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Asmana Spa in Tuscany, Beat The Winter Blues
Since the ancient time of the Romans, Italians have often sought out the healing powers of ‘spa-like’ thermal springs, pilgrims on the historic ‘via francigena’ often stopped at popular points like Bagno Vignoni to dip their feet in the therapeutic waters. It really hasn’t changed much in the 21st century, spas are still extremely popular in local culture and offer a break from the busy lives of most people. (more…)
Tuscan Bread At Home: Our Recipe
On every Tuscan table, is the bread basket. Slices of plain white, saltless bread is a tradition here. The reason behind the lack of salt is rumored to be because of an imposed tax centuries ago, but has grown to be appreciated by locals who prefer it to saltier versions. Best eaten fresh, you can make your own at home this winter with our recipe. The importance is the crust, and in order to do it right, you need to allow the bread to have two risings then bake it on a hearth where it rises again. If you have no hearth, just use an oven pan with parchment paper. (more…)
A Tuscan Gem: The Town Of Pitigliano
There is certainly no shortage of beautiful hill-top towns that pepper the Tuscan countryside. From sea, to mountains, there is something for everyone here and we are so proud to be from such a fruitful and wonderful corner of Italy. Since we like to feature particular places around our ‘bella toscana’ one highly recommended spot is three hours away from us in Vicchio, the lovely rock-carved Medieval town of Pitigliano in the southern area of the region. Arriving to the town is exciting in itself, one look at this place carved into the side of a cliff would take anyone’s breath away. (more…)
Holiday Traditions in Tuscany
We might only be in the second week of December, however the 8th was when the holiday season truly commences for the Day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. In cities such as Florence, the tree-lighting ceremony and various events always occur on this day which kicks-off the next few weeks of holiday cheer and Tuscan cities sparkle with festive cheer. We adore this holiday as four generations of our family celebrate all together in the Mugello valley, the vibe is exuberant and generous. (more…)
Quick Booking snippet
Since the ancient time of the Romans, Italians have often sought out the healing powers of ‘spa-like’ thermal springs, pilgrims on the historic ‘via francigena’ often stopped at popular points like Bagno Vignoni to dip their feet in the therapeutic waters. It really hasn’t changed much in the 21st century, spas are still extremely popular […]
On every Tuscan table, is the bread basket. Slices of plain white, saltless bread is a tradition here. The reason behind the lack of salt is rumored to be because of an imposed tax centuries ago, but has grown to be appreciated by locals who prefer it to saltier versions. Best eaten fresh, you can […]
There is certainly no shortage of beautiful hill-top towns that pepper the Tuscan countryside. From sea, to mountains, there is something for everyone here and we are so proud to be from such a fruitful and wonderful corner of Italy. Since we like to feature particular places around our ‘bella toscana’ one highly recommended spot […]
We might only be in the second week of December, however the 8th was when the holiday season truly commences for the Day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. In cities such as Florence, the tree-lighting ceremony and various events always occur on this day which kicks-off the next few weeks of holiday cheer and Tuscan […]
Temperatures have dropped in our beloved corner of Tuscany and we are very excited for the upcoming holidays. So far sunny days have been abundant and as always – there are plenty of occasions for celebration. As we continue to work hard in our slow-season (Villa Campestri reopens next March), please enjoy these posts which […]
Tuscany is known around the world for the excellent quality of local products, perfectly over a number of years – and sometimes even centuries, by local artisans. We are currently on the hunt for holiday gifts for our own family, and wanted to share a few of our favorite locally-made goods to the italophile in […]
November is always one of those months that surprises, despite a dreary day or two – you can always be assured of plenty of activities as we are continuing harvest season. We have been lucky so far with wonderful weather, but when the clouds come out and rain starts to pour, visiting one of Tuscany’s […]
Our doors at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort have closed for the season (we reopen next March) but we are still hard at work doing maintenance and preparation for the following 2016 season, which we hope is better then ever. In the meantime, we are still sharing our insider secrets and tips for those who […]
