Puglia, located in the very south of Italy, is famed for its traditional food, stunning coastline, relaxed vibe and hot climate (even in November, when we visited!)
It's known for being less frantic and crowded than other Italian tourist hotspots, so no wonder its the holiday destination of choice for plenty of celebrities - and when they visit, it's often the Borgo Egnazia hotel complex they choose to stay at.
Designed to mimic the beautiful, iconic architecture of a traditional Puglian village, with white stone buildings and cobbled paths that offset Italy’s blue sky perfectly, a stay at Borgo Egnazia really is something special.
We were lucky enough to spend 48 hours living the superstar lifestyle at the hotel, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of its award-winning Vair Spa and the enjoying culinary delights of authentic Italian cuisine. Here's what we discovered...
Where to sleep...
The Borgo Egnazia offers three types of accommodation, and nature is the design focal point of every room. Against neutral walls and furnishings, natural and recycled objects become unique works of art, including lavender, glass and foliage.
Perfect for couples and honeymooners, there are hotel rooms and suites in the main building, La Corte. This part of the hotel is also home to the Due Camini restaurant and the Vair Spa.
For slightly longer breaks, there are the Borgo cottages – spacious, two storey houses with a private roof terrace, balcony and walled garden, which sleep up to four people.
These surround a central piazza (pictured below) where the hotel hosts events, dining experiences and weddings – it’s where Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel got married in 2012! There are two more restaurants here, La Frasca and Mia Cucina, where you can try out your pasta-making skills in an Italian cooking class.
Finally, for families, there is a selection of private, three story villas - the largest of which sleeps eight people. They are fully equipped with private pools, roof terraces and gardens. You can also opt to have a private chef - don't mind if we do!
What to do...
Borgo Egnazia is home to the award winning Vair Spa. Far from your ordinary spa, Vair prides itself on focusing just as much on mental health and wellbeing as it does physical relaxation.
The treatments designed to make the body feel at ease, clear the mind and help customers feel invigorated emotionally and physiologically. To complete the healing process, there is an in-house shaman who can talk you through your stresses and strains.
We recommend the Abbel Bel facial, the cleansing Roman baths and a combined session of talking therapy and osteopathic manipulation with the shaman. After the treatments, you can expect to feel a state of relaxation unlike any other - just what we want from a holiday!
There are also indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a reading room, a cigar room, a games rooms and many other hidden corners perfect for escaping.
Just a five minute walk from the hotel is Borgo Egnazia’s own private beach, water sports centre and golf course.
What to eat...
All three of Borgo Egnazia’s restaurants serve the highest quality, traditional Italian cuisine that lives up to Puglia’s reputation as a culinary hotspot in the south of Italy.
We reccomend, of course, the perfectly al dente pasta and soft, freshly baked focaccia. In fact, we're getting hungry just thinking of it...
Overall verdict?
Our stay at the Borgo Egnazia was a once in a lifetime getaway – a truly memorable experience that left us feeling relaxed, invigorated and rejuvenated. If that’s how we felt after just 48 hours, a longer weekend would be pure bliss.
The Borgo Egnazia special offer
Holiday like a celeb and make the most of this last minute holiday offer. Stay seven nights and pay for just six at Borgo Egnazia (www.borgoegnazia.com / +39 080 225 5000) this November/December. Prices start from £755 per person based on two adults sharing a La Corte Bella on a bed and breakfast basis, including return economy class flights and private transfers. This offer represents a saving of up to £110 per person and travel must be completed before 29 December 2016. Book with ITC Luxury Travel (01244 355527,www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk)
Seven nights at Borgo Egnazia costs from £1,279 per person based on two adults sharing a La Corte Bella on a bed and breakfast basis, including return economy class flights with British Airways from London Gatwick and private transfers. Book with ITC Luxury Travel - Based on a departure date of April 2017.
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