2283 Villa La Paiara by Perle di Puglia

The biggest problem was the owner, Senor Antonio. A retired policeman, he came by every day to inspect the property and kept trying to get more money from us for cleaning and towel changes. We had paid a lot for the whole place, including eight ensuite rooms, the pool, kitchen, and dining area, and just wanted a quiet week of swimming, cooking, lounging, and cocktails. Instead, we felt watched and repeatedly asked to buy extras. We started calling him 'Senor Ryanair'. We were respectful, clean, all non-smokers, and professionals, but the daily visits and 'begging' put a real shadow over the holiday. We told the agency about his intrusive behavior. My advice to the owner is to relax, take the money, and let people enjoy their holiday in peace. If you want a relaxing stay, think carefully before booking, or agree on boundaries with him first. The setting itself is good, among olive trees, and the property is large and spacious. There's a separate, very large kitchen wing and a dining hall. The rooms all have ensuite bathrooms and small kitchenettes, which is nice, but each has one double bed and one small sofa bed, and that wasn't very comfortable. The bathrooms have a toilet, sink, bidet, and shower, no bath. The shower looked fairly new, perhaps two or three years old. The pool is great and uses salt water instead of chlorine, which I much preferred. See pictures.

Really nice place!

The owner, Mr. Antonio, was cheerful and helpful, and his service made our week special. Fourteen of us stayed at this wonderful villa during the last week of August, surrounded by olive trees, quiet, and beautiful sunsets. We'd love to return, and would recommend it to families or groups of friends looking for a special holiday like ours.

Antonio is attentive without being intrusive, and he really makes you feel at home. The farmhouse is tucked among olive trees and is clean, well cared for, and welcoming, with apartments that are both charming and practical. It's also a great base for the beaches and places like Lecce, the bauxite quarry, Roca Vecchia, and the Grotta della Poesia.