Guest Experiences and Reviews
Authentic Reviews – Real Guest Experiences from Our Holiday Homes
Explore the wonderful holiday experiences shared by our guests and be inspired by their reviews and stories. From the Tuscany countryside to the charm of Umbria, the beauty of Le Marche, and the magic of Sicily – they’ve created unforgettable memories in our holiday homes. Discover personal accounts of relaxing days by the pool, culinary delights, and excursions to Italy’s most stunning destinations. Find out which villa might be your next dream getaway!
La Melusina - Holiday villa in Le Marche
A guest wrote:
Arriving in La Melusina, the view opened up to the majestic Monte Vettore, which towered over the landscape. This panorama accompanied me throughout my stay. The holiday home is a perfect blend of rustic charm and luxurious comfort - every detail is lovingly cared for, every room is furnished with taste and style.
But what made my stay unforgettable was not only the extraordinary beauty of the place but also the special experience that the warm hosts, Grazia and Nicola, arranged for me: a truffle hunt in their forest. This 25-hectare dense forest surrounding La Melusina is home to some of nature's most precious culinary treasures - truffles.
Early in the morning, Alessandro, an experienced truffle hunter, accompanied us and his dog on an adventure that was as unique as it was exciting. The tense wait for the dog to sniff out a find and finally dig up the coveted summer truffle was an experience I will never forget. The joy of the moment when the first truffle was found was indescribable.
But the best was yet to come: Back at La Melusina, the gifted chef Samuele transformed the freshly collected truffles into a veritable feast. Truffles in every conceivable variation - each dish a small work of art and every bite a delight. While we ate, we enjoyed the sweeping view over the green hills as far as Monte Vettore, and the sun's rays bathed the landscape in a warm, golden light.
At the end of the day, as the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains, I realized just how special this place is.
La Melusina is not just a holiday home, but a place that is deeply rooted in nature and at the same time pampers the senses. It's not just the tasteful rooms and luxurious amenities, but also the unforgettable experiences that make this place so magical.
Casa Winther - Holiday villa in Umbria
A guest wrote:
A few weeks have gone by since the week spent at Casa Winther, but the memories still remain fresh and alive. What impresses most is the peace and quiet of a level unexcelled by any other, which wrapped us throughout our stay. Be it at dawn, perched on the terrace gazing into the distance, or reclining by the pool throughout the day, we always had the majestic view of the Apennines rising up to the horizon before us.
The evenings, already tinged with a slight chill, had a magic all their own. From the first aperitif to the last glass of wine, we congregated in Casa Winther's spacious living area. The room was carefully designed: open-plan and three-tiered, so no matter what, we were always within reach of each other. Whether gathered around the dining table downstairs, congregating in the heart of the kitchen, or relaxing upstairs in the living area, there was always a sense of connection, a feeling of being part of something greater.
Yet, the true pinnacle of our week was without a doubt the cookery evening with Thomas. It transcended mere cooking; it became a genuine experience that brought us all immense joy. With his guidance, we prepared homemade tagliatelle with a classic ragù and the finest tiramisù I have ever tasted. It was a night filled with laughter, new cooking techniques, and delicious dishes that we will remember for years to come. A big thank you, Thomas, for this unforgettable night!
Casa Winther not only provided us with a fantastic stay but also with experiences to bring us closer together as a group. It was a week we shall not soon forget.
Macennere - Holiday villa Tuscany
A guest wrote:
I shall never forget the autumn week at Macennere. Upon our arrival, we found ourselves embraced by the particular atmosphere of the ancient stone house: a real oasis of peace and quiet nestled into the forest, offering an unspeakably beautiful view of the Tuscan landscape. Each day began with a dive in the 'dark pool', in which the clear water and autumn fresh air had deeply rejuvenated us.
We gathered each evening in the expansive kitchen, which transformed into our shared sanctuary. Every night carried its own unique essence, as each of us had the freedom to create our signature dish for everyone to enjoy. Those culinary evenings were brimming with laughter, tales, and, naturally, delightful aromas that enveloped the space.
Yet, the crowning moment was the final evening. We decided to go down the steep forest path to San Martino in Freddano. When we arrived, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved beer at the small bar that seemed to be the center of village life. In the end, the locals invited us to join them for a 'spaghettata'—a simple spaghetti dish cooked with fresh ingredients but filled with flavors and warmth that are rarely found. The evening wrapped us in the warm embrace of the Tuscan people.
La Sorgente - Holiday villa in Tuscany
A guest wrote:
A family friend joined us on holiday for a week to the place they rent just out of Lucca called La Sorgente. First, real spring weather coaxed all of us into the sunshine; by this point in April, anyone would be yearning for sunlight and staying mostly outside while finding relief in unwinding. End.
Evenings spent in the open-plan kitchen took on a special charm. We would all get together to cook, trying out new recipes, making our pasta from scratch, and then enjoying the meal at the big table. So much of a pleasure to have those lengthy conversations and just enjoy each other's company once again.
Another dear moment was when we were having our aperitifs in front of the house, with a background that was simply breathtaking. From there, we could look for kilometres over the rolling green hills, which in the soft light of the setting sun took on a very special, quite magical atmosphere. With a glass of wine in our hands and this great view before us, it was almost as if time itself had started to flow more slowly.
Playing boules on the villa's special track became a daily ritual that was enjoyed by all. It wasn't long before friendly competitions started to develop. We never took it too seriously, but the spirit of ambition and joy was always there. Laughter filled the air, and playing boules wove itself seamlessly into the fabric of our days at La Sorgente.
By the end of the week, we all agreed that La Sorgente was exactly what we had been looking for. It was a haven that brought peace but was full of possibilities for the little moments that made our vacation genuinely unforgettable.
Cascina Monferrato - Farmhouse in Piedmont
A guest wrote:
Last May, we spent some unforgettable days at Cascina Monferrato, in the heart of Piedmont, and quite often I find myself thinking about the magic of that place. As soon as we passed the gate to enter the garden, it was like entering a little-known paradise. Rose bushes full of bloom lined the walkways, each bursting with petals in shades of creamy white and delicate pink, creating a scene that seemed to come from a painting.
The air was imbued with the subtle fragrance of roses, which mingled with the deep, rich odor of the landscape. Each morning, as the sun would rise to cast its golden light on the blossoms, everything in the garden seemed to come alive. We would meander along the gravel pathways that wound underneath wooden pergolas covered in flowering vines, stopping to admire each rose bush and every fragrant corner. While each section of the garden had its own character, the roses really stole the show, imbuing the place with a serene, romantic atmosphere that felt timeless.
One of my favorite spots was an old wooden bench, placed under a pergola covered with climbing roses. We would sit and let the beauty all around us soak in—the bees and butterflies gently moving from bloom to bloom. It felt like a sanctuary, a haven where one could breathe and let go of all their cares.
In the evening, as the sun went down, light became softer and the scent of roses seemed to grow in the cool air. We spent our evenings on the terrace, surrounded by the lush landscape of the garden, watching the light fade away—a deep calm spread. Here you are invited to slow down, feel nature, and savor the quiet beauty of the Italian countryside. We left with full hearts of thanks and rose-scented memories and are already dreaming of returning next May.
Casa Blu - Seafront holiday home Sicily
A guest recently wrote:
Summer at Casa Blu: A Dreamy Family Getaway by the Sea
Our stay at Casa Blu was just what we had in mind for a summer getaway: peace, proximity to the ocean, and a special atmosphere. We spent two wonderful weeks in August in this lovely holiday house in Fontane Bianche, located on the eastern coast of Sicily. We were a little worried about the scorching heat and crowds of tourists during Ferragosto, but instead, we found a peaceful haven here.
Casa Blu is located within a small, secluded community of holiday homes, snuggled up against the sea. From the terrace, we enjoyed a stunning panorama of the deep blue water, which sparkled with brilliance all day. We spent the morning drinking slow cups of coffee as the first rays of sunshine danced across the waves. It was magic, and this view remained in front of us the whole day—something we never tired of seeing.
During the day, we found ourselves drawn to the sea, which was only a few steps from where we were standing. Winding paths guided us down to the flat rocks, perfect for leisurely splashes and discoveries. Our three-year-old son was overjoyed to join us in our quest for crabs and tiny fish hiding in the rock pools. The water sparkled with clarity and offered a most refreshing escape, making it just right for cooling off. And though it was August, a lulling calm lay over everything. Only a few holidaymakers from the village shared the rocks with us; most of the time, it felt like we had this magic stretch of coastline all to ourselves.
Afternoon saw us retire into the shady part of Casa Blu's terrace. There we let the hottest hours of the day slide by, basking in the balmy sea breeze and the dazzling sight of the water, which enthralled us time and again. However often we looked at the waves, this glorious view was never boring—a moment of complete relaxation.
Casa Blu is simplicity, modernity, and a thoughtful reduction to the essentials. It has provided us with everything necessary to make our beach holiday truly successful. The closeness to the sea, the tranquility of the place, and the stunning beauty of the Sicilian coast make our stay truly unforgettable.
If you want a hideaway far removed from the hustle and bustle, yet with direct access to one of Sicily's most glorious stretches of coastline, then your little paradise awaits at Casa Blu. It was our ideal summer getaway—and we find ourselves already dreaming of our return.
Broccolo - Holiday villa Lucca Tuscany
A guest wrote:
Our unforgettable holiday in the "Broccolo" cottage near Lucca
I will never forget our holiday in "Broccolo" near Lucca. It was a very special experience because our son did something here that he is incredibly proud of: he learnt to swim!
The private swimming pool in the garden was the absolute highlight for us. While we parents relaxed on the sun loungers, our son could splash, play and practise in the water for hours. At first he used the pool float, but each day he became more confident. The moment when he finally swam unassisted and emerged from the water with a big smile on his face was priceless. That mixture of pride and joy - we were all so happy!
The peace and seclusion of the house was a real respite for us parents. Away from the stress of everyday life, we could finally switch off. It was also perfectly located for some great excursions. The historic city of Lucca was just a stone's throw away, giving us the opportunity to stroll through the old streets and enjoy delicious gelato. And the sea wasn't far either - an added bonus for sunny afternoons on the beach.
Another highlight was the pizza night in the house. There was a real wood-fired oven in the garden and we had so much fun topping and baking our own pizzas. The smell of fresh pizza, the crackling of the fire and eating together in the open air was a moment we will remember for a long time.
All in all, it was a truly wonderful holiday. "Broccolo" was the perfect place for us to relax as a family, experience new things and most of all make memories together. We will definitely be back!
Casa Olivi - Villa in Le Marche
An unforgettable holiday in Le Marche!
We've been looking at Casa Olivi online for ages. We kept thinking about this place where modern, minimalist furnishings meet Italian tradition. Finally the day had come and we were over the moon. But Casa Olivi not only met our expectations, it exceeded them.
We felt at home from the very first moment. The warm welcome from the manager Eleonora and the exceptional quality of the interior design immediately put us at ease. Every detail of the house has been thought through, from the modern kitchen to the breathtaking views that immerse you in the rolling hills of the Marche. The tranquillity is unrivalled - a true paradise.
One of the best experiences of our trip was a day that Eleonora and her team had organised with Matteo and Mauro from ‘LARI close to you’. We went on a wonderful hike through the Marche hills to a secluded field where Maria Vittoria was waiting for us with a fantastic picnic.
The food was simply fantastic: salad with fresh fruit, homemade apple pie, yoghurt and other delicious things. But the real star of the evening? Maria Vittoria conjured up an espresso for us on the spot using a classic caffetera and a small gas cooker. The aroma of fresh coffee in the middle of nowhere will stay with us forever.
Casa Olivi is more than just a luxurious holiday home, it is a retreat that combines design, comfort and authenticity. Everything is just right here: atmosphere, location, service. A place you will never forget - and to which you will return again and again.
Anyone looking for a mixture of luxury and authenticity will not be disappointed at Casa Olivi. The unspoilt landscape and the warm welcome in the Marche region make the experience incomparable.