If your looking for a really nice - and I mean really, really, really nice :)! - place to stay in central Italy, at a two hours drive from Rome, where Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria come together, look no further. La Montagnola Retreat definitely is that place! And, La Montagnola Retreat definitely has what it takes to be an outstanding B&B, no doubt about that. But what then does it have, exactly? * Well it certainly has spectacular views of Lake Bolsena, for one. Whether your enjoying your breakfast - more about that copious daily feast in a moment :) - on the terrace, taking a stroll in the garden, doing some yoga exercises at the yoga deck, or lounging by the pool, there's always that magnificent view of Lake Bolsena to be enjoyed. And I can personally say that Lake Bolsena is always a nice, even breathtaking view, whether it's sunny, rainy, or misty. * another big plus is the daily breakfast. No Mediterranean, overly sweet, coffee & croissant austerity here. La Montagnola Retreat is a place after my own, Dutch heart, with an abundant breakfast of sweet and savoury. Freshly baked bread, cakes and cookies, figs, yoghurt, cereals, orange juice, eggs, cheeses, charcuterie, homemade jams, and all kinds of homemade salads, you name and its there. And in the unlikely case it's not there? Just ask and you'll get it. If not right away, then tomorrow. * the hosts Stefan and Sabine are so friendly, hospitable and welcoming! The really go out of their way to make you feel at home, almost as if your staying with friends. Here's to a job well do done. Thank you very much, Stefan and Sabine. The fact that they speak their languages (German, Italian and Dutch) is also a great and welcome extra, as is their willingness to make dinner reservations or to advise on things to do or see. My personal tips: this is the old Etruscan heartland, so immerse yourself in something Etruscan. Visit a local museum, walk an Etruscan hollow path of visit an ancient necropolis. More into towns? Nearby Orvieto and is stunningly beautiful cathedral are definitely worth a visit. * the B&B is housed in a modern and very bright building, surrounded by a large garden. But make no mistake: modern and bright by no means means cold or aloof. On the contrary, the atmosphere around the entire B&B is warm, friendly and welcoming. This B&B is modern, but cosy and at ease. * other pluses: there's a large, free parking space on the premises, there's free wifi in the house and on the terrace- but not at the poolside area, mind you! And for those into yoga, Thai massage, or mindfulness, so are the owners so there's plenty of opportunity to indulge yourself. There is a really nice and quiet yoga deck, the rooms are equipped with yoga mats, there are Buddha statues all around and owner Sabine gives Thai massages. But perhaps the biggest plus is the surrounding nature and the enormous peace and quiet to be enjoyed, not just at the B&B but all around. Did you know that I actually saw the Milky Way for the first time in years? Awesome! Of course, there are also some points to consider. First and foremost: know what room to get. There's a completely self catering apartment, which gives maximum freedom and privacy, but does not entitle you to the wonderful breakfast experience. Although you can still enjoy the garden and the pool. Then there are the two family rooms, which share one bathroom. Which is fine of course, but only if and when your with family or close friends. And then there's room Saba. That's the room where we were staying in and in one word it's great: very spacious, good beds, places to sit, nice views and a large and complete bathroom. Highly recommended! Another point to take into consideration is that it can be a bit hard to find La Montagnola Retreat at first, for it is fairly secluded and it lies at an unpaved dustroad. Don't worry, once you know how to find it, you won't forget and the last few hundred meters of road may be unpaved, but you can traverse them with a normal car. There are no really big holes in the ground or bumps or anything, so there's no need to hire a fourwheel drive. Finally, there is the pool area. First, there's no wifi at the poolside, which on the one hand I found annoying, but on the other hand also found quite relaxing. Finally time to read that good book ;). Second, food and glasses filled with drinks are not allowed in the pool area. Personally that didn't bother me. In fact, I think it's quite a sensible measure for it keeps the pool and its surroundings safe and tidy. Third, for sanitary reasons the owners politely ask that you use the shower next to the pool first instead of just jumping right in. Again, no problem with me. My final conclusion? A great place to stay! And to come back to, as we most certainly will.…