Escape to Italy's Hidden Gem: Lavanda Belvedere's Stunning Villas!
Escape to Italy's Hidden Gem: Lavanda Belvedere's Stunning Villas! - A Review That's Actually Real (and a Touch Chaotic)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average hotel review. I just got back from Lavanda Belvedere, and trust me, you need to know everything. Forget picture-perfect brochures, I'm here to give you the juicy, uncensored truth. And it’s a LOT.
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. This is IMPORTANT, folks. While the website claims to offer facilities for disabled guests, I'm a bit hesitant. The hills surrounding the villas are… well, they’re Italian hills. Think steep. I didn't see any dedicated ramps, though the staff were lovely and quick to help. So, if you're reliant on a wheelchair, call ahead and get very specific details. Don't assume anything. I’d say it could be accessible, but you will need to verify. I had some difficulty navigating the outdoor steps myself after an indulgent meal, lol.
Internet, Oh Internet! (and the lack thereof sometimes)
Okay, let's talk connectivity. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Bless. In a world where internet is the new oxygen, this is a win. But, and there's always a but, sometimes the Tuscan hills seem to swallow the signal. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds all the time. But hey, embrace digital detox, right? There is also Internet [LAN] which is good to know if you need something with a bit of reliability, but again, prepare yourself for the speed of a snail in molasses. Overall the Internet services were decent, considering you're escaping to the countryside. I'd rate the Wi-Fi in public areas as "sporadically magical." Sometimes it was there, sometimes it wasn't. Embrace the mystery!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… and My Face in a Pool (Almost!)
Alright, the good stuff. Where do I even begin? The Pool with view? Stunning. Legitimately Instagram-worthy. I swear, I spent half my vacation just staring at the rolling hills, glass of Prosecco in hand. The other half? Trying not to faceplant in the pool while showing off my fabulous inflatable flamingo. Don't judge.
They have a proper Spa/sauna (though I skipped the steamroom because I'm not a fan of feeling like a soggy prune). The Massage? Oh. My. Gods. Seriously, I practically melted into the massage table. So amazing. Be warned: it's tempting to book one every day. I did. And honestly? No regrets. I might be biased because I'm a sucker for pampering, but the Body scrub was heavenly. I felt like I shed a layer of stress with every grain of salt. There's also a Body wrap but I'm not sure it's what I was looking for, but, hey, who am I to judge?
They offer a Fitness center, but I'm more of a "cardio is running from the buffet" kind of gal. But hey, at least it’s there! I did use the Foot bath, because, you know, self-care. The Pool with view is amazing. I mean, the view alone should be enough to sell you on the place.
Cleanliness & Safety - The (Slightly) Obsessive Side of Me
Listen, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, especially these days. So I was thrilled to see their commitment to cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays… they took it seriously. The staff seemed genuinely committed to hygiene, and that honestly put my mind at ease. They had all the essentials: Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol, everything. I found the Safe dining setup was adequate. I’m not too sure about the Sterilizing equipment but given everything else, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. There was Physical distancing of at least 1 meter in dining areas. The Rooms sanitized between stays and the Room sanitization opt-out available were good to know.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach's Happy Place
Okay, let's talk food. This is where Lavanda Belvedere truly shines, or perhaps more accurately, where I truly shined (eating). The Restaurants offer everything. They have an A la carte in restaurant option. You Breakfast [buffet] is not only great, but you can also opt for Breakfast takeaway service! There is a lovely Coffee/tea in restaurant, and of course, the Coffee shop where I had my (many) cappuccinos. But the real stars? The Asian cuisine in restaurant - surprisingly delicious! And, of course, the Desserts in restaurant! Oh my! My waistline will never forgive me. The Poolside bar is a must for sun-soaked afternoons. The Happy hour deals? Absolute gold.
The Western breakfast was also very good and I enjoyed their Western cuisine in restaurant. There is also a Vegetarian restaurant which I visited on one occasion. the Snack bar was great for a quick bite, and, of course, the Soup in restaurant. There is always Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Bottle of water available, which makes things much easier.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Difference
They had a Concierge service, which was very helpful. They offer Daily housekeeping, so you can always get your room cleaned. There's Luggage storage, in case you arrive early or depart late. There's also a Cash withdrawal, which comes in handy. The Air conditioning in public area works. There's also a Dry cleaning option. The Laundry service is valuable. The Safety deposit boxes are practical. The Doorman and Front desk [24-hour] are also a plus.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me)
They are Family/child friendly, but I didn't see a lot of kids. There is a Babysitting service, just in case!
Available in All Rooms - The Nitty-Gritty
Okay, let’s get down to the details. You get the basics: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Hair dryer, Minibar, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature. The Free Wi-Fi everywhere. The Desk is useful. The Bathrobes? Cozy decadence at its finest. Having a Coffee/tea maker is also essential. The Seating area is ideal for relaxing. The Blackout curtains are great too. As for Internet access – wireless, it's like I said. Linens and Towels are good. The Shower works. The Toiletries are decent. The Wake-up service. The Window that opens. All the essentials.
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, here comes the truth bombs.
- The "shrine" mentioned on the website - I think it was a small, decorative altar. No candles or anything. A little… underwhelming, if I'm honest.
- There's a little shop, but the Convenience store is a bit… well, convenient only for a few basic snacks.
Anecdote Time: Pizza Night (and a Near Disaster)
One night, we ordered pizza from the local place. Lovely, right? Wrong. The delivery dude got completely lost. He eventually found the villa, but not before my pizza was practically cold. A small, minor detail, but… the staff went above and beyond. They offered to reheat it (which, let’s be honest, defeated the point), but then they insisted on making us fresh coffees and brought us extra desserts. They truly tried, and the effort was what mattered. They're not perfect, but they care. It made me think, if "Pizza Night" is the biggest problem in my life, I'm doing pretty well.
The Verdict: Should You Go?
Absolutely. Lavanda Belvedere is not perfect, but it's truly special. It's a place where you can relax, unwind, and soak up the beauty of Tuscany. Just be prepared for some minor imperfections, embrace the unexpected (like a slightly cold pizza), and enjoy the magic. Just remember to call ahead about the accessibility if you need specific details. It's a place I’d happily return to. And you know what? I miss that blasted flamingo, already.
Here's my (slightly chaotic) Offer: Book Now and Get a Free Massage (Seriously!)
Book your stay at Lavanda Belvedere through this review (kidding, of course!) and I'll personally (not really, I wouldn't know how!) arrange for you to get a complimentary massage. Okay, maybe not. But, book a minimum of three nights before the end of [Insert Date Here] on their website using the code "TUSCANESCAPE" and you'll get
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Feld am See Holiday Home with Terrace!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your polished travel brochure. This is me, stumbling through a trip to Belvilla by Oyo Lavanda Belvedere Ostrense, Italy. Prepare for the beautiful mess that is my brain on vacation… and a whole lotta pasta.
Bellevista Bliss? (Or Maybe Just Bellavista Mediocrity – We'll See)
Day 1: Arrival and The Great Luggage Debacle (AKA, My Existential Crisis Begins)
11:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Ancona Airport. The flight? Uneventful, which, frankly, is a win in my book. Except, wait… where's my freaking luggage? Seriously?! This is how my Italian adventure begins? Ugh. This is it, the universe is definitely conspiring against me. I envision myself wandering the sun-drenched hills of Le Marche in the same travel outfit for a week, which is great, but also not great.
12:00 PM: Rental car pickup. (Pray for me – automatic would have been a nice option but apparently, it wasn't possible, so I'm back on the manual again! Pray for me. And pray for the poor Italians who have to share the road.)
1:30 PM: The Drive. The GPS tries to kill me. Seriously. Picture this: hairpin bends, sheer drops, and me gripping the steering wheel like I'm wrestling a rabid badger. Also, the scenery… my God. Rolling hills, medieval villages clinging to cliffs, fields of sunflowers that just scream “Instagram me!” (Even if I'm rocking the same outfit for a week because of the luggage… grumble, grumble). Oh, and finally, I make it to the Belvilla!
3:00 PM: Check-in at Lavanda Belvedere Ostrense. Okay, the view from here is… breathtaking. Seriously. I can see practically forever. Maybe this luggage situation isn't a total disaster… yet.
3:30 PM: The Inspection. The villa is… quirky. Lovely, but… quirky. The "rustic charm" is definitely present, but so is the cobweb in the corner and the slightly uneven tiles. No AC? Oh god, this is going to be hot.
4:00 PM: Lunch. I managed to grab some bread, cheese, and olives at a tiny shop. Thank god, I'm starving. Sitting on the terrace, overlooking the landscape… I sigh. I might actually be okay. This is going to be good.
5:00 PM: Nap time. The drive and the luggage drama took a chunk out of me, and this might be the best way to start the trip.
7:00 PM: Dinner at the villa, making pasta (a disaster). Seriously. I attempted my own Italian masterpiece (aka, spaghetti with a jarred tomato sauce, hoping for the best!). The pasta was overcooked, the sauce… well, let's just say it was… enthusiastic. I almost set off the smoke detector!
8:00 PM: Enjoy the lovely evening, and the breathtaking view.
Day 2: Ostrense Exploration and Wine-Induced Revelations
9:00 AM: Breakfast on the Terrace. Bread, jam, and the lingering scent of burnt pasta. (Thank God for coffee.) I decide to embrace the chaos of the journey. This is me: no frills, just thrills.
10:00 AM: Ostrense Village Wander. The town itself is small, but oh-so-charming. Cobblestone streets, ancient buildings… I spent the better part of an hour just wandering, getting lost, and taking too many pictures. It's utterly magical.
12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a tiny trattoria in Ostrense. Ate the best pasta carbonara I've ever had. (The real deal. None of my jarred tomato sauce nonsense.) The joy. The bliss. I think I momentarily achieved enlightenment.
2:00 PM: Wine Tasting at a local vineyard. They have to drive me home after all of that. The wine? Delicious. The conversation? Even better. Learned all sorts of things about Italian winemaking, the local history, and why I need another glass.
4:00 PM: Exploring the village. Getting lost, taking pictures, and actually breathing in this beauty. It is unbelievable, and the people here are as well.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Another attempt at cooking. This time, I went with the easy dinner option. (Still ate too much!)
8:30 PM: Stargazing. The sky is so dark, so clear… I've never seen so many stars. Pure, unadulterated awe. (Feeling a little tipsy here, but that's okay.)
Day 3: Coastal Capers and the Search for the Perfect Gelato
9:00 AM: Coffee and contemplation. My luggage still hasn't arrived. (This is a personal vendetta at this point.)
10:00 AM: Drive to the Adriatic Coast. Took my trusty map, some snacks, and a prayer. The drive is a little long, but I like it.
11:00 AM: Coastal Exploration. The turquoise water, the rugged cliffs… I spend a good hour just staring, trying to soak it all in.
12:00 PM: Beach Time. I sat on the beach and watched the waves.
1:00 PM: Lunch by the Sea. Fresh seafood, grilled to perfection. I did not take any pictures because I was enjoying it far too much.
3:00 PM: Gelato Quest. I am on a mission to find the best gelato in the region. The mission? A huge success. I find a tiny gelateria with the most incredible pistachio gelato. (I'm already planning my return.)
5:00 PM: Drive back, and relax.
7:00 PM: Dinner at the villa. I decide to order delivery.
Day 4: The Great Luggage… It Arrived!
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Exploring nearby towns and markets.
2:00 PM: The luggage arrives! (Cue the triumphant music!) I tear into my suitcase like a kid on Christmas morning. Finally, clean clothes! Proper toiletries! My sanity might be returning.
3:00 PM: Relax and enjoy the relief.
7:00 PM: Dinner
Day 5: Cooking Class and the Art of Imperfection
10:00 AM: Cooking Class. I always dreamed of cooking in Italy. My class was a small group, a lovely woman, and me. I learned how to make fresh pasta. There were mistakes, of course, but more importantly, there was laughter, and a delicious meal at the end.
1:00 PM: Lunch. With the cooking class. It was the best meal I'd had.
3:00 PM: Relax.
7:00 PM: Dinner, from the cooking class.
Day 6: Farewell (… for now!) and the Sweet Sorrow of Leaving
9:00 AM: Last Breakfast. Savoring every bite of bread, every sip of coffee. Trying to hold onto the feeling of this amazing place.
10:00 AM: Packing up. (A surprisingly orderly process this time.) The villa? Slightly less perfect, having been lived in by a messy, slightly clumsy traveler. But also: full of memories.
11:00 AM: Final Walk. One last walk through the village, one last look at the rolling hills. It actually made me sad!
12:00 PM: Check-out. A warm goodbye from the owner; a reminder of the beauty and the chaos that is Italy.
1:00 PM: Head to the airport.
The End (… or is it?)
So there you have it. A glimpse into my messy, imperfect, utterly wonderful week in Belvilla by Oyo Lavanda Belvedere Ostrense. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just… pack your patience, embrace the chaos, and maybe learn how to cook pasta before you go. And pray your luggage arrives! Until next time, Italy. Ciao!
Crete's BEST Pool Villa: Karteros Paradise Awaits!
So, What *is* this Whole FAQ thing About?
Honestly? I have absolutely NO idea. Okay, that's a *slight* exaggeration. It's about answering questions. The questions *you* might have. The questions *I* might have. The questions my cat, Mr. Fluffernutter, probably has (mostly about the existential dread of an empty food bowl). But the real deal here is that it's about me rambling, probably, a lot. And I ain't gonna lie, I'm a bit of a mess. But a fun mess, I hope! Just try to keep up! Seriously though, I'm trying to be helpful, in a gloriously flawed way.
Why Are You So… Long-Winded?
Okay, first of all, rude. Just kidding (mostly). Look, I could *try* to be concise. I could tell you, "I like to talk." But that's boring, and I'm not boring! What you're getting here is the *real* me. And the real me thinks in tangents. I'm not exactly *proud* of it, but my brain just kinda… goes. Like a runaway train, fueled by caffeine and existential anxieties. Plus, it's more fun this way, right? Besides, who wants a dry, robotic answer when you can have… *this*?
What's the Point of All These Messy Details?
Details, details, details! They're the *spice* of life, darling. Think of it like this: you can read a recipe and make a cake, or you can read a recipe *and* hear about the time the cake batter exploded all over your kitchen wall because you got distracted by a squirrel wrestling a rogue banana peel outside your window. Which cake story is more interesting? Exactly!! We're going for interesting… and maybe a little bit relatable. Because let's be honest, *everyone's* got some messy details floating around in their life. It's the human condition, people!
So, You're Saying This Isn't… Perfect?
Oh, honey, *far* from perfect. This is probably the least perfect thing you'll read all day. I’m making this up as I go. I probably should have outlined this a bit more. I mean, I *tried*, but then I saw a butterfly and, you know, my brain did a little flip. Get over yourself! I'm not aiming for perfection, I'm aiming for *humanity*. And humanity, my friends, is gloriously, beautifully, wonderfully flawed!
What Are Your Biggest Pet Peeves? (Besides having to reformat this entire thing because you're already messing up.)
Oh, man, where do I *begin*? Let's see...
- People who walk slowly in front of me on sidewalks. Honestly, I swear, I will teleport myself past you eventually.. Just move, PLEASE!
- When people say "literally" when they clearly mean "figuratively." I might develop an aneurysm when that happens. It's a pet peeve that is *literally* the bane of my existence.
- When my internet decides to die at precisely the moment I'm about to binge-watch something. (And yes, it happened *again* just this morning. Grrr!)
- And don't even get me started on socks that mysteriously disappear in the dryer. WHERE DO THEY GO?! It's a conspiracy, I tell you!
Do You Have Any Hidden Talents?
Hidden? Hmm... That's a good question. I can burp the alphabet (a very useful skill at cocktail parties, let me tell you). I'm also a *master* napper. I can fall asleep anywhere, anytime. And maybe, *maybe* I can wiggle my ears. Okay, I *used* to be able to wiggle my ears. I lost it a while back. Don't ask me how. Probably from all the stress I keep putting myself under. I blame the squirrels I keep watching out the window. They keep me up at night. And now I can't wiggle my ears anymore. Just my luck.
What's your favorite color?
This changes on a whim! Today, it's that specific shade of pale blue you see in the sky right after it rains... That feeling of peace, you know? It's calming. Oh, wait, no, actually scratch that. It's definitely the color of a really ripe mango. That vibrant, sunny, "I'm-gonna-eat-you-right-now" yellow-orange. Okay, I'm going with the mango. Definitely the mango. But tomorrow it might be the color of that one specific leaf that fell off the tree in autumn that one year. The possibilities... Ugh, okay, blue after the rain, then mango, then... I can't decide! This question is giving me a headache. I should have gotten some orange juice this morning!
What's the most embarrassing thing that's *ever* happened to you?
Okay, brace yourselves. This one's a doozy. It involves a karaoke machine, a very enthusiastic rendition of "Livin' on a Prayer," and a stage. But there's a lot more. Let me set the scene. It was my friend's birthday, and we were at this... umm... *dive bar.* You know the kind, sticky floors, questionable lighting, the whole shebang. I, being fueled by liquid courage (aka, a very potent margarita), thought I'd be a star. I thought I could sing. I thought I could *dance*. I had even picked out an outfit! It was a *very* unfortunate sequined number, I'm not gonna lie. Anyway, after several shots of tequila and a few rounds of mediocre karaoke, it was my turn. And I was feeling *it*. Bon Jovi. "Livin' on a Prayer." The crowd, a mix of drunk strangers and my equally inebriated friends, cheered. I grabbed the microphone, took a deep breath, and started… well, sort of. I mean, I *tried*. Except my voice cracked. A lot. And then, the mic cut out. And I tripped. *Hard*. In the process, I accidentally gave a very enthusiastic karate chop to my friend's face when she was reaching for her beer. It was a disaster. And then, the lights went out. AND the karaoke music stopped. AND I knocked over the microphone stand. I ran away and cried. It's a memory that still haunts my dreams. Karaoke, you are my nemesis. Never again. Never. Again.
Book Hotels Now
