Paolo's Trullo: Carovigno's Hidden Gem (Italy's Best-Kept Secret?)
Paolo's Trullo: Carovigno's Hidden Gem? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Paolo's Trullo in Carovigno, Italy, and I'm still trying to unpack BOTH my suitcase and my brain. Is it a "hidden gem," as the internet claims? Well, let's just say the jury's still out… but it’s definitely a thing. Prepare for a review that's less TripAdvisor and more… well, me.
(First Impressions: The Arrival, and my Existential Crisis)
Right off the bat, getting there was an adventure. Accessibility? Kinda. The website mentioned airport transfer, which I desperately took, but I also needed to call because I was late, and then I had a thought: "Am I late for life?" The driver was super chill though, whisking me away from the chaos of Brindisi Airport. Car park [free of charge] was a serious plus! Which immediately put me at ease. And the doorman? He was cute but I'm in love with my neighbor, sorry! The Trullo itself? Magical. Like, proper fairy tale vibes. These aren’t just rooms, these are trulli, those iconic, whitewashed, conical-roofed beauties that plaster the postcards of Puglia. I was immediately taken, but my existential crisis was still a thing…
(Ramblings on Rooms: My Room Was Not Perfect but Perfectly Imperfect)
My room? Oh, my room. "Available in all rooms," yes, and boy, were there a lot. First the good stuff: Free Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! Yes! And it actually worked. Air conditioning? Thank the heavens! And a mini bar, a necessity on my first trip away from home since the Pandemic. The bed? Comfy enough, and those blackout curtains? GAME CHANGER. Slept like a log, or at least, the log-that-had-been-drinking-caffeinated-beverages type.
The "extra long bed" they advertised? I'm a pretty average height, and I still didn't need all the space LOL. The "on-demand movies" were as good, or as bad, as the last time I watched that TV. So, not too impressed. And the room wasn't flawless, let's just put it that way. There was the tiniest bit of… dampness… near the window, and the soundproofing? Well, let's just say I knew everything about the couple next door's relationship, including the arguments. That's the REAL Italy, right there. And there was an alarm clock… that didn’t work. But hey, the complimentary tea made up for it! And the complimentary bottle of water was a godsend.
(Spa, Sauna, and Sensory Overload: Finding My Happy Place with a Pool with View)
Now, the spa… swoon. If you're looking to relax, this is where you'll vanish. I lived in the sauna. The Steamroom was glorious. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I sweat out all my worries. The pool, a dream. Pool with view? More like pool with a view that stole my heart and soul. That view. It was postcard-worthy. The pool alone is reason enough to go. I felt like a Roman goddess, minus the toga and the, you know, not being a goddess. The fitness center? I looked at it. Then I went back to the sauna. Body scrub? Tempting. But more sauna time prevailed.
(Eating Eating Eating: The Culinary Adventures (or Misadventures) Of A Tourist)
Food. Ah, the food. This is where things get… complicated. Breakfast [buffet]? Decent. Lots of carbs, which is a weakness of mine. I will devour bread. The Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant? I can't vouch for them, because I was too busy with the Western breakfast, and then I was immediately getting back at it immediately. I missed out on the soup in restaurant, and desserts in restaurant…
Luckily, the a la carte in restaurant offered a decent spread. The bar, poolside bar, and coffee shop were all convenient. But the real highlight? The small salad in restaurant. It was the best salad I’ve ever had.
(Accessibility: Okay, Let's Be Honest, I Didn't Need Much of It)
I didn't use a wheelchair so I can’t give you a fair review on the wheelchair accessibility. It looked like there was an elevator, and facilities for disabled guests, but it's Italy, so… let's just say charm sometimes trumps functionality. Still, the place seemed pretty damn good generally, and there was space for a wheelchair.
(Beyond the Basics: Services, Conveniences, and the Intrigue of the Italian Lifestyle)
Contactless check-in/out? Genius! And a cash withdrawal machine! The staff was, for the most part, incredibly friendly. They were really kind to this lost foreigner. Daily housekeeping, essential. The laundry service saved my travel-worn clothes. The gift/souvenir shop was tempting, a dangerous thing. The convenience store was… well, convenient.
(For the Kids: I Don't Have Any, But It Seemed Kid-Friendly)
I didn’t bring any kids, but the place looked family/child friendly. There were kids facilities and the babysitting service sounded great.
(Safety and Security: Can I Say "Chillax" in Italian?)
CCTV [in/outside property]? Safety/security feature everywhere? I felt safe--like, REALLY safe. The front desk [24-hour] was always staffed with friendly faces.
(Things To Do: More Than Just Lounging, Believe It Or Not)
I mean, I mostly lounged. But there are "things to do." I'm pretty sure. There's bicycle parking. Car park [on-site]. Taxi service. Maybe they even had a car power charging station for fancy types with electric cars? The whole environment was conducive.
(The Verdict: Is Paolo's Trullo a "Hidden Gem?")
Look, I'm not going to lie. Paolo's Trullo has its quirks. It's not perfect. But that imperfection? That's part of the charm. The location is stunning. The staff is lovely. The spa is divine. And that pool… I'm still dreaming about it. It wasn't always the smoothest ride through the week, but who wants smooth anyway? The messy is where all the good things happen.
Should you go? Absolutely, if you’re looking for a place that’s more about character than perfection. If you want to disconnect, bask in the sun, eat delicious food, and experience the real Puglia (warts and all), then Paolo's Trullo might just be the perfect secret you've been waiting to unearth.
Final Recommendation: Book it. But book it with a sense of adventure, a willingness to laugh at the little hiccups, and a healthy appreciation for a good espresso. You won't be sorry. Plus, it is a proposal spot! So if you're looking to pop the question, go for it!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the raw, unfiltered itinerary of my… experience at Il Trullo di Paolo. Forget those pristine travel blogs, this is gonna be a messy, sun-baked, olive-oil-guzzling adventure. And honestly? I'm still not entirely sure what happened, but here goes:
The Trullo of Paolo: A Puglian Ramble (or, How I Lost My Mind in the Apulian Sun)
Day 1: Arrival & "Ciao, Puglia! (…and the Mosquitoes!)"
- 14:00: Landed. Or rather, stumbled out of the airport in Brindisi, blinking like a mole in the midday sun. The rental car? A tiny, angry Fiat. Named her "Francesca." She’s a little… vulnerable on the winding roads, let's just say. The drive to Carovigno? Mostly consisted of me yelling at Google Maps and occasionally, accidentally, singing along to Italian radio. The roads? Narrower than a spaghetti noodle. Francesca and I nearly ended up as a smear on an olive tree at least twice.
- 15:30: Arrived at Il Trullo di Paolo. Oh. My. God. The pictures? They don't even begin to capture the magic. It's like stepping into a fairy tale, but with more dust and the distinct scent of freshly baked bread (which, by the way, is going to be the soundtrack to my entire existence for the next week). The trullo itself? Rustic, charming, and probably older than my great-grandmother.
- 16:00: Paolo, the owner, is a legend. He had this booming laugh and hands that could probably build a house. He showed me around, and then, with a twinkle in his eye, handed me a bottle of local wine. "For the welcome," he said. "And for the… well, everything." I already understood.
- 16:30-18:00: Unpacking. Attempting to conquer the mosquitos. Those little vampires! Honestly, they're the only downside to paradise. Sprayed myself head to toe in citronella, which then, promptly, got absorbed into my pores. I smell like a lemon tree, and I'm not entirely sure if this is a good thing.
- 18:00: First swim in the pool! Oh, the pool. The water was so blue, so clear, I think I nearly cried. Pure bliss.
- 19:00: Dinner. Paolo recommended a trattoria down the road called "La Nonna Lucia." I'm already thinking that "La Nonna" is going to become my new, best friend. The pasta? Homemade, rich, and the best thing I've ever tasted. (Sorry, Mom.) The house wine? Flowing freely. My Italian? Let's just say it's… improving. Mainly consisting of "Grazie," "Prego," and the occasional enthusiastic "Mamma Mia!"
- 22:00: Back at the trullo, sitting under the stars. The silence is profound, broken only by the chirping of crickets and the distant bark of a dog. I could get used to this… this is precisely what I needed, but it's also scaring me a bit. I'm not sure I can go back to the "real life" after this.
Day 2: Ostuni & Olive Oil Dreams (and a Near-Death Experience with a Vespa)
- 09:00: Breakfast. Freshly baked bread (yes!), local honey, and strong coffee. I think I'm permanently caffeinated now. Also, struggling to get the olive oil stain off my shirt. This is gonna be a theme.
- 10:00: Driving to Ostuni, the "White City." Francesca is handling the hills a bit better today, but the roads are still terrifying. Found a parking spot that was allegedly "large enough" - it was not.
- 10:30-13:00: Ostuni! Walked the labyrinthine streets, got lost (on purpose), and took a million photos. The architecture is stunning, everything is pristine white, and the air smells of salt and jasmine. Had a gelato that was so good, I didn't even care when some of it dripped on my freshly olive-oiled shirt.
- 13:00: Lunch in a tiny trattoria in Ostuni. Octopus salad (scrumptious!), and pasta that could make a grown man weep.
- 14:00-15:00: This seemed like a good idea at the time: Trying to ride a Vespa. (I blame the wine, the sun, and the general air of "joie de vivre" that permeates Puglia). Nearly took out a parked car, a stray cat, and myself. Lesson learned: I am not, and never will be, a Vespa person.
- 16:00-18:00: Back at the trullo, recovering from the Vespa near-death experience. Contemplating the meaning of life, the perfect limoncello recipe, and whether I could just… stay here forever. Decided the answer was "yes" to all three.
- 19:00: Cooking class with Paolo. He taught me how to make fresh pasta! It involves a LOT of flour and a whole lot of love. My pasta looked… rustic. But it tasted amazing. Paolo, bless his heart, didn't laugh. Too much.
- 21:00: Ate my hideous but delicious pasta attempt under the stars. More wine. More stars. More bliss.
Day 3: Pool-side Paradise & Coastal Treasures (and a Run-in with a Pug)
- 09:00: Breakfast. Repeat of yesterday, which is precisely perfect.
- 10:00-13:00: Spending the day lounging by the pool. This is what heaven feels like. Reading a book, occasionally dipping in the pool to cool off, and doing absolutely nothing. Bliss.
- 14:00: Headed to the coast. The Adriatic Sea, a dazzling shade of turquoise. Stopped at a beach that I can't pronounce the name of, but it doesn't matter, because the water is so beautiful.
- 15:00: Exploring the various coves.
- 16:00: Had a delightful ice cream.
- 17:00-18:00: Found a quirky little bar. It was an amazing experience, a complete moment of joy, with the most beautiful views.
- 19:00: Back to the trullo to get a good night's sleep.
Day 4: More Relaxation, Dinner and the Stars.
- 09:00: A similar breakfast; fresh, sunny, and perfect.
- 10:00-13:00: I spent today getting a massage.
- 13:00: Headed back to the Trullo for some more quality time.
- 19:00: Went to dinner and drank some wine.
- 21:00: Back at the trullo, sitting under the stars. The silence is profound, broken only by the chirping of crickets and the distant bark of a dog. I could get used to this… this is precisely what I needed, but it's also scaring me a bit. I'm not sure I can go back to the "real life" after this.
Day 5: Farewell to Paradise (and the Arrival of Reality - Boo!)
- 09:00: Breakfast (sob). Trying to savor every last bite of the bread. Everything tastes better here. EVERYTHING.
- 10:00: Packing. Hiding the olive oil stains on my clothes. Vowing to buy a lifetime supply of the stuff when I get home.
- 11:00: Saying goodbye to Paolo. Hugs. Promises to return. Tears (slightly.)
- 12:00: The drive to the airport. Francesca is running on fumes (both metaphorically and literally). The radio is blasting Italian pop songs. I'm fighting back tears and trying to remember every single second of this magical place.
- 14:00: Arrived at the airport. Waiting for the flight.
- 15:00: Take off!
- 16:00: Back home.
Final Thoughts:
Il Trullo di Paolo? It's not just a place; it's an experience. It's a feeling. It's the sun on your skin, the taste of fresh pasta, the sound of Paolo's laughter. It's… everything. Yeah, the mosquitos are annoying. And yes, Francesca almost killed me. But the magic? The magic is real. Go. Just go. And bring me back some of that bread.
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So... what *is* this thing anyway? Like, seriously?
Ugh, excellent question. Honestly? I'm not entirely sure. But let's assume "it" is something you're supposed to be asking questions about. This whole *thing* is meant to be... well, an FAQ. A Frequently Asked Questions page. The idea is to help, I guess? I'm good at asking questions myself, so this felt more like a monologue. Mostly, I just like to yell into the void and pretend someone's listening. So, consider this a very long, meandering answer to a question you probably didn't even ask. I’m thinking “it” is about… life, the universe, and everything, probably. Or maybe it’s just about my overwhelming desire for a decent cup of coffee. Or maybe the meaning of bread. I'm still working that one out.
Are you... qualified to answer these questions?
Qualified? Honey, I'm barely *qualified* to get out of bed in the morning. I spilled coffee on my cat this morning! He hasn't forgiven me yet. My qualifications are... lived experience? Empathy? A healthy dose of cynicism? Look, I'm not an expert. I'm just... *me*. And "me" has opinions. And sometimes, those opinions are even right! (Don't hold your breath). Maybe I should put a disclaimer… "Don't quote me".
Okay, fine. Let's say "it" is about... *relationships*. How do I even *start* a relationship? And why is it so HARD?!
Ugh, relationships. The bane of my existence. And the source of all the best stories. Starting one? That's a gamble, my friend. Step one: find someone else who's also slightly broken. (Kidding! ...mostly.) Okay, I really don't know. I would say try to be yourself but I’m not even sure what that means. The only advice I can give is: be yourself. Try not to appear too crazy on the first date. Or the second. Third? Well, by the third, all bets are off, right? Because, let’s be honest, everyone *is* a little crazy. I’m at my best levels of crazy on the fourth date.
What if my relationship is... complicated? Like, *really* complicated?
Oh, honey, complicated is my *specialty*. I've been in more complicated relationships than I can count. (Lost count after three, honestly.) The key? Communication. (Shudders). Also... wine. Lots and lots of wine. And maybe a good therapist. And maybe a vacation. Or maybe run. If your gut is screaming "RUN!", listen. Don't ignore those red flags. They’re red for a reason. Trust me. I’m speaking from experience here: I once dated a guy who refused to eat pizza. Pizza! What kind of monster... Anyway, just be brutally honest with yourself. Do you feel good? If not, why not? And if you can't figure it out... well, refer back to the wine.
Speaking of complicated, how do I handle *family* issues? They’re the worst!
Family. *Deep breath*. Where do I even begin? My family? A beautiful, chaotic, dysfunctional mess. But also, my everything, even when I'm muttering under my breath about my siblings. Honest communication, even when it's hard. (And trust me, it's often hard). Set boundaries. And most importantly, lower your expectations. No family is perfect. They're just... your people. And sometimes, that's enough. Sometimes it’s not, and that's okay too. Sometimes you just need a good long cry and a supportive friend. or ten. Yeah, friends are important.
What about *work*? I'm so stressed!
Ah, work. The place you go to earn money to pay for the things that stress you out. The irony, right? Stress is the worst. My advice? Take breaks. Seriously. Get up, walk around, stare out the window. Drink water. Take deep breaths. And if your job is making you miserable... start looking for a new one. Life is too short to be miserable. You deserve to be happy. And let's be honest, a little bit of work-related stress is fine, but if it's causing you to have existential dread every single morning… then maybe it’s time for a change. Consider all options. Start small. Look around. There are always possibilities.
Okay, okay. Let's talk about *money*. It’s always tight! Any tips?
Money. The root of all... well, not *evil*, but definitely a lot of issues! Okay, I'm no financial guru. I'm currently living off of ramen noodles and the faint hope that my lottery ticket will win. But, here's my limited wisdom: make a budget. (I *know*, boring.) Track your spending. Cut unnecessary expenses. (I'm looking at *you*, online shopping!). Save a little bit each month, even if it's just a tiny amount. And try not to panic. It’s easier said than done, I know. I spent a whole year buying overpriced lattes. It was glorious, but my credit card will never forgive me. But, start small. Make a plan. And don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. There are people who can help, and they’re probably not drinking overpriced lattes.
I'm struggling with *self-doubt* and *confidence*. Help?!
Oh, honey, self-doubt? We're practically best friends. It's a constant battle, isn't it? One minute you're feeling like a rockstar, the next you're convinced you're a complete fraud. The truth is, everyone struggles with this. Even the people who *seem* to have it all together. So, here's what I've learned (and still learning!): Be kind to yourself. Seriously. Talk to yourself like you would talk to your bestie. What would your best friend tellHotel Search Today
