We had the best time at Ute and Mario's Giardini di Marzo. We had some trouble finding the B&B as it's located in the middle of the gorgeous countryside, but Ute directed us to a little church nearby and came to pick us up there. After that, it was easy. The house and the garden are beautiful. We spend four days here, mostly relaxing and reading on the sunbeds, walking through the olive gardens and drinking coffee, eating ice cream and having great dinners in the lovely town of Ceglie Messapica, which is about ten minutes driving from the B&B. If you have a car, it’s also easy to reach other great sites, such as Ostuni, Lecce and the sea on both sides of Italy’s ‘heel’. Mario and Ute know a lot about the history of the area and about all the things to see, to do and to eat, which is really interesting. Breakfast is great, and healthy: think dark bread, tomatoes, fresh ricotta or mozzarella, a drizzle of their own organic olive oil, fresh juice and strawberries. And on top of all that, there are the animals: eight donkeys, three cats (with hidden kittens) and Lilly the dog. Being total animal lovers but living in a tiny city apartment, just hanging out with Lilly, reading with the cats on our laps, and walking the dog AND the mother donkey Luna was absolutely great. So, in short: if you’re looking for a restful stay in the Puglian countryside, great hospitality, relaxing in a beautiful garden and playing around with animals, stay here! It’s total bliss. Thanks Ute and Mario!