Masseria Zanzara

We had a wonderful birthday dinner under the trees and stars, and we’ll definitely come back. The garden was beautiful, the food was perfect, and the staff were very helpful and able to accommodate our needs. It was one of the best restaurants in Puglia.

The grounds and historic building have real charm, and being so close to the seafront is lovely. Our large suite also had a second room with a single bed, its own bathroom, and a big private terrace. There’s a lot of potential here, though parts of the property need attention: the bathroom has seen better days and other areas felt neglected. The room was sparse for a four-star stay, with no cushions, sofa, mirror, or bin, and the pillows could have been much better. A large flock of birds nearby made noise from 5am until late evening, so it wasn’t peaceful; the bright air-conditioning and TV lights didn’t help at night either. The restaurant isn’t always open, and it’s the only place to get a drink. We ate there one evening, but the food disappointed us and screaming children spoiled the meal. A minibar or drinks at reception would be useful, and breakfast needs more choice.

We started out happy with the nice room and very friendly staff, but our final night was a mess. Room 12 is directly above the courtyard, where a party was going on. We expected it to finish before midnight, but at 12:30am the music was still blaring. I asked if we could sleep in another room, since it didn’t seem likely to end soon. I was told it would be over in five minutes and move to the garden. It did move, but the music was still so loud we could hear it clearly in the room. It continued until 3am or later, and we only managed to fall asleep around 3am. Between that lost sleep and the water pressure, which kept switching between weak, normal, hot, and cold, the stay was disappointing. Management should avoid putting guests in room 12 when there’s a party. It was torture, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. If late parties happen often, soundproofing the rooms might help. Room 12 is on the top floor and the water pressure isn’t stable, so please fix it soon, especially since that room costs slightly more than a regular one.

The setting was wonderful, and the pizzica dancing was really captivating. The food, though, didn’t quite satisfy me. For the aperitivo, I’d expected something more rural and handmade, rather than salami and prosciutto from the grocery store.