Escape to Paradise: Tuscany's Hidden Gem, Principi di Piemonte Resort
Escape to Paradise: Tuscany's Hidden Gem? My Principi di Piemonte Resort Dive (A Chaotic, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of the Principi di Piemonte Resort in Tuscany, and it’s going to be less perfectly polished travel brochure and more… well, me. Think of it as a slightly caffeinated, possibly jet-lagged friend gabbing about their recent escape.
First Impressions (and the Accessibility Angle - because, you know, reality):
Okay, let's be real: I'm not a supermodel gliding effortlessly through life. I'm also interested in accessibility, damn it. So, right off the bat, accessibility at the Principi di Piemonte? It's a mixed bag. They have facilities for disabled guests, which is a great starting point (and a must, frankly). The elevator's a lifesaver, especially with luggage. But the devil's in the details, right? I’d suggest calling ahead and specifically asking about ramp access to different areas, the practicality of navigating the restaurants with a wheelchair (because, let's face it, “accessible” can sometimes mean “technically we ticked the box”), and the availability of adapted rooms. Check-in/out [express] and check-in/out [private] sound good - imagine bypassing the lobby chaos after a long flight. Car park [free of charge], that's always a win.
Now, the car park [on-site]? Double win! Especially if you’re driving yourself – Tuscany is all rolling hills and charming, albeit winding, roads. Driving around in Tuscany is incredible, a real escape of itself!
Internet, Glorious Internet! (And Wi-Fi That Actually Works!):
Listen, in this day and age, internet is a goddamn necessity. Thank the travel gods for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas. That's a massive relief. And if you're a LAN-lover (who are you?!) you have Internet [LAN] options too. The actual speed and reliability? Well, I'll be honest: I didn’t put the internet to the test for a week, I was too busy things to do, ways to relax – specifically, trying to forget the world existed. More on that later.
Rooms: The Good, The Okay, and the Honestly, Expected:
The rooms themselves? Pretty standard Italian hotel fare, but in a good way. The bathrobes were plush, I'm a sucker for bathtub relaxation, and that hair dryer actually worked (a surprisingly rare occurrence in my experience!). Air conditioning? Crucial. Blackout curtains? Blessedly effective. I appreciated the in-room safe box for my, uh, "important" documents (read: passport and enough cash to maybe buy a gelato). I didn’t have to use a Laptop workspace because the laptop was too slow and that made me happy!
They had, of course, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. All of this just adds to the experience.
The Spa, Oh, The Spa (My Moment of Bliss – Rambling Ahead!):
Okay, here's where I almost lost it. The spa/sauna situation? Heaven. Honestly, I became a spa-rat that week. They had the usual suspects: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Spa, and Steamroom. But it was the vibe. Dim lighting, hushed whispers, that scent of eucalyptus and… well, pure relaxation. I spent a glorious hour in a massage. It was so good that I actually drooled. The masseuse probably thought I was a total weirdo, but I swear, I had never felt so… unstuck. My shoulders, which usually carry the weight of the world (or, you know, just my own anxieties), just melted. I think I might have even snored. Don't judge me. The Pool with view – yeah, it was as good as it sounds. This is worth the trip alone. I tried to grab some time in the Swimming pool [outdoor] because why not and it was just as good.
Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Crumby Observation):
Dining, drinking, and snacking. Here's the thing: Tuscany is food. Period. The Principi di Piemonte offers a good selection. Restaurants, plural. A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant. If you're a foodie, this might just be your paradise. The breakfast buffets were epic. I’m talking mountains of pastries, fresh fruit you could practically taste the sunshine in, and enough coffee to jump-start a small nation. They had Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant options, which I didn’t test, but it was nice to see. The Bar was a decent spot for an aperitivo, and the Bottle of water was always appreciated after a long day of… well, relaxing. I must remark also on the Vegetarian restaurant options because it makes me happy.
Cleanliness, Safety, and That Worrying Thing Called "2023":
Let's be honest, in this post-pandemic world, we're all a little extra sensitive about cleanliness. The Principi di Piemonte Resort seemed to take this seriously. They offered Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, and Hygiene certification. The fact that they had Staff trained in safety protocol was reassuring. The Rooms sanitized between stays is a must-have, and the fact that Rooms sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was, mostly, observed. Safe dining setup: check. Honestly, I felt pretty safe and secure. They also had First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call, Sterilizing equipment, Individually-wrapped food options. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property are a win for security.
For the Kids (And the Adults Who Secretly Love Them):
Family/child friendly is a plus. They offer Babysitting service and Kids facilities.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
The concierge was helpful. Daily housekeeping kept the chaos at bay. Laundry service was a godsend after a particularly messy gelato incident (yes, it happened). They had Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and a Convenience store (because, emergency chocolate!). Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service and the hotel also provides Car park [free of charge]. It also provides Food delivery and Gift/souvenir shop to make sure you have everything you need. And they have Doorman.
Getting Around (Because You'll Want to Explore):
Airport transfer is a huge plus. Taxi service is readily available. Car park [free of charge] is a god sent, and you could also get Valet parking.
Things That Didn't Quite Tickle My Fancy (A Little Bit of Honesty):
- The "Shrine." I'm not even sure what this was. It's listed in the amenities. I missed this.
- Meeting/banquet facilities. Fine, but I'm on vacation – I don't want to think about meetings.
- Extra long bed - I guess I needed one.
The Verdict (Am I Going Back?):
Yes, probably! The Principi di Piemonte Resort is a solid choice for a relaxing Tuscan escape. It’s not perfect, but it has so much going for it. The spa alone is almost worth the trip.
Unbelievable Guest House in Reggio Calabria: Piazza Carmine's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, pre-packaged travel brochure. This is real life, Tirrenia edition. Brace yourselves, because we're about to dive into a messy, glorious week at the Resort Principi di Piemonte. And trust me, it won't be pretty (in the highly curated Instagram sense), but it will be memorable.
A Week of Sun, Sand, and the Occasional Existential Crisis at the Principi di Piemonte, Tirrenia
(Disclaimer: I'm not a travel agent. I'm just a woman with a credit card and a serious craving for gelato. This is my experience, and yours might be totally different. You’ve been warned.)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Am I Really Here?" Moment
- Morning: Ugh, the airport. Let's just say my carry-on and I had a brief misunderstanding about the weight limit. Luckily, I managed to salvage the situation (and my dignity) with a slightly frantic, but ultimately successful, combination of charm and strategic pleading. Arrived at the resort feeling more like a shipwreck survivor than a pampered traveler.
- Afternoon: Finally, sweet, sweet Principi di Piemonte. The lobby is…well, it's grand, in that slightly faded, old-school Italian way. You can feel the history, and the lingering scent of lemon cleaner. Check-in was smooth enough, though I swear the receptionist gave me a look that said, "Another one." (I suspect I have that effect on people.) Dragged my luggage up to my room, and the view… the Mediterranean glittered in the distance. The "Am I really here?" moment hit. Followed by a quick, ecstatic little jig.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort restaurant. The food was…okay. Perfectly edible, but not exactly life-altering. The pasta was plentiful, the wine was cheap (a win!), and the waiter was charmingly chaotic. He stumbled over his English, I butchered my Italian, and we managed to communicate through a symphony of hand gestures and giggles. The sunset? Absolutely breathtaking. Made me forget about the slightly bland risotto.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and the Sand-in-Everything Phenomenon)
- Morning: BEACH TIME! Found myself a prime sunbed spot - a tactical move, considering everyone else seemed to be gunning for the same real estate. Spent a glorious morning alternating between soaking up the rays and pretending to be fluent in Italian (mostly failed, but enjoyed the attempt).
- Afternoon: The beach, a siren song. The waves were calling, so I answered. Now I know why they invented the word "sand." It's in my hair, my swimsuit, my teeth. It's probably in my soul at this point. Ate a greasy (but delightful) panini from a beachside shack. Life is good.
- Evening: This is where things get interesting. Decided to be cultured and attempt an evening stroll along the beach. Huge mistake. I'm not sure what I expected, perhaps a graceful sunset walk with a perfect breeze, but reality was a tangled mess. First, I got completely lost. Second, the "breeze" was more like a gale that whipped sand into every orifice imaginable. Third, a swarm of tiny, persistent biting insects attacked. I fled like a person possessed, swatting and screaming.
Day 3: Exploring Pisa (and fighting the Leaning Tower hordes)
- Morning: The classic. Pisa. Pre-booked a tour, because I was not going to miss seeing the Leaning Tower. The drive was pleasant enough, winding through the Tuscan countryside.
- Afternoon: Okay, the Leaning Tower. It leans. It's impressive. But the people. The sheer number of people trying to take the same stupid photo of themselves "holding up" the tower was truly staggering. I did it too, of course. Couldn't resist. It felt like I was participating in a global performance art piece. Took a moment to actually, you know, look at it, appreciating the wonky architecture.
- Evening: Ordered a classic pizza. I ate an entire pizza myself. Ate it like a starving wild animal. No regrets. The pizza was the best thing the day had to offer.
Day 4: Poolside Contemplation and the Aperitivo Revelation
- Morning: The pool. Bliss. Actually, proper bliss. No sand, no gnats, just cool water and the comforting sound of splashing. Read a book, took a nap, and felt my stress levels melt away.
- Afternoon: Discovered the concept of "aperitivo." Life-changing. Basically, you order a drink (spritz is a must) and get free snacks. Olives, chips, little sandwiches… pure genius. Spent a solid few hours poolside, slowly sipping my spritz and nibbling on delicious snacks.
- Evening: Attempted a more "sophisticated" dinner. Went to a restaurant outside the resort. The ambiance was lovely, the food was good, but… I missed the chaotic charm of the hotel restaurant. Realized I'm probably more of a "sandals and simple pasta" kind of person than a "fine dining" person.
Day 5: The "Lost in Translation" Laundry Debacle and a Gelato Appreciation
- Morning: Laundry day. Or, attempted laundry day. The hotel's laundry service was… well, let's just say my attempts at explaining "delicate wash" in broken Italian were met with a blank stare. End result? My favorite silk blouse now looks like a miniature version of itself. Seriously, I'm getting this "Tiny Me" from the movie "Honey I shrunk the kids" vibes.
- Afternoon: Gelato rescue mission! Needed to salve the wounds of laundry-related trauma. Found a little gelateria, their gelato was the cure. Ate three scoops and contemplated moving to Italy permanently.
- Evening: Took my own advice. I decided to give my legs a rest. Because I am here to relax and enjoy. This time I stayed at the hotel, ordered pizza, and spent the night on the balcony.
Day 6: The Day I Almost Drowned in the Sea
- Morning: Decided to be brave. Took out the boogie board and went into deep water. Big mistake!
- Afternoon: After the almost-drowning experience, I sat by the pool to read.
- Evening: I took a walk to calm myself. After the scary experience. I walked to the place where I first arrived and had dinner. Ate dinner and contemplated my life.
Day 7: Farewell and the bittersweet "Back to Reality" Sigh
- Morning: Final breakfast. Stared longingly at the croissants. Ordered two. Because, why not? Packing was a chore. The thought of leaving, of losing the beautiful views… it filled me with a mixture of sadness and a strange sense of satisfaction.
- Afternoon: Check-out. Said goodbye to the lovely (and slightly bemused) staff. One last gelato, this time to-go.
- Evening: Flight home. Sitting on the plane, already planning my return. Tirrenia, you beautiful, slightly flawed, wonderfully chaotic place… I'll be back.
- Final Thought: I'm not sure if I've become better from this trip, but I'm definitely more relaxed, and I haven't drowned!
There you have it: my hilariously honest, slightly messy, and utterly human week at the Principi di Piemonte. Hope you enjoyed the ride! Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and find a tailor to fix my shrunken blouse. And start planning my next gelato pilgrimage. Ciao!
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Escape to Paradise: Principi di Piemonte Resort - The Unfiltered Truth (and a Whole Lotta Pasta)
Okay, so... is this "Hidden Gem" thing legit? Is Principi di Piemonte really a Tuscan treasure or just slick marketing?
But! Beauty aside, and the marketing hype aside, the *experience*... that's where it gets interesting. It's not just about the perfect picture. It's about feeling that Italian sun on your face, the taste of the local wine, the *smell* of baking bread in the morning (more on that later!). It's about that unexpectedly amazing pasta you find at a tiny trattoria after getting hopelessly lost on those winding roads (which, believe me, you *will* get lost on).
So, yes, it’s a gem. A well-polished one, sure, but a gem nonetheless. Just don't expect to be the *only* one finding it. Oh, and prepare for the food. Seriously, prepare.
The website says "Luxury." Is it snooty luxury, or can a regular person, like *me,* feel comfortable? (Because I'm a total klutz, and I once spilled red wine on a white Gucci handbag... long story.)
Look, you're not expected to arrive in a formal gown (unless you *want* to, which, hey, to each their own!). Jeans and a nice top? Perfect. The staff are genuinely friendly, not the "stiffly-professional-who-secretly-judges-you" kind. They actually *seem* to want you to enjoy yourself. And that, my friends, is the real luxury.
Plus, and this is important with my track record, there are no visible signs of 'judgement' if you trip and take out a waiter in the dining room. I didn't, but... you get the picture.
The Food... the FOOD! Tell me EVERYTHING about the food! Because I'm already dreaming of carbs and olive oil. And will I need to speak Italian?
Breakfast? Unbelievable. Pastries that melt in your mouth (hello, cornetti!), fresh fruit, the aforementioned smell of baking bread… and the coffee! Strong, dark, and the perfect antidote to the previous night's wine-induced haze. The resort restaurant, while not Michelin-starred (that I know of), is good in a *consistent* way. And the local trattorias? Find them. Seriously. Get lost and *find* them. Ask the locals for suggestion.
And Italian? It helps. But even if you only know "Ciao!" and "Grazie!", you'll be fine. The staff speak English, and a smile (and maybe a few frantic hand gestures) goes a long way. Plus, the universal language of "More wine, please!" is easily understood.
What are the rooms like? Are they stuffy or actually comfortable?
My *one* complaint? The air conditioning! It's sometimes a little bit hit-or-miss, in that it sometimes doesn't *hit*. I'm a cold sleeper, so this wasn't a huge deal, but if you're someone who needs to be freezing at night, check that the AC is working before you unpack.
But the views… the views are worth a million AC units. Wake up to the Tuscan countryside? Yes, please. Especially with that coffee, and the promise of more carbs. I mean, seriously, the rooms are what you'd expect from a resort of this calibre.
Beyond the food and the rooms, what's there to actually *do* at Principi di Piemonte? Are we just going to be stuck lounging by the pool? (Which, I mean, isn't the *worst* thing...)
They can arrange wine tours (obviously!), cooking classes (highly recommended!), and visits to charming medieval towns. Exploring the countryside on those winding roads is a must (just don't get *too* lost, like I did. Twice.).
There's also a small spa (if you're into that sort of thing, I, personally, adore a good massage). The staff is super helpful in setting up experiences. But honestly? The best part is just wandering around, letting yourself discover things.
For me, it was all about losing myself and walking the property. I remember just sitting on a bench, overlooking the rolling hills and thinking "Wow. This is amazing." It’s the little, unplanned moments that stay with you.
Okay, the BIG question: Is it worth the price tag? Because let's be honest, luxury ain't cheap.
THAT BEING SAID… If you're looking for a truly special getaway, a place to recharge and indulge, and you're willing to splurge a bit... then yes. *Yes*. The memories alone, the food coma, and the feeling of absolute bliss? Priceless.
Just remember to factor in the cost of all the delicious pasta you'll be eating. And possibly a new pair of pants. (Just a thought.)
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