Why a Private Villa in Tuscany Was the Best Family Trip We’ve Ever Taken
There are plenty of beautiful hotels in Tuscany, but after our recent stay at Villa Tolomei with Oliver’s Travels, I can confidently say that nothing compares to having an entire Tuscan estate to yourself.
Traveling with family can be wonderful, but it can also be chaotic. Different schedules, different interests, and the challenge of finding enough space for everyone can make even the most beautiful destinations feel stressful. Staying in a private villa changed all of that.
From the moment we arrived at Villa Tolomei, surrounded by rolling hills and centuries old cypress trees, life immediately slowed down. There was no rushing to breakfast reservations or trying to secure enough lounge chairs by the pool. We had the luxury of settling into our own rhythm, and that made all the difference.
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The Beauty of Having Space
One of the greatest benefits of a villa stay is simply having room to spread out. Villa Tolomei features beautifully designed bedrooms, multiple lounges, expansive gardens, and a private swimming pool overlooking the Tuscan countryside. Everyone could enjoy their own quiet moments while still gathering together throughout the day.
Mornings often began with coffee on the terrace deciding the plans for the day while others lingered over pastries & the freshly prepared breakfast. Afternoons were spent reading in the shade, playing tennis, or heading out to explore nearby hill towns or beaches. In the evenings, everyone naturally came back together.
Why Hiring a Private Chef Is Worth Every Penny
One of the highlights of the week was hiring a private chef for dinner. Instead of worrying about reservations or coordinating transportation for a group, we simply gathered around the table while course after course of traditional Tuscan dishes appeared. Fresh pasta, local olive oils, perfectly grilled meats, and incredible wines transformed dinner into an experience rather than just a meal. It felt less like dining out and more like being welcomed into an Italian home.
For families, multi generational groups, or celebrations with friends, a private chef is one of those experiences that elevates the entire trip and creates memories everyone talks about long after returning home.
Luxury Without the Formality
What I loved most about Villa Tolomei was that it offered all the comforts of a luxury hotel without feeling like one. Housekeeping, concierge services, spa treatments, and optional chef experiences meant we could enjoy five star amenities while still feeling completely at home. There was something incredibly special about spending the evening in pajamas around the fireplace, opening another bottle of Brunello, and knowing we didn’t have to go anywhere.
The Joy of Slow Travel
A private villa encourages you to travel differently.
Instead of trying to check off every famous sight, you naturally begin to savor the destination. Maybe that means lingering over breakfast until noon, taking an afternoon walk among olive groves, or simply watching the sunset with a glass of wine while the kids play in the garden.
Tuscany rewards slowing down and when you have an entire villa to call home, you realize that some of the best days are the ones where you don’t do much at all.
