Fontelunga Hotel & Villas
"So, can you tell us a little about this place?Set amid 200 olive trees, Villa Fontelunga's marmalade-colored building delights against the blue sky as you enter the driveway. Set within the beautiful hilltop town of Cortona, the hotel offers spectacular views across the Val di Chiana in the heart of Tuscany. Sounds lovely. What’s the crowd like?An intimate, fairly remote Tuscan getaway, this hotel takes some research to track down. Once there, you'll find everyone from honeymooners to Italian adventure-seekers inspired by Under The Tuscan Sun to retired couples enjoying la dolce vita. __That's quite the mix. Now, onto the good stuff: Tell us about the digs. The rooms are simple and charming, with small touches that bring each space to life, like terra cotta floors and oversize damask-patterned headboards. There are only nine of them—including one suite—so everything at this family-owned and -run hotel is personalized and old-timey—in the best possible way. The trappings aren't terribly high-tech—some rooms have CD players—but you can borrow iPod docks and DVD players (and DVDs) at the reception desk. Got it. How about the little things, like the mini-bar, or shower goodies? Anything that made your stay more comfortable?The basics are covered; for instance, free wi-fi. There's an honesty bar by the pool, so you can can fill up your wine glasses as you lounge. Twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, owners Paolo and Phillip bring in a local chef and host a multi-course dinner party for their guests. They also provide complimentary bikes so you can mosey through the Tuscan hills at your own pace. Perfect. How about room service, and the dining options in general: Worth it?Most rooms come with a complimentary breakfast buffet; there's also daily lunch and dinner twice a week. You can book private cooking lessons (€100-€120—about $115-$138 a person) and learn to make traditional treats like stuffed tomatoes, pasta al ragu, and beef in truffle sauce. Oh, that sounds fun. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Owners Paolo and Philip—along with their two pint-sized dogs—make guests feel at home. Excellent. Any other services or features you'd like to shout out? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Children of all ages are welcome; cots and babysitting services can be provided. Also, the pool was recently redesigned with a new sound system. Cool. Bottom line: worth it, and why?This is the Italy of cinematic renditions; it's beautiful, intimate, and perfectly executed, and bursting with charm and style." - Bridget Arsenault
