When I was invited to come on a press visit by Borgobianco Resort & Spa, a luxurious hotel in Puglia, I couldn’t believe my luck! While I’d been on numerous photographic assignments this would be my first freelance trip. What a treat!
And so when the day came I packed my camera kit, pen and note-book and flew off to Bari airport via Milan feeling excited and, ssh… don’t tell anyone, just a little nervous.
At Bari I met up with Sage Russell from Food Pilgrimage and we were greeted by the driver from the hotel. Soon we were on our way and once outside Bari’s conurbation we were passing fields of ancient, twisted and gnarled olive trees, interspersed with blossoming almond trees rising from a carpet of vivid orange and yellow wild flowers. Every now and again, partly hidden by the trees, we’d spot a tumbled-down trulli, the traditional cone-shaped buildings unique to Puglia; a beautiful part of Italy, yet to be discovered by mass tourism.
Pretty country lanes lead to the hotel which is a few miles inland from the lovely seaside town of Polignano a Mare. The fields of wild flowers and olive groves make an enchanting setting for the grand, white-stone hotel that nestles comfortably within its surroundings. You would never guess that it was built just 4 years ago as it was designed with the local architectural traditions and building materials in mind, in the style of the local masseria, the rather grand farm houses of the area.
On arrival we receive a warm greeting from Laure who arranged the press trip. Originally from France, she came to Polignano for a two week holiday. She felt so at home here she decided to stay!
Passing a spacious courtyard with a shaded seating area and a tinkling fountain, I am shown to my delightful room with doors leading out to my own terrace overlooking the gardens. It is decorated all in white, as is the entire hotel, creating a cool and relaxing atmosphere throughout. With indoor and outdoor swimming pools (with heated hydro massage pool), spa with sauna, steam room and gym, 48 rooms and suites, 2 meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi this beautiful hotel really has a lot to offer.
After un-packing I have a couple of hours to relax. My room is perfect with a spacious wardrobe, desk, comfy chair, flat screened TV and mini-bar. In the en-suite bathroom, everything I could possibly need is provided including a pretty matching set of body wash, moisturiser, shampoo and conditioner. The heated towel rail keeps the fluffy white towels and robe continually warm and dry. There is even a pair of slippers in the wardrobe.
We are offered an aperitif before dinner. Cosimo, our bartender and an expert at creating the most delicious cocktails with a unique flair and charm, readily suggests one of his favourites for me to try. My Aperol sour really hits the spot.
Upstairs in the restaurant the hotel’s head chef, Leonardo, has selected a special 6 course dinner to show off the best of all that the hotel and the region has to offer. Red mullet, scampi risotto and ‘slowly cooked’ shi drum (a fish, previously unknown to me) are on the menu, followed by two desserts! Cosimo, who is our waiter for the evening, recommends a Tormaresca Chardonnay, to compliment our meal. I can see that the next few days are going to be a serious set back for my diet. Never mind. Needs must!
My stay at Borgobianco is just for a few days but I have a massage in the hotel’s spa booked and a tour of Polignano to look forward to. Plus we’ll be visiting the beautiful Alberobello, with its famous trulli lined streets, the little harbour at San Vito, the medieval town of Ostuni (known as The White City), and the stunning cave system at Castellana Grote.
And the weather, although a little chilly in the evenings, is a sunny 20 degrees plus during the day – perfect for exploring Puglia. What more could I ask for?
What an exciting trip! That pool area looks absolutely divine – perfect spot to wind down and relax. I see a good sun hat, book and pool side cocktail – perfect recipe for a holiday!
Anita Mac recently posted..Albergues and Hotels on the Camino de Santiago
Oh yes, that would be perfect and just what I need right now!
BorgoBianco Polignano a Mare:Quando si apre il cancello sei già in una atmosfera fiabesca.Ci accoglie una gentilissima Sig.ra adetta al ricevimento e ci sentiamo coccolati da cortesia e professionalità.Ulivi secolari,un mare cristallino,una cucina di altissimo livello,circondati da un bianco candore che avvolge la struttura edificata recentemente ,simulando fedelmente l’ architettura delle vecchie masserie Pugliesi. Eccellente in tutto,un bravo va al Direttore che ha una sapiente regia.Ve lo consiglio!
I put this comment into google translator and it says (more or less)…
“Borgobianco Polignano a Mare: When you open the gate you are already a welcoming atmosphere fiabesca.Ci a gentle Mrs. adetta receipt and feel pampered with kindness and professionalità.Ulivi trees, crystal sea, a haute cuisine, surrounded by a whiteness that surrounds the structure built recently, simulating faithfully the architecture of the old farms of Puglia. Excellent in all, a good director who goes to a wise regia. I recommend it!”
I couldn’t agree more!
Any access to Laure? what about Leonardo,they both plaid a good job for you while you were in Punglia.They need to be thanked for the job well done.I love color white and the work of such 5 + star Hotels,that is why I UNDERTOOK a study in Hotel Management.Welcome back from Italy
Thank you and, yes Laure, Leonardo and all the staff at the hotel were really wonderful. It was an amazing couple of days.
Waiting to visit Puglia with you!
I will do my best to take you on a wonderful journey through my words and pictures.
What a fantastic adventure for you! I’m looking forward to reading more about your trip…
Thanks Meg. I’m looking forward to sharing with you what was an amazing couple of days.
Hopefully heading to Sorrento with work in a few months – fingers crossed! I’ll be watching…..
I’ll being crossing everthing for you! And make sure (beg if necessary) that you have time to visit Positano at the very least.
Sounds divine and I’m looking forward to hearing more… I’ve never been to Italy, which is a travesty since it’s so close. I intend to resolve this later in the year :0)
Not been to Italy (faint). You’d love it! Watch this space…