After a fabulous week further south in Otranto and Gallipoli we arrived to the peace and quiet of this stunning villa. We have had a perfect week here as a family of five with late teen/early 20s kids. The villa is gorgeous and very special – lots of room and spaces for us all. The pool has been a real highlight and desperately required on some very hot days! Evenings are a perfect temperature here. We have visited all the local towns and sights – favourites for us have been Ostuni, Polignano, Locorotondo but Cisternino is stunning for our local nights out. Ketty from Simpson Travel has been outstanding – recommending and booking restaurants, beach clubs and even parking. Another wonderful holiday from Simpson. We would absolutely come back as so much to see and do and we feel like we have just touched the surface! Grazie Mille Puglia!
The Carter family,
July 2025
We've had a wonderful time in Puglia and have thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility of Villa Ddo. This is our fourth summer holiday with Simpson and can honestly say this has been the most relaxed. The villa has been great – we’ve loved the pool. The views are spectacular but it’s the peace and quiet we’ve appreciated most. We’ve visited most of the local towns and enjoyed a day trip to Matera and Gravina di Puglia to see the bridge in the James Bond film. We also enjoyed some time at Lido Stella beach where it was mostly occupied by Italians so obviously a local favourite too. A very special thanks must go to Ketty and Francesco for their outstanding care and support.
Wendy, Sean, James & Matthew,
June 2025
Such a beautiful region – Puglia is having its moment in the limelight compared to the more visited parts of Italy. I have long wanted to see Polignano a Mare and it didn’t disappoint. We were also enchanted by Bari (Old Town), Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Alberobello, Ostuni and our local town Cisternino.
We struggled to find food in Puglia’s restaurants for our vegetarian daughter, but was fortunate she liked pizza Margherita. For the fish/meat eaters the restaurants were delightful.
Villa Ddo was exquisitely designed with its minimalist vibe that didn't skimp on comfort. I particularly liked that the architect referenced the local masseria with the outside staircase and chimney feature of this otherwise simple design. The pool was beautiful and we were particularly appreciative of the filtration system which did not use chlorine – my hair remained frizz-free all week! Our host, Pinuccia, was very welcoming and helpful.
All in all a most relaxing and luxurious holiday!
The Bullers,
May 2025
Terrific location just a very short drive into a number of beautiful hill towns and within easy access to the coast and spectacular historic countryside. The E bikes allowed a great experience along the Apulia Aqueduct trail through deserted ancient olive groves and trullis. The accommodation is very comfortable and sits well within the landscape and having the Relais close by for a lazy breakfast or evening meal is an added bonus.
Mr Mark Howe,
October 2024
Gorgeous villa, beautifully decorated and finished and so peaceful. Enjoyed visiting the local towns and beaches and the trulli village.
A very enjoyable week.
The Cuthbert-Browns,
August 2024
A beautiful week, in a beautiful villa, in beautiful surroundings and beautiful hosts and staff.
Our first time in Puglia and we will be back as there is so much to explore.
Thanks again
Emma, Pete, George and William,
July 2024
We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Villa Ddo, Modern, contemporary in style, lovely furnishings, such a peaceful setting, yet only a few minutes drive away for a supermarket, and 15 minutes to the local town for restaurant choices. To have the Relais Ddo next door offering breakfast /lunch or dinner is a great option for guests not wanting to cook, but have the privacy of own pool & villa space. You need to be a confident driver as the roads are rather slim and un-lit at night, we felt safe and relaxed during our stay. Definitely worth a visit! Thankyou Simpson Travel.
Ms Tracy Winer,
June 2024
The villa is stunning! Amazing stay! Loved every minute! Dinner, breakfast - you must try! So much attention to detail! Wonderful people that look after you. What's not to love?
Jean & John,
June 2024
We had a lovely time in this amazing villa and we have really enjoyed our time here. We can recommend some beautiful Puglian towns and the city of Lecce, well worth a visit. The towns nearby that are definitely worth visiting are Locorotondo, Alberobello (for the trullis), Martina Franca and Cisternino. Some amazing restaurants and cafes. Enjoy your time here!
The Rikhi Family,
June 2024
It is very hard to draw oneself from this beautifully designed and well-equipped villa to explore the surrounding countryside, towns, and cities – but it is worth it. It is very hard to draw oneself from the kindness and friendliness of Pinotta and her staff, but it is worth it. Lecce (a short drive away) is amazing with its Roman, Byzantine, Baroque, and Rococo buildings and art. Costa del Haut is also worth visiting, together with Bari, a longer drive. All the hilltop towns round here are worth seeing – Martina Franca was particularly delightful. The majestic beaches in the National Park are stunning.
The restaurants we visited in Cisternino were all good (perhaps we were lucky).
Anthony & Shara,
May 2024
What does one want from a villa in Puglia? How about a house in the middle of a prairie with 3 olive trees and eight butterflies? What does one want in the house itself? What about perfect design, where windows are walls, and the proportions are positively right? What about the bathroom? Showers that go on & off when asked; where the temperature stays even and the flooring doesn’t double as an ice-rink. Everything was amazing!
Jonathan & Jane,
May 2024
