All inclusive, baby and toddler friendly family Tuscan holiday …

May 23, 2014 by admin

Here is a holiday perfect for London families with small children.

If I could turn the clock back five years, I would tell the naive, exhausted, overwhelmed mother unencumbered by the school holiday schedule to get out and enjoy Europe before getting trapped by peak-season crowds and travel expense!! Oh you mothers of under-4s, you do not know the blissful world of family travel that is just a few clicks away. Do take a look at my latest find, Villa Pia in Tuscany.

In years past, for several years we have opted for self-catering holidays. The main rationale being that we would like to avoid cranky toddlers in restaurants and have the ability to feed them wholesome food when we are ready to eat. I have returned from our “holiday” more exhausted after having cooked and cleaned for a week in a new location – tanned and inspired by beautiful surroundings, but not really rested.

Here is where Villa Pia ticks all the boxes for family-friendly all-inclusive – it’s a villa filled with families that want to sit, relax, watch the kids play in the sandbox, the pool, on the climbing frames, the trampoline, or in the indoor play area and while the adults enjoy a glass of wine contemplating the good life. For families that cannot stand this kind of idleness, no worries - there are cooking classes, yoga, Pilates, wine tasting and Italian classes, spa treatments, tennis, 5 acres of countryside to trek – you can leave the kids in an art or cookery class and have your own time. Further, in town you can ride horses, bikes, visit local farms, markets, see the castle and head farther afield from Lippiano.

The best part, it is all set up to be relaxed an enjoyable – there is always coffee, tea, beer, wine, liqueurs, spirits and ice on hand for the adults; milk, cereals, bread, butter, jam, bowls of fruit, baby puree for the kids. They have all cooking, cutlery, plates and sterilising equipment for infants and young children. All the toys are provided, including riding, pool and sand toys. Just bring your nappies, your own pool towels and a tablet to log into WiFi for movies. Sporting events can be watched on Sky at a local pub in town.

And the food … oh, my!! Fresh, local (when possible) food prepared with Tuscan influences. Mounds of homemade pasta for the kids (and adults) served at 6pm; the chef is happy to accommodate, as much as possible, any dietary restrictions and meal request. Dinners for are proper 4 course meals served around a long table in the company of adults. The menus can include wood-fire steaks, fresh fish, porcini mushrooms, and tiramisu … all the culinary delights of Italy for you to sample and enjoy.

For families not restricted by the school holidays, there is exceptional value in heading over in October or May where a family of 4 has an all-inclusive holidays (including drinks!!) for under £1500. Do take a look at Villa Pia and start thinking about your next holiday.

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