Escape to Tuscany: Agriturismo Simonello's Unforgettable Stignano Retreat
Tuscany, Tears, and Tiny Tuscan Towns: My Love-Hate Letter to Agriturismo Simonello
Okay, let's get real. Planning a trip to Tuscany? Visions of golden vineyards, sun-drenched hillsides, and… bliss, right? Wrong. Sometimes. Especially if you're me, a chaotic traveler with a penchant for overpacking and a serious allergy to perfectly-planned itineraries. But, after my recent stay at Agriturismo Simonello's in Stignano, I'm practically vibrating with a mix of pure joy and… well, a slight tinge of "holy moly, that was intense."
First, the essentials, because, let's face it, practicalities matter, even to a drama queen like myself. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible? Nope. Sadly, Agriturismo Simonello isn't designed with full accessibility in mind. While they have an elevator, the overall layout seemed a bit tricky for serious mobility issues. Consider this carefully before booking.
Speaking of practicalities, Internet? Oh, sweet relief! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Though the speed varied – sometimes it was blazing, sometimes it was… well, let's just say I felt a pang of nostalgia for dial-up. But hey, it's Tuscany, not Silicon Valley. And, they also had Internet [LAN] if you’re the old reliable type.
Cleanliness and Safety? Listen, in today’s world, this is HUGE. And Simonello delivers. They really go the extra mile. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays, felt reassuring.. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol felt genuinely committed to keeping guests safe. The other things from this segment, like the hygiene certification and safe dining setup, added to the feeling of security.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Now, this is where things get interesting. Restaurants, a bar, and a poolside bar? Check, check, check! The breakfast [buffet] was AMAZING, with a spread that could bring tears to your eyes (happy tears, mostly). I'm talking fresh fruit, pastries that practically sang, all the coffee you could possibly need. They also offered Asian breakfast, which I didn't try, but hey, options are good! The a la carte in restaurant menu for dinner was tempting, and I couldn’t resist the desserts, let’s just say I may or may not have eaten my weight in tiramisu… multiple times. They had vegetarian restaurant options available which was a welcome option. The Happy hour cocktails were a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. The Poolside bar was the perfect spot when you take a swim from the swimming pool [outdoor], you can enjoy a cocktail while you bask in the Tuscan sun and get lost in the pool with a view.
Let's be honest, the food is a major reason to choose Simonello. The flavors are out of this world, with meals prepared with care and attention to detail. I made a friend (a very chatty older Italian gentleman) at the Poolside bar, and we bonded over a shared love of the pizza and the Tuscan sunsets. I even gave the soup in restaurant a go and it was absolutely stunning.
Services and Conveniences? They had all the stuff you need: Daily housekeeping, concierge, laundry service, luggage storage… you name it. What particularly caught my eye was their contactless check-in/out. I'm so grateful for this because people are touching less things now, which is a great thing.
For the adrenaline junkies and health enthusiasts, there's a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness. I did try the gym/fitness once, after all those pastries… let's just say I felt like a beached whale for a few minutes. But hey, the intention was there! Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to test out the Body scrub or Body wrap.
Things to do, Ways to Relax: Oh boy, this is where Simonello truly shines. The Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage all beckoned… and I happily succumbed. Seriously, sinking into their Sauna after a day of exploring was pure heaven. The massage was so good, it made me weep (again, happy tears). I spent hours lounging by the swimming pool [outdoor], staring at the view. A good way to relax that is on my bucket list is the foot bath. I would've loved to have tried everything.
For the Kids? I didn't travel with kids, but the Family/child friendly atmosphere was definitely apparent. They offer Babysitting service which is a lifesaver.
The Room: My Tiny Tuscan Sanctuary
My room ("Il Sole," the Sun – fitting, given the constant sunshine!) was… charming. Think exposed wooden beams, a comfy bed, and a window that opens to the Tuscan countryside. The Air conditioning was a godsend during the afternoon heat, and the blackout curtains helped with sleep. The complimentary tea and free bottled water were a nice touch. I’m a fan of a desk, I do love me some internet access – wireless.
Sure, it wasn't the most luxurious hotel room I've ever stayed in. I wouldn't tell you I care about the carpet, but the imperfections were part of the charm. The mirror wasn't perfectly aligned, the telephone felt a little retro, but the imperfections kind of added to the character. The mini-bar was stocked which I didn’t use, but it's there. And frankly, after a day of exploring the tiny villages, you're so exhausted, you don't care about perfection.
The "Meh" Moments (Because I'm Honest):
The location, while stunning, is a bit out of the way. You need a car to get around. My rental car was… let's say it wasn't the most reliable. There were a few mechanical issues and it made me realize how hard it would be to walk. Getting around in Tuscany is really reliant on having a car. Car parking [free of charge] was a blessing!
While the internet was generally good, there were a few times when I wanted to scream into the void because the connection kept dropping during calls and video chats.
Why You Should Book Agriturismo Simonello:
Look, despite the mild imperfections, I absolutely loved it! Agriturismo Simonello is a place where you can truly disconnect and reconnect with yourself and the beauty of Tuscany. It's not perfect. But it's real. It's charming. It's authentic. And the food? The food alone is worth the trip.
My Imperfectly-Perfect Offer: Your Tuscan Escape Awaits!
Ready to escape the ordinary and embrace the magic of Tuscany?
Agriturismo Simonello invites you to experience a getaway unlike any other!
Here's what you'll get:
- Unforgettable Comfort: Stay in charming rooms with stunning views, complimentary Wi-Fi, and all the essential amenities.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in mouthwatering Tuscan cuisine, from hearty breakfasts to exquisite dinners, at our on-site restaurants, with a pool bar that’ll keep you refreshed while you take swim.
- Relaxation Redefined: Immerse yourself in pure bliss with our spa, sauna, and massage services. Let the stresses of everyday life melt away as you enjoy the serenity of the Tuscan landscape. Did I mention our pool with a view is amazing?
- Immerse & Indulge: A safe place, friendly staff and amazing experience!
Book your stay at Agriturismo Simonello today and prepare to be enchanted!
Special Offer: Book within the next month and receive a complimentary bottle of local wine and a guided wine tasting experience on us!
Click here to secure your unforgettable Tuscan escape! [Insert Link Here]
P.S. Warning: You may never want to leave. (I’m still dreaming of that tiramisu…)
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Agriturismo Simonello, Stignano: My Messy, Glorious, Olive Oil-Slicked Diary
Pre-Trip Anxiety (and Bad Packing Decisions):
Okay, so Italy. Agriturismo. Sounds idyllic, right? Think "Under the Tuscan Sun," but… me. Which means a high likelihood of losing my passport, forgetting essential adapter plugs, and weeping dramatically over a stray olive pit. My packing philosophy? "Throw everything in and pray." I’m currently operating under the delusion that I’ll wear that sequined jumpsuit I bought on a whim somewhere in the Calabrian countryside. Spoiler alert: I won't.
Day 1: Arrival & The Olive Grove Baptism (aka, "Where the Heck Am I?")
- Morning: Flight! (Prayed for no delays, received mild turbulence, considered ordering a large glass of wine at 10 AM. Resisted… mostly.) Landed in Lamezia Terme, which, confession, sounded vaguely like a medical condition before I saw it on the arrivals board. Picked up my rental car, which, to my eternal shame, I named "Vespa Von Wigglebottom" (don't judge – it's Italian). The drive to Simonello was… an experience. Winding roads, hairpin turns, me clinging to the wheel and muttering prayers to Saint Christopher.
- Afternoon: Finally, arrived at Agriturismo Simonello! Breathtaking. Seriously. Olive trees stretching as far as the eye can see. Tiny stone houses nestled into the hillside. The air smells of… well, everything good. Rosemary, lemons, sunshine… and maybe just a hint of diesel from Vespa Von Wigglebottom. Checked in, was instantly charmed by Lucia, the owner's daughter, who speaks about a billion languages and probably knows the secrets of the universe. She gave me the grand tour, which included a stunning view of the valley and a tiny, slightly terrifying plunge pool.
- Afternoon/Evening: The Olive Grove Baptism! Lucia took me on a tour of the estate and showed me the processes of olive planting, harvesting, and oil production. It was magical. The smells, the sun, the history… I was completely swept away. I even tried helping with a little pruning. Let's just say I'm more of a "consumer of olive oil" than a "creator." My attempts to connect with the olive trees were awkward, but the taste test of fresh olive oil was pure, unadulterated heaven. The flavour was strong at first, but was followed by a peppery kick. I wanted to marry the oil. Dinner was pasta with fresh vegetables and, of course, olive oil. I think I licked the plate. No regrets.
- Quirky Observation: I’m pretty sure the cicadas are trying to serenade me. Either that, or they're having a massive, high-pitched insect rave. It’s… intense.
Day 2: The Beach (and a Near-Disaster Involving a Sea Urchin)
- Morning: Beach day! Driving to the coast was a breeze compared to yesterday's mountain drama. The Tyrrhenian Sea is ridiculously blue. Found a tiny, secluded beach that felt like a secret. Sunbathing, swimming, the whole shebang. This is what I came for. I felt a sense of peace that I hadn't realised I needed. The smell of salt and suncream brought tears to my eyes. (Happy tears, I swear!)
- Afternoon: The sea urchin incident. Okay, picture this: me, feeling like a mermaid goddess, wading into the clear water. Suddenly, CRUNCH. My foot. A sea urchin. Apparently, I hadn't looked where I was stepping. Let's just say there were some colorful words involved. Luckily, the local beach bar owner, a gruff but kind man named Enzo, swooped to the rescue with some tweezers and a healthy dose of iodine. He also laughed at me. Mercilessly. I deserved it.
- Evening: Back at Simonello, nursing my foot with some ice and feeling like I'd been through the wringer. Lucia brought me a plate of fresh figs and local cheese. This, THIS, is why I love agriturismos. They take care of you. Dinner was a seafood feast, prepared by Chef Antonella! (Seriously, this woman is a culinary goddess). Afterwards, I collapsed into my bed, exhausted but happy.
- Emotional Reaction: The sea urchin incident brought me to my knees. And then the fresh figs brought me to my feet again. Italy, you are a contradictory beast.
Day 3: Cooking Class and a Dramatic Encounter with a Chicken
- Morning: Cooking class! I’m not exactly known for my culinary prowess. I burn toast. Regularly. But Chef Antonella was patient and kind. We made fresh pasta. The process was messy. My pasta looked… well, let's just say it had character. But the taste? Amazing! We also learned to make sauce from scratch, using herbs and tomatoes from the garden. I felt like a true nonna.
- Afternoon: Chicken-related drama. The farm has chickens. Free-range chickens. I was warned. But I still jumped about a meter in the air when one of them, a particularly aggressive rooster, decided I was a threat. I fled, screaming. The chickens have won.
- Evening: Wine-tasting and stargazing. The wine was local, delicious, and, let's be honest, I probably drank a little too much. The stars, though? Jaw-dropping. I’ve never seen so many. I felt ridiculously small and insignificant and, at the same time, profoundly connected to the universe. It was… moving.
Day 4: The Market, Lost in Translation, and a Lesson in Patience
- Morning: Attempted to visit a local market. My Italian is, let's say, "improvisational." I wanted to buy some fruit. Instead, I clearly asked for… something involving a donkey. I’m not entirely sure what came out of my mouth. The market vendor looked at me like I was from another planet (which, given Vespa Von Wigglebottom, I might be). I ended up with some peaches (success!) a bewildered stare, and a newfound respect for the power of hand gestures.
- Afternoon: Explored a nearby village. Got hopelessly lost. Vespa Von Wigglebottom and I ended up on a road that was barely wider than the car. Panic set in. I had to reverse the car and finally, a local man, probably a farmer, gestured to me to turn around in his yard. I was mortified, I was grateful, I was shaking.
- Evening: Back at Simonello. Spent the evening in the courtyard. I was grateful for the simple things, for the clean clothes, a full stomach, and the lack of sea urchins.
- Messy Rambling: Learning Italian isn't easy. But the more I try, the more I enjoy the journey.
Day 5: Farewell (with a Tear and a Prayer for the Sequined Jumpsuit)
- Morning: Last breakfast at Simonello. Savoring every bite. Saying goodbye to Lucia felt like saying goodbye to a friend. I hugged her. Twice.
- Afternoon: Packing. (Still haven't worn the sequined jumpsuit. Maybe next time? Maybe never. But there's hope!) The drive back to the airport was… less terrifying than the drive here. Baby steps!
- Evening: The flight home. Feeling exhausted, rejuvenated, slightly sunburnt, and utterly, irrevocably in love with Italy.
Final Thoughts (and a Plea):
Agriturismo Simonello is magic. It's not perfect. Vespa Von Wigglebottom nearly killed me. I made a fool of myself multiple times. But that's the point. The imperfections, the awkwardness, the moments of sheer, unadulterated joy – that's what makes it real. It's messy, it's emotional, it's funny, and it's absolutely, gloriously human.
I'll be back. And next time, I'm taking an Italian language course. And maybe leaving the jumpsuit at home. (Maybe.)
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Escape to Tuscany: Agriturismo Simonello - You've Got Questions, I've Got (Mostly) Honest Answers. Buckle Up!
Okay, so, Agriturismo Simonello. What’s the *vibe* people? Is it all rolling hills and perfectly tanned Instagram models?
Alright, let's be real. Yes, there are rolling hills. And yes, they're pretty darn postcard-worthy. But the models... well, I didn’t see any, unless you count the incredibly photogenic, slightly nervous-looking couple who kept posing with their Aperol spritzes at sunset. Simonello *is* beautiful, don’t get me wrong. It's authentic, charming… and a little… rustic. Think more "charming Italian aunt's house" than "slick, sterile hotel." It's the kind of place where you can actually *relax*, you know? Embrace the imperfections! (Like the WiFi that occasionally decides to take a nap. More on that later...)
The food! I hear Tuscany *is* food. What was the chow like at Simonello? Did I need to pack my stretchy pants?
Pack the stretchy pants. Seriously. The food at Simonello? Pure, unadulterated, carb-laden heaven. Every. Single. Meal. I’m talking fresh pasta that practically melts in your mouth, sauces so rich you'd swear they were made by angels, and enough local wine to make you forget your name (though, thankfully, never quite *that* much... mostly). They grow a lot of their own stuff, so it’s incredibly fresh. One night, we had this incredible roasted chicken, crispy skin, juicy meat… I still dream about it. And the breakfasts? Forget your sad little hotel continental breakfast. We're talking fresh-baked bread, homemade jams, and strong coffee. Be warned: you *will* leave several pounds heavier. Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
Tell me about the rooms? Are they modern and swanky or… authentically Italian? And what about the beds? Crucial information!
Authentically Italian, baby! Think exposed beams, terracotta floors, sometimes a bit of wonky plumbing (but hey, that’s part of the charm, right?). No gleaming chrome or minimalist lines here. Our room was spacious, comfortable, and had a balcony overlooking the valley. The views alone... wow. The beds? Generally pretty decent, though I'm a bit of a princess about my mattress. One night, I might have, let’s just say, *accidentally* rolled off the edge. No lasting harm, thankfully. The biggest thing is the character, the feeling of being *in* Tuscany, not just staying *at* a hotel. Be prepared for a little dust, maybe the occasional spider in the corner (it's the countryside!), but all part of the experience.
I'm worried about the language barrier. Do they speak English? Will I spend the entire trip feeling like an awkward mime?
It varies! The owners speak some English, and enough to get by. But honestly? Embrace the awkward mime! It's part of the fun. I fumbled through some Italian phrases, used a lot of hand gestures, and generally made a fool of myself. And you know what? Everyone was incredibly patient and helpful. The Italians are generally just *delightful* people. They appreciate the effort. Plus, Google Translate is your friend. I learned the word for "delicious" (delizioso!) pretty quickly. That’s a crucial phrase to know!
Okay, let’s talk about the pool. Is it a proper, swim-a-few-laps pool or just a glorified puddle?
The pool is a *godsend*. It's not Olympic-sized, but it's plenty big enough for a relaxing dip, and doing some proper swimming. It's surrounded by sun loungers, and overlooks the valley. Seriously, the views from the pool are incredible. I spent hours there, just reading, sipping wine (sensing a theme here?), and soaking up the Tuscan sun. The water was clean and refreshing, and it's a perfect spot to cool down after a day of exploring. I strongly recommend bringing a good book though, because you won't be able to put it down! (And yes, even when the sun dips below the horizon, there's a certain peace and quiet you can't put a price on!). Oh, and yes, occasionally you might share it with a friendly lizard or two, mind you, they are shy.
I'm a "workaholic" (or pretending to be one). Is it easy to stay connected? The WiFi… tell me about the WiFi!
Okay, the WiFi… Here's the thing. It exists. Sometimes. It's like a grumpy old Italian uncle: you love him, but he takes his time. It's not the fastest connection in the world, and it's definitely not reliable enough for important video calls. Honestly? Consider it a blessing in disguise. It forces you to disconnect, to put down your phone, and to actually *be present* in the moment. I found myself checking emails less and less, and instead, wandering around the olive groves. It was actually quite liberating. Think of it as a digital detox. You might even thank Simonello for it later. Then again, you also might secretly curse it at 3 AM when you're desperately trying to upload your Instagram photos. It's a trade-off.
Are there any good day trips? I want to see the sights!
Absolutely! Stignano is perfectly positioned for exploring Tuscany. Siena is a must-see, for the history, the architecture, and the gelato. San Gimignano, with its iconic towers, is also worth a visit. Florence is a bit further afield, but doable for a day trip. We rented a car (definitely recommend, gives you so much freedom!) and just drove around, getting lost on purpose. Found some amazing little towns that weren’t even on our radar. But honestly, even staying at Simonello itself for a few days, is a fabulous treat.
What's the vibe with kids? Is it family-friendly? Or more coupley?
Family friendly for sure! We saw kids of all ages, all having a ball. There's space to run around, a pool to splash in, and plenty of delicious food to keep them happy. The owners are lovely with children. It's the kind of place where your kids can safely run around explore, and you don't need to worry too much. That said, it's also romantic and peaceful enough for couples who want some quality downtime.
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