Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Villa B&B in Italy's Hidden Gem, Messapia
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the delightful (and sometimes slightly messy) world of – yes, that , the one you've probably seen splashed across your Instagram feed a bazillion times. Forget the perfectly curated travel blogs, this is real talk, straight from a tired traveler who's seen a thing or two (and probably left a rogue sock behind somewhere). This is a review, but it's also a story. Let's get messy!
First Impressions & Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Okay, let's be honest, the first thing I look for is if I can actually get in and around the place. Accessibility is KEY, and I'm happy to report generally scores well. They've got an elevator, which is non-negotiable for me, the weary traveler.
Now, about the nitty-gritty:
- Wheelchair accessible? My gut feeling is a decent "yes". I saw no glaring issues from the lobby and general areas. Didn't spend day after day there with a wheelchair user, so I can't give a definitive score, but it looked good.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They say they have them. Gotta investigate the specifics on the rooms, but it's a good start.
- Exterior corridor I did not see them at the time of my stay.
Another major plus: they seem to be REALLY trying with the internet access. I was thrilled about this, because in travel, it can be a nightmare.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – YES! (and it actually worked, most of the time). Internet access – wireless – double YES!
- Internet access – LAN – For the old school travelers? Possibly. It's there.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Also good. You can actually get online in the lobby and the restaurants, which is a lifesaver when you're trying to Instagram a picture of your breakfast.
Cleanliness, Safety & The COVID Tango – They're Making an Effort (Which is Appreciated)
Alright, let's get serious for a second. Post-pandemic travel is a whole new beast, and I appreciate any hotel taking it seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Mentioned. Good.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! (and I used it…A LOT).
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly followed. Hard to control in a busy buffet, but they try.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Sounds good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Sounds good also!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Again, good!.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hopefully…
- Cashless payment service: YES! Thank goodness!
- Individually-wrapped food options: YES!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Hopefully yes.
- First aid kit, doctor/nurse on call: Standard, but important!
- Hygiene certification: I’m so happy to see this on a review, great.
- Safe dining setup: They try, but sometimes, you're just shoulder-to-shoulder with a guy who's loudly slurping noodles.
- Shared stationery removed: Thank God… nothing is a source of more germs than a pen shared with a thousand strangers.
The Food Follies – From Buffet Bliss to Late-Night Noodle Dreams
Food is arguably the MOST important part of any vacation (fight me!). Let's talk eats:
- Restaurants: Several, all open at various times.
- Breakfast [buffet] – Oh, the breakfast buffet! A glorious, messy, chaotic feast for the eyes and stomach. Croissants? Check. Eggs cooked every which way? Check. Maybe a little too much sugar… but hey, you're on vacation!
- Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Both available, catering to everyone.
- A la carte in restaurant: Yup. For when you're feeling fancy.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Needed!
- Room service [24-hour]: Because sometimes, you just want to eat noodles in your fluffy robe at 3 AM.
- Snack bar, Poolside bar: Essential for poolside lounging.
- Desserts in restaurant: Yes. And I ate them. A LOT.
- Buffet in restaurant: The aforementioned feeding frenzy.
- Bar, Happy hour: Good.
- Vegetarian restaurant(s) – yes. Blessings.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: A little something for everyone.
Room For Improvement
- My room was a little… "lived in". The carpet probably could benefit from professional sanitizing (which they said they do)
- The Wi-Fi, while generally good, occasionally decided to take a nap. A minor inconvenience, but worth noting.
- Sometimes, the staff seemed a little overwhelmed. But hey, they're working hard!
Amenities – The Good, the Meh, and the "Wow, I'm so Relaxed"
Okay, let's get into the fun stuff. Things to do? Plenty. Ways to relax? Even more.
First off, the pool. It's stunning. Pool with view? Absolutely. You can spend hours there, just soaking up the sun and sipping cocktails. Pure bliss.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Both available and delightful.
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center: Got the standard gym and spa facilities.
- Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Spa: The spa is legit. I got a massage, and honestly, I think I melted into the table. Seriously good. Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: The full shebang!
- Foot bath: My feet were happy!
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart)
I did observe families.
- Babysitting service They offer this.
- Family/child friendly The general vibe is defo kid-friendly.
- Kids facilities, Kids meal I saw evidence of.
The Rooms – Your Home Away From Home (Mostly!)
Okay, let's get into the rooms themselves.
- They are non-smoking rooms.
- Air conditioning: Praise the heavens!
- Alarm clock: Classic.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Lovely touch.
- Bathroom phone: …For emergencies?
- Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub: Depends on your room, but good.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for a good night's sleep.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Standard, useful.
- Daily housekeeping, Extra long bed: Helpful.
- Free bottled water: Awesome!
- Hair dryer, Toiletries: Standard.
- In-room safe box: Good.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: Covered.
- Ironing facilities: Useful.
- Mini bar, Refrigerator: Very convenient.
- On-demand movies, Satellite/cable channels: Entertainment options.
- Reading light, Mirror: Practical.
- Seating area, Sofa: Comfort.
- Soundproofing: Important for sleep.
- Telephone: Still exists!
- Towels, Umbrella: Always appreciated.
- Wake-up service: Helps wake you up.
- Window that opens: Nice.
- The details: Desk, Closet, Carpeting, Closet, High floor, Private bathroom, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Satellite/cable channels, Scale Standard/desirable.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Doorman: Welcome.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: Laundry services.
- Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: Standard stuff.
- Cash withdrawal: Useful.
- Elevator: Essential!
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Business facilities, Meetings, Seminars, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: If you're there for business.
- Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop: Useful.
- Daily housekeeping: Standard.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking: Useful.
- Baby sitting service: Awesome!
The Verdict – Should You Book?
Look, isn't perfect. There are a few minor imperfections. But overall? YES. Absolutely. It's got a great location. The pool is amazing. The spa is divine. The food is
Guangzhou's BEST Hotel Near Chimelong? (Echarm Hotel Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly polished, boring-as-hell itinerary. This is my trip to Villa B&B Messapia, Italy. And trust me, things are bound to go sideways, spectacularly.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Espresso Heist of 2024 (Probably)
Morning (aka, the Airport Shuffle): Ugh. Flights. The bane of my existence. Praying my luggage actually makes it – last time, it ended up in Reykjavik. Reykjavik! I don't even like Iceland. Anyway, arrived in Brindisi to a sweltering heat, feeling a lot like a limp noodle. Found the rental car - bless the navigation system. Almost drove into a ditch.
Afternoon (Villa Vista and Pasta Panic): Reached Villa B&B Messapia! Actually, "reached" is a strong word. More like, "bumbled my way through the winding roads," but, I'm here. And the view? Holy moly. Olive groves stretching for miles, the sea shimmering in the distance. It's the stuff postcards are made of. Now, the room… comfy. Okay, maybe a bit too floral for my taste but, I can live, or at least I hope so, I feel the jetlag kicking in.
- The "Lunch" Debacle: Figured I should eat something. I'm starving. Tried ordering pasta at some local "trattoria." The waiter looks horrified when I ask for garlic bread. I get it, I'm foreign. But the pasta? Glorious. I think I inhaled it. Didn't even realize I just ate ten plates. They all tasted good at least.
- The Espresso Enigma: Okay, so this is where my day went slightly south. I'm a caffeine addict, right? Decided a proper Italian espresso was in order. First attempt = watery disappointment. Second attempt: slightly better, but still somehow missing the magic. Third, fourth, and fifth times! I'm starting to feel like I'm on a quest! Maybe the barista is playing a game! Maybe they hate tourists, or maybe, this place is just cursed with bad coffee. I'm determined to crack this code. This espresso situation could make or break my trip. I'll become the espresso whisperer, or die trying.
Evening (Sunset, Sorrow, and Limoncello): Stood on the balcony as the sun dipped below the horizon. Pink skies, the sound of crickets, and a sudden wave of… melancholy? Yeah, I'm alone, far from home, and sometimes, that hits you. But then the B&B owner, this sweet little old lady named Maria, offered me limoncello. And suddenly, everything felt a little brighter. The limoncello was amazing. And Maria… Well, she's the reason I love Italy.
Day 2: Ostuni - The White City and the Unruly Goat of Doom
Morning (The White Walls and the Lost Luggage Conspiracy): Drove towards Ostuni from Villa B&B. This town… Wow. Pure white buildings, narrow winding streets, and a million tiny shops tempting me. The white-washed beauty is breathtaking. Like walking onto a movie set. The whole place just screams, "Instagram me!" Did a fair amount of exploring, purchased a cute hat, took a million pictures.
- The Luggage Situation - STILL: Remember my suitcase that was supposed to come with me? Yep, still MIA. At this point, I'm convinced it’s a conspiracy. The airlines are in cahoots. Why else would it take so long, right? Seriously considering filing a missing person's report for my favorite travel sweater.
Afternoon (Pronto, Pasta, and the Goat Incident): Found a charming little trattoria where I have been served the most delicious pasta. I think I need to learn how to make pasta. It’s the only thing I want to eat.
- The Goat. The Unforgettable Goat. Picture this: I'm admiring the view from a hilltop vista, gelato in hand… and suddenly, a goat appears. A very determined goat. It makes a beeline for my gelato. Scared the life out of me! I mean, a goat! In Italy! It was all I could do to save the gelato! I even jumped a whole meter away. After the heart attack died down, I can honestly say, that was the funniest thing that has happened to me so far. This trip is worth it, just for that one moment. That goat, that gelato, will forever hold a special place in my memory.
Evening (Dinner, Disappointment and a Midnight Stroll): Back at the B&B, I tried to order pizza. They were out of pizza. I ended up with another plate of pasta. I really need to try new things. The night started with a sunset, and ended with a midnight walk.
Day 3: Lecce and the Day I (Almost) Got Lost Forever
Morning (Lecce's Baroque Beauty): A journey to Lecce! This city is a monument to baroque architecture. Sculptures, details on buildings, and churches everywhere. Seriously, every corner is an Instagrammable moment. Had a gelato that tasted like sunshine and bliss.
- The "Almost Lost" Episode: Lecce's streets are a maze. An absolutely beautiful, confusing maze. I pride myself on my sense of direction, usually. But in Lecce? I was hopelessly, gloriously lost for a good two hours. Wandered into some back alley shops. Almost got run over by a Vespa. Thought I'd never find my way back. Turns out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Ended up discovering the best tiny restaurant.
Afternoon (Pizza, People Watching, and the Great Nap of '24): Found a great pizza place! Sat outside, watched the world go by, and did a whole lot of people-watching. Italians are fascinating, passionate people. Later, I needed a nap so bad. The heat, the walking, the general exhaustion… I found a shady tree and basically passed out. Woke up an hour later. Felt like a new person.
Evening (Back to the Ranch, and a Moment of Clarity): Headed back to the Villa. Found a note from Maria that the suitcase was finally here! My joy was short-lived. It was a bit of a cluster. After the "suit case" moment. I took a long shower, made myself a cup of tea, and sat on the balcony. I felt the weight of my worries. I just took a deep breath. I smiled. You know, this trip isn't about the perfect photos or the Michelin-star meals. It's about the moments, the chaos, the unexpected adventures. It's about the goat, the lost suitcases, and the friendly Italians. It's about me, imperfect, making my way through Italy. It's the only way to travel.
Day 4: Farewell (for Now!) and the Espresso Redemption (Maybe)
Morning (The Espresso Challenge): The day I leave. Decided to make one last attempt at the espresso. Maria was more helpful today.
- The Redemption: Finally. My last espresso was, dare I say it, acceptable. It lacked the perfection of the other Italian coffee I'd tried, but still, I achieved! I'm leaving this place with some sense of accomplishment.
Afternoon (Packing, Memories, and the Drive of Truth): Packed my things, which now include a goat-related anecdote, a love for pasta, and about fifteen pounds of olive oil. As for the drive back to the airport… Well, let's just say I'm hoping the navigation system doesn't lead me astray again. The roads are narrow. The drivers are insane. Wish me luck.
Evening (Ciao, Italy!): Said goodbye to Maria, which was surprisingly emotional. Even though some of it was a mess, Italy has charmed its way right into my heart. This is a good place, and I am sure to be back. Looking forward to returning, and maybe, just maybe, getting that perfect espresso next time. Ciao, Messapia! Ciao, Italy. Until next time…
So, What EXACTLY Am I Supposed To *DO* With This "Stuff"?
Honestly, the most important thing is to acknowledge the sheer *volume* of this… stuff. It's overwhelming. I once spent a whole weekend just staring at a pile of old clothes, just, *staring*. Didn't move a muscle. Just the sheer *weight* of it all. I mean, what even *are* buttons for anymore? Makes you wonder, doesn't it?
My advice? Start small. Like, *ridiculously* small. One drawer. One corner of a room. Celebrate the tiny victories, because trust me, you'll need them. And remember: this ain’t a sprint, it’s a marathon of… well, sorting. And probably feeling overwhelmed. And maybe crying a little. It's okay. We’ve all been there. Just don’t give up, ya know?
How Do I Actually *START* Getting Rid of Stuff? The Practical Stuff, Please!
Here's a tip: Play a game! Set a timer for 15 minutes. In those 15 minutes, you *must* fill one of the boxes. Don't think, just *act*. Throw stuff in. Then take a break. This is supposed to be fun, right? Or at least... less awful.
And the big one? Don’t think about it. Don’t overthink it. My biggest problem is the *thinking* part. Get rid of what you haven't used in a year. Be honest with yourself! Did you *really* mean to learn how to play the ukulele, or did you just get lured in by the Instagram ads? Look, the ukulele is in the trash. Bye, ukulele. You’re gone! That’s that.
Also, and this is key, *don't* try to tackle everything at once. I tried that once. I ended up paralyzed in a mountain of t-shirts, questioning the meaning of life. Don't be me. Small steps, people!
What About Sentimental Stuff? How Do You Let Go of the Things You *LOVE*?
Here's the thing I've learned, the hard way: You’re not letting go of the *memory*. You're letting go of the *object*. It's a subtle, but important, distinction. I once had this ugly, but totally significant, ceramic cat my grandma gave me. I loved the cat. Absolutely cherished it. But it was… well, hideous. I took a picture of it, wrote a little note about it, and then *bam*. Out it went. The photo and the note? Perfectly preserved.
Now, it's not always that easy. Sometimes you just *have* to keep the thing. And that's okay! But the goal is to find a balance. A happy medium. Because honestly, what good is a memory if it's buried under a mountain of…ceramic cats? (Or, you know, whatever YOUR sentimental kryptonite is.)
What Happens if I Get Overwhelmed? I Have a *LOT* of Stuff.
Seriously. Step away. Take a walk. Watch a dumb movie. Eat some ice cream. Call a friend. Binge-watch something. Do WHATEVER makes you happy for a bit. Because you'll burn out if you keep going. Trust me, I know from the inside out. And you have to deal with all the “stuff” at *some* point, so just… take a breather.
This is also when you reach out for help. Maybe it's a friend, or a family member. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. I once bribed my sister with pizza to help me sort through my closet. It worked. Pizza is always a good motivator.
And if that’s not an option, hire a professional! I did that once. It was expensive but worth it. It’s like having a personal cheerleader and a taskmaster all rolled into one. They'll yell at you, encourage you, and make you feel better (eventually). And, really, that’s sometimes what you need.
What’s the Absolute *Worst* Thing About the Whole Process?
And you'll judge yourself! You’ll feel guilty for buying things you don’t need, for not using things you have, for being… a human. It's a vicious cycle.
Here’s my advice: Ignore them. *Seriously*. This is your journey. Your stuff. Your mess. Don’t let other people's opinions (or your own inner critic) derail you. It's not about perfection. It's about progress. And maybe, just maybe, finding a little bit of peace amidst the chaos.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need to go tackle that box of 'maybe' stuff. Wish me luck. I’m gonna need it.
Are There Any *Cool* Benefits? Does This Actually *Work*?
First, the obvious: more space. That’s a beautiful thing, right? But also: less stress. Seriously. Clutter is a huge source of stress. And when you conquer one area, it feels…Hotel Price Compare
