Carrubia

The property is beautiful. On arrival, you’re greeted by a classic Italian masseria, nearly 200 years old, on a large plot of land. The owners have added a dining and breakfast area alongside the original manor, and there’s a spa downstairs. During our mid October visit the spa was unavailable, unfortunately, and it’s the only place with a Jacuzzi. A large pool sits in the middle of the property, with smaller suites at its shallow end. Between the main manor and pool are four primary suite rooms. We stayed in room number six in that block. The lighting and stone design were modern and very tastefully done. The room was spacious, with a nice open closet area, and the bathroom was large with a lovely shower. The windows each have two opening options. You can reach the small patio through the sliding door in the room or the bathroom door. Every window has sturdy metal gates that open and close automatically. Breakfast was excellent and plentiful: Italian pastries, fresh coffee and cappuccino, fruit, yogurt, and cereal. Everything was fresh. We were the only guests there at the time, though, so I can’t say how breakfast is during peak season. There’s a good parking area behind the property, and they give you a remote for the entry gate so you can come and go at any hour. Several towns, including Nardò and Santa Maria, are within 20 minutes and offer plenty to do. Staff were very friendly, and I’d definitely stay again if I return to the area. The only downsides were that the main pool isn’t heated and we couldn’t use the spa Jacuzzi. In mid October, the pool water was far too cold to enjoy.