Archive for 'Localities'

Are you a wine-lover planning on booking one of our villas in Tuscany for this April? Well, then you should make sure that you head to the pretty and historic little town of San Quirico d'Orcia where you’ll not only be served up some of the most gorgeous views over the Tuscan landscape, but you will also be able to attend one of the most important wine festivals in the region.

While the Orcia Wine Festival almost always takes place on the last weekend of April each year, it has had its 2025 dates officially confirmed and will be held from the 25th to the 27th of April 2025 for its 14th edition – an excellent reason to find a vacation rental in the Orcia Valley today for an end of spring visit!

Located on a lovely hillside, overlooking the verdant valleys and rolling green hills for which Tuscany is so well-known, and just 11km from the famous spa town of Gambassi Terme, Villa Belvedere is a gorgeous stone villa in Tuscany. The name Belvedere refers directly to the breath-taking views offered by the villa and, in addition to these views, the property also boasts a beautiful garden that spreads out over 1000m2 and features a private pool and ample outdoor furnishings. With interiors that are full of character and four bedrooms with three bathrooms, sleeping up to eight guests in total, this gem is a perfect oasis where you can enjoy privacy, peace, tranquillity, and untainted natural surroundings.

For a true luxury experience that is undeniably specific to Apulia, Masseria Isaia is the perfect way to go. A historic masseria, a type of fortified farmhouse estate typically built in Apulia in the 16th century, this incredible property is spacious, lovely, and abounds in character and style. Located minutes from the gorgeous coastline and the famous, “white city,” of Ostuni, right in the Piana degli Ulivi Monumentali, a large expanse of the region that is cultivated with olive trees, the villa is surrounded by centuries-old and thousand-year-old trees, with the glittering city and sea visible in the distance. It would be hard to imagine a dreamier location for a holiday in Apulia!

Sicily is, undoubtedly, a stunning part of the world. From its perfect beaches, to ancient ruins, to grand Baroque cities, and beyond, there are so many stunning sights and incredible attractions to explore and take in once you have booked a villa in Sicily and begin exploring the island.

Of course, there are also tiny little pockets of beauty and impossibly pretty little towns, as well. One of the most charming and loveliest of all of the small towns in Sicily, however, might just be the tiny coastal gem that is the little historic fishing village of Marzamemi. 

To almost the very south of Sicily, not far from the stunning Baroque city of Noto, you will find the dreamy little hamlet of Marzamemi. A historic fishing village, it has a charming old centre that dates back to the 18th century. Clustered around the Piazza Regina Margherita and looking out onto perfect beaches, Marzamemi is characterised by pretty little buildings draped in flowers, elegant open spaces, dining on colourful tables and chairs directly overlooking the sea, historic architectural gems, and a relaxed atmosphere.

This is one of those little places that one discovers on a holiday and with which one falls irrevocably in love. It is one of those gems of a destination that draw those in the know back time and time again. If you want to discover it for yourself, then we recommend a stay at Villa Paolina, a gorgeous two-bedroom villa with a private pool and sweeping sea views, just outside of town.