Neptune's Hidden Gem: Ogni Volta, Italy - Unveiled!
Neptune's Hidden Gem: Ogni Volta, Italy - Unveiled! - A Review That's Actually Real (And Kinda Messy)
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Ogni Volta – Neptune's Hidden Gem in Italy, and let me tell you, it's a thing. Before I dive in, let me just say, I'm a bit of a travel snob, but I also appreciate a good deal and need things to be, you know, accessible. So, here's the lowdown, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
First, the Important Stuff - Access and Safety (AKA: Can I Even Get In and Survive?)
Right, let's start with the nitty-gritty. Accessibility, Accessibility, Accessibility. This is where Ogni Volta gets a mixed bag. They do list Facilities for disabled guests, which is promising. The good news? Elevator – thank God, because some of those Italian hills are brutal. The bad news? I didn't see any specific mentions of ramps or accessible rooms, so wheelchair accessible… I'm not 100% sure. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gives you that extra layer of comfort (especially late night gelato runs).
Regarding safety in these post-pandemic times? They're trying. They Individualized-wrapped food options, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Hand sanitizer everywhere you look. They're also rocking a Cashless payment service. That's all good. But listen, I did notice that the "physical distancing of at least 1 meter" felt…optimistic, particularly during breakfast. So, yeah, they're playing the game, but keep your wits about you.
Internet Access? Oh, Honey, They've Got You Covered (Mostly).
Okay, internet heads, listen up. They scream Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – and they mean it. Internet Access – wireless and Wi-Fi [free] are legit. I was streaming guilty pleasure shows in bed with zero buffering. They also offer Internet [LAN] if you’re old-school or need a super-stable connection. Internet services in general are good. Seriously, this is a BIG win for digital nomads or anyone who needs to keep in touch (ahem, me).
Eating, Drinking, and Generally Making a Pig of Myself - The Food Review (Because, Italy!)
Alright, this is where things get interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet – let's just say it was a buffet. There was a mix of Western breakfast, Asian breakfast and some kind of hybrid. It wasn't Michelin star quality, but it was there. There was a Coffee/tea in restaurant which was essential.
- Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar: Ah, the restaurants. They have a couple, from what I could gather. One that did A la carte in restaurant, and there was a Vegetarian restaurant…but let's be honest, most of Italy is a vegetarian heaven if you like pasta! The Bar gets you through the evenings, while the Poolside bar kept me hydrated. Speaking of which….
- Desserts in restaurant: Cannoli. Need I say more? Oh, and the tiramisu? Divine.
- Alternative meal arrangement: This wasn't totally clear. I didn’t see any explicit menus (maybe I missed them),
- Room service [24-hour]: This is a lifesaver for late-night cravings. Although, be warned, ordering in Italian at 3 a.m. can be interesting. Let's just say, I ended up with a lot more bread than I bargained for one night.
- Snack bar: Good for a quick bite if you are by the pool or just in a hurry.
- Bottle of water: Yes. Good!
- Coffee shop: I did not see this one.
The Spa and Relaxing Vibe - Or, How I Tried to Get Some Peace (And Almost Drowned in Steam)
- Spa/sauna: Now, the Spa is a real highlight. It's not a vast, over-the-top affair, but it's cozy and inviting.
- Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath: The Sauna and Steamroom were pure bliss after a long, hot day of exploring. I spent a solid hour just… letting go. I may have accidentally fallen asleep in the Steamroom. It's that kind of place.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. Views for days. Finding a sunbed was a bit of a battle, but once you're in, you're in. They also have a Poolside bar - a necessity, darling, a necessity!
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap: I booked a massage, and it was pretty good. I skipped the Body scrub and Body wrap because, honestly, I was more about the Prosecco and sunshine.
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center: I saw the Fitness center. I didn't go. Let's just say my idea of "fitness" on this trip involved a lot of gelato.
The Rooms - Cozy, Comfy, and Mostly Clean (Except When I Tried to Cook)
Okay, let’s talk about the rooms, the Available in all rooms amenities are the basics. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains (essential for catching up on sleep), Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, 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, Wi-Fi [free] and Window that opens.
The room itself – well, it was mostly clean. The Daily housekeeping kept things tidy-ish. They also offer Non-smoking rooms. I managed to snag one of the rooms that were a tad outdated. They're not luxurious, but they're comfortable and functional. I really liked the Seating area. The Bed was comfy, and that Blackout curtain was a lifesaver. I did try to use the Refrigerator to make some pasta one night. Let's just say, the kitchen's not really set up for that sort of thing and I may have activated a smoke alarm… whoops! All in all, a good experience.
Things to Do (Beyond Napping and Eating Ice Cream)
- Things to do: Well, you're in Italy!
- Shrine: I did spot a small shrine on the property (nice touch).
- Terrace: I loved the Terrace, it made me feel alive.
The Extras (Because, Let's Be Honest, It's the Little Things)
- Services and conveniences: They offer Daily housekeeping, Concierge, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and all the other usual suspects. The Front desk [24-hour] is a huge help. The Elevator is essential.
- Getting around: They have Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service.
- For the kids: They say they're Family/child friendly and have Kids facilities, but I didn’t see much evidence of it.
The Quirks (And Where Ogni Volta Could Improve)
- Proposal spot: Nope.
- Room decorations: Basic. Very basic. Could definitely use some personality.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes, but some staff were clearly still learning the ropes.
- Safe dining setup: The seating arrangement at breakfast felt a little too friendly.
The Verdict & My (Slightly Over-the-Top) Recommendation
Alright, here's the deal. Ogni Volta isn't perfect. It's got its quirks (and I'm sure I found them all), can't guarantee 100% accessibility, and could use a little more…oomph in some areas. But here's the thing: It's charming. It's comfortable. It's in Italy. The location is fantastic, that Spa is a real treat, and the general vibe
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to descend into the glorious, chaotic mess that is my planned trip to Ogni Volta Nettuno, Italy. Forget perfect itineraries, this is a living document – a battle plan, a love letter, a therapy session, and probably a comedy of errors all rolled into one.
OGNI VOLTA NETTUNO: PROJECT DOLCE FAR NIENTE (AND MAYBE A LITTLE BIT OF PANIC)
Pre-Trip Ramblings (Aka, The Pre-Party Anxiety)
Before we even get to Nettuno, the sheer mountain of prep is enough to trigger a full-blown existential crisis. I'm already in a love/hate relationship with Google Flights. One minute I'm convinced I've snagged a steal on an Alitalia (or is it ITA Airways now? I can never keep up!) flight, the next I'm questioning my entire life and wondering if I should just stay home. The packing… oh, the packing. I’ve spent hours staring at my suitcase, convinced I will inevitably overpack (because, you know, what if I need a ballgown and a hazmat suit?). My Italian is… well, let's just say it's somewhere between "pizza" and "where is the bathroom?" I have a phrasebook, but I'm pretty sure it's more of a confidence booster than a practical tool. But excitement is definitely there, I can't wait to try Italian food.
Day 1: Arrival and That Lovely, Lovely Sea (With a Side of Jet Lag)
Morning (ish): Finally! Landing at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Praying my luggage makes it and that I don’t accidentally end up in Iceland. The chaos of Italian airports is legendary, so I’m mentally steeling myself for a frantic search for the rental car (a tiny Fiat, probably. Fingers crossed it doesn't break down immediately).
Afternoon: The drive to Nettuno! Google Maps, my faithful (and sometimes unreliable) friend, will be my guide. I'm anticipating a scenic route, a lot of "oh my gods, the view!" moments, and potentially a few near-misses with scooters. The thought of driving in Italy is terrifying, but also… exhilarating? (Mostly terrifying).
Late Afternoon/Evening: Check into the… uh… (Let's be honest, I haven’t actually booked the accommodation yet. I’m still dithering between a charming agriturismo and a slightly less charming but more affordable apartment. Procrastination at its finest!). But the goal is to, finally, finally, FINALLY reach the sea. Nettuno is known for its beautiful beaches, and I fully intend to collapse onto one, salty hair and all, and just… breathe. Pizza for dinner, obviously. And a glass (or two) of local wine. If I'm not completely comatose from jet lag.
Day 2: Nettuno Exploration and The Search for the Perfect Gelato
Morning: Waking up in Nettuno! (Hopefully not in a puddle of drool). Exploring the town. I've heard it’s got a delightful historic center. I plan to get lost in the narrow streets, take a million photos, and try to absorb the atmosphere. Look for a local market, where I’ll attempt (and probably fail spectacularly) to buy some groceries with my terrible Italian.
Afternoon: The search for gelato BEGINS. This is a serious quest. I'm prepared to try every gelateria in town. It's a critical mission for everyone. I'm talking flavours like pistachio, hazelnut, and maybe even something truly weird and wonderful. I am also prepared to have a minor emotional collapse if I don't find the "perfect" gelato. It's all about personal preference.
Evening: Dinner at a seaside trattoria. Fresh seafood, pasta, and the sound of the waves. Perfection. I'm already dreaming about this.
- Rambling: Okay, let's talk about pasta. Specifically, pasta in Italy. I'm a carb-lover, plain and simple. I dream of perfectly al dente noodles, coated in rich sauces, with fresh herbs and grated cheese… My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I've spent hours reading about regional specialties. And I know, deep down, that I'll be eating far too much of it. And I won't regret a single bite. I might even (gasp!) learn how to make it myself. Okay, maybe that's ambitious.
Quirky Observation: Italians seem to talk with their hands more than I thought was humanly possible. I'll probably spend half my time just trying to figure out what they're saying with all those gestures. But I love it, it's part of the magic.
Day 3: Castle Exploration and The Emotional Resonance of… A Cemetery?
Morning: Visiting the Forte Sangallo, the imposing castle in Nettuno. I'm a sucker for history, so I’m looking forward to wandering around, soaking up the atmosphere, and imagining what life was like centuries ago. I bet there's a great view from the ramparts.
Afternoon: So, this is where it gets a bit… morbid. I'm planning to visit the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial. It sounds weird, I know. But sometimes you have to face yourself with reality, it's a space of quiet contemplation. It's meant to be a really moving experience. I expect to be quite affected. It's a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made during a world war. It’s important to me to acknowledge that. (And, let's be honest, I'll probably need a gelato afterwards to cheer myself up.)
Evening: Dinner at the restaurant I didn't get to last night. This is a must now.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, confession time. I feel a strange pull to the cemetery. My grandfather served in Italy in the war, and while I never knew him, I feel a connection to that history. I'm bracing myself for a flood of emotions. I'm not sure if I'll cry, or just be incredibly quiet. Either way, I know it will be a powerful experience.
Day 4: Day trip to the nearby town of Anzio and The Impending Sense of Regret
Morning: A day trip to Anzio. It’s another seaside town, not far from Nettuno. I've heard it’s even better. I'll probably visit the coastal area, enjoy the view, and maybe see how it does compare to Nettuno.
Afternoon: Discovering what I miss in the morning.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Trying a new restaurant in Nettuno, but also comparing it with last night.
- Messier Structure and Occasional Rambles: What is this trip about in the end? A few days in a lovely place, but I am getting a terrible feeling that I am missing out on something. Is it the food? The culture? The people? Am I making the best of it? Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself.
Day 5: Farewell, Nettuno (Cue the Tears and the Questioning)
Morning: One last stroll along the beach, one last coffee, and one last desperate attempt to memorize some Italian phrases. A bit of shopping for souvenirs (mostly edible ones, because, you know, food).
Afternoon: Drive away. Saying arrivederci to this beautiful location. I’ll start on the road back to the airport. Probably filled with a mixture of elation, sadness, and the nagging feeling that I forgot to see or do something amazing.
Evening: Plane ride home. Reflecting on the experience. Already planning my return. (Because I’m totally going to be back.)
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: I’m already starting to get teary-eyed just thinking about leaving. I'll leave a piece of my heart there, no doubt. Italy has a way of doing that to you. Damn you, Italy, with your beauty and your food and your… everything.
- Opinionated Language: If you don't like Italian food, then you're just…wrong. Seriously. There's something fundamentally wrong with you. And if you haven't seen Nettuno's beaches at sunset, well, you haven't lived.
- Natural Pacing: Okay, I need to stop planning now. This is going to be amazing, and I need to let it unfold. I'll be here, and I'd probably share everything in order and with a lovely style, but I definitely have one more thing to add: it's a beautiful mess.
Post-Trip (Aka, The Aftermath)
Expect photos. Expect food reviews (and recommendations). Expect a full-blown Italy obsession that will last for months, maybe even years. And expect me to be
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Neptune's Hidden Gem: Ogni Volta, Italy - Unveiled! (Or At Least, My Messy Version)
Okay, *Ogni Volta*. What Even *Is* This Place? Is It Some Secret Society?
Alright, alright, simmer down. No, Ogni Volta (which, by the way, roughly translates to "Every Time" - poetic, right?) isn't a bunch of guys in robes sacrificing… well, anything. It's basically a tiny, *tiny* village. Picture the Italian countryside, but dialed *waaaaay* down. Rolling hills, olive groves, maybe a grumpy donkey or two. It's in… somewhere. Okay, I'm being vague. I'm bad with directions, and the map was in Italian. Let's just say, it's in the middle of *nowhere* and that's half the charm.
Honestly, I stumbled upon it. Me and my friend, Sarah, we were supposed to be on a whirlwind tour of... well, *something* Italian. Florence? Venice? We ended up in a rental car that smelled faintly of garlic and regret, hopelessly lost, and ended up in this place. Serendipitous, they call it. I just call it lucky.
Is it Touristy? Like, Am I Going to Be Shoulder-to-Shoulder with Selfie Sticks?
Hah! Touristy? Honey, you'll be lucky to find a *single* other tourist. That's the beauty. If you're looking for high heels and Instagram-worthy backdrops, go somewhere else. You'll find more authentic Italian life here. There's probably only one shop. Maybe two. And they close for *siesta*. Don't be surprised if you're sitting there, waiting for an hour, watching the locals do their thing. Honestly, it's the best part.
What's There To *Do* in Ogni Volta? Besides, you know, getting lost and regretting life choices?
Okay, okay, besides the existential dread of potentially being stranded in the middle of nowhere (which, let's be honest, it *does* have), Ogni Volta is about… *living*. Here's the list, in no specific order, and with a healthy dose of my opinion:
- Eat. All. The. Food. Seriously. You'll find the best food in the entire world. Pasta, cured meats, cheeses you’ve never even dreamed of. I swear, the food is so good, it brought tears to my eyes. I'm not exaggerating. My friend, Sarah, ate so much she had to loosen her pants. It was the best thing I saw, ever. And yes, I’m getting emotional again.
- Wander. Just walk. Lose yourself on the cobblestone streets. Get lost in the olive groves. The air smells amazing. It smells like freedom. You'll probably get lost. Again. Embrace it.
- Talk to the Locals. They’re amazing. Be prepared to butcher the Italian language. They'll laugh, but they'll also try to help. They’ll invite you over for dinner. Don’t be shy. It's part of the fun. One elderly woman insisted I try her homemade limoncello – it nearly blew my socks off!
- Drink Wine. Duh. Lots of it.
- Honestly, just *breathe*. The world slows down. It’s incredibly peaceful. And if you are like me, it's a lovely way to escape the chaos of existence.
Okay, fine, food sounds good. But what about accommodation? Are we talking luxury villas or… something else?
Luxury? Hardly. Unless your idea of luxury is a room with a view of a vineyard... and some seriously creaky floorboards. Don't expect a five-star hotel. Expect something more akin to a bed-and-breakfast run by a sweet old lady who'll try to feed you enough to make you burst. Every. Single. Meal. The prices are cheap. That's not the important thing though, it is the kindness you will find there. That’s true luxury, isn’t it?
We stayed in a place called "Casa di Nonna Pina" (Grandma Pina's House). It's probably the only place to stay. I think she only had three rooms, but she was practically overflowing with love. And bread. Always more bread.
Tell Me More About Casa di Nonna Pina! I'm Already Sold!
Okay, brace yourself. Because I’m about to gush. Nonna Pina… she was the best. An angel, honestly. She didn't speak much English, and my Italian is… well, nonexistent. But it didn't matter. We communicated with smiles, gestures, and copious amounts of pasta. I swear she could read my mind. One day, after a particularly rough journey (the rental car, again), I just sat on the stoop, feeling completely overwhelmed, and suddenly she appeared with a tray of the most delicious biscotti I've ever tasted and a cup of hot cocoa. I don't know how she *knew*, but it was magic. It felt like she was giving me permission to be, and I will always be grateful.
The rooms? Simple. Clean. Charming. The bathroom was… rustic. Let’s just say the water pressure was a *suggestion*. But who cared? We'd wake up to the smell of fresh bread and coffee, and a view of the rolling hills that made my heart ache in the best possible way. I can’t even begin to describe the joy.
And the food? Oh, God, the food. Every morning, a feast. Freshly baked bread. Homemade jams. Eggs from her own chickens. Cheese, meats. You name it. Every dinner was an extravaganza. She even tried to teach us how to make pasta. Let’s just say, my pasta-making skills are still… a work in progress.
The whole experience felt like being adopted by an Italian grandmother. It was the most comforting, nurturing, and truly restorative experience of my life. Leaving *Casa di Nonna Pina* was harder than leaving my home. I bawled. Full stop. I'm not ashamed. I still teared up when I think about it.
What's the Worst Thing About Visiting? Surely It Can't All Be Sunshine and Biscotti!
Okay, okay. Fine. There are a few… *minor* things. The rental car was a beast. The GPS was hilariously useless. We spent a solid three hours once, going in circles. And don't even get me started on the lack of late-night snack options. You'll need to stock up on crisps if you get the midnight munchies.
But the *worst* part? *Leaving*. Knowing you can't stay there forever. That deep ache of wanting to stay there, that’s the worst part. You'll want to stay forever. It’s a problem, actually. Maybe. Just maybe. I'd be willing to deal with the rental car if I could go back this instant. Sorry, maybe I'm getting a little dramatic. But it's the truth.
Stay While You Wander
