Relais Badia Di Campoleone

There is a beautiful main villa (for large group bookings) and 3 small blocks of self contained apartments (4 in each), each with their own front door and outside space (with table and chairs). There is a tennis court and swimming pool on site, and a small olive tree grove. We booked two apartments side-by-side to accommodate a family group. This meant we have a large private outside space with chairs and tables next to a beautiful olive trees, and close to the tennis courts and swimming pool. It was very peaceful and quiet and the pool is lovely. The grounds are neat and well cared for and nice to walk around, and the main villa is beautiful inside (complete with a small chapel and amazing murals in the bedrooms). The apartments have been fitted out to a high standard and the kitchenette is small but perfectly formed and absolutely fine to prepare meals (hob, fridge and sink, with kettle, pots and pans, cutlery, crockery and coffee pot). Air con works well to keep the apartment nice and cool. The location is excellent - remote enough for peace and quiet, yet just a short drive to the small city of Arezzo and all the local amenities (shopping etc). Within walking distance is a restaurant, cafe, pharmacy and small grocery shop. The owner is incredibly helpful and went out of her way to help us with our queries and questions. When I mentioned in passing we had been bitten by mosquitos, the same day she very kindly delivered a supply of plug-in repellants and treated all of our windows with bug spray - no more bites (so thoughtful!). In my mind this would be an amazing venue for a wedding, with beautiful accommodation for the wedding party and plenty of space for guests, or for corporate events/conferences/parties.

We booked the villa for our family of 14 people and we had a terrible experience. It states 16 bedrooms but they don’t tell you that you don’t have access to the entire villa only enough rooms to host your party. It smells moldy and musty inside which is from water leaks which we experienced after a Thunderstorm. You get there and cannot get in right away until the host walked my parents around to show them which took 2 hours, in between helping other people staying in the cottages! Not to mention you cannot drive up to the actual villa you need to park in a dirt parking lot down below that does not have ample parking. She would not allow our cars to be pulled up to the front to unload-we had to lug our suitcases up a hill in summer heat. She made an exception for my father who was in a foot cast. If you have someone in your party that cannot make it up 50+ stairs you’ll be left sleeping in the kitchen. The ELEVATOR is only turned on for luggage at the beginning of your stay and gets turned off when the host who showed us around leaves. No exception was made for my handicapped father who had to go up and down stairs with no railings. The kitchen is industrial so think restaurant kitchen and appliances are not all on. Don’t plan on cooking here unless you hire someone. Trying to get take out in this area is impossible as well. Air conditioning was a problem in multiple rooms with it not working properly. The host showed back up the following day when we were out and went into the villa without our knowledge to close all the shutters in the bedrooms. What?!! Not acceptable! Finally, upon leaving she presented a 2,000euros electric bill. We were in the house for 3.5 days total and were gone to wineries for 2 full days. She tried scamming us since she never showed us the initial reading. We only had access to the 1st floor not even the 2nd or 3rd floor which was closed off to us. Absolutely insane!! If you want a pleasant stay in Tuscany for a family vacation, please find another place. If you choose to come-don’t say you weren’t warned.

If you are looking for a bit of style, peace and quiet, and good food served by Roberto in the wonderful vegetable garden, this is for you. Wine prices are very reasonable €15 for a bottle, food is not expensive but good and you can choose your salad from growing plants. Couldn’t be any fresher. It’s difficult to find so enter the coordinates in your satnav 43 31 36 N 11 49 47 E. The hotel is run by a flat rental company, so be aware that your room will only be made up for your arrival, and you need to get pool towels at reception If you wanting name drop Pope Gregorio stayed here, but not Mick Jagger.