Villetta a Mancaversa

The location and the village restaurants were the one good thing about this place. The property was a disgrace, uncomfortable and poorly equipped for the price, and the host was poor. After 40 years of travel across 134 countries, I've never stayed in such a hovel. Expect extra charges: 25 euros per person for bedding, just a sheet and pillow, electricity, and 90 euros for cleaning even though that was paid up front. There was no AC in the main bedroom, and the toilet and shower were outside. The beds were extremely uncomfortable.

I felt right at home in this clean, cozy villa, with its lovely setting and warm colours. We were able to visit all the places we were interested in from there. The marina was beautiful too, like something from a photo catalogue, and very striking. Book it if you're after a really nice holiday. I recommend it!

The sea is only 150 meters from the house, with Mancaversa's little beach and a cute bar on the waterfront. The sunset is amazing. Maestrale restaurant is a two-minute walk, and everything else we needed was close by. We also went to a great pizzeria in Taviano, 15 minutes away, as well as Pescoluse and Punta Prosciutto, each 30 minutes away, and Gallipoli, 15 minutes away. We first spent a fantastic week here last June, and came back this June because it's such a lovely time to enjoy Salento. The house is affordable and perfectly located for getting around, so on Roberto's advice about autumn holidays, we also decided to return in September. We were completely happy again with the house, welcome and cleanliness. Roberto kindly resent all his recommendations to my phone without me having to ask, which was really handy. This time we could choose the double bed or the second bedroom, which has two beds that can be joined into a king-size bed, plus another bed. The mattresses in that room were excellent, so we slept there very well. Security grilles and mosquito nets meant we could leave the windows open at night. In hot weather, running both air conditioners at 18 degrees for ten minutes cooled the whole house. I used the washing machine daily and expected an electricity bill, but we used only half the weekly allowance in the contract. The machine worked perfectly despite not being an expensive brand, and laundry dried in three or four hours on the drying rack or clothesline in the private courtyard. We ate in the inside courtyard as we did last year. The outdoor shower and second bathroom opening onto the courtyard are so convenient after the beach: you can come in from the back, shower and freshen up without bringing dirt into the house. It's private, and the best. The house was extremely clean last year too, so this time we asked for sheets and towels, as provided for in the contract for only €30. That was convenient for us. We also appreciated that the owner still uses disposable mattress and pillow covers. That's a big plus for us. Villetta Le Soleil has become our regular place for Salento holidays. It's affordable, spotless, close to everything, and Roberto and his wife are wonderful. We had nothing to complain about this year either. After a fantastic week last June, we returned this June and are looking forward to September. We can't wait! I was surprised and disappointed for Roberto and his wife to read two very strange reviews from a guest a few months ago. The language used makes it clear to me that the review isn't honest. We rely on other people's reviews when making choices, and false or dishonest ones are a serious loss for everyone. I'm surely forgetting some positives, but we were as amazed as last year and really have no complaints. Thanks for everything, Roberto. Delphine and Francesco. I'm sharing a few photos, but none of the house. I didn't take any because it looks exactly as it does in the online ads.

Roberto was extremely kind and helpful throughout our stay. We had a great holiday at Villetta Le Soleil, a spacious and comfortable villa with everything we needed to relax. It's only a few kilometers from Gallipoli, in a quiet part of Salento. We'd highly recommend it for a peaceful, comfortable stay.