If you’re thinking about coming to Tuscookany, do not wait, stop reading this review, go to the website and book it now - I promise you won’t regret it. I have been to Tuscookany 13 times over the last 15 years and every visit is equally amazing. You can’t go wrong with Chef Franco at Torre del Tartufo, Chef Paola at Casa Ombuto, or Chef Alice at Ombuto or Bellorcia. I honestly have not been on a better vacation. From the moment you arrive, everyone at the villa treats you like family. And whichever villa you choose, there is a sense of peace when you arrive - I swear my blood pressure lowers the minute I step on to the properties. But let’s talk cooking - beyond a relaxing haven, we can’t forget this is a cooking school too. Whether you are a whiz in the kitchen or hoping to learn how to make something besides Kraft Mac and Cheese, the chefs at Tuscookany will walk you through it all with knowledge, patience and most importantly fun. What might seem overwhelming on the first day will turn into the feeling that you belong in a Michelin Star kitchen by the last - okay, maybe an exaggeration, but you will learn a ton! The amount of skills I have taken away from my time in these classes is invaluable - just ask my husband. And speaking of my husband, I was lucky enough for him to propose to me right during dinner at Casa Ombuto - it was magical. And the staff made sure it was a memorable experience, from being ready with a sparking wine toast for everyone to one of the owners making sure to capture it on video. I couldn’t think of a better place to have had this happen. As for accommodations, the villas are all absolutely stunning and each has their own personality. While Tartufo is larger with sweeping hilltop views, Ombuto is slightly smaller and has a more intimate feel, but still has beautiful views- this is Tuscany after all. Scattered across every villa are multiple places to lounge, read, nap or work - but don’t work, this is vacation. But if you must, the wifi is strong - I have taken a zoom meeting or two while there with no problem. The beds are very comfortable and the bathrooms provide you with all you need, including body wash, shampoo, conditioner and a hair dryer. So you can save all that room in your suitcase for olive oil and wine. Each villa has a beautiful pool and a fun barrel hot tub. A glass of wine while soaking in a wood-fired barrel under the Tuscan stars is as good as it gets. Each villa also offers workout equipment from kettle bells and yoga mats, to a rowing machine and an elliptical. I can’t comment on these, because well…vacation, but I do love the sauna and steam room. And if you’re tired from chopping so many beautiful fresh veggies and stirring so many sauces you can schedule a massage for after breakfast one morning. Other wonderful things include the house managers - Lena at Tartufo, Claudia at Ombuto and Alex, who is everywhere, all take care of the guests with the utmost attention - not to mention they’re amazing people and fun to be around. Another highlight is the excursion day where you will meet some of the best Italians I know. Winemakers, cheesemakers and exquisite artisans making Tuscan linens or ceramics are on the menu - it’s an unforgettable day. And during the week you just might get to learn about truffle hunting or bee keeping, and if you choose the hiking and cooking at Ombuto you will be exposed to the most beautiful countryside and majestic places - without having to be an expert trekker. Things I love about each villa: Torre Del Tartufo: The cozy nooks by the pool - I could nap for days in them. The sweeping views - a cocktail outside at sunset is a spiritual event. In the kitchen, Franco and his assistant/wife Paola approach everything with their humor and easy going nature. The ease with which Franco will help you correct your mistakes, or on occasion pivot the whole plan when you’ve chopped something wrong or accidentally forgotten the sugar in the gelato is admirable. He’s kind and never makes you feel like you ruined anything - hey, maybe we just created something new. Casa Ombuto: Smaller and more intimate. You can see the kitchen from the dining room, so when you are eating inside you can peek at the action in the kitchen and the plating of the things you made without getting up (you are always welcome in any kitchen to watch the prep for serving, but at Ombuto you can do it while sitting on your bum). Chef Paola (different from Chef Franco's wife/assistant Paola - I know it can be confusing) and her assistants Marta and Monica are all amazing. The kitchen here is full of energy, just like Chef Paola. Her wonderful spirit and amazing heart come through in everything we do in the kitchen at Ombuto. I have come to Tuscookany alone, with a few friends, and with friends and family taking over the whole villa. Every experience is different and every one is memorable. I have met so many wonderful people from all over the world here. If you are afraid to come alone, don’t worry, I’ve done it seven times and by the end of the welcome dinner the first night you have a table full of friends and you will never feel alone. Tuscookany is a place I cherish and a place where the people have become like family. Come and join the family. Okay, I’ve babbled enough - go book it - I promise you will love it. And who knows, we might even cross paths when I come for the 14th 15th or 16th time. Oh man, I didn’t get to the pizza ovens, the unlimited house wines, the gorgeous wine pairings at dinner, the aperitvos, the after-dinner digestives…. You know what, come, you’ll see…