Trullo Dei Messapi

I truly (trulli? ;) cannot say enough nice things about this gorgeous haven Antonello has created just outside Ceglie Messapica! As soon as you enter the gate, you know you are in a special place. The grounds are covered in beautiful trees and plants - it's a garden paradise! We lucked out when we booked...the big trulli house was available so we grabbed it. We were so overwhelmed by how gorgeous it is!! The restoration and addition are top notch, so well done, so comfortable. And the kitchen is right out of my dreams! It is very well stocked, including a selection in the fridge of yogurt, cold colds, cheese, and incredible homemade jams. It also comes with a private patio area (huge) surrounded by high shrubs and adjacent to the pool (the very gorgeous pool). Antonella could not be a kinder host. She was avidly attentive, made sure we had all we needed and more, brought fresh bread and pastries, fresh fruit to our door, and even made sure we had some of the very special pastries specific to Ceglie, including the most heavenly dried fig "cookies" made by her mother! We felt like royalty. The location feels more rural than it is - the drive down the ancient rock wall lined lanes in a sea of olive tree giants, restored trulli, remnants of trulli, and the rich red dirt of this part of Puglia seem out of a story book. A walk down these narrow roads is a must. Additionally, Antonella and her husband did all they good to assist us with the issue of a car accident we'd had on the way. Yes, those giant cambion (trucks) will squish you against a guard rail...beware! It was comforting having their help, and the story ended well. Our only "mishap" was not planning enough down time to enjoy the B&B. We had day trips planned every day while in the area, and while they were fantastic, we came back each evening bemoaning not having enough time to just relish this incredible place. Hopefully we can remedy that on another visit! I must note, too, that we were enamored with Ceglie Messapica. It is a town very worth spending time in, exploring, enjoying the local cuisine, and rubbing elbows with the very friendly citizens. I cannot recommend Il Trullo dei Messapica highly enough.