My husband and I flew from Toronto to Rome on July 31, 2008, and immediately picked up a rental car and drove to Villa Cicolina. We left a week later, on August 8, 2008. Our time there was absolutely lovely in every way....
The grounds -- lush with olive trees, plum trees, herbs and flowers too numerous to mention -- are simply gorgeous. The large infinity pool and adjacent jacuzzi tub are situated to offer breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside, and are surrounded by tall shade trees and lounge chairs.
Our spacious suite (the Il Camino) was on the second floor in a corner of the main building and had 4 windows (plus one more in the bathroom) which ensured we had beautiful vistas of the countryside during the day and views of the stars and twinkling lights of nearby towns at night. The breezes coming through these windows at night allowed us to turn off the air conditioning and enjoy the fresh air and balmy August evenings.
The daily breakfast (included) is fresh and plentiful -- croissants, rolls, flans, fruits, melon, proscuitto, ham, cheese, cereals, yogurts, juices, etc. It is served in a small stone and brick building a few steps from the main one. At night, when we chose to eat at the Villa, we were served delicious 4 course dinners under the evening sky. Meat was grilled within view on an outdoor "fireplace." These were some of our best meals during our trip to Italy.
Aside from the location, the grounds, the buildings, and the food, what truly made our stay so outstanding was the warm, friendly, and professional service. Daniello -- our waiter -- had an ever-present smile and was incredibly charming. Sayed and Stefania -- hosts at the front desk -- were full of terrific suggestions for places to eat in nearby towns (including Dolce Maria in Cortona, and Osteria dell'Acquacheta and Enoteca La Dolce Vita in Montepulciano), as well as places to see (the Abby di Sant'Antimo, where we listened to the resident monks sing a service in Gregorian chant, and a breathtaking hilltop home to another religious order just outside Cortona in a monastery called Le Celle). Stefania also suggested a wine-tasting tour at the historic winery Avignonesi, which was a terrific way to learn about the wines of the area. Stefania, Daniello and Sayed were always ready to answer our questions with a smile and did everything possible to ensure our stay was wonderful.
When (not if!) you stay at Villa Cicolina, be sure to visit the medieval towns of Pienza, Cortona, and Siena -- all within an hour's drive. Florence is a slightly longer trip, but well worth it. Our favourite town, though, proved to be the one just 2 minutes up the road -- Montepulciano. And say hello to Daniello, Stefania, and Sayed from the Clarks!