We could write a story about our stay at Dimora Casanoja. It was magical. Admittedly we can be exceedingly particular about accommodations, and after pouring over listings throughout Puglia, we decided on Dimora Casanoja for what appeared to be an emphasis on design and a relaxing experience. Very often pictures and descriptions don't live up to what they promise, in this case it was the exact opposite. Every detail about our stay exceeded our expectations... it was one of those rare times that blind faith leads you in a wonderful direction...

Upon arriving in Bari with two small children - after a long plane trip from New York and a train from Rome - we were absolutely exhausted only to find there were no rental cars anywhere in the vicinity of Bari (would have required yet another trip to Brindisi airport many miles south). We took a taxi to town of Noci and the owner Carmine came to pick us up... the first kind gesture of so many to come. We drove a short distance from the center of town to the countryside, the landscape becoming more and more beautiful. We came to a old gate and turned onto a long road to their property lined with stone walls and indigenous vegetation. A few minutes and winding turns later, we arrived at the Dimora Casanoja property, greeted by Clara (Carmine's wife) waving in the distance. Carmine explained that she had prepared a "small" lunch up near the family's trulli, a short walk along their breath-taking property from our private house. We knew we had made the right choice... at lunch we met two people we now consider friends.

Our house was a beautiful mix of old meets new vernacular - completely comfortable, simple and peaceful. Again to our surprise and delight, Carmine and Clara had stocked the kitchen with local foods and wine, as well as maps and itineraries of their favorite places. Immediately Carmine arranged for a local rental car for us and at every turn was available to ensure we were having a wonderful time and seeing what we'd hoped. While we ventured out during the day - Fasano, Polignano di Mare, Matera, Alberobello are all within 30 minutes - our strongest memories will be our walks on the property (eating wild berries and herbs as we meandered) at Dimora Casanoja and the hospitality offered by Clara and Carmine. On our last night, as a final book-end of generosity, the family cooked us the most delicious meal of local seafood, vegetables and cheeses.

We couldn't give a stronger endorsement of Casanoja...