Masseria Fortificata Donnaloia

The location is perfect, about a 10-minute walk to the beach. For umbrellas and chairs, you’ll need to drive for 7 minutes or take the hotel’s free shuttle, which has a pickup schedule for the return, so you can’t leave whenever you like. Staff were very friendly, and I especially enjoyed chatting with the young gentlemen at breakfast. Breakfast at 8 am felt late for us and for the industry standard, but it’s Puglia, and I didn’t meet a single tourist who spoke a language other than Italian. It was a charming, relaxing hotel with character, and room 26 was one of the best we’ve stayed in. Just be aware there’s no shower, only a jacuzzi with a pullout handle. It didn’t bother us. Definitely a five-star experience, and we’ll recommend Masseria Donnaloia to our friends.

It’s an old olive ranch with a spa, and the place has plenty of character and history.

The worst part was how we were treated at every step. We had booked the spa for our sister’s hen do and arrived late, which we already knew and accepted. Still, the first thing we heard was that there were nine of us instead of seven and we had to leave in an hour. Beatrice kept coming in to tell us to lower our voices, even though we were talking normally and the cave setting echoed badly. We only had 45 minutes left, and one of us eventually asked her to let us enjoy the experience because it had become too much. The facilities were disappointing too. There were no showers, shampoo or soap, and no mattresses for the sun loungers because they said they had run out. Some bathrobes had holes, but we couldn’t photograph them since our phones had been taken and locked away at the start. When we left, the staff member slammed the door and handed us a copy of the form we’d signed, with the late-arrival section underlined. After that, a manager, or whoever he was, followed us into the parking lot to discuss what we still owed, speaking rudely and arrogantly. At reception we tried to pay and complain, but staff shouted that we had received the service we deserved and hadn’t treated them well. They also wouldn’t let us speak with the main manager. I’m from Puglia, and this was our first visit, for my sister’s celebration. I’d give it zero stars if I could. We left feeling this place does nothing to reflect the hospitality of this beautiful region. Save your money for people who deserve it. The staff came across as rude and arrogant, with no sense of service.

The staff were really friendly and helpful, and the luxury felt comfortable rather than in your face. It’s a beautiful fortified masseria, with a spa, gym and restaurant.