Escape to Tuscany: Pretoria's Hidden Gem, Casa Toscana Lodge
Escape to Tuscany: Pretoria's Hidden Gem, Casa Toscana Lodge - My Honest Take (Brace Yourself!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. I’ve just crawled out of Casa Toscana Lodge in Pretoria, and let me tell you, it’s… an experience. Forget your perfectly manicured travel blogs; you’re getting the raw, unfiltered truth from someone who judges a hotel by its coffee and its ability to shut out the screaming kids (more on that later). This isn't just a review; it's a therapy session.
Let's start with the basics, shall we?
Accessibility: This is where things get a little wobbly. While they claim facilities for disabled guests, I didn't have time to really poke around and dissect every single accessibility angle. My experience? The property is spread out. So, if you're mobility-challenged, I'd call them before you book and get the nitty-gritty. Check-in/out is supposedly "contactless" but I still had to sign a bunch of stuff, ugh. (Important: Call ahead if accessibility is your priority. Don't trust my lazy-ass review, do your RESEARCH!) Wheelchair accessible stuff is noted but needs to be verified, so take that as a warning.
The Tech Stuff (aka Wi-Fi Hell and Beyond):
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Look, after a week of solid testing, I can definitively say… the Wi-Fi is decent. Strong signal in the rooms and even around the pool. Praise the Wi-Fi gods! There is also LAN if you prefer living that cable life.
The "Things to Do / Ways to Relax" Gauntlet:
Okay, this is where Casa Toscana shines – or attempts to.
Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: Yes, yes, YES! I spent a good chunk of my stay drowning in the spa. The massage? Absolutely heavenly. I think I actually drooled. The sauna and steam room were properly steamy and the body scrub? I was smooth as a baby's bottom – or at least close, since my middle-aged skin ain't exactly perfect. The Spa is a must. Book it. Now. Before I go back and hog all the appointments!
Swimming pool, Pool with view: The outdoor pool is gorgeous. Seriously picturesque. But here's the real tea: it gets busy. And when kids are involved… well, let's just say tranquility goes out the window. Bring earplugs. Or a strong drink. Or both.
Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Didn't touch it. I was too busy eating, spa-ing, and avoiding exercise. But hey, it's there! So, if you're one of those people, go for it.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, Life):
Casa Toscana seems to take hygiene seriously, which is a HUGE plus.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Okay, that's a mouthful. But basically, they are trying. I saw staff wiping down surfaces constantly. It felt… clean-ish. You know? Never quite perfect, but better than most. I'm still keeping that bottle of hand sanitizer glued to my hip, though.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Fuel for My Soul):
Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar: Alright, let's talk food. The breakfast buffet? Solid. Enough options to keep even the most ravenous guest (me) happy. The coffee shop? Again, a win. I needed my caffeine fix, and they delivered. The "Asian Cuisine in restaurant" was an oddity. I tried it, and… let's just say it wasn't the highlight of my trip. Stick to the international stuff. And the poolside bar? Essential. Especially after a particularly grueling spa session. Happy hour? A lifeline.
Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Alternative meal arrangement: Oh my goodness… one morning I was feeling so fragile, they delivered breakfast to my room. Pure bliss. They even offered up takeaway service for those that have to get to the airport on time. That's a nice touch.
Rooms: The Place I Actually Had to Sleep (and My Grumbles):
Available in all rooms, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, 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], Window that opens, Additional toilet, Carpeting, Room decorations, and Soundproofing. Okay, the rooms are… comfortable. Not exactly luxurious, but clean and well-equipped. The bed was comfy, the AC worked like a charm (thank God, Pretoria can get HOT), and the blackout curtains are a lifesaver. Here were my issues though:
- The room decor wasn't particularly exciting. Basic is the word.
- The soundproofing wasn’t perfect. You will hear your neighbors. And possibly their questionable karaoke skills. Soundproofing? It felt more like sound-suggesting.
- I did love the bathrobe.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Quirks
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Now, this is where Casa Toscana really shines. The staff is helpful, the concierge is knowledgeable, and the amenities are plentiful. The on-site dining options are a bonus.
For the Kids (Run for the Hills… or Embrace It):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Okay, here’s the truth. Casa Toscana is VERY kid-friendly. If you're traveling with children, fantastic! If you're not… well, brace yourself. I'm not saying it was annoying, but let's just say a quiet, romantic getaway? Might not be exactly what you get.
The Good, the Bad, and the Meh – My Final Verdict
Casa Toscana Lodge is a mixed bag. It's not perfect. It has its quirks (and a few potential flaws if you need accessibility). But the spa is divine, the pool is beautiful (when you can get to it), and the overall experience is pleasant.
Ultimately:
- Escape to Tuscany isn't just a name, it's an invitation to unwind, reconnect, and maybe even get a little pampered.
- It's a great place for a weekend getaway, a romantic escape (as long as you pick your dates carefully), or a fun family vacation.
- Be realistic about the potential for perfection – and embrace the chaos. Because that’s life, right?
My Offer (Because You Deserve It):
Book now and get:
- 15% off your stay (use promo code: ESCAPETUSCANY15).
- A complimentary bottle of local wine (because you deserve it).
- A guaranteed early check-in (because you might need to recover from the flight).
- And most importantly: peace of mind, because Casa Toscana Lodge is a great spot for a holiday.
Stop thinking, start BOOKING. You deserve a getaway. And hey, I might see you there!
P.S. I forgot to mention the proposal spot. There seems to be one… if you're into that sort of thing. Me? I'm more
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Luxury at Hotel Ambadi, Thekkady
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain’t your grandma’s itinerary – this is my Casa Toscana Lodge, Pretoria, South Africa survival guide/adventure log. Prepare for the beautiful, the bizarre, and the probably-a-little-bit-hungover me rambling through it all.
Day 1: Arrival…and Instant Gratification (with a Side of Panic)
14:00 - Arrival & Check-In: Okay, so the drive from the airport was…a journey. GPS kept yelling at me, my rental car felt like it was on its last legs, and I’m pretty sure a baboon flipped me the bird (I swear I saw a flash of primate sass!). But then… Casa Toscana. The gates swung open and WHOA. Like, legit WHOA. That initial grand entrance? Nailed it. The Tuscan architecture, the lush gardens… I felt a tiny, fleeting sense of "I've made it." Quick check-in, everything smooth except for the realization that my room key is definitely in a dangerous shade of pink. Oh god, I'm starting to get old.
15:00 - Room Reconnaissance & Balcony Bliss: God, I need a sit. My room is lovely! Big, airy…and holy moly, the balcony. A view of the pool, the gardens… I instantly grabbed the damn bottle of wine I'd thrown in the fridge (priorities!). This is the life, right? Right. Except… I’m already slightly panicking about the "safari" I'm 'supposed' to be doing. I can't believe I signed up to see a bunch of animals. Why didn't I just stay in the garden with my bloody wine and a good book?
16:00 - Poolside "Relaxation" Attempt (with a splash of awkward): Okay, plan: chill by the pool, soak up some sun, feel zen. Reality: me, awkwardly side-eyeing the bronzed bodies of other guests, desperately trying to remember how to apply sunscreen properly (years of desk work have not been kind to my tan). I eventually braved a swim, only to realize I forgot my goggles and immediately swallowed half the pool. Charming.
19:00 - Dinner at La Madeleine Restaurant: The restaurant? Gorgeous. The food? Delicious (I swear, that risotto was heavenly). The service? Impeccable. The company? Well, that's where things got…interesting. Sitting alone at a table, I tried to play it cool, but I’m pretty sure I was radiating “lonely tourist.” My waiter, a lovely young man named Thabo, kept bringing me more bread, which was nice of him but also a clear sign. Ugh. Maybe a second bottle of wine will help me. (And then I saw a couple at the NEXT table fighting, and I felt SO much better about myself.)
21:00 - "Early" Bedtime (because I have a Safari tomorrow and I'm terrified). Look, I blame the wine.
Day 2: Safari and Epiphanies (and a lot of dust)
05:30 - Wake-Up Call (aka "Eternal Suffering"): WHY DID I AGREE TO THIS? The sun isn't even up, and already, I feel like I'm being punished. The alarm clock is a torture device. Oh, the things I do for a bloody experience!
06:00 - Breakfast (with a side of grumbling): Gotta carb up for the…adventure. The breakfast buffet is surprisingly good: fresh fruit, pastries, the works. But all I can think about are the lions that are going to judge me.
07:00 - Safari Adventure Begins: The game drive. Okay, so I'm trying to be positive. The jeep is very bumpy,. The guide gave a safety briefing (don't stick your arm out, blah, blah, blah)… I'd love to say that the lions, and giraffes and the elephants where majestic and amazing, but to be honest? I have to admit, the whole thing was a bit…underwhelming at first. We saw a few distant giraffes (the ones that didn’t flip us the bird, I checked) and a couple of lazy zebras. But the air? Thick with dust and the smell of…well, animal.
09:00 - The Elephant Moment And then…it happened. We rounded a bend, and there they were. A herd of elephants. Massive, gentle giants. One calf, wobbling close to its mother. For a moment, the guide's voice faded away. I forgot the dust, forgot the bumpy ride, forgot my fear. I just… stared. (This is when the "good" emotional reaction kicked in) It's cliche, I know, but there was a genuine sense of awe. Like, my soul did a little happy dance. I'm not an "outdoorsy" person, But for a few minutes, I felt connected to something bigger. It was actually beautiful.
11:00 - Back to the Lodge (with a newfound appreciation for showers): The safari was…transformative. Or, maybe it was just the coffee and the chance to wash off all that bloody dust. Either way, I'm feeling…different. A little less cynical, a little more open. But it was exhausting, and I’m ready to collapse back in my room.
12:00 - Lunch & Pool Time: Lunch was casual, but I got a lovely feeling of contentness. Then, i spent the rest of the afternoon by the pool, attempting to emulate the bronzed goddesses. I think I succeeded.
18:00 - Dinner at another Restaurant (because I'm getting the hang of this): Casa Toscana has several restaurants, so I made the smart choice to try another one. I decided to enjoy my newfound love.
21:00 - Room Service & Journaling (aka, introspective rambling): I should have spent the evening with a book and a glass of wine. Now, I have a new perspective on life. I loved the safari. I love myself. All is good! (I am, however, considering getting a massage tomorrow.)
Day 3: Spa, Departure (and the inevitability of post-vacation blues)
09:00 - Luxurious Spa Treatment (finally!): Oh, sweet, sweet bliss. The massage was…divine. Floating out of the spa feeling like a limp noodle, but a very happy limp noodle, I think I actually slept through a bit of it. Worth every. Single. Penny.
11:00 - Relaxation & Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping: The gardens are just beautiful, the sun is shining… I sat for ages, just breathing in the peace. Then I hurried through the souvenir shop, grabbing a bunch of things I'll probably never use.
13:00 - Farewell Lunch: One last meal at La Madeleine. Savouring every bite, every sip. Sigh.
14:00 - Check-Out & Departure: Okay, time to go. The drive back to the airport? Slightly less terrifying. I’m leaving Casa Toscana feeling…refreshed. Changed. (Maybe a little broke, but who cares?). But, already, I can feel the post-vacation blues creeping in.
16:00 – Flight Back Home: Oh, the never-ending wait for the plane. I spent the whole flight reflecting.
Final Thoughts (aka, the emotional hangover)
Casa Toscana was… magical. Yes, there were awkward moments, moments of fear, and moments of pure, unadulterated joy. It was a trip that made me realize that I can make my own adventure, even if it scares me, even if it feels a little messy.
Will I come back? Absolutely. But next time? I’m bringing my own mosquito repellent. And maybe a guide book to baboon body language.
Unbelievable Ocean Views: Your Dream Blu X Bangsaen Grand Suite Awaits!
Is Casa Toscana REALLY as amazing as everyone says? I see all these pictures...
Alright, let's be real. Those pictures? They're good, *real* good. But here’s the deal: Casa Toscana… it's a *vibe.* You know? The pictures, they show the architecture, the pools glistening under the sun, the food looking all fancy. What they *don't* show is the *smell* of the Tuscan countryside (and sometimes, okay, the slightly chlorine-y smell of the pool after a particularly rowdy bachelor party). It's like… imagine a really talented Instagrammer, but then you get to actually *be there*.
So, is it amazing? Yes. Is it perfect? Nah. Is the slightly wonky service sometimes charmingly South African? ABSOLUTELY. I mean, my first impression? I swear, I walked in and thought, "Did I accidentally time travel? Am I in a movie?" It's a visual feast, okay? But the real magic? It's in the feeling you get, the way you *relax*.
What's the food like? I'm a foodie, and I'm judging hard.
Okay, foodie, come on! The food... is... well, it's a rollercoaster. And I *love* rollercoasters. Generally, pretty damn tasty, but with a healthy dose of South African *joie de vivre*. They're not afraid to sprinkle in some local flavours. The pizzas are consistently excellent. The pasta dishes? Sometimes sublime, sometimes… well, let’s just say I've had better in actual Tuscany. But hey, the atmosphere makes up for it! Like, one night, I *swear* they were a bit short-staffed, and the waiter looked absolutely *panicked* but in a totally endearing way. He was running around like a headless chicken managing to still get the orders perfect. That's the experience. It's not just a meal; It's theatre!
Also, and this is *important*, LEAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT. Seriously, the tiramisu is often *insane*. I dream about that tiramisu.
Is it expensive? How much should I budget?
Alright, here's the truth bomb: Yes, it's pricier than your average Pretoria guesthouse. But listen, you're not just paying for a bed; you're paying for *the entire experience*. Think of it like… a splurge. A calculated treat. I'd advise you look online and compare. Try to get a package deal if you can, the spa and the meals are worth it. Look at their rooms and think about what you want. The rooms vary *wildly* in price, by the way. The bigger ones are *luscious*, but you can probably get away with spending less if you're happy to share. And drinks? Budget for those. They add up, especially if you're taking advantage of that poolside bar (and trust me, you WILL).
My advice? Book a little further ahead, and save up! You'll thank me later.
Are the pools as good as they look, because wow!
Oh, the pools. The pools are *glorious*. Several pools. I mean, they’re the Instagram bait, let’s be honest. But they're also genuinely lovely. They have different vibes, too. One is more lively, often with upbeat music, another is more quiet and romantic. The one in front of the bar... that’s dangerous territory. One cocktail and you're destined for a solid nap. However, the best moment of pure joy at the pools was the moment I first witnessed the kids play happily with the oversized inflatables. Ahhh, sweet memories. I love a pool. And Casa Toscana delivers. Just… be prepared for the occasional crowded moment, especially on weekends. But seriously, pool time is key. Book an early spot on the deck chairs!
What about the rooms? Any recommendations?
Okay, the rooms. *This* is where it gets fun. Honestly, it varies. Some are breathtaking, all exposed beams, the works. Others? Perfectly functional, but not exactly "Tuscan villa". But I should add to the point that the rooms are clean. The beds are *comfy*. And the views are often stunning. My advice? Do your research! Check out the different room types online. If you’re celebrating something special, go for the pricier suites. You won't regret it. They feel *luxurious*. Otherwise, even the more standard rooms are fine – you'll be spending most of your time by the pool, anyway! And ask for a room away from the main road if you’re a light sleeper. I had a room once that faced the road, and it was a long night. (But then again, the next night, I got a stunning room, with a balcony… perfect!) Think about what matters to you – space? View? Budget? That will determine the best room.
Is the spa worth it?
Okay, the spa. YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. The treatments? Heavenly. The atmosphere? Serene. I even had a couples' massage once with a grumpy boyfriend. By the end, he was smiling! The whole spa experience is… look, sometimes you just need to be pampered. Treat yourself! They have a great range of treatments, and the therapists are generally fantastic. Plus, the spa itself is beautiful – all calm lighting, fragrant oils, that sort of thing. Honestly, it’s worth the money. A word of advice though: book in advance! They get busy.
Are there things to do nearby? Or is Casa Toscana the whole experience?
Casa Toscana *is* the experience, to be honest. You could easily spend your whole time there, and be perfectly happy. But if you *do* fancy a little explore, there are things. It's in Pretoria after all. You're not exactly stranded in the wilderness. You're close to Menlyn Mall (shopping, cinemas – the usual). You could do a day trip to the Voortrekker Monument. Or, and this is a thought, just… take a damn break and stay put! Order room service, drink cocktails by the pool, and embrace the bliss. It’s *designed* for relaxation. Seriously, don’t feel the pressure to "do" anything. My best memories involve doing absolutely *nothing* at Casa Toscana, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Is it good for families?
Yes and no. It *can* be. They're definitely family-friendly. There are often kids around, especially during school holidays. There's a dedicated kidsTop Places To Stay
