About us
About
In 2022, Shari Wijnhoud, Bodo Groen, and Ellen Grandjean founded Plinius® to provide travelers with comprehensive assistance in discovering exclusive, unique Italian villas. Additionally, Plinius® inspires with stories from local guides, enhancing the ultimate slow travel experience.
Plinius® serves as your compass to uncover the real Italy. We believe that travel is better when there is time and space to appreciate the authenticity of Italy. Therefore, we offer exclusive slow-travel vacation villas and articles that allow travelers to enjoy Italy like carefree locals. Plinius® doesn't sell vacations but 'slowcations.' For us, it's all about an unspoiled connection with local culture, people, and landscapes. Far from mass tourism and crowds, it's about an enriching, surprising, and immersive experience in Italy.
“Let me into the secrets you would prefer no one to know.” ~ Plinius the Younger
PLINIUS the Younger (62– c.113) was a Roman politician, philosopher, and writer. He described the Tuscan countryside to his friends in his famous writing “Letters on the Tuscan Villa”. In his vivid descriptions of country estates, including the gardens, art, and surroundings. He also tried to improve the balance between man and nature. In one of his letters, Plinius describes “the perfect day” in Tuscany. Interestingly, his perfect day (1st century AD) has not much changed from our perfect day.
We aim to continue Plinius’ journey and follow in his footsteps by sharing his love for beautiful places, slow living, nature, art, and culture. Plinius shared his findings through letters and we use a more digital form to communicate and let you into the secrets you would prefer no one else to know. Plinius stands for sharing the most beautiful places in Italy in a more sustainable way. The places we selected are the result of this ambition.