La Casella

The walk down to the main building and family home was a highlight, with sweeping views across the valley and the Italian high country. Our rooms were dotted along the road through the beautiful property, and the renovated buildings still have old-fashioned charm, with high ceilings and exposed rafters. Virginia and her lovely family looked after us so well, with early morning pickups and late night drop-offs, hot coffee, generous breakfasts, and delicious plant-based three-course lunches and dinners every day. We couldn't have asked for more.

Sharing lunches and dinners with the others, with wonderful Italian food served, was one of my favourite parts. I also loved the peaceful Umbrian countryside, the graceful horses, and the warm welcome from the hosts. My stay at La Casella was perfect and unforgettable. I highly recommend spending a week there to experience the Umbrian countryside.

The countryside is beautiful, but this was a very disappointing stay for my girlfriend and me. The place looked far more outdated than the photos suggested, with no pool and none of the smart rooms, services, or landscaping we expected. Driving there was stressful, with huge potholes and rough, uneven stones that made us crawl along to avoid a flat. Google Maps, Safari, and Apple Maps all gave wrong directions. The directions we got from the property also sent us up the mountains, and we only found the place after a local pointed us the right way. There was no internet or Wi-Fi, so losing GPS signal could leave you lost. After a long day and a 10-hour flight, we asked them to message us on WhatsApp when dinner was ready, since that's what they use. They read our messages but didn't reply. We had also said they could knock on the door if their poor internet meant they couldn't reach us. They didn't, then told us our food had been made but we hadn't shown up. They charged us 50 euros, down from the 80 euros they'd first asked for, saying they felt bad about what happened. We felt they'd taken our money unfairly. They don't know how to host people who aren't locals, and I wouldn't recommend this place to tourists.

I loved the atmosphere around mealtimes, and the food was tasty, authentic Italian cooking. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and my accommodation was spacious, clean, and had a good hot shower that worked well. I enjoyed walking along the lanes to breakfast each morning and taking in the nature around me. I stayed at La Casella for a retreat and hope to return for more of the activities. Thank you so much, Virgina and all the staff, for such a great experience.