We booked an impromptu holiday to Puglia after the UK’s 5pm announcement on Thursday and what a wonderful experience we had at Borgo Aratico.
To start the villa ... it was beautiful. There were 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2 kitchens indoors, as well as a Mezzanine lounge and two dining tables. There was a large salt water pool and great bbq area, as well as chairs surrounding a fire pit. The villa has great views and was extremely peaceful. The only sound was the occasional tractor in the distance.
Everything was spotlessly clean. Even the bathroom towels were in sanitised bags, and midway through the week the bedding and towels were changed. The bathrooms came with shower gel, shampoo and body lotion from Puglia which was a lovely little treat.
We were welcomed to the villa with local wine and fresh baked bread, as well as a small basket of gifts. This was very much appreciated after a very early start.
The villa is quite remote but there is a local bakery, deli, butchers and a small supermarket within 20/30 minutes walk in Selva.
The best part of the villa was Gaia, the concierge. She sorted absolutely everything. We chose to use taxis rather than hire a car and it worked out really
well. We got taxis to and from
the airport, for a supermarket shop and to Alberobello. Gaia recommended restaurants and was on hand 24/7, even after our stay, she still offered to help us with bookings and recommendations when we visited Bari. She went above and beyond.
The steak restaurant near the villa was an absolutely brilliant recommendation. It is walking distance and was a great meal. We also took advantage of having chef Davide of Puglia Delicious come to the villa one evening for my dad’s 60th. Gaia and Davide decorated the table so beautifully and provided the most spectacular meal and wine. It was excellent value for money as well.
We had a great week at Borgo Aratico and would highly recommend a visit!