Tuscan Paradise Found: Tenuta San Lodovico, Scansano Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Tuscan dream – specifically, Tenuta San Lodovico, Scansano. This isn't your cookie-cutter hotel review, honey. We're talking raw, real, and probably a little rambling. Let's get into it!
First Impressions & The Whole "Getting There" Thing (Accessibility & Getting Around):
Okay, so listen, I'm not gonna lie, I was a little anxious driving into Tuscany. Road signs? Sometimes they just disappear, you know? But finding Tenuta San Lodovico? Phew! Not too hard, even for a directionally challenged soul like myself. They've got a car park [free of charge], which immediately earned them brownie points. Seriously, who wants to spend half their vacay circling for a parking spot? They also offer Airport transfer – smart. Consider it highly recommended if you, like me, might accidentally reverse into a Vespa. And from the looks of it, they're doing a good job with Accessibility. I didn't personally need it, but it’s comforting to know they've put some thought into including everyone, including the Facilities for disabled guests. Good on ya, Lodovico.
The Room (Available in all rooms! – Let's get down to brass tacks):
Right, the room. This is where it gets good. First off, Air conditioning? Mandatory in July. Check. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Bless. Plus, the Internet access – wireless was actually reliable. I needed that Internet and Laptop workspace – gotta keep up with the world, even when you're surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. My room had a desk, which I used. There was a TV with Satellite/cable channels, which I never used, because, hello? Tuscany! There was a refrigerator, thank god. (Wine, wine, and more wine!) I'm not sure about my specific room, but I’ve heard the higher end ones have Bathrobes, which would take my relaxation up a notch further, and this one, sadly, didn’t have a Bathroom phone. I loved the fact that I also had Coffee/tea maker and Complimentary tea - I woke up every morning and instantly relaxed while having a coffee in my balcony. Speaking of which, the balcony was amazing!
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Pandemic (Cleanliness and safety):
Okay, let's be real, the world is a little…y’know…sketchy these days. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so a hotel's cleanliness is HUGE for me. Tenuta San Lodovico gets a gold star. They’re really on top of things. I saw Daily disinfection in common areas, which made me feel better. They also have Hand sanitizer everywhere (a must!), and the staff seemed to be trained in hygiene certification and safety protocol. I also saw Anti-viral cleaning products, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Rooms sanitized between stays… I could breathe easy knowing they were taking things seriously. And a doctor/nurse on call gives you the peace of mind. I didn’t use it, thank goodness, but it's good to know it’s there if you need it. I even heard that there is an option to ask for a Room sanitization opt-out available!
Food Glorious Food (Dining, drinking, and snacking)
Alright, food. This is where Tuscany truly shines. Now, I spent half my time at the Poolside bar, sipping Aperol Spritzes and trying to look effortlessly chic (spoiler alert: I failed). They’ve got Restaurants (plural!), and the menu is…well, it’s Italian. What more needs to be said? I indulged in the A la carte in restaurant because I figured this is what I’m here for! They also have a Vegetarian restaurant, if that's your thing. I sampled their Desserts in restaurant, which were utterly sinful. The Coffee/tea in restaurant? Divine. Breakfast [buffet] was great to kickstart my day, and they had Bottle of water in the room so I don't need to worry about being thirsty! There were also Breakfast takeaway service and Breakfast in room so you're covered in every situation.
Spa Day Dreams (ways to relax):
Okay, I’m not gonna lie, the spa was… chef's kiss. Seriously. I had a Massage – deep tissue, because I needed it. I also had a Body scrub which left my skin feeling like silk. The Spa itself? Pure bliss. I am a sucker for a Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and a Pool with view. This place has them all! The Swimming pool? Gorgeous. They truly nailed the relaxation factor. I also saw a Foot bath, but I unfortunately didn't try it.
Services and Conveniences (Services and conveniences):
Okay, let's get practical. They have a Concierge? Helpful. Daily housekeeping? Essential. Laundry service? Yup (my suitcase thanks you!). They had a Gift/souvenir shop, Luggage storage, Safe deposit boxes, Safety/security feature, a lovely Terrace, and a Cash withdrawal. They are super-convenient. There is also Invoice provided which makes the whole process easier.
For the Kids (For the kids):
I don’t have kids, but I noticed Babysitting service and Kids meal are available. It seemed very Family/child friendly. They even had Kids facilities. So, perfect for all the families.
The Quirks & Unspoken Truths:
Look, no place is perfect. I wish they had a slightly bigger selection of gluten-free options, but hey, you can't have everything. And the Wi-Fi, while good, occasionally hiccuped. But honestly? These are minor quibbles. What really matters is the feeling of the place. Tenuta San Lodovico has charm. It's got that authentic Tuscan vibe, without being stuffy or pretentious. It’s a place where you can truly relax, unwind, and maybe, just maybe, forget about the world's craziness for a little while. This Hotel Chain is just magical.
My Overall Verdict & A Pitch!
Tenuta San Lodovico? Two enthusiastic thumbs up. It is in a Non-smoking rooms, which is great. Amazing Family/child friendly place, and they even accept Pets allowed! Whether you're after a romantic getaway, a luxurious adventure, or just a chance to unplug and recharge, this place delivers.
Now, for the pitch…
Tuscan Paradise Found: Tenuta San Lodovico, Scansano Awaits!
Tired of the daily grind? Craving a slice of heaven? Then ditch the stress and escape to Tenuta San Lodovico in the heart of Tuscany!
Picture this: You wake up in a non-smoking room with Air conditioning and Free Wi-Fi, overlooking rolling hills and vineyards. You savor a delicious Breakfast [buffet] or Breakfast in room then spend the day lounging by the swimming pool (with a view, naturally!) or indulging in a heavenly Massage at the spa.
Explore Scansano, discover hidden gems of the region and go back to the hotel, where you can delight yourself with the A la carte in restaurant.
But it's not just about luxury; It's about feeling safe and cared for. At Tenuta San Lodovico, they take cleanliness seriously, with Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and staff trained in safety protocol.
Here’s what awaits:
- Unforgettable Experiences: Indulge in delicious food at the restaurants, unwind at the Spa, or simply relax by the Poolside bar.
- Unrivaled Comfort: Enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms with every amenity you could dream of.
- Peace of Mind: Prioritize your health with impeccable hygiene standards and a dedicated team ready to assist.
- Extra Perks: Get the possibility of having a Doctor/nurse on call, for your peace of mind!
**Book your escape to *Tenuta San Lodovico* today!**
Don't wait another moment. Your Tuscan dream awaits!
Aliyah's Place: Your DREAM Cainta Staycation Awaits! (Valley Golf Getaway)
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to descend into the glorious, wine-soaked chaos that was my trip to Tenuta San Lodovico in Scansano, Italy. Forget those pristine, color-coordinated itineraries you see online. This is the real deal, the messy, delightful truth of the Tuscan countryside.
Day 1: Arrival & Accidental Olive Oil Acquisition (And a Near-Miss with a Vespa)
Morning (ish) - Florence to Scansano: "Right, so we're off! Excitement levels: bordering on cardiac arrest. The train from Florence was… well, Italian. Delayed, crowded, and utterly charming in its disarray. I nearly lost my luggage (a suitcase filled entirely with emergency chocolate) to a man with a very expressive mustache and a penchant for window-seat hogging. Managed to wrestle it back. Victory!"
Mid-Afternoon - Arrival at Tenuta San Lodovico: Okay, the pictures online lied. In the best way possible. The villa? Unreal. Stone walls, sun-drenched courtyards, and a view that steals your breath and then immediately offers it back with a glass of wine attached. "My first reaction was pure, unadulterated yes. Then the mosquitoes descended."
Late Afternoon - Olive Oil Panic & Vespa-Induced Anxiety: "I stumbled upon a cellar tour. This is where I should have learned about the region's secrets.Instead, I was completely distracted by the charming old lady giving the tour and the incredibly pungent olive oil. Bought two bottles, feeling smug. Cut to me later, almost getting run over by a Vespa (the Italian stereotype is real, people!) because I was too engrossed with the label. The olive oil survived, my sanity, not so much."
- Ramble: The olive oil… ah, the olive oil. I swear that stuff is liquid gold. I've been rationing it ever since, using it for everything from salad dressings to, let's be honest, dipping bread directly into the bottle. It’s a problem. But a delicious problem.
Evening - First, Glorious Dinner. And Maybe Too Much Wine: "Dinner was a blur of charcuterie (mortadella you need in your life, trust me), handmade pasta that melted in my mouth, and a red wine that seemed to whisper sweet nothings directly into my soul. Let's just say I woke up the next morning feeling… intimately acquainted with the countryside. Also, I'm pretty sure I talked to the cat for a solid 20 minutes. It did not reciprocate, rude."
- Quirky Observation: Everyone in Italy seems to have an innate ability to eat pasta. My coordination and appetite for pasta didn't match.
Day 2: Wine, Rolling Hills, and the Perils of a Picnic
Morning - Recovery & Wine Tasting: "Needed a lot of coffee. After that, we did the wine tasting, which, if I am being honest, was what I had been waiting for. The staff was super knowledgeable but, more importantly, gave honest recommendations about the wines."
- Anecdote: "I remember getting a recommendation to try the Super Tuscan. I said, it's not for me. But I quickly finished the glass!"
Mid-Afternoon - Picnic in the Hills (A Disasterpiece): "So, this sounded idyllic. We packed a basket full of cheese, bread, and more olive oil (never enough!), found a perfect spot overlooking rolling hills, and… got eaten alive by bugs. Truly. Vicious little buggers. Also, the cheese started melting. The bread crumbled. The wine, however, was still divine. I'm thinking, "Is this all that matters." I can safely say yes."
- Emotional Reaction: "The sheer frustration! We spent an hour planning this picnic, and it was defeated by tiny flying monsters. But, you know what? The view was stunning. And the wine was sublime. Perspective, people. Perspective.
Late Afternoon - Scansano Exploration (and an Encounter with an Eccentric Artist): "The town of Scansano itself is lovely. We spent hours just wandering the narrow streets, taking photos, and trying, and failing, to pronounce anything in Italian. Saw a tiny art studio with a truly unique artist trying to sell his art. He was wearing the most ridiculous outfit ever made. He said, his passion and love for the Tuscan countryside were what got him so excited. I bought a print. Just to be part of the madness."
Evening - Another Dinner of Delights (Featuring a Near-Religious Experience with a Steak): "Dinner was at a local trattoria. The steak… oh, the steak. It was cooked to perfection. I genuinely considered proposing to the chef. He was probably married . I didn't care. It was the best meal of my life."
- Messier Structure: "I can't help but think about that steak. And I'm getting hungry. I need to make a mental note of that place. I'm definitely back there. Maybe there and back again. I cannot give up the steak."
Day 3: Truffle Hunting, Goodbyes, and a Promise to Return
Morning - Truffle Hunting (Success!): "This was the highlight! We went truffle hunting with a local guide and his dog, a ridiculously cute truffle-sniffing machine. We actually found truffles! And then we ate them. In an omelet. Pure, unadulterated bliss."
- Doubling Down Experience: "The magic of truffle hunting. The cool air, the anticipation, the dog darting off like a furry missile… and finding a friggin' truffle! It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. Then we ate it. Omelet, truffles, and a baguette that did not stop me. I swear, I'm going to start a truffle-related cult."
- Emotional Reactions: "The smell of the truffles when the dog found them. It was like being told the biggest secret in the world, and it's all for you. I will not be forgetting this. And it made me feel like the luckiest person ever! And the omelet? I. Need. More."
Mid-Afternoon - Farewell Lunch & Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping: "One last, amazing lunch, filled with all the things I'd come to love – pasta, olive oil, wine, and the genuine warmth of the people. Then, a frantic dash for souvenirs. I probably ended up buying too much. My suitcase is overflowing."
Late Afternoon - Departure: "Goodbye, Tenuta San Lodovico. Goodbye, Scansano. Italy, you've captured my heart (and probably my liver). I will be back. Oh, I will be back."
- Opinionated Language: "No regrets. None. This trip was perfect. Imperfectly, gloriously perfect. If you ever get the chance to go to Tenuta San Lodovico, go. Just go. You won't regret it."
- Natural Pacing: "Yeah, I miss it already. I'm looking at pictures and dreaming about that steak. And those truffles. Okay, gotta stop. Need to start planning my return. I've learned so much about myself here about where I feel happiness. It's in the countryside!"
Tuscan Paradise (with a healthy dose of reality!) FAQ: Tenuta San Lodovico & Scansano
Okay, let's be brutally honest. YES. And also, NO. (See? Already contradicting myself!) The pictures? Gorgeous. The reality? Even *more* stunning, in a slightly less organized, more *lived-in* kind of way. Think: rolling hills that genuinely make you want to weep with joy, a pool that’s practically begging for a photoshoot... and then... a slight wonkiness to the umbrella situation, maybe a slightly overgrown patch of lavender. BUT THAT'S PART OF THE CHARM! It's *human*. It's not sterile perfection, it's beautiful, well-loved, and smells faintly of sun-baked grapes (which is divine, by the way). Seriously, bring your camera. And a good umbrella. Just in case.
Ah, the million-dollar question! Depends on your tolerance for heat, crowds, and questionable tan lines. I went in May. Perfect. Glorious. Everything was blooming, the sun was forgiving, and the crowds were... well, there weren't many. Honestly, I could've had the whole damn place to myself. (Okay, not really, but it *felt* that way). I hear July/August is scorching and jammed. I'm also thinking October, after the harvest. Imagine! The colors! The wine! The deliciousness! The potential for a full-blown food coma. Seriously though, shoulder seasons are probably your best bet. Unless you thrive on sweltering heat and the thrill of elbowing your way through a gelato line. Then, knock yourself out.
ARE YOU EVEN KIDDING ME?! Morellino di Scansano is the REASON you go! It's the reason I went! It's… oh god, it's *divine*. Okay, okay, deep breaths. It’s a Sangiovese-based wine, but it’s got this… *thing*. A lightness, a fruitiness, a drinkability that's legitimately dangerous. I may or may not have purchased an entire case. (Don't judge me. I'm pretty sure I *needed* it. For… research. And, you know, emergencies). Tenuta San Lodovico’s own, from what I tasted (and remember, *ahem*), was exceptional. Seriously, budget for wine. Lots and lots of wine. And maybe a bigger suitcase.
Listen, I *adore* pasta and pizza. But no, it's *not* all pasta and pizza, thankfully (though they do those things *exceedingly* well). Tuscany is a culinary wonderland! Think: fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Imagine sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant basil, the most amazing olive oil you've ever tasted in your life, and cured meats that will make you weak in the knees. There was this little trattoria we stumbled upon... a *secret* I almost don't want to share (shhh!)... It was called "Antica Osteria Le Logge". The truffle pasta... oh heavens, the truffle pasta! I swear, I almost licked the plate clean. I may have. No regrets. Seriously, explore the local restaurants. Ask the staff. Be adventurous! Trust me, your stomach will thank you.
Getting *to* the place is… an adventure. A beautiful one, mind you. You'll probably fly into Rome or Florence. RENT A CAR. Do it. Don't even question it. Train travel? Sigh, okay, *possible*. But inefficient and you'll be missing the best parts. The drive is part of the experience! Winding roads, through the hills... it's pure magic. Navigation? Google Maps is your friend, but sometimes, the signal goes a bit… wonky. (Embrace the "lost in translation" charm!) Once you're there, you'll be fine. But be aware that some of the roads are… well, let’s just say my little rental car earned its stripes. And if you're prone to car sickness, stock up on ginger chews. Trust me.
Okay, the rooms... they're… I’ll be honest, my first thought when I entered the suite was "YES. YES, I will live here forever." Think: rustic chic, with a touch of understated elegance. Exposed beams, stone walls, and these ridiculously comfortable beds. The view from the window? Worth the price of admission alone. Don’t expect clinical perfection. Remember, it's a working farm. There's a lived-in feel, but I promise you, the charm outweighs any slight imperfections. There was a tiny crack in the tile in my bathroom. Did it bother me? For a microsecond. Did I care? Absolutely not. I had a bathtub, a view, and a bottle of Morellino waiting for me. Life was good. REALLY good.
Okay, here's the dark side of paradise. The mosquitos. They were relentless. Bring the bug spray. And use it. Constantly. Seriously. I consider blood sacrifices to the tiny bloodsuckers the only real potential downside. Also, the fact that I had to leave. Leaving was the *worst* part. I actually considered faking my death to extend my stay. The staff are lovely and helpful, but sometimes information on local events or where to find the best ice cream can be a bit... slow to deliver. And one morning, the promised breakfast didn't appear quite on time. But these are minor quibbles! Seriously, the good *far* outweighs the "not-so-good." Prepare to be utterly and completely charmed.
Wine tasting. Obviously. But so much more! The area is brimming with possibilities. Exploring the medieval towns perched on hillsides is an absolute must. Pitigliano—the "City of Tuff" is just… wow. Simply, wow. Then there’s Saturnia. The hot sulfur springs! The water isHotel Deals Search
