Here are the notes I took during my trip to Italy!
3/28-30 Puglia
Borgo Egnazia – new build – built like a Puglia village – very contemporary. Stayed in room #10 – 2 story accommodation – bedroom upstairs. Pros – variety of amenities – beautiful spa, multiple pools and dining outlets. Golf course and private beach club with shuttle running every 20 minutes. Tennis courts, bike rentals. Beach club can rent any type of water sport – banana boat, paddle board, wave runners. Beautiful dining room (main) other dining was more casual and seating outdoors. Great for families. Cons – hard to find your way around when you are staying in the Borgo – they need a GPS map ap for the property. Some may want a more authentic property not a new build.
La Fiermontina – in town Lecce Brand new – Good if you want to stay in the town of Lecce – walk to everything. The owner married 2 artists over her lifetime and the hotel is decorated with beautiful art and sculpture. Simple décor, round tubs in some of the bathrooms. Pro – in town, intimate Cons – a little basic on the décor
Masseria Trapana – 9 rooms – Just opened – Rob from Australia is the owner. Very chic but understated and subtle. Beautiful fire pit to sit around, olive press area underground that will be a spa in the future. Building a tennis court. Pro – common areas, good for couples, outdoor bathtubs, Olive the cat/mascot cons – none that come to mind
San Domenico – 40 rooms – my favorite – amazing pool – Yummy property built in 12th century. There were nice touches like a lavender bundle on the pillows. Great bar area. Great for couples. More traditional décor and with nice color throughout.
Le Carrabe – almost like a farmhouse – very rustic (where JT and Jessica Alba got married) one of 2 vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the region. Rooms are very simple – not for those who want luxury but who want quiet and privacy. No children under 12. Very small set in the middle of an olive grove. Pros – quiet, picturesque setting with views of the ocean. Cons – rooms are a bit too basic for those who want luxury but very well priced – 200Euro in high season. Would be good for a group of friends to rent the whole place. Has 2 small pools.
Borgo Egnacio, San Domenico and La Carrabe all owned by San Domenico hotels ( look up website – check out other properties by them.
LOVED the town of Ostuni
3/30/-4/1 Matera
Sextantio – cave hotel – one of a kind in the town of Matera – fascinating town and very cool hotel. Rooms are caves and very medieval but great atmosphere – candles everywhere.
Toured Matera – interesting history
Drove through Trulli
4/1-4/3 Naples
Naples – stayed at Hotel Romeo – didn’t care for this hotel – very contemporary, dark – also didn’t much care for Naples. Cool underground tour and great museum.
Pompeii – cool
4/3-5 Ravello
Palazzo Avino – Ravello – stunning – my bathroom was VERY small but the room itself good sized and the hotel and grounds are lovely. Insane dinner the last night at their 2star Michelin restaurant.