If you follow us on Instagram it would have been hard to miss that I've just been on holiday to Puglia.

It was actually my first ever visit to this area of Italy but I highly doubt it will be my last. I have been left feeling that there is so much more there to explore and discover. My 12 nights didn't even touch the surface of this enchanting part of the country.

I had wanted to stay at Borgo Egnazia for the last 3 years, every time I went to book- thinking I had left enough time- it was already full. This year I booked at Christmas time as I was determined to finally go!

I actually wanted to stop at this hotel more than I wanted to visit Puglia. It just so happened the hotel was in Puglia which was a bonus as I love Italy and I love to explore its territories. 

I wasn't disappointed.

As soon as you enter from the blistering heat outside it is cool, atmospheric and has a heady smell of figs. Every last detail has been thought about; lighting, decor and comfort. It was a great first impression.

'Borgo' means village in Italian and the hotel has a central piazza with accommodation scattered throughout cobbled streets. Our room was spacious with beautiful interiors, balcony and even a roof terrance with views over the entire resort.

There are 3 large outdoor pools, one adults only as well as a dedicated child's pool (heated) next to a great kids club. My daughter loved the pool here, it ticked all the boxes.

There are two beaches; the 'rocky' beach which is larger and has a seafood Resturant. Here you can find the most beautiful clear, shallow and warm water easily accessible via steps (there is also sand at this beach should you have children who want to build castles!) This beach is about 5 mins away from the hotel via a mini train which leaves very 10 mins. The 'sandy' beach is a little further away on a main road via an open golf buggy that leaves the hotel every 15 mins and takes about 10 mins to reach. There is a stretch of golden soft sand and again beautiful shallow clear waters, very safe for children and much quieter than the other beach. There was superb service at both beaches and all children's buckets, spades etc provided for as well as paddle boards and little boats. The only complaint I have about the seaside part of this holiday is that you were not able to hire a speed boat from the hotel unless you took their driver. I always look forward to a drive out along the coast on a boat and I couldn't do that freely here which was a shame.

The food at the hotel could have been a little better, I was always left disappointed after my evening meal. The breakfast however was wonderful, everything you could have asked for. And the service overall In the hotel was excellent- we had our own guide on whats app call everyday which iv never had at any other hotel iv stayed in.

We were fortunate to stay while they were holding one of their festa's, they hold 3 a year during summertime and I would suggest you stay while one is held if at all possible as it was a real spectacle, a night to be remembered; everyone eating in the streets with tables set along the pathways, entertainment, music and dancing.

We ventured out of the hotel to first visit Alberobello, the picture perfect town you see dotted all over Instagram with traditional trulli houses. However, it wasn't quite as quaint as I had thought it would be. Very touristic and busy. We decided not to eat here and instead went to the port in Fasano right next to the hotel, we found a lovely seafood Resturant which suited us perfectly.

Next we went to Ostuni and were lucky enough to be visiting on an evening that their own festa was taking place and got to follow the statue of Madonna carried around the town by the men of the village. In true typical Italian style everyone had come out to watch.

Ostuni was a beautiful town and well worth a visit, lots of picturesque white washed streets, shops and churches to explore. We ate at a beautiful Resturant set inside a cave called 'Osteria Del Tempo Perso' were the food was amazing. 

Next stop, that famous restaurant nestled on a cliff edge; Grotta Palazzese in the beautiful town of Polignano a Mare. We had been warned that the food was not great, which it wasn't, the prices were also a little crazy: a small bowl of pasta was £45 and a bottle of beer £35. We had to que to get in for our reservation at 7.30pm, they did not even open the doors until 7.45pm with all the guests having to wait outside! This was a terrible first impression as we arrived at 7.15pm to a closed Resturant and a que, however it gave us the chance to explore and the village was so so beautiful, with stunning views and a lovely vibe, so every cloud and all that! The Resturant was in a beautiful setting and I am glad I visited however I most likely wouldn't go back.

This area of Italy has captured my heart and without a doubt I will be returning to explore further.

We booked our holiday through Sardatur Holidays who were very helpful.

There is so much more I could tell you about however the blog could turn into an essay! So if you have any questions or wanted to find out anymore about the area or hotel please just leave a comment and ill get back to you as truthfully as I can.

Cesca Xx