Villafiorita

Villa Fiorita Holiday Home sits on a hill in Gioiosa Marea and is easy to find with GPS. It has three mini-apartments. We stayed in Cicala, a small house for five people. The owners live above it, and the apartments are built into the basement of their residence. The bedrooms have no direct outside windows, which keeps the place cool, but it also means the air doesn't circulate well, especially on hot days. This should be made clear in the description. One room has three single beds and a window looking into the living room/kitchenette, so it doesn't get natural light directly. It has a comfortable wardrobe, three bedside tables, a wall-mounted TV, and enough room to get around with three small suitcases. The double room has two bedside tables, a wardrobe, and another wall-mounted TV. Its window faces a cavity wall, so it isn't directly lit, though it does have a mosquito net. The bathroom has a very large shower, bidet, toilet, and sink, with an air vent but no window. The pool is immaculate, and the poolside bar has reasonably priced breakfast, snacks, and cocktails. Breakfast needs to be requested the night before. There's a small terrace or garden at the entrance with a table, six chairs, two loungers, a drying rack, and clothes pegs. The three apartments share two stone barbecues. Inside, the small living room/kitchenette connects to the two bedrooms and a bathroom with a window and mosquito net overlooking the garden. There's a washing machine, two wall-mounted hairdryers in the bathrooms, parking, and an umbrella available on request. The owners are always available if you need kitchen accessories. Housekeeping was very good, though I'd suggest cleaning or changing the extractor hood filter and the pan drawers too. Three lovely, calm, sociable cats roam the grounds and will charm children and even some adults who aren't usually keen on animals. Their presence should be mentioned in the listing. I have allergies and found the cats difficult to deal with, especially in a house without proper ventilation. The entrance door also has no screen to keep out insects or the cats. The mattresses, both single and double, are old spring mattresses and not very good quality. I asked the owner 3-4 months beforehand whether they were new, and he said they were. In my opinion they're at least 3-4 years old, and they made my back pain worse. The bed bases also need replacing, since even a slight movement makes them creak and wake you up. After a few days I raised this with Mr. Giacomo, and he seemed resentful after I gave the feedback. I also think it's unacceptable that guests can't be invited to use the pool, even perhaps for an extra fee. This should be explicitly stated in the house rules, which were never actually provided. After paying €3,500 for 17 nights, the lack of flexibility was annoying, especially since other properties allow it. There were some bright spots in a holiday that started with the best intentions. Still, at more than €200 a night, the lack of windows and proper ventilation, particularly for people with allergies, and the uncomfortable beds were really unpleasant.

We were lucky with our choice of place to unwind with my husband and keep the kids entertained. I decided after speaking to the owners by phone, and they were kind straight away, understood our needs with two small children, and offered to help. When we arrived, the warm welcome, cleanliness, and family atmosphere confirmed that first impression. We had fun and relaxed, and the owners have thought of what families might need both inside the house and in the shared areas. The pool is set up for little ones too. Thanks again, see you soon!

The owners are wonderful and take such good care of you. We spent five days here and loved it. The apartments are comfortable, very clean, and have everything you need, plus a bit more. The pool felt like a little oasis, helped by the very comfortable water temperature. We'd happily recommend the place and will definitely come back!

There's a real sense of peace and happiness here, so I'll honestly return. The owners are friendly, decent people who make you feel welcome instead of like an outsider. The price is affordable, and you won't regret going. The area is stunning and the beach is close by, and the villa apartment is welcoming, spotless, and fully equipped. The pool is beautiful, clean, and well cared for, just like the verandas and all the green areas. I'm not exaggerating, believe me! And do try the Arancino at Benvenuti al Sud, you'll be amazed.