All clients of The Thinking Traveller receive a feedback form on their return. We ask them to tell us all about their impressions, their experiences and their opinions. Here below are some examples of what they have to say about various aspects of Think Puglia and Puglia. For feedback on our villas, please see the individual property pages.
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What our clients thought of the Think Puglia team
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The Think Puglia team is a small, enthusiastic group whose sole aim is to help you get the most out of Puglia: the best villa for your group and the best holiday experience possible. Our London based Client Managers offer expert advice, not only about Think Puglia's villas - all of which they have visited and often stayed at - but also about Puglia in general: what to see and do, how to get there, activities for children, etc. Once you have booked, our Pre-Departure team will ensure you have all the information necessary to get the most out of your trip and that everything runs smoothly.
Once on holiday, you will be able to call upon our award-winning on-the-ground staff, who are there resolve any problems you might encounter, and give you information, tips and advice. They know Puglia and Think Puglia's villas like the back of their hands, so you will know you are in good hands!
In 2011 Think Sicily, Think Puglia's sister company, was voted the best villa rental company in the world by readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine.
Here's what our clients think of the Think Puglia team:
"Both Rosanna and Laura were extremely helpful and all of our questions and queries were dealt with promptly and effectively... We benefited hugely from the services of Federica, the event coordinator from the moment we booked the Villa to the point we left. Federica not only helped us identify and liaise with the right suppliers she also offered wise counsel - thanks to her knowledge of the property and extensive experience. Never patronising or opinionated she quickly became a trusted and absolutely essential help to us as we planned our celebrations. Federica was on hand during most of the week to help with our extensive transport schedule, family medical emergencies and of course overseeing the set up and smooth running of the reception for 74 guests. No request or question was too much trouble for Federica and she handled everything with a calm and reassuring manner. We are forever thankful and grateful to her for the success of our wedding." Donna Amato (stayed at Villa Elia, September 2012)
"Your overall attention to detail and choice of villas is no doubt why you have received the accolades you have. Well deserved and can't wait to come again! Such a shame you don't cover other areas of Italy or countries in Europe." Philip Harnett (stayed at Bosco degli Ulivi, September 2012)
"All staff were friendly, professional and helpful; this made everything run smoothly and avoided any anxiety - no question was too small." Sue Yabsley (stayed at Masseria Curti Vecchi, September 2012)
"Katy was very knowledgeable on the phone suggesting child friendly villas." Janet Dudley (stayed at Villa Mirabella, August 2012)
"All very professional." Alexander Perros (stayed at Villa Elia, August 2012)
"Everything was very well organized." Bruno Accou (stayed at Palazzo Colucci, July 2012)
"I would absolutely recommend your service to a friend and will use it again when we next return to Italy...only wish you represented villas in other parts of Italy -- and Europe." Christine Reilly (stayed at Bosco degli Ulivi, July 2012)
"Everybody was terrific... Federica was our concierge, and it would be hard to convey just how wonderful she was. We were extremely well taken care of from the moment we arrived at this blessed place. Federica was always available, night and day, and did so much for us, from reservations, to finding a tailor, to advice on every single aspect of the region and the house, to so much more. Federica is a miracle of kindness and helpfulness. We all felt extremely lucky that she was there for us, always, at a moment's notice. We love Federica. I can't imagine ever having a vacation with no Federica. She was divine." JA (stayed at Villa Elia, July 2012)
"Rosanna was perfect. She was very prompt to reply and give all information requested." Audrey Prunieres (stayed at Bosco degli Ulivi, July 2012)
"Rosanna was great and booked just what we needed for our stay at Villa Elia... Federica was our point person and she was charming and available." Stephanie March (stayed at Villa Elia, July 2012)
"This is my fourth consecutive year with your company and I find you better than any other." Justin Byam Shaw (stayed at Masseria Cisterna Rossa, June 2012)
"Rosanna was very helpful in organising our early check-in, as we had a wedding to attend." Caroline Pagni (stayed at Scale Nove, June 2012)
"Your London office is a well-oiled machine... your local manager is great." Brian Toller (stayed at I Trulli delle Sette Sorelle, May 2012)
"Rosanna particularly was very helpful with additional requests." Simon Wylie (stayed at Rosa Marina, May 2012)
"Katy and Rosanna were great. All our needs and questions were dealt with kindly and promptly...We only spoke to Antine once, and emailed once. She was very helpful and polite... Huw and Rosella have created a wonderful resource for us lovers of the Mezzogiorno d'Italia. Bravi!" Vincent Argiro (stayed at I Trulli delle Sette Sorelle)
"Vicky has been really helpful... Antine has been OUTSTANDING and above expectations." Nicolas Coudurier (stayed at Trullo Terra Dolce)
"I enjoyed the kindness and efficiency of the London staff." Marianne Pade (stayed at Villa Elia)
"All the staff was very good... Antine called back and acted promptly." Jim Kelly (stayed at Il Gelso)
"Alex and Rosanna were all very pleasant, helpful and efficient...! Antine was extremely helpful and professional. The one occasion (when we locked ourselves out of our room) she quickly spoke to the owner and the cleaner turned up with 5 mins to let us in with spare key." Daren Harrison (stayed at Palazzo Ducale Guarini)
"The team is always eager to go beyond your questions making dealing with Think Puglia a bulletproof experience! The local team is great and always at hand for any need." Andrej Besbogov (stayed at Villa Blanca)
"(The staff in London were) very, very helpful with everything... I think that Federica (our concierge) was wonderful. She put herself out for us completely. Was sensible about not overloading us with too much information on our arrival by coming back to visit the next day. Knowing that she was available on the end of the phone to help with all our bookings & difficulties was incredible as it took away any anxiety about having to deal with language difficulties ourselves. Using texting to stay in touch is a great idea... She has to be commended for the extra efforts she made on our behalf - from booking restaurants & haircuts to sorting out the house internet all with great grace & charm." Heather Robinson (stayed at Villa Elia)
"Couldn't praise Antine (Think Puglia's Local Manager) enough... She was extremely helpful and courteous." Diane Hall (stayed at Lo Scoglio)
"Antine made contact on arrival which was appreciated. It was comforting to know she was available." Monica Allan (stayed at Le Antiche Pajare)
"Antine gave an Immediate response to any issues, and was proactive in checking everything is ok." Mark Mudie (stayed at Trullo Cutetto)
"Vicky and Rosanna are very kind and professional." Stefano Scotto Varone (stayed at Trullo Selva)
What our clients most enjoyed about Puglia
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There's so much to see and do in Puglia, whether you are a beach fanatic or a culture vulture! Take a look at our definitive on-line guide to Puglia or download a copy of our App guide, "A Portrait of Puglia" available free for iPhone and iPad from iTunes.
Here's what our clients most enjoyed:
"Weather, food, scenery, baroque architecture, friendliness." Caroline Pagni (stayed at Scale Nove, October 2012)
"The peace, quiet and countryside. Pace of life." Anne Cotton (stayed at Trullo Cutetto, October 2012)
"Dare one say that when the Italians have gone back to work the foreign visitor seems to have southern Puglia pretty much to themselves, so overcrowded it isn't! Also that particular part of Puglia offers incredible value for money in terms of eating out and general living expenses. In fact I suspect it may be the best value in Europe at present." Philip Harnett (stayed at Bosco degli Ulivi, September 2012)
"The house, the grounds and pool, quality of local produce and cooking, scenery and beaches, local architecture and history." Thomas Hechl (stayed at Trullo Terra Dolce, September 2012)
"The villa, the location, the food and beaches." Sara Jones (stayed at Bosco degli Ulivi, September 2012)
"Love, love, love Puglia and will come back often." Alexander Perros (stayed at Villa Elia, August 2012)
"Driving along the coast and visiting the beautiful small towns." Giuseppe Lanzino (stayed at Il Gelso, August 2012)
"Tough to decide what we enjoyed most about Puglia: the beautiful sea? the gorgeous villa? the terrific food ? the friendly and helpful people? wonderful trips to Gallipoli, Lecce and Otranto? It is a perfect family vacation destination. We all want to return!" Paul Savidge (stayed at Villa Blanca, August 2012)
"Wonderful food and wine, extremely kind and helpful local people. No bling, no raucous nightlife!" Angela Dennis (stayed at Tenuta ai Fichi, July 2012)
"It was a glorious experience. The combination of the residence, the quality of living of Puglia and the friendship of the local people are a recipe for success." Bruno Accou (stayed at Palazzo Colucci, July 2012)
"The region is unlike any in Italy...pure, untouched, with unusually kind people." JA (stayed at Villa Elia, July 2012)
"Everything was great. Location was perfect for our family to explore the area and have access to beaches and the waterpark." Becky Murray (stayed at Villa Elia, June 2012)
"Everything-- the gentleness of the people, the lovely landscapes, the picturesque towns, the beaches and the sea, the FOOD!! It reminded me of the more welcoming Italia I first experienced as a child in the '60's. When we returned to Rome to fly out, we felt culture shock! We went to almost all towns that you recommend. Alberobello was worth seeing, but SO touristy now! Sumertime in Savelletri has the best gelato we have had anywhere! We enjoyed a fabulous lunch and wonderful service at La Rotonda in Torre Canne. We wandered into the ceramic studio of Francesco Fasano in Grottaglie and were stunned with his artistry, buying and sending back two magical pieces. He spent more than 1/2 hour with us touring the studio and explaining every detail of his art-- fantastic experience!" Vincent Argiro (stayed at I Trulli delle Sette Sorelle)
"Food, absence of tourism and olive trees... We liked it so much that we plan on purchasing a trullo in Puglia!" Nicolas Coudurier (stayed at Trullo Terra Dolce)
"The extraordinary experience of staying in that beautiful house and having cities like Gallipoli and Lecce within easy reach." Marianne Pade (stayed at Villa Elia)
"Loved Puglia. Hard to pick a favorite town. Countryside around Alberobello was breathtaking." Robert Perille (stayed at Trullo del Sale)
"Beautiful views and property... Santa Maria di Leuca... views and small village with excellent bar. Trulli town (Alberobello, ed.)." Jim Kelly (stayed at Il Gelso)
"The history and way of life in the towns we visited - and of course the people!" Richard Lefante (stayed at Lo Scoglio)
"Puglia is wonderful. Beautiful towns and fab food and so relaxing." Davina Marks (stayed at Trullo Cutetto)
"The food is the best I have had in Italy. The people are incredibly generous and friendly and the service is warm and helpful, whether it be in the local restaurant or in the big supermarket - nothing was too much trouble." Belinda Diamond (stayed at Lo Scoglio)
"The food and the weather... Ceglie Mesappica for the food and Martina Franca for the atmosphere." Ruper Sadler (stayed at Villa Mirabella)
"Rural location/feel, access to beaches, number of great towns within a short distance... Guaceto (nature reserve) was fantastic." Mark Mudie (stayed at Trullo Cutetto)
"The peacefulness, the people, the architecture... Ostuni and Monopoli." Norman Ho (stayed at Masseria Lamacoppa)
"The weather, the colour of the ocean, the history, the agricultural emphasis, the endless olive trees... Otranto was our favourite followed by Lecce and Gallipoli." Kim Thorp (stayed at Lo Scoglio)
"Gallipoli, Otranto, driving around the coast and throughout inner land is sure a must do for visitors to Puglia." Andrej Besbogov (stayed at Villa Blanca)
"The rugged scenery is a breath of fresh air. The people were warm and welcoming and eager to please. A smattering of Italian helps as in the smaller, less touristy towns little English is spoken. The food and wine is wonderful. We are still breathing it all in well after the event." Mrs Agnew (stayed at Villa Specchia)
"Gallipoli recommended beaches were lovely- and infinitely preferable to the crowded tedium of those in Tuscany and Le Marche." George Magnus (stayed at Villa Elia)
"The sea side and the villages around us: Lecce, Ostuni, Monopoli, Martina Franca, Otranto..." Didier Gourian (stayed at I Trulli delle Sette Sorelle)
"Gallipoli was a lovely town to visit on our last evening." Diane Hall (stayed at Lo Scoglio)
"The weather, Italian people and way of life... The local beach, restaurant Mimi, evening atomsphere at Santa Maria de Leuca." Monica Allan (stayed at Le Antiche Pajare)
"I'd recommend the whole area as its a part of Italy unknown to so many. You feel that you are seeing Italy as it really is." Heather Robinson (stayed at Villa Elia)
"The villa and it's location. Sea was very attractive. I would go by boat in future! Lecce, Otranto and Gallipoli." Paul O'Donnell (stayed at Lo Scoglio)
Feedback for ThinkPuglia.com and booking with Think Puglia
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Our website is generally the first contact our clients have with The Thinking Traveller and certainly one of the most important booking tools. We try to make it as user-friendly, accurate, extensive and representative as possible, while also concentrating on the quality of photography and writing. It is a constant work in progress and is improved and updated on a daily basis.
Here's what our clients say about it:
""Clear advertising information and lots of good pics in order to make an informed decision. Clear links which even I could use!" Sue Yabsley (stayed at Masseria Curti Vecchi, September 2012)
"Very good website." Ailsa Prior (stayed at Il Trullino, August 2012)
"Good pictures and useful detail." Caroline Silver (stayed at Villa San Vincenzo, August 2012)
"Information and photos on villas was accurate and complete. Website was easy to use to locate and compare villas." Paul Savidge (stayed at Villa Blanca, August 2012)
"Clear and thorough." JA (stayed at Villa Elia, July 2012)
"The website is well designed; easy to use... The brochure is always on our coffee table!" Vincent Argiro (stayed at I Trulli delle Sette Sorelle)
"The website gave me all the info I needed. Booking and payment service was seamless as was response of emails and receipt of info book." Davina Marks (stayed at Trullo Cutetto)
"Ease of use great and accurate." Daren Harrison (stayed at Palazzo Ducale Guarini)
"One of the best websites I have ever used!" Monica Allan (stayed at Le Antiche Pajare)
"(The website is) excellent." Heather Robinson (stayed at Villa Elia)
Feedback for our holiday information pack and A Portrait of Puglia, our App guide for iPhone and iPad
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The Thinking Traveller's support starts even before you leave! In fact, several weeks before departure, you will receive an exhaustive information pack designed to help you get the most out of your trip and to ensure that everything runs perfectly to plan. This pack includes:
- a House Guide, complete with detailed directions to your villa, useful tips about how to get the most from the property and information about the surrounding area, including local restaurants, beaches, shops and leisure activities
- a detailed Thinking Traveller map of Puglia
- a compimentary copy of our App guide to Puglia, "A Portrait of Puglia", available for iPhone and iPad from iTunes
Here's what out clients think:
"Really useful info pack - great directions etc." Anne Cotton (stayed at Trullo Cutetto, October 2012)
"Booklet was fantastic and very handy throughout the trip." Alexander Perros (stayed at Villa Elia, August 2012)
"The App was very handy." Ailsa Prior (stayed at Il Trullino, August 2012)
"We thought the guide to the villa was exceptional." Katie Clarke (stayed at Villa San Vincenzo, July 2012)
"We used only the information booklet...it was impressive." Christine Reilly (stayed at Bosco degli Ulivi, July 2012)
"Information booklet was very helpful especially the photos included with the directions to the villa." Becky Murray (stayed at Villa Elia, June 2012)
"The App was useful, especially since we used our iPad as the primary info source on the trip. It is a great start, and a helpful way to get oriented." Vincent Argiro (stayed at I Trulli delle Sette Sorelle)
"The booklet was invaluable - especially the restaurant guide." Belinda Diamond (stayed at Lo Scoglio)
"Invaluable. Great map and directions. Great restaurant recommendations and city overviews." Davina Marks (stayed at Trullo Cutetto)
"If I could give the information booklet 10+ I would. I wish other companies could provide such important information in such a concise and compact form. It was a complete life saver - from getting around to visiting tourist spots etc." Heather Robinson (stayed at Villa Elia)
"Good information provided." Andrej Besbogov (stayed at Villa Blanca)
Reviews of our Think Experiences
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In-villa cooks, cookery experiences, yacht and speedboat charters, guides and airport transfers are just some of the extra services that we call our Think Experiences.
Here's what our clients think:
"Pizza cook: fantastic experience." Pascal Reboul (stayed at Trullo Terra Dolce, November 2012)
"We enjoyed the services of the in villa cook and the pizza chef during our stay and can't recommend them enough for experience, taste and value. Roberta and Luigi cooked for us on the first night our families joined us in the Villa. The food was delicious and enjoyed by everyone. It lived up to the description in the guide book - simple, fresh, delicious home cooking at its best. Dining al fresco, enjoying the beauty of the gardens without the hassle of preparing dinner and washing up was fantastic. The next night we booked the pizza chef which was just brilliant. It was such a novel and tasty experience which helped bring our two families together ahead of our wedding. Young and old - everyone loved pizza night - and if we had stayed longer would have done it again." Donna Amato (stayed at Villa Elia, September 2012)
"In-villa cooks were excellent, food was fab, and service was cheerful and efficient." Sue Yabsley (stayed at Masseria Curti Vecchi, September 2012)
"Rocco cooked pizzas in house for my birthday- a very special evening." Janet Dudley (stayed at Villa Mirabella, August 2012)
"Boat charter: boat was beautiful and fast and we enjoyed swimming near the caves. Our skipper Paolo was very nice. In-villa cook: great food and very pleasant cooks. Enjoyed the meal very much. Thank you. Cooking class in Lecce was a real treat. Wonderful! Anna Maria is a fantastic teacher and a very warm and gracious hostess." Paul Savidge (stayed at Villa Blanca, August 2012)
"Super in-villa cook experience." Bruno Accou (stayed at Palazzo Colucci, July 2012)
"The wine we used the from Elia wine room was terrific. The pizzica instructors, yoga instructor, and pizziola were also wonderful." Stephanie March (stayed at Villa Elia, July 2012)
"Had a cook one evening and it was a great experience." Michael Youssef (stayed at Rosa Marina, July 2012)
"Cook was fantastic." Becky Murray (stayed at Villa Elia, June 2012)