Casina Travanza is so special that you almost don’t want to share the secret. The moment the gates open and your car heads up the driveway flanked with orange trees, limes and lemons, you know you are set for a holiday to remember. The host, Vincenzo, has thought of everything. There were treats in the fridge to greet us - Homemade Puglian jams, and cakes, fresh fruits, drinks and breads. The house has outdoor spaces to rival any of the masseria hotels we visited last year - a large terrace at the front to sit and admire the views of the olive groves and the sea beyond in the morning, a balcony off the kitchen with a dining table and a beautiful outdoor kitchen with pizza oven and BBQ area - to mention a few. The pool is relatively small but was perfect for our family of 5. There are 2 sun loungers and other rocking-style chairs to read and relax in and a poolside shower.
Inside, there are 2 doubles downstairs and a single on the top floor with a writing desk overlooking the wild thyme on the hills fringing the back of the house. The style is chic and minimalist with great design flair. The sheets and towels are all boutique hotel standard. There were pool towels ready for us in a casina trovanza cloth bag- a lovely touch. The kitchen has plenty of appliances for cooking and preparing meals.
We hired a car to visit the local towns and beaches - Polignano a Mare, Matera, Cisternino and campo Marino were a few highlights. And there’s an impressive wine resort with tours about 10 minutes from the house that does 5:30pm tours at the weekends. It was a shame that we were not within walking distance of a bar...or restaurant.. but there are bikes provided had we wanted to venture out without the car. A magical place ... we left with memories to treasure. We hope to return.