Julia Wong review 10 Sep 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything, the Pilates tuition was excellent, and I learned many new exercises. Although not quite one to one, we were three in a class. Some guests were able to get some really good advice I think. The two pilates instructresses were from overseas and were able to impart their own styles of pilates instructions. The cookery classes were kind of not quite classes but 'join in and do it' therefore learning as we were preparing dinner. Therefore it was quite rushed (as dinner was set time), and we were told we would get recipes and full details later. However it was fun to be taught by a chef and have insights into the way things are done professionally, almost everything was new to me. I would have liked to hear more about Pimonte cuisine as an overview, but understand that the chef was really there to prepare the meal, so that was fine. The visit to the market was lovely, quite the highlight and everyone managed to buy something. The winery also with introduction to tasting and winemaking process, and what organic means. The organisers Robyn and John certainly want to make sure everything is done correctly. The rooms were very comfortable and homely. The weather was perfect.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Nothing just remember to bring your swimmers. There was no pressure to have to join in.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We did not really mix with any local people besides the chef and cleaning staff. We can only assume that the agriturismo regulations, which we understand to be pretty strict, would ensure the farm limited impacts on environments. I forgot to find out about the organic or inorganic ways the fertilisation was done.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant and would recommend it to friends. It is not a cheap holiday, however, but everything was included and the homely approach was very relaxing. 5 course meals each night was lovely, made mostly from home grown produce. They are very welcoming and hardworking host and hostess.
Lene Riis Christensen review 2 Aug 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I felt relaxed and very healthy after a week of extensive pilates and focus on biologic food.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
No need to rent a car - you will not need it. Take up the offer of being picked up at the train station.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
John and Robyn clearly have a great focus on environmental impact in every little detail of the management of the Poppy Farmhouse. It felt good to be part of this.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I very much enjoyed my holiday and hope to comeback back some time.
Flora Scott review 25 Apr 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Discovering pilates.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You will live at quite close quarters with your fellow guests so hope for nice ones or get lots of friends to go too and book out the whole house!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Lovely.
Karen Harkness review 13 Apr 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Amazing cooking experience with lots learned and great fun had at the same time. Pilates also great. And all aspects of the accommodation and service were fantastic.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Think about the amount of time you have at the accommodation, and the amount of time you have to make the most of the cooking & pilates. If possible, best to stay for full week.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - very organically produced food and really local experience
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very, very good - a great life experience.
Glynis Cranefield review 21 Oct 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Good mix of activity and relaxation. Plenty of time to decide on what to do and when. Cooking was 'a wonderful experience' with Gino the chef. A true inspiration.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for 'a new learning' experience. Mostly casual wear required - 1 night out at Pizza Restaurant and visits to festivals and small town markets. A wonderful way of learning new skills - about wine, food and pilates.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
All those employed within the Poppy Farmhouse were local people and all produce supplied from local markets/supermarkets and small shops. All recipes were all very 'Italian!'
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I must admit the holiday was different to what was expected, in a very positive way. As someone travelling alone it was ideal. Italian trains do not display routes and it wasn't easy to follow the announcements once on the train. Fortunately I had a map which offered a degree or reassurance. There was some confusion as there are 2 main line train stations at Genoa. I had return tickets for Genoa Brignole but public transport only went from Genoa Principale thus E20 taxi ride from Genoa Brignole to the airport. Pre holiday information needs to offer some guidance on this.
Christine Allum review 18 Aug 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Overall everything was memorable but I really enjoyed the Pilates sessions and the discovery of Gyrotonic. The views all around the property were unbelievable and I can't wait to go back to explore the area further.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Arrive on the Monday especially if you spend only 3 or 4 nights, if you arrive in the middle of the week for a few nights the group has already formed and it may be more difficult to integrate fully with the rest of the group which arrived on the Monday but don't hesitate to spend 7 nights, well worth it!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely, especially as the accommodation uses only its own organically grown produce and the produce from the local area.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a wonderful week and I would highly recommend it for people travelling alone, the warm welcome from Robyn and John was great, the accommodation and facilities excellent, the teaching of a high standard and the situation of the property exceptional. A good way of completely resourcing yourself, and let's not forget the cooking and the good wine!
Christie Lord review 21 Apr 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Waking up and looking out of my bedroom window every morning to see the mist rising over the Piemont hilltop villages, knowing that the day ahead was going to make me feel very invigorated from all the exercise and very full at the end of it from all the food and wine we all prepared for our evening meal!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Give yourself plenty of time to get from the airport to Asti. Our 45 minute train journey was 50 minutes late setting off from Turin. If you are going for a week, try to arrive in Asti as near to 4pm. The farmhouse is 20 minutes drive from Asti so they are shuttling people to and fro all day otherwise. Although most days you will have two pilates sessions and a cookery class in the evening, try and be flexible as organising fitting who is doing what when tends to be quite fluid.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
All the people employed by John & Robyn [the owners] are locals who work with each other in other jobs they do nearby too. The team there are dedicated to making your stay as special as possible. John has invested and continues to invest on processes and equipment that minimises the impact on the environment. He has some fantastic ideas for the future for the farmhouse and its sustainability too.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent! The pilates teacher, equipment, chef, bedroom - everything is super top quality. The idea itself - a blend of pilates and cookery is so inspiring and from day one makes you feel completely invigorated. It manages to cater for all levels of cooking and pilates in a genuine way so the group, irrespective of age or experience, has really great chemistry. I definitely would love to go again, perhaps in the Autumn when the ingredients are different to the Spring and then I can learn new skills with different meats and vegetables.
Celia Baxter review 4 Aug 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Pilates sessions using equipment.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You don't need to pack much as washing facilities on site.
The amount of food served is huge - so you do need to do the pilates.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes all local produce and trips all provided locally - visits to local markets, local chef and truffle hunting.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great combination of activities in a lovely location.
Dorine Lelyveld review 7 Oct 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is really difficult to pick one part of the holiday as most memorable or exciting (it was just all really great). If I would have to pick one thing I would say that the positive, relaxed and informal attitude that Robyn and John bring to their venue has been the basis for a great holiday.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
No real tips. I would just say, don't book only a 4 day stay. Go for the whole week!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely. The way the farmhouse works made me reconsider my own behaviour back home (and biologically grown food just tastes sooo much better).
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful, great, exactly what I wanted, needed and expected!
Sharon Fitzell review 25 Jun 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many, Pole dancing classes!!, Fabulous teachers, hosts and dog in a well organised and beautiful Italian farmhouse with vine yard and veg garden.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy! This is a fabulous place and experience.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This is a wonderful experiential holiday that's lots of fun.
Barry Woodward review 16 Jun 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
John and Robyn Sims have created the ideal way to spend a week of pure indulgence in a setting which appeals to all of the senses - health, Italian gastronomy and culture, and the warmth of good people committed to enjoyment of the best in life. This review could have been written under any of several categories, for it defies categorization, but I've chosen "hotel" since you can unpack your bags, settle in, and indulge yourself in many ways. Located in the heart of Piemonte, a region in northwest Italy between Torino and Milano which can compete quite well with Tuscany and Umbria for beauty of landscape, food and wine, and richness of Italian culture. Combining the health-giving value of Pilates with that of food grown within a few paces of the house, the accommodation offers a total experience for mind and body.
Skillful and highly qualified Pilates instructors from the US and the UK provide personalized exercise regimes which accommodate your particular level of fitness. The instructor in residence for my sojourn had 25 years of experience and she gained my trust quite quickly, challenging me (having over 2 years of Pilates exercise myself) physically to extend my body's strengths. With a lovely indoor pool (12 meters) nearby, awaiting me for post-Pilates laps of relaxation, and dreamy lunches on the terrace (with a spectacular view of the countryside), anticipation of pleasure was a constant companion.
Late afternoon and early evenings are devoted to preparation of the evening meal, under the skilled guidance of a professional chef. Gino was the epitome of patience and understanding as we accepted his invitations to participate. Under his direction, we made fresh pasta and rissotto with an amazing variety of ingredients, e.g., herbs and vegetables from the garden, plenty of parmigiano reggiano. We cleaned and prepared fresh fish and meats. And, of course, the eagerly anticipated desserts - semifreddo, chocolate mousse, panna cotta - were a joy to prepare and to eat! The wines were a tasty collection chosen from the Papaveri Farm's own vineyards and those in the area.
The accommodations are immaculate and modern. The ancient farm house has been redesigned with comfort in mind as well as keeping the rustic character of the original structure. All the installations are new and there is no compromise of comfort for the sake of a rustic, rural setting.
This is a working farm, with all of the activities associated with maintaining a large house, vineyards, and gardens. John and Robyn find the time to undertake the mundane duties of keeping a country house in working order while sharing their unique and engaging energies and interests with the guests. If one is of a solitary bent, there are plenty of quiet spaces to read or dream or wander though vineyards. There is no schedule to which one must adhere, except the scheduled Pilates sessions, cooking instruction, and visits to markets that one chooses.
The value is incredible, especially when one considers that private Pilates sessions in the US can cost $65 or more per hour and that, in a week's time, 2 sessions per day for 5 or 6 days is a bargain. I was in residence for a week but was joined by 3 delightful and charming women from the UK (I'm from the US) who were there for 3 days and they seemed to have a full and satisfying experience.
In summary, it's difficult to restrain myself in praising the exquisite experience John and Robyn have created. I have spent quite a bit of time in Italy and have one other agriturismo experience (in Chianti) and can state unequivocally that this one has set the standard for a full and satisfying venture into agriturismo. It's doubtful that any other enterprise has been able to combine the broad range of health giving activities in a comparable manner.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Familiarize yourself with Pilates if you don't already know about it. The instructors are well trained and can deal with any level of fitness and familiarity with Pilates. Take a few days either side of the agriturismo experience to explore the Piemonte region.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes! This is a working farm where the Sims utilize "green" methods cultivating their gardens and vineyards.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
My stay was the best packaged vacation I've ever experienced. John and Robyn Sims have created an unforgettable health and gastronomic combination.
Maggie Gray review 26 Aug 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beauty of the area and how the owners of the farmhouse happily enabled their guests to engage with all that was available to them. The pilates and cooking activities were inspirational and great fun. The quality and style of all the amenities were outstanding.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Immerse yourself and just relax.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Without doubt as the owners used local markets and shops to buy produce. Local people were engaged in the house and on the land. The farmhouse also operates for 10 months a year so reducing seasonal fluctuations. Most of the vegetables are grown on the farm with great consideration for bio efficiency. The owners use organic methods as far as possible. Every consideration towards eco efficiency is shown from light bulbs to water usage.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent a unique experience to be repeated.
Lucy Jenks review 31 Jul 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I think the best part was cooking stuffed quail for my family the following week. I really enjoyed being able to go the vegetable garden to pick fresh, organic vegetables and then cook using them. I also really enjoyed the pilates classes and the individual 1 to 1 session were really great. The Pilates studio and facilities including the "reformer" helped me stretch into exercises I'd never done before.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Give plenty of time for the train as on both occasions travelled by train to Genoa and Turin were delayed. Make some tome to spend in Genoa and Turin. A good way of getting there is to fly to Genoa and return via Turin.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes local people employed, organic vegetables vineyard used local markets to buy food.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really relaxing and energising. Combination of pilates and cooking really worked well.
Clare Rhodes review 24 Jun 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's hard to pinpoint just one thing as I had such a good time! I think however, the pole - dancing, (or pole - lates!) was the most memorable part, together with the pilates/pole - lates instructors, (Trisha Hatfield Graves and Cally Baker) and the other guests who really helped to make it a fabulous holiday. It would be remiss not to mention the absolutely fantastic food; I've never eaten so many fresh vegetables, all of which are grown at the farmhouse.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Learn a little basic Italian and really plan your route to Asti station if you are not driving. I hadn't really learnt any phrases and struggled a bit as English wasn't really spoken and the way to get to Asti on public transport wasn't quite as easy as it first seemed. Also, be prepared to "muck in" with the other guests. This holiday is not for those who want to spend a week alone reading and just attending classes. That is the way to miss out on all the wonderful things this holiday has to offer.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely. Robyn and John are clearly very committed to environmental matters and the entire operation has been meticulously thought out in this regard. We also visited a number of local markets and shops.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall, it was a great experience, the only thing I would say is that I returned to the UK absolutely exhausted but in a good way as I felt so much healthier and happier!
