by Mara Solomon | Apr 2, 2020 | Blog
The results are in! Each year Condé Nast Traveler puts together an annual list of trusted travel experts. We are honored Mara Solomon has been named, again, as a Villa Travel Specialist for 2020. We would also like to a give a “thank you” to the editors and...
by Mara Solomon | Oct 13, 2019 | Cities & Towns
Tuscany is frequently at the top of our guests’ trip requests. Given the region’s popularity, the challenge is finding the authentic, unspoiled corners of this region. Using Il Mugnello as your base camp and the villa’s charming Giovanna as your guide, your time will...
by Mara Solomon | Jun 17, 2019 | Helpful Hints
You’ve booked your flights, ironed out the itinerary details and now the trip you have been waiting for is almost here. But your suitcase lies empty in front of you and you are at a loss as to one big question: What do I need to pack for a luxury villa vacation in...
by Mara Solomon | Jan 21, 2019 | Cities & Towns, Italy Travel Advice
Every year, millions of visitors crowd onto the Amalfi coast to experience the region’s UNESCO world heritage landscape, its dramatic shorelines, thrilling “nastro azzurro”road, straight-from-the-sea dishes, celebrity-spotting and sandal shopping. It possesses a charm...
by Mara Solomon | Jan 18, 2018 | Cities & Towns, Food, Restaurants & Cafes
Casunziei? Kaiserschmarrn? Canederli? Puccia? This doesn’t sound like Italy but it is. This is the Dolomites and its vibrant village heart, Cortina d’Ampezzo. Here you can get to know this spectacular stretch of Northern Italy with its strong Austro-Germanic...
by Mara Solomon | Dec 8, 2017 | Food, Our Blog, Wine
Riccardo the Winemaker is one of our colleagues in Chianti, running a small wine and olive oil farm with his father using traditional techniques. They live close to the land, in harmony with nature, even as that very nature changes. A visit to Riccardo at his winery,...
by Mara Solomon | Sep 15, 2017 | Italy Vacation Destinations
There is a mystical magical landscape between Siena and the famous wine towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano. It lies in quiet repose, waiting for those curious and interested visitors who want to explore yet another beautiful corner of this storied land. Welcome to...
by Mara Solomon | May 18, 2017 | Travel Advice
It’s question season here at Homebase Abroad. “Can we still find a house for this summer?” (Yes, except on the Amalfi Coast) “How do we get to Florence?” (We recommend by private car or train as parking a rental car is challenging), “How do we get on the water along...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 30, 2017 | Helpful Hints
Packing for villa travel? We recommend you approach it with a view towards really settling in, and enjoying that ‘ahhh’ feeling of being home as soon as possible. Here are our recommendations for getting right into vacation mode — as soon as you arrive. For...
by Mara Solomon | Mar 2, 2017 | Activities, Travel Advice
La Pineta is a summer-time pilgrimage for the locals and there is always a warm welcome from the Zazzeri family. This is the place to see and be seen for evenings lingering over a superb summer meal of grilled fish with good wine surrounded by the impeccable style of...
by Mara Solomon | Aug 30, 2016 | Food
We are delighted to feature guest blogger, Ashley Turney, the owner of L’Esperta, a boutique travel company specializing in Italy. Her clients love the exclusive, personalized treatment they get from her when she plans their trip of a lifetime. You can read more on...
by Mara Solomon | Jun 19, 2015 | Food, Wine
Getting close to the land is part and parcel of any introduction to the distinctive country ways of these mountains. At Homebase Abroad’s Villa San Lorenzo, this experience is magnified by the hospitality of your hosts– Stefano and Georgia. With them, you...
