly, not during the race). Wandered the historic center, admiring the medieval architecture and getting lost in its narrow streets. The cathedral is breathtaking. Breathtaking enough to make me forget that, you know, I need to be there, for something.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch in Siena. Found a lovely little restaurant, amazing food, amazing service, and some lovely conversation.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Returned to Nonno Raoul. And realized… I lost my phone. Panicked. Ransacked the rental car. Checked every pocket, every bag. Called the restaurant in Siena. Contacted the gelateria. Looked up "how to report a lost phone in Italy" – a surprisingly complex process. Accepting the fact that most of my photos of the Tuscan countryside were lost forever. Attempted to stay calm. Opened a bottle of wine. Vowed to buy a new phone and use it to take even better pictures.
Day 6: (Mostly) Recuperation & Finding Peace (and the Phone?)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): (Mostly) spent the morning nursing my technological heartbreak. Did some laundry. Cleaned the apartment, because, let's be honest, by now, it was looking like a bomb had gone off. Attempted to connect with the outside world, through the questionable Wi-Fi.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Decided to take a walk. Needed to cleanse my soul, and possibly find the secret to perfectly cooked garlic. Walked through the olive groves near Nonno Raoul. The view was still gorgeous, despite my phone-related woes. Found a tiny church, sat for a while, and just breathed.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Made an effort to order dinner. Still messed it up, but it was kinda okay. Watched the stars. Started to feel… better. Possibly. Tomorrow is departure day. I'm torn between "can't wait to go" and "I
Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Villa Awaits in Raggiolo! (Or Does It?) - Let's Get Real
Okay, so, "Dream Villa." Is it REALLY a dream, or just… a villa?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. The photos? Gorgeous. The reality? Well… it depends on your tolerance for rustic charm (read: potential for cobwebs and the occasional rogue insect). The villa part? Totally accurate. The *dream* part? That's where things get interesting.
I went in with HIGH expectations. Mountains of pasta, sun-drenched afternoons, the whole Italian fantasy. And you know what? Some days, it *was* a dream. Waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread and coffee, the Tuscan sun streaming through the shutters… pure bliss. Other days? Let's just say battling a swarm of mosquitos in the middle of dinner wasn't quite the 'dolce vita' I'd envisioned.
So, dream-adjacent? Maybe. Authentic? Absolutely. Flawless? Nope. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. (Except maybe air conditioning that ACTUALLY worked in August. Just sayin'.)
What's the deal with Raggiolo? Is it… you know… *there*?
Raggiolo. The name itself whispers of romance, doesn't it? Sunbeams... little rays... Okay, real talk: Raggiolo is *tiny*. Like, blink and you'll miss it tiny. It's perched on a hillside, clinging to the past with all its might. This is NOT the place for frantic nightlife or chain restaurants. This is about embracing the slow pace. It's a deliberate escape from the… well, the everything of modern life.
Getting there? That's an experience in itself. Winding roads. Hairpin turns. My poor rental car practically begged for mercy. There's a reason they call it "off the beaten path." But trust me, the isolation is part of the magic. You're forced to disconnect, to breathe, to *be*. Though seriously, load up on snacks before you go. Getting a late-night pizza delivered is NOT an option.
The food... is it as good as the Instagram photos suggest? Because, you know, filters…
The food! Oh, the food! Okay, *here* the hype is real. Forget the filters. Forget the posed plates. This is where Tuscany truly shines. The pasta is handmade. The tomatoes taste like liquid sunshine. The olive oil… oh, the olive oil! It's unlike anything you've ever tasted.
My advice? Find the local trattoria (there won’t be many). Order whatever the nonna is cooking that day. Don't be afraid to try things you've never heard of. And, most importantly, *talk* to the people. They're passionate about their food, and they're happy to share their secrets (and maybe even a glass of homemade grappa!).
Fair warning: You WILL gain weight. You WILL come home craving Tuscan cuisine. You WILL probably never look at supermarket tomatoes the same way again. Worth it. Every. Single. Bite.
What about the villa itself? What's the inside like?
Alright, this is where we get to the nitty-gritty. The inside… well, it's charming. Let's go with that. Think exposed beams, terracotta floors, and antique furniture that probably has more stories than you do. It's definitely not a sterile, modern hotel. You get the impression that generations have lived there, which is pretty cool... and, sometimes, a little… dusty.
The kitchen might be a bit of a throwback. Don’t expect the latest stainless steel appliances. Embrace the rusticity! The bathrooms? Well, they're functional. Okay, and maybe a little… quirky. The shower pressure was, let's just say, a character-building experience. I'd recommend packing a good book to read while you're waiting for your turn to shower!
But seriously, embrace the imperfections. That’s part of the charm. It adds to the feeling of being truly *away* from the everyday. And when you're curled up by the fireplace on a chilly evening, sipping some local wine, you won't care about the slightly eccentric showerhead. (Okay, maybe a little… but the wine helps.)
Can I actually *relax* at the villa? Or is there a constant to-do list involved?
Relaxation? That's the whole point, right? ... Well, mostly. You absolutely CAN relax. You *should* relax. But, let's be honest, there's always *something*. The Italian phrase *"La vita è così"* (That's life.) comes in handy here. Sometimes, the internet will be spotty, and the water heater might decide to take a break. Embrace it.
My advice? Lower your expectations of perfection, and embrace the adventure. Read a book. Sip wine on the patio. Stare at the Tuscan hills for hours on end. Maybe try to learn a little Italian. (Even a few simple phrases will go a long way.)
But the biggest challenge to relaxation? Me. I'm the type that can't not be doing something. I had to force myself to *stop* and breathe. But trust me, the moments of true peace made it all worthwhile. The stillness, the quiet… it's what makes the escape so special. Let go… and let Tuscany do its thing.
What should I pack? Besides, you know, the obvious stuff?
Besides the sunscreen, the passport, and the obvious? Here's the real-deal packing list for a Raggiolo adventure:
- Bug Spray: Seriously. Mosquitoes are not your friends.
- A Universal Adapter: Because Italy does plugs differently. Don't be caught dead without one!
- A phrasebook: Even broken Italian will be appreciated. Locals will adore your efforts.
- Comfortable shoes: Cobblestone streets and hiking trails await. Forget the stilettos.
- A good book: E-readers are okay, but a real book just feels right in Tuscany.
- A sense of adventure: Because you'll need it. Especially when the GPS fails.
- Earplugs: Because the church bells ring on Sundays. Like, REALLY ring. (And sometimes early!)
- A small first-aid kit: Just in case. Blisters, scrapes, the usual travel woes.
- A willingness to be spontaneous: Because plans change. Embrace the unexpected!
- And most importantly, an insatiable appetite for pasta.
Okay, let's say something goes wrong. What happens then? Do you have any horror stories?
