The Trullo delle Fate is a beautiful place to stay, quirky, characterful and rustic in style, and very well equipped with everything you need. We visited in mid-May with our one-year-old son, who loved playing in the garden and investigating the local bugs and lizards. There is a small pool, more of a plunge pool really, and although the water was still very cold at the beginning of summer we found it refreshing to cool off on the hotter days. There is lots of outdoor space for eating, drinking and chilling out, and lovely views across the olive groves to the Adriatic on the horizon.
The location feels very remote and peaceful, but you're still only 10 minutes' drive from Ostuni and Carovigno, down a pretty country road lined by dry stone walls, wildflowers and olive groves. There is lots to see and do in the local area - I'd particularly recommend visiting Ostuni, Cisternino, Lecce and Polignano a Mare. Alberobello is also a must-see, although it's very touristy - get there as early in the morning as you can to avoid the worst of the crowds! There are plenty of supermarkets nearby, though be aware most are shut on Sundays and some shut during the middle of the day (as do lots of things in southern Italy). A lot of the nearby beach clubs seemed to be closed when we visited, but there were good facilities at Lido Bizarro (€5 to park and €15 to hire a parasol and two loungers) and there was a very nice seafood restaurant at Lido Bosco Verde where we had fresh lobster for lunch (both about 20-25 mins drive away).
We did have a couple of issues during our stay, in particular with the pump that provides water to the trullo from an artesian well, but these were resolved promptly and would not put me off staying again. Just remember that you are in rural Italy, not a busy city, so things happen at a slower pace - this is all part of the appeal!
A few tips specifically for those staying here with a baby:
- Bring a picnic blanket for your little one to play on in the garden, as the lawn is a little dry and spiky
- There's no need to bring black-out blinds, the wooden shutters in the bedrooms block out light very effectively
- There is a shop in Carovigno called 'Il Mio Bebé' which sells baby equipment, food, toys etc if you forget anything, about 10 minutes' drive from the trullo