Casali di Casole Blog

Journeying to a luxe Tuscany villa is adventure enough for many—but, if you’re like us, you seek to punctuate each vacation with a few never-before, unlikely escapades (the kind that make a vacation into a once-in-a-lifetime-like memory). While there are scads of activities to enjoy while lounging about your hotel suite or Italian villa at Casali di Casole - A Timbers Resort, here are six of our suggested picks.

1. Ease into Vacation Mode

There's no better way to unleash your spirit and seep into relaxation mode than kicking off your stay with an in-villa massage tendered by a certified massage therapist. Choose from classic, deep-tissue and the destination-specific Tuscan aromatherapy massage. Reserve your treatment in advance to ensure you can unspool your travel-fatigued muscles on arrival. Ahh, Bellisimo!

2. Create Your Masterpiece

Slosh all that countryside-inspired awe you’re feeling around with a rainbow of paints on blank canvases. During a two-hour class, either in-residence or amidst your outdoor garden, learn core watercolor techniques from an instructor who brings along art supplies. (Which also includes water color painting with wine - as in paintbrushes dipped in a wine and water mixture.)

3. Enjoy a Bird's Eye View

For those who enjoy packing at least one fear-inducing, awe-inspiring adventure into every trip, the concierges can suggest an array of options to consider. One such recommendation would be an aerial tour of Tuscany, taking flight at dawn aboard a hot air balloon overlooking the patchwork of vineyards and hilly countryside. Relish the spectacular views of fertile Tuscan terrain while soaring amid the clouds. (File under "Things That Make You Say Wow.")

4. Give Farm-Fresh New Meaning

Located just 20 minutes from the property, the lush, organic farm named Podere Paugnano produces Pecorino cheese, olive oil and fresh veggies. The shepherd-owners will graciously welcome you to their home and gardens - just bring your appetite and willingness to spontaneously taste-test. Better yet, request the light terrace lunch prepared by your gracious hostess, Giovanna. (As the hosts don't speak English, the concierges can arrange an Italian- and English-speaking tour guide to serve as translator by your side.)

5. Carve Your Niche

Using a local artisan's tools and know-how, create your own woodworking piece of art in nearby Colle Val d'Elsa at a woodcarving workshop. Handmade never felt so meaningful.

6. Sail Away

See the beauty of Florence on a boat trip down the Arno River. You'll climb aboard at Ponte delle Grazie and travel downriver to Ponte della Carraia. The open, small vessel is ideal for evening summer tours setting sail around 5 p.m. Buon Viaggio!

To learn more about ownership opportunities at Casali di Casole, please contact us at 866.963.5005 (toll free in the US) or via email at info@casalidicasole.com. For availability and reservations at Hotel Casali di Casole, please contact us at 888.927.2580 (toll free in the US) or +39.0577.961501 (in Europe) or via email at reservations@casalidicasole.com.

September in Tuscany may be the most beautiful - and festive - month of the year with late summer weather lingering, grape and harvest seasons coinciding, and many wine festivals held throughout the region. Casali di Casole's knowledgeable concierges culled the calendars of events nearby and share their suggestions below for several not-to-be-missed activities.

11 - 14 September 2014: The Festa delle Cantine in Manciano celebrates the two great loves of every Mancianese - food and wine. For locals it’s an opportunity to enjoy the incredible wines and products they are renowned for not only within the territory, but in all of Italy. During the day, enjoy live shows, musical performances, market stalls and various homemade delicacies. Then in the evening, the town’s cellars are opened and the real party starts including tastings of all kinds of wines, along with fire shows and a torchlight horseback procession through the streets of the historic centre.

11 - 14, September, 2014: Expo del Chianti - Greve in Chianti, sponsored by the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico. Enjoy a program of artistic and cultural events related to the rural culture of Tuscany. Meet the growers and tour their vineyards and wine cellars.

18 - 21, September, 2014: Vino al Vino in the main square of Panzano (Piazza Bucciarelli). Wine from many of the Panzano wineries is available to be sampled. Buy a tasting glass for 12 euros, which serves as your "ticket" to taste the wines on display at the booths of about 19 wineries. Enjoy live Jazz in the streets and a festive atmosphere. Food stands are also usually available.

26 - 28, September, 2014: Festa dell’Uva e del Vino (the Grape and Wine Festival) is the most important event in Bardolino. It is entirely dedicated to the excellence of its local wine, which is rooted in the rural culture of the lake resort, its grape harvest for children, road shows and music at every corner. Among the numerous events not-to-be-missed is the one called Convivio in onore di Bacco, organized by restaurants in Chiusi with special menus to be paired with the local wines. At the same time, you could explore the region with a special trek such as "Vinovagando," which includes wine tasting in historic cellars while visiting archeological sites.

28 - 29, September, 2014: Festa dell’Uva in Scansano. This town, known for its Vino Morellino, celebrates wine tasting in many old wineries, as well as numerous events for adults and children in the streets.

29 - 30, September, 2014: Festa dell’Uva dell’Impruneta is a special animating event held since 1926 in this village just minutes away from Florence.

3 - 5, October, 2014: Il Pigio Festival (from “pigiare,” meaning "to press,") also takes place at this time in the town of Poggibonsi, where young and old enjoy cheerful and lively celebrations in the village.

When staying at Casali di Casole's boutique hotel or private villas in Tuscany in August, you quickly gather that, as it is with many countries in the Mediterranean region, this is a season of leisure and folly in Italy. The age-old Italian festival known as Ferragosto occurs right at the month's pinnacle, on August 15.

This national holiday, when Italian villas are festively decorated, dates back to Roman times and was once fêted by the Roman Empire to honor the celebratory season of ripening and fertility, as well as the gods and goddesses (especially Diana, who, according to Roman mythology was the divine goddess of the hunt, moon and birthing).

Nowadays, the Catholic Church marks this as a day to celebrate the assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary, the storied rise of the young woman's soul from imperfect earth to the pure and idyllic heavens. Italians spend the feast day (when many cafes, restaurants and shops are chiuso per ferie, or, closed for vacation) with family and friends, often at the beach by day, and at parties complete with viewings of elaborate fireworks displays, by night.

Leading up to the holiday, and following after, regional festivals punctuate the calendar. Among the top Ferragosto daylong festivals taking place in Tuscany, is one in nearby Montepulciano, where there is a grand pageant followed by games and activities for the whole family. On the 16th, the Tuscan hill town of Siena hosts a Palio horse race in the village square. Be sure to ask your concierge about recommended goings-on commemorating the holiday. Divertiti! (Have fun!)

To learn more about ownership opportunities at Casali di Casole, please contact us at 866.963.5005 (toll free in the US) or via email at To learn more about ownership opportunities at Casali di Casole, please contact us at 866.963.5005 (toll free in the US) or via email at info@casalidicasole.com. Or please reach us at +39.0577.967511 (in Europe) or via email at infoeurope@casalidicasole.com. For availability and reservations at Hotel Casali di Casole, please contact us at 888.927.2580 (toll free in the US) or +39.0577.961501 (in Europe) or via email at reservations@casalidicasole.com.

On a lawn or on a beach: Bocce awaits!

Owners and guests at Timbers Resorts know the value of play as a part of their relaxation recipe. It's a key way to revive the body, the mind, and the spirit. Whether enjoying the sand on St. Thomas or the soaring vistas of Colorado, wherever you end up among our luxury fractional resorts, it's always a good time for a friendly game of Bocce Ball.

Bocce is a game designed to be accessible and versatile, with roots traceable as far back as ancient Egypt. These days, it's often found in backyards, along the shore, and in city parks everywhere. It's a simple game to learn and unfolds at just the right pace for your next gathering with friends.

Equipment

Bocce requires very little other than a set of balls and a mostly flat surface.

You'll need eight balls to play, four of one color and four of another. You'll also need one pallina, which is a smaller sphere (sometimes also known as a jack), and it's a different color than all the rest.

For a playing field, you want something as flat as possible. If you intend to play the game in its purest form, you want the surface to allow for rolling. Think short grass, packed dirt, or fine gravel. If you want a beach game, you'll likely have to switch from rolling the balls to tossing them, which is a slightly different tradition, but acceptable.

The Bocce court is ideally around 60 feet long by 8 feet wide. You'll want to mark the center of the court with a stake, stick, or drawn line. Formal players mark foul lines at either end of the court, but you won't really need it if the game is casual.

Now you're ready to play.

Rules of the Game

Here's how to play Bocce. Rounds of play are called frames.

1. Players form two even teams of either 1, 2, or 4 people each, and then the teams flip a coin to see who goes first. The winning team chooses their four Bocce balls of one color.
2. A player on the first team throws the pallina in an underarm fashion into the center of the court. This begins the first frame.
3. The same player then rolls or throws his or her Bocce ball, attempting to land it as close to the pallina as possible.
4. A first player from the opposing team now rolls or throws his or her ball, attempting to get it closer to the pallina than the opposing player just did.
5. All players from the second team now do the same with their Bocce balls.
6. The first team then returns to the roll/throw, attempting to get even closer to the pallina than the second team was able.
7. As an alternative to attempting to get one's Bocce ball as close to the pallina, a player may attempt to knock one of the opposing team's balls farther from the target.
8. A player may also use his or her Bocce ball to attempt to knock the pallina closer to one of his or her team's already positioned balls.

Once all eight balls have been rolled or thrown, each team claims a point for every one of their balls that is closer to the pallina than the opposing team's. Bocce balls that are equally close to the pallina as that of the opposing team's result in zero points for both sides.

Once you've tallied up the first frame's scores, begin the second frame. Play continues until one teams gets to 16 points.

Ready for your own Bocce match? If you need equipment, just ask your concierge and soon you'll be playing your way through frames of one of the oldest games on Earth.

To learn more about Timbers Resorts, please contact us at 800.941.4579 (toll free) or 970.963.4626 (direct) or via email at info@timbersresorts.com.

In trendspotting, it appears 2014 may be the year electric bikes come out of their shell and make a major splash as a hot-rod new road toy. As you know, electric motor bikes are not brand new; the eco-friendly bikes were saddled with a bad image: seen as clunky (due to huge battery packs and motors tacked on at clunky spots surrounding frames) and unsightly (read ugly, lacking attention to style and finesse).

Yet, eBikes are shedding that skin. At last, some high-end designers have brought the sleek, stealth--and luxury--that was missing from the smart concept, and could amp up your next trip to your (private) vacation luxury home. In fact, ebikes are now increasingly seen as futuristic, techified gadgets. Next time you're visiting your private residence club in Colorado, or even Tuscany, ask the concierge how to rent one locally.

Faraday Porteur

This bike is, dare we say, stylish. Indeed, with its pistachio-accents and slickster stored-in-the-frame battery and front-wheel-embedded motor. Faraday ran a successful Kickstarter campaign, selling 200 pre-ordered eBikes for $3,500 a pop that were first shipped in March 2014. Reviews have been exceedingly positive. The bike offers you three times your own personal power, for quite a boost to turbocharge up torturous hills.

Prodeco Mariner S

Forbes magazine deemed this folding eBike a "clear winner" and best in class, when it surveyed options on the market in 2012. The bike arrives to you in a tiny box fit for a microwave has power to boot with a 250 watt free-spinning motor mounted in the front wheel and a lithium battery. It's a smooth ride that, with a simple twist of the throttle action, amps up power allowing the bike to effortlessly hum beneath you. It can easily clobber 20 miles at a stint and is manageable height for carrying. This bike, starting around $1,000, is ideal for toting along on boats (named "Best of Breed" by Yachting magazine), as it's salt-air friendly, folding and lightweight.

Prodeco Outlaw SS

If speed is what your after, take a look at the Outlaw. Available in a striking and sporty electric-orange metallic, this bike is easy to maneuver and attention-grabbing. Called the king of the mountain, it's made to climb mountains on and off-road. It soars to a top speed of 28 mph (quite fast for eBikes) it boasts a frame made of aircraft-grade aluminum and a 48V 750-watt motor that delivers 1200 watts at peak. All that power for a price around $3,500.

To learn more about ownership opportunities with Timbers Resorts, please contact us at 866.578.9174 (toll-free) or 970.510.6798 (direct) or email info@timbersresorts.com.

Let the countdown begin! This winsome trifecta--camaraderie, charm, charity--is coming to Napa for the annual Auction Napa Valley - an event weekend not to be missed (hint: especially if you see Italian villas in your future).

Auction Napa Valley is a long-running, pleasingly relaxed gathering of regional vinters and the sippers who enjoy the fruits (or rather, elixirs) of their labor. Beyond the pleasures of fine-wine swirling and savoring the weekend-long affair has on offer, there's also a whole host of inviting events to enjoy at select valley hotspots, from kick-off welcome parties on Thursday, June 5, to barrel auctions (wherein revelers join winemakers in tasting coveted samples straight from the oak) and intimate, glass-clinking feasts hosted at winemakers' homes and wineries on the 6th (which, by the way, absolutely hold water to property in Tuscany, that other fertile, wine-soaked land), working up to the climactic June 7 live auction, spanning from noon until 8 p.m.

Now, this is no ordinary give-away-what-you-don't want auction. Rather, the 50 lots up for bidding dibs include magic-wand waves to your wildest dreams come true--that is, if you fancy luxe excursions, sought-after vintages and unearthly divine cuisine. We took a peek at the list of auction lots and spotted these gems--a private yacht tour around the Mediterranean (ahoy!); a seat at Bvlgari's High Jewelry Workshop in Italy, where you'll fashion your own haute accessory; or, you might even fetch yourself (for the right price) stunning plans for a home or winery designed a Napa's-own starchitect, Howard Backen.

Of course, no Napa-community charity auction would be complete without a contribution from Timbers Resorts. A proud supporter and sponsor of this 30-years-standing event, Lot #40 (with PlumpJack Winery) is where you'll find our nod to the do-gooding.

Following a have-it-all Old World meets New World theme, our auction package includes a cluster of unforgettable experiences; for starters, exquisite meals and accommodations in Napa and Squaw Valleys for four...but, why stop there? It's then time to grab your passports and jet-set to Italy, where you'll indulge in a five-night respite at what Travel + Leisure ranked Europe's #1 resort--Hotel Casali di Casole, in Tuscany--complete with a culinary class and, but of course, vineyard tours. Let the star-gazing begin...over the six bottles of Napa wine also included in the package, and welcome to la dolce vita.

Can't make the event? Peruse the e-auction lots and bid online from June 1 to 8. Find out more at AuctionNapaValley.org.

To learn more about ownership opportunities with Timbers Resorts, please contact us at 866.578.9174 (toll-free) or 970.510.6798 (direct) or email info@timbersresorts.com.

Owners and guests at Casali di Casole may find themselves along the corridors of the Ponte Vecchio, a renowned, closed-top bridge that spans the River Arno. And while browsing the boutiques that line its expanse, they may also come across the famous love locks. Left there by couples as testaments to undying affections, each clasp signifies a part of a tradition and a recent history that surround a decidedly heartfelt practice.

Locks of Love: A Tradition is Born

Less than an hour's drive north of Timbers Resorts' luxury fractional homes at Casali di Casole, romance awaits. There's hardly any question that the city of Florence, the Arno River, and the Medieval stone-arch bridge that spans it are idyllic spots to which lovers slip away. Locate the railing wrought by goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, and you'll see evidence of lovers past.

The tradition of scratching or writing ones' names or initials into a lock and then affixing it to particular locations started sometime around World War II. It might be that the first people that made love locks were Serbian. For Ponte Vecchio, the locks came in the early 2000s, and some think the advent of the idea in Italy was fueled by a book — I Want You, by Federico Moccia.

A Tradition Contested

Whatever the origin, the practice of love locks has spread throughout spread Europe. By the late 2000s, it was common to find great collections of them along Cellini's railing.

But take care. Several years ago, Florence officials removed some 5,500 padlocks from Ponte Vecchio, and now there is a fine for adding a new clasp to the bridge: €160.

You'll still find the locks, however.

As with all matters of the heart — especially, perhaps, in Italy — no ordinance can staunch the passion that brings the lovestruck to Ponte Vecchio. And so, when you go, look for the signs that lovers before you have left behind. Each is a testament to a idea that love lasts. Possiate trovare l'amore, troppo!

To learn more about ownership opportunities at Casali di Casole, please contact us at 866.963.5005 (toll free in the US) or via email at info@casalidicasole.com. Or please reach us at +39.0577.967511 (in Europe) or via email at infoeurope@casalidicasole.com. For availability and reservations at Hotel Casali di Casole, please contact us at 888.927.2580 (toll free in the US) or +39.0577.961501 (in Europe) or via email at reservations@casalidicasole.com.

The verdant, rolling hills and sprawling villas in Tuscany surrounding Casali di Casole - A Timbers Resort, make the region every trekker's dream come true. Exploring on foot allows you to savor every morsel of the area's richness, indulging all your senses. You'll breathe in fragrant air and bask in warm sunlight, while absorbing sweeping Italian villas and breathtaking sunsets. Whether it's a lackadaisical amble to castles and hamlets, a traipse across vineyards and olive groves, or an ambitious, hilly route you're after, hikers of all skill levels are welcome in Tuscany.

Castle Charm

For those longing to wind through lush valleys in search of majestic treasures, the Gaile community has developed the not-to-be-missed Chianti Castles Route, comprising six color-coded trekking itineraries. Each is dotted with the area's signature sights--from fortified farm houses and abbeys to spectacular castles. The Red path (about 5K, or 3 miles) climbs to breathtaking Tornano Castle before stealing along cypress-lined avenues en route to Monte San Marcellino village. Preview the trails at Greve-in-Chianti.

Renaissance Romance

From Tuscany's capital, Florence, best known for its stunning art (think Michelangelo's David), trekkers can revel along the Anello del Rinascimento trail. Translating to Ring of the Renaissance, it takes you deep into the Florentine hills along the city perimeter. At a whopping 170 km (or 105 miles), for most, doing a portion of the trek, lined with monasteries, churches and picturesque Italian villages, suffices. For more information, contact the Florence Tourism Board.

Vineyard Visions

If you're hankering to see pristine rows of lush vineyards and fertile olive groves in the rustic countryside, tackle the easy trek from Pienza to Montepulciano. Nestled within the Siena provence, Pienza--a World Heritage Site--is the birthplace of Pope Pius II and known for its pecorino, or sheep's milk, cheese (which you'll want to sample). The hike's about 9 miles, with Monticchiello as the resting-lunch spot. Reaching Montepulciano, perched high on a hill, you'll be primed to sip its luscious, indigenous red wine at local cellars.

Doorstep Diversions

If you can't swing a daylong hike, you'll find several trekking options right outside your farmhouse or hotel suite. Just grab a map from the concierge highlighting miles of country roads and singletrack trails within the expansive 4,200-acre resort property. Contact the concierge by emailing villaconcierge@casalidicasole.com.

Hiking Essentials

• Maps: Trails are not often well-marked, making maps indispensable. Also consider checking out the book Walking and Eating in Tuscany and Umbria.
• Ankle-high hiking boots: The terrain is uneven, steep and narrow, in spots, so protect your feet with durable, sturdy footwear.
• Two pairs moisture-wicking hiking socks
• Water bottle
• Comfortable, loose-fitting, layered clothing
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat

To learn more about ownership opportunities at Casali di Casole, please contact us at 866.963.5005 (toll free in the US) or via email at info@casalidicasole.com. For availability and reservations at Hotel Casali di Casole, please contact us at 888.927.2580 (toll free in the US) or +39.0577.961501 (in Europe) or via email at reservations@casalidicasole.com.

Every year, on the cusp of summer, we set aside two days to celebrate the people who made us: Mom and Dad. And every year, at Timbers Resorts, many of our Owners and guests find fresh ways to renew their appreciation of just those folks by celebrating at our luxury fractional homes.

It's Mother's Day and Father's Day, this month and next. While you spend your weekends with family, let's look back at where the holidays go their start, and at how you can celebrate, here, on a pair of special Sundays.

Quick History: How Moms and Dads Got Their Days

The holidays we share as Mother's and Father's Day have origins, in some cases spanning centuries.

• Mother's Day: From early Greek and Roman history, when celebrants held festivals connected to mother goddesses, all the way to 1868, when Ann Reeves Jarvis started a day honoring mothers that brought former Union and former Confederate moms together, precursors for Mother's Day abound. The key moment was in 1905, when Jarvis' daughter started the first Mother's Day as we know it … to recognize the sacrifices that mothers make for their kids.

• Father's Day: It was in the state of Washington, in 1909, that Sonora Smart Dodd first lobbied for a Mother's Day equivalent. She wanted to honor her father, who raised her and her five siblings on his own. She got the holiday passed in Washington, DC., in 1910. In 1972, the U.S. government made it an official day throughout the whole country.

Celebrating with Timbers Resorts

At Timbers Resorts, mothers and fathers are equally special, and both represent a reason to celebrate. If you're looking for some ideas this May 11 and June 15, check out these options, touching on just a few of our properties.

• Brunch at The Sebastian. Step into the mountain-inspired culinary world that is the Leonora bistro, starting your special day with brunch. You could even set aside the private dining room for a larger family event.

• Spa treatments at Casali di Casole. Why not make the day about a chance to rejuvenate? From classic massages to a pedicure accompanied by a glass of wine, moms or dads are certain to leave Essere with a fresh perspective on their day.

• Picnic at One Steamboat Place. If you're thinking about a bit of al fresco dining, have The Truffle Pig's culinary experts craft the perfect picnic basket for your Mother's or Father's Day spread.

• Private outing at The Preserve at Botany Bay. Maybe it's a day of sailing, paddle boarding or snorkeling. The team on property can set up a private day for mom and dad to remember.

However you spend Mother's Day and Father's Day, we invite you to spend it with us. Play, relax … and wine and dine the important people who got you here in the first place. Timbers Resorts is ready to help make your holiday special for the whole family.

To learn more about Timbers Resorts, please contact us at 800.941.4579 (toll free) or 970.963.4626 (direct) or via email at info@timbersresorts.com.

*Photos by Timbers Resorts Owner Jessica Budinger from a fall 2013 cycling trip to Casali di Casole, touring the countryside's most classic routes.

Cycling is as synonymous with Italian culture as food and wine – minus the calories. In fact, there’s no better way to offset the indulgences of eating and drinking in Tuscany and still get a taste of the area’s rich history than from the seat of a bicycle. Spend a day pedaling through the timeless countryside, where castles and walled medieval villages can be found surrounded by pristine forests, cypress trees, olive groves, river valleys and world renowned vineyards.

With nearby hill towns spaced at almost perfect ten- and twenty-kilometer intervals from Casali di Casole, there are many incredible day rides to choose from. Not only does biking provide a slower pace in which to explore, you’ll also be following the footsteps (or tracks) of many famous Italian cyclists who pedaled before you.

Italy is the home of the Giro d’Italia, a stage race much like the Tour de France that dates back to 1909 when the first race covered over 2,400 kilometers. As part of the Triple Crown of cycling (that also includes the Tour de France and Vuelta d’Espana) it’s still one of the largest and most prestigious bike races in the world. Though the course changes every year, stages have careened through the Tuscan hillsides for over a century, where the passion for cycling is as old as the hills. That might be why some of the most celebrated bike manufacturers in the world hail from Italy, including master frame builders like Colnago, DeRossa, Basso, and the one and only Campagnolo, makers of top-of-the-line bicycle components.

Tuscany offers some of the best cycling in Italy with its undulating terrain and moderate climate. Explore the architectural splendor of Volterra with its Roman theatre, piazzas, fortress and cathedral.

Ride through San Gimignano where fourteen medieval towers punctuate a distinctive skyline that can be seen from several miles outside the town. San Gimignano is also famous for its frescoes, churches and palazzos, not to mention exceptional white wines.

Venture to Monteriggioni, one of the classic hill towns of Italy where only 84 inhabitants live behind 13th century retaining walls that remain almost perfectly intact. Inside the fortress there is no traffic, making Monteriggioni an ideal destination for cyclists. If you are interested in touring the countryside by bike, the villa concierges at Casali di Casole can readily assist with arranging bike equipment rentals, suggesting routes, providing maps and/or booking guides.