Escape to Paradise: Italy's Hidden Gem, PHI Resort Coldimolino
Escape to Paradise? More Like… Finding Paradise (After a Couple of Wrong Turns): A Review of PHI Resort Coldimolino – Messy, Honest, and Oh-So-Italian.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the espresso on my experience at the PHI Resort Coldimolino in Italy. They call it a “Hidden Gem.” Well, it's hidden, alright. Finding the darn thing was a mini-adventure in itself. Let’s just say my GPS and I have a complicated relationship. But hey, after that initial (and slightly frantic) search, I’m telling you, this place… this place is something.
First Impressions: Accessibility & The Great Elevator Gamble
Okay, let's be straight. Accessibility isn't perfect, and I need to be honest about this. Finding the right ramps and elevators was a bit of a scavenger hunt, honestly. While they do have facilities for disabled guests, the layout can be a tad… confusing. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I can see how navigating some of the winding paths and hidden levels could be a bit of a struggle. They've got an Elevator, thankfully, because, otherwise, I would've been a puddle of a sweaty stressed traveler.
Cleanliness & Safety: More Than Just a Pretty Picture
During COVID, I was super anxious about the whole Cleanliness and safety protocol. I mean, who isn't? But, credit where credit is due, Coldimolino was pretty darn good. They’ve got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff seemed genuinely well-trained in safety protocols. You could tell they were taking it seriously. Frankly, it put my mind at ease. And honestly, with everything going on, it made me feel a lot more relaxed about staying on the property, than I would have otherwise been.
Rooms: My Little Sanctuario (With a Few Quirks)
Right, let's talk rooms. I was lucky enough to nab a room with a Window that opens (a must!), and a Terrace. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver (especially after those adventures navigating the Italian sun!), and the Free Wi-Fi was, well, free – and thankfully, it actually worked! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is a big deal, people. I've stayed in places where the internet was slower than a snail on a sugar rush.
The room itself was comfy; the Bed was extra long (bliss!) and the Bathrobes were… well, bathrobes. The Toiletries were decent, and I loved having the Coffee/tea maker. Little touches like a Mirror and a reading light made a real difference, and the Soundproofing was great. They even had blackout curtains – so I could actually sleep in (a rarity for me). There were some minor niggles though. The alarm clock was about as reliable as my Italian skills (that is to say, not very), and there was no socket near the bed – which, for a phone addict like me, was a tragedy. But overall, the room was a good base of operations for exploring and the imperfections gave it a real character!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Oh. My. Pasta.
Where to begin? Let’s start with Dining, drinking, and snacking. Okay. The restaurants are lovely. The views are stunning, especially at sunset. They have Restaurants offering both International cuisine and, thankfully, Western cuisine, where I could truly embrace my inner pasta-loving self. The Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine was also an offer, but I stuck with the Italian way. Desserts in restaurant were also a highlight, every single one was a work of art and Coffee/tea in restaurant was perfect every single time. The wait staff are friendly, and there’s nothing better than nursing a Bottle of water whilst overlooking the view. I also have to note the Poolside bar which had a great cocktail menu. You can even order Room service [24-hour], because who doesn’t love a midnight snack? Their Happy hour was a pure delight, and I'm pretty sure I sampled half the menu. And, if you're feeling fancy, there's A la carte in restaurant service!
But here's my biggest confession: I probably ate way too much. The pasta, the pizza, the gelato…. it was all so good! And even when I just needed a little something to tide me over, there was a Snack bar, which was perfect.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Getting Your Zen On (or at Least Trying To)
This is where Coldimolino really shines. Okay, there is a full Spa. They have a Sauna and a Steamroom. And, oh man, the Massage… pure bliss. I went for a Body scrub and a Body wrap, and I swear, I floated out of there. I am not joking. I probably looked a little green since my face was so relaxed. It was perfect. There's a Fitness center, a Gym/fitness and a Swimming pool [outdoor], with a Pool with view included.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
They had a Concierge who was super helpful with recommendations, the Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless. They even offer Laundry service, which was perfect for a messy traveler like myself. They had Cash withdrawal facilities, which was a bonus, and the Car park [on-site] was free (thank goodness!).
For the Kids, or Not: Family Friendly?
They say Family/child friendly, and sure, they have a Babysitting service and Kids meal. It's Italy, after all – kids are practically royalty. I didn't bring any kids, so I can't really vouch for the kid stuff, but I saw some families having a blast.
My Takeaway (and a Slightly Crazy Offer!)
Okay, real talk. PHI Resort Coldimolino isn't perfect. Finding it felt like an Italian version of the Crystal Maze. But the location? The views? The FOOD?! The spa? That’s where it makes it. It’s got charm, it’s got character, and it's got that genuine Italian spirit that makes you feel like you're part of the family (even if you did get lost on the way). Plus, there's a Proposal spot! I love that.
So, Here's the Deal: A Slightly Disheveled But Utterly Authentic Escape
Are you ready for a real Italian escape? Are you seeking a place where relaxation meets adventure, where the food is divine, and the views are breathtaking? Then, maybe… just maybe – maybe – Coldimolino is for you.
Book your stay at PHI Resort Coldimolino NOW and get:
- A complimentary bottle of local Italian wine upon arrival. (To help you find your way, obviously.)
- A free pasta-making class. (Learn to make the perfect pasta, like a true Italian.)
- A 10% discount on all spa treatments. (Because you deserve it.)
- A personal, hand-drawn map to the best hidden gelato spots in the area. (Because gelato is life.)
Remember, life is short, eat dessert first… and go find your own slice of paradise at PHI Resort Coldimolino. Just, maybe, double-check your route before you go. 😉
Escape to Paradise: Chartfield Guesthouse, South Africa Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get real travel diary vibes. Forget those pristine itineraries, this is PHI Resort Coldimolino – Country House Italy, unfiltered. And frankly, I’m still trying to unpack my emotional baggage, so expect some chaos.
Day 1: Arrival & Reality Check (The Wine Was Good Though)
- Morning (ish): Touchdown in… Verona! Glorious Verona! Except getting there? A comedy of errors. Delayed flight, lost luggage (pray for my socks), passport checks that felt suspiciously personal. Already regretting packing only "chic linen" and not "practical survivalist". Landed crankier than a badger with a hangnail.
- Afternoon: The drive to Coldimolino. Gorgeous. Truly. Rolling hills, vineyards practically begging to be Instagrammed. Me, however? Still battling the baggage demons. The GPS decided to take us on a scenic tour through a goat farm. I'm not kidding. Goats. Everywhere. Smelling faintly of, well, goat.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Finally! Coldimolino. And… wow. Okay, maybe the travel hell was worth it. Stone walls, ivy creeping up the sides, the air smelled like actual Italy. Check-in was… Italian. Lovely but meandering. Eventually got into my room (thank GOD for my suitcase finally arriving). Settled in. Opened a bottle of local vino (thank GOD for alcohol). The wine was, and this is crucial, divine. All the goat-related anxieties evaporated.
- Dinner: Dinner at the resort’s restaurant. The food was… well, it was good. Not life-altering, but solid, reliable Italian fare. Except, the lighting was REALLY romantic, and I was dining alone. Cue the existential crisis. Ordered a massive plate of pasta to soothe the soul. Ate the whole thing. No regrets.
Day 2: Verona's Allure & My Miserable Walking Shoes
- Morning: Verona! Romeo and Juliet! The Arena! The… cobblestones. Oh, the cobblestones. My feet are screaming. Seriously, whoever invented Italian cobblestones needs to feel the burn. Beautiful city, though. Got a picture with Juliet's statue (felt cheesy but obliged). Wandered around a bit lost, probably looking like the stereotypical American tourist. Ate gelato. Saved my soul.
- Afternoon: Arena di Verona. Saw the Arena of Verona. It was huge. Impressive, even though I'm not exactly a history buff. Spent far too long trying to take the perfect photo (spoiler alert: I failed). Found a tiny, hidden cafe and had the best cappuccino of my life. The espresso was so powerful, it practically rewired my brain.
- Late Afternoon: More wandering… more cobblestones… more foot pain. Decided I needed retail therapy and went shopping. Bought a gorgeous scarf I don't really need, but it made me feel better about my aching feet.
- Evening: Dinner at a small, family-run trattoria. The owner was the sweetest Italian nonna you can imagine. The pasta? Perfection. The conversation? Mostly gestures and broken Italian. But you know what? It didn't matter. I felt like I was part of something.
Day 3: Cooking Class Catastrophe (and Redemption)
- Morning: The dread of the cooking class. I can barely boil an egg. But, in true Eat, Pray, Love cliché, I signed up. We were instructed to make fresh made pasta. Cue panic.
- Mid-morning: Discovered that the instructors had a surprising amount of patience. Somehow I made pasta. The pasta was a mess. A delicious mess. Covered in flour.
- Lunch: We ate the pasta we made. Incredibly satisfying, even though I'm pretty sure half the ingredients ended up on the floor. (Sorry, chef!)
- Afternoon: Took a nap. Needed it. Exhaustion.
- Evening: Decided I deserved a massage. It was heaven. The perfect way to let go of my anxieties over how to make pasta and just "be".
- Dinner: Simple. Salad and wine in the resort. Slept like a log.
Day 4: Castle Conundrums & Existential Pondering (The Journey Matters, Right?)
- Morning: Decided to visit a castle. Because, Italy! Except, the "easy" route to the castle? Apparently, Google Maps lied. Massive detour. Ended up on a tiny, winding road that probably hasn't seen a car in fifty years. Beautiful, and terrifying.
- Late Morning: Finally! Arrived at the castle. More amazing views. Did the obligatory tourist thing of climbing the steps to see the view (which was breathtaking)
- Afternoon: Ponders. In the afternoon I spent some time just sitting under a tree overlooking the the fields. And realised how much the journey matter. The goat farm. The pasta mess. So many things had to happen and be imperfect to get me here. And here was pretty good.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at the resort. Ordered a pizza, ate the whole thing. The waiter was so smiley. I'm sure I made a mess. But who cares?
Day 5: Departure & Back to Reality (But with a Full Heart & Slightly Less Luggage)
- Morning: Packing. The struggle. I always bring too much. How does one even get rid of things on a trip?
- Mid-Morning: Saying goodbye…to…Coldimolino. Maybe to Italy. Okay, I will go.
- Afternoon: Flying from Verona.
- Evening: Home. The real world, the grind, the laundry. But the memory. The wine. The friends. The adventure. It's all worth it.
So, there you have it. A messy, imperfect, but utterly real account of my time at PHI Resort Coldimolino and the surrounding area. Was it perfect? Hell, no. Was it amazing? Absolutely. Would I go back? In a heartbeat (and maybe with more comfortable walking shoes). Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. I'm exhausted just reliving it.
Llotja: Spain's Hidden Harbour Gem – Luxury, Art & Unforgettable Views!
Okay, Coldimolino. Sounds…fancy. Is it REALLY paradise? Or just Instagram paradise?
Tell me about the rooms. Are they… *clean*? I'm a bit of a germaphobe.
What's the food *really* like? I'm a foodie. And a pizza snob.
Is there a pool? Because I need a pool.
Okay, but what's there *to do* besides eat and swim and bask in the sun?
How do I get there? Is it a pain in the butt?
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English? Because my Italian is… non-existent.
Is it family-friendly? I might be dragging some small humans along.
What was the *worst* part? Be honest.
