fh_trips | Castello di Casole [Saturday evening, October 12, 2013]

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fall break 2013: tuscany

Castello di Casole [Saturday evening, October 12, 2013]

Portalocity had come through with a direct connection to the estate, so the Fandom folks arrived at their first stop in Tuscany--Castello di Casole--in the cool early evening before the sun set. And judging by the way the estate was positioned on the highest rolling hill in the area, the sunset viewing was going to be spectacular.

It was a perfect autumn day getting down to a crisp 51 F (10.5 C) that night, which was perfect for sipping red wine and taking in some of the 4,200 acres of Castello di Casole, an ancient castle turned five-star hotel. Parts of it have stood on these rolling Tuscan hills since the 10th Century, but the rooms have been updated to the most demanding 5-star 21st Century standards. The estate is centrally located for access to all of the highlights of Tuscany--including the beach, Pisa, and Siena--but there are enough small villages in the area to satisfy your curiosity if you're not anxious to get too far away from the spa and complimentary minibar.

The staff had been ~~mindwhammied~~ prepared for the more unusual guests, and were eager to help you in any way that would make your vacation more pleasant. Benvenuti in Italia, Fandom. It's time to relax!

[OOC: Rooms | Ristorante Tosca | Pazzia | Bar Visconti | Spa | Fitness Center | Pool Terrace | Mod Your Own Adventure | OOC]

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Students are being paired up to stay in the Classica Suites (http://www.castellodicasole.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/banner/Casa_Prete_bright.jpg), charming Tuscan ambiance where some of the suites are designed with exposed stonework, mosaic bathroom flooring and boast an intimate rustic feel. All suites contain premium Italian upholstery, rich Tuscan color design and beautifully crafted antiques and armors. Please don't wear the armor, Cade. The grand bathrooms feature natural daylight and are designed with Italian Carrara marble or mosaic bathroom flooring, premium classic bath fittings and unique antiqued mirrors. Bathrooms include personalized bath amenities diffusing Tuscan scents, heated towels, separate shower and traditional freestanding bathtubs. All suites have panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside or courtyard views and include complimentary wireless internet, flat panel HDTVs with Sky TV and complimentary premium movies, iPod docking stations (though you have to bring your own iPods) and complimentary minibar. All suites have radiant floor heating and air-conditioning which will come in handy when you put your toes onto tiles in the mornings.

The chaperones are located in the Limonaia Suites: unique duplex garden suites located steps away from the main villa. The primary entry to the suite is to the living area, decorated in a contemporary Tuscan design featuring two-story ceiling-to-floor windows allowing the rooms abundant natural light. The master bedroom is located on the lower level with a private garden terrace (http://www.castellodicasole.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/banner/Limonaia_Outside.jpg) off of the main bedroom (http://www.castellodicasole.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/banner/Limonaia_bed.jpg) with comfortable outdoor seating. The Limonaia Suites depict a contemporary Tuscan loft motif with soothing colors of light blues, yellows and taupe greys. Italian antiques with painted finishes, particular light fixtures, comfortable chairs and custom designed beds are highlighted by paintings and artwork. Each of these two-story suites has a modern bathroom featuring contemporary fixtures, Italian travertine and mosaic, and large painted shutters. All bathrooms include personalized bath amenities diffusing Tuscan scents, heated towels, separate shower and traditional freestanding bathtubs. Like the students, the chaperones' suites include complimentary wireless internet, flat panel HDTVs with Sky TV and complimentary premium movies, iPod docking station, a complimentary minibar and radiant floor heating and air-conditioning. The chaperones also receive a welcome bottle of estate grown and produced wine and the hotel will provide babysitting and children's activities for those who bring smallfry along.

[OOC: Your room assignments are here (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aq994Jtyb7HrdFNUSnZ2TWlaOHZKdGN3S0t5LW9FZHc#gid=0). All NSFW stuff should go into your personal journals!]

From a perfect cappuccino as the Tuscan sun sets, a romantic picnic lunch in the vineyards, to dining al fresco with friends and family, food and drink are an essential part of everyday. The focus is on simple, rustic food in the classic Italian tradition. Expect handmade pastas, fresh organic vegetables, fresh fish and game from local sources – all paired with fine wines from the best wineries in Italy and around the world. Whether you choose to order room service at the hotel, take Italian cooking classes from master chefs, or visit one of the restaurants, every day in Tuscany stirs the soul in some new way.

Ristorante Tosca (http://www.castellodicasole.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/banner/banners/CDC__638_tosca.jpg) at Castello di Casole mixes Old World favorites with modern influences, creating an inspired menu (http://www.castellodicasole.com/sites/default/files/file_attachments/Menu%20Tosca%202013%20.pdf) of traditional Tuscan cuisine accented with a hint of modern. The focus is pure Italy – homemade pasta, locally sourced meat, exceptional seafood, garden-fresh produce, and of course, endless fresh bread and estate-grown extra virgin olive oil. Dine inside among the restored stone walls and custom Murano glass chandeliers, or head out to the dining terrace for an al fresco meal overlooking dramatic vineyards and valleys. The estate’s expert sommelier advises on every course, making for memorable food and wine pairings.

Tantalize your palate with freshly homemade pasta made daily, Tuscan style "tagliata" beef accompanied with fresh vegetables and produce hand picked from the chef's vegetable garden. The interior compliments the cuisine (http://www.castellodicasole.com/sites/default/files/file_attachments/Menu%20PAZZIA.pdf) and offer a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere featuring a Carrara marble counter, antique features and the original brick oven where you can order hand tossed thin crusted pizza. There's also an espresso bar, gelateria, divine salads and crunchy panini made to your liking.

The estate is home to Bar Visconti (http://www.castellodicasole.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/banner/banners/CDC__623_bar-visconti.jpg), named after filmmaker Luchino Visconti who once lived at the Castello, overlooks the dining terrace and pool area and has ample seating outside, either in the covered loggia of the courtyard or near the pool and dining terrace. One of the best lounge bars in Italy, it is a comfortable and richly appointed rendezvous as well stocked with charm and character as it is with wine and spirits. A Tuscan artist has frescoed the wall, and custom wall sconces create essential atmosphere and ambient light inspired by the lively parties Count Visconti was famous for hosting at the estate. The bar itself has classic marble details and built-in banquette seating, while cozy seating arrangements throughout the room invite intimate conversation. In the evenings, enjoy hors d’oeuvres (http://www.castellodicasole.com/sites/default/files/BARVISCONTI.pdf), wine and cocktails outdoors for stunning views. This is the kind of place you can’t pass by without stopping in.

Originally the estate’s wine cellar, the Spa offers a serene setting within one of the most dramatic spaces on the property. Barrel-vaulted ceilings and restored stone walls create a theatrical setting accentuated by long views across an expansive valley. A full treatment menu (http://www.castellodicasole.com/sites/default/files/file_attachments/EssereBrochurewithPricelists.pdf) is inspired by local ingredients – rosemary, grape and olive oil – with products from the renowned brands Comfort Zone and Germaine de Cappuccini. European spa and wellness experts offer an extensive collection of traditional and modern therapies. Pools, steam rooms and comfortable spaces allow for ample relaxation, while the serene surroundings transport you to a simpler time. There are seven treatment rooms, secluded men’s and women’s areas, a spectacular couple’s treatment suite with deep soaking tub and shower, and luxurious private outdoor gardens.

Those who want to stay in shape with exercise equipment or fitness classes while in Tuscany will love the fitness center. With stunning vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls, it comprises the latest in wellness equipment including a TechnoGym facility, elliptical trainers, pilates machines and free weights. Yoga, fitness classes and personal trainers complete the menu so you can keep to your complete exercise routine during your stay.

Whether you want to swim, soak or splash, the pool terrace (http://www.castellodicasole.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/banner/banners/Hotel_Castello_di_Casole_Pool_View.jpg) is a fun place to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful sights of Tuscany. The majestic heated pool is ideal for your morning laps or an afternoon dip, while nearby saunas and steam rooms are the perfect areas to warm up or cool down when you’ve scheduled a workout. The terrace is equally suited for the delightful sport of pure relaxation – a wonderful place to gather with friends and family or curl up with a book under the Tuscan sun. There's snacks (http://www.castellodicasole.com/sites/default/files/Pool_english_final.pdf), too!

Go horseback riding through the olive groves or hiking among the grapes. Since it's harvest time, you can help the estate in picking either olives or grapes, though that might sound like work. There are a half dozen villages (http://www.castellodicasole.com/local-area) in easy distance of a bike ride or a long walk: great for exploring, shopping, and eating at local restaurants.

Tomorrow's field trip is to Siena! As always, you're not bound to only do what's in the OCD--there's more to do in Tuscany than we can possibly list and the fake hotel is happy to provide equally fake transportation.

Let me know down here if I've accidentally left anyone off of the room listings or if there's coding messed up.

Edited 2013-10-12 10:38 (UTC)

Of course Cade found the bar. It was his first stop after dropping his stuff off in his room. Now he was drinking a Negroni because the bartender had recommended it and was looking around the place.

It was way too clean for the likes of him, he decided.

Anakin couldn't remember the time he'd had the luxury of going to the gym whenever he felt like it and was taking full advantage of that. Most people weren't that excited about using an elliptical, but then most people didn't have young children...

Were they kidding with this place?

Kitty looked over the room first thing after putting her stuff down, tried to find the cool stuff that she'd notice on first glance, and checked out the view, and decided that obviously, she was never going to be able to leave. Sure, she'd said that about like the last four vacations she'd been on, but she meant it this time.

Plus there had to be the traditional flopping onto the bed just to test it out, and this was why she wouldn't be able to leave. it was too comfortable to get up. Just wait till she got to the heated towels.

"Wow." Raleigh dropped his luggage on his bed, looking around. Because there was no way he could afford to take a trip like this on his own.

Isabelle already had plans for part of the rest of the evening, but dumping her luggage in the suite was a thing that needed to happen first, because who wanted to be encumbered while shopping? No one.

Having claimed a bed by putting one of her bags on it, she then took a look around the place. Predictably, she ended up poking at the armor. Because that (as well as the other antiques) actually made her feel right at home.

Sia generally didn't get impressed by things like this, but she had to admit that it was really pretty great. She had to respect anyplace that had armor in the rooms, even if it was probably purely decoration. Plus she could look out at a great view and be fairly sure no one would throw a party in her room this time.

Atton dumped his stuff on one of the beds as soon as he came in, then faceplanted on said bed. Amount of shits given about what his roommate might think about his choice in bed: zero.

He needed to sleep off a hangover. Sleep through sobering up. One of those things. It'd been a long week. Something. Did they have bars here?

He got back up.

Edited 2013-10-12 16:11 (UTC)

Yeah, bar.

Atton flopped down in one of the seats and ordered something with several kinds of alcohol in it, because why not?

Nothing better than these trips to really hit the nihilistic spirit hard.

Liara sat down on one of the beds as soon as she entered, but she did not put down her bag. It would be embarrassing if she claimed the bed her roommate might want.

She stared quietly out the window.

It was lovely.

Karolina didn't have a bed preference. Well, she might've had a certain preference, but stating that aloud would've made her blush. Now that she made her way into the room.

And looked surprised.

"... Hi."

Well, this was now the second time this coincidence had happened.

Liara blinked.

"... Karolina!"

Yes, Liara. Karolina.

Gold star for recognition!

Karolina gave her a little wave after closing the door behind herself. "Looks like we're roomies again, huh?"

Jackson wasn't intending on swimming tonight, no. But he'd gone and dumped his stuff in the suite, and then he'd come out here to just sit and watch the view.

Hey, he could relax quietly sometimes. It was a thing he was capable of.

"I suppose," Liara said. She felt her anxiety levels spiking. Not that she was displeased - at all - but. But!

"I mean, yes. Obviously. I-- where would you like to sleep?"

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Page 1 of 6

Castello di Casole [Saturday evening, October 12, 2013]

Rooms [Evening 10/12]

Restaurants and Bar [Evening 10/12]

Ristorante Tosca [Evening 10/12]

Pazzia [Evening 10/12]

Bar Visconte [Evening 10/12]

Estate Activities [Evening 10/12]

Essere Spa [Evening 10/12]

Fitness Center [Evening 10/12]

Pool Terrace [Evening 10/12]

Mod Your Own Adventure [Evening 10/12]

OOC [10/12]

Re: Bar Visconte [Evening 10/12]

Re: Fitness Center [Evening 10/12]

Room #3

Rooms [Evening 10/12] - Room 321

Room 307 [Evening 10/12]

Room 305

Room 315

Re: Bar Visconte [Evening 10/12]

Room 306

Re: Room 306

Re: Room 306

Re: Room 306

Re: Pool Terrace [Evening 10/12]

Re: Room 306