by Jan Mauer | Sep 5, 2018 | European Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons, Travel Adventures
A view over Il Vecchio Maneggio, a working farm in Tuscany. Photo credit: IlVecchioManeggio.com The word “Tuscany” conjures a serene world of rolling, cypress-lined hills, fecund grapevines, and golden sunlight. It signifies an escape from modernity, back to a simpler time of peaceful afternoons on a quiet terrace with a good book, and plentiful wine. In short, to many of us, Tuscany is a place of magic. Tuscan Agriturismos In recent years, one of the most exciting developments in Tuscany has been the proliferation of agriturismos. These working farmhouses offer visitors the unique opportunity to escape into the allure of quintessential Tuscan life with a traditional family dining experience, or to sleep in luxurious accommodations on their farms. During our last visit to Tuscany, my husband and I stayed near the famous medieval hill town of San Gimignano. We read excellent reviews about a nearby agriturismo called Il Vecchio Maneggio, and decided to reserve two spots for dinner. The medieval towers of San Gimignano Il Vecchio Maneggio – The Old Riding School When we arrived a little before 8pm on the night of our dinner, I was pleased to see that we would be eating in the garden, with a stunning view of San Gimignano’s ancient towers in the distance. Tiziana, the big-hearted matron of the farm, greeted us warmly. She met us in her apron, inviting us to explore the farm grounds while she finalized dinner preparations. Her friendly, gregarious manner immediately made my husband and I feel at ease, as though we were enjoying an evening with family in a picturesque pastoral setting. A view of San... by Jan Mauer | Sep 8, 2017 | European Travel, Luxury Destinations, Luxury Travel, Romance Travel and Honeymoons
When I was a kid, the picture that came to mind when I heard “bed and breakfast” was of a well-lived-in house filled with antiques, overly-soft four-poster beds, a resident cat or an old sleepy dog, all likely run by a sweet elderly couple. While this image certainly has its own kind of charm, the bed and breakfast scene has evolved significantly over the last few decades. In fact, many B&Bs today provide all of the plush luxury of a hotel, with the added bonus of greater privacy, more personal attention, and indulgent homemade meals, often in the tradition of the country or region where you’re staying. Locanda dell’ Artista in Tuscany, Italy, invites visitors to experience authentic Tuscan life in lovingly-wrought luxury One such B&B at which I’ve stayed was a stunning home in the Tuscan countryside. Run by an agrarian family, the property was nestled amidst rolling hills covered with grape vines, spruce, and olive groves, and sprinkled here and there with bee boxes. My room itself was furnished with a plush bed that was cloaked in luxurious linens. The color palette was bright and airy, and the furnishings highlighted the quintessential Tuscan charm conveyed by the gorgeous wooden beams that spanned the ceiling, and which were authentic to the original farm home. I could have spent many inspired days strolling along the paths that surrounded the property, soaking up the expansive views, or just reading quietly beside the fire. But what will stay with me forever was the extraordinary traditional Tuscan dinner that I had one evening during my stay. Bindon Bottom in Dorset, England, offers... 
