Villa More

I had a great three weeks at Villa More, where Dora and Roby were kind and welcoming hosts. The villa sits in the countryside, about a 20-minute drive from Lecce, so you need a car, and Monteroni is about five minutes away. There are four fairly roomy, air-conditioned apartments, plus a large pool and a jacuzzi that doesn’t work. As a solo traveller, I found the hosts very accommodating and had a good stay. Still, several things need attention, which is why I’m giving three stars. The price is high, though I was there in August, when summer rates apply, and the apartments are quite basic. Beds vary across the four units, but most are floor futons or uncomfortable sofa beds in the kitchen and living space. I wouldn’t consider those suitable for four adults, though they might work for teens or children. The apartments were also missing complete sets of cutlery, dishes, and pans, and much of what was provided was chipped. I asked for a couple of pasta bowls and they were brought right away; I also requested a kettle, which arrived a few days later. Providing a full set of cutlery and inexpensive basic dishes in each apartment would be easy to fix and maintain. My biggest disappointment was learning that the pool was open to the public and rented out for private evening parties. I wasn’t told this before booking. Guests weren’t checked for vaccinations or temperature before entering the villa, and on weekends the pool, garden, and bar area filled with people, which didn’t feel very COVID safe. During parties, the music drowned out the peace, and it was awkward to sit on the terrace with people giving us odd looks. Midweek, usually only the occasional family or couple used the pool, but this still wasn’t the quiet sunny holiday I expected. The jacuzzi being broken for some time and used as a kids’ pool was also disappointing, though less so than the public access and parties. For what the accommodation costs, I think the pool should be shared only by guests in the four apartments. Money from public visitors could go toward maintaining the apartments, but it seems to go toward buying new villas or holidays instead. Sometimes it felt like Club Med at Sandals prices. It’s a shame, because the place has real potential to become the 'incantevole' villa it says it is.