Escape to Paradise: Don Federico's Country Inn Awaits in Charming Moscufo, Italy
Escape to Paradise: Don Federico's Country Inn - My Moscufo Musings (A Review That's More Pasta Sauce Than Precise!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Don Federico's in Moscufo, Italy, and my brain is still swimming in sunshine, olive oil, and the faint scent of disinfectant (more on that later!). This isn't your sterile, cookie-cutter hotel review. This is the real deal, warts and all, spaghetti stains and all. Think of it as a chat with your slightly-too-opinionated, always-hungry auntie, instead of a glossy magazine ad.
Finding Paradise (And Whether You Can Actually Get Into It): Accessibility & Basic Survival
First things first: getting to Moscufo is half the battle. It's gorgeous countryside, mind you, but you're probably going to need a car, or at least a very patient taxi driver. Airport transfer is available, thank goodness! Once you're there, let's talk accessibility. Now, I'm mobile, but I always look for places that try. Don Federico's seems to be making an effort, with facilities for disabled guests, but I'd definitely call ahead and ask detailed questions. Elevators are a plus, especially if you're on a high floor, and let's face it, you're probably going to be wanting to enjoy the pool with a view, so you need to be able to enjoy that! The exterior corridor rooms are a must for the physically challenged.
Internet Schminternet (But Seriously, It's Important):
Okay, okay, I know we're all glued to our screens. Let's talk internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That's a win. Plus, there's Wi-Fi in public areas. Honestly, I used the in-room Wi-Fi mostly (because, duh, I'm a millennial), but the public areas were good for a quick insta story. I didn't mess with Internet [LAN] or any of the Internet services - I was on VACATION, people!
Cleanliness & Safety: The Big COVID Elephant in the Room (and Everywhere Else)
Look, let's be real, we're all a little germ-phobic these days. Don Federico's takes it seriously. Lots of hand sanitizer, staff trained in safety protocol, and rooms sanitized between stays. Big, big points for anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. I saw employees constantly sanitizing (a bit too much, I swear!), but it was reassuring. Having individually-wrapped food options and a safe dining setup was also a plus. Did it feel sterile? Maybe a tad. But hey, it's a small price to pay for not catching a cold, right? Even the rooms sanitized between stays felt fresh.
My One True Love: The Food (and the Desperately Needed Nap Afterwards)
Listen, I'm a foodie. I live to eat. And Don Federico's… chef's kiss. Let's start with breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]! And a darn good one! Think croissants, fresh fruit, and maybe a sneaky slice of cake. The Asian breakfast isn't really my jam, but I'm told the Asian cuisine in restaurant food is quite good, which is a win for the restaurant! The Breakfast in room is a welcome bonus! The Western breakfast is pretty great too! Plus they have a Coffee shop, so all is well!
Dinners were even better. The A la carte in restaurant was my poison. I had the best pasta of my life (seriously, I'm dreaming of it now). The soup in restaurant, the salad in restaurant, the desserts in restaurant… all divine. And yes, there's a Vegetarian restaurant. The Western cuisine in restaurant is phenomenal, the desserts in restaurant are out of this world. The Poolside bar is where I spent every afternoon… that happy hour they put on? Pure bliss.
Room Service [24-hour]. I may or may not have ordered pizza at 3 am. Don't judge.
Ways to Relax (Because You NEED to): Spa Days & Sun Lounging
Okay, so, the relaxation game at Don Federico's is strong. They brag about their spa. Now, let me tell you, the massage was transcendental. I literally melted into the table. They also have a sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, body scrub, body wrap, and a foot bath. The picture of pure, unadulterated bliss. The swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, and, yes, the pool with a view is legit. I spent HOURS reading, napping and occasionally, actually swimming (don't judge my leisure habits).
They also have a fitness center, if you're into that sort of thing. I'm not. I believe in vacation exercise: walking to the bar.
Rooms & Creature Comforts (The Details That Matter)
My room? Lovely. Air conditioning! Thank goodness! Blackout curtains. I needed those! Hair dryer, toiletries, towels, slippers, all the essentials. A mini bar – because, well, you know… Free bottled water. A desk for those times you have to check emails (ugh). My favorite bit? The bathtub, separate shower/bathtub, and separate shower, I love a good bath. A mirror is essential!
But the most important is the window that opens! Let that lovely Italian air in!
Things to Do (Beyond Eating and Napping):
Honestly, I spent most of my time eating, napping, and enjoying the spa. But there's a shrine onsite (if you're into that), and they can arrange meetings/banquets. There's a gift/souvenir shop; I actually got a lovely coffee mug.
Services and conveniences were great. Daily housekeeping, laundry service, concierge helpful, and cash withdrawal on site, all really handy.
The Little Quirks & the Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect, Honey)
Okay, so the place isn't perfect. And that’s part of the charm. The signage is a little… Italian (read: sometimes confusing). The internet, although free, did occasionally drop out. The service was friendly, but a little slow at times (hey, it's Italy! Relax!). You cannot have Pets allowed on the property which to be honest, I didn't care much about!
The Anecdote That Sums it Up:
One day, I was blissfully floating in the pool (pool with a view, remember!), when I overheard a couple arguing in extremely loud Italian. Despite not understanding a word, I knew it was passionate. Then, a waiter arrived with a bottle of prosecco and two glasses. Turns out, it was a proposal! It was, in its own messy, imperfect way, perfect. It was human. Proposal spot, yes.
My Final Verdict: Book It! (But Expect a Little Imperfection)
Don Federico's isn’t just a hotel; it's an experience. It's about losing yourself in the beauty of the countryside, indulging in delicious food, and letting go of the stresses of everyday life. Yes, there are little imperfections. Yes, the service has its Italian moments. But the charm, the beauty, and the overall experience more than make up for it.
Here's my honest, brutally honest, (and slightly caffeinated) offer:
Escape to Paradise: Don Federico's Country Inn Awaits in Charming Moscufo, Italy!
Tired of the same old boring vacations? Craving authentic Italian experiences? Then ditch the generic resorts and book your escape to Don Federico's!
Here's what makes Don Federico's AMAZING:
- Breathtaking Scenery: Imagine waking up to rolling hills, vineyards, and the warm Italian sun.
- Food that Will Make You Weep (With Joy): From the buffet breakfast to the a la carte dinners, prepare to be amazed. And yes, the pizza at 3 am is worth it.
- Spa Days You Deserve: Treat yourself to a massage, sauna, or just lounge by the gorgeous pool with a view. You HAVE to relax!
- Cleanliness You Can Trust: We're talking top-notch sanitization and safety protocols, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation in peace.
But wait, there's more!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (So you can post all those envy-inducing photos!)
- Rooms with all the comforts: Air conditioning, comfortable beds, and a mini-bar (because, vacation!)
- Excellent service: The staff is incredibly friendly and make the hotel feel like a home away from home.
Book now and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival!
- 10% off your first spa treatment!
- **A free upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're NOT planning a "polished" itinerary. We're going to dive headfirst into the chaos of a week-long (ish) stay at Don Federico Country Inn in Moscufo, Italy. Get ready for the real deal, complete with questionable decisions, emotional meltdowns over gelato, and the distinct possibility of losing my passport (again).
The Moscufo Mayhem: A Don Federico Debacle (but hopefully delightful)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Pizza Predicament (aka, Where's the Luggage?)
Morning: Ugh, the airport. The usual. The endless lines. The tiny airplane pretzels that taste like sadness. Landed in Rome, feeling like a deflated balloon after a particularly long haul. The flight attendants were surprisingly chipper, which is a bit unsettling, honestly. It's a conspiracy, I tell you!
Afternoon: Train to Pescara. Now, train travel in Italy is romantic. I swear, at one point, I think the train conductor winked at me. (Or maybe he was just trying to subtly communicate that I was blocking the aisle with my giant backpack… hard to say.) Arrived in Pescara. Finally we're able to get the rental car: a tiny Fiat 500, named "Vespa," she's tiny, but she has spunk, just like me!
Late Afternoon/Evening: Arrived at Don Federico! Okay, first impression: breathtaking. Seriously, the rolling hills, the vineyards, the smell of… something delicious baking. However, reality check: Vespa almost didn't make the incline to the Inn. It was a hair-raising climb that I'm pretty sure added years to my life (or at least, a nice sheen of sweat). Check in was… Italian. Let's just say it took longer than expected ("lost in translation" is putting it mildly), but eventually a lovely woman named Lucia (her hair was a masterpiece) got us sorted.
- Pizza Predicament: Now, this is where things went downhill. I was starving. I’d been picturing that perfect, wood-fired pizza all day. Lucia recommended a local place, "Il Buco" (The Hole… reassuring!). We arrived, only to find… it was closed. Closed! Sunday evening in Italy. The horror! Wandered around Moscufo, desperately searching for edible sustenance. Ended up with a questionable panino from a random deli. My stomach is not happy with me just yet. But, hey, the sunset over the hills was gorgeous. Priorities, people! Priorities!
Evening: Settled in. The room? Charming, rustic, slightly dusty. Made a mental note to buy a can of air freshener.
Day 2: The "Art" of Getting Lost & Gelato Grief
Morning: Attempted to be cultured. Visited the Church of San Cristoforo in Moscufo. Marvelled at its… well, it was a church. I'm not a religious person, but you can't help but be in awe. Got a bit turned around on the way back. Spent a good hour wandering around Moscufo feeling utterly lost. Embrace the chaos?
Afternoon: Tried to be a tourist, so we decided to visit Loreto Aprutino! We visited the beautiful castle! The views from the top were amazing, a lot of narrow roads. Stopped for a coffee and I got my taste; coffee in Italy is like liquid magic!
Afternoon: G E L A T O. The holy grail of Italian holidays. Found a gelato shop with a vibrant pink sign. Ordered a pistachio (my go-to). Took one bite. Tragedy struck. It was… bland. Utterly devoid of flavor. My heart broke. The gelataria owner just shrugge, I swear. The rest of the day was a blur of quiet despair. Never have I felt so betrayed by a frozen dairy product.
Evening: Dinner at Don Federico. The food was… redemption. Simple, fresh, delicious. Almost made me forget the gelato debacle. Almost.
Day 3: Wine, Whimsy, & the Wonderfully Weird
Morning: Wine tasting! YES! Drove around the rolling hills. First stop: a small, family owned-place. I tasted a red wine. And I thought, "I bet it's good," took one sip and it was amazing! After, the winemaker, Signor Rossi, told us all about the wine to me, and honestly, I didn't understand any of it, except the end, when he raised his glass, and said, "Salute!" Best wine I've ever tasted.
Afternoon: Back to Don Federico. Spent time in the pool, which was a welcome surprise. The water was crystal clear.
Evening: Tried to be "chic," but failed miserably. Booked a fancy dinner at a place Lucia recommended. Got hopelessly lost trying to find it. Arrived late, flustered, and covered in mosquito bites. The food was amazing, but I was too frazzled to enjoy it properly. Note to self: Stick to panino and gelato!
Day 4: Markets, Magic, & a Massive Meal (and a near-death experience with a scooter)
Morning: Attempted to experience the local market. Success! The colours! The chaos! The smell of fresh tomatoes! Bought some amazing olives, cheese, and a ridiculous pair of sunglasses.
Afternoon: Vespa tour of Moscufo! (Because when in Italy, it is a must!) Well, this was the moment I came closest to my death. The roads are narrower than I thought, the "drivers are faster!" It's Italy, you know! I almost fell four times, and I was the passenger, not the driver!
Evening: Dinner at Don Federico. Another feast! We were joined by other guest, and we all just laughed and told stories until late into the night. I felt so emotional, and I looked at the people around me, and I was just so happy to be there.
Day 5: The Day of the Duomo & Deep Thinking (and Another Gelato Gamble)
Morning: Explored the Duomo of Atri! A beautiful church. I don't know why but I had a "deep thinking" session! I felt so connected to the past!
Afternoon: Gelato round two. Decided to be brave. Chose a different shop. Ordered a stracciatella, it was the same blandness. The second betrayal. I don't know which hurt more, the gelato or the shop owners smile.
Evening: Took a night stroll through Moscufo. The town was quiet, beautiful. The stars were incredible.
Day 6: Departure (Maybe) & the Great Luggage Hunt
Morning: Packing. Always the least glamorous part of travel. Realized I'd somehow lost my favourite scarf. Cue minor meltdown. Searched everywhere! It was nowhere to be found.
Afternoon: Last swim at Don Federico. Sat near the pool, staring at the sky, and trying to process the week. It's been fantastic. Oh and, I found my scarf!!!
Evening: Train to the airport. Got to the airport, and suddenly, a wave of panic. WHERE WAS MY LUGGAGE??? Spent a frantic hour running around, talking to various uninterested airline employees. The bags weren't there. A collective sigh escaped my lips.
Day 7: (TBD) The Great Luggage Retrieval (and Post-Trip Trauma)
- Morning: The Great Luggage Hunt continues. I'm pretty sure it's lost. I'm now considering it a "travel souvenir."
- Afternoon: Contacted airlines.
- Evening: I'm starting a therapy session!
Final Thoughts:
This trip was… messy. Chaotic. Emotional. And wonderfully, ridiculously Italian. The gelato let me down, the luggage is gone, and I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds from all the pasta. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. The beauty of the countryside, the warmth of the people, the questionable panino… it was an experience. And that, my friends, is all that matters. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need another gelato (wish me luck).
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: D'Luxe Robertson Suite KL - You HAVE to See This!
Escape to Paradise: Don Federico's Country Inn - Moscufo, Italy - Yeah, About That...
Okay, "Paradise." Is it *really* paradise at Don Federico's? Don't give me the PR fluff.
The Rooms: Cozy, Cramped, or Crawling with Mystery? Spill the beans.
And the Food? Tell me about the food! (Because, Italy…)
Moscufo Itself: Is it a Charming Escape, or Just a Tiny Village You'll Get Bored of in an Hour?
The Don Federico Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Quirky? Lay it on me!
Okay, Fine... *The Wine*. Tell Me About It. (and the time you probably overdid it)
