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:
"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:
"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:
"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:
"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)