Last Updated on 07/01/2022
Corte dei Massapi villa is the perfect Italian retreat set amongst the backdrop of the beautiful Italian countryside in Puglia, Southern Italy.
Five minutes drive from Ostuni, with other popular tourist locations and pretty villages nearby such as Locorotondo and Alberobello; Corte dei Massapi villa is ideal for a family holiday.
Luckily for me, I got the chance to review the villa on behalf of Bookings For You & Raro Villas…

Corte dei Massapi Villa in Puglia, Southern Italy
As you go through the gates and drive up the long sweeping driveway, your eyes look in wonder at the striking villa looming over the hillside with its big archways and luminescent swimming pool.

The villa is made even more striking by the castle-like features with arcading and merlon battlements (I was so intrigued I Googled it) emphasised by aptly arranged lighting. One of the perks of our arrival was without a doubt arriving at night to see the villa in all its glory.

Seeing the villa for the first time really was a pinch-me moment, it’s so grand and, for a moment I felt like I was in a fairytale as I edged the car slowly up the gravel driveway.
I was in awe of the fact this would be my home for the next three days and being invited by Bookings For You & Raro Villas really was a dream come true.

Not only was I able to share this experience with my best friend Yvette, this was also my first time staying in a villa (other than my Dad’s) and my first ever trip to Italy.
Busy tourist hotspots such as Rome & Venice are normally the first introduction to Italy, but my visit was anything but hustle and bustle.
After exploring the vast grounds and dropping our bags into our respective rooms, it was time to check out the main rooms and the rooftop hot tub!

The modern villa is simply decorated to not take away any classic Italian rustic charm, with neutral colours, natural touches and the most beautiful arched stone ceilings.





Mod cons such as a very spacious fridge, cafetière, kettle, toaster, dishwasher, microwave and utensils all aid the self-catering experience at the villa.

We were welcomed with a bottle of red wine, bread and a selection of other items to ease us into our stay.
Accommodation
Corte dei Massapi villa sleeps 24 people, with seven double bedrooms in the main villa and ample space in the living rooms for a relaxing holiday.
The spacious villa is perfect for a social break away with family and, additional space is available in the separate three-bed villa and two one-bedroom villas, enabling full use of the grounds including the orchard and walled garden area. As I write, I can picture the summer BBQs and family get-togethers providing memories for years to come.
*Picture above courtesy of Raro Villas*


Each bedroom comes with its own ensuite bathroom including a fluffy robe and some slippers…Needless to say, I felt right at home at Corte dei Massapi!

For those travelling with children, the heated pools, ping-pong table and play area will be enough to keep them occupied on sunny days if you’re able to prise them away from the games console with games located in the villa!

After some socialising of our own making panzerotti with the other bloggers staying, it gave us a chance to really appreciate what a great space the villa has for a group holiday.

It’s the little touches
As someone who normally loves the comfort of a boutique or design hotel, I was surprised at just how helpful Raro Villas are for visitors staying at the villa. From providing sightseeing tips, tours, arranging a masseuse or even a Ferrari for your stay, they will literally do what they can to make your stay as fulfilling as they can.
I did manage to immerse myself into driving in a way only an Italian can appreciate (for a first-timer driving on the other side of the road I did pretty darn well if I do say so myself)…Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity to speak to Raro Villas about that Ferrari…

Though, Luigi at Raro Villas did kindly book Yvette and I a table at L’Antica Locanda to sample a variety of traditional Puglian dishes.

After experiencing a Bookings For You food event, tucking into the finest Italian food prior to my stay, let’s just say – trying traditional dishes was high on my list of things to do!
Sightseeing in Puglia
The white city of Ostuni is five minutes drive from the villa, with many other charming villages located a short drive away. Stay tuned, I will be sharing more in an upcoming post…!


Whilst there are an abundance of beautiful five-star hotels nearby (we visited one ourselves), nothing beats the peace and tranquillity of having your own space amongst the Italian countryside to really appreciate untouched Italy.



Yvette and I truly soaked up our surroundings, relaxing in the heated hot tub with views for miles as we reminisced about the things we did during our time in Italy.


As we drank our wine with the sun on our backs, we smiled as we lulled in the hot tub, living la dolce vita far from the snow in England.



If only I could open those patio doors onto the Italian countryside one last time…

Surrounded by fields of wildflowers and picturesque countryside, Corte dei Massapi villa gives visitors a unique setting amongst the beautiful Italian countryside.
Rated Gold Star Trusted Customer Service on Feefo, why not book your own Raro Villas Italian countryside retreat with Bookings For You.
Puglia
Southern Italy

I absolutely loved my first time in Italy living la dolce vita at Corte dei Massapi villa!
Click the links below to read my other Italy posts for inspiration on things to do in Italy, where to stay and more!
A Taste of Southern Italy – Cuisine Food Heritage Typical of Puglia
Puglia Road Trip Around Pretty Towns Ostuni, Locorotondo and the Trulli houses of Alberobello
Ultimate Northern Italy Bucket List – 25 Things to Do in Italy
Italian Lakes – The Best Things to Do in Lake Maggiore
Italian Lakes Holiday at Golfo Gabella Resort Lake Maggiore
Fun Day Trip from Lake Maggiore to Switzerland
What to Wear in Northern Italy in September/October
Living La Dolce Vita at Corte dei Massapi Villa Puglia
A Taste of Southern Italy – Cuisine Food Heritage Typical of Puglia
Puglia Road Trip Around Pretty Towns Ostuni, Locorotondo and the Trulli houses of Alberobello
Jaz
xoxo
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The Comments
Emma Real-Davies
This looks absolutely beautiful – that pool! So glad you had such a lovely time 🙂 Emma xx
thelifeofasocialbutterfly
Emma Real-DaviesThanks so much for your lovely comment Emma! It was such a relaxing break in Puglia, I’m definitely a villa convert now as the countryside was truly breathtaking! I’d be lying if I didn’t want to hop into the rooftop pool every day since 🙂 xoxo
Steve Burton
Oh wow that looks absolutely amazing!! What a place!
thelifeofasocialbutterfly
Steve BurtonIt really was beautiful, serious withdrawals now! 🙂
Alex Duff
This place looks stunning! I know where I’m booking my next holiday!
thelifeofasocialbutterfly
Alex DuffPuglia is such an unspoilt part of Italy too so great if you want to experience the real Italy! 🙂
Nikki Cutler
The villa looks amazing – such a lovely part of Italy!! xx
thelifeofasocialbutterfly
Nikki CutlerI wouldn’t have thought to stay in a villa as I choose hotels by default! Such a scenic way to experience Italy xx
Melissa
Looks absolutely beautiful.
thelifeofasocialbutterfly
MelissaThanks for your comment, it really was stunning xoxo
staceyloulou
Looks so amazing! I need a holiday so bad!!!
Fix Me In Forty Five
xx
A Very Sweet Blog
I love the natural color scheme. Gorgeous stone & lighting! It looks great both day & night. Glad you had a fabulous time.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Sonia Keith
Wow looks stunning! I want to go xox
thelifeofasocialbutterfly
Sonia KeithMe too! I need to go back, having withdrawals and certainly didn’t eat enough Italian food! xoxo
Yvette
I had such a great time. Living in luxury and enjoying Puglia and surrounding area with my best friend. Would love to go back with the family 😍
thelifeofasocialbutterfly
YvetteIt was the best wasn’t it! Oh to be back in the hot tub sipping wine with the sun on our backs and without a care in the world! Would be lovely to take the boys wouldn’t it! xoxo
Lorna
Oh my goodness, it looks absolutely incredible there! I’ve only ever been to Florence!
Raindrops of Sapphire
thelifeofasocialbutterfly
LornaI’d love to visit Florence, it looks so pretty! Would love any recommendations you have Lorna xoxo