Uncover the Hidden Gem of Italy: Il Poggio Dei Pettirossi Awaits!
Il Poggio Dei Pettirossi: My Over-the-Top, Maybe Slightly Crazy, But Definitely Real Italian Escape! (A Review That's Probably Too Long, But I Had To!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Il Poggio dei Pettirossi, and I need to unpack this experience. Seriously. It's less a review, more a confession, a love letter, and a mild therapy session – all rolled into one rambling, slightly chaotic piece. And yes, I’m probably going to overdo it with the details. That’s the point, right? To really get a feel for the place? Good. Let's dive in.
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First Impressions (and a Dash of Impatience):
Getting there? Easy peasy! (Okay, maybe not easy, because I’m directionally challenged and the Italian countryside is… well, it's countryside). But the airport transfer they arranged was smooth as silk. (Getting Around: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking) And the architecture? Magnificent. It's like a postcard sprung to life. I'm talking classic Tuscan-style, with that warm terracotta color that just screams "Ciao, darling. You're on vacation." (Services and conveniences: Exterior corridor, Elevator)
My initial thought? "Can I just move in? Like, permanently?"
Accessibility - Bravo! (And a Tiny Grumble):
Right off the bat, I was impressed. The entrance was… well, welcoming. Wide. No awkward steps to navigate. (Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator) This is HUGE for me, as I'm always anxious about accessibility. And the staff? Beyond helpful. They immediately offered assistance with luggage. (Front desk [24-hour], Doorman, Luggage storage) Honestly, they made feel like royalty.
However, the website could be a bit more explicit about specifics. Like, exactly which rooms are fully wheelchair accessible. And honestly, the fact that the "Pets allowed" checkbox showed "unavailable" was disappointing – even though, I'd definitely bring my goldfish, Nigel. I mean, it just add to the experience. Now, where's the fish food? My heart broke a little – not really but I'm trying to sound concerned. Internet - A Digital Oasis (and a Small Caveat):
Okay, this is a big one for me. I need my internet! Work, staying in touch with the world, endless Instagram scrolling – you get the picture. Il Poggio dei Pettirossi delivered on this front. (Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events)
Free Wi-Fi? Yes, please! And it worked! Everywhere. Even outside. Which, let's be honest, is a miracle in some parts of Italy. I could post about my day and the food and the scenery (and, let's face it, that stunning pool) without any lag. Truly fantastic. As for the LAN, I'm no digital native, but, the option's there if you are.
Rooms – My Sanctuary (and a Mild OCD Trigger):
My room? Divine. Seriously. (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens) Clean, spacious, beautifully decorated. Yes, even those blackout curtains! (Blackout curtains, Non-smoking rooms, Smoke detector) I appreciated the little touches: a fresh fruit bowl, the complimentary water bottles, the plush bathrobes. The bed? Heavenly. I slept like a baby, which is rare for me. I was seriously tempted to smuggle all the pillows home. Each detail was a reminder that I was in a place that cared and I loved it.
The one tiny, slightly obsessive thing? I would have loved a bit more space to hang clothing in the closet. (Me being picky, I know!)
The Spa: Oh. My. Goodness. (My "I've Died and Gone to Heaven" Experience!)
Now, this is where Il Poggio dei Pettirossi truly shines. The spa… WOW. (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor])
I spent an entire afternoon there, and I have zero regrets. The pool with that view… it was unreal. I actually teared up a little. (Purely from the beauty. Okay, and maybe because I'd had one too many Aperol Spritzes). The sauna? Perfect. The steam room? Melting. I had a massage that was so good, I think I actually levitated. I booked for another one right after I woke up from the first one. Pure bliss. They even offered those weird foot baths, if I could find the strength to follow the instructions.
I'm convinced I could live in that spa. Forever. Honestly, it's worth the trip alone. They also included a fitness center, and I thought about going there. (Okay, I walked past it.)
Things to Do - Beyond the Spa (If You Can Tear Yourself Away):
Okay, so, yeah, I spent a large chunk of my time in the spa. But there's more to do! (Things to do, ways to relax, Seminars, Shrine, Outdoor venue for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Proposal spot)
They have areas for special events, and I considered doing an event with all my friends. Alas, I chickened out.
Tuscan cooking classes are available, wine tasting, and exploring the nearby towns. (I hear they're charming… I didn't actually leave the hotel that much.)
Food, Glorious Food! (My Waistline's Worst Nightmare):
This is Italy. Food is paramount. And Il Poggio dei Pettirossi did not disappoint. (Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant)
Breakfast? Incredible. A buffet of dreams! Fresh pastries, fruit, eggs cooked to order. (Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service) They even had an Asian breakfast option (I was too committed to Italian, though.) I may or may not have eaten my weight in croissants every morning. Don't judge me.
The restaurants? Fantastic! I am a fan of salads and soup. Their menu was extensive, and the presentation was art. Each dish was a celebration of fresh, local ingredients. My favorite? The [insert dish name] – (I’m spacing out, I'm so hungry). And the wine list? OMG. I sampled a little bit of everything. (Okay, maybe a LOT).
And the poolside bar? Perfect for Aperol Spritzes while you're… well, horizontal next to that glorious pool. (Poolside bar)
Cleanliness and Safety - Safe and Sound (and a Little Bit Overkill):
Listen, I’m a worrier, especially nowadays. So, I was really paying attention to the hygiene. **(Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], Check-in/out [express],
Escape to Paradise: Traverse City's Heaven-Sent B&B Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious chaos that is…Pettorano sul Gizio, Italy. Il Poggio dei Pettirossi, specifically. This ain't your perfectly-Photoshopped Instagram itinerary, folks. This is the real, slightly-off-kilter, probably-gonna-forget-something-but-still-have-the-time-of-my-life kind of plan.
Day 1: Arrival and the Almost-Disaster of the Wrong Rental Car
- Morning (or what passes for it after a transatlantic flight): Land in Rome. Holy cannoli, that plane was cramped! Seriously, they should give out tiny parachutes for your knees. Anyway…grab the rental car. Or, try to grab the rental car. Here's where the chaos begins. Turns out, I reserved a tiny Fiat. My travel partner reserved a hulking SUV. After a near-breakdown (mine – the SUV was fine) trying to cram our luggage AND our oversized sense of adventure into a car clearly designed for gnomes, we finally got sorted. Let’s just say the drive to Pettorano was a masterclass in synchronized sighing.
- Afternoon: Arrival at Il Poggio dei Pettirossi. The drive was beautiful, even if my GPS kept trying to send us into a cow pasture. Pull up the Poggio, and… woah. The photos don’t do it justice. Seriously, the view, the air, the way the sun hits the mountains…it's like someone painted a Bob Ross landscape, but with actual, you know, life. Check-in. Immediately, I had a minor freakout. The keys! Where are the damn keys? Buried in the depths of the (now-overstuffed) backpack, thankfully.
- Evening: Finally, unpack a bit. A small glass of wine. I need this! The absolute stress of the almost wrong car. I can't think anymore. Dinner? YES! Trattoria La Taverna. I read about it online. Apparently, it’s divine. So. Much. Pasta. And the red wine? Forget about it. This is what I came for. I'm also pretty sure I eavesdropped on a conversation about someone's cat that escaped. It was amazing! Ended up trying to learn some very basic Italian. Ended up just saying "Grazie" and "Ciao" a lot.
Day 2: San Domenico and the Mountain's Embrace… and the Sheep
- Morning: After waking up to the sunrise, which was amazing. Like, really amazing. I decided to hike up to the San Domenico monastery. Apparently, it’s a thing to do. Okay, I'm in. The hike was… well, let’s just say it was "spirited." Hills. Lots of hills. My legs were screaming by the end of it. Beautiful views, though. The monastery felt… serene. Like, actual, palpable serenity. This is where the Catholic Church really hits the mark. I'm no religious, but the sense of peace was truly nice.
- Afternoon: Back down the mountain. A quick lunch at a café in town. Then, a walk around Pettorano Sul Gizio. It's gorgeous! I saw, and I mean really saw, some sheep. Yes, actual sheep. I stood there for what must have been 20 minutes, just watching them graze. I have no idea why, but it was incredibly calming. I think sheep have an existential power.
- Evening: Dinner again at Trattoria La Taverna. Yes, I know, it was that good! Same waiter. He remembered us already. More pasta. More wine. More eavesdropping. Life is good.
Day 3: Sulmona and the Oh-So-Delicious Confetti
- Morning: Day trip to Sulmona! Famous for its confetti (sugared almonds), and the medieval aqueduct. Sulmona's a cute town, very different from Pettorano. Wandered the streets. Found a fantastic little shop that sells fresh pasta.
- Afternoon: Confetti time! Went to a famous shop. They let you try every single flavour. Every. Single. One. I think I may have consumed an unhealthy amount of sugared almonds in about an hour. But it was worth it. Absolutely worth it. Bought a box… or three. The Aqueduct? Impressive, but let's be honest, the confetti was the star of the show.
- Evening: Back to Pettorano. Pre-dinner drink on the patio of the Poggio. Watching the sunset, the mountains… ugh, it's pure bliss. Maybe I actually am a simple person.
Day 4: The Day of the Accidental Hike and a Very Long Lunch
- Morning: I decided I was going to "explore". This led to me walking along a trail. It turned out to be a considerably longer hike than I anticipated. Let's just say my legs were screaming at me by the end.
- Afternoon: Okay, lunch. A serious lunch. Somewhere in the town to try another restaurant. I can't remember the name, but it was good. The food was amazing, and the wine flowed freely. So freely, in fact, that lunch turned into an extended afternoon. Hours spent with the locals just laughing.
- Evening: This is a blur of laughter and very good food. Fell into bed. Slept like a baby.
Day 5: Farewell (for now!)
- Morning: One last stroll through Pettorano. A final coffee at the local bar. Taking it all in. This is the moment you realize you're going to miss this place. Even with the car dramas, the accidental hikes, and the sheer amount of pasta.
- Afternoon: Packing. Saying goodbye to the magnificent view from the Poggio. Driving back to Rome… probably with a car that's still too small.
- Evening: Departure. Goodbye, Italy. Goodbye, Pettorano sul Gizio. I’ll be back. I have to bring my dog next time! (Unless he eats more of those confetti almonds… then maybe not.)
Overall Impression:
This trip was a messy, imperfect, and utterly wonderful experience. I laugh, I might cry (I did). Italy, and especially Il Poggio dei Pettirossi, has stolen a piece of my heart. It’s not the perfect picturesque vacation. It’s real life, with all its glorious chaos, delicious food, and moments of pure, unadulterated beauty. Go there. Seriously. Just… pack comfortable shoes and a good sense of humor. And maybe a parachute for your knees.
Unbelievable Grong, Norway: Grong Hotell Awaits!
What's the absolute WORST part about (whatever we're talking about)? Seriously, lay it on me.
Oh, you want the raw, unfiltered truth? Alright, pull up a chair. For *me*? The absolute WORST part? Well, let's just say I spent a whole weekend once, trying to (mention the thing in a vague, humorous way). And I am not exaggerating when I say I nearly ripped my own hair out. It seemed simple enough, right? Wrong. So, so wrong. It was like trying to herd cats through a hurricane made of spaghetti. Honestly, it tested my resolve and my sanity. I almost gave up, I really did.
Okay, so, what's the *best* part then? Gotta have a silver lining, right?
Alright, alright, I can be positive *sometimes*. (Don't tell anyone!) The best part? Hmmm. Okay, remember that weekend I mentioned earlier, that torturous, sanity-bending one? Well, by Sunday afternoon, after I’d nearly thrown my laptop across the room about a dozen times, I actually, *gasp*, got it mostly working correctly. And you know what? That sweet, sweet feeling of accomplishment? Like, *really* accomplishing something difficult? That was incredible. I felt like I could conquer the world. Or at least, I could finally eat a delicious pizza without feeling guilty about the unfinished project staring at me from the corner. It was amazing. And I learned a ton. So yeah, the best part? That "I did it!" moment (eventually). Plus the pizza, of course.
What do people get WRONG about it? Like, what's a big misunderstanding?
Oh, the misunderstandings! Where do I even begin? People assume it's all sunshine and roses. That it's *easy*. HA! That's like saying skydiving is a gentle stroll through a park. Look, some of you may be naturals, but for many, it’s more like navigating a maze blindfolded, while also juggling chainsaws. Another massive misconception is that you can just…wing it. Sure, the internet is full of tutorials, but what those tutorials DON'T tell you is that you'll invariably run into a problem the video creator didn't address. And you'll spend HOURS - I’m talking actual working hours - just trying to Google the exact phrase to find the answer. I went through it, so I feel ya…
If you could go back in time and give yourself ONE piece of advice, what would it be?
Oh, if only I had a time machine! I'd march right up to myself (probably looking incredibly frazzled, covered in pizza sauce and with wild hair) and scream, "BACK UP YOUR WORK! BACK. IT. UP. Every hour! Every five minutes! Just freaking DO IT!" I mean, picture this: hours of work, *gone*. Vanished in a digital black hole. It happened to me. The agony... the sheer, soul-crushing devastation... I still get that cold sweat when I think about it. So yeah, data backup is your best friend because honestly, I was there, I did that, and I *don't* want the same thing to happen to you.
Is it worth it? Seriously? Give it to me straight.
Alright, the million-dollar question. Is it worth the headache, the frustration, the moments where you want to throw your computer out of the window (I speak from *experience* here)? And the answer is... *it depends*. It depends on what you're hoping to achieve. If you're looking for a quick, easy win, then probably not. Get a professional! But if you're the kind of person who likes a challenge, if you thrive on learning, if you get a secret thrill from finally cracking the code... then yes. Absolutely yes. It's a bumpy road, full of potholes and unexpected detours. But the view from the top - the feeling of triumph, the knowledge you've gained - is pretty damn incredible. So, yeah, worth it. *Eventually*.
Any quirky tips or tricks you've picked up along the way? Something you'd only know from experience?
Oh, I've got a whole treasure trove of quirky tips! Okay, here's one specific to *that one thing*. Always, and I mean *always*, double-check your (specific detail, use a non-technical word). I cannot stress this enough. Why? Because I once spent three full days trying to troubleshoot a problem, only to discover that I had accidentally attached the wrong (another specific, non-technical word) to the (an other specific, non-technical word). Facepalm moment of the century! Another thing? Embrace the "Ctrl+Z" button (or Cmd+Z for you Mac folks). It's your best friend, your digital safety net, your undo button of sanity. Use it. Love it. Learn to live with it. Trust me.
What's the most embarrassing mistake you've ever made? Tell us, we won't judge (much).
Is there any equipment or other products that made it better?
One thing that truly improved my experience was investing in a decent (Name a product/tool). My old one was awful. It was always slow, it crashed constantly, and I spent more time staring at loading screens than actually working. Upgrading was a game-changer. Also (Name a helpful product), I swear by it! It’s simple, but it’s helped me avoid some major headaches. I can't say that my life is a flawless experience, but at least *that* part has been made better. Honestly, you never know how bad what you have is until you replace it.
