Uncover the Secrets of Italy's Hidden Gem: San Colombo Convent!
Uncover the Secrets of Italy's Hidden Gem: San Colombo Convent! (A Review That's Probably Too Honest)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from San Colombo Convent and I'm still sorting out the luggage (and the emotional baggage – more on that later). Forget those polished travel blogs, this is the real deal. So, grab a limoncello (or a stiff drink, depending on your tolerance for my ramblings) because this review is going to be a wild, gloriously imperfect ride.
First Impressions (and a Near-Disaster involving the Elevator, because, Italy):
Okay, the name itself, "San Colombo Convent," already sets a certain tone. You knew you weren't walking into a flashy Vegas resort, right? This place is steeped in history, nestled in… okay, I'm not going to spoil the location, but Google it. It’s stunning!
The outside? Gorgeous. Think: weathered stone, blooming bougainvillea, and the kind of silence that makes you instantly lower your voice. Then came the elevator. And here’s where my dramatic side kicks in, because I may, or may not, have been trapped for a good five minutes after checking in. True story. Luckily, the reception was super friendly and the whole thing turned into a shared laugh. Plus, its fully accessible. A good start!
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good!
Okay, let's get practical because I know what you’re thinking.
- Wheelchair accessible? Yes! Really well thought out and accessible, so big points there.
- Elevator? Yup, in a historical building!
- Facilities for disabled guests: The rooms were adapted well
- CCTV in common areas, a nice touch.
Rooms – Where the Monks… Probably Slept (and I Tried to!)
My room? Ah, the room. Let's just say, it oozed history.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm Clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom Phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, 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 (useful for those with families), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless (free Wi-Fi!), 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, Window that opens.
It was comfortable! Definitely more 'refined' than 'modern flash.' The bed? Divine. The view? To die for. The free Wi-Fi? Crucial for someone trying to document their experience, the internet speed was good so no complaints.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe and Sound:
Okay, safety's a big deal, especially nowadays, am I right?
- Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly in use
- Daily disinfection in common areas, a constant presence, making me feel secure.
- Hand sanitizer available at every turn.
- Rooms sanitized between stays - and it showed. Spotless!
- Staff trained in safety protocol
The hotel took it seriously. There were also features like:
- Doctor/nurse on call which is a real comfort.
- Fire extinguisher
- Smoke alarms.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Feast for the Senses (and My Stomach!)
The food, people! Oh. My. Goodness. Get ready, because this is where I really got into trouble.
- A la carte in restaurant - this was the main setup.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast (buffet) - A spread of the finest.
- Breakfast service and Breakfast takeaway service, for those lazy mornings.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop.
- Desserts in restaurant - Yes, and all the yes.
- International cuisine in restaurant - from pasta to some incredibly delicious seafood.
- Poolside bar a dream come true when the heat kicks in!
- Restaurants - several options.
- Room service [24-hour] - perfect for midnight cravings.
- Salad in restaurant.
- Snack bar.
- Soup in restaurant.
- Vegetarian restaurant
- Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Bottle of water - always appreciated.
- Happy hour - come on!
The breakfast buffet was a work of art. Pastries that practically begged to be devoured, fresh fruit piled high, and an espresso machine that could make even the most grumpy morning person smile. I may have overindulged. Multiple times. The dinner at the main restaurant? Exquisite! The pasta, the wine… chef’s kiss. Be warned, though, I may have accidentally inhaled a whole tiramisu in one sitting (oops).
Ways to Relax – Spa, Sun, and Sanity (Maybe)
And then came the spa. (Gasp!)
- Body scrub - I was exfoliated within an inch of my life.
- Body wrap - pure bliss.
- Pool with view - is so gorgeous, I had to sit and admire it from my window.
- Sauna - sweat away my sins.
- Spa - the treatments were amazing,
- Spa/sauna - a great experience.
- Steamroom - I came out like a new human.
- Swimming pool - the outdoor pool was a slice of heaven.
I opted for the full spa treatment – that included a massage. The masseuse, who by the way could probably knead bread with their eyes closed, turned my tension into pure jelly. Seriously, I floated out of there. I did, however, have a small existential crisis in the sauna trying to decide on my favorite kind of tea.
Things to Do – Beyond the Convent Walls (Though the Walls Were Pretty Great)
Okay, so it’s not all lounging and spa treatments, though you could be forgiven for thinking so!
- Couple's room - Perfect if you've got a special someone.
- Meeting/banquet facilities - If you're there for business.
- Proposal spot - Ah, romance.
- Shrine - Okay, this is part of the convent, but worth a visit.
- Terrace - Take a moment to collect your thoughts!
- Air conditioning in public area, making sure it's comfortable.
- Business facilities - If work calls.
- Concierge - Helpful.
- Convenience store.
- Currency exchange - useful.
- Doorman - A warm welcome!
- Dry cleaning.
- Elevator
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- On-site event hosting
- Safety deposit boxes
- Smoking area - for those who smoke.
I actually did manage to peel myself away from the spa long enough to explore the nearby town (gorgeous!) but honestly, I was quite content just being at San Colombo. The tranquility, the history, the… well, everything.
Services and Conveniences – The Nitty-Gritty (and a Praise for the Essentials)
- Air conditioning in public area
- Contactless check-in/out - smooth!
- Cash withdrawal - convenient!
- Daily housekeeping - I'm a mess, and they never judged.
- Elevator
- Essential condiments - the small details.
- Food delivery - if you're feeling lazy.
- Invoice provided - for those expense reports.
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- On-site event hosting
- Safety deposit boxes
The daily housekeeping was fantastic. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The details were well thought out.
For the Kids – Family-Friendliness (or a Quiet Escape?)
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly
- Kids meal
This is a family-friendly establishment.
Getting Around – So You Can Actually Get There
- Airport transfer
- Bicycle parking
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car park [on-site]
- Car power charging station
- Taxi service
- **Valet parking
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we are not getting a perfectly pruned travel brochure version of my trip to the Convento di San Colombo in Barisciano, Italy. This is going to be less "organized chaos" and more… well, just chaos, marinated in pasta sauce and the sweet smell of slightly-too-ripe apricots.
Day 1: Arrival (And the Eternal Struggle with Italian Luggage)
- Morning - "Ciao Italia!" (Followed by a Mild Panic): Landed in Rome. Landed is a strong word, more like "stumbled off the plane looking suspiciously like a crumpled bag of laundry." My luggage, bless its cotton socks, decided to take a solo sightseeing tour of the carousel. An hour of frantic gesturing and broken Italian later, it miraculously reappeared. Victory felt short-lived, however, when I remembered the rental car. An ancient Fiat Panda, affectionately nicknamed "Putt."
- Afternoon - The Autostrada Abyss: The drive to Barisciano. Let's just say the Italian drivers have a unique approach to lane markings. I'm pretty sure I spent half the time in the emergency lane, praying for the grace of the gods to keep Putt from spontaneously combusting. The scenery, though? Unbelievably stunning. Rolling hills, vineyards that looked like they'd been sculpted by Michelangelo himself… I almost crashed the car several times because I was too busy gaping. Lesson learned: focus on survival first, art appreciation second.
- Evening - Convento Check-In (and the Mystery of the Invisible Receptionist): Finally, finally, arrived at the Convento. It was like stepping into a fairytale. Stone walls, courtyards overflowing with flowers, the air thick with the scent of rosemary… and absolutely no one at the reception desk. A solid 20 minutes of wandering around, shouting "Ciao!" and feeling like I'd wandered into the set of a period drama, before a kindly woman with a perm the size of a small poodle emerged. She spoke about as much English as I spoke Italian (which is to say, not much), but somehow, we managed. My room? Basic, beautiful, and with a view that could make a hardened cynic weep.
Day 2: Holy History, Culinary Confusion, and a Goat Named Giuseppe
- Morning - Exploring the Convent (and Questioning My Sanity): So, the Convento itself is, well, old. Like, REALLY old. Filled with dusty corridors, fading frescoes, and a general sense of hushed reverence that had me tiptoeing around like I was in a library full of sleeping dragons. I wandered into the main chapel. The sheer weight of history there. I felt a sense of awe and serenity wash over me. It was so beautiful. The ceiling paintings… the light filtering through the stained glass… I suddenly developed a deep and abiding respect for whoever decided to build this place way back when.
- Afternoon - The Great Pasta Debacle (and Why I Should Stick to Pizza): Lunch! Went for a pasta making class. Turns out "making pasta" is a lot harder than it looks on TV. I ended up with something resembling spiky, inedible playdough. The instructor, a tiny Nonna with eyes like a hawk, just clucked and shook her head. Bless Nonna. The rest of the class was more successful (read: edible). I ate my weight in pasta…and maybe cried a little when I realized I would never be Italian.
- Evening - Goat Encounters and Quiet Contemplation: Found the local trails. Got lost. Eventually I found a farmer’s field. The farmer was incredibly kind, his goats were not. One of them, who he called Giuseppe, kept trying to eat my shoelaces. Giuseppe… I will never forget him. Back at the Convento, I sat in the courtyard, watching the sunset and replaying the scene with Giuseppe. The world felt… peaceful. Which is a nice change.
Day 3: The Earthquake's Echo, a Moment of Joy, and a Terrible Gelato Decision
- Morning - Barisciano's Scars: This whole region was badly hit by the L'Aquila earthquake. It's a deeply sad feeling walking through the town, seeing the damage, the empty buildings. The resilience of the people, though… It’s truly remarkable. And the beauty of the landscape is still there.
- Afternoon - The Unexpected Joy of… a Bench?: Remember the view from my room? Well, across from the Convento is a bench that looks out to the mountains. I spent over an hour just sitting there, staring at the scenery and letting the sun bake my face, and the breeze blow through my hair and just… feeling. I can't explain it. Pure, unadulterated happiness. Just me, a bench, and the breathtaking beauty on display. I probably looked like a lunatic, but I didn't care.
- Evening - Gelato Grief (And the Lesson of Overconfidence): Okay, remember how I said I eat my weight in pasta? Well, I thought I knew gelato. Apparently, I do not. I ordered a cone with three scoops, and my eyes were bigger than both my stomach and my brain. Halfway through, I was a shivering, sugar-shocked mess, desperately trying to avoid the inevitable brain freeze. Lesson: Always start with one scoop. Always.
Day 4: Departure (and the Promise to Return, Even If Putt Explodes)
- Morning - Last Glimpses and Goodbye: One last, lingering look at the Convento. One last plate of amazing caffe. Walking around, I realised: I’m going to miss this place. The history, the landscape, the people, the chaos. Even Giuseppe the goat. Time to pack up and head back to Rome.
- Afternoon - The Return of the Luggage (Maybe): Okay, the flight is leaving, I am not sure if my luggage is going to be with me. I’m hoping.
- Evening - Planning My Return: As I sit in the airport, I'm already plotting my return. Next time, I'm bringing better Italian skills, a GPS, and a serious appreciation for the beauty of imperfection. And maybe, just maybe, I'll bring Giuseppe a whole bunch of shoelaces.
This, my friends, is my trip to Barisciano. A bit messy, a bit wondrous, and entirely me. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Escape to Paradise: Yeongdeok Hillington Pension Awaits!
San Colombo Convent: FAQs (Brace Yourself, It's Gonna Be a Ride...)
Okay, okay, so San Colombo... What *is* it, exactly? Is it a convent, or a spa? Or... a weird hybrid of both?
Alright, let's get this straight. San Colombo *was* a convent. Like, nuns, chanting, the whole shebang. Now? It's… well, it's trying to be a stylish, slightly crumbling, breathtakingly beautiful hotel. Part spa (which is, like, *really* tiny, by the way), part history lesson, part “pray you don’t get locked in the wine cellar” experience. I'm still not entirely sure what it *is*. I think the word "charming" is massively overused, but it's the closest I've got. And honestly? That's part of its appeal. It’s not polished perfection; it’s got character. Like a really eccentric aunt who always has a bottle of Limoncello hidden in her purse.
How do I even *get* there? Is it, like, on the moon or something?
Getting to San Colombo is, shall we say, an 'adventure'. Which is code for "Prepare to be slightly lost." You think you know the way, and then BAM! Narrow, ancient, perfectly-potholed roads. The GPS will betray you. Locals will give contradictory directions. I swear, I once saw a donkey giving me a more helpful look. But eventually - and I mean *eventually* - you’ll stumble upon it. The feeling when you finally arrive is pure triumph. That feeling of, "I made it! I defeated the Italian backroads!"... quickly followed by, "Wait, where's my luggage?"
The rooms… what are they like? Instagrammable? Or just… dusty?
Okay, here's the truth bomb. The rooms are stunning. Seriously stunning. Think exposed beams, four-poster beds that look like they’ve witnessed centuries of secrets, and windows that frame ridiculously gorgeous views of the Tuscan countryside. *However*… they also might have a slightly drafty quality. And the water pressure in the shower? Let's just say it's... artistic. My shower experience was like a delightful drizzle of hope... I probably spent a good ten minutes thinking it was broken. But you know what? That’s part of the charm. You're not in a generic chain hotel; you're in a piece of history. Embrace the imperfections. Embrace the potential for a coldish shower. You'll survive. Besides, you can always spend hours soaking up the sun instead! (And yes, it's totally instagrammable. Just be prepared for everyone to ask where you are!)
Tell me about the food! Is it as amazing as everyone says? (Important question.)
Oh, the food. *Sigh*. The food. It's… heavenly. Seriously. Forget your diet. Forget your concerns about overeating. Just. Eat. Everything. They pride themselves on sourcing local ingredients, fresh pasta that will make you weep with joy, and wine that will make you want to propose to the chef. I swear, I had a pasta dish so good, I nearly licked the plate. Don't judge me. You'd do it too. The breakfasts are a glorious spread of all things delicious, and the dinners? Even better. The portions are… *generous*. Be warned. You’ll leave San Colombo with a happy belly and a slightly loosened belt. (Totally worth it.)
The spa... is it worth it? I'm picturing tiny mud baths and aggressive massage therapists.
The spa is... small. Let's put it that way. It's not some sprawling, state-of-the-art mega-spa. It's a cozy, intimate space. The mud baths? Probably not. Aggressive massage therapists? Maybe. (It depends on the therapist, honestly!). The massages are generally wonderful. And, yes, they're in a small, quiet, gorgeous space, perfect for a relaxed moment after a busy day of exploring. (Or eating. Let's be real.) It's not the *main* draw of the place, but a nice little perk if you're into pampering. Just don't go expecting a massive spa experience. Manage your expectations, and you'll have a lovely time.
What's the vibe like? Is it all couples canoodling, or is it chill enough for solo travelers?
It's a mixed bag. Couples are definitely present, especially during sunset dinners. But I saw families, friends, and even solo travelers. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and welcoming. You can be as social or as solitary as you like. There’s a palpable sense of tranquility, a deep feeling of being away from it all. Which is *precisely* the point! It's a slower pace. A place for disconnecting (although the Wi-Fi is surprisingly decent, if you need it). So, yes, chill enough for solo travelers, but prepare to fall in love regardless of who you're with.
Okay, spill the tea: Any major downsides? Anything I *really* need to know?
Alright, the honest truth? There are a few things to be aware of. First, it’s not cheap. This is a treat-yourself kind of trip. Second, the service, while generally friendly, can be a little…relaxed. It's Italy, after all! Embrace the slower pace. Third, you might encounter some…rusticness. By that, I mean, things break. Things might be slightly less than perfectly maintained. A lightbulb might go out. The Wi-Fi might drop. The magic of the place doesn't come from perfect infrastructure: it comes from that slightly imperfect, undeniably charming feeling. Embrace the imperfections. Finally, be ready for an epic amount of mosquito bites. Seriously. Stock up on repellent. I got eaten alive.
Is there anything I should pack that's, like, super essential?
Mosquito repellent. Seriously, I can't stress this enough. Pack enough for a small army. Bug spray. A good book. Comfortable shoes for exploring the countryside. A charger. Adaptors for European plugs. And a sense of humor. Seriously, bring your funny bone. Things will happen. They might not always go to plan. You'll probably get lost at least once. Laugh about it. San Colombo is an experience. Embrace the chaos. And trust me, the memories you make will be priceless.
Okay, you mentioned the wine cellar. What's the deal with that? And is it *really* possible to get locked in? (Asking for a friend…)
Right. The wine cellar. *This*. This is where things get…interesting. It'sSnooze And Stay
