Santa Maria Villaggio Turistico

The small size of the place gives it a family-run feel, and the staff paid close attention to what guests needed. Entertainment was simple and genuine, with four polite, discreet people getting children and adults involved in fun activities. The children’s dance was a must, and the little theater hosted team games one evening and classic shows on another. Everything was well prepared, and the young staff clearly put a lot of effort and initiative into it. The restaurant served very good meat and fish, and the pizza from the traditional wood-fired oven was delicious too. Rooms and shared spaces were tidy and clean. Our accommodation sat among greenery, while the restaurant, pool, recreation area, and beach were all nearby. The beach is less than five minutes away on foot through the neighboring campsite, with fine sand and a gently sloping seabed that works well for children and people who don’t swim. The location is also good for water sports like sailing. A lovely little place for a lively holiday away from the bustle of larger resorts.

Carlos ran the entertainment really well, putting on lovely evenings and games of beach volleyball, water polo, five-a-side football, and bocce. Activities were on the beach in the morning and moved to the pool in the afternoon, though there’s nowhere to hold them when it rains. We had a great holiday overall as a family of five with three children, but some practical things could be better. The cabins get very hot in summer, and the air conditioning is weak, only in the kitchen, and costs €7 a day. The outdoor veranda felt small, stuffy, and poorly ventilated, and there wasn’t a deckchair outside for reading or relaxing. Soundproofing was good. Sheets were the only free item, changed weekly. There were no sponges or toilet paper, few cooking utensils, high hard pillows that we couldn’t swap, and no oven, though the fridge was roomy. Wi-Fi worked in most places but was weak. Ants were everywhere, including in the kitchen and pots and pans, which really needs attention. The restaurant was disappointing for both quality and quantity, with small portions and little variety. Prices felt high for what we got, the pizza was dry and just okay, there’s no ice cream shop or artisan pastry shop, and a very small plate of chips costs €5. The coffee was good. There are no barbecue areas, despite plenty of space. The village itself is small, family-friendly, and surrounded by olive trees. It’s a beautiful spot; the supermarket and pharmacy are 800 meters away. Entry is through a gate opened with a code, which gave us a sense of security. Common areas were clean and well organized. The tennis and soccer court was maintained and free, but wasn’t lit at night, even after we asked. Play areas for younger and older children are small and poorly lit at night, and the bocce court is also unlit. The small pool has sections for children and adults, but swimming caps are required. Pool hours seemed too limited: open at 9:00 a.m., closed for lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., then shut at 7:00 p.m. It would be nice to have even one evening swim. The beach has fine sand, a beautiful shallow sea that’s good for children, and showers. We’d specifically requested a front-row spot but got the back row, although umbrellas are spaced well. It was nice that the beach stays open until midnight, making dinner there or a nighttime swim possible. The sea is especially lovely in the morning at low tide, and it’s breezy morning and afternoon, good for surfing lessons and the like. The Trabucchi are close enough to visit on foot. The houses are well placed between the pool and sea. There’s a great shared outdoor shower with hot water, but just one for the whole village, and nowhere to hang a towel. Four stars, and still a very good holiday.

Angela at reception was precise, kind, and attentive to every need. Emilia and Davide, the lifeguards, were just as friendly and helpful. Everyone was professional and very willing to help. The pool was well cared for and managed, with umbrellas and loungers for all guests. The bungalows were comfortable, fully equipped, and very clean, like the rest of the resort. They sit in a beautiful olive grove close to the beach, reached by a very short walk, with wide, well-kept paths between them. On the wide beach, umbrellas are nicely spaced and come with two loungers, with another available if requested. The sea is exceptionally clear and shallow, suitable for children. The beach is barrier-free, with walkways for wheelchairs to reach the umbrellas and accessible chairs for people with mobility difficulties to bathe.

The bed is the one thing I’d change, since the mattress is quite hard. Still, this is my second visit, and Villaggio Santa Maria is the kind of place that keeps drawing you back. It’s small enough that you get to know people well. Carlos, Mariateresa, and Eleonara were great with both grown-ups and kids. We’ll definitely return.